Whole Western Bhutan Hike Tour

Tour outline 
Duration: 12days/11nights
Places covered: Thimphu, Haa, Paro, Punakha and Phiobjikha 
 

Day 1: Arrive Paro International Airport and transfer to Thimphu 
Activities 
Travel to Haa (56 Km, 2-3hrs drive)
Stop by Chelela pass
Conclude for the day (complete rest in hotel)

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Day 2: Hike Haa Goemba’s
Activities 
Day Hike 
Visit Lhakhang Karpo and Lhakhang Nagpo
Stroll through Haa town walk along the Haa Chu riverside

Day 3: Travel to Thimphu (112km) 
Activities
Travel to Thimphu 
Visit Tashichhoe Dzong and have a glimpse of the Bhutan’s king Jigme’s office and Palace (if the time permits)
Stroll through Thimphu city
Conclude for the day (complete rest in hotel)

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Day 4: Hike to Tango and Cheri Monastery
Activities 
Day hike to Tango and Cheri Monastery
Visit Takin Reserve 
Visit BBS Tower
Visit handicrafts market of Thimphu
Visit Clock Tower Square

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Day 5 Thimphu Tour and travel to Punakha
Activities 
Visit National Memorial Chorten (Stupa) 
Visit Buddha Dordenma Statue (one of tallest in the world)
Visit Textile Museum
Visit Folk Heritage Museum.
Visit The National Library
Visit National Institute for Zorig Chusum
Travel to Punakha 
Stop by Dochula pass (en-route to Punakha)
Visit Punkha Dzong
Visit Chazam

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Day 6: Punakha Hike
Activities 
Hike to Khamsum Yueley Namgyal Chorten
Experience River rafting 
Visit Chimi Lhakhang 
Hike to Adha and Rukha village

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Day 7: Travel to Phobjikha
Activities 
Travel to Phobjikha
Visit Wangdue Phodrang Dzong enroute to Phobjikha
Visit Gangte Goemba temple

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Day 8: Phobjikha Hike
Activities 
Day hike in Phobjikha
Exploring wildlife sanctuary
Experience Phobjikha home stay
Experience hot stone bath at home stay

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Day 9: Travel back to Paro
Activities 
Travel back to Paro
Visit Tamcho Lhakhang
View Paro international Airport viewpoint
Stroll through Paro town (depending upon your mood and tiredness)

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Day 10: Hike Taktshang 
Activities 
Hike to Taktshang 
Experience home stay in Paro village 
Experience hot stone bath at home stay village.

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Day 11: Paro tour. 
Activities 
Visit Paro Rinpung Dzong
Visit Paro Ta Dzong- National museum
Visit Drugyel Dzong
Visit Kichu Lhakhang 
This concludes your whole western Bhutan Hike trip to Bhutan

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Day 12: Depart from Paro International Airport

Please note that some of the sights/itinerary may change due to season, weather, national holidays, and special events. We maintain the rights to alter the itinerary since it is designed in advance and unforeseen circumstances may arise to change. Itinerary changes are made to improve your overall travel experience in Bhutan.



Itinerary in detailed
 

Day 01: Arrive at Paro International airport and Paro tour

The only two international flight (Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines) to Paro is one of the most spectacular of all mountain flights. Soon after you leave the Indian low lying plains and the great view of The Mount Everest from your window, you will be flying over densely forested areas and will see the far-flung Bhutanese Temples and Monasteries built on the steep terrain-mountains and cliffs. Before you cease your imagination and wondering how people are going to get there on foot, you will be informed by flight attendant to fasten your seat belt to prepare for landing at Paro International Airport, the airport which has only one strip runway lying between a local community of Traditional Bhutanese Houses on one side and a high way motor road on the other side. Then as you descend towards the Paro Valley, you will be flying very close overhead the Paro Villages. The valley of Paro contains a wealth of attractions, with cover of green paddy fields, crystal clear Pa Chu river, the Paro Dzong (Fortress) and then slowly but spine chillingly (for the First timer into Bhutan), you will land at the airstrip and on landing, you are sure to wonder, “wow!!! The Pilot is really good”.     And usually, the First Timers flying into Bhutan, clap in unison and then there is a guffaw of laughter and giggles. Truly an instant awakening of happiness from the moment you land.

On arrival at Paro international airport, you will be then ushered to immigration counter and baggage claim areas by very astonishing and helpful airport staffs. After then, your tour guide will be waiting for you at the exit door with full of excitement expression on his/her face with Khadhar (a white scarf on his/her hand to offer you as tradition culture for welcoming you). The reason for offering a white Khadar is; traditionally we believe white colour symbolising a purity, hence to show you, you are now encircled by pure-hearted people, you are welcome and be loved as our guest (not as tourist) and you will be taken full care from this day until the trip concludes.

The good-humoured/helpful driver and your cheerful local tour guide will be happy to gently pack your luggage in the SUV car and head towards Haa.

Travel to Haa (56 km, 2-3hrs drive via Chelela pass).

Stop at Chelela Pass; On the way to Haa we’ll have a chance to stop for a photo shooting at Chelela Pass – Located at 3810m (13,000ft), between the valley of Paro and Haa, Chele La pass is the highest road pass in the country.  It is popular for short excursion for maybe two and half hours. You will see many tourists visiting this vantage point. Some prefer driving, some hiking and many wheels down either to Haa or Paro valley in their mountain bikes. The drive to Chele La is through dense spruce and larch forests. Depending on the season you will encounter various sights such as a frozen river, waterfall, Rhododendron forest and yaks grazing peacefully.  On a clear day, you can view Mt. Jumolhari (the third -highest mountain in Bhutan at 7,326 meters) along with other sacred mountains Jichu Drake and adjoining peaks to the North West, as well as the view of both the valley (Paro and Haa).

It will take only half an hour from Chelela pass to reach Haa district. We’ll take you to the hotel and let you take some rest, after a brief rest we will visit and Explore Rural Bhutanese Culture.

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Day 2: Hike Haa Goemba’s

Go for Hiking to Goembas

Haa valley is ideal for hiking. There are many Goembas (Buddhist sacred place) around the valley where you can go for a day hike. The level of ease and difficulty of hiking are already set, which you may choose while on the field. You may also ride mountain bike to do this.

Visit Lhakhang Karpo and Lhakhang Nagpo: According to legend in the 7th century, Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo has built these two Lhakhang; Lhakhang Karpo and Lhakhang Nagpo in Haa and Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro in his mission to build 108 Lhakhang in one single day. As per legend, black and white pigeons were released to select sites to build Lhakhang. The white pigeon landed on the foothills of the three towering mountains where the white Lhakhangs stands today and the black pigeon landed a little north of where white pigeon landed.

Stroll through Haa town: A little walk up from the town and you will find yourself amid Bhutan villages while walking past the paddy fields. You will get to observe the wooden houses with unique Bhutanese architecture and walls painted with big Phallus. Bhutanese people are quite welcoming and will give you a warm smile as soon as they will see you. Children will look at you with a curiosity, which will transition, to a chuckle as soon as you will wave at them.

In the evening we will walk you along the Haa Chu riverside. Picturesque Haa Chu river flows right through the centre of the valley. You are going to love to walk by the riverside, listening to the sound of water striking against stones and looking at the clouds hugging the mountains around you. We assure you that you will feel so different, lost into imagination while enjoying the very stunning view of the beautiful sunset. If you will walk a little down from the taxi stand, you will also find a very beautiful small hanging bridge. Just stand over there amid prayer flags listening to the sound of flowing water and feeling the thumping cold wind, an ensemble!!

This concludes your first day tour in Bhutan. We’ll then walk back to Hotel and serve you dinner.

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Day 3: Travel to Thimphu (112km)

Travel to Thimphu (112km, 4-5hrs): The driving to Thimphu on a unique road, which passes through the middle of forested areas and in the middle of many community villages is another joyful to experience.   You will see the far-flung Bhutanese Temples and Monasteries built on the steep terrain mountains and cliffs. Before you cease your imagination and wondering how people have been living there, your tour guide will inform you that we are about to approach Chhuzom (Confluence). Chhuzom is the juncture of the Thimphu river (Wang Chu) and Paro river (Pa Chhu). Chuzom is also a major road junction, with southwest road leading to Haa (79km), south road to Phuntsholing (141km) and northeast to Thimphu (30km). From Chuzom, the road follows Wangchu River upstream as you pass through villages and suburbs to the capital. After the narrow, rock-lined section of the road opens up as Thimphu approaches, Simtokha Dzong lies en route.

