Western Bhutan Cultural Tour
A journey shaped by the landscapes, people and experiences of Nepal.
Offered by Nexus Travel & Tours Pvt. Ltd.
NEPAL · TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
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The Western Bhutan comprises of Paro, Thimpu, Punakha and Wangdue among others. A tour of western Bhutan will bring you closer to the people and culture of Bhutan. Grab the opportunity to observe summer festivals of ritual dances and Shamanism, visit Monasteries and museums and explore ancient and medieval Dzongs. Our journey begins with a sightseeing of Thimphu. Here we will visit Memorial Chorten, Nunnery Monastery and then head to Punakha to see Punakha Dzong, once the capital of Bhutan now a winter residence of the Chief Abbot of Bhutan. We will also drive to Punakha through the Do-Chula pass (3,050m). In Paro we will visit Simtokha Dzong (the oldest Dzong in Bhutan), National Museum, Paro Dzong and Satsam Chorten. Western Bhutan Cultural Tour is one of the cultural tours of Bhutan. On this tour, you will get the chance to visit some of the wonderful monasteries. You will also get the chance to experience some annual festivals of Bhutanese people. Depending upon your interest, Western Bhutan cultural tour can last up to 21 days. You will get the chance to get a rare insight into the whole of Bhutan. You will visit the alpine valley of Bhobjika, Gangtey Gompa and then on to Trongsa and then to Jakar, Bumthang’s main village.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1Kathmandu - Paro — Fly from Kathmandu to Paro on a Druk Air flight which offers the most fascinating aerial views of the Himalayas including Everest and Kanchendzonga. At first glimpse, the Bhutanese landscape will mesmerize you with its green rolling mountains, river valleys, waterfalls and the great snowcapped Himalayan peaks.
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Day 2Paro Sightseeing — Today we will go sightseeing in and around Paro. Our first stop is the Taktsang monastery or Tiger’s nest. The climb up to the top of the Monastery will take around three hours. It was here that Guru Padmasambava landed on the back of a tiger in the 8th century, and mediated for three months. The monastery took its present modern shape in 1684.
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Day 3Paro - Thimphu — We will go for a morning visit to the courtyard of 7th century Kichu Lhakhang. Kichu Lhakhang was built by Tibetan King Trsongsan Gampo, and is one of the 108 chortens he built all across the Himalayas to suppress the influence of demons.
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Day 4Thimphu –Punakha — Today we will go on a morning drive to Punakha via Simtokha Dzong. The trail takes us through the beautiful pine forest and rural villages as we close in on the mountains on the horizon. It is at reaching Dochula Pass (10,500 feet) that views of the Himalayas become spectacular.
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Day 5Punakha Sigthseeing. — Punakha used to be the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and is one of the best places to explore and learn about medieval Dzongs. Among them Punakha Dzong is one of the most important in the kingdom situated in the middle of two rivers (Pho chu and Mo chu).
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Day 6Punakha-Wangdue- Thimphu — After morning breakfast today, we will go sightseeing around Wangdue Phodrang Dzong. The dzong was established in 1638 AD by Zhabdrung Rinpoche to fortify against any invasion from south.
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Day 7Thimphu – Paro — Today we will have a relaxing day. In the morning hours we will take a leisurely stroll out to the Weekend Market. You can buy handicraft and other traditional souvenirs as well as observer the lifestyle of Bhutanese people. In the afternoon, we will drive to Paro.
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Day 8Paro-Kathmandu — You will take morning flight to Kathmandu from Paro Airport.
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What's included in your experience
Included
- All airport pick-up and drop-off services by private vehicle
- Flight tickets from Kathmandu to Paro and Paro to Kathmandu
- Tour guide
- Visa for Bhutan
- Travel permit
- All land transportation by private vehicle
- All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the Bhutan trip
- Hotel accommodation at 3 star standards hotel (upgrading of hotel is possible with additional charge)
- All entry fees
- Sightseeing
- Tourist Development Fee (TDF)
Not included
- Personal nature expenses
- Drinks, beverages, etc.
- Travel insurance
- Tips
- Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (We can book your accommodation in Kathmandu according to your preference.)
Essential trip information
Fitness & eligibility
1
Meeting point
Kathmandu
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