Best Season- Mid Mar-May, Sep-October
Discover the highlights of western Bhutan on this seven-day journey. Starting in Paro, the tour takes you through Thimphu, Punakha, and the scenic Gangtey/Phobjikha Valley.
Experience the wonders of western Bhutan on this week-long journey. Starting from Paro, the tour will take you to Thimphu, Punakha, and the picturesque Gangtey/Phobjikha Valley. Along the way, explore ancient temples, impressive dzongs, and charming traditional villages. A standout highlight of the trip is the visit to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, dramatically perched atop a cliff.
7 Days
1 & above
Easy
Hotels & Homestay
4–5 Hours
Mid Mar-May, Sep-October
On arrival at Paro Airport, you will be welcomed by your guide and escorted to a local restaurant for lunch. Afterward, take a leisurely walk across the traditional wooden bridge to visit Rinpung Dzong, an impressive fortress-monastery. Continue to Kichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred shrines. In the evening, drive to Thimphu, the country’s capital, for overnight stay.
Spend the day exploring Thimphu’s key attractions. Visit the King’s Memorial Chorten, built in honor of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, and the School of Arts and Crafts, also known as the painting school. Stop by the Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory, the massive Buddha Dordenma Statue, and the Motithang Takin Preserve to see Bhutan’s national animal. End the day with a visit to Tashichho Dzong, famously called the “Fortress of Glorious Religion.”
Embark on a scenic drive to Punakha, stopping at Dochula Pass (3,150 m) to enjoy panoramic Himalayan views on clear days. Descend to Metshina Village and take a short 20-minute walk through lush rice fields to reach Chimi Lhakhang, the “Divine Madman’s Temple,” renowned as a temple of fertility. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Punakha, where you will explore the stunning Punakha Dzong, often considered one of Bhutan’s most beautiful dzongs.
After breakfast, drive to the remote Gangtey Valley, with a stop in Wangdue Phodrang to view the dramatic Wangdue Phodrang Dzong perched on a ridge. Ascend through forests of oak and rhododendron to Lawala Pass, blanketed with dwarf bamboo and offering spectacular Himalayan vistas. Descend toward Gangtey and explore Gangtey Goenpa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan. In the afternoon, enjoy a hike through Phobjikha Valley, home to the rare Black-necked Cranes, which migrate here from the Tibetan Plateau during winter.
Drive back to Paro, stopping en route at the Royal Botanical Garden and the unique Druk Wangyal Monastery. After lunch in Thimphu, continue your journey to Paro, where you can take an evening stroll through the town and soak in the local atmosphere.
Today’s highlight is the hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, Bhutan’s most iconic monastery, perched at 3,180 meters. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche flew to this site on the back of a tigress to meditate in the 8th century. Stop for lunch at the Cafeteria Restaurant halfway up the trail. Explore the monastery before descending back to Paro for overnight stay.
After breakfast, drive to Paro Airport for your onward flight. Your guide will bid you farewell, concluding your unforgettable journey through Bhutan.