Now after arriving in Thimphu, depending upon the time, we will visit Tashichho Dzong  (office for the Great Present Fifth King of Bhutan); the Dzong has been the seat for Bhutan’s government since 1968. It presently houses the throne room and offices for the king, the cabinet secretariat and the Ministry for home & cultural affairs. It also houses the Central Monastic Body and the living quarters of the Chief Abbot and the senior monks. If you are lucky enough you will get chance to see the His Majesty the King coming out of his office and walking towards his palace just below the Dzong. Visit Tashichhoe Dzong and have a glimpse of the Bhutan’s king Jigme’s office and Palace (if the time permits)

Stroll through Thimphu city: The Kingdom’s capital city is home to approximately 100,000 inhabitants including the Royal family. This bustling little city is the main centre of commerce, religion and government in the country. The juxtaposition of ancient tradition and modernity make Thimphu the ideal location for visitors to break away from their tour itinerary to immerse themselves in the contemporary Bhutanese lifestyle.

Thimphu is the most modern city in Bhutan with an abundance of restaurants, Internet cafes, nightclubs and shopping centres. However, it still retains its’ cultural identity and values amidst the signs of modernization.

The culture of Bhutan is fully reflected in Thimphu in respect of religion, customs, national dress code, the monastic practices of the monasteries, music, dance, literature and the media. One of the most curious features of Thimphu is that it is the only capital city in the world that does not use traffic lights. Instead, a few major intersections have policemen standing in elaborately decorated booths (small pavilions), directing traffic with exaggerated hand motions. 

Day 4: Hike to Tango and Cheri Monastery

Activities

Tango Monastery

This sacred monastery is located about 30 minutes drive due North of Thimphu. After getting off at Dodena (2600m), we hike uphill for about an hour. As you walk up it will be shaded with pink, white, and mostly red rhododendron shrubs in late spring.

Once you get there you will be greeted with a sight of a beautiful white structure. The surrounding buildings and the three-storied central tower which stands proud to these days was build in the 18th Century by Druk Desi Tenzin Rabgye. 

​Tango monastery was once the abode Pajo Drujom Zhipo and his descendants, however many influential and important lamas graced the place on later dates. One of them was Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, who meditated in the nearby caves in the 17th century.  It was during the time when the Tibetans frequently invaded Bhutan. A legend has it that Zhabdrung’s meditation ensured their defeat and the temple was then offered to him. He carved a statue of Chenrezig (avalokiteshvara) out of sandal wood and installed it as the main relic.


Tango is one of the largest tourist attractions as many international tourists visit the place to embrace the legendary history of the kingdom of Bhutan.

Cheri Monastery 

On the adjacent side of Tango Monastery is Cheri Monastery. Compared to the winding and genteel climb towards Tango, one has to be a little sure footed while hiking to Cheri. It takes anywhere between 45 minutes to an hour depending on the person.

After crossing a small cantilever bridge over the Wang Chhu it’s a steady climb up hill. It is believed that Zhabdrung spend 3 years in retreat at Cheri. Even to these days Cheri is one of the most popular destinations of monks going into retreat. The surrounding area of both Tango and Cheri is home to many hermitages.

Cheri is often counted among one of the sacred places of Bhutan as it houses the remains of Zhabdrung Rinpoche’s father Tempa Nyima. The inner walls of the sanctum are covered with beautiful frescoes of Buddhist saints.

As the temple standing atop a hill, it boasts a spectacular view of the surrounding forest and river.

If you’re lucky there are chances of spotting a goral or two grazing by the rocky slope.

Tango, Cheri, and the whole of Dodena village have many places of religious connotation if one gets into the depth of it. After being done with both the hikes a picnic lunch by the river awaits for later that day. The tranquility and cleanness of the place is ideal for people seeking to escape the humdrum life.

Visit TAKIN Preserve Centre: A short distance about 3km away from the heart of Thimphu city up to the road to the BBS tower viewpoint is a trail leading to a large fenced enclosure that was originally established as a zoo.

