9-Day Culture Tour of West Bhutan

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Today, you'll explore Thimphu with your local guide. Your guide can plan the day based on what takes your interest. You can visit the weekend market, the revered Memorial Chorten and the huge statue of Buddha Dordenma, which commands a tremendous view of Thimphu valley. You can also visit Changangkha temple, perched on the hilltop overlooking the town. You may like to visit the Takin Reserve showcasing the unique national animal, the Takin. The choice is yours!

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Early this morning, you will drive from Thimphu to Punakha via Tashigang Gompa. Here, you can visit the Gompa – about 30 monks live here during the warmer months. From the monastery, you'll walk up towards Lungchotse Gompa which will take about two hours. It is a perfect place to enjoy the bounties of nature. On a clear sunny day, one can see the entire Bhutan Himalaya with its snow-covered peaks. You'll then continue to the old capital, Punakha.

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This morning, you'll hike up to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten, high on the hill across the other side of the valley. From the top, there is a beautiful view of the valley and surrounding villages. On the way back, you can visit the imposing Punakha Dzong, “Palace of Great Happiness”. From here, you will cross one of the longest suspension bridges in Bhutan and continue hiking towards Mendrelgang village. The walk takes around 20 minutes but you can extend it depending on what you wish to do.

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In the morning, you'll drive three hours to Gangtey at 2900 metres. On the way, you'll enjoy the views of the immense and remote Phobjikha valley and the black mountain ranges. Upon arrival, you'll visit Gangtey Gompa (one of Bhutan’s oldest monasteries and recently extensively renovated) and explore the valley where the villagers continue to live a traditional Bhutanese rural lifestyle. This is the site where black-necked cranes visit in their hundreds in November each year.

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Today, you'll head out on a hike into the Gangtey Valley, visiting lots of villages along the way. You can start walking from your hotel down to Semchubara village, through forests of blue pine trees covered with lichen. You'll continue on your walk until you reach near the small stupa where you can stop and take photos. From here, you'll hike to Jangchub Gompa, Pangsa village and the Dongsena and Gophu villages. The total distance is around 7-8 kilometres, taking around 5-6 hours.

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Today, you'll make the journey back to Paro. Upon arrival, you'll settle into your hotel then head out with your guide to explore. You can visit the impressive Paro Rinpung Dzong, one of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture. You can also visit the Ta Dzong National Museum which was built on top of the hill above Rinpung Dzong. You can see the magnificent collection of Bhutanese artefacts – costumes, religious paintings, arms, textiles and a fascinating collection of Bhutan stamps.

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Today, you'll take a day walk to the ‘Tiger's Nest’, the sacred Taktshang monastery which clings to the rock face 900 metres above the valley floor. Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown to the site riding on a tigress. Tiger's Nest is one of Bhutan’s most holy sites and draws pilgrims from Bhutan and also neighbouring Buddhist countries. You can have lunch at the Taktshang cafeteria with a spectacular view of the monastery. After, if there is time your guide will suggest something for you to see.