Western Bhutan
is the gateway to the last Himalayan kingdom
Welcome to Western Bhutan
Whether you arrive by air at the dramatic, mountain-bound Paro valley or by road at steamy Phuentsholing, it soon becomes clear that you have arrived at a special destination. Prayer flags flutter from nearly every rooftop, men and women dress in traditional garb, chortens and stupas decorate river and road junctions, and fortress-like monasteries command mountain tops.
Top experiences in Western Bhutan
Travel guides
Starting at $29.99
Western Bhutan activities
4-Day Dochula Pass Tour From Paro
Day 1 Arrive in ParoOn arrival you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel.The Paro Dzong is probably Bhutan's best known and most iconic Dzong. This is probably the first building you will notice when you land at Paro International Airport and will probably be your first memory of Bhutan. The imposing Dzong is perhaps the finest example of Dzong architecture existing the world today, the massive buttered walls of the fortress dominate over the valley. Ta Dzong. The National Museum of Bhutan is housed inside the six storied circular Ta Dzong. The Ta Dzong is a medieval watch tower situated above the Rimpung Dzong.Overnight in Paro Day 2 Paro to Thimphu (2-hour drive)After breakfast you will drive to Thimphu. The Tashichho Dzong is a Buddhist monastery cum fortress at the northern edge of Thimphu the capital city of Bhutan. The Dzong was built on the western bank of the river Wang Chu, and has historically served at the seat of the Druk Desi or the Dharma Raja of Bhutan’s government. After the kings assumed power in 1907 this post was combined with that of the king and Thimphu severed as the summer capital of the kingdom before becoming the full time capital of Bhutan.The folk heritage museum was open to the general public in 2001 upon completion. It treasures troves of culture and rich Bhutanese heritage provide rich insights into the Bhutanese ethos. Try to schedule your visit during the morning hours since the museum is less crowded at that time and there is plenty of sunlight to go around.The second important Museum that also opened its doors in 2001 is the National Textile Museum of Bhutan. During a trip to this museum you will get an up close and personal experience of the living national art of weaving. The National Memorial was built by Bhutan's third king, H.M. Jigme Dorji Wangchuck who is also known as the "father of modern Bhutan." He wanted to erect a monument carrying the message of world peace and prosperity. Overnight in Thimphu Day 3 Thimphu to Paro (hike to Taktsang Monastery)After an early breakfast you will drive to Paro. In the afternoon you will hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan's most famous monastery. It is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. The hike to reach the viewpoint to the monastery makes for a nice half-day excursion. In the evening you can visit a traditional farmhouse and, if you wish, enjoy a typical Bhutanese dinner. Day 4 Depart Paro
Bhutan Tiger Nest Monastery tour
Tiger Nest Monastery is one of the most sacred religious monastery of Bhutan situated about 15km north of Paro Valley in Drukgyel Dzong. The monastery was built in 1649 to protect nation from the attack of Tibetans. Tiger Nest Monastery Tour take you to the fantastic small monastery that lies on the high rocky hill 900m above the valley. In April 1998, the monastery was caught by a disastrous fire, but great efforts were made to repair the damage.Tiger Nest Monastery also known as Taktshang Gomba hangs on a cliff and stands above a beautiful forest of blue pine and rhododendrons that offers spectacular view of the valley. It takes about 2 hours walk from the parking area that passes through coniferous forest, up a steep path to the view point. Tourists can enter the monastery as per the timings mentioned outside of the monastery. You can be secure about the permits as our guide will have already arranged the standard permit. The timing to enter the monastery is from 8 AM to 1 PM and 2-5 PM daily during October to March and until 6 PM during April to September. You have to deposit your bags and cameras in entrance as the Camera and Photography is strictly prohibited inside the monastery.