The reason for declaring Takin as a national animal of Bhutan on 25 November 2005 is attributed to a legend of the animal’s creation in Bhutan in the 15th century by Lama Drukpa Kuenley. When a small number of Takin were confined in a “mini-zoo” in Thimphu, the Fourth King of Bhutan felt that it was improper for a Buddhist country to confine animals for religious and environmental reasons. He, therefore, ordered the release of the animals and the closure of the mini-zoo. To everyone’s surprise, the takin, known for their docile behaviour, refused to leave the immediate area and stayed in the streets of Thimphu in search of food for weeks.

It’s worthwhile taking the time to see these oddball mammals. The best time to see them is early morning, when they gather near the fence to feed.

Visit BBS Tower: There’s a wonderful view of Thimphu valley from the hillside below the Bhutan Broadcasting Service (BBS) tower (2685m), high above the town at the end of a road that branches off from the approach to the youth centre. Don’t photograph the telecommunications installation, but the valley is worth a few snaps particularly in the afternoon. The area is known as Sangaygang and the access road attracts fitness fanatics after work and becomes a lover’s lane after dark.

Visit handicrafts market of Thimphu:  is also known as the Authentic Bhutanese Crafts Bazaar. The shops crafted from bamboo are lined neatly in row at a mile’s stretch, selling colourful and beautiful authentic handicraft of Bhutan. There are almost hundred shops in the market selling various souvenirs, authentic handcrafted apparels, bags, masks and many more items. 

The shopkeepers mostly are Bhutanese women who welcome you with a warm smile. The products are all procured from the local villages. The market aims to preserve the Bhutanese culture and promote their traditions and handicrafts. It is a market where you can spend hours in shopping. 

You may like to look for beautiful attires with embroidery, souvenirs like carved wooden items, scroll painting, decorative items woven from bamboos, and beautiful jewellery made of gold, silver and precious stones. 

Visit Clock Tower Square Located in the heart of Thimphu city, the Clock Tower Square is amongst the popular tourist places in Thimphu. The Clock Tower consists of four clocks facing in four different directions. The tower resembles the Bhutanese architecture pattern of wood engraving. The tower has some beautifully carved patterns, flowers, paintings and much more. The eye-catching thing in the tower is the dragon facing each clock. The dragons are sacred to the culture of Bhutan and they represent the freedom of the kingdom.

The Clock Tower Square comprises of several water fountains and ‘mani lhakhor’ or prayer wheels. They enhance the beauty of Clock Tower Square. Various trade fairs, musical events

and other activities take place near the square. 

Day 5: Thimphu Tour and travel to Punakha

Visit National Memorial Chorten (Stupa): This stupa one of the most visible religious structures in heart of Thimphu city, The building of this landmark was originally envisaged by Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (“the father of modern Bhutan”) who has wished to erect monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it serves both as a memorial to the Late King and as a monument to peace. Visitors will find elderly Bhutanese people circumambulating the Chorten throughout the day. Chorten literally means ‘Seat of Faith’ and Buddhists often call such monuments, the ‘Mind of Buddha’.

Visit Buddha Dordenma Statue: This massive statue of Shakyamuni measures at a height of 51.5m, making it one of the largest statues of Buddha in the world. The statue is made of bronze and is gilded in gold. 125,000 smaller Buddha statues have been placed within the Buddha Dordenma statue; 100,000 statues of which are 8-inches-tall and 25,000 statues of which are 12 inches tall. Each of these thousands of Buddhas has also been cast in bronze and gilded. The throne that the Buddha Dordenma sits upon is a large meditation hall.

Visit Textile Museum: you will see the Royal Collection, of Bhutanese antique textile artefacts, warp pattern weaves, and weft pattern weaves including crowns of Bhutan’s kings, Namzas (dresses) and other accessories are worn by the Royal Family, The ground floor of the Textile Museum has displays demonstrating the skills of spinning, colouring fibres, preparing a loom, and manipulating two sets of yarns. Decorative fabrics and textile arts and crafts are categorically displayed in the galleries situated on the first floor of the Textile Museum. There are displays showing the traditional regional garments produced by women and men in Bhutan, and those garments used for special religious occasions.

Visit Folk Heritage Museum: This museum lets you experience the traditional way of lifestyle at Bhutanese home. The museum also displays an impressive collection of typical household objects, tools and equipment. The Folk Heritage Museum is set inside a three-storied, 19th-century traditional house. The museum also organizes regular demonstrations of rural traditions, skills, habits and customs as well as hosting educational programs for children.

