6 days Cultural Tour in Western Bhutan

Many places offer beautiful sceneries and have interesting architecture and colourful cultures. However, few can match Bhutan for its undisturbed eco-system and intact medieval way of life. It’s probably the only country in the world where tourism has not yet left its mark.

Day one: arrive Paro Bhutan.
The flight into Bhutan will take you over the vast plains of the Indian subcontinent and then over the dense green vegetation of the Kingdom’s sub Himalayan ranges. It will reveal breathtaking views of the world's highest and majestic peaks as it approaches the Dragon Kingdom’s cloud scrapping airstrip at the Paro International airport, at an altitude of 7330 ft.

Moments before landing, you can catch glimpses of the fertile valley of Paro and the winding Paro Chu (river) and the historical Paro Dzong. As you step out of the aircraft, you can inhale the fresh and crisp Himalayan air.

Our representative will receive you after you have completed your immigration and visa formalities. Thereafter, we will drive straight to our hotel and after lunch visit the National Museum, located in the Ta Dzong (old watch tower for the Paro Dzong), originally built in 1656. This is the only museum in Paro and has the country's best collection of ancient Thankas (religious wall hangings), religious paintings and artefacts, fine textiles, weapons and stamps. It also houses the unique temple of the tree of life, representing the four different sects of Buddhism, as practiced in the country. Overnight we'll stay in Paro. If time permits, you can go for a promenade through Paro Town.

Day two: Paro local sightseeing.
The day begins with a drive through Paro valley to see the Drukgyel Dzong, a historical Dzong for the Bhutanese. This was the place where the last of the Tibetan invaders were repelled, hence the name “Drukgyel Dzong” meaning the “Fortress of the victorious Drukpas”.

On a clear day one can see the 24000 ft domed majestic Jumolhari in the background of the fortress, blessing the Paro valley. It is believed that the goddess Jumo resides on this sacred mountain.

On the way to Drukgyel Dzong, you will be able to see the Kichu Lhakhang, which was built in 659 (7th century) by the Tibetan King Tshongtsen Gampo. It is believed he built 108 temples across the Himalayas and Kichu happens to be one of the last remaining ones. Further up the valley you will see the majestic Taktsang (Tigers Lair), clinging onto bare rock face.

A short diversion from the main road will take us across the Paro river and to the base of Taktsang. If some of the group members are interested, riding ponies can be arranged. Generally, most people prefer to hike. It takes about two and half hours to reach the Taktsang view point. The view of the surrounding mountains and the valley below is just awesome. We stop at the Taktsang view point for tea and snacks and enjoy the view of the Tigers Lair. Special Visit permits can be arranged if notified in advance. Following the visit, lunch will be served at the Taktsang cafeteria. After lunch we will descend down to the valley and drive to Thimphu. The drive from Paro to Thimphu is beautiful with plenty of photo opportunities.

Day Three: Thimphu and local sightseeing
We will visit the Memorial Stupa in Thimphu, a beautiful landmark in the valley. The stupa was built in memory of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. This will be followed by a visit to the Institute of Traditional Medicine and a tour of the facility. Here you will have the opportunity to see all kinds of herbs used for processing into medicines. If time permits, we will drive to Changangkha, one of the oldest temple built in the 12th century, by the son of the founder of the Drukpa Kagyud School. This will be followed by a visit to the Zilukha Nunnery where you will see dedicated women practitioners.

After lunch we will witness folk and mask dances performed by a professional dance troupe. This is a special complimentary arrangement hosted by the company. Thereafter, we will visit the Textile Museum. In the evening, an optional visit to a handicraft emporium could be arranged. Overnight at Thimphu.

Day Four: Thimphu to Punakha.
Today we will start early for Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan. The journey will take about three hours. It will take you across the Dochula Pass (3050M) with a spectacular view of the eastern Himalayas. The pass is also marked by 108 stupas dedicated to world peace by Her Majesty the Queen of Bhutan, Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck. The descent will take us through sub tropical vegetation and into Punakha. After check-in and lunch, we will visit the Punakha Dzong and Khamsumyelung Temple. The hike to Khamsumyelung will take about 45 minutes. Here you will see some of the finest work of Bhutanese art. The Punakha Dzong, built in 1637, was once the old capital of Bhutan and is today the winter residence of the Central Monastic Body. The Dzong occupies an important place in the history of monarchy in Bhutan as the first King of Bhutan, King Ugyen Wangchuck was crowned here in 1907. The Dzong also houses Bhutan's most sacred relic, the Ranjung Kharsapani (the self created image of Avolokitesvara). The inner-most sanctum of the temple houses the Marchen Lhakhang, containing the embalmed body of the Shabdrung, the first secular leader of Bhutan. Today the Dzong also serves as the headquarter to the District Administration. Overnight at Punakha.

Day Five: Punakha- Thimphu and Paro.
Drive back to Thimphu, lunch at Swiss Bakery and continue to Paro. Retire early as we have an early morning flight. Overnight at Paro.

Day Six:
Our guide will escort you to the airport and bid you farewell with Tashi Khadhar.

Tashi Delek and Bon Voyage.