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The Bhutanese West

5 Days / 4 Nights
Discover the Essence of Bhutan

Tour Overview

This package covers the most popular tourist destinations in Bhutan. Tourists will witness and experience the balance of how its ancient history and traditional culture coexist in harmony with modern Bhutan. The tour covers western Bhutan only.

Tour Highlights

  • Hike to Paro Taktsang
  • The Tallest Sitting Buddha on a mountain top
  • Tashichodzong – 17th century Fort
  • Punakha Dzong
  • Home stay experience
  • Paro Museum

Daily Itinerary for The Bhutanese West (5 Days)

Day 1

Drive from Paro Airport to Thimphu (1 hour) and sightseeing in Thimphu

Probably the only capital city in the world without streetlights and an airport of its own, this small city is home to some 100,000 local residents including the Royal Family of the Kingdom of Bhutan. Like any other capital city, it is the political and economic center for the country. The city has a 17th century fortress which houses the Office of His Majesty the King and The House of Parliament stands on the eastern bank of the Thimphu River opposite to the fortress.
Thimphu has successfully preserved its culture and tradition despite growing exponentially and rapidly. Any traveler exploring this unique city will have the luxury of modern convenience and witness ancient monument and traditional way of life simultaneously.

Places and attractions:
Paro Thimphu Centenary Farmers Market Buddha Dordenma Memorial Chorten Authentic Craft Bazaar VAST Studio

Accommodation options:
City Hotel Hotel Bhutan Le Meridien

Day 2

Drive from Thimphu to Dochula (1 hour)

Dochula is one of the many mountain passes in Bhutan accessible by motor road. The pass has an elevation of 3100 meters and offers a panoramic view of the Eastern Himalaya mountain range.

Hike to Lungchutse from Dochula (2 ways and 1 hour at the spot- 4 hours)

Lungchutse hike is one of the most rejuvenating and picturesque hike. The trail will take you through a diverse forest until you reach the ridge. From the Lungchutse temple you can enjoy a 360 degree view of the Himalayas and the valley below.

Lunch at Dochula Cafeteria and Drive to Punakha (1 and half hour) and Cultural Sightseeing at Punakha

Travelling to Punakha is like getting in a time machine and going back to the 17th century. Punakha offers tourists a unique medieval experience. The region still holds many traditional houses built decades ago with people leading a simple farming lifestyle. The valley is especially beautiful during spring and autumn adorned by the produce in the paddy fields. Did you know that Punakha was a former capital of Bhutan? Much of Bhutan’s significant history from fighting against the Tibetan invasion to the institution of first monarch to the signing of the treaty of Punakha with the British Indian Empire which shaped Bhutan’s future significantly were all witnessed in this region.

Places and attractions:
Thimphu Punakha Dochula Pass Chimi Lhakhang - The Fertility Temple Lungchutse Hike Punakha Dzong - The Palace of Great Bliss Punakha Suspension Bridge

Accommodation options:
COMO Uma Punakha Drubchhu Resort Zhingkham Cottages

Day 3

Drive back to Paro (3 hours)

Overnight at a Hotel

Places and attractions:
Paro Drukgyel Dzong Tigers Nest Hike Paro Rinpung Dzong Paro Town National Museum Paro Ta Dzong

Accommodation options:
Le Meridien Paro Riverfront Haven Resort Tashi Namgay Resort

Day 4

Hike to Taktsang

Taktsang which translate to The Tiger’s Nest is a Buddhist monastery in Paro valley. According to the legend, Buddhist saint Guru Rinpoche flew to the current monastery site riding atop a tigress in the 7th century.
Today it has become the most visited site by tourists. Approached by a two hour hike through the pine forest, the majestic architecture perched on a cliff 900 meters above Paro valley greets the hikers. Once at the top, tourists can enjoy the panoramic view of the valley below.

Places and attractions:
Paro Tigers Nest Hike

Accommodation options:
Hotel Olathang Le Meridien Paro Riverfront Haven Resort

Day 5

End of Trip

Depart From Paro

Payment & Cancellation Policy

Payment Terms
  • The approval of tourists VISA is contingent on the full payment of the tour
  • Flight ticket payment is subject to the Ticketing Time Limit issued by the airlines
Tour Cancellation and Refund Policy
  • 30 to 15 days prior to arrival - 20% of the total tour cost will be levied as cancellation fee
  • 14 to 7 days prior to arrival - 50% of the tour cost will be levied as cancellation fee
  • Less than a week prior to arrival - 100% cancellation charge will be levied as cancellation fee
Flight Ticket Cancellation and Refund Policy
  • Subject to the cancellation terms of the Airline
Rescheduling Tour Dates:
  • There are no charges for rescheduling your trip. However the minimum daily tariff, hotel rates, airline charges are subject to change depending on your new travelling dates.