Bhutan
The Last Shangri-La
The small landlocked country of Bhutan packs in quite a punch – verdant valleys, fragrant pine forests, soaring Himalayan peaks and cliff-hanging monasteries. Uncover the rich cultural heritage of this ancient land during this 6 night/7 day trip into the kingdom’s heartland and experience its mystique and beauty.
Itinerary at a glance
Day 1 & 2: Thimphu
Arrive in Paro. Upon arrival, you will be met by your Tour Manager who will escort you to your hotel in Thimphu (approximately 1.5 hours, excluding stops) and will help you to check-in.
While you’re in the capital, you will explore the major attractions of Thimphu – the National Library, Textile Museum, the Post Office (where you can make your own personalized stamps), Simply Bhutan (which encapsulates the cultural heritage of the Bhutanese people), the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly referred to as the ‘Painting School’), Trashi Chhoe Dzong (the seat of Bhutan’s government and royal offices) and the National Memorial Chorten.
You may also like to take an exploratory walk around Thimphu’s main street and market area and participate in an Archery Contest with a professional archer.
Meals: B, L, D
While you’re in the capital, you will explore the major attractions of Thimphu – the National Library, Textile Museum, the Post Office (where you can make your own personalized stamps), Simply Bhutan (which encapsulates the cultural heritage of the Bhutanese people), the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly referred to as the ‘Painting School’), Trashi Chhoe Dzong (the seat of Bhutan’s government and royal offices) and the National Memorial Chorten.
You may also like to take an exploratory walk around Thimphu’s main street and market area and participate in an Archery Contest with a professional archer.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3 & 4: Punakha
You will drive to Punakha (approximately 3.5 hours, excluding stops).
During your stay, you will take a hike to Chimi Lhakhang. It is widely believed that when childless couples who want to get pregnant, pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon. You will also hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a stunning monument built by the Bhutanese Queen Mother and consecrated in 1999.
You might like to visit the Punakha Dzong, home to the remains of Bhutan’s first ruler and the winter residence of the monastic order’s leader and his entourage of monks.
Also on the tour, you will visit Richengang Village, one of the oldest villages in Bhutan and spend time in a Bhutanese farmhouse. You can also try your hand at making Suja (traditionally prepared salted butter tea) while at the farmer’s home.
Meals: B, L, D
During your stay, you will take a hike to Chimi Lhakhang. It is widely believed that when childless couples who want to get pregnant, pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon. You will also hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a stunning monument built by the Bhutanese Queen Mother and consecrated in 1999.
You might like to visit the Punakha Dzong, home to the remains of Bhutan’s first ruler and the winter residence of the monastic order’s leader and his entourage of monks.
Also on the tour, you will visit Richengang Village, one of the oldest villages in Bhutan and spend time in a Bhutanese farmhouse. You can also try your hand at making Suja (traditionally prepared salted butter tea) while at the farmer’s home.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5 & 6: Paro
You will drive to Paro (approximately 3 hours, excluding stops). En-route you will visit Simtokha Dzong, the place of profound tantric teaching.
You will then visit the Drukgyel Dzong where you can sit down by the big prayer wheel below the ruins. You will also take an exploratory walk around Paro’s main street and market area in the evening.
The next morning, you will hike up to view one of Bhutan’s most dramatic monuments, the Taktsang Goemba, more commonly referred to as the Tiger’s Nest, built on a sheer cliff face at a height of 2,950m (9,678ft). Note: For those who need assistance on the climb, mules and donkeys will be on hand. Your guide will check in advance if you would like to avail of this service.
Thereafter, you will visit the National Museum which provides a wonderful introduction to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom. A short walk downhill from the museum is the imposing Paro Dzong, a fine example of historic Bhutanese architecture.
You may also like to soak in your lodge’s Hot Stone Bath or enjoy a relaxing Tibetan Ku Nye massage.
Meals: B, L, D
You will then visit the Drukgyel Dzong where you can sit down by the big prayer wheel below the ruins. You will also take an exploratory walk around Paro’s main street and market area in the evening.
The next morning, you will hike up to view one of Bhutan’s most dramatic monuments, the Taktsang Goemba, more commonly referred to as the Tiger’s Nest, built on a sheer cliff face at a height of 2,950m (9,678ft). Note: For those who need assistance on the climb, mules and donkeys will be on hand. Your guide will check in advance if you would like to avail of this service.
Thereafter, you will visit the National Museum which provides a wonderful introduction to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom. A short walk downhill from the museum is the imposing Paro Dzong, a fine example of historic Bhutanese architecture.
You may also like to soak in your lodge’s Hot Stone Bath or enjoy a relaxing Tibetan Ku Nye massage.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: Depart Paro
Today, you will drive to Paro’s International Airport and on arrival, you will be met by our colleague who will help you to check-in for your homeward flight (details to be advised).
Meals: B
Meals: B
Snapshots from the itinerary
