Western Bhutan and Gasa Hot Spring

1. Day 1 Paro Airport – Thimphu ▾

   • 50 km Driving distance
   • 1 hr 15 min Driving time
   • 2,300 m Altitude of Thimphu

   On your journey to Paro, shall give the panoramic views of the Himalayas are sensational, including the Everest and other famous Himalayan Peaks. The approach through the Bhutanese foothills and the landing, including a few steep turns to land at the tiny airstrip of Paro becomes more exciting as you enter Bhutan.

   On arrival, you will be received by your Bhutanese guide with “Tashi khadar”, then drive to Thimphu. Driving through the well-maintained road between Paro to Thimphu shall be a great experience. The barren mountains, the Paro River (Pa Chhu) joining the Thimphu River (Wangchhu) at Chuzomsa and the three stupas, and the Tamchhog Lhakhang are some of the interesting sights as you travel from Paro to Thimphu.

   Spend some time in the property settling into your new surroundings. Afternoon, you shall be taken for your first foray into this Hidden Kingdom. This afternoon in the Thimphu Valley shall allow you to acclimatize to the air at this altitude, as well as getting yourself introduced to this Kingdom.

   Stroll around Clock Tower Square, Craft Bazaar and the Kaja Throm”, the new local market built as per the command of the His Majesty. In the evening visit impressive Tashichho Dzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion) which houses the Throne Room and the Offices of His Majesty the King as well as the Je Khenpo, seniormost religious authority of Bhutan.

   Welcome dinner with your Bhutanese Hosts. Overnight in hotel.

2. Day 2 Thimphu ▾

   • 2,300 m Altitude of Thimphu

   The day starts with a visit the National Memorial Chhorten. This Chhorten was built in the honor of the Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, also known as “The Father of Modern Bhutan”. Built in 1974 in a typical Tibetan style, the Chorten is also a center of worship for the people living in Thimphu.

   Circumambulating the chorten can be a great experience and a good way to earn merits as per Buddhist beliefs and a good way to start your day with prayers. Then drive to Kuenselphodrang, a place for refreshing with one of the largest statues of Buddha Dordenma.

   The place gives a breathtaking view of the Thimphu Valley and has a picnic spot, biking and hiking trail. Finally visit the “Simply Bhutan”. It is also a living museum, and a photo studio aimed at preservation and promotion of culture involving Bhutanese youth as the core group.

   After lunch visit the Government Post office and make personalized stamps. Post a card to your hometown. This could be a good memory of Bhutan. Then visit the Takin Preserve Centre. Takin is the National Animal of Bhutan. Then visit the Zorig Chusum (The National Institute for 13 Traditional Arts and Crafts of Bhutan) and the Royal Textile Academy.

   The day ends witnessing an Archery Match at the Changlimithang stadium. A traditional Cultural Show before dinner. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

3. Day 3 Thimphu – Gangtey/ Phobjikha ▾

   • 140 km Driving distance
   • 4 hr Driving time
   • 3,000 m Altitude of Phobjikha/ Gangtey

   Visit the Simtokha Dzong on the way. This is one of the oldest dzongs in Bhutan. Drive to the Dochula Pass (3150 m), the highest point between Thimphu and Punakha valleys. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the higher Himalayas, explore the 108 Druk Wangyel Chhortens and then visit the Druk Wangyel Lhakhang.

   Descend to the subtropical lush and beautiful valley of Punakha. The terraced rice fields, the meandering river and the beautiful villages shall welcome you as you reach Punakha. Explore the Lobesa Village for a while. Interact with the local vendors selling fresh fruits, vegetables and other local produce.

   Lunch at the Lobesa. Visit the Wangduephodrang Dzong overlooking the convergence of the Dangchhu and Punatsangchhu Rivers. The dzong was initially built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1638. Drive along the slopes of bare hills following the river (Drang Chhu) until you reach Chuzomsa, (the confluence of the Dang Chhu and the Pe Chhu).

   After crossing the bridge, the road goes uphill through pine forests often encountering small villages, where women spinning yarns on their porches, older men idling their time and children frolicking around could be the most common sights.

   Explore the Lawala Pass. A few Photographs are must here. Drive down along the pine forest till you reach your hotel. Spend your evening enjoying a quaint and blissful moments in one of the most beautiful Glacial valleys in the Himalayas. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

4. Day 4 Gangtey/ Phobjikha Valley ▾

   Start your day with a breakfast with views. Visit the Gangtey Goemba overlooking the large green expanse of the Phobjikha Valley. Gyaltse Pema Thinley, the grandson and mind reincarnation of Pema Lingpa founded the Temple in 1613, and Tenzin Legpai Dhendup, the second re-incarnation, built the temple.

