Western Bhutan Tour

Activities:: Cultural Tours

Duration: 8 days

Destination: Bhutan

Trip Grade

Easy
Group Size

Min. 1 Pax
Best Time

March - May and Sept - Nov
Accomodation

3-Star Hotels

Trip Overview

Bhutan is growing as a popular tourist destination and has attracted visitors and tourists from all over the globe. Its western territories in particular offer spectacular destinations that showcase the rich tradition of Bhutan and its Buddhist cultures. The western part of the country is also well developed and offers convenient infrastructure and services for the comfort of all national and foreign visitors.

The western region mainly constitutes of places such as Thimphu the capital of the country, Paro that holds the only international airport in the country, Punakha that has a rich history with spectacular landscape, and Wangdue where the most beautiful valley, the valley of Phobjikha lies. These places are linked by highways and are just a few hours’ drives from each other.

The Western Bhutan Tour will start with your arrival at the only International Airport in the country located in Paro valley. You will then be taken to the capital Thimphu city where the touring will begin. Most of the administrative offices, headquarters, and other important structures of the country are located in Thimphu. It also holds the highest portion of the population compared to all other regions and is home to the king of Bhutan. Touring of places such as the Memorial Chorten, Kuensel Phodrang, the Changlimithang national stadium, the Takin Preserve, Changangkha lhakhang and other popular sites will be done here before departing to Wangdue dzongkhag.

Wangdue dzongkhag is about a few hours drive from the capital and a few more hours of journey are needed to reach the valley of Phobjikha which has fantastic scenery and where the very rare black necked cranes are seen. This valley truly looks like heaven on earth and provides natural greenery and landscape that captivates every visitor. The blacked necked cranes that land in this valley are also of rare species and feature in the folk songs of Bhutan from time to time.

After exploring Phobjikha valley, a ride to Punakha which is only a few minutes’ drive from Wangdue dzongkhag awaits you. Chimi Lhakhang is the immediate site that deserves some touring just as you enter Punakha. This religious site is the sign of devotion to the Saint Lama Drukpa Kuenley and his legacy. This is culturally rich dzongkhag and the wonderful Bhutanese architecture displayed in the Punakha dzong is a must-see for all visitors. Punakha is one of the main highlights the Western Bhutan Tour.

Punakha was the initial capital of the country as it served as an important landmark in Bhutan’s history and is also the winter residence for the central monastic body. Bhutan’s longest bridge built by Thangtong Gyalpo is also situated right behind the dzong and crossing it delivers a feeling of nostalgia as well as courage while light breezes hit you making you feel more alive than ever. A visit to Dzomlingthang awaits you next which is a small picnic spot by the Punakha river side.

After touring Punakha, a journey back to Paro awaits you where you will visit temples that hold much significance in the Dharma country of Bhutan. A visit to the Kyichu Lhakhang, Paro Rinpung dzong and Sangachokor which are all well connected by roads will make for a short trip while also exploring rich traditional infrastructure and culture. A visit to the museum situated right above the Rinpung dzong will also be arranged. After these short trips, a hike to the Tiger’s nest which has in recent years grown very popular amongst all tourist will be made. The Tiger’s nest monastery has been constructed on the face of a cliff and in recent years gone through a lot of maintenance due to damages caused by fire.

The Paro International Airport will be the next and final destination for you, where it all began. A representative will drop you off and you will hopefully leave with lots of beautiful memories.

Highlights of the Western Bhutan Tour

The tour covers the most popular sites of Thimphu, Paro, Punakha and Wangdue dzongkhags (districts).
At Thimphu you would be visiting the Memorial Chorten build in the memory of the Third King of Bhutan. You will be visiting Changangkha Lhakhang which is an old Buddhist monastery built on top of a hill. You would also be taking a stroll in Changlimithang stadium, the only stadium in the country.
At Wangdue you will be visiting the spectacular Phobjikha valley. There you will be visiting the Gangtey monastery, local villages and the Black necked crane centre which offer traditional and unique cultures of Bhutan.
At Punakha you would be visiting the fertility temple Chimi Lhakhang, the Bhutanese architectural marvel Punakha dzong, dzomlingthang and Bhutan’s longest iron bridge.
Finally, at Paro a visit to Rinpung dzong, the national museum and Kyichu Lhakhang will be the initial visiting places for you. Your hike to the Tiger’s nest (Taktsang) will be the concluding trip of your western Bhutan tour.

