Sample Itinerary
DAY 1 : PARO / THIMPU
TAJ TASHI
Arrive Paro on your Druk Air flight from Bangkok, Delhi or Katmandu. Drive through the lesser Himalayas to Thimpu, Bhutan’s secluded capital. The splendid valley is dominated by Tashichho Dzong (ancient fortress/monastery), where the king and the Je Khenpu (supreme religious leader) rule side-by-side to ensure their people’s secular and spiritual well being. In Bhutan, they speak of “Gross National Happiness.” (L,D)
Arrive Paro on your Druk Air flight from Bangkok, Delhi or Katmandu. Drive through the lesser Himalayas to Thimpu, Bhutan’s secluded capital. The splendid valley is dominated by Tashichho Dzong (ancient fortress/monastery), where the king and the Je Khenpu (supreme religious leader) rule side-by-side to ensure their people’s secular and spiritual well being. In Bhutan, they speak of “Gross National Happiness.” (L,D)
DAY 2 : THIMPU / WANGDUE PHODRANG
DRAGON NEST HOTEL
Drive through pine forests and small villages as you cross Dochu La Pass at 10,500 ft. Visit beautiful Punakha Dzong, the winter residence of the chief abbot. Continue to Wangdue Phodrang, the last town on the highway before entering Central Bhutan. This formidable dzong is the town’s most visible and dramatic feature. (B,L,D)
Drive through pine forests and small villages as you cross Dochu La Pass at 10,500 ft. Visit beautiful Punakha Dzong, the winter residence of the chief abbot. Continue to Wangdue Phodrang, the last town on the highway before entering Central Bhutan. This formidable dzong is the town’s most visible and dramatic feature. (B,L,D)
DAY 3 : WANGDUE PHODRANG / TRONGSA
YANGKHIL RESORT
The road from Wangdue to Trongsa is one of the prettiest in Bhutan, passing streams, forests and villages. Transit the Pelela Pass and descend into the Gangteng Valley, the winter home of Tibet’s black-necked cranes. Visit Gantey Gompa, an important 17th-century monastery. As you near Trongsa, the dramatic circuit around the valley provides an exciting view of the dzong and the town. Trongsa Dzong is an impregnable fortress, a labyrinth of temples, corridors and monastic quarters. (B,L,D)
The road from Wangdue to Trongsa is one of the prettiest in Bhutan, passing streams, forests and villages. Transit the Pelela Pass and descend into the Gangteng Valley, the winter home of Tibet’s black-necked cranes. Visit Gantey Gompa, an important 17th-century monastery. As you near Trongsa, the dramatic circuit around the valley provides an exciting view of the dzong and the town. Trongsa Dzong is an impregnable fortress, a labyrinth of temples, corridors and monastic quarters. (B,L,D)
DAYS 4-6 : BUMTHANG
GONGKHAR GUEST HOUSE
Continue east across the Yutongla Pass (11,500 ft.) into Bumthang, home to the great Buddhist teacher Pema Lingpa and a deeply spiritual region. Explore Bumthang’s four valleys visiting Jampa & Kurjey Monasteries and Burning Lake. Travel to the charming Ura Valley where the small but old dzong and cobblestone paths give the village a medieval feel. Bumthang’s tsechus (festivals) are some of the most popular in Bhutan. Rare masked and sword dances are performed in the courtyards of the dzongs. (BLD)
Continue east across the Yutongla Pass (11,500 ft.) into Bumthang, home to the great Buddhist teacher Pema Lingpa and a deeply spiritual region. Explore Bumthang’s four valleys visiting Jampa & Kurjey Monasteries and Burning Lake. Travel to the charming Ura Valley where the small but old dzong and cobblestone paths give the village a medieval feel. