Western Bhutan Tour

 

If you have a dream of visiting the enchanting and undiscovered kingdom of Bhutan, then Prime Holidays Travels and Tours presents to you our very short Western Bhutan highlights tour. 

It is a tour that will immerse you in the time backward and will allow you to explore the civilization that has preserved its cultural and religious values in their most authentic form. 

Our Western Bhutan highlights tour will also take you beneath the very silent Himalayas of Bhutan amid the environment of beauty, peace, and tranquility. 

You will also experience the simple and innocent life of the Bhutanese, their unusual homes, customs, and beliefs. You will also see the incredible architecture of their temple-fortresses, palaces, and monasteries that stand with elegance, retelling the ancient legends and mysteries.

Our Western Bhutan Highlights tour starts with your arrival in Paro, where our Bhutanese guide and driver will greet you. You will then head to Thimphu, the only capital in the world without a single traffic light. 

With a full day in Thimphu, you will discover the magical treasures of this city, including the National Memorial Chorten, Tashichho Dzong, the Simply Bhutan Museum, and the impressive 51.5 m tall Buddha Dordenma statue at Kuensel Phodrang. You can even create your own postal stamp at the National Post Office. 

Next, our 5 nights 6 days Western Bhutan highlights tour will take you over the 3100 m tall Dochu La Pass. From this height, you will look at the majestic ice giants of Jejegangphugang (7,158 m), Tsendagang (6,960 m), Zongphugang (7,060 m), Masagang (7,158 m), Terigang (7,060 m), Kangphugang (7,170 m), and Gangkhar Puensum (7,570 m). 

Then, you will reach the fertile mountain valley of Punakha, where you will explore the Chimi Lhakhang Fertility Temple, Punakha Dzong, and Druk Wangyal Lhakhang, all of which tell the tales of Bhutan’s proud legend and history. 

Our Western Bhutan highlights tour will then conclude with your departure to Paro, where a thrilling adventure to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery (3120 m) awaits.

This legendary monument is steeped in the legend of Guru Rinpoche and the magical tigress, providing a fitting end to our Western Bhutan highlights tour. 

On our 5 nights 6 days Western Bhutan highlights tour, you will travel in your own vehicle with a driver and a guide. You will have more amenities and restful nights throughout. 

The best times for our Western Bhutan highlights tour are autumn and spring, when you will have excellent Himalayas up front without extreme temperatures. 

We are also pleased to tell you that we also have our private tours available that you can make fit as per your budget and schedule. So, are you ready to get into the country of Gross National Happiness? Then book our Western Bhutan highlights tour today, and let’s go together on this magical journey. 

Highlights

• Discover all the authentic, exquisite treasures of Bhutan
• Conquer the ultimate height of the Dochula Pass
• Witness the dancing spectacle of the enormous Bhutanese Himalayas
• See the attractive highlights of Thimphu, Paro, and Punakha
• Experience the thrill of a cliff climb to the breathtaking Tiger’s Nest Monastery
• A well-supported, relaxing, and safe tour with slim chances of altitude sickness

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Paro, 2200 m, and drive to Thimphu, 2400 m, 1 to 2 hours. Overnight in the Hotel. 

Our Western Bhutan highlights tour will commence once you arrive at Paro International Airport. Here, you will complete the immigration process after which you will meet our team of guide and driver at the Arrival Hall. 

After a brief introduction and greeting, they will transfer you to Thimphu, the very magical capital of the Kingdom. From Paro, the 1985 long asphalted Highway will lead you to Chunzom. 

The two river currents flowing from Paro and Thimphu meet here, while you can also see the 15th-century made Tachog Lhakhang Monastery. Gyalpo Thangthong had been successful in depicting the art of Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan in the monastery. 

The route will further take us to a military checkpoint where registration of our vehicle and permits will take place. Now the road ahead will gently climb through Simtokha Dzong (2250 m). 

A momentary stop here will allow us to see the 300 intricate bas-reliefs of various saints. In a short moment, Thimphu will welcome us, where we will rest after a long journey. 

Taking a gentle walk and early sleep will be very helpful so we can carry out the next day’s tour without any difficulty. 

