Western Bhutan Tour: Immerse in 7 Days of Culture, Temples, and Scenic Beauty

This 6 nights & 7 days tour takes you to Thimphu, Gangtey, Punakha and Paro covering western Bhutan. You will be visiting to ancient temples and fortresses. Hike up to Taktsang and enjoy dinner with local family and take traditional hotstone bath.

Duration: 7 days
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights

Arrive at Paro - Thimphu

Tachogang Lhakhang Bridge - On the way, visit Tamchogang, situated along the Paro-Thimphu highway, before Chhuzom. It’s just a 10-minute walk from the highway. This spot is perfect for photography, offering stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere.

Thimphu Chorten (Memorial Chorten) - National Memorial Chorten
One of the most popular attractions in Thimphu, this chorten serves as a daily place of worship for many locals. Elderly people, children, and others visit this Memorial Chorten daily on their way to work, school, or home. The chorten features beautiful mandalas and murals, and its large red prayer wheels attract hundreds of visitors who come to meditate.

Bhutan Postal Museum - Bhutan Postal Museum: Fascinating Stamps
If you have an interest in philately, the National Post Office in Thimphu is a must-visit. The museum showcases a variety of stamps, including round, square, rectangular, and even 3-D stamps. It’s a philatelist’s dream come true, and you can even create personalized stamps with your photo on them. This makes for an interesting souvenir to take home. Visit this fascinating land of stamps and pick up something for your friends as well.

Tashichho Dzong (Thimpu Dzong) - Tashichhodzong
The original Thimphu Dzong, known as Dho-Ngyen Dzong, was constructed in 1216 by Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa. It was later expanded by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, who found it too small. Now known as Tashichho Dzong, or the “fortress of glorious religion,” it was built in 1641 and rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the 1960s. Today, it houses the secretariat building, the throne room, and the offices of the King and central monk body.

Thimphu

Tango Buddhist Institute - Tango Buddhist Institute
Located about 14 kilometers from the city center, the Tango Buddhist Institute is a serene place set in the picturesque valley of Thimphu. Founded in the 13th century by the revered Lama Gyalwa Lhanampa, the three-story monastery houses several remarkable statues. The temple can be reached via a one-hour hike through scenic mountains and alpine woods, making it one of the most exhilarating activities in Thimphu.

Motithang Takin Preserve - Visit Motithang Takin Preserve, also known as the Mini Zoo, where you can see Bhutan’s national animal.

National Folk Heritage Museum - The Folk Heritage Museum is dedicated to connecting people to Bhutan’s rural past through its exhibitions.

Thimphu Handicrafts Market - The Crafts Bazaar offers authentic Bhutanese crafts.

Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory - Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory
The Jungshi factory is renowned for manufacturing traditional paper using age-old methods. Visitors can watch demonstrations of the paper-making process. One of the most popular activities in Thimphu, you can buy this unique paper as an interesting souvenir.

Changlimithang Stadium & Archery Ground - Archery
Bhutan is known for its vivid culture, vibrant festivals, and rich sports heritage. The royal sport of archery, or “Da” in Dzongkha, the national language of Bhutan, is a significant part of this heritage.

Thimphu - Gangtey

Buddha Dordenma - Dordenma Buddha Statue
Atop a hill in Thimphu, the capital and largest city of Bhutan, sits a massive golden Buddha on a gilded meditation hall. This statue measures about 51.5 meters and is located in the Kuenselphodrong Nature Park. It is believed to fulfill an ancient prophecy from the 12th century, bestowing blessings, peace, and happiness to the world.

Dochula Pass - Dochula Pass
Dochula Pass is a mountain pass in Bhutan, located at an elevation of around 3,100 meters (10,200 feet) above sea level. The pass offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges, including the majestic snow-capped peaks. Here, you will also find 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens.

Gangtey - Punakha

Gangtey Monastery - Gangtey Gompa
Dating back to the 17th century, Gangtey Monastery is perched atop a small hill overlooking the Phobjikha Valley. It is surrounded by a village inhabited mainly by the families of the 140 gomchens who take care of the monastery. This 17th-century Buddhist monastery is one of the most famed and sacred sites in the valley and is a must-visit when in Gangtey.

