Western Bhutan is comprised of Paro at 7200 feet, Thimphu at 7500 feet and Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang at 4200 feet. Western Bhutan is known for its stunning scenery with rice paddies cascading down magnificent mountains, the pristine rivers that flow through the main towns of Paro, Thimphu and Punakha, and unique two-story houses with brightly painted window designs.
Day 01: Arrive Paro.
Arrive Paro and transfer to hotel for overnight halt.
Day 02: Paro.
After breakfast, hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest, about 4-5hrs walk up and down). Lunch at Taktsang cafeteria. Overnight halt in the hotel.
Day 03: Paro - Thimphu.
After breakfast, visit Drukgyel Dzong (fortress) and Kyichu Lhakhang (Monastery). Catch towering view of Mount Jhomolhari from the base of Drukgyel Dzong. Afternoon, visit Ta Dzong (now National Museum) and then Paro Dzong. Then drive to Thimphu (about 1 hr 30 m drive). On arrival, transfer to hotel for overnight halt.
Day 04: Thimphu.
Morning, visit National Library, Institute of Traditional Arts, Folk Heritage Museum and National Institute of Traditional Medicine. After lunch, visit Tashichhoedzong, Textile Musuem and Handicrafts Emporium. Overnight halt in the hotel.
Day 05 : Thimphu – Punakha/Wangdue.
After breakfast, drive to Punakha and Wangdue (about 2 hrs drive). Enroute, halt at Dochula pass (10500 feet) to see the spectacular view of snow capped eastern Himalayan Mountains. After lunch, visit Punakha Dzong and Khamsum Yuela Chorten. Overnight halt in the hotel.
Day 06: Punakha/Wangdue - Trongsa.
After breakfast, visit Chimi Lhakhang (about 20 minutes leisure walk across the rice fields from the road) and Wangdue Dzong. After lunch, drive to Trongsa (about 4 hrs drive) and upon arrival transfer to hotel for overnight halt.
Day 07: Trongsa - Bumthang.
Morning visit Trongsa Dzong and Ta Dzong. After lunch drive to Bumthang (about 2 hrs drive) and on arrival transfer to hotel for overnight halt.
Day 08: Bumthang.
Visit Jakar Dzong, Jampel Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, Tamzhing monastery and walk in sacred valleys. Evening, stroll through town. Overnight halt in the hotel.
Day 09: Bumthang - Wangdue.
After breakfast drive to Wangdue,(about 6 hrs drive), enroute visit Gangtey Gompa at Phobjikha. Overnight halt in the hotel.
Day 10: Wangdue - Paro.
Morning, drive to Paro (about 3hrs 20 m drive). Upon arrival, check into hotel for overnight. Evening, take a leisurely walk through Paro town. Day 10 Transfer to airport for your next destination.
Day 11: Depart Paro.
Transfer to Airport for your onward journey.
