This tour introduces you to the main towns and valleys of Western Bhutan: Paro and Thimphu. It is designed for those who have only a short time to visit the country but wish to enjoy the impressive mountain scenery, visit some of the most important places of cultural and historical interest and gain an insight into the daily life of the Bhutanese people.

Turn huge prayer wheels in temples dating back to the 7th century. Enter the vast courtyards of impressive fortress-monasteries (dzongs) and watch the red-robed monks of all ages at prayer and at play. Take a hike or horse-ride to the renowned Taktsang temple (the “Tiger’s Nest”), perched on the edge of a steep precipice, at a height of 3000 metres. Visit the National museum, art schools and the centre for traditional medicine. Find some time for shopping for arts and crafts and items for every-day use.

Day 1     Arrive Paro. Transfer to Thimphu for sightseeing (1 hr). Visit the Chang-gangkha temple, Takin reserve, Dechenphodrang Monastic Institute and Thimphu Dzong (Trashichodzong).

Day 2     Sightseeing in Thimphu. Visit the Folk Heritage Museum, Institute for the 13 Traditional Arts (Zorig Chusum), the Textile Museum and the large open-air Buddha statue.  Circumambulate the Memorial Chorten with the locals.

Day 3     Drive to Paro for sightseeing (1 hr). Visit Paro Ta Dzong Museum and then descend on foot to the impressive Rinpung Dzong and cross the bridge into Paro town. Enjoy a two-hour village walk and lunch in a traditional farmhouse.

Day 4     Morning hike to Taktsang temple. Afternoon sightseeing in Paro valley. Drive towards the ruined fortress Drugyel Dzong and visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan.

Day 5     Flight departure from Paro.