Visit The National Library; was established in 1967 for the purpose of preservation and promotion of the rich cultural and religious heritage of Bhutan. It holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts and contains arguably the best collection of religious and historical literature in the Himalayas.

Visit National Institute for Zorig Chusum: Zorig Chusum refers to the thirteen traditional visual arts and crafts that Bhutanese have practised for generations. The thirteen arts and crafts include; painting, carving, sculpture, calligraphy, carpentry, gold- silversmithing, bamboo work, wood turning, weaving and embroidery, pottery, blacksmithing, masonry and incense-stick making. You can have an interview or conversations with the students and instructors to know more. The showroom sells good-value pieces made by students.

Travel to Punakha: By mid-afternoon we will have start travelling to Punakha.  

Dochula pass: On en route to Punakha, we’ll stop at Dochula pass for coffee or lunch break depending of time. The Dochu la pass is a popular location among tourists as it offers a stunning 360-degree panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range. The view is especially scenic on clear, winter days with snowcapped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the tranquillity of the 108 chortens gracing the mountain pass. Bhutanese families enjoy visiting the pass during holidays and weekends to picnic and simply enjoy the scenery. It is common to see families and groups of friends seated amongst the chortens, enjoying a packed lunch and hot tea. For tourists, this is an ideal location to capture beautiful pictures of the Himalayan mountain range during clear, warm days.

Visit Punakha Dzong: Upon arrival at Punakha, we’ll visit Punakha Dzong. The Punakha Dzong lies between two great rivers with their local names as the Phochu (Male River) and the Mochu (Female River). Presently, this Dzong serves as the winter residence for the Je Khenpo, Chief Abbot of the Central Monastic Body and also the office of the District Administration. Punakha Dzong was built in 1637 by the founder of Bhutan, Zhabdrung Rimpoche. Zhabdrung Rimpoche went into meditation in 1651 at the age of 58, for 12 long years in the Punakha Dzong, after he had established the DUAL system of Governance in Bhutan. Zhabdrung Rimpoche’s death was announced only 25 years after his death, as it was believed that even after his physical death, he remained in a meditational form. The Dzong houses many sacred, holy ancient relics, the most sacred being the RANGJUNG KHARSAPANI. This relic is a self-created image of Avalokiteswara that miraculously emerged from the vertebrae of Tsangpa Gyarey, the founder of the Drukpa School when he was cremated. The first national assembly was hosted here in 1953. Punakha Dzong is not only the second oldest and second largest dzong but it also has one of the most majestic structures in the country.

Visit Chazam (Suspension bridge): Behind Punakha Dzong stretches the Punakha Suspension Bridge, the longest of its kind in Bhutan. The bridge connects the dzong with the villages on other bank of the Pho-chhu River. In order to access the suspension bridge from the Dzong, one must walk past the King’s palace and the cremation ground

Day 6: Punakha Hike

Hike to Khamsum Yueley Namgyal Chorten: The magnificent chorine sits high above Punakha Valley, affording panoramic views of the verdant hillsides below. The four-storey temple remains a worthy example of the country’s traditional architecture and artistic techniques. This chorten, however, is unique. It is not designed for community worship or for a monastic retreat or education like other Buddhist Institute and Colleges. It is designed as a magical tool. This is a temple situated on a hilltop and built by the Queen Mother of Bhutan for the fifth and reigning King of Bhutan. The temple is a mark of Bhutanese architecture and paintings. Its a half day hike round trip.

Experience River rafting in Phochu and Mochu: This river facing experience will surely offer you the best opportunity to briefly break away from the tour itinerary. The Pho-Chu, with its approximate 16 km course with about 15 rapids of class 2-4 is the most popular for rafting in Bhutan followed by Mo-Chu River with 10 Km course comprising around 10 rapids with 2 – 2+ rapids. You are not only enjoying the rafting but can also watch world’s rarest bird, the white belled Heron in its natural habitat and Kingfishers frolicking on the riverbank – all these topped off with the spectacular sight of serene lush green alpine valleys, are the most amazing experience you would love to treasure. Rafting in Bhutan is a superb experience in its own right. No special experience is required as long as you do not mind doing a bit of paddling and getting a bit wet – or quite possibly very wet! – Then you will have an exciting time riding the white waters of the Himalayan Rivers. Rivers in Bhutan also offer great potential for Kayaking. If you are looking for more adventure, we will be happy to customize a suitable Kayaking adventure in Bhutan.

