Western bhutan tour
"Bhutanese embassies abroad cannot issue Visas to Bhutan."
The Geography of Bhutan is the tiny Kingdom of Bhutan lies hidden in the folds of the eastern Himalayas sandwiched between the two giant countries of India in the south and China in the north. With a total area of 38,398 sq kilometers, approximately the size of Switzerland, Bhutan is a mountainous country except for a small flat strip in the southern foothills is known as the last Shangri-La of Himalaya. In the north, we border with Tibet, the autonomous region under China, the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, and in the south with the Indian states of Assam and West Bengal. Sacred mask dances and folk dances are performed by the Central Monastic Body, as well as the public of a particular district.
| BHUTAN BEST TRAVEL PACKAGE COST FOR 11 DAYS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Group Size | 3* Package | 4* Package | 5* Package |
| 1 Person | US $3,240/ | For 4* rate, write to us | For 5* rate, write to us |
| 2-3 Persons | US $3,100/ | For 4* rate, write to us | For 5* rate, write to us |
| 4-7 Persons | US $3,000/ | For 4* rate, write to us | For 5* rate, write to us |
| 8-13 Persons | US $2,800/ | For 4* rate, write to us | For 5* rate, write to us |
| 14-20 Persons | US $2,700/ | For 4* rate, write to us | For 5* rate, write to us |
| HOTELS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Destination | 3 Star Hotel | 4 Star Hotel | 5 Star Hotel |
| Thimphu | Hotel Thimphu Tower 2 Nights | Hotel Ariya Thimphu | Le Méridien |
| Trongsa | Yangkhil Resort 01 Night | Druk Willing | Uma by COMO |
| Bumthang | Hotel Tashi Yozerling 02 Nights and Ogyen Choling 1Night | RKPO Green Resort | Six Senses |
| Phubjikha | Dewachen 1night | RKPO Green Resort | Six Sense / Aman Resort |
| Punakha | Zhingkham Resort 1Night | RKPO Green Resort | Six Sense / Aman Resort /Uma COMO |
| Paro | Paro Grand hotel 2Nights | Naksel Resort | Above all possible |
| TRANSPORTATIONS | ||
|---|---|---|
| Persons | Vehicle Types | Remarks |
| 1 Person | SUVs | SUVs/Innova |
| 2-3 Persons | SUVs/Innova | SUVs/Toyota Innova |
| 4-7 Persons | Toyota Hiace Roof | Toyota Hiace Roof |
| 8-13 Persons | Coaster Bus | Toyota Coaster Bus |
| 14-20 Persons | Coaster Bus | Toyota Coaster Bus |
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You can always customize the tour if you are not happy with the tour itinerary.
Tour Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive Paro by Druk Air OR Bhutan Airlines
Day 02: Thimphu
Day 03: Thimphu / Trongsa (200 Km, 7 hours’ drive)
Day 04: Trongsa / Bumthang (68 Km, 3 hours’ drive)
Day 05: Bumthang
Day 06: Bumthang / Tang
Day 07: Bumthang / Gangtey / Phobjikha (190 km, 7 hours’ drive)
Day 08: Gangtey / Phobjikha / Punakha (70 km, 3 hours’ drive)
Day 09: Punakha / Paro (125 km, 4.1/2 hours’ drive)
Day 10: Paro Tiger’s Nest Hike
Day 11: Depart Paro
Day 01: Arrive Paro by Druk Air OR Bhutan Airlines
The flight into Bhutan takes you close to the great Himalayas, offering dazzling scenic views of some world’s highest glacial peaks. As you enter Paro valley, you will sweep past forested hills with the silvery Pa Chu (Paro river) meandering down the valley below. Paro Dzong (fortress) and Ta Dzong (watchtower) on the hills above the town will be a fine sight. Our representative will meet you at Paro airport, and after completion of arrival formalities you will be transferred to Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu, an exciting blend of tradition and modernity. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 02: Thimphu
Today’s full day of sightseeing in Thimphu valley includes, visit to;
National Memorial Chorten: The building of this landmark was envisaged by the third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, as a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it is both a memorial to the Late King (“the Father of modern Bhutan”) and a monument to world peace. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.
Then proceed to Buddha Dordenma is a gigantic Shakyamuni Buddha statue under construction in the mountains of Bhutan. The statue will house over one hundred thousand smaller Buddha statues, each of which, like the Buddha Dordenma itself, the Buddha Dordenma is sited amidst the ruins of Kuensel Phodrang, the palace of Sherab Wangchuck, the thirteenth Desi Druk, overlooking the southern approach to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan.
Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as Painting School) where students undertake a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan;
After lunch proceed Textile and Folk Heritage Museum: These museums, both of which opened in 2001, provide fascinating insights into Bhutanese material culture and way of life.
Trashichhodzong: This impressive fortress/monastery houses Secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty, the King and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of Chief Abbot and central monk body.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 03: Thimphu / Trongsa (200 Km, 7 hours’ drive)
After early breakfast, drive up to Dochu-la pass (3,088m/ 10,130 ft) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m ), Jejegangphugang (7,158 m ), Kangphugang (7,170 m ), Zongphugang (7, 060 m ), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana – finally Gangkar puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m.
Then continue onwards, reaching Wangduephodrang town in time for lunch. From Dochu-la pass, it is a long, winding descent into the Wangduephodrang valley, which is about 1,700m below the pass. Take lunch at Wangduephodrang town, then continue on to Trongsa across Pele-la pass (3,300m/10,830 ft), the traditional boundary between east and west. The pass is marked by a large white chorten prayer flags. There is an abrupt change in vegetation at this point, with mountain forest replaced by high altitude dwarf bamboo.
Stop en route at Chendbji Chorten, patterned on Kathmandu’s Swayambhunath Stupa, with eyes panted at four cardinal points. It was built in the 18th century by Lama Shida from Tibet, to cover the remains of an evil spirit that was subdued at this spot.
Arrive at Trongsa late afternoon and check into the lodge for the night.
Day 04: Trongsa / Bumthang (68 Km, 3 hours’ drive)
After breakfast, visit Trongsa Dzong. Built in 1648 it was the seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan. Both the first and second Kings of Bhutan ruled the country from this ancient seat. All four Kings were invested as Trongsa Penlop (‘governer’) prior to ascending the throne, and the present Crown Prince now holds the post. The Dzong is a massive structure with many levels, sloping down the contours of the ridge on which it is built.
Then drive to Bumthang, 68 km from Trongsa, a journey of about 3 hours, over the Yutong-la pass (3,400m/ 11,155 ft). The road winds steeply up to the pass, 28 km from Trongsa, then runs down through coniferous forest into a wide, open cultivated valley known as the Chumey valley.
On arrival in Bumthang, check in at your lodge overnight in Bumthang.
Day 05: Bumthang
Bumthang is the general name given to combination of four valleys – Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura with altitude varying from 2,600m to 4,000m. It is home to many of prominent Buddhist temples and monasteries. Visit to Kurje Lhakhang, where the saint Padmasambhava subdued a local demon and left his body imprint on a rock. The Jambey Lhakhang (7th century temple), Tamshing Lhakhang (housing some of the oldest wall paintings in Bhutan) and Jakar Dzong (administrative center of the region). Stroll in the village, visit the little handicrafts shop at the entrance to the town, and perhaps take refreshments at a local restaurant. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.
Day 06: Bumthang / Tang
After breakfast drive to Tang valley is one of the four valleys of Bumthang district and it is higher than Choskhor (Jakar). From Jakar, following the west-east road towards Ura for about 10km, unpaved road on the left (north) branches off climbing up hill, leading to narrow gorge of Tang. Almost immediately after the turn-off, there is a parking lot for short walk to Membartsho. The road climbs above the river and reach Drangchel village after 7km. Perched on a high cliff above the road, you will notice the monastic hermitage of Kunzangdrak Goemba, founded in 1488 by Pema Lingpa. This is a side excursion which takes around 2hrs of steep uphill climb. Continuing along the high feeder road for about 3km, you will pass through Jamzhong village and then after a short descent of 2km or so, you will arrive at Mesethang with a school and few shops. Short distance away from Mesethang, is Tang Rimochen Lhakhang, located below an enormous rock. Tang Rimochen Lhakhang marks a sacred place where Guru Rinpoche meditated. A rock in front of the lhakhang has a body-print of the Guru and two consorts. The name Tag Rimoche (an impression of tiger’s stripes) is derived from the tiger stripes that appear on a rock cliff behind the building. The temple was founded in 14 century by Dorji Lingpa. After Rimochen, the road is rougher as it approaches Kizum, 3km away. Beyond Kizum, tractor road continues to Gamling and sheep breeding center. From Kizum, cross the bridge over Tang chu river and climb up to the hill top Ugyencholing manor.
