Western Bhutan Tour

Cultural Tours offers a wide array of fabled destinations, custom designed itineraries, tailor made travel programs. All published Programs are locally hosted with professional English Speaking Guide for all transfers and sightseeing excursions. Guests are met at the Airport upon arrival by a professional English speaking guide, and are in the care of our carefully chosen correspondents throughout their stay.

Trip Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights

Day 1: Arrival at Paro Paro Elevation: 2,280m

Upon arrival you will be welcomed and escorted to your lodge/hotel by your host/guide from Ratna Yoebar Tours. Your private guide will take you for a stroll around the vibrant town of Paro in the evening. The wide and fertile valley of Paro is considered as the Rice bowl of the country.

Attractions of the day:

• Paro Dzong or the Rinpung Dzong – Fortress of the heap of Jewels.
• Ta Dzong: It is the National Museum, a conical watch tower overlooking the Rinpung Dzong.
• Kichu Lhakhang: One of the 108 temples built by the Tibetan king Songsten Gampo in the 7^th century to subdue an ogress. There is another temple said to be built on the same day called Jampey Lhakhang in Bumthang.

Day 2: Paro to Thimphu Thimphu Elevation: 2,320m

After breakfast at Paro, we will drive to the capital city Thimphu (58 km 2:00hrs). The capital city houses the seat of the Government, many glittering monuments, temples, museums, monasteries and dzongs. In the evening, we shall travel to Paro. Dinner and overnight stay at Paro.

Attractions of the day:

• The Memorial Stupa
• Folk Heritage Museum
• Changangkha Lhakhang
• Trashichhodzong
• Buddha Point, The 169 feet Buddha Dordenma statue, largest Statue of Buddha in the world.

Day 3: Thimphu to PunakhaPunakha Elevation: 1,310m

Morning hike to Tango Monastery built in 17th century. After lunch travel to Punakha via the Dochula pass. On a clear weather, we can see the Bhutanese Himalayas; east of Chomolhari to Gangkhar Puensum.

• Tango Monastery: The monastery is the residence of the Druk Desi Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye, a lama who is a reincarnation of the 16th century monk who founded Tango.

Day 4: Punakha to Thimphu Thimphu Elevation: 2,320m

After early breakfast we will drive to Punakha, it is 2 hours journey from Thimphu. Overnight stay at Thimphu.

Attractions of the day:

• Punakha Dzong: The second of Bhutan’s Dzongs built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Rinpoche. The official name is Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang, which translates as “The Palace of Great Happiness”
• Chhimi Lhakhang: The fertility temple dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, a Tibetan Buddhist saint and a folk hero popularly known as The Divine Madman

Day 5: Thimphu to Paro

Visit the The Memorial Stupa and head to Paro. After lunch drive to Drukgyel Dzong, enroute visit to Dungtse Lhakhang. Evening tea at a local farm house and walk around Paro town. Dinner and overnight stay at Paro.

• Dungtse Lhakhang: An unusual Chorten-like temple that was built in 1433 by the iron-bridge builder Thangthong Gyalpo.
• Drugyel Dzong: The ruins of the Drugyal Dzong, The Fortress of the Victorious Drukpa People stands on a scenic knoll at one end of Paro valley. It was built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel to commemorate victory over Tibetan invasions.

Day 6: Paro to Haa

Morning drive to Haa town which was recently opened to foreigners. Sightseeing of local places in and around Haa Valley. After lunch drive back to Paro. Overnight stay at Paro.

Day 7: Excursion to Taktshang

We hike up through pine forests to the striking monastic retreat of Taktsang. The Taktshang or The Tiger’s Nest Monastery clings precariously to a cliff of 3,000 feet above the Paro Valley. The legend has it that Guru Rinpoche flew to the site of the monastery on the back of a tigress, a manifestation of his consort Yeshe Tshogyal, to subdue a local demon. He then meditated in a cave for three months. For the local people it is a place of pilgrimage, but for a tourist, a hike up to the view point opposite the monastery is exhausting, thrilling and a mystical experience.

Farewell dinner and overnight stay at Paro.

Day 8: Departure

Depart from Paro International Airport to your homeland. Your Guide will escort you to bid you farewell and a safe journey back.

Note: The itineraries can be tailored to suit your interest and convenience.

Daily Tariff (High tourist season):
US $250 per person per day on twin sharing basis during the Month of March, April, May, September, October, November

Daily Tariff (low tourist season):
US $ 200 per person per day on twin sharing basis during the month of January, February, June, July, August, December

All the tours can be customized and clients can request extra services.
SINGLE ROOM SUPPLIMENT US $ 30 PER NIGHT PER PERSON.
FIT surcharges 1 pax US $ 40 per day per person.
FIT surcherges 2 pax US $ 30 per day per person.

Cost Includes:
1. All Permits
2. Museum Fees
3. All Sightseeing
4. Walks and Hikes
5. Bottled Mineral Water
6. English Speaking Guide
7. Double/Twin in 2/3 Star Accomodation
8. Receive and Transfer to Airport
9. 3 Meals every day with Evening Tea
10. Toyota SUV for FIT & Toyota Bus for Group with Driver

Cost Does Not Include:
1. Insurance
2. Inbound Airfare
3. Gifts & Souvenirs
4. Alcohol & Beverages
5. Round Trip Air fare
6. Donations to Monasteries
7. International Telephone Calls
8. Tips for Guide, Driver & other Staff

Note:
TCB Licensed language Speaking Guides US $ 100 per day.
Tour price is based on High Season Tariff of US $ 250. For low season months it will be based on Low Season Tariff of US $ 200