Western and Central Bhutan Tour by Maebar Travel

9 daysDuration

Private TourPrivate experience, no group joining

15 peopleMaximum group size

5 - 73 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

Paro, Bhutan

Ends

Paro, Bhutan

Highlights

Take a tour of one of Bhutan's largest fortress: Jakar Dzong

Learn about various aspects of Bhutanese culture and history in Thimphu

See one of the world's largest Buddha's sitting statue

Hike to the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery

Itinerary

Experience the mysterious charm of Bhutan on the "Western and Central Bhutan Tour," an eight-day exploration crafted for experienced travelers who value authenticity. Begin in Thimphu, Bhutan’s bustling capital, before journeying to the majestic Punakha Dzong and the sacred valley of Bumthang, home to centuries-old monasteries. Discover the scenic Gangtey Valley, famed for its endangered black-necked cranes, and finish with a breathtaking hike to Paro’s Tiger’s Nest Monastery. This tour stands out for its in-depth access to both well-known and hidden sites, offering rare cultural encounters and a deep dive into Bhutan’s unique traditions and natural beauty.

day 1 - Arrival in Paro International Airport and Sightseeing

Welcome to Bhutan! As you touch down, you will be received by your guide and driver at the airport and driven to the town. After welcome tea and refreshment, set out on a sightseeing tour.

The highlights include Kichu lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan that was built in 629 AD by a Tibetan king; Rinpung Dzong also known as the 'Fortress of the Heap of Jewels'; and Ta Dzong, an ancient watch tower turned into a museum.

After the tour, drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan nestled in the hearth of the Himalayas. Once you have settled in, you are free to explore the city on your own or take a guided tour.

Accommodation:3 Star Hotel

Meals:Lunch, Dinner

day 2 - Discover Punakha and Wangdue

Today you will take a trip to Punakha and Wangdue. En route, stop by Dochula Pass (3,150 m) to admire the spectacular views of the eastern Himalayan mountain range. You will also stroll around 108 stupas and enter Drukwangyel (Royal temple). Next, take a short hike along the Metshina village to Chimi lhakhang, a solitary fertility temple where a childless couple comes to pray.

Continue the tour with a visit to Punakha Dzong or the 'Palace of Great Happiness' — a beautiful fortress between Pochu and Mochu rivers. You will also cross a suspension bridge to visit Gidagom village.

Accommodation:3 Star Hotel

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

day 3 - Trongsa and Bumthang’s Landscape Tour

Today you will drive to Trongsa in central Bhutan. On the way, stop for lovely mountain views at Pele La Pass (3,300 m). In this part of the country, it is also common to spot yaks. Continue onward to reach Rukubji Valley, where you will see houses clustered amid extensive fields of mustard, potatoes, barley, and wheat. You will also stop at Chendebji Chorten, a large white Nepali style stupa beside a stream. Also, enjoy a full view of Trongsa Dzong, the largest fortress monastery in Bhutan, from Tangsibji.

(Optional: Embark on an ancient trail hike down to the river base and up to the fortress (2.5 hrs walk. Trongsa used to be one of the most powerful fortresses in Bhutan).

Next up is a trip to an ancient watch tower, which now serves as a historic museum. After the tour of the museum, drive over one of the most scenic routes via the Yotong La Pass (3425 m). You will also visit a Yathra (hand-woven woollen cloth) weaving centre in Chumey Valley. Once you have arrived in Bumthang, enjoy a lovely stroll around the town before callint it a day.

Accommodation:3 Star Hotel

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

day 4 - Bumthang Spiritual Sightseeing

Spend the whole day in a sightseeing tour of Bumthang today. First, take a tour of Jakar Dzong or the 'Fortress of the White Bird'—one of the largest dzongs (fortresses) in Bhutan that boasts surrounding walls of about one kilometer in circumference.

After the fortress of tour, enjoy a lovely lunch and rest for a while before setting out on a hike that will take us to a series of ancient and important religious sites such as Jambay lhakhang, Kurjey lhakhang, Pema Sambha lhakhang and Tamshing lhakhang. These temples have many mythical stories linked to its origin and dates back as early as 8th century. Allow your guide to unfold their origin stories and mysteries.