Day 02: Full day sightseeing of the Thimphu valley. Overnight at the hotel. 

The first stop for a whole day exploration on our Western Bhutan highlights tour is Thimphu itself, situated beside the Wang Chu River. From our hotel, we will go to the very near Clocktower and explore the archery stadium. 

A temple of Zangto Pelri Lhakhang is also close by, built by the national anthem composer of Bhutan, Dasho Aku Tongmi, in 1990. If you are interested, we can also make our stamps at the National Post Office very nearby. 

The Tashichho Dzong of the capital is also a must-visit monument that has been serving as the central government seat since 1952. Then, we can stop by the BBS Tower and watch the 51.5 m tall Buddha Dordenma statue towering over our heads at Kuenselphodrang. 

Very close is the National Memorial Chorten, constructed in 1974 to honor the memory and contributions of Bhutan’s third king, Jigme Dorjee Wangchuk. 

The tantric deity image of Samantabhadra Buddha here is the main attractive sight. Simply Bhutan museum is another site worth exploring along with Crafts Emporium, Folk Heritage Museum, National Textile Museum, and Takin Reserve. 

Day 03: Drive to Punakha, 1200 m, 2 to 3 hours, and Sightseeing. Overnight at the hotel 

This morning, our Western Bhutan highlights tour will continue to Punakha, the amazing mountain valley of Bhutan. From Thimphu, the highway will drive us east to the 2850 m high Hongtso town. 

This town is more known for producing the very tasty local Bhutanese beer. The road will then ascend the elevating slope of the Dochu La Pass (3100 m). 

Atop this pass lies the Druk Wangyel Chorten, which is a collection of 108 Buddhist stupas that honors the memory of those who helped Bhutan win the battle with Assamese in 2003. The Tsa Tsa cylindrical jars still hold the ashes of the brave soldiers. 

The pass is also the best lookout point to see the ice giants of Jejegangphugang (7,158 m), Tsendagang (6,960 m), Zongphugang (7,060 m), Masagang (7,158 m), Terigang (7,060 m), Kangphugang (7,170 m), and Gangkhar Puensum (7570 m). 

We will drive down the pass and travel through the primeval rhododendron forest to reach Punakha. After some momentary rest in the hotel, we will get out to see what Punakha hides in its beautiful terraced fields and high hills. 

A 2004-built three-story tall Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten will offer us very peaceful views of the surrounding valley. Then, we will take a quick tour of the fertility temple of Chimi Lhakhang. 

This very old temple was built in 1499 and dedicated to Drukpa Kunley. Right over the Punakha Valley lies the stunning Punakha Dzong, established in 1637/38. 

Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal was its creator, and this structure was the political seat until the mid of the 1950s. It was formerly called the palace of great joy: Pungthang Dechen Phodrang. 

There is also Druk Wangyal Lhakhang Temple, which was erected in 2008 AD to pay homage to the contributions of the fourth king of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, and his victory over Indian rebels. 

If we have enough time, we may also take a tour of the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup nunnery, where we can hear the teachings of the religious Buddhist scriptures. 

If you are craving for some adventure, then you can also choose to raft over the white waters of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers for an extra fee. 

Day 04: Drive to Paro, 2200 m, 2 to 3 hours, and Sightseeing.Overnight at the hotel.

It’s now time to go back to Paro to bring a conclusion to our Western Bhutan highlights tour. Once again, the imposing Dochula Pass will be on our route after Punakha. 

Then we will traverse Cho, Chuzon, and Paro Chu to reach Paro. Once we are well-rested, we will then set out to take a small tour of the Paro Valley. 

Ta Dzong will be the marvelous start that has housed the National Museum of Bhutan since 1967. The exhibition of the antique thangka paintings, textiles, weapons, and armor are some of the displays that is worth our gaze. 

Nearby is the Paro Dzong, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawan Namgyal. There are altogether 14 temples here and a monastery of the Drukpa Kagyu lineage. 

We can linger here till sunset to watch the fascinating sight of the entire Paro Valley dripping in the golden colors. 

Day 05. Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, 3120 m, 4 to 5 hours

Today we will take a short uphill hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, which we have planned for you in our 5 nights 6 days Western Bhutan highlights tour. 

