10 Days In-depth Photo Tour in Western Bhutan

Highlights: Arrive in Paro and transfer to Punakha via Dochula Pass and visit Chimi Lhakhang.

Upon your arrival at Paro International Airport, your local guide and driver will meet you at the arrival hall of the airport and take you to Punakha (1,242m).

On the way, you will have an excellent opportunity to enjoy a panoramic view of the solemn Bhutan Himalaya Ranges and take photos at the impressive collection of 108 Chortens at Dochula Pass (3,140m).

Before proceeding further to Punakha, you will hike to Chimi Lhakhang, also known as Chime Monastery, which is a beautiful Buddhist monastery located in the Punakha District of Bhutan. It stands on a small round hillock close to the village of Lobesa and was built in 1499 by the 14th Drukpa hierarch, Ngawang Choegyel.

Stay overnight in Punakha.

You can see the Himalaya ranges from the Dochula Pass

Highlights: Visit Punakha Dzong and Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten.

After breakfast, you will first head to visit the Punakha Dzong. Standing by the riverside of Pho Chu and Mo Chu, Punakha Dzong is one of the most impressive buildings and a popular attractions in Bhutan. The grand, rectangular fortress also serves as a revered treasury, safeguarding countless Buddhist relics and important historical artifacts.

Then you will go to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, built by the Queen Mother of the 5th King to bring peace and harmony for all living beings. Perched on a ridge overlooking the Punakha Valley, it offers sweeping views of the lush countryside. To reach the chorten, you’ll enjoy a gentle two-hour round-trip walk through serene rice fields, a peaceful and scenic approach that sets the tone for your visit.

Stay overnight in Punakha.

Witnessing the superb Punakha Dzong

Highlights: Drive through Wangdue Phodrang and cross Lawala Pass to get to Phobjikha Valley.

After breakfast, you will drive to Phobjikha Valley (3,000m). The distance between Punakha and Phobjikha is about 80 kilometers and will take you nearly 3 hours to complete this driving journey.

First, you’ll visit the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong en route. Built in 1638, it sits on the ridge of a hill and overlooks the confluence of the Tsang Chu River and Dang Chu River.

Next, on the way to Phobjikha, you will be amazed by the beauty and serenity of the rich flora and fauna. And you may see some Yaks grazing in high-altitude bamboo shrub along the road when you arrive at Lawala Pass (3,300m).

After arriving in Phobjikha Valley, you’ll have your free time to stroll around to witness Bhutan’s unspoiled natural landscapes.

Stay overnight in Gangtey.

Gangtey Monastery

Accommodation

The following local hotels are for your referrence. Please feel free to tell us your preferred hotel standard while enquring for your trip to Bhutan.

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  Gangtey Dewachen
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  Gangtey RKPO Green Resort
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  Amankora Gangtey

Highlights: Trek Gangte Nature Trail, and then visit Gangtey Goempa and Black-Necked Crane Information Center.

After breakfast, you’ll have a short morning trek through the Gangtey Nature Trail. Starting from the Mani stone wall to the north of the Gangtey Monastery, and ending in Khewa Lhakhang, the Gangtey Nature Trail Trek takes only about 1.5 hours. You’ll enjoy the enchanting natural scenery and breathe the incredible fresh air in Phobjikha Valley.

After the short trek, you will head to visit Gangtey Monastery, generally known as Gangtey Goempa. It is a very important monastery of the Nyingmapa school.

Thereafter, you will pay a visit to the Black-Necked Crane Information Center. The center is situated on the edge of the forest and wetland along the main road of Phobjikha Valley. It has an observation room equipped with a high-power telescope and spotting scopes for catching the best view of the cranes. If you travel to Phobjikha in November to January, you can have a chance to view many black-necked cranes here.

Stay overnight in Gangtey.

The Information Center for the black-necked cranes.

Highlights: Transfer to Thimphu and visit the Simtokha Dzong, National Memorial Chorten, and Tashichho Dzong.

Today, you will transfer to Thimphu (2,350m), the capital city of Bhutan. On the way, you will encounter the Simtokha Dzong in the Thimphu Valley en route. Built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, Simtokha Dzong is often said to be the first dzong in Bhutan.

