Wonders of Bhutan

PARO/THIMPHU

Thimphu, Bhutan

Arrive at any time and transfer to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. After clearing customs and visa control, an arrival transfer will take you to Thimphu, where you'll be met by your local CEO who will conduct a welcome meeting and orientation.

Time permitting, take a guided walk around town. The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting, but make sure you’re back in time to meet the group. After introductions, your CEO will review the details of your tour.

Dinner

Namgay Heritage Hotel

THIMPHU/PUNAKHA

Thimphu, Bhutan

This morning, meet a Buddhist monk and scholar to discuss Buddhist beliefs and ways of life in Bhutan. Then drive to scenic Punakha, crossing the lofty Dochu La pass and enjoying stunning views of the Himalaya through flickering prayer flags. Settle into your hotel and drive to Lobesa after lunch.

Punakha, Bhutan

From here, hike up to Chimi Lhakhang, a 15th-century monastery dedicated to the Buddhist saint Drukpa Kunley, known as the “Divine Madman.” Learn about his colorful, eccentric life, and witness women devotees who visit the monastery to receive blessings of fertility.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hotel Lobesa

PUNAKHA

Punakha, Bhutan

Enjoy a full day of exploration in Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan. Visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, or fortress, situated at the confluence of two important rivers. Hike to the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup nunnery, a meditation and training center for Buddhist nuns.

Then drive to Wangdue Phodrang to discover the town’s dzong. In the afternoon, weave your way through rice terraces and pine forests to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a cheerful temple perched on a picturesque mountain ridge overlooking the Punakha Valley.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hotel Lobesa

PUNAKHA/GANGTEY

Gangtey, Bhutan

Travel to the Gangtey Valley—also called Phobjikha Valley—the winter habitat of rare black-necked cranes. If your trip falls between October and February, you’ll have a chance to visit the information center of the Royal So­ciety for Protection of Nature (RSPN) to learn about these graceful, vulnerable birds, which migrate from Tibet to Bhutan every year.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hotel Dewachen

GANGTEY

Gangtey, Bhutan

Set out to discover the stunning Gangtey Goempa, one of the oldest Nyingma monasteries in Bhutan. This 17th-century temple recently underwent an elaborate renovation. Afterward, we’ll walk across Phobjikha Valley to Khewa Valley, stopping at an old temple on the way to make an offering.

This evening, explore Khewa village and enjoy a cooking demonstration and delicious home-cooked dinner at a family farmhouse.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hotel Dewachen

GANGTEY/THIMPHU

Thimphu, Bhutan

Return to Thimpu and take in the golden splendor of the Buddha Dordenma, a massive Buddha statue that graces a hill overlooking the city.

Visit the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, an arts and crafts school where you can watch students practicing traditional arts such as woodworking, painting, and ceramics. Later, enjoy a talk on Gross National Happiness, an index used by the Bhutanese to measure the nation’s progress.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Namgay Heritage Hotel

THIMPHU/HAA

Thimphu, Bhutan

This morning, visit the National Memorial Chorten, one of Thimphu’s most recognizable landmarks and a focal point of daily spiritual life. Then venture off the beaten path towards the remote Haa Valley, stopping for a night in charming Haa town.

Haa, Bhutan

Explore Lhakhang Nagpo, the “black temple,” and Lhakhang Karpo, the “white temple”—two ancient Buddhist shrines which are said to be among the 108 temples built in one day by the seventh century Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Rigsum Resort

HAA/PARO

Haa, Bhutan

Drive into picturesque Haa Valley by way of the dramatic Chele La pass, one of the highest mountain roads in Bhutan. Hike through thick pine forests to the Kila nunnery, which clings to a rocky cliff.

Paro, Bhutan

Later, return to Paro and visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the country’s oldest and most beautiful temples. Then head to a local archery ground to watch locals practice Bhutan’s national sport.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hotel Olathang

PARO

Paro, Bhutan

Today, you'll embark on a vigorous hike to Bhutan’s most iconic and revered site: the Taktsang Lhakhang or Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched high above the Paro Valley. Visible from afar, this architectural masterpiece straddles a vertical granite cliff 2,000 feet above the valley floor. Later, drive the winding road to Drukgyal Dzong, a ruined fortress that once defended Paro Valley from Tibetan invasions.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hotel Olathang

PARO

Paro, Bhutan

Depart at any time. Airport transfer is included.

Breakfast

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