Visit Chime Lhakhang, On the en-route to Paro, we’ll visit Chime Lhakhang located on a hillock among the green and lush paddy field stands a pilgrimage site for a childless couple. Chimi Lhakhang is known as the “Temple Of Fertility”. Ngawang Choegyel, the 14th Drukpa hierarch, built the temple over half a millennium ago. The monastery is renowned throughout Bhutan as a fertility-inducing magnet, pledging that all who wish to conceive will find guidance at the temple. Thousands of pilgrimage within and across the country visit the Fertility Temple in the hopes of having a child, as well as receiving a wang, blessing, from the saint with the ‘magic thunderbolt of wisdom. Couples with new-borns often visit the temple so that a local lama, Buddhist teacher, can bestow a resounding forename on the child, whilst eager travellers can approach lamas for their unique Bhutanese name and special meaning. Myth and folklore cloak Chimi Lhakhang and its maverick saint, Drukpa Kunley. He preached Buddhism is an unconventional manner, by way of song, comedy, and shocking sensual connotations. Legend has it that the Yogi buried a dog-like demoness under the rotund earth, shaped in the female form, that now stands under the Stupa floor.  He actively encouraged phallus symbols to be used throughout the design of the temple in paintings and carvings. To this day, the monastery safeguards the original wooden phallus symbol, embedded with a silver handle, from Tibet, that is used to bless visitors and pilgrims. You will be also given a wooden phallus symbol locket or wristband.

Hike to Adha and Rukha village; Located under the Wangdue Phrodang dzongkhag, the villages of Adha and Rukha are excellent places to gain insights into the lives of rural Bhutanese farmers.

While it is possible to camp out during your visit we recommend asking your guides to arrange a home-stay with one of the local families. The farmers will happily welcome you into their homes and regale you with local legends of mermaids and ancient kings. It is usually better to schedule your visit during autumn as these areas are prone to leeches, sand flies and mosquitoes during the summer.

Day 7: Travel to Phobjikha

Visit Wangdue Phodrang Dzong en-route to Phobjikha: Wangdue Phodrang Dzong overlooks the convergence of the Dangchhu and Punatsangchhu.                            

When Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel was in Chimi Lhakhang at Punakha, an old cripple approached him and told him that if he built a dzong in Wangdue Phodrang on a ridge that resembled a sleeping elephant, he would unite the country. Zhabdrung concluded that the old man was Yeshey Goenpo (Mahakala) and sent a noble to study the location. The noble reported that he saw four ravens circling the ridge, which flew away in four different directions when he approached. Taking this to be a good omen, Zhabdrung constructed the dzong in 1638.

Travel to Phobjikha: Stroll through Bajo town and continue travelling to Phobjikha. Phobjikha which is another top highest priority sight reserved for tourist is situated at an average altitude of 3,000m is a wide and beautiful valley, designated as conservation zone within the Jigme Singye Wangchuk National Park (formerly known as Black Mountains National Park) is a natural habitat for wildlife, including nesting grounds for endangered black-necked cranes that migrate from Central Asia in the winter (late October and stay till March). The general vegetation is composed of mainly blue pine, birch, maple and several species of rhododendrons. The Central Valley inhabited by the Cranes in winter has mostly dwarf bamboo. The repeated grazing of the bamboos by the local cattle and horses in summer prepares the ground for the wintering Cranes. The magnificent Black-necked Cranes heighten the breathtaking scenery of Phobjikha in winter respiratory. 

Visit Gangte Goemba temple: 

The Temple stands on valley’s prime real estate, on a forested hill overlooking the green expanse of the entire Phobjikha valley. The extensive complex consists of the central goemba, monks’ quarters, a small guesthouse and outlying meditation centres. Much of the interior and exterior woodwork of the 450-year-old goemba was replaced between 2001 and 2008 due to a beetle-larvae infestation.

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Day 8: Phobjikha Hike

Exploring wildlife sanctuary and hike over spectacular Phobjikha valley.

