Western Bhutan Tour

Western Bhutan, nestled in the majestic Himalayan mountains, is a region full of natural beauty and cultural treasures. This area includes some of Bhutan’s most famous dzongkhags (districts), including Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and Haa.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Nepal

Your journey begins with a captivating flight into Kathmandu. As you land on a clear day, you’ll be treated to a mesmerizing view of snow-capped mountains stretching far and wide beneath you. The opportunity to capture this stunning vista through your airplane window is like receiving a box of chocolates for your camera.

Upon your arrival at Kathmandu airport, we’ll be there to greet you at the exit gate. We’ll then escort you to the Manang Hotel in downtown Thamel, which we’ve reserved for your stay. It’s advisable for our guests to take some rest on this day to acclimatize to the local environment.

Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing

Today, we have arranged a guided sightseeing tour of the Kathmandu Valley, a place steeped in historical and cultural significance. This valley, the heart of Nepal, has long been a popular destination for travelers seeking adventure, cultural exchange, educational experiences, or religious exploration.

The valley offers a captivating blend of Hinduism and Buddhism, with a vibrant cultural and religious heritage. Despite this rich tradition, you’ll also notice the influence of Western lifestyle on Nepalese youth.

Our tour will take you to explore ancient imperial palaces, Buddhist and Hindu sacred sites, monasteries, temples, shrines, and more, all reflecting the ancient local traditions of Nepal. These places include:

  • Pashupatinath (Shiva’s temple, a revered and sacred site for Hindus)
  • Bouddhanath (Nepal’s largest stupa, a sacred place for Buddhists with numerous monasteries, pagodas, tsorten, and Tibetan refugee camps),
  • Swoyambhunath (Nepal’s oldest stupa, a sacred site for Buddhists with monasteries, gompas, tsorten, and Hindu temples; offering the best viewpoint over the entire Kathmandu city), and
  • Kathmandu Durbar Square (an intriguing historical and religious site, home to the old imperial palace, the temple of the living goddess Kumari, and more). After the tour, you’ll return to your hotel.

Day 3: Kathmandu - Paro (Bhutan) Flight via Druk Air

Your flight to Paro will treat you to a breathtaking view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjungha, Mt. Chomolhari, Tsrim Gang, Jichu Drake, and more, all set against the backdrop of Nepal, India, and Bhutan’s majestic landscapes. Upon arrival at Paro airport, our Bhutanese colleagues will be eagerly awaiting your arrival, holding a signboard with your name. After a warm welcome at Paro airport, they will escort you to your designated hotel. We recommend taking some time to rest in the hotel to acclimate to the local environment. Our professional tour guide will meet you there in the hotel to provide a series of briefings about the upcoming tour.

Day 4: Paro Sightseeing

Today, we have organized a visit to Drugyel Dzong, a historic fortress built in defense against Tibetan attacks. You will also have the chance to explore Bhutanese Farm Houses, Ta Dzong (National Museum), followed by a short walk to Rinpung Dzong and Paro Bazaar.

Day 5: Sightseeing and Trekking

We drive to Satsam Chorten Monastery, built in memory of the late Dilgo Khentshe Rimpoche, and Kyichyu Lakhang. After visiting these sites, we embark on a trek to Taksang Monastery, a journey that takes approximately 3 hours. Later, we drive to Thimphu and check into a hotel.

Day 6: Thimphu Sightseeing

After breakfast, our guide will lead you to visit the Memorial Chorten, National Library, Handicrafts Emporium Centres, and Tashichho Dzong.

Day 7: Thimphu to Punakha Drive

After breakfast, we drive to Punakha, a scenic journey of approximately 3 hours across the Dochula Pass. Along the way, we’ll provide light refreshments. Upon arrival, we check into a hotel where you’ll have lunch. Afterward, we visit Punakha Dzong.

Day 8: Exploring Punakha

In the morning, we visit a Bhutanese Farm House where you’ll be treated to traditional buttered tea with ‘Zaw’ (Puffed rice). Following this delightful experience, we explore Wangdi Podhra Dzong before returning to Punakha.

Day 9: Drive to Paro

We begin our journey back to Paro, stopping for lunch at Dochula. In the evening, you can take a leisurely stroll through Paro Bazaar.

Day 10: Departure to Nepal

After breakfast, you’ll be driven to Paro airport to return from Bhutan to Nepal. We’ll warmly welcome you back to Nepal and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 11: Kathmandu and Excursion to Bhaktapur and Patan

Today, we’ve arranged an excursion to the neighboring cities of Bhaktapur and Patan (Lalitpur), which were independent countries until 240 years ago. Our knowledgeable guide will lead you on a tour of ancient imperial palaces, villages, local industrial areas (handicraft centers, pottery centers), as well as Buddhist and Hindu temples and shrines.

Day 12: Departure from Nepal

Finally, it’s time to bid farewell to Nepal. We will drive you to the Kathmandu airport for your departure to your home country, marking the end of this incredible journey through Nepal and Bhutan.