Mesmerizing Western Bhutan
7 days
6 nights
GRADE Easy
Paro, Thimphu, Bumthang, Trongsa, Phobjikha, Thimphu
Description
“Explore the scenic mountains and Valleys of Thimphu, Punakha, Paro and Haa".
Are you the type who loves exploring the scenic mountains and picturesque landscape? Book this tour package with us and explore the beauty & charm of Bhutan, which takes you to most beautiful valleys in Bhutan- the Punakha, Haa, Paro and Thimphu valley. This destination is highly popular with tourist due to the spellbinding beauty of Bhutan valley and spend quality time amidst the bewitching landscape, picturesque aura, neo-gothic architecture. So, get ready for a fun-filled 6 nights' holiday by booking this package with us.
Day 01: Arrive Paro
On the flight to Paro, if flying from Delhi and Kathmandu or Kolkata, a spectacular view of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Jhumolhari and Mount Jitchu Drake in Bhutan can be seen. The flight to international airport in Paro is most spectacular and thrilling as one approaches the tiny airstrip through the Bhutanese foothills and the breath-taking landing. On arrival in Paro, after completion of airport formalities, our guide will be there to receive you and escort to hotel by our private vehicle.
The valley of Paro contains a wealth of attractions. Depending on your arrival time, we can proceed for the city sightseeing or relax in the hotel. We can visit Ta Dzong, once a watchtower, built to defend Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars of the 17th century, Ta Dzong was converted to Bhutan’s National Museum in 1968. Afterwards, walk down a hillside trail to visit Rinpung Dzong with fascinating long history.
After lunch, drive up the valley to see the restored Drukgyel Dzong, 18 km. from Paro town on the north side of the valley. It was from here that the Bhutanese repelled several invading Tibetan armies during the 17th century. Also visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the kingdom. In the evening, have dinner at a traditional farmhouse wherein you have an opportunity to interact with a local family and learn something of their lifestyle. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Night halt in Paro.
Day 02: Paro – Thimphu
The quaint Thimphu city is the capital city of Bhutan also the seat of government. It is also home to Bhutan’s royal family, the civil service, and foreign missions with representation in Bhutan. Many internationally funded developments projects headquarters are also located here.
Today will be full day sightseeing in Thimphu valley and includes visit to the iconic landmark below:
landmark below:
* Morning visit to Tashichhodzong, the main secretariat building which houses the throne room of His Majesty, the King. Tashichhodzong is also the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and the central monk body.
* Proceed to National Library: Has an astounding collection of Buddhist texts and manuscripts, which dates several hundred years, including modern academic books on Himalayan culture and religion. Closed on Sat / Sun / Govt. Holidays
* Folk Heritage and Textile Museums: These museums, were opened in 2001, provides detail insights into Bhutanese culture and way of life. Closed on Sat / Sun / Govt. Holidays
* Institute for ZorigChusum: or the Painting School as commonly referred offers a six-year course in the Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts. On a visit one can see students learning the various skills taught at the school. Closed on Sun / Govt. Holidays / Sat – 10am-12pm
* Visit to Taken Zoo to see takins, the national animal of Bhutan
* Buddha Dordenma statue sitting atop over a hill overlooking Thimphu entrance valley. The Statue of Sakyamuni Buddha is one of the tallest in Asia (51.5 m ). The site of Buddha Dordenma provides breath-taking panoramic view of the capital town.
If time permits visit:
*National Memorial Chorten– the iconic chorten ‘Seat of Faith’ was built in the memory of Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, dedicated to World Peace in 1974. The chorten is large white structure crowned with a golden spire. Located in the centre of Thimphu city, most elderly Bhutanese will be circumambulating the Chorten throughout the day. It is a unique astounding Buddhist architecture and artwork emblemed with gorgeous paintings and intricate sculptures.
In the evening, take a stroll along the town’s main street.
Overnight stay in hotel in Thimphu.
Day 03: Thimphu to Punakha
After breakfast drive to Punakha Valley. En-route take a visit to Semtokha Dzong literally means “Atop a Demon” built in 1629 the oldest fortress in Bhutan that guarded Thimphu valley during the ancient times. Thereafter the road climbs for an hour till you reach Dochu La (pass) located at altitude of 3150m dotted with 108 Stupas constructed by Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo for the security and wellbeing of His Majesty the King of Bhutan. If weather permits,, stop here to admire the spectacular ranges from (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendegang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m), Jejegangphugang (7,158m), Kangphugang (7,170m), Zongaphugang (7,060m) a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana, and finally, Gangkar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m and one can even see the Gasa Dzong as a white dot in the horizon.
Continue travel to Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan which serve as the winter residence of the central monk body and the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot). On the way after lunch visit to the Chimi Lhakhang; the auspicious fertility monastery constructed in 1499 dedicated to the “Divine Madman”, Lam Drukpa Kinley, who was an eccentric monk from the 16th century tales abound on his flamboyant unique teachings through amusements. It is about 25 minutes’ walk-through rice terraces and the village of Yoakha. The temple is situated on the spur above the village. It is believed that barren couple will have children if they get blessing for this temple.
