The Team
Tour
Magnificent Bhutan: 8 Days in Western Bhutan
Availability
All Year
Duration
Best Time to Visit
Any Time of the Year
- Visit important historical and cultural landmarks of Western Bhutan.
- Explore the country through its museums, temples and monasteries.
- Revel in the pristine landscape of Bhutan through short hikes and walks.
- Meet the locals, learn about their way of life and enjoy local hospitality in a Bhutanese household.
- Discover a wide variety of Bhutanese flora and fauna and immerse yourself in varied landscapes of Western and Central Bhutan.
Day 1
Paro – Thimphu | Splendours of the Capital
Arrive in Paro and drive to Thimphu. En route, visit Tamchog Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to 14th – century saint and engineer Thangtong Gyalpo. In Thimphu visit Memorial Chorten, a major landmark of the city and a place for daily worship. Schoolchildren and locals stop here to offer prayers and incense, therefore, this place hums with activity all day. Visit Simply Bhutan Museum, a 150-year-old farmhouse renovated and redesigned to depict the traditional Bhutanese way of life. If your trip coincides with the weekend then visit Thimphu’s famous Weekend Market. End your day with a visit to majestic Tashichhoedzong, the highlight of Thimphu Valley. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 2
Thimphu | A Tryst with Bhutanese History
Hike around Kuensel Phrodang Nature Park and visit Great Buddha Dordenma, an enormous statue of Shakyamuni Buddha and the gorgeous temple at its base. Afterwards, drive to Motithang Takin Preserve, to see Takin, the oddball national animal of Bhutan. Visit the major museums of Thimphu – Postal Museum, National Textile Museum, and National Institute of Zorig Chusum. Visit Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory and learn about the ancient process of papermaking. Later, visit Authentic Crafts Bazaar where you can find a wide variety of traditional hand-made Bhutanese handicrafts. Take a leisurely stroll around Thimphu market and Thimphu Clock Tower Square. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 3
Dochu La - Punakha | The Himalayan Flora
Drive to Dochula Pass. This mountain pass is a commemorative site where 108 chortens and a temple are built in the memory of martyred Bhutanese soldiers. Hike to Lungchutse Gompa through a beautiful rhododendron forest. The trail offers stunning views of Himalayas and you can spot Himalayan flora in the forest. This trail is a biodiversity hotspot and popular among botanists and nature lovers. as it provides an opportunity to explore a wide variety of flowers and plants of the region. Continue to Punakha/Wangdue after the hike. Overnight in Punakha/Wangdue.
Day 4
Punakha | The Terraced Fields
Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a beautiful temple near Yabesa Village in Punakha Valley. The trail to the temple offers grand views of the rivers and terraced fields. Visit majestic Punakha Dzong, the emblem of Bhutanese architecture. Afterwards, take a walk to the longest suspension bridge of the country located behind the fortress and enjoy the gorgeous views of the valley. Later drive to Talo Village, walk through the surrounding forest of Himalayan Cedar and enjoy the views of snow-covered peaks of northern Bhutan. On your way back, visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery. Overnight in Punakha.
Day 5
Punakha/Wangdue – Phobjikha/Gangtey | The Roost of the Black-Necked Cranes
In the morning, visit Chimi Lhakhang (The Temple of Divine Madman), a monastery built in honour of an eccentric lama, Drukpa Kunley. Drive to Phobjikha/Gangtey, a beautiful glacial valley in Central Bhutan. On the way, stop at Richengang Village known for its traditional clustered houses. In Phobjikha, visit Black-necked Crane Information Centre and learn about these migratory birds. that descend to Phobjikha Valley from Tibet during winters.
Afterwards, visit Ganagteng Monastery, an important centre of Nyingma School of Buddhism. Later, hike the Gangtey Nature Trail and enjoy the scenery. Overnight in Phobjikha/Gangtey.
Day 6
Phobjikha/Gangtey – Paro | The Ancient Valley
Drive to Paro and visit the National Museum, the main repository of Bhutan’s precious historical and cultural artefacts. Next, drive to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Bhutan that houses a 7th-century idol of Jowo Jampa. In the evening, stroll around the town centre and the main market of Paro. Overnight in Paro.
Day 7
Paro, Tiger’s Nest | The Sacred Monastery
Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Later, visit a farmhouse and learn about daily life inside a rural Bhutanese household. End your day with a game of archery and dress up in traditional Bhutanese attire. Overnight in Paro
Day 8
Farewell
Drive to Paro Airport to fly home.
Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.
Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.
With exception of tourists from India, Bangladesh and Maldives, all foreign nationals are required to obtain a visa prior to travelling to Bhutan. The current fees for a visa are USD 40. Once you confirm your trip, send us a scan of your passport at least 2 weeks prior to the planned date of arrival. Visa is issued by Tourism Council of Bhutan once full payment of your vacation has been received. We will send you the copy of your visa via email which you will have to produce at the airport along with your valid passport on arrival. Citizens of India, Bangladesh and Maldives can obtain route permit upon arrival at the port of entry; however, they are required to carry their passports or a state issued valid Voter’s Card.
Read more about the visa process.
In order to safeguard the cultural ethos and environment of the country, Royal Government of Bhutan regulates the volume of travellers through the policy of “high value low impact” tourism. This ensures that a limited number of tourists visit the kingdom and receive best service. As a part of the policy, the government has fixed a Daily Minimum Package for all travellers visiting Bhutan. The tariff for this trek is as follows:
USD 250 per person per night. This cost includes:
- Three Star Accommodation
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transport for Local Transfers
- Camping Equipment and Porter Services for Treks
- Taxes and Charges
- USD 65 as Sustainable Development Fees
- Entry Fees for all Tourist Sites
- USD 40 for visa fees
A surcharge of USD 40 per person per night for tourists travelling alone or in a pair.
Trekking Supplements Charge of USD 40 per person per day for the duration of the trek.
Read more to learn about the tariffs and discounts.
You can enter Bhutan by road or fly here directly from one of these destinations:
- Bagdogra
- Bangkok
- Dhaka
- Gaya
- Guwahati
- Kathmandu
- Kolkata
- Mumbai
- New Delhi
- Singapore
Click here to learn more.
Financial transactions are carried out in Ngultrum(Nu), the official currency of Bhutan. Certain shops and hotels in main urban centres accept USD or Euro but balance amount (if any) will be returned in local currency.
All establishments accept Indian Currency(Rupee) in the denomination of Rs. 100 and below.
Travellers’ cheques are accepted only at banks. Most establishments accept Credit/Debit Cards.
We strongly advise you to carry some cash and exchange money at only at banks. Our guides will help you throughout the process.
- Visit important historical and cultural landmarks of Western Bhutan.
- Explore the country through its museums, temples and monasteries.
- Revel in the pristine landscape of Bhutan through short hikes and walks.
- Meet the locals, learn about their way of life and enjoy local hospitality in a Bhutanese household.
- Discover a wide variety of Bhutanese flora and fauna and immerse yourself in varied landscapes of Western and Central Bhutan.
Day 1
Paro – Thimphu | Splendours of the Capital
Arrive in Paro and drive to Thimphu. En route, visit Tamchog Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to 14th – century saint and engineer Thangtong Gyalpo. In Thimphu visit Memorial Chorten, a major landmark of the city and a place for daily worship. Schoolchildren and locals stop here to offer prayers and incense, therefore, this place hums with activity all day. Visit Simply Bhutan Museum, a 150-year-old farmhouse renovated and redesigned to depict the traditional Bhutanese way of life. If your trip coincides with the weekend then visit Thimphu’s famous Weekend Market. End your day with a visit to majestic Tashichhoedzong, the highlight of Thimphu Valley. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 2
Thimphu | A Tryst with Bhutanese History
Hike around Kuensel Phrodang Nature Park and visit Great Buddha Dordenma, an enormous statue of Shakyamuni Buddha and the gorgeous temple at its base. Afterwards, drive to Motithang Takin Preserve, to see Takin, the oddball national animal of Bhutan. Visit the major museums of Thimphu – Postal Museum, National Textile Museum, and National Institute of Zorig Chusum. Visit Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory and learn about the ancient process of papermaking. Later, visit Authentic Crafts Bazaar where you can find a wide variety of traditional hand-made Bhutanese handicrafts. Take a leisurely stroll around Thimphu market and Thimphu Clock Tower Square. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 3
Dochu La - Punakha | The Himalayan Flora
Drive to Dochula Pass. This mountain pass is a commemorative site where 108 chortens and a temple are built in the memory of martyred Bhutanese soldiers. Hike to Lungchutse Gompa through a beautiful rhododendron forest. The trail offers stunning views of Himalayas and you can spot Himalayan flora in the forest. This trail is a biodiversity hotspot and popular among botanists and nature lovers. as it provides an opportunity to explore a wide variety of flowers and plants of the region. Continue to Punakha/Wangdue after the hike. Overnight in Punakha/Wangdue.
