Western Bhutan tour is designed to give you detailed introduction to the western region of Bhutan taking you from the current national capital (Thimphu) through beautiful passes up to the previous capital of Bhutan (Punakha). You will be visiting various historic sites with final day not to miss the hike to the Tigers Nest.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 (Thimphu): You are expected to arrive at Paro through the only flight to Bhutan, Druk Air. We assure you a unique travelling experience across Himalaya Mountains, including the sacred Jhumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks of Bhutan. On arrival you will be greeted by a tour executive from Bhutan Vajra Adventures and will check you into your hotel (45 minutes drive). Once we reach Thimphu we will visit the King’s Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), Changgangkha Monastery, textile museum, Buddha point (for a great bird’s eye view of Thimphu Valley and the giant Buddha statue), and the mini-zoo, where you can see Takin, the national animal of Bhutan. From there we will visit the Zilukha nunnery temple, a traditional paper factory, the Tashichodzong (Fortress of Thimphu).

Day 2 (Wangdue/Punakha): After breakfast we will visit National Library (which houses ancient manuscripts), the School of Arts and Crafts (also known as the painting school) and the National Institute of Traditional Medicine. Drive to Wangdiphodrang, with a stopover at Dochu La (3,100 meters) for lunch. On a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Himalayas. After lunch we will drive to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan, and visit the gigantic Punakha Dzong, where the First king of Bhutan was crowned in 1907 and the Royal Wedding of the 5th King of Bhutan celebrated in 2011. On the way back from Punakha, we will stop at Metshina Village and take a 20-minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, which is popularly known as fertility temple.

Day 3 (Punakha): Morning hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Monastery from where you will be able to see the stunning view of Punakha valley. After that drive back to Paro stopping for a lunch at Dochula Cafeteria and coffee break in Thimphu.

Day 4 (Paro): After breakfast hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, the single most rewarding place to visit in. It owes its name to Guru Padmasambahava who in the 8th century, according to myth, is said to have flown on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntse to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. It would take a normal walker a nice half-day excursion from the base to the monastery.
After lunch and some good rest, we will visit the Drukgyel Dzong which was built in order to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over the allied Tibetan-mongal forces. From Drukgyel Dzong one can see the towering peak of Jumolhari mountain. This mountain known to the locals as powerful goddess borders Tibet (China) and Bhutan and also provides a magnificient background to Drukgyel Dzong. In the evening if time and energy permits, we can explore Paro town.

Day 5: Depart to your onward destination.