5-Day Western Bhutan

On your drive of one hour to Thimphu from Paro, visit Tachogang Lhakhang, built by the great Thangthong Gyalpo. Driving along the banks of the Pa Chhu and Wang Chhu you reach the capital in under an hour. Visit the Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the Third King; Trashichhoedzong, the Throne Room and the seat of the Chief Abbot; and the takin enclosure to see the national animal of Bhutan. Drive to Sangaygang for a panoramic view of Thimphu town. In the evening you may walk freely in the town. Overnight in the hotel in Thimphu.

Around three hours' drive eastward from the capital brings you to Punakha, the former capital, via the Dochula pass at 3,100 m. At Dochula, stop to take in the 108 chortens and — weather permitting — the spectacular Himalayan ranges. Passing through temperate forest you reach Mesina. A short drive on, make a one-hour walk through the village of Sopsokha up to Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple founded by Lam Drukpa Kuenley, and return for lunch. Continue to Khuruthang, the main town of Punakha; three kilometres further is Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu and the winter residence of the Central Monastic Body. Overnight in Punakha.

After breakfast, start your journey to Wangdue Phodrang. On the way you stop at Rinchengang, a small village in Wangdue — explore it and get a feeling for Bhutanese rural life. Proceed to Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, which is under reconstruction after the major fire of 2012. Get around Bajo town, the fast-burgeoning district town, and stop there for lunch. Make short trips in and around the town and head back to Paro for the night. Overnight in Paro.

Hiking the trails to Taktsang, the Tiger's Nest, is a whole new experience. This magical monastery hangs from a vertical granite cliff 3,000 ft above the valley floor, where Guru Padmasambhava is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate. The hike takes about four hours, with a beautiful view of the Paro valley from the monastery. After descending, the Taktsang cafeteria is a perfect place for rest and lunch. Afterwards, if you have time, visit Paro Dzong, Kyichu Lhakhang and the National Museum and stroll around the town. Overnight in the hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, our transport team will deliver you to the airport and you will bid goodbye to Bhutan.