Day1: Arrival Paro-Thimphu

Distance: 54 km & estimated driving time: 1 hour

After your arrival at Paro International Airport by Druk Air(Royal Bhutan Airlines) or Bhutan Airlines,you will be received  by our guide from Bhutan Hungrel Tours & Treks and transferred to your hotel in Thimphu which will take you through Chunzom (confluence of Pachu- the river flowing through Paro valley & Wangchu –the river flowing through Thimphu valley). After crossing Chunzom which is confluence of Paro and Thimphu rivers, the drive will take you along the Wangchu ( Thimphu river) to Thimphu valley.

After checking into your hotel and lunch, we will visit the National Memorial Chorten,Textile Museum, ChanggangKha Lhakhang, and drive up to the Takin (national animal of Bhutan) Reserve, then hike to Wangditse and the Zilukha Nunnery.

Altitude: 2400m
Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu

Day 2: Thimphu Site seeing

After breakfast full day Thimphu tour includes visit to the following:

  • Buddha Dordenma Statue(largest bronze statue)
  • The National Library.
  • The Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School) where students undergo a 6-year training course in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts.
  • The National Folk Heritage Museum to get an insight into the typical Bhutanese way of life.
  • Centenary Farmers’ Market (open from Thursday to Sunday) where farmers sell their farm produces.

After lunch at Thimphu, travel for about 40 minutes to the base camp of Tango Monastery which lies north of Thimphu city. You hike from the base which is the end of motor road up to the Monastery through the forest filled with oak and pine trees.The Tango Monastery site has had religious significance since the 12th century when it was the home of the highly revered Buddhist monks who brought the Drukpa Kagyupa school of Buddhism to Bhutan.The Tango Monastery was built in 1689 by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgyal. The three-storied monastery was built with the help of the locals and was completed within two months.

At present Tango Monastery is the center for higher studies for monks. The view from Tango Monastery is breathtakingly beautiful. You will experience complete peace and serenity in this area. After visiting the monastery, walk back to the road and then travel back to Thimphu.

Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu

Altitude: 2400m

Day 3: Thimphu-Punakha(Distance: 71 km., Estimated travel time 21/2hrs)

After breakfast, travel to Punakha through Dochula Pass (3,088m/10,130ft). Visit Druk Wangyal Lhakhang.The Druk Wangyal Lhakhang (temple) was built to honor His Majesty the fourth Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Singye Wangchuck.

Visit the Divine Madman’s Monastery-Chimi Lhakhang, famously known for its fertility shrine, where one can receive a special fertility blessing.

Visit the Punakha Dzong, located on the island of the Pho Chu (male river) and the Mo chu  (female river). And end the days tour with a pleasant 30-minute hike through rice fields to a Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal temple.

Altitude: 1250m
Overnight stay at a Hotel in Punakha

Day 4: Punakha-Phobjikha valley (83KM ,Estimated Driving Time:3 1/2 hrs)

After breakfast travel to beautiful Phobjikha valley through Wangdue. Phobjikha valley is part of the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park (formerly known as Black Mountains National Park), one of Bhutan’s most important nature sanctuaries.  Each winter it is home to endangered black-necked cranes.  The surrounding hills and mountains are home to nomadic shepherds and yak-herders. This is one of the most remote and untouched regions in Bhutan.

On arrival at Phobjikha check into your hotel and in the evening visit a farmhouse which gives you into the way of life of people of Phobjikha valley. After lunch visit Gangtey Monastery and take a short hike from Gangtey Monastery along the Gangtey Nature Trail enjoying spectacular view of several villages in Phobjikha valley. You will end your hike at Black Necked crane center  and visit the Black necked crane center (cranes will start immigrating to this area by  Novermber). From black crane center take short walk through fields and farmhouses where you can have free interaction with local people and visit their houses.You may enjoy typical Bhutanese dinner.

Overnight at a hotel/farm house stay in Phobjikha valley.

Day5: Phobjikha- Paro(189KM, Driving time estimated:6 hrs)

After breakfast travel to Paro via Dochula pass.In the afternoon visit the National Museum,housed in the Ta Dzong (watchtower). Here an intriguing collection of artifacts provide a wonderful introduction to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom.From the Museum hike down to Paro Dzong also known by the name Rinpung Dzong which means a “fortress that sits on a heap of jewels”.

Altitude: 2200m

Overnight at a hotel in Paro

Day 6: Paro: Visit to Taktshang Monastery (Tigers Nest)

After breakfast we will drive towards north of Paro for a full day hike up to Taktsang Monastery, more commonly known as the Tiger’s Nest. It was established in the eighth century when Padmasambava, the country’s patron saint, who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, flew here on the back of his mythical tigress consort to meditate. The main buildings sit astride a sheer rock cliff face more than 2000m above the valley. The most prominent building burned to the ground in 1998, but was rebuilt with no visual architectural differences from its predecessor. Our hike begins at roughly 8,000 ft and goes to just over 10,000 ft. On reaching the main temple we will experience a once-in-a-lifetime view of the. After the hike Drive up to the Ruins of the Drugyal Dzong which is being restored to it’s former glory.Evening leisure with a traditional hotstone bath.

Altitude: 2200m
Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

Day 7: Visit Chele La pass and Kila Monastery (37KM,Estimated driving Distance: 1hr13min)

Overnight at a hotel in Paro

Day 8: Onward Destinations
After breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport for your onward journey. Your guide from the Bhutan Hungrel Tours will bid you farewell.

 

Travel Package Cost for the 7 Nights 8 Days Glimpse of Western Bhutan

Travel Time 1 pax 2 pax 3 pax & above
Low Season:Dec,Jan, Feb,Jun, Jul & Aug US$ 2980/person US$ 2910/person US$ 2700/person
High Season:Mar,April, May,Sept,Oct & Nov US$ 3260/person US$ 3190/person US$ 2980/person

The above Bhutan tour package prices includes the following:

  • Bhutan Government Royalty of US$ 200/person/night
  • FIT surcharges of US$40/person/night for a single traveler and US$30/person/night for a double
  • Twin sharing hotel rooms at 3 Star hotels
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner & light refreshments) at 3 Star hotels/tourist standard restaurants 
  • English speaking tour guide
  • All transfers and excursions by private vehicles
  • All entrance fees to museums and monuments
  • All internal taxes and fees
  • Mineral drinking water
  • Bhutanese Tourist Visa fee of US$40/person

 The above tour prices do not include the following:

  • Single room supplement of US$40/room/night during low season and US$ 50/room/night during high season (optional)
  • Travel insurance (recommended)
  • 4 star and 5 star accommodations and meals (optional)
  • Other personal expenses like overseas calls, laundry, etc.