Discover Western Bhutan | A 7-Day Cultural Escape

Day by day

1. 1

   Bangkok/India to Paro/Thimphu

   Your Peacock Adventure Tours representative will pick you up from the airport in Paro and transfer you to your hotel in Thimphu. The drive from Paro to Thimphu is around 1 hour and takes you through winding roads and picturesque mountain scenery. After checking in to your hotel, you can visit the Giant Buddha, a massive statue of Buddha Dordenma located atop a hill overlooking Thimphu valley. You can also visit the Memorial Chorten, a stupa built in memory of the third king of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, and the Centenary Farmer Market, where you can buy local produce, handicrafts, and souvenirs. In the afternoon, you can visit the zoo, which houses several species of animals native to Bhutan, including the takin, Bhutan’s national animal.

2. 2

   Thimphu to Punakha

   After breakfast, visit the Painting School (also known as the National Institute of ZorigChusum), where students learn traditional Bhutanese arts and crafts, such as painting, weaving, and sculpture. • Then, visit the Folk Heritage Museum, which showcases Bhutanese rural life and traditional architecture. • Afterward, drive to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan and the winter residence of the monastic body. • Upon arrival, have lunch at a local restaurant and then hike to ChimiLhakhang, a fertility temple dedicated to the divine madman, Lama Drukpa Kuenley. • In the evening, visit the hilltop nunnery, Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang, which offers stunning views of the Punakha valley

3. 3

   Punakha Halt

   • Today visit the Punakha Dzong, one of the most impressive fortresses in Bhutan and the site of many royal weddings and coronations. • In the afternoon, hike to KhamsumYuelayNamgayChorten, a beautiful temple located on a hill overlooking the Punakha valley. • Enjoy the views of the surrounding countryside and take in the serene atmosphere of this peaceful place.

4. 4

   Punakha to Gangtey

   • After breakfast, take a 4-hour drive to the Gangtey Valley, one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan. • En route, visit the WangduephodrangDzong, a fortress overlooking the convergence of two rivers. • In Gangtey, visit one of the biggest Nyagmapas schools in the west, the GangteyShedra, and learn about the unique philosophy and practices of this sect of Buddhism. • Take a nature trail hike that takes less than 2 hours and offers breathtaking views of the valley and surrounding mountains.

5. 5

   Gangtey to Paro

   • After breakfast, drive back to Paro, the gateway to Bhutan’s cultural and natural treasures. • En route, stop at Dochula Pass (3,100m), where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas and the surrounding valleys.

6. 6

   Paro- Tiger Nest day Excursion.

   • Today, take a day excursion to Taksang (Tiger Nest), one of Bhutan’s most iconic landmarks and a must-visit destination for any traveler to Bhutan. • The hike to Tiger Nest takes around 5-6 hours, depending on your fitness level, and leads you through lush forests and scenic landscapes. • The monastery itself is perched on a cliff 900 meters above the Paro valley and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. • On the way back, visit Kichu Monastery, which is the oldest monastery in Bhutan and dates back to the 7th century. • The temple is famous for its ancient statues and religious artifacts, and is considered one of the most sacred sites in Bhutan.

7. 7

   Paro to Bangkok/India

   • After breakfast, drive to the airport in Paro for your departure flight. • Bid farewell to Bhutan and its friendly people, and take with you memories of a unique and unforgettable journey.

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