Glimpse of Bhutan Tour Packages
DAY 01: ARRIVE AT PARO, PARO – THIMPHU (55KM/1 HOUR)The flight into Bhutan takes you close to the great Himalayas, offering dazzling scenic views of some of the 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 receive you and will drive to Thimphu with sightseeing along the way. • Drive towards the capital city, Thimphu. • Stop at Tachoggang and visit the temple and the bridge built by handmade iron chain. • Overnight at Hotel in Thimphu. OR IF EVERYTHING FAVOURS WE CAN WITNESS THIMPHU GRAND, TRADITIONAL FESTIVAL FULL OF COLORFUL MASK DANCEDAY 02: THIMPHU-DOCHULA-PARO(75Km/3 HOURS) • Drive to Kuenselphodrang where world’s tallest Buddha Statue (169 feet) sits overlooking the Thimphu Valley. Enjoy the spectacular view of Thimphu city. • Visit 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. • Drive To Paro via Dochula Pass. Drive up to Dochu-la pass (3,088m/10,130ft) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the 108 chortens, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. • Visit to Ta Dzong, which in the past served as watchtower for Paro Dzong and now houses the National Museum.(If time permits) • Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong) built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.(If time permits) • Overnight at your hotel in Paro DAY 03: PARO TAKTSHANG HIKE (4-6 HOURS) • Hike to Taktshang Monastery, one of the holiest and the most beautiful sites of Bhutan. Taktshang, the tiger’s lair, acquires its name from the legend of its foundation, when in the 8th Century Guru Rimpoche, widely revered as the second Buddha, arrived from Tibet flying across the mountains on the back of a tigress. • Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, built in the 7th century by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo. • Evening free or can visit the Paro town with a street of typical Bhutanese traditional buildings. • Overnight at Hotel in Paro. DAY 04: DEPART • End of your travel to Bhutan. Our team will drive you to the Airport and bid farewell
Bhutan Experience Tour
Day 4: Tshokam- Simkota (4040 M)The trek that we are following will be a gradual descend till we reach Pangrithang which will take us a little more than an hour where we will reach by the river then there is some steep climbing through bushes for two hours, after sometime a good view will open up and we will reach Janetsho ( Lake)( 3956 M). It is usually occupied by yak herders. Again we climb a gentle slope for an hour and after another two hours of trek we will reach our camp site. Camp at Simkota.Walking Time: 6-7 hrsDay 5: Simkota to Thimphu (2,340 M) The trail is good but there are few minor climb to small passes before you finally look down to Phajoding monastery and Thimphu. After almost 2 -3 hours trek we will reach the highest pass which stands at an altitude of 4420m. There is good view over the last part of the trek: a steep descent to Phajoding monastery. From here the trails starts with the steep descending slowly through thick forest for another 2-3 hours until we reach the motor road .From here, drive down to Thimphu, passing the Thimphu Zoo, where some Takins (National Animal of Bhutan) can be seen. Then say good bye to trekking team and then drive to hotel.Night stay at ThimphuDay 6 ThimphuAfter breakfast you will visit the King's Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), Changgangkha Monastery, and the zoo, which contains the national animal of Bhutan: the takin. From there you will visit the nunnery temple, the National Library (which houses ancient manuscripts), and the School of Arts and Crafts (also known as the painting school). After a relaxing lunch, you will visit the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, a traditional paper factory, the majestic Tashichodzong, and Semtokha Dzong (the oldest fortress in the kingdom). Return to Paro at eveningNight stay at ParoDay 7: Paro (Taktsang Hiking) Taking a steep, 1½-hour hike to a teahouse, where you can enjoy a great view of Taktsang Monastery (its name means "tiger's nest"), perched on a cliff 2,700 feet above the floor of the Paro Valley. The hike follows a steep switchback trail through the forest, and after a break with tea and cookies, you can continue to Taktsang Monastery which was destroyed by a fire in April 1998, but it is now completely rebuilt.In the afternoon, you will drive to Paro and to Drugyel Dzong (Bhutan Victory Fort), which was built in 1646 to commemorate Bhutan's victory over Tibetan invaders during the 1600s. In the evening you can visit a traditional farmhouse and, if you wish, enjoy a hot-stone bath and a typical Bhutanese dinner. Later in evening you can try a herbal stone bath, it could beOvernight at, Paro .Day 08: Departure from Paro International Airport Our team will drop you till Airport and bid you fare well