Day 4
Punakha | The Terraced Fields
Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a beautiful temple near Yabesa Village in Punakha Valley. The trail to the temple offers grand views of the rivers and terraced fields. Visit majestic Punakha Dzong, the emblem of Bhutanese architecture. Afterwards, take a walk to the longest suspension bridge of the country located behind the fortress and enjoy the gorgeous views of the valley. Later drive to Talo Village, walk through the surrounding forest of Himalayan Cedar and enjoy the views of snow-covered peaks of northern Bhutan. On your way back, visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery. Overnight in Punakha.
Day 5
Punakha/Wangdue – Phobjikha/Gangtey | The Roost of the Black-Necked Cranes
In the morning, visit Chimi Lhakhang (The Temple of Divine Madman), a monastery built in honour of an eccentric lama, Drukpa Kunley. Drive to Phobjikha/Gangtey, a beautiful glacial valley in Central Bhutan. On the way, stop at Richengang Village known for its traditional clustered houses. In Phobjikha, visit Black-necked Crane Information Centre and learn about these migratory birds. that descend to Phobjikha Valley from Tibet during winters.
Afterwards, visit Ganagteng Monastery, an important centre of Nyingma School of Buddhism. Later, hike the Gangtey Nature Trail and enjoy the scenery. Overnight in Phobjikha/Gangtey.
Day 6
Phobjikha/Gangtey – Paro | The Ancient Valley
Drive to Paro and visit the National Museum, the main repository of Bhutan’s precious historical and cultural artefacts. Next, drive to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Bhutan that houses a 7th-century idol of Jowo Jampa. In the evening, stroll around the town centre and the main market of Paro. Overnight in Paro.
Day 7
Paro, Tiger’s Nest | The Sacred Monastery
Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Later, visit a farmhouse and learn about daily life inside a rural Bhutanese household. End your day with a game of archery and dress up in traditional Bhutanese attire. Overnight in Paro
Day 8
Farewell
Drive to Paro Airport to fly home.
Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.
Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.
With exception of tourists from India, Bangladesh and Maldives, all foreign nationals are required to obtain a visa prior to travelling to Bhutan. The current fees for a visa are USD 40. Once you confirm your trip, send us a scan of your passport at least 2 weeks prior to the planned date of arrival. Visa is issued by Tourism Council of Bhutan once full payment of your vacation has been received. We will send you the copy of your visa via email which you will have to produce at the airport along with your valid passport on arrival. Citizens of India, Bangladesh and Maldives can obtain route permit upon arrival at the port of entry; however, they are required to carry their passports or a state issued valid Voter’s Card.
Read more about the visa process.
In order to safeguard the cultural ethos and environment of the country, Royal Government of Bhutan regulates the volume of travellers through the policy of “high value low impact” tourism. This ensures that a limited number of tourists visit the kingdom and receive best service. As a part of the policy, the government has fixed a Daily Minimum Package for all travellers visiting Bhutan. The tariff for this trek is as follows:
USD 250 per person per night. This cost includes:
- Three Star Accommodation
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transport for Local Transfers
- Camping Equipment and Porter Services for Treks
- Taxes and Charges
- USD 65 as Sustainable Development Fees
- Entry Fees for all Tourist Sites
- USD 40 for visa fees
A surcharge of USD 40 per person per night for tourists travelling alone or in a pair.
Trekking Supplements Charge of USD 40 per person per day for the duration of the trek.
Read more to learn about the tariffs and discounts.
You can enter Bhutan by road or fly here directly from one of these destinations:
- Bagdogra
- Bangkok
- Dhaka
- Gaya
- Guwahati
- Kathmandu
- Kolkata
- Mumbai
- New Delhi
- Singapore
Click here to learn more.
Financial transactions are carried out in Ngultrum(Nu), the official currency of Bhutan. Certain shops and hotels in main urban centres accept USD or Euro but balance amount (if any) will be returned in local currency.
All establishments accept Indian Currency(Rupee) in the denomination of Rs. 100 and below.
Travellers’ cheques are accepted only at banks. Most establishments accept Credit/Debit Cards.
We strongly advise you to carry some cash and exchange money at only at banks. Our guides will help you throughout the process.
Highlights of this tour
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