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 $38.99
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
3-Night Best of Bhutan Tour From Paro
This tour will take you to few districts in Bhutan. You have the choice for a simple sightseeing tour or add little adventure to it. If you travel coincides with a festival then you will witness some unique festival in Bhutan. This tour is ideal for family and small group travel.Day 1 Arrive in ParoOn arrival you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Rimpung Dzong 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. The Rinpung Dzong's names translates to the " Fortress on a heap of Jewels ".Ta Dzong ( National Museum ) 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. The Ta Dzong was constructed in 1656 with a purpose to give advance warning to the Paro Dzong in case of an approaching army, in fact the word Ta means 'to see' in Dzongkha. The future first king was imprisoned here for a brief period in 1872. In 1968 the Ta Dzong was converted into the National Museum of Bhutan. The Museum houses a priceless collection of textile, costumes, paintings, appliqué, wooden handicrafts, weapons, armour and jewellery. There is a small section dedicated to the natural history of Bhutan. There is a small chapel on the top of the building with icons representing Himalayan Buddhist traditions.Overnight in Paro Day 2 Paro to Thimphu (2-hour drive)After breakfast you will drive to Thimphu. Do the following sightseeing. Kuenselphodrang, Tashichho dzong, Folk heritage museum, National textile museums, National memorial chorten 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
3-Night Local Home Stay Experience in Paro
Day 1 Arrive in ParoOn arrival you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Rimpung Dzong 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. Ta Dzong The National Museum of Bhutan is housed inside the six storied circular Ta Dzong. Overnight in Paro in a farm house. You will stay tonight in a house in the village with a local family. You will eat and get to see the family go about their daily chore. Day 2 Paro to Thimphu (2-hour drive)After breakfast you will drive to Thimphu. Tashichho dzong 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.Folk heritage museum. 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.National textile museums: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 changing exhibitions at the museum will introduce you to the major weaving techniques that the weavers employ to make these beautiful fabrics. It also gives you a chance to see the various styles of dressing of the men and women from different parts of Bhutan. National memorial chorten 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
Taktsang day hike
After early morning breakfast, We will take you for a morning hike up to Taktsang Monastery, also known as ‘Tiger’s Nest’. Hanging precariously and magically from a rather steep cliff, the Taktshang monastery is a monument of genuine pride for the Bhutanese nation. It defies architectural principles to the core and amazes tourists from around the world. It is a sight to behold. Taktsang or the Tigers lair as the monastery is called, it is widely regarded is one of the most important monuments of spiritual significance in Bhutan. Its history is deeply associated with the visit of Guru Padmasambhava, the revered Indian saint who came to Bhutan in the 8th century AD. The cave was named Taktsang after Guru Rinpoche flew into the cave from KurtoeSingyeDzong in eastern Bhutan while riding on a tigress. When he landed in the cave, he took the wrathful form of Guru DorjiDrolo who is regarded as one of the eight manifestations of Guru Rinpoche to decimate the demons. Several saints have chosen this sanctuary to pray and meditate in solitude. The monastery was built in 1692 by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgaye who is said to be one of the reincarnations of Guru Rinpoche. The Monastery consists of four main temples along with their residences that are constructed along the rock ledge. There 8 caves in total out of which 4 are relatively easy to access. The monastery was ravaged by fire twice in the 1900s first in 1951 and later the fire of 1998, which nearly destroyed the monastery completely. The government then undertook a comprehensive reconstruction in 200 with funding from foreign donors. The monastery was recreated to its original splendor and re-opened to the public shortly thereafter. From the road, the hike toward Taktsang follows an uphill route and takes approximately 3-4 hours at an average walking pace on a clear, sunny day. We recommend that you carry sunscreen lotion, large quantities of drinking water, a walking stick just in case you need to shoo of the birds and a hat to further protect yourself from the sun.
Bhutan 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.
Bhutan Delight Tour
Day I: Paro Sightseeing On arrival at Paro Airport, our guide will receive you.Then drive towards Ta Dzong and Paro Dzong about 30 minutes. The Houses for Bhutan National Museum. After spending about 1.5 hours at museum and sightseeing around, the guest will serve lunch at local restaurant, the first time experience of local cuisine. Dinner and Halt at Olathang Hotel Day II: Sightseeing and Hiking Chelela Pass After breakfast, drive about 45 minutes from Paro to Chele La pass at about 3800 meters. From the road, walk up the incline around 1.5 hours towards the highest point at 4500 meters for a majestic view of the Himalaya range, including Mount Jomolhari and other peaks. Walk down the hill through natural forest and after 1.5 hours reach at Kila Gompa, a nunnery inhabited and another temple called Gorina Lhakhang. Then back to the car, which takes around 30 minutes. The lunch will be ready. Drive back to Paro. Dinner and halt at Olathang Hotel Day III: Paro to Thimphu Check out hotel after the breakfast and drive 20 minutes to visit Tamchog Lhakhang and drive 30 minutes towards Thimphu City. Check-in Pedling hotel,Thimphu and lunch will be serve. Followed by sightseeing about 3 hours such as famous places like National Memorial Chorten, Buddha Point or Kuensel Phodrang and Takin zoo.Then visit local Painting school and Handicrafts shops. Followed by visiting Trashi Chhoe Dzong. Dinner and Halt at Pedling Hotel Day IV: Thimphu to Punakha Visit farmer’s vegetable market nearby town after the breakfast.Then drive about 30 minutes towards Dochu La Pass (3050m) from where one can see 108 chortens stupa and have a spectacular view of the Himalayas. Followed by driving towards Punakha about 60 minutes. On the way, you will enjoy lunch at restaurant. After visiting Punakha Dzong, dinner Halt at Meripuensum Hotel, Punakha. Day V: Punakha, Wangdidu, Paro & Hiking at Dochula After breakfast enjoy sightseeing around Punakha and Wangdu. The drive back to Dochula and do hiking for 4-5hours towards Lungchuzekha Goenpa (temple) through a forest of hemlock, birch and rhododendrons and large meadow. Drive back to Paro and free evening at Paro and dinner at Local restaurant. Halt at Olathang Hotel Paro Day VI: Paro Hike to Taktsang Gonpa Experience best hike towards Paro Taktshang after breakfast. Located at two thousand feet from the valley floor to a sheer cliff face high above the Paro valley. Enjoy lunch nearby Taktsang. Back to town and towards 6.00 PM our office will host farewell dinner. Halt at Olathang Hotel Day VII: Departure You will drive to airport after breakfast for departure