The Western Mandala Trip

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Duration:5Days/4Nights

Day 1

Enter Bhutan amidst its breathtaking landscape from Kathmandu, Kolkata or Bagdora – and take in sights of some of the world’s tallest peaks, Everest, Kunchenjunga, Lhotshe and Jomalhari. You will be warmly received by our friendly, traditionally dressed representative with the offering of a white welcome scarf.
Drive to Bhutan’s capital city Thimphu, along the Paro and Thimphu rivers (about 1½-hour drive from airport).
Visit the Memorial Chorten of the Third king Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, also called “Father of Modern Bhutan.” The Chorten was built in 1974 by Her Royal Grand Mother Ashi Phuntsho Choden Wangchuck. Today it is popular worship place in Thimphu city.
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Drive to Mini Zoo located in North West of Thimphu city. It is Bhutan’s only Zoo, where you will see the national animal, Takin.
5-minute drive from zoo to the Bhutan Broadcasting Service Tower (BBS) to get panoramic view of Thimphu city.
Visit nunnery founded by 16th Drubthob Thangthong Gyalpo, where more than 40 nuns study Buddhism.
Drive to Thimphu Tashicho Dzong, a fortress built in 1772 by the temporal ruler Zhidar and Younten Thaye the Chief Abbot. It is open to visitors only after office hours. The King’s office and Throne Room is in the Dzong, and is residence to the Centre Monk Body and Chief Abbot in summer.

Day 2

Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan (about 3-hour drive from Thimphu).
Stop on the way at enchanting Docula pass (3040m above sea level). On a clear day one can see panoramic view of the Eastern Himalayas Mountains ranges.
Arrive at Punakha Valley (1300m above sea level), a fertile valley were farmers grow two crops in a year.
Visit Punakha Dzong which played an important role in the olden days. It was Bhutan’s second monastic school after the Cheri Monastery. The first king was crowned inside this Dzong in 1907. It is residence to the Centre Monk Body and Chief Abbot in winter.
Hike to Chimi Lhakhang through beautiful rice fields and farm houses. The temple was built by Lama Ngawang Chogyel in 1499 and is today a popular temple where barren women come to pray for a child. The temple is popularly known as the “Fertility Temple” and associated with Drukpa Kuenley (Divine Manmonk.”)

Day 3

After breakfast in hotel, drive back to Paro.
Visit Ta Dzong (watch tower) which was built in 1649 by Paro Governor Tenzin Drugda to protect the fortress below. The Ta Dzong was almost destroyed in 1965 but was restored by the third king Jigme Dorji Wangchuck into the National Museum of Bhutan in 1968.
Visit Paro Rimpong Dzong (Fortress on a Heap of Jewels) which was built in 1646 by the Shabdrung. It was built to protect Paro Valley from frequent Tibetan invasions. Today this Dzong serves as the administrative office of Paro district and houses 110 monks.

Day 4

Breakfast in hotel.
Hike to Taktshang (Tiger’s Nest/Lair) Monastery, one of the holiest monasteries in the Buddhist World.
Visit Drukgyel Dzong, 7kms north of Tiger Nest Monastery. The Dzong, whose name means “fortress of Victory Drukpas”, was built in the 17th century to celebrate victory over Tibetan invaders. It was severely damaged in a fire in 1951 and had been left in ruins since then.
Visit a farm house for local hospitality and experience local butter tea and Ara (local brewed liquor). We provide complimentary hot stone bath in the farm house for interested guests.

Day 5