In the afternoon, join yet another short hike to Menbar Tsho (The Burning Lake). This is the holiest lake in Bhutan and is believed to fulfill one's wishes. Later in the afternoon, enjoy a tour of Wangdichholing Palace, the first palace of the present Wangchuk dynasty and the first that was not designed as a fortress.

In the evening, you are free to spend the time at your leisure.

Accommodation:3 Star Hotel

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

day 5 - Gangtey Rural Expedition

Today we will take a trip to Phobjikha, an incredible valley on the north western tip of the Black Mountain. It’s also one of the roosting grounds of the Black-necked cranes. En route, visit the Trongsa Dzong, a white fortress that appears to grow directly up from the narrow green ridge. Enjoy a nature walk through the refreshing Blue pine forest to reach the village of Kwewa (1.5hr hike). There, try some homemade tea and local snacks, and interact with monks at Kewa Monastery. After the day's tour, you are free to explore or rest at your hotel.

Accommodation:3 Star Hotel

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

day 6 - Phobjikha and Thimphu Happiness Tour

Start the day early with a walk around the green valley to enjoy the view of the sunrise. After breakfast, drive to Thimphu, the charming capital city of Bhutan. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and get some rest before driving to Buddha Gang, which offers a spectacular view of Thimphu city. This giant Buddha-statue overlooking Thimphu is one of the biggest in the world.

Circumambulate Memorial Chorten, before heading to Tashichhoe Dzong.

Tashichhoe Dzong is both administrative center and and important religious site in Bhutan. It houses Bhutan's main secretariat building, the office of the king, the throne room and also the house of the State Monastic Body.

The evening is at your leisure. Do some more exploring on your own or rest.

Accommodation:3 Star Hotel

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

day 7 - Thimphu Cultural Tour

Enjoy one more day of exploration and cultural sightseeing around Thimphu today. After breakfast,

drive to Sangay-gang where the national animal of Bhutan, the Takin, is found in captivity. This hill is also called the “romantic point” as lovers often come here to enjoy the panoramic view of the Thimphu valley.

Next, embark on a Wangditse hike (1 hr). From the prayer flag decorated area at the start of the trail, you will follow the path through thick Blue pine forest climbing upwards to Choekhortse Goemba. Spend some time in nature enjoying the spectacular view.

Afterward, visit the General Post Office, where you can create a personalized postage stamps with your own photo as souvenirs. Also, visit to Zorig Chusum or the 'School for Thirteen Traditional Arts and Crafts,' followed by a visit to Craft Bazaar where you can buy authentic local handicraft items. Next stop is Zilukha Nunnery, where you can pray with the nuns, and then a trip to Farmers' Weekend Market, where you can try some organic fruits and nuts. Later in the afternoon, swing by at the national stadium to see the locals playing their national game: archery.

The evening is at your leisure. Explore the capital city or rest at your hotel.

Accommodation:3 Star Hotel

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

day 8 - Excursion to Mystical Taktsang

After a wholesome breakfast, spend the day hiking up the forested path to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan’s most famous, spiritual and scenic icon. Tiger’s Nest clings to sheer cliffs of 900m above Paro Valley. The climb is steep and takes about five hours to complete the round trip. You can also hire a pony or a horse if you are not up for the hike.

Before proceeding to the holy monastery, offer butter lamps at the cliffside for the wellbeing of all sentient beings. At the monastery, sit together inside the speech room just above the cave where Guru Rimpoche meditated in the 8th century. Open your heart and allow yourself to embrace the divine energy circulating at Taktsang and carry the fond experience with you when you fly back home. A sunkey (holy string) and khada will be given to you by a lama before you leave.

Lunch will be served at a hillside cafe close to the Tiger’s Nest. In evening, you will partake in an authentic Bhutanese farewell dinner at a typical village home with local liquor known as 'Ara.

'

Duration:5 hours

Accommodation:3 Star Hotel

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

day 9 - Depart from Paro International Airport

Our representative will bid you farewell at the airport.

Tashi Delek!

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What's Included

7 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches and 8 DinnersVisa feeAll airport transfersAccommodation in 3 star hotels minimumAll meals ( Breakfast, lunch and dinner )All monument feesPrivate vehicle with ACProfessional English speaking guideExperienced company driver

What's Excluded

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Highlights

Itinerary