5D4N WESTERN BHUTAN
Welcome to the "last Shangri-la" This Himalayan Kingdom, Bhutan is little known by many. It was not until recently that was tucked away in total isolation from the rest of the world. It is also home to some spectacular scenery and fascinating culture but it remains relatively untouched by mass tourism. Their first foreign tourists only visited in the 1970s. Experience the charm of Bhutan with us.
Exceptional Experiences:
- Tashichho Dzong: Make a visit to Tashichho Dzong, which has been the seat of the government since 1952 and in the present day, it houses the throne room and offices of the king, the secretariat and the ministries of home affairs and finance.
- Druk Wangyal Chortens: The construction of these 108 chortens was commissioned by the eldest Queen Mother, Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk to commemorate the lives of the Bhutanese soldiers killed in the 2003 war against insurgents from India. The pass is also a popular spiritual destination for both locals and tourists because an important temple is located on the crest of Dochula pass which gives a stunning view of the snow-capped Eastern Himalayas range.
- Chimi Lhakhang: It is located near Sopsokha village in the Punakha District of Bhutan. Pilgrims and tourists have to trek for 20 minutes through the agricultural fields of rice and mustard to access the monastery. Built over half a millennium ago, it’s one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan.
- Taktsang Lhakhang: Taktsang Lhakhang is Bhutan’s famed and iconic landmark and religious site. The name Taktsang translates to “The Tiger’s Nest”. This temple is one of the most holy sites in the kingdom and clings impossibly to a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the Paro Valley. Taktsang Lhakhang is located approximately 10 km north of Paro town at an altitude of 3.120 m. No trip to Bhutan would be complete without a visit to this remarkable heritage site
- Bhutan Post Office Headquarters: Are you a fan of collecting memorabilia from your trips? Don't forget to make a stop at Bhutan Post Office Headquarters. Make your own stamps from one of your favourite pictures and send postcards home to your friends and family here.
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Itinerary:
Day 1 : SINGAPORE – PARO – THIMPHU (D)
Depart from Singapore Changi Airport for your flight to Paro.
Upon reaching the arrival hall at the airport, meet your guide and he will be there to escort you to your private luxury vehicle.
In Paro, the first few things that you will likely notice is the effect of the high altitudes, therefore we will give you time to acclimate as we take a short drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan (approx. 1.5 hrs). Then, we make a visit to the Centenary Farmer’s Market, a weekend market famous for its agricultural products. Next, visit Tashichho Dzong, which houses the throne of the King of Bhutan. After which, make a stop at the local post office where you can get your personalised stamps at your own expense.
Before dinner, proceed to visit National Memorial Chorten, a stupa built to honour the late 3rd King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.
Transfer to your hotel with your guide.
Six Senses Thimphu is perched on an auspicious hillside overlooking the shimmering lights of Thimphu. Six Senses Bhutan offers 82 spacious villas and suites, starting from 645 square feet for the suites and up to 3,681 square feet for the three-bedroom villas.
Accommodation: Six Senses Thimphu or similar
Day 2 : THIMPHU – PUNAKHA (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
This morning, after breakfast, meet your guide in the lobby. Today, we depart Thimphu and continue our journey to Punakha.
Cross Dochula pass and visit Druk Wangyal Chortens, where the construction of 108 chortens was commissioned by the eldest Queen Mother, Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk. Enjoy stunning and breathtaking views of the Himalayas if the weather is clear. Along the way, make a stop at Sopsokha village and take a stroll through the rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, a pilgrimage site for childless couples.
Visit Punakha Dzong, situated at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers. Then, proceed for dinner before concluding the day.
Accommodation: Six Senses Punakha or similar
Day 3: PUNAKHA – PARO (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
After your breakfast this morning, your guide will meet you in the lobby.
Then, make your way back to Paro, home to many old Bhutanese monasteries. Visit Paro Penlop Dawa Penjor Heritage Farmhouse, an 18th-century farmhouse inaugurated recently as a heritage farmhouse with various historical and religious artefacts.
After lunch, visit the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in Bhutan. End your day with a visit to Drugyel Dzong, the victory fortress built-in 1647 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders led by Mongolian warlord, Gushri Khan in 1644.
Then, head back to your accommodation to rest for the night.
Accommodation: Six Senses Paro or similar
Day 4 : PARO (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
After breakfast today, you will tour to The Tiger’s Nest Temple, the most famous Buddhist monastery in the Himalayas, built on a sheer rock face.
Taktsang Lhakhang is Bhutan’s most iconic landmark and religious site. The name Taktsang translates to “The Tiger’s Nest”. This temple is one of the holy sites in the kingdom and clings impossibly to a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the Paro Valley.
Next, embark on a scenic drive up to Chelela Pass, the highest pass in Bhutan at 3,988 metres above sea level to catch a glimpse of Paro Valley on one side and Haa Valley on the other. Next, visit Ta Dzong, which houses a fascinating collection of costumes, art, religious paintings, relics, national stamps and handicrafts.
After dinner, take a walk around the town for some light shopping and head back to your accommodation to enjoy a cultural show.
Note: In order to arrive at the temple visitors must trek for around 2-3 hours through beautiful, shady pine forests.
Accommodation: Six Senses Paro or similar
Day 5 : PARO – SINGAPORE (Breakfast)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight back home.
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Package Includes:
- Proposed flight on Drukair (Royal Bhutan Airlines)
- SINGAPORE/PARO (40 minutes layover at Guwahati) KB541 1155/1555
- PARO/SINGAPORE (40 minutes layover at Guwahati) KB540 0805/1610
- Return airport transfers
- 4-nights accommodation
- Tour as per itinerary with English Speaking guide
- Tour and meal as per itinerary
Please note: This itinerary is designed to give you an idea of what to expect on the tour but is not set in stone. What we actually do on a given day is flexible and can be tailored based on the interests of the group.
This itinerary and its package inclusions might be changed later in time, subject to availability.