Western Bhutan Adventure

Today, you'll explore one of the largest seated Buddha statues that overlooks the Thimphu valley before traveling to Punakha valley via the sacred Dochula mountain pass.

The impressive 169-foot bronze statue of Lord Buddha is situated on a hilltop with views of Thimphu valley. It was erected to honor the 60th birthday of the beloved Fourth King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck. Following this visit, we'll drive to Punakha valley through Dochula, which stands at an elevation of 3,150 meters above sea level. On clear days, you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the eastern Himalayan mountain range, including some of Bhutan's tallest peaks.

As we continue towards Punakha, we'll pass through several villages, and the elevation will gradually decrease as the road winds through pine forests. You'll notice a significant change in altitude as we descend from 3,150 meters to the subtropical valley at 1,200 meters in just an hour and a half.

Along the way, we'll stop at the renowned Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the "Temple of Fertility," built in the 15th century. You'll have a chance to explore the nearby village, where houses are decorated with vibrant phallus paintings. Afterward, we'll head to Punakha town to visit the architectural marvel of Bhutan, the 17th-century Punakha Dzong. Here, you can take your time to admire the sacred wall paintings, main artifacts, intricate woodwork, and the architectural design that exemplifies Bhutanese art and craftsmanship, which continues to shape Bhutanese architecture today.

Next, we'll walk across Bhutan's longest suspension bridge that spans the glacial-fed Phochu (male) river and take in the beautiful surroundings. The Punakha Dzong is situated between two glacial-fed rivers: Phochu (male) and Mochu (female).

The distance from Thimphu to Punakha is 74 km, with a driving time of approximately 2.5 hours. The altitude in Punakha is 1,200 meters.

Dinner and overnight accommodations will be at Meri Puensum Resort or Hotel Lobesa. Alternatively, you can choose to stay at a farmhouse with a local family to gain insight into rural Bhutanese daily life.

Today, before we head back to Paro, you'll go on a delightful hike to the Buddhist temple known as Khamsum Yuellay Namgyel Chorten.

Perched on a mountain ridge with stunning views of the scenic Punakha valley, this impressive Buddhist structure exemplifies Bhutanese architectural style in temple and monastery construction. The round-trip hike lasts approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, taking you through terraced rice fields and featuring a gentle ascent through pine trees before arriving at this tranquil monument.

If your group consists of more than three people, a picnic lunch can be arranged along the banks of the Mochu River on our return to Punakha town. After lunch, we will transfer back to Paro.

The distance from Punakha to Paro is 115 km, with a driving time of about 3.5 hours.

Upon reaching Paro, you'll visit one of the oldest temples in the Kingdom, the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, built in 659 AD by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo to subdue a giant ogress spirit that was obstructing the spread of Buddhism in the Himalayan region.

You will then have some leisure time to explore Paro town.

Dinner and overnight accommodations will be at Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort.

After an early breakfast, you'll drive to Ramthangka, the starting point for the Taktsang monastery, commonly referred to as Tiger’s Nest. This monastery is perched on an 800-meter rock cliff and the round-trip hike takes approximately 4-5 hours. Taktsang, which means ‘Tiger’s Nest,’ is considered one of Bhutan's most significant monasteries. Horse riding is available for about USD 20 to the halfway point at the Taktsang Viewpoint Cafeteria.

Following lunch at the Taktsang Viewpoint Cafeteria, we will return to the base where our driver will be waiting for us.

In the late afternoon, we'll visit a charming farmhouse to enjoy a traditional home-cooked dinner. If you're interested in a home spa experience, you can indulge in a soothing and revitalizing traditional hot stone bath for an extra fee of about USD 20. Special river stones are heated in a wood-fired fireplace and then placed in a wooden tub, releasing beneficial minerals. You can also relax with a warm cup of locally brewed liquor known as “Ara.”

Overnight accommodations will be at Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort.

After breakfast and depending on your flight departure time, you will be transferred to Paro International Airport for your onward journey.