This monastery literally clings to a rock face about 1000 m above the Paro Valley. It is also known as Taktsang Lhakhang Monastery and is most sacred in Bhutan as it dates back to Guru Rinpoche, who landed here on a tigress back and brought Mahayana Buddhism to Bhutan from Tibet in the 8th century.

The ascent to the monastery may take around 3 to 4 hours, and the descent around 2 to 3 hours, depending on your fitness level. You can also choose horseback riding, available for a fee of up to 15 to 20 US Dollars to be paid in situ.

From our hotel in Paro, we will drive to the parking area of the monastery, which we will reach in around 15 minutes. Then, we will begin our hike through the thick bushes till we are at the only cafeteria around the monastery, named Taktsang Cafe. 

After lunch here, we will then ascend 700 stone stairs and reach straight in the monastic grounds. Inside, we can see the iconic tigress statue, the Hall of Thousand Buddhas, and a few dark caves that treasure the sacred texts. 

After enjoying the spiritual and natural atmosphere of the monastery, we will now head back to Paro for a further sightseeing tour. If you like, you can proceed to Kyichu Lhakhang, built as per the wishes of the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century. This temple houses the Buddha statue at the age of 8. 

Then, you may also set out to tour around the Drukgyel Dzong, which was created in 1649 to safeguard the Paro Valley from Tibetan invasions. In the evening, you can then ask our guide to take you to the traditional farm for a herbal hot stone bath. 

Day 06: Transfer to Paro international airport for your onward destination. 

Our Western Bhutan highlights tour completes today with your transfer to Paro Airport, where our tour guide and driver will offer their farewell. 

Tour Info

Climate and Best Season

The Western Bhutan climate is shaped by the temperate continental climate, resulting in little rain, short winters, and warm summers with daytime temperatures around 20-25°C. Therefore, you can take our Western Bhutan highlights tour in any of these seasons. 

However, the tour will be particularly beautiful in spring and autumn. Spring (March-May) infuses Bhutan with a lovely scent, as wild oaks and rhododendrons come into bloom. 

Autumn (September-November), on the other hand, is perfect for the stable and clearest climate with excellent views of the icy Himalayas. In addition, in October/November, the Tshechu festival in Bhutan will be a delight to watch. 

Who is the 5 Nights 6 Days Western Bhutan Highlights Tour made for?

The ease and the cultural and natural blend of our 5 nights 6 days Western Bhutan highlights tour make this tour suitable for anyone regardless of their gender, age, interest, fitness, and profession. 

Plus, the option to ride a horse to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery and the comfortable altitude throughout the Western Bhutan highlights tour minimizes the health risk to our elderly guests. 

Plus, the peaceful surroundings, beautiful nature, unique wildlife, and cultural experiences of the tour will be very attractive for zoologists, botanists, photographers, and historians alike. 

Even if you are a lonely female tourist, you can be a participant in our Western Bhutan highlights tour without any hesitation, as Bhutan is the safest country worldwide. 

Safety during the Western Bhutan Highlights Tour

Prime Holidays like to promise you that our 5 nights 6 days Western Bhutan highlights tour is going to be the safest tour of your life. After all, you will be visiting the country that has a literacy rate exceeding 70% and the lowest crime rate against tourists. 

Additionally, police officers patrol the streets and tourist sites of the kingdom for added security. We, on the other hand, to maximize your protection will provide you with our most capable guide and driver for the tour. 

Healthwise, our focused overnight destination will be under 3000 m, thus reducing the risks of altitude sickness. In addition, there are robust medical facilities in Thimphu and Paro, making our Western Bhutan highlights tour the safest trip in Bhutan. 

Altitude Sickness or Acute Mountain Sickness/AMS

The AMS threat is pretty slim in our Western Bhutan highlights tour, but we cannot promise it will be entirely absent. Our tour consists of some sudden elevation changes, sometimes up and sometimes down. 

Plus, we will be driving and not walking, that don’t give you much time to adjust to the altitude since changes happen fast. And, we cannot disregard the elevation of Tiger’s Nest Monastery and Dochula Pass as well. 