   Hike the Gangtey Nature Trail. The trail starts at the 17th century Gangtey Monastery. The two-hour gentle trek lets you get immersed in the beautiful Phobjikha valley. Visit the Khewang Lhakhang and interact with the young monks. Explore the nearby villages for a while.

   Picnic Lunch in the Phobjikha Valley. After lunch drive towards the villages of Kilkhorthang and Remeachin. Visit the Nelung Dreachagling Nunnery and the villages around. Witness farmers working in the field and enjoy taking photographs in this beautiful Glacial valley.

   On the way back visit the Black Necked Crane Information Centre, a place for recreation with crane watching equipment (binoculars, spotting scopes) and reference books. Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

5. Day 5 Gangtey/ Phobjikha – Gasa ▾

   • 130 km Driving distance
   • 4 hr 30 min Driving time
   • 2,860 m Altitude of Gasa

   After breakfast, drive to Punakha and then to Gasa hot spring. Also known as Gasa Tshachu, it is one of Bhutan’s most popular and revered natural hot springs. Nestled in the remote district of Gasa in the northwestern part of the country, these hot springs are not only a place of relaxation but also a site of spiritual and cultural significance for the Bhutanese people.

   In the afternoon, relax in the natural hot springs. Dinner and overnight in Camp.

6. Day 6 Gasa – Punakha/ Wangduephodrang ▾

   • 50 km Driving distance
   • 2 hr 30 min Driving time
   • 1,250 m Altitude of Punakha

   After breakfast, drive to Punakha. After lunch, Visit Chimi Lhakhang. Also known as the temple of fertility, the temple was built by Lam Drukpa Kuenley. the revered ‘Divine Madman’ and Buddhist ‘crazy wisdom.’ A lot of graphic phallus paintings and crafts might surprise you in the nearby areas.

   Visit the Punakha dzong at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu River. Addition to its appealing looks this Majestic Dzong stands six stories high. Walk over the one of the country’s longest suspension bridges and enjoy the breathing views, soothing breeze and a beautiful experience.

   Dinner and overnight in hotel.

7. Day 7 Punakha Valley ▾

   Start your day with a Hike to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chhorten. An hour of walk after crossing the suspension bridge and through the rice fields takes you to magnificent views and the Chhorten, beautifully crafted in traditional Bhutanese style.

   With the intricate design and sculptures, the temple was built by Bhutanese craftsmen which took 9 years. The craftsmanship of Bhutanese artists is amazing. The 360-degree views of the Punakha valley’s rice fields and the shimmering river shall ensure that the sweating was worth.

   An hour of rafting on the Mo Chhu shall bring you near the Punakha Dzong. A Picnic lunch at the Banks of the Mo chhu. Finally Spend some time with the Nuns at the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery. Explore the Khuruthang town for a while. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

8. Day 8 Punakha –Paro ▾

   • 135 km Driving distance
   • 3 hr 45 min Driving time
   • 2,280 m Altitude of Paro

   After a nice breakfast, drive to Paro. On the way explore the Royal Botanical Park for a while. Picnic Lunch on the banks of Paro River near Shaba Village. After a short stoppage at Airport Viewpoint, visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong. Finally Visit the Paro National Museum, which displays a collection of fascinating Bhutanese relics.

   Explore the Paro Town. Visit Coffee shops, handicraft shops and interact with the locals. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

9. Day 9 Paro Valley ▾

   • 2,280 m Altitude of Paro

   Your day starts with an early morning Hike to Taktshang Monastery, one of the most wonderful and significant monasteries in Bhutan. Also known as the Tiger’s Nest, the hike shall be accompanied with stories of Guru Rinpoche, who arrived on the spot where the monastery is located on the back of a flying tigress somewhere in 8th century.

   Reaching the top shall enlighten you on why the Monastery is an iconic pilgrimage for visitors to the Kingdom of Bhutan. Visit Kyichhu Lhakhang, a 7th-century temple nearby with two magical orange trees that bear fruit throughout the year. Drive to a local farmhouse for lunch with a Bhutanese family.

   Try the traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath, National Dress and Archery here. You shall also have an opportunity to witness the daily life in a village in Bhutan. Drive back to the Hotel. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

10. Day 10 Departure ▾

    “Western Bhutan with Gasa hot spring” comes to an end with a drive to Paro airport and farewell.

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