Western and Central Bhutan Tour - 9 days

Trip Overview

The Western and Central Bhutan Tour provides a rare opportunity to visit the dozens of ancient Dzongs, fortresses, and temples of the country and explore the innumerable types of flora and fauna of the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan. The 9 days itinerary is perfect for nature admirers and deep-rooted culture lovers.

Famous as ‘Land of Thunder Dragons,’ Bhutan is a small landlocked nation tucked between some majestic Himalayas of South Asia. The rich culture, tradition, and notable religious heritages make Bhutan a unique tourist destination in the world. Bhutan is the world’s only carbon-negative country with a pristine landscape and rich biodiversity. The generous Bhutanese people bear a unique national identity and impart happy vibes making Bhutan the happiest kingdom in the world. Moreover, Bhutan is home to some most beautiful peaks of the world and welcomes trekkers and climbing enthusiasts all year round.

The 9 days Western and Central Bhutan tour starts and ends in Bhutan's charming and most tranquil valley, Paro. Enjoy the short drive from Paro to the capital city of Bhutan, Thimphu. Known for its jaw-dropping natural beauty and distinct cultural identity, Thimphu is the administrative capital of Bhutan and encompasses the King of Bhutan's royal residence. Take a walk through the city and enjoy the beauty of Thimphu's pristine landscape and serene atmosphere.

The witness is a splendid example of medieval Bhutanese architecture at the King’s Memorial Chorten, also known as the National Memorial Chorten. The alluring white stupa with a glowing golden shrine was built in memory of Third Druk Gyalpo of Bhutan. The Chorten is a symbol of world peace and offers some antique sculptures and paintings to explore. The National Memorial Chorten is Bhutan's most iconic monument that never fails to captivate you in its peaceful aura.

Go through the artistic paintings, and crafts work weaving and sculptures of the striving artists at the School of Arts. Popular as ‘The Painting School,’ the school is the best place for acquiring vivid knowledge about the thirteen distinct forms of Bhutanese art. Discover wide varieties of medicinal herbs and plants collected from remote corners of the lofty Himalayas at the Institute of Traditional Medicine.

Visit one of Bhutan's must-visit places, the Buddha Point, and view the exquisite Buddha Dordenma statue. The golden 169-foot Buddha Dordenma is one of the biggest Buddha statues ever built in the world. Immerse in the holy vibes of the place and, at the same time, enjoy a spectacular view of the Thimphu valley. Explore the rich biodiversity of the green jungle spread on 8.4 acres of land at the Motithang Taking Preserve. Observe flocks of takin roaming freely in the widespread forest of the preserve.

Stop at the Dochula mountain pass (3150 meters) on the main road from Thimphu to Punakha. You can enjoy a complete 360-degree panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges from the pass on a clear day. Moreover, you can view the 108 memorial stupas residing on top of the Dochula pass. Commonly known as ‘Druk Wangyal Chortens,’ the stupas were constructed as a memorial to the brave 108 soldiers of the Bhutan Army who were killed in the 2003 battle. You can also visit the memorial temple opposite the stupas, an emblem of 100 years of monarchy in Bhutan.

Walk through the bright green rice fields in Metshina village. Visit the extraordinary Divine Madman’s Temple, also known as the ‘Temple of Fertility. Built in the 15th century by Lama Drukpa Kunley, the temple holds great religious significance in Bhutan. Learn about the tale of the temple passed on for centuries.

Visit the classical 17th-century fortress, Punakha Dzong, located in mesmerizing Punakha. Regarding the most beautiful dzong of the country, the picturesque white Tibetan-style dzong is nestled at the junction of two major rivers of Bhutan, Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu. Punakha Dzong is the second oldest and the second largest dzong of Bhutan, with a history that dates back to 300 years earlier. Also, famous as ‘winter residence of the Central monastic body of Bhutan,’ Punakha Dzong surrounded by blossoming purple jacarandas is indeed a treat to the eyes.

Explore the creative bamboo works and stone carvings at Wangdue Phodrang. Cross the second highest mountain pass in Bhutan, Lawala pass, and enjoy some glorious Himalayas' panoramic views. Enter Phobjikha Valley, which is regarded as the ’Happiest Place in Bhutan.’ A stunning bowl-shaped glacial valley with the backdrop of Bhutan's gigantic black mountains, the Phobjikha valley is pure bliss.

Hike in the beautiful Phobjikha valley also shelters the rare species of Black Necked Cranes that migrate from the Tibetan plateau. Visit the stunning Gangtey Goenpa located atop a hill amidst the serene Gangtey village. The Gangtey Monastery is the only Nyingmapa monastery present in Western Bhutan and offers a spectacular view of the Phobjikha valley below.

Experience the real form of Bhutanese architecture at the Trongsa Dzong located in Trongsa. The Trongsa dzong rests above a gorge with a great view of the Black mountains on the Southwestern side. Visit Bumthang that is home to four charming valleys with legendary religious values. Discover the different varieties of Yathras at the Yathra (textile weaving) factory.

Explore the antique treasures of some historic Lhakhang and dzong of Bumthang, namely Kurjey Lhakhang, Jambay Lhakhang, Tamshing Lhakhang, and Jakar Dzong. Fly back to Paro and enjoy incredible views of some colossal Himalayan ranges of Bhutan. Visit a local archery ground at Paro. Archery is the national sport of the beautiful Himalayan country, Bhutan. Observe the locals playing archery with great zeal and enthusiasm.

Walk through the dense pine forests and climb up to the holy Taktsang Monastery. Commonly known as ‘Tiger’s Nest Monastery, the monastery is one of Bhutan's major tourist attractions and stands tall at 3000 meters above the alluring Paro valley. The Taktsang Monastery is an exemplary landmark of iconic Bhutanese architecture. Moreover, the Monastery imparts a holy vibe in the air and offers a spectacular view of the Paro valley. Visit Paro Taktsang Monastery is the part of the trip you cannot afford to miss.

The tour finally ends as you head back to your destination from Paro International Airport on the ninth day.