Therefore, some of our guests may feel slight dizziness, trouble sleeping, tiredness, and headaches, which are the initial AMS symptoms that will disappear on their own once you sleep, rest, and hydrate adequately. 

Please inform our Bhutanese guide about your discomfort, and do not neglect early and long sleep and rest, along with plenty of fluid intake. Taking Diamox will be up to your own decision, but we do not suggest you consume it as it is unnecessary on our tour. 

Training and Preparation 

You don’t have to be an athlete and overprepare for our 5 nights 6 days Western Bhutan highlights tour. For a small hike and easy walking around the monuments and dzongs, we suggest you walk, run, jog, cycle, swim, or climb stairs one month ahead of the tour date. 

We also advise you to pack your bag wisely with tights, a warm down jacket, and several pairs of socks, along with your usual t-shirts, shorts, leggings, tracksuits, or walking pants. 

Also, don’t forget to bring modest dresses for visiting the religious Dzongs and fortresses in Bhutan. It’s also good to learn about Buddhist customs and pick up a few simple greetings in Bhutanese.

Accommodation, Food, Drinks, and Transport

During our Western Bhutan highlights tour, we will organize your overnight stays in reputable government-recognized three-star hotels that are nice, clean, and comfortable. 

Each room will have its own in-room bathroom with hot and cold running water and WiFi. 

As for your eating arrangements, we will take care of your breakfast, lunch, dinner, and bottled water throughout the tour. The hotels in Bhutan will offer you buffet meals suitable to your taste. 

Please keep in mind that any other drinks will be your responsibility. You can definitely explore the local beer and grain Vodka called Ara. 

And, for your travel needs, we offer only private vehicles for all your overland and intercity transfers, along with the airport transfer in and out services. However, you will need to book your own flights to and from Paro.

How to get to Bhutan?

You can choose to get to Bhutan via a daily flight operated by Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines from the following cities:

• India: Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Bodh Gaya, Guwahati, and Mumbai
• Nepal: Kathmandu
• Thailand: Bangkok
• Singapore: Changi
• Bangladesh: Dhaka 

Or, you can also travel via land border with a stop at Phuentsholing in West Bengal, India. The only tourist land crossings available to get into Bhutan are Phuentsholing, Gelephu, and Samdrup Jongkhar.

Mobile Network and Internet/WiFi

In place of enabling roaming services in your network, it is better that you use local SIM Cards of Bhutan for a cheaper option. With the help of our guide, you can get the fastest connection from Bhutan Telecom or Tashi Cell. 

Bhutan Telecom will offer you 5G, and Tashi Cell will offer you 4G connectivity that works faster than the WiFi available for free in most hotels and public sites of Bhutan. Get the 10 GB mobile data for just 94 Ngultrum for surfing the internet while in Bhutan. 

Currency Exchange, Credit Cards, and Online Payment Options

• Bhutan uses the Ngultrum (BTN) as its national currency, but US Dollars, euros, and Indian Rupees (INR) are also accepted.
• For exchanging your money, do so at Paro Airport or through banks such as Citibank, Bank of Bhutan Limited, Druk PNB, Tashi Bank, Bhutan National Bank, and Bank of Thimphu for better rates. 
• Please keep the exchange receipt safe so you can convert any leftover BTN before you leave Bhutan. 
• Remember, you don’t need to declare US Dollars 10,000 at Paro Airport. 
• ATMs are also widely available in Paro and Thimphu, but be aware of the fees. 
• Credit cards like Diners, Visa, and MasterCard are accepted in larger stores in Thimphu and Paro. 
• As for online QR payment, Indian nationals can use Apple Pay, Google Pay, PhonePe, or the BHIM App in Bhutan. Other foreign nationals can pay with their cryptocurrency in Bhutan. 

Bhutan Entry Procedure and Guidelines

To gain entry into Bhutan as a tourist, please understand and follow the listed protocols: 

• You can’t travel alone in Bhutan. 
• You must book a guided tour to Bhutan, like our 5 nights 6 days Western Bhutan highlights tour through a government-recognized travel agency. 
• All tourists except for those from India, the Maldives, and Bangladesh will need a tourist visa for Bhutan.
• Online visa applications are allowed for Western tourists.
• The visa will be issued only after you arrive at Paro Airport for $40 per person (one-time). 
• There is also a daily SDF fee of $100 per tourist in Bhutan. 
• Children aged between 6 and 12 will get a 50% discount on the SDF, and those under 6 are free.

