WESTERN BHUTAN CULTURAL TOURS (6N7D).

Day 01:ARRIVE PARO (2200M).
The flight into Paro on our national carrier, Druk Air, is a befitting introduction to the spectacular beauty of our country. In clear weather, magnificent views of the world's highest peaks, give way to the lush green Paro valley as you land. A tour guide from TASHI GONGPHEL TOURS, who will be your personal host throughout your stay in Bhutan, will be waiting to assist you with customs and immigration formalities, and then drive you the short distance to the Hotel.

Day 02:THIMPHU SIGHTSEEING (2200M).
After breakfast you will drive to Thimphu and visit the King's Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), Changangkha Monastery, the radio tower (for a great view of Thimphu Valley and the Thimphu Dzong), on the back stop at the zoo, which contains the national animal of Bhutan, the Takin. From there you will visit the nunnery temple, the National Library (where ancient manuscripts are preserved), and the School of Arts and Crafts (also known as the painting school). After a relaxing lunch, you will visit the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, where the medicinal herbs, mineral, and animals organs available in abundant in the kingdom are compounded and dispensed by traditional pharmacist and medical practitioners. This indigenous healing method is popular amongst all Bhutanese people, and runs in parallel to modern medicine in all district head quarter. Here you will have exclusive privilege of talking to a renowned traditional healer. Visit Trashicho Dzong Also know as ‘fortress of the glorious religion’, it was initially built in 1641 and later rebuilt in its present form by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk in 1965. The Dzong houses, main secretariat building which houses the throne room of His Majesty, the King of Bhutan. The National Assembly Hall is housed in a modern building on the other side of the river from the Dzong. During the warmer summer months, the monk body headed by His Holiness, the Je Khenpo, makes its home in the Dzong. Visit Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory, The paper products are made from a mulberry plant bark called daphne and this factory produces watermark paper as well as cards, lampshades, envelopes, calendars and other items made from traditional Bhutanese paper. Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 03:THIMPHU SIGHTSEEING.
After breakfast continue sight seeing, visit to Textile museum and Folk Heritage Museum, These museums, both of which opened in 2001, provide fascinating insights into Bhutanese material culture and way of life.
Handicrafts Emporium: This government-run enterprise displays a wide range of beautifully hand-woven textiles, arts and other craft products.
Bhutan Posts: Bhutan is much known for its colorful stamps on varying themes, the display gallery offers a good opportunity to pick up postcards and stamps. Depending on the factor of time and interest visit the adjoining Bhutan National Bank to observe the banking system. Visit Simtokha Dzong (the oldest fortress in the kingdom). Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 04:THIMPHU-PUNAKHA (1300m).
After early breakfast, drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass, where you can see 108 Bhutanese Stupas. If the weather is clear you can see all Himalays Ranges with all snow covered. Further drive to Punakha and visit Punakha Dzong. The Dzong is situated between the two rivers and it is one of the biggest rivers in Bhutan.  We have to walk through the suspension bridge to reach the Dzong. The Dzong was built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and is situated between Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River). For many years until the time of the second king, it served as the seat of the Government. The Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). The war materials captured during the battle with Tibetans are preserved here. Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo and King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk convened the new national Assembly here in 1952. In the evening short hike to Chimi Lhakhang(Temple).It is a gentle walk through beautiful farm houses and vast plains of rice fields, for about half an hour. This monastery is dedicated to the divine madman who is popularly known as Drukpa Kinley. He inherited the divine madman title since he revolted against the orthodox Buddhism in his time. The temple is   regarded as a sanctum of fertility and most childless couples usually make a visit to this temple to seek the fertility blessings .Dinner and over night in Hotel at Punakha.

Day 05:PUNAKHA-WANGDUE-PARO(2200m).
After breakfast, drive to Wangdue and visit Wangdue Dzong was founded by Zhabdrung in 1639.It is situated on a hill with a commanding view of the valley. It is believe that protective deity, yeshey Gonpo told Zhabdrug Rimpoche that if he builds a dzong on the ridge he would be able to bring the whole country under his power. Wangdue means to bring under one’s power. Stop for a lunch at Thimphu and drive to Paro and visit Paro Rinpong Dzong (fortress), National Museum (watchtower) Kyichu Lhakhang (oldest monastery),Drugyal Dzong (victory dzong) Dinner and over night in Hotel at Paro hotel.

Day 06:EXURSION TO TAKTSHANG.
Day Hike or Mule ride to Tigers Nest Monastery.  One of the most venerated places   precariously perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor.  Guru Rinpoche arrived at spot on a back of tigress and meditated here in a cave and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognized as the most spiritual of sites in Bhutan and many eminent saints have meditated in this area. Now it is visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their life time. From the road point the hike up to Taktshang, on a well maintained path, is up hills takes around 2-3 hours at an average walking speed. On a sunny day please do remember to carry sunscreen, water, walking stick and a hat.
The Lunch and refreshments at the cafeteria which offers an imposing view of the cultural landmark. (The hike can be quite strenuous and a pony ride to the monastery can be arranged at additional cost).
The late afternoon is free to relax and enjoy Paro.

OR

DAY EXCURSION TO HAA VALLEY
Start the day early for drive to Haa via Chele-la pass. 4 Km away at Bondey village the road to Haa diverts towards the right hand side and the climb up towards the chele-la pass starts. After driving through blue pine & rhododendron forest for 45 km, reach Chele-la pass (3822 meters). From this point one can have a superb view of Mount. Chomolhari and Jichu Drakey. This is a very good place to walk around for few minutes enjoying the view. Drive on to Haa, descending all the way for another 22 km (under an hours drive), finally reaching Haa. The Haa Dzong is presently occupied by military, but the view from outside is stunning. After picnic lunch visit to the famous Monastery Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) followed by visit to Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple). The central shrine in Lhakhang Nagpo is said to have no difference with that of Lhasa JOWO in Tibet. a monastery believed to have been built in the 8th century by a the Tibetan King, Songtsen Goenpo, after he sent two doves (one black and one white) to find a sacred place to build a monastery.

Day 07:DEPARTURE.
Most of our Paro hotels are within 15 minutes drive to the airport. Transfer to Paro Airport. Check in two hours prior to flight departure to ensure the best seats on board Druk Air.