Chimi Lhakhang Temple - Chimi Lhakhang Temple is the most well-known temple in Bhutan, standing tall on a round hillock in Punakha. Known as the “Fertility Temple,” it is visited by many childless couples from around the Punakha District. It has become a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world to witness its unique traditional and cultural ceremonies. The monastery features ancient Thai-themed architecture with paintings and carvings of phalluses on its walls.

Punakha Dzong - Punakha Dzong
One of the majestic fortresses in Bhutan, Punakha Dzong sits at the confluence of the Mo Chhu (Female) and Pho Chhu (Male) rivers. To access the dzong, you must cross the Bazam Bridge, originally built in the 17th century. Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan, and its magnificent structure showcases world-class Bhutanese architecture and craftsmanship. Punakha Dzong is one of the most beautiful and frequently visited dzongs in Bhutan.

Punakha Suspension Bridge - Suspension Bridge
This colorful overpass is one of Bhutan’s longest suspension bridges, measuring 180 meters in length. From the bridge, you can enjoy spectacular views of the Po Chhu river and the valley. It’s an ideal spot for a photoshoot with a stunning background, and you’ll love the cool, breezy vibes from the suspension bridge.

Punakha - Paro

Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten - Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, offering picturesque views of the rice terraces along the river. Located on a ridge at Kabesa Gewog in Punakha, it overlooks several villages. It is a 30-minute drive from Khuruthang Town and a 45-minute uphill hike from the base of the hill, passing through a suspension bridge and rice fields.

Rinpung Dzong - Rinpung Dzong
Rinpung Dzong houses both the monastic body and district government offices, including local courts. Also known as Paro Dzong, it was built in 1644 under the order of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the unifier of Bhutan. The dzong has been used to protect Paro from Tibetan invasions. Below the dzong is a traditional wooden bridge called Nyamai Zam, which was reconstructed after the original was washed away in a 1969 flood.

National Museum - The National Museum captures Bhutan’s heritage through well-preserved artifacts from across the country. It is located near Paro Dzong.

Namgay Artisanal Brewery - Namgay Artisanal Brewery in Paro
Located in Dumsibu, Paro, this brewery offers six types of beer and apple cider. They brew various styles of beer to cater to different tastes, ensuring all beer lovers are satisfied.

Paro

Paro Taktsang - Breakfast hike to Taktsang Monastery, a wooden structure standing bravely on a cliff in the upper Paro Valley. The hike takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours one way. It is said that Guru Rinpoche flew here on the back of a tigress and established this monastery when he brought Buddhist teachings to Bhutan in the 8th century.

Paro - Later, stroll around Paro downtown for shopping.

Departure

Paro Airport Bird’s Eye View Point - Drive to Paro airport for your departure.

What's Included
  • Private transportation
  • Monument Fees (Dzongs & Temples) and Museum Fees
  • Bottle of water in the car
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Breakfast
  • A licensed Bhutanese tour guide for the extent of your stay
  • 3 star accommodation
  • Travel Insurance
What's Not Included
  • Flight
  • Drinks & Beverages
  • Sustainable Development Fee
  • Visa Fee
  • Personal Expenses such as Laundry, Tips, etc
Location
Paro International Airport
Once you arrive at Paro airport, our guide will pick you up.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.5
(2 Ratings)
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1 star
494bj_rne
Apr 16, 2024
Great experience on one-week Bhutan trip with OMSHA! - OMSHA travel was extremely professional and provided a unique trip experience in Bhutan we will not forget. The guide Pemba was extremely knowledgeable and adaptive to our needs and we had a super good and safe driver Uguyen. The agency even helped with some visa related issues that went beyond their role. Overall super happy and we will book with them again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jyotir2024
Jan 2, 2024
Bhutan Trip(7D 6N) - Many thanks to Mr Nawang for making such a trip possible. The organisation, the effectiveness, the planning and on top the driver Mr. Ugen were just perfect. We felt so comfortable although being so far from home. Everything worked out in time and perfectly; We will definitely recommend your travel agency Omsha Travel as well as our driver to our friends who are also planning trips to Bhutan. Once more, many thanks for all of the above mentioned but also the perfect service at the Jaigav, both when arriving and leaving the country and kind regards from very happy clients.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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