Prime Holidays will handle your visa and SDF fees during the Western Bhutan highlights tour.

How to get the Bhutan Tourist Visa through us?

Kindly go through all the details regarding our 5 nights 6 days Western Bhutan highlights tour. Once you are satisfied, you can then confirm your seats in the tour by making an advance payment. Then, you will have to send us: 

• A color digital copy of your passport
• Two recent passport-sized photos in JPEG format

Once we have these documents, we will send them to our travel partner in Bhutan for approval from the Tourism Department. After we get the approval, the immigration authorities will issue an invitation letter (Visa Clearance Form).

We will forward the letter to you, which you need to carry with your travel documents. Once you are at Paro Airport, show this letter and receive your visa. 

Please note that this visa will be active only for 15 days, and you can apply for a 15-day extension while in Bhutan. Since the visa processing needs 15 working days, please confirm your tour at least a month before your departure date.

Online Application Process for the Bhutan Tourist Visa

• Open the official website of the Department of Immigration of Bhutan at https://immi.gov.bt/home  
• Sign up with your valid email account
• Complete the application form, providing all the requested details
• Upload a digital format of your passport and photos
• Pledge for the environmental protection of Bhutan
• Pay the USD 40 fee for the visa
• Get the Visa at Paro Airport

Travel Insurance

Bhutan has removed the requirement for travel insurance. However, we still advise you to get a comprehensive travel insurance plan for our Western Bhutan highlights tour. 

Often, international travel leaves you exposed to new risks that you may not have anticipated at all. New environments, climate, food, and altitude often cause some minor health disorders that can become serious sometimes, for which you may need emergency air ambulance transfer to Nepal, India, China, or other countries. 

Therefore, we suggest you have coverage for air ambulance transfers up to 3000 m and medical assistance. Additionally, protect yourself from travel disruptions that can occur through theft, lost luggage, flight delays, cancellations, and any extra days you may need.

FAQs

What is your Western Bhutan highlights tour?

Our Western Bhutan highlights tour is a relaxing group tour to the western cities of Bhutan, including Thimphu, Paro, and Punakha. 

Is there an age limit in your 5 nights 6 days Western Bhutan highlights tour?

No, we haven’t set any age limit for our Western Bhutan highlights tour. 

Can I join your Western Bhutan highlights tour with friends?

Of course, you can come alone or with your partner, a family member, or friends.

What does your 5 nights 6 days Bhutan highlights tour include?

It includes your accommodation, transportation (not Paro flight), meals, guide and driver services, one-time visa fee for Bhutan, and SDF fee. 

Why is the Paro flight not included in your Western Bhutan highlights tour?

So that everyone can choose the most suitable city of entry into Bhutan. 

Where will our group meet for the first time in your Western Bhutan highlights tour?

The first meeting between the group members will happen in the hotel we have booked for you in Thimphu, or we will all meet at the Paro Airport. 

Does your tour total cost cover our entrance fees as well?

Yes, our total tour cost will also include any monument entrance fees as well. 

Do I need to get any vaccines before your Western Bhutan highlights tour? 

Yes, it’s not a compulsory act, but it will be better if you get vaccinated for Hepatitis, typhoid, yellow fever, tetanus, and similar other illnesses. 

Is an upgrade to accommodation in Bhutan available?

Certainly, you can upgrade to a suite or five-star hotel at additional cost. 

Do I need to bargain for the price in the shops of Bhutan? 

Certainly, you can often bargain for the handicraft items to get he reasonable rates. 

When will my Bhutan visa be ready?

It will be ready within three office days once your application and documents are submitted. 

What will be the easiest and cheapest way to get into Bhutan?

By flight from Thailand, India, Bangladesh, Singapore, or Nepal will be the easiest, shortest, and cheapest option. 

What does the SDF daily charge mean?

It is the tourist policy designed to promote the development and economy of Bhutan and its people.