Central and western Bhutan Tour

Welcome to Bhutan, Land of Thunder Dagon. Your Journey begins flying on Druk Air or Bhutan national Airlines. You will meet our representative from Always Bhutan Travel at the Paro International Airport. Our team will receive you and usher you with a 'Tashi Khadar' good wishes. We then drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, passing through hills and some astounding countryside. Thimphu is situated in a large valley traversed by the Wangchu River and overshadowed by high peaks. En-route- view Tachogang monastery “temple of excellent horse” built by Thangthong Gyalpo“ the (Iron chain builder in Bhutan and visit the Iron Chain Bridge which is one of the most visible ancient craft work in the middle Ages.) before reaching to Chunzom. Afternoon, we visit some cultural sites and walk through the main street of Thimphu. Later we visit, the national Memorial Chorten, built in honor of the third King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Elderly devotees flock throughout the day to circumambulate the stupa and turn the prayer wheels. Towards evening, join us on a special meal with authentic and organic cuisines from Bhutan at a popular local restaurant. You can even try local ‘ara’ a local rice wine from Bhutan over dinner.

Today, we participate in a wide variety of interesting activities, which represent many diverse aspects of Bhutanese culture. Drive to visit Kuensel Phodrang to visit the Buddha Dordenma, 169ft, symbolizing indestructibility and one of the most religious monuments built in recent times. The view of Thimphu valley from the Kuenselphodrang is spectacular.  Drive to visit Takin Enclosure to see the National Animal of Bhutan. Visit the Art and Craft Institute, a vocational training Institute for students learning some of the 13 arts, preserving and producing skilled man power. Lunch at one of the local restaurant in Thimphu. Afternoon we visit the Royal Textile Museum “living art of Bhutan” which houses old Bhutanese Textiles and artifacts from the various regions and tribes of Bhutan. Take a short trip Tashicho Dzong, the fortress of glorious religion,” seat of the national government and the central monk body.

Morning drive through the countryside surrounding Thimphu to Jigme Dorji Wildlife Sanctuary, the largest protected area in the Bhutan. The park is home to several endangered species including the takin, snow leopard, blue sheep, tiger, red panda, and the Himalayan black bear. More than 300 species of birds have been cataloged within the park.
Our walk begins from the small village of Dodena. Our trail starts by crossing a covered bridge over the Thim chhu and we climb steadily to Cheri Monastery, a small monastery perched on the hill with a view over the Thimphu Valley. Shabdrung built the monastery in 1620, and is the location where the first community of monks in Bhutan was established. Enjoy a session meditating at the lawns of the monastery and indulge in pure calmness and mindfulness. We later hike down to the base where we came from and enjoy a picnic lunch before we hike again to Tango Cheri Goenpa- A beautiful monastic school famous for its Buddhist school textbooks and rare collection of Buddhist artifacts dating back 100's of years.

Drive over the Dochu-La pass (3,100 meters), which on a clear day offers an incredible view of Himalayan peaks before descending into balmy Punakha valley (about 3 hrs total driving time). The drive through the countryside affords a glimpse of everyday life in this most remote of Himalayan kingdoms. In the Dochu-La area there are vast Rhododendron forests that grow to tree size and bloom in late April/early May covering the mountains in a riot of glorious spring colour.

visit 15th century Chimi Lhakhang, temple of Drukpa Kuenly who is also known as the Divine Madman. He inherited the Divine Madman title since he revolted against the orthodox Buddhism of his time. He is considered a symbol of fertility and many childless couples go to his temple for blessing.

Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan. On arrival, visit Punakha Dzong, the “Palace of Great Happiness” built in 1637 by the Shabdrung, the ‘Unifier of Bhutan’. It is situated at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu (Mother and Father Rivers) and is the winter headquarters of the Je Khenpo and hundreds of monks who move en masse from Thimphu to this warmer location. 

We stay at a local farmhouse famous for its location overlooking Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of fertility. Enjoy local food, farm, and enjoy meals around with the Bhutanese family.

After breakfast, day excursion to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal chorten. This stupa sits on a hill top overlooking the valley with stunning views. You are sure to indulge in beautiful views and a sense of calmness and peace. 

We then visit the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan. Suspensions bridges are iconic landmark in most districts in Bhutan as it not only serves its purpose as a bridge but it also shares a long history of Bhutanese arts and crafts.
After the hike, we then enjoy a picnic lunch on a picturesque riverside before an excursion to  Overnight at your hotel in Punakha/ Wangduephodrang.

Transfer to Trongsa (6 hrs). Drive via the bustling market town of Wangduephodrang. Drive up a winding mountain road through oak and rhododendron forests and over the Pele La pass (3,420m) on the Black Mountain range towards Trongsa. This pass is traditionally considered the boundary between western and central Bhutan. Further down the road stop to visit beautiful Chendebji Chorten. It is built in a style unusual for Bhutan, with painted eyes facing the four directions. The imposing Trongsa Dzong can be viewed across a deep canyon to signal your approach to the town around a curving road.
On arrival, enjoy some relaxation time before visiting Trongsa Dzong, a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture. Trongsa is the largest Dzong in Bhutan. The foundations of Trongsa Dzong were laid in the 16th Century and there are now 22 temples in the complex. The view from the Dzong is spectacular and one can see across the impressive landscape for many miles. In the old days, it was the vigilance point for both the eastern and western trade routes, thus a strategically important Dzong.