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival at Paro and Departure to Thimphu

Day 02: Short touring of Thimphu and Departure to Phobjikha

Day 03: Experiencing Phobjikha valley

Day 04: Departure to Punakha dzongkhag and paying a visit to Chimi Lhakhang

Day 05: Tour of Punakha

Day 06: Drive to Paro

Day 07: Hike to the Taktsang (the Tiger’s nest) in Paro

Day 08: Departure

Cost Includes

All ground transportation by private vehicle including airport transfers
Assistance in acquiring Bhutan visa and visa fee
Accommodation at a 3-star category hotel approved by Bhutanese Government
Single room surcharge when travelling 1-2 people in a group
Full board meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the tour
Mineral water will be supplied during the tour
Highly experienced local tour guide and all entry/permit fees during the tour
All applicable government taxes and tourist service charges
Our office expenses and service charge

Cost Excludes

Meals not specified in the 'Meal Inclusions' in the itinerary”
International flights to/from Bhutan
Nepal entry and re-entry visa fee
Personal shopping, internet/Phone bill, and laundry
Pony service and porters
Tips for tour guide and driver

Cost & Dates

Group tours are unavailable for this trip, however, you can opt for the private trip. The private trips are available on any date of your choice at any time of the year. Let us know about your preferred travel dates and we shall organize it as per your convenience. Get in touch with your query now.

Reviews

Bogdan Ilie, USA My wife and I were lucky to have chosen Nepal Hiking Team to plan our trip. We opted for a private guide and had a porter as well. We waited at the airport, and we were dropped off there as well when we left Nepal. Our guide, Ram, made sure that our trip was organized flawlessly and that we were doing well and happy at all times. He chose the best available teahouses, and we were allowed to chose the food from the menu in all of them (there seem to be agencies that say you can either choose dal bhat or pay out of pocket). We were even served, during dinner, sliced apples carried by the porter. Ram was very knowledgeable, and he shared information related to mountain peaks, vegetation, and animals. As we saw, his English skills are excellent. Above all, he is friendly and has a positive attitude, so we enjoyed talking and interacting with him. The porter, Bhola, was also very friendly. He looked like he was 50 kg but carried 55-65 kg easily. Overall, it was a fantastic once-in-a-lifetime experience to which Ram, Bhola, and Nepal Hiking Team contributed substantially. One of the owners, Ganga, even offered free rides to do the PCR tests or other purposes. We couldn't have hoped for better treatment from this agency. Note: Read Original Review on Trip Advisor (Click Here)

Lucie H, UK In May this year - some friends and I joined the NHT For 16 days. Every fine detail was considered, with our guides and porters going above & beyond to ensure we were comfortable and happy. Their knowledge and experience created a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us all. I have no hesitation in recommending Nepal Hiking Team to anyone! They made this experience perfect, thank you, guys.

Mike, USA I went with my girlfriend to the Everest Base Camp with a guide and porter from Nepal Hiking Team. Right from the pick-up from the airport, we felt like valued clients, and we were made to feel very welcome and relaxed in an otherwise hectic city. From the moment the trek started, our guide Bheg ensured we were comfortable and constantly checked on our physical state throughout each day and provided advice and assistance where we needed it. Overall, the experience was one I'll never forget, primarily because I proposed at the top and because the Nepal Hiking team made the experience as stress-free and as organized as possible, all with a smile on their face at all times. I highly recommend NHT.

Megan Y., China Ganga, Balaram, and the team were fantastic; even when we had a 24-hour flight delay, they re-scheduled everything without fuss or fee. We had an excellent driver for just us (and guide where we had them). We even changed things along the way, and whether the driver, guide, or agent, they were more than willing to help and be flexible. :) The trip took in some hiking, some sightseeing, some relaxing, the jungle, and for each occasion and location, we were provided a specialist guide for the event/location. The hotels they chose for us were precisely our requirements based on the activity we were experiencing on any given day. Balaram even met us many times in person to round off the experience and ensure all was well and take honest feedback in person - the personal touch makes you feel even more appreciated and welcome as a customer. We would recommend anyone contact the team if they are planning a trip to Nepal. Thank you, guys, for a memorable vacation.

Jonathan, USA The team NHT provided the best possible service. They were attentive in every aspect in the months leading up to the trek through emails and were responsive and thorough in addressing my questions and concerns. During our tour, Bheg (our guide) and our porter were there to take care of our (myself and one other trekker) needs and always smile and graciously. I have used other more expensive and well-known trekking teams in the Himalayas in the past and would rank NHT on an equal or higher plain. Bheg has many years of experience, as did our porter, and was very competent in their roles and Bheg in his knowledge of the area and the trek. Though our porter did not speak very much, Bheg was kind enough to translate when asked, and our porter was equally attentive in assisting Bheg and us to ensure a successful trek. Very competitive price and an excellent team and experience. I highly recommend them.