6-Days Tour Of Thimphu, Paro & Punakha
Description
Visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong monastery built by the first spiritual ruler, get a glimpse of traditional handicrafts practises at the Folk Heritage Museum, and experience the majestic views of the mighty Himalayas from the Dochula pass. Halt at the old capital to know more about the lives of monks. Hike to Chime Lhakhang, the temple of the 'Divine Madman' also known as the 'Temple of Fertility'. Nestle in the 'Tiger's Nest' and feel divine energy at one of the oldest shrines.
Highlights
- See Paro Rinpung Dzong, a monastic body
- Visit National Memorial Chorten
- Explore the Folk Heritage Museum of Thimpu
- Drive to Punakha Valley through Dochula Pass
- Visit Punakha Dzong, the winter capital of monks
- Explore Haa Valley
- Hike to the Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest)
Itinerary Expand All Collapse All
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Day 1: Arrive in Paro – Thimphu expand_more
Arrive in Paro (2250m) by Bhutan’s national carrier plane.
After clearing the customs and visa formalities, meet your Paro tour guide/representative and transfer to Paro for lunch.
Afterwards, visit Paro Rinpung Dzong, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, Bhutan's first spiritual and temporal ruler. The southern approach to the Dzong has a traditional roofed cantilever bridge called Nemi Zam.
Drive to Thimphu (an hour drive).
Overnight at hotel (Lunch/Dinner included)
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Day 2: Thimphu – Punakha expand_more
After breakfast, visit the National Memorial Chorten with its golden spines and tinkling bells built in honour of the third King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Institute of Traditional Medicine, where old healing arts such as acupuncture and herbal remedies are still practised.
Explore the Folk Heritage Museum, dedicated to the Bhutanese rural past with its exhibition of items & artefacts used in rural households, and the Textile Museum, where the art of traditional weaving is still kept alive through the exhibition.
Afterwards, drive to Punakha (1310m) from Thimphu for about 1 & a half hours. First, the road climbs steeply through the pine & cedar forests near Dochula pass (3,050 m). Often, panoramic Himalayan views can be spotted from the pass. After stopping for tea, the road descends along a series of hairpin bends to the fertile valley of Punakha.
Overnight at Hotel (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
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Day 3: Punakha – Thimphu expand_more
Visit Punakha Dzong after breakfast, crossing the bridge. It’s the ancient capital of Bhutan, connecting the Mo Chu & Pho Chu Rivers.
Afterwards, drive to Lobeysa for lunch.
Hike another 20 minutes to Chime Lhakhang, the temple of the 'Divine Madman' built-in 1499, also known as the temple of fertility.
Afterwards, drive to Thimphu.
Overnight at Hotel. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
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Day 4: Thimphu – Day excursion to Haa Valley – Paro expand_more
Cross the Chelela pass (3899 m) after breakfast. From the pass, see Himalayan Ranges and the valley beyond.
Continue the drive towards Haa (2740m).
In Haa valley, visit Wangchucklo Dzong, Lhakhang Nakpo (Black temple) and Lhakhang Karpo (white temple).
Drive to Paro.
Overnight at Hotel (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
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Day 5: Paro – Hike to Taktsang Monastery ‘Tiger’s Nest’ expand_more
After breakfast, drive towards the base camp of Taktsang for the hike up to the Taktsang Monastery-Tiger’s Nest (3120m). It’s about two hours hike up the cafeteria. From this point, enjoy the spectacular view of the monastery, where Guru Padmasambhava landed on the back of a tigress in the 8th century.
Visit the Taktsang Monastery and hike back to the road point, then drive to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest and most sacred shrines.
Drive back to the hotel.
Overnight at hotel (Breakfast/lunch/dinner included)
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Day 6: Paro departure expand_more
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to catch the onward flight.
(Breakfast only included)
What's Included
Airport pick-up and drop-off by private vehicle
Accommodation: Government approved 3 stars and above.
Bhutan visa fee – including all necessary processing
Route Permit
Three meals per day during your stay in Bhutan
A licensed Bhutanese tour guide
All land transportation by private vehicle
Camping equipment and haulage for trekking tours
Sightseeing as per itinerary
Monuments entrance fees where applicable
Drinking water
All internal taxes and charges
A sustainable development fee of $65. (This sustainable development fee goes towards free education, free healthcare, poverty alleviation, along with the building of infrastructure)
What's Excluded
Airfare & Travel Insurance
Expenses of personal nature
Tips to guides and drivers
Expenses occurred due to unavoidable events like road wrecks, flight delays, etc.
Know before you go
Trip Name: Western Bhutan Tour.
Trip Duration: 06 Days.
Max. Altitude: 3,120m/10,240 ft (The Tiger Nest Monastery).
Best Season: March to May and September to November.
Meal: Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner).
Accommodation in 3, 4 or 5 stars accommodation as per your requirements
Transportation: Private car, van or bus (Depends on group size).
The itinerary can also be modified as per your need.
Prices may go down in the offseason.
Meeting Point
Paro International Airport, Paro, Bhutan
Cancellation Policy
For cancellations upto 2 days before the tour -
Refund of 80% of the tour price.Price Details
Adult | |
1 To 4 | USD 250 Per Person |
Child | |
1 To 4 | USD 50 Per Person |
This is a group tour |