Mountains & Monasteries
Explore this tiny Kingdom
The Last Shangri-La
Bhutan is simply breathtaking! Ringed by snow capped mountains with lush green valleys that had been closed to tourism for years, preserving the Bhutanese traditional way of life aand culture. Now the doors to this Kingdom are open (albeit still to limited numbers) you have the opportunity to explore this Shangri-La.
This itinerary can be as energetic or as gentle as you wish to make it. Spend your days hiking to monasteries perched high in the mountains or wander across rice paddies to temples set low in the hills; whichever you choose you will cross paths with some of the most hospitable people in the world, many living as they have done for centuries. To experience the customs of these residents, and to be welcomed into their homes in order to share their way of life, is truly humbling.
You will love
- Bhutan’s heritage and architecture
- Walking through local villages
- Admiring astounding landscapes
- Visiting museums, temples and monasteries
Let us design your perfect itinerary.
9 UNFORGETTABLE DAYS
DAY 1 | THIMPHU | 3 NIGHTS
Arrive in Paro and transfer by road to your hotel in Thimphu (approx 1.5 hours) enroute you will visit Chuzom to view three different styles of stupas (shrines) ‐ Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese & will see the temple of Tamchog Lhakhang ‐ home to one of the most photographed bridges in all of Bhutan!
DAY 2 | THIMPHU
This morning take a short drive to Pangri Zampa and enjoy an interactive session with the monks. Later discover the highlights of Thimphu including the Textile Museum, the National Library, the institute for Zorig Chusum (arts and crafts school) and the Folk Heritage Museum. This afternoon visit the Trashicchoe Dzong – a Buddhist monastery and fortess
DAY 3 | THIMPHU
Explore the Centenary Farmer’s Market this morning. Heaving with local produce and imported fish and meat (True Buddhists will not sacrifice, or eat, any living creature so all meat arrives, predminantly, from India). Visit the Bhutan ‘Postal Museum Post Office’ with the curator and make your own Bhutanese stamps before proceeding to the Drubthob Goemba (the only nunnery in Thimphu), and finally the impressive Memorial Chorten.
DAY 4 | PUNAKHA | 2 NIGHTS
Road transfer to Punakha (approx 3 hours). Enroute view the 108 chortens or stupas at the Dochula Pass, and explore the Royal Botanical Gardens. On arrival in Punakha visit the Punakha Dzong and in the evening venture out to Wangdue town and explore its local markets.
DAY 5 | PUNAKHA
Visit Sangcchen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery before taking a short hike to the regal Khamsum Yuelley Namgel Chorten. Enjoy lunch by the riverside before experiencing Bhutanese rural life in the villages or Nobgang and Talo.
DAY 6 | PARO | 3 NIGHTS
Transfer by road to Paro (approx 3 hours), visiting the Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress in Bhutan enroute. Also stop at Ta Dzong and Rinpung Dzong. Stroll around Paro’s market street to get a feel for the local life, before attending a cooking session focusing on traditional Bhutanese delicacies.
DAY 7 | PARO
Embark on a fascinating excursion to the famous Taktshang Monastery known as Tigers Nest. This afternoon drive to the base of Drukygel Dzong, a 17th century fortress, and visit a colourful and traditionally built Bhutanese farmhouse.
DAY 8 | PARO
Enjoy a drive to Chelela Pass – one of the highest motorable passes in Bhutan at an elevation of 3,988 metres above sea level before embarking on a walk (1hr) to the nunnery of Kila Gompa. After lunch drive to Neyphug Monastery, home to approx 60 orphans and play a traditional game of Khuru with them.
DAY 9 | END OF ITINERARY
Your itinerary ends with a to the airport this morning in time for your outbound flight and onward adventure.
PLEASE NOTE:
This itinerary provides the perfect framework for a spectacular opportunity to travel through the ‘Land of Happiness’, however it can be designed to suit your preferred pace, price and pursuits. Contact us for a tailormade journey.
NEED TO KNOW
Please enquire for pricing based on your preferences
Start: Paro, Bhutan*
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Finish: Paro, Bhutan*
This itinerary provides the perfect inspiration for a spectacular journey through the Kingdom of Bhutan & can be tailored to suit your style, pace, preferences and budget. Elements of this trip may vary based on your chosen season & dates of travel which may also present the opportunity to see & do even more!
*please note that flights to and from Paro MUST BE BOOKED inconjunction with land arrangements in Bhutan – this is a stipulation in order to obtain a Tourist Entry Visa. Flights into Paro are available from Bangkok, Delhi or Kathmandu. Please talk to us about the best access point for you as we can provide competitive airfare quotes and, if necessary, stopover packages.
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