After arriving at Thimphu, you will pay a visit to the National Memorial Chorten, which was built in memory of King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the third King of Bhutan, in 1974.

After that, you can visit Tashichho Dzong, the eminent fortress where the national government and central monastic body are located. In addition, here sits the summer residence of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot of Bhutan.

Stay overnight in Thimphu.

Thimphu National Memorial Chorten

Highlight: Visit the National Folk Heritage Museum, Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory, Simtokha Dzong, and Motithang Takin Preserve in Thimphu.

After breakfast, you will first visit the National Folk Heritage Museum. It dedicates itself to connecting people with the rich Bhutanese folk heritage and rural history through exhibits, demonstrations, educational programs, and documentation of Bhutanese rural life. The museum will strive to disseminate the rich cultural heritage across generations by preserving it in different forms.

Next, you will head to visit the Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory. The factor is located approximately 1 kilometer from Thimphu city, and uses the bark of two tree species (the Daphne tree and the Dhekap tree) in the manufacture of traditional paper. You can observe the entire process of producing handmade paper using ancient traditional methods that have been practiced for generations. Besides, you are able to try your hand at this ancient craft and make some paper of your own as a souvenir.

Later, you will drive to Upper Motithang in Thimphu to visit Motithang Takin Preserve, a wildlife reserve area for Takin (Budorcas taxicolor), the national animal of Bhutan. It's worthwhile taking the time to see these oddball mammals here.

You will end today’s sightseeing after visiting Simtokha Dzong. It was built by Zhabdrung to consolidate his domain and subdue the demon in 1629. Nowadays, it is often said to be the first dzong built in Bhutan.

Stay overnight in Thimphu.

Visit the Takin Preserve

Highlights: Enjoy a day trip to Haa Valley and visit Lhakhang Nagpo.

After breakfast, you will take a drive to the Haa Valley from Thimphu.

On the way, you will pass through the Chele La Pass (3,988m), which offers the majestic panorama of the Himalayan Ranges and the valley beyond. If the weather permits, you will capture a stunning view of Bhutan's second-highest peak, Mt.Jomolhari (7,314m), from here.

After arriving at Haa, you will head to visit Lhakhang Nagpo, also called the Black Temple. With a history of 1300 years, it is one of the oldest temples in Haa Valley. It is said that when searching out auspicious locations for two new temples, the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo released one black pigeon and one white pigeon. And the black pigeon landed here, the white one at Lhakhang Kharpo (White Chapel).

Stay overnight in Haa.

Visit Lhakhang Karpo

Highlights: Drive to Paro to visit Ta Dzong, Paro Rinpung Dzong, and Drukgyel Dzong.

After breakfast, you will take a drive to Paro from Haa Valley.

Upon your arrival in Paro, you will visit the Bhutan National Museum - Ta Dzong. You will gain a deeper understanding of this country and broaden your perspective through the many Bhutanese treasures showcased in this museum.

Next, you will visit Paro Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong), a fortress once built to defend the valley from invasions. Nowadays, it serves as an administration center and school for monks.

Then, you will continue to explore the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong in the north of Paro Valley. It was built in 1647 by the great Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the father and unifier of medieval Bhutan. Although it was destroyed by an accidental fire, its remains stand as a powerful reminder of Bhutan’s historic victories.

Stay overnight in Paro.

Visit Paro Ta Dzong Museum with Kid

Highlights: Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery to enjoy spectacular views from it and visit Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro.

After breakfast, you will start your hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (also known as Taktsang Monastery). Perched on the side of a cliff 900 meters above the Paro Valley, Taktsang Monastery is one of the most famous monasteries in Bhutan. The principal monastery of the present monastic complex dates from 1692. Taktsang was damaged severely by fire in 1998 but has now been fully restored to its former glory. The hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery is about 3 km one way and takes around 5 to 6 hours for the round trip.

After exploring the monastery, you will begin your return tour to Paro.

In the afternoon, you will visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most beautiful temples built by the Tibetan King Songsten Gampo in the 7th century.

Stay overnight in Paro.

Tiger’s Nest Monastery

After breakfast, your guide will meet you at the hotel and transfer you to Paro International Airport for your next destination.

The tour services end.