Ugyen Chholing Palace was originally built by Deb Tsokye Dorje, a descendant of Dorje Lingpa in 16century. The present structure, including the temple, servant’s quarters and a massive residential building, was rebuilt after their collapse in the 1897 earthquake. The complex has been turned into a museum of sorts for religious studies, research and solitude. It exhibits in the main building are captioned with descriptions of the lifestyle and art works of a Bhutanese noble family.
As a part of the activities to make Ogyen Choling self-sustainable, a guest house was opened under the trust fund. The revenue generated from the guest house goes into the trust fund.
Overnight at the Ogyen Choling guest house.
Day 07: Bumthang / Gangtey / Phobjikha (190 km, 7 hours’ drive)
After breakfast drive to Gangtey / Phobjikha. In the mountains east of Wangduephodrang lies the beautiful Phobjikha valley, on the slopes of which is situated the great monastery of Gangtey, established in the 17th century. The village of Phobjikha lies a few km, down from the monastery, on the valley floor. This quite, remote valley is the winter home of black necked cranes, which migrate from the arid plains of Tibet in the north, to pass the winter months in a milder climate. Explore Gangtey village and Phobjikha valley. Overnight at the lodge in Gangtey / Phobjikha.
Day 08: Gangtey / Phobjikha / Punakha (70 km, 3 hours’ drive)
After breakfast drive to Punakha. Afternoon visit Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the junction of two rivers. Punakha was Bhutan’s capital until 1955, and Punakha Dzong still serves as the winter residence of the central monk body. Bhutan’s first King, Ugyen Wangchuck, was crowned here in 1907. The fortress has withstood several damages from fire, earthquake and flood over the centuries. The latest flood, in October, 1994, caused great damages to the fortress but miraculously spared its most holy statue. Also visit Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, the newly built stupa. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha / Wangduephodrang.
Day 09: Punakha / Paro (125 km, 4.1/2 hours’ drive)
After breakfast, drive to Paro en route visit Simtokha Dzong. This dzong, built in 1627 is the oldest in Bhutan. It now houses the Institute for Language and Culture Studies. Afternoon visit to Ta Dzong, which in the past served as watchtower for Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong) and now houses the National Museum. Then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal , the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan, the Dzong houses the monastic body of Paro, the office of the Dzongda (district administrative head) and Thrimpon (judge) of Paro district. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge called Nemi Zam. A walk through the bridge, over a stone inlaid path, offers a good view of the architectural wonder of the Dzong as well as life around it. It is also the venue of Paro Tshechu, held once a year in the spring. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 10: Paro
After Breakfast proceeds to Taktsang Palphug Monastery more famous as Paro Taktsang is a Buddhist temple complex which clings to a cliff, 3120 meters above the sea level on the side of the upper Paro valley, Bhutan.
The Taktsang Palphug Monastery is one of the most famous touristic destinations of the country and the cultural icon of Bhutan.
Visiting the Paro Taktsang Monastery is an unforgettable experience thanks to its unique location and the views of surrounding majestic mountains and emerald green valleys.
After lunch, drives up the valley to Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1647 by the Shabdrung to commemorate the Bhutanese victory over the Tibetans in war of 1644.
While returning to hotel visit en route, Kyichu Lhakhang, built in the 7th century by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 11: Depart Paro
After early breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to onward destination.
- A fifty percent discount shall be granted on the prevailing SDF of USD 200/ for US Dollar paying tourists visiting Bhutan, The above incentives will come into effect from 1 September 2023 and shall remain effective for four years till 31 August 2027. This sustainable development fee goes towards free education, free healthcare, poverty alleviation, along with the building of infrastructure.
- 2% Government Tax per Person per Night.
- All Meals.
- Daily Mineral Water.
- English Language Speaking Guide.
- Comfortable and Luxurious Imported Cars for Internal Transportation with Skilled Driver.
- The Government set package rates is valid for accommodation on twin sharing basis.
- A minimum of 3 star accommodation (4 & 5 star may require an additional premium).
- Airfare international & Domestic.
- Travel Insurance.
- Personal shopping.
- Alcohol.
- Laundry.
- Tips for Guide & Driver.
- Entrance fees for Museums.
- BOOK BHUTAN TOUR
- Changzamtok, Gongphel Lam
Ashi Building: 20 - Thimphu, Bhutan – 11001
- Phone: +975 2 340 662
- B-Mobile: +975 1761 4054
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