Aside from enjoying the tranquillity of the valley, you can engage in day hikes in Phobjikha. There are multiple trails with easy to moderate difficulty, leading through the pine forest.        Hikers will come across community school, temples and small village where they can engage with the locals if they choose to. We can arrange mountain-bike hire, if you prefer to do so instead of hike. One can spot different birds making it ideal for photography.

You will then visit the information centre of the Royal So­ciety for Protection of Nature’s (RSPN), which has various informative displays about the black-necked cranes and the valley environment. You can use the centre’s powerful spotting scopes and check what you see against its pamphlet Field Guide to Crane Behaviour. If the weather’s iffy, you can browse the library and handicraft shop and watch a 15-minute video. Ornithologists or anyone with a keen interest in birds might find this place most suitable. This place is run by the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) and has an observation room with high-power telescopes and good scope for spotting the famous Black Necked Crane, which migrates to the region during winter. It also displays information about the history of the region.

This pavilion lookout on the Gangte Nature Trail offers fine valley views and is just above a hide used by birders spotting black-necked cranes.

Experience Phobjikha home stay: While it is possible to stay in hotel as usual, we highly recommend you to experience Homestay in Phobjikha village. Some of you might be hearing this term ‘Homestay’ for the first time; this homestay culture is very common in Bhutanese society. This literally means you are spending night in the traditional home of Bhutanese family, where you get to experience an excellent glimpse into the day-to-day life of a typical Bhutanese family. You’ll enjoy delicious home-cooked meals and the unparalleled hospitality of a Bhutanese host. All officially sanctioned and listed home-stays are located in the gorgeous Bhutanese countryside, far from the noise and crowds of population centres. Our tour guide will have to arrange a home-stay with one of the local families. The farmers will happily welcome you into their homes and regale you with local legends of mermaids and ancient kings.

Experience hot stone bath at home stay: By the time you conclude of the every day’s program your landlord will have organised Bhutanese traditional Hot Stone Bath. Taking a hot stone bath is the perfect way to unwind any hardship traveller’s day, and you will feel complete relaxed in the middle of nature reserved forested areas. In a traditional set up, cold water is poured into a wooden tub. The enclosed small room would also have a fireplace where the stones are heated and the fire also to keeps the room warm. Once heated, the hot stones are put into the tub in a segregated compartment releasing high concentration of minerals while also heating the water. Stones are periodically changed to maintain the water temperature. Herbs are also added to make it more therapeutic.

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Day 9: Travel back to Paro

Travel to Paro; We’ll stop for coffee break or photo shoot at Dochula pass

Visit Tamchog Lhakhang: On en-route to Paro, we will take an opportunity to visit Tamchog Lhakhang. One has to cross an ancient bridge and this bridge is the main attraction as the iron on this bridge are an ancient and the legend has this that the treasure hunter of Bhutan pounded these, irons into Chain links in the 16th Century. Beating the iron on his thighs did the pounding.

Visit Paro international Airport viewpoint: Paro airport is famous as one of the most daring international airports in the world due to its location in the narrow valley surrounded by the high mountains. Anyway, it’s totally wrong to call it dangerous. Actually, no serious accident ever happened here.

Stroll through Paro town: The charming town of Paro lies on the riverbanks of the Paro (or Pa) Chhu, just a short distance northwest of the imposing Paro Dzong. The main street, only built in 1985, is lined with colourfully painted wooden shopfronts and restaurants.

Like Thimphu city Paro is also the most modern city in Bhutan with an abundance of restaurants, Internet cafes, nightclubs and shopping centres. However, it still retains its’ cultural identity and values amidst the signs of modernization.

For now Paro remains one of the best Bhutanese towns to explore on foot and is worth an hour or two’s stroll at the end of a day of sightseeing.

One of the distinctive features of Paro town is that it is situated in a flat valley bottom and follows a grid-like pattern. The central plaza is adorned with a large prayer wheel and a small amphitheatre where events are held throughout the year.

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Day 10: Hike Taktshang

Taktshang Hike; Taktshang means Tiger’s nest, the Monastery’ is one of the Himalaya’s most incredible landmark and religious sites, miraculously perched on the side of a sheer cliff 900m above the floor of Paro valley. The Monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff drop of nearly 4000 ft and overlooks the Paro valley and the river. It’s the goal of every visitor to Bhutan and while getting there involves a bit of uphill legwork, it’s well worth the effort. It is said that in the second half of the 8th century, Guru Padma Sambhava known as the second Buddha in Bhutan meditated on this spot where the Monastery is situated having alighted there on the back of a flying tigress and now this site is a sacred shrine for Bhutanese pilgrims.