After the short hike, drive towards Khuruthang where you will pass the Punthsho Pelri Palace and other places of the royal family finally visit the dramatic Punakha Dzong, located on the island of the Pho – Chu (male) river and the Mochu (female) river. This is Bhutan’s most spectacular Dzong and beautiful fortress of Bhutan, an exemplary of how a medieval fortress evolved to combine both monastic and administrative functions. The Dzong was constructed in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative center of the region. Over the centuries, many calamities such as four catastrophic fires and an earthquake befell on the Dzong. Today the Dzong is fully restored by the present monarchs. The Dzong is opened to visitors during the famous Punakha festival held in early spring and in the summer months, after the monk body has returned to Thimphu.
Overnight stay hotel in Punakha.
Day 04: Punakha to Haa
After breakfast drive to Haa Valley following the same route crossing Dochula pass. The name Haa, connotes esoteric hiddenness and also alternatively known as "Hidden-Land Rice Valley."
The drive to Haa takes approximately around four hours. After lunch in Thimphu, continue your journey to Haa valley which opened to tourism only in 2004 and retains the air of an unspoiled, primeval forest. After the Chuzom pass, the road to Haa takes you through the Dobji dzong and the small Bitekha dzong before reaching the Ha valley (2700m). The high altitude Haa district lies close to the Chumbi (Gromo) valley of Tibet (China). After arrival, visit to the two famous temples of Haa knowns as the Lhakhang Karpo and the Lhakhang Nagpo, the temple was built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gempo as part of the 108 monasteries.
As per the tradition, these temples are believed to be the guardians of the people of Haa Valley and watches over them. Legend says that the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo, prior to the construction of the temples released two doves from his consciousness, a black and a white one, to determine the perfect site to erect the temples in Haa Valley. During this time, the King Songtsen Gampo was on a mission to accomplish completion of 108 monasteries in one day.
Overnight at Hotel in Haa.
Day 05: Haa to Paro
After breakfast, drive about 1m north of Haa, just before the main bridge, a paved road juts to east 1km of Katsho village, from there take a lovely 40- minute hike to Juneydrak Hermitage also known as Juneydrag. The cliff-side retreat contains a footprint of Machen Labdrom (1055 -1132), the female Tibetan tantric practitioner who perfected the chöd ritual, whereby one visualises one's own dismemberment in an act of 'ego annihilation'.
Following a trail past the Chorten Dangrim mani (Prayer) wall for 15 minutes hike reaches you to two-legged archway chorten (known as a khonying). Cross the stream and ascend the trial through an enchanting rhododendron forest. You will chance upon a red sign in Dzongkha script, take the trail to the left and climb up to a chorten that marks the entry to the hermitage. You can enter inside the temple if you find no one meditating inside and take a look at the footprint.
You will not be allowed entry if the monks of the Hermitage are meditating inside but it is a lovely walk and the beautiful view is worthwhile and now head back towards Haa valley from the temple.
On your way back visit the local farmhouse nearby to get the glimpse of village life. After lunch drive to Paro en route stop over at Chelila pass at 3988m, and then descend to Paro valley thereon. The drive takes you through spellbinding forests, captivating views of Ha valley and Paro valley. On a clear day one can see the peak of MT. Jhomolhari. If weather favors you, it will be a breathtaking drive winding through the scenic views of deep valleys, river gorges surrounded by mountains.
Overnight in Paro.
Day 06: Paro -Tiger Nest Hike
After our breakfast, drive to the base of trekking point, from here you will hike to Taktsang Monastery also known as Tiger Nest Temple, which is built in 1962 around a cave in which Guru Rimpoche (also known as Guru Padmasambhava) meditated. The eighth-century old monastery is perched on a sheer drop rock cliff which clings at 900m above the valley floor. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche (Guru Padmasambhava) flew to this location from Khenpajong, Tibet on the back of a tigress and subdued a demon. He then meditated in one of the caves here and emerged in eight incarnated forms (manifestations) to bless the place. Subsequently, the place came to be known as the “Tiger’s Nest”. Guru Padmasambhava is known for introducing Buddhism to Bhutan.
Tiger Nest Temple is considered, one of the must-visit places around the world before one die. The hike takes almost 2 hours, uphill at 30 to 40 degrees inclined for an average trekker and may even take full day which will depend upon one’s own pace. The first of half of the hike reaches you to the cafeteria may seems never ending however hereon due to magical aura of the structure at your close sight, you feel energized to push further. The effort is worth as you reach the feet of the Tiger Nest, with its astounding scenic beauty, one feel extreme jubilation and fulfilment like never before. And on the way back, one can either run down or take a brisk walk. After the trek, if you are totally exhausted one can either take a perfect hot stone bath with a sumptuous dinner in a hotel or at farmhouse. In the evening relax or take a stroll in the town. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 07: Depart Paro
After breakfast, drive to Paro airport for flight to onward destination.
