Bhutan - Western Delights Tour

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Arrival in Bhutan

  Arrival at Paro International Airport and transfer to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Depending on your arrival time, you may be able to discover some monuments and landscapes. Overnight at the hotel.

• day 2

  Visit of the capital, Thimphu.

  Today, visit of the following sites: Changangkha Monastery Takin Reserve Institute of Traditional Medicine The Bhutan Museum and the Traditional Institute of Arts and Crafts.

• day 3

  Thimphu - Phobjikha Valley

  Today, after breakfast, departure for the Phobjikha valley. About 4 hours by road. On the way, stop at Dochula Pass (3100 m) to visit the stupas and the Druk Wangyal Monastery. In clear weather, it is possible to see the magnificent snow-covered mountains. The road continues towards the Phobjikha valley. Lunch will be served either on the way or in Phobjikha depending on the time. In the afternoon, visit the Gangtey Monastery and take a walk on the nature trail. The valley is famous for its very rare black-necked cranes, especially in winter. Overnight at the hotel.

• day 4

  Phobjikha Valley - Punakha

  

  After breakfast, drive to the Punakha district. Punakha was the former capital of Bhutan until the late 90s. Then, visit Chimi Lhakhang/monastery. It was founded by the popular figure Drukpa Kuenley, more commonly known as the Divine Madman. It takes about half an hour to walk through the village and its rice fields. In the afternoon, visit the Punakha fortress, considered the most beautiful fortress in Bhutan. Free time at the end of the afternoon. Overnight at the hotel.

• day 5

  Punakha - Paro

  Today, the drive to Paro district takes about 5 hours. In the afternoon, visit the national museum, the Paro Rinpung fortress, and the Kyichu monastery. Overnight at the hotel.

• day 6

  Excursion to the Taktsang Monastery

  

  The day will start quite early. Drive to the base of Taktsang Ramthangka and begin the hike to Taktsang. The hike takes about 4 to 5 hours (round trip), depending on how fast you can walk. On the way, stop at the Taktsang cafeteria to refresh yourself. Continue climbing up to the Taktsang monastery. The most famous of the saints, Guru Padmasambhava, flew on the back of a tigress from Tibet to tame the demons who opposed the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan in 746 AD. Perched 1,000 m (3,000 ft) overlooking the valley, it would rightly be called one of the wonders. It is a must-visit for Bhutanese, at least once in their lifetime. Hence the name Taktsang, or the Tiger's Den. Descend to the base of the mountain and return to the hotel. You will have the opportunity to shop downtown before dinner. Overnight at the hotel.

• day 7

  Departure

  Drive to Paro International Airport. The Bhutan Soul representative leaves and says goodbye.