Experience home stay in Paro village: While it is possible to stay in hotel as usual, we highly recommend you to experience Homestay in Paro village. Some of you might be hearing this term ‘Homestay’ for the first time; this homestay culture is very common in Bhutanese society. This literally means you are spending night in the traditional home of Bhutanese family, where you get to experience an excellent glimpse into the day-to-day life of a typical Bhutanese family. You’ll enjoy delicious home-cooked meals and the unparalleled hospitality of a Bhutanese host. All officially sanctioned and listed home-stays are located in the gorgeous Bhutanese countryside, far from the noise and crowds of population centres. Our tour guide will have to arrange a home-stay with one of the local families. The farmers will happily welcome you into their homes and regale you with local legends of mermaids and ancient kings.

Experience hot stone bath at home stay: By the time you conclude of the every day’s program your landlord will have organised Bhutanese traditional Hot Stone Bath. Taking a hot stone bath is the perfect way to unwind any hardship traveller’s day, and you will feel complete relaxed in the middle of nature reserved forested areas. In a traditional set up, cold water is poured into a wooden tub. The enclosed small room would also have a fireplace where the stones are heated and the fire also to keeps the room warm. Once heated, the hot stones are put into the tub in a segregated compartment releasing high concentration of minerals while also heating the water. Stones are periodically changed to maintain the water temperature. Herbs are also added to make it more therapeutic.

Day 11: Paro tour.

Visit Paro Rinpung Dzong: One of the main attractions in Paro is the Paro Rinpung Dzong (fortress), which was built in 1646. The Dzong now houses for the office of the district Administration and district monastic body of Bhutan. On the way to Dzong, you can able to see Bhutanese traditional wooden bridge built in ancient style. In native language, the name Rinpung Dzong means, ‘the fortress on a heap of Jewels’. Overlooking Paro town, The Rinpung Dzong with its elegant and harmonious structures has become the must-visit tourist place in Bhutan.

Visit the National Museum (Ta-Dzong): is located just above the Paro Rinpung Dzong, which was built to be used as the watchtower for the Dzong during inter-valley wars of the 17th century. The Ta-Dzong is now serving as National Museum. The Museum has got a collection of all kinds of traditional Masks, extinct wildlife animals skin cover, Stamps, Photos, Statues, Pottery, Arms and Ammunition, ancient costumes, relics, religious paintings, handicrafts, and hangs the Biggest mask in Bhutan. The collection at the National Museum preserves a snapshot of the rich cultural traditions of the country.

Visit Paro Drugyel Dzong: Another site worth visiting in Paro is Drugyel Dzong or The Fortress of the Victorious Bhutanese. Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal constructed it in 1646 to commemorate his victory over marauding Tibetan armies. The fortress was destroyed by fire in 1951 but the ruins remain an impressive and imposing sight.

Visit Kichu Lhakhang: depending of your mood and tiredness, we’ll visit Kichu Lhakhang on the way back to Paro town. Kichu Lhakhang (Lhakhang means temple), is the oldest temple in the country, built in the 659 AD, by the King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet. It is believed that the king had built 108 temples in the various place he visited on earth to spread Buddhism and Kyichu Lhakhang is included as one. The Lhakhang is located in between Paro Town and Drugyal Dzong. In Bhutan, people believe that the place where Lhakhang is built is considered one of the holiest places in the country, as it marks the advent of Buddhism in the country.

This concludes your whole western Bhutan Hike trip to Bhutan

Day 12: Depart from Paro International Airport

After early breakfast, drive back to Paro International airport for flight to onward destination. Our sincere service doesn’t end here. While you and tour guide exchange thanksgiving and bids farewell, your helpful driver will gently stack your valuable luggage on the trolley, and your tour guide will help you to push till check-in counter and waits until you get through to board gate.

Abstract/abbreviate

Dzong: Fortress

Lhakhang: Temple

Tak Tshang: Tiget Nest

Chazam: Suspension bridge

Chorten: Stupa