Western Explorer

Day 1: Arrive at Paro international airport

Your introduction to our enchanting kingdom begins on a flight over the Himalayas into the lush green valley of Paro; truly one of the world’s most spectacular sights. Flying into Paro, Bhutan is a unique experience altogether. You will view the world’s highest, most majestic peaks and enjoy the view of the approaching valley with its primeval alpine forest, monasteries, temples and farmhouse nestled in splendid mountain isolation.

Welcome greeting in a Bhutanese style with Tashi Khada (white scarf) by our representative at the Airport. You will be driven to hotel for refreshment and a brief discussion on your tour program. (Please note; your itinerary shall be flexible and your guide shall give you options based on your interest)

Paro sightseeing & acclimatization day!

The National Museum (Ta-Dzong).Once the watch tower for the Rinpung Dzong ( Fortress), it was converted into the national Museum in 1968 (one of the best museums of Asia). The museum stands on a promontory overlooking the Paro valley in all its glory. Visit the Rinpung Dzong. A flagstone path rises gradually from a beautiful wooden bridge with shingle roofing and abutted by two guard houses to the Dzong. Today, this massive fortress built in 1645 AD is the seat of the district administration as well as the home for the monastic school. The central tower (Utse) of the Dzong, with its superb woodwork, is one of the most beautiful in the nation.

Take a leisurely drive to the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong. This point offers bird eye view of the Mt. Jhomolhari (7329m). On the way back visit the oldest temple of the kingdom, Kichu Lhakhang. This temple was built in 629AD by a Tibetan King to pin down a giant demon. There is a sacred orange tree that grew on its own at the courtyard which bears fruits on all the seasons. This tree is said to be 600 years old. In the evening walk around Paro town and interact with the local people. Overnight

Paro. (Alt; 2,280m).

Day 2: Punakha Adventure (128 kms/4 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Punakha via the winding river of Paro Chu & Wangchu. Stop for a hot cup of coffee at Dochu La pass (3150m) where you can enjoy the spectacular views of the eastern Himalayan mountain range. Take a walk around the 108 stupas and also enter the Drukwangyel temple built by the four queens as a tribute to the fourth King of Bhutan.

En route visit Royal Botanical Garden in Lamperi. The park features a variety of forest types, spectacular scenery, natural rhododendron groves, endangered wildlife and a lake.

Punakha is the former Capital of the kingdom and at present day hosts the administrative seat of the district. Also the winter residence of the central monastic body and its Chief Abbot. The Dzong lies between two rivers, the Pochu and Mochu, male and Female River.

Later in the afternoon, hike to Chimi Lhakhang. This temple is called the Temple of Fertility as it is believed that childless couples who come here to pray for a child is usually blessed with a child. This is the temple of one of Bhutan’s foremost saints, Lama Drukpa Kunley, also known as the “Divine Madman.” The trail takes you through the Himalayan paddy fields and a typical village called Lobesa.

Overnight Punakha (Alt; 1,300m).

Day 3: Sightseeing in Punakha valley

You can have a spectacular views of the surrounding valley from the lodge. Today you hike to khamsum yuelay  Namgyel chorten which is situated on the ridge overlooking the beautiful valley of Punakha. It’s about an hour walk to the chorten (stupa) from the parking lot. You start your walk crossing over a suspension bridge on mochu (female river) followed by walking through the paddy fields and onto chirpine trees.

Later visit the massive Punakha Dzong “Palace of Great Happiness”. The Dzong show cases the living example of Bhutanese architecture. It was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, who unified Bhutan as one nation in 17^th century. The Dzong is both historically and religiously important. The grand wedding of both 4^th and 5^th king took place in this very Dzong. Some guests are so captivated by the murals, shrines and general goings on in the courtyards that they chose to spend a few hours in the dzong.

Optional half day white water rafting adventure (at an additional charge).

Overnight Punakha. (Alt; 1,300m)

Day 4: Thimphu drive  (67 kms/2hrs 30 mins) & Sightseeing

Thimphu the cultural heartland of the kingdom. Thimphu is a small, charming capital city nestled in the heart of the Himalayas. It is nothing like what a capital city is imagined to be. Most of the houses and buildings are painted and constructed in traditional Bhutanese style.

En route Simtokha Dzong, one of the oldest fortresses of Bhutan built in 1629 and it houses the largest monastic schools in the country. Take a drive to Buddha point which offers a beautiful city view of Thimphu. Astrologers & locals believe this spot is one of the central meeting point of the sacred energy vibe of the country hence the massive statue of Buddha facing the sun.

On the way down, circumambulate around the Memorial Chorten (huge stupa) built in memory of the 3^rd King of Bhutan. This is the favourite place for the locals to practice their devotions. Later take a stroll in the city.

Overnight Thimphu. (Alt; 2,320m)

Day 5: Thimphu-Paro (55 kms/1 hr)

Today drive to the animal sanctuary where the national animal of Bhutan, the Takin, is found in captivity. Walk around the BBS tower which is surrounded by multi coloured prayer flags, En route visit Nunnery temple. You can show your devotion here by praying with the Buddhist nuns.

Visit the Traditional Medicine Centre which includes hospital and herbal medicine manufacturing unit based on the Tibetan system of medicine. The centre also trains indigenous medicine doctors known as “Dungtso”. Visit the Zorig Chuksum “School for Thirteen Traditional Arts and Crafts” followed by a visit to folk heritage museum which show cases the insight glimpse of the typical ways of Bhutanese lifestyle.

Visit the Bhutanese Paper Factory, This traditional handmade paper is still being widely used around the country.

Before leaving to Paro witness an archery match (If it is happening around; please ask your guide) played by the locals with lots of hue & cry! Archery is the national game of Bhutan.

Overnight Paro. (Alt; 2,280m)

Day 6: Quest to Mystical Taktsang

Drive to Satsam Chorten and spend the day hiking up the forested path to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan’s most famous and scenic icon. The climb is steep and takes about 4 hours round trip. An important place of pilgrimage and refuge for more than 1200 years, Taktsang Monastery clings to sheer cliffs two-thousand feet above Paro Valley, and from your closest vantage point on a rocky ledge directly across from it, you will still need 200-300 mm lenses and a steady tripod to get tight photographs.

This sacred place got its name when Guru Rinpoche rode there on the back of a flying tiger and meditated in a cave behind the present-day monastery. Sadly, in 1998, the central temple was destroyed by fire, leaving the country in mourning for their holiest of spiritual places. But religious leaders and the King quickly developed a plan to rebuild Taktsang and donations started pouring in from Buddhist centres all over the world, and today, the magnificently rebuilt exterior is complete. Tiger’s Nest is once again the subject of cloud-shrouded posters that say, “Bhutan, Land of the Thunder Dragon.” Picnic lunch on the hillside cafeteria. Evening we return to Paro and stroll in the town.

Overnight Paro (Alt; 2,280m)

Day 7: Departure

Our representative will bid you farewell at the Airport.

Tashi Delek!