Following breakfast visit the Ta Dzong museum located on the hill overlooking the Trongsa Dzong. The museums main focus is on the history of the monarchy, and is dedicated to the coronation and centenary celebrations of the Bhutanese monarchy with very rare and precious artefacts on display. These include statues built in the 17th century, to the first King’s Namza (dress), the Raven Crown and Sword of Trongsa Penlop Jigme Namgyal and the 3rd King.
Afterwards, proceed to Bumthang (2.5 hrs), one the most spectacular valleys in Bhutan and also the spiritual and historical heartland of the country. The road winds steeply up to Yo Yutung La Pass (3,400m) before descending down through dense coniferous forest to Chummey valley. From here it is about an hour to Jakar, Bumthang’s main township.
Bumthang is home to some of Bhutan’s oldest Palaces, Buddhist temples and monasteries. The valley’s barley fields, apple groves and meadows lay below huge hills which climb up towards the Himalayan mountain wall separating Bhutan from Tibet. The beautiful architecture unique to Bhutan is evident in the many large farmhouses and temples. Bumthang is associated with Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava) and with Terton Pemalingpa.
After lunch, visit Jakar Dzong, also known as ‘Fortress of the White Bird’. It was founded by the great grandfather of Shabdrung. The Dzong was initially built as a Monastery in 1549 but was upgraded after Shabdrung had firmly established his power in 1646. The Dzong is now used as the administration center for Bumthang valley.

Enjoy a day of sightseeing in Bumthang beginning with Jampey Lhakhang, one of 108 temples built by the Tibetan King Songtsen in the 7th Century. It was here that Guru Rimpoche conducted his first sermon on Tantric Buddhism for his host King Sendha, the local ruler, his family and subjects. Continue on to Kurjey Lhakhang, famous for a rock within one of the temples that features a body imprint of the great master Guru Rimpoche. The big cypress tree in the temple grounds is believed to be the walking stick of Guru Rimpoche.
Afterwards visit Tamshing Lhakhang, the seat of Bumthang’s famous son, saint Pema Lingpa. He built it himself in 1501. A skilled tantric master and artist, he sculpted the main statues and painted the frescoes, some of Bhutan’s oldest which can still be seen even today, mostly in their original state. There is also a chain mail made by Pema Lingpa that devotees carry and circumambulate the inner sanctum to cleanse sins. Overnight at your hotel in Bumthang.Towards the evening hours, we take a dip in ‘Dotso’ herbal healing bath at a nearby tavern and enjoy herbal nourished waters which is believed to heal one from diseases and illnesses. The bath is prepared using stones burned in fire and the water boiled with herbs up to 20 varieties with medicinal properties.

Excursion to Tang valley and visit Ogyen Choling Palace, a former feudal home that has now become a very interesting museum. Meet the famous author from Bhutan, Aum Kunzang Choden, also the descendant of the Ogyen Choling palace. Tang valley is a scenic valley, 2 hours drive away from Chumey town.

Start early today for Gangtey, about 6 hrs from Bumthang. Farmhouses and temples dot the landscape and you will see local farmers wearing the traditional woven bamboo hats of central Bhutan. The wide and picturesque Phobjikha valley is one of Bhutan’s few glacial valleys, and chosen winter home of black necked cranes (November – March) migrating from the Tibetan plateau. Visit Gangtey Goempa (Monastery), the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan.

Today we discover The Wonders Of The Black-Necked Crane Festival – A Day Devoted To These Graceful Birds In Bhutan

This unique festival will leave a lasting impression on you. With more than a hundred villagers participating, see the fascinating masked dance in honour of the black-necked cranes.

Held annually on November 11th in Phobjikha, the Black-Necked Crane Festival coincides with the birthday of His Majesty the King Druk Gyalpo. The festival is celebrated in the courtyard of Gangtey Goempa in the Phobjikha Valley.

Holding a special place in the hearts and folklore of the Bhutanese, the black-necked crane is also known as ‘Thrung Thrung Karmo’ in Dzongkha. They are also called ‘Lhab-bjas’ or ‘heavenly birds’ by the locals.

After lunch, we then continue our long drive towards Thimphu. From Gangtey the road gradually descends into the balmy Punakha valley before climbing up over Dochu La Pass and into Thimphu. Remainder of day at leisure. Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.

After breakfast drive to Paro via visit recreational park, Issuna Park.The recreation park, constructed by Green Bhutan Corporation Ltd (GBCL), has swings, a mini-swimming pool for kids, a children’s playground, beach volleyball ground, khuru ground, a beach football court, hammocks, camping ground, public restrooms, and walking trails.

After lunch visit Taa Dzong and Rimpung Dzong.

In the evening drive to the ruins of the 17th Century Drukgyel Dzong, built to commemorate a victory against invading Tibetans in 1644. In fine weather the towering peak of the sacred Mount Jomolhari (7314m) appears as a stunning backdrop. On the return drive to Paro.

After breakfast hike to Taktsang Monastery. The walk of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours uphill takes you almost a kilometre above the Paro valley floor. The view of Taktsang Monastery built on a sheer cliff face 900 metres above the valley floor is a spectacular sight. The Monastery is also an important pilgrim site for the Buddhists. The great Guru Rimpoche is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. Nearby there is a teahouse where you can stop for refreshments before returning to Paro for lunch.
visit 7th Century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples constructed by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo.

Drive to Haa through Chele La (3,988 m). From the pass, you can see Paro valley on one side and then Haa valley on the other. You can also have a picnic at Chele La if you like to. In Haa, some sightseeing and then going to katsho village and visiting the Katso Lhakhang.  

Drive back to Paro and overnight in Paro

Breakfast in the hotel, then drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination. We bid farewell and wish ourselves in the hope to meet again. We hope you cherish this special trip in your life and nourish yourself with all the positive energy accumulated through the journey.
Tashi Delek.