Bhutan Family Vacation With Cultural Tour
Day 2: • ThimphuAfter breakfast we will visit Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrangling), visitors can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from here; National Memorial Chorten- This stupa was built in 1974 in the memory of Bhutan's third King, His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan. Chang Gangkha Monastery, the oldest temple in the valley; Takin Zoo, Preserve center of Takin - National Animal of Bhutan. Afternoon we can proceed local crafts shops. Overnight in Thimphu.Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner / 3 Star Hotel - Thimphu, BhutanDay 3: • Thimphu – PunakhaThis morning's tour will include a visit to the School of Arts and Crafts (or "Painting School"), where Bhutanese children follow a six-year program in traditional arts, such as drawing, painting, woodcarving, and sculpture. You'll also visit the Textile Museum, National Institute of Traditional Medicine and Folk Heritage Museum.Afternoon drive across the Dochu La ("la" means "pass") at 10,000 feet, where you might view the snow covered Peaks of the eastern Himalaya (weather permitting).Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner / Damchen Resort Hotel - Punakha, BhutanDay 4: • PunakhaIn the morning, you will visit the ancient Punakha Dzong (a Dzong is a fortress-monastery) which dates back to the 17th century, spectacularly situated at the confluence of the Mo and Pho Rivers. You will also have an optional short walk across the rice paddies to visit nearby Chimi Lhakhang, a lovely temple built by Lama Drukpa Kunley.Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner / 3 Star Hotel - Punakha, BhutanDay 5: • ParoMorning, drive to Paro. In the afternoon, you'll visit the National Museum, housed in an old watchtower above the Paro Dzong. The museum's collections include displays of spectacular thangkas (religious scroll paintings), bronze statues, Bhutan's beautiful stamps, and the Tshogshing Lhakhang ("Temple of the Tree of Wisdom").Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner / 3 Star Hotel - Paro, BhutanDay 6: • Hike to Taktsang Monastery Today you have the option of taking a steep, 1½-hour hike to a teahouse, where you can enjoy a great view of Taktsang Monastery (its name means "tiger's nest"), perched on a cliff 2,700 feet above the floor of the Paro Valley.If you don't wish to hike up to Taktsang Monastery, we will drive above the town of Bondey to a trailhead where you can walk about 40 minutes to Dzongdrakha, a small monastery and retreat center overlooking the Paro Valley.Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner / 3 Star Hotel - Paro, BhutanDay 7: • Departure Today we'll have a very early morning transfer to the Paro airport for departure on your Druk Air.
Magical Nepal Bhutan Tour - 15 Days
Discover the magic and mystery of Kathmandu, immerse yourself in the fascination throughout the colorful array of bustling streets, rich historic heritage, exquisite temples and religious sites.Then, take an early morning meandering drive to delightful scenic lakeside town of Pokhara with the spectacular backdrop of Machhapuchhre rising behind it all, creates an ambiance of peace and magic. There are many must-see places to discover, from the Gupteshwor sacred Caves to the historical Memorial Museum dedicated to the famous Gurkha Warriors.Our journey then continues to the wild Chitwan National Park, a popular destination for visitors wanting to have a good experience of the region’s wildlife, tranquility and remoteness you will explore the jungle on a jeep and dugout canoe while observing the abundance of wildlife.We have taken the best of Bhutan and combined the rich culture, exquisite heritage, unique way of life and scenic beauty to make your stay here in the Magical Kingdom a flight of fantasy. We want to take you along our journey and share with the rest of the world the experience magic that Bhutan has to offer.ItineraryDay 1 - Arrived in KathmanduDay 2 - Pre-trip meeting and Sightseeing around Kathmandu ValleyDay 3 - Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley & NagarkotDay 4 - Drive from Kathmandu to PokharaDay 5 - Sightseeing in Pokhara - part 1Day 6 - Sightseeing in Pokhara - part 2Day 7 - Sarangkot for Sunrise, then Drive to Chitwan National ParkDay 8 - Activities in Chitwan National ParkDay 9 - Drive Back from Chitwan National Park to KathmanduDay 10 - Fly from Kathmandu to ParoDay 11 - Sightseeing around ThimphuDay 12 - Sightseeing around PunakhaDay 13 - Sightseeing around ParoDay 14 - Excursion to the Taktsang Monastery (a.k.a Tiger's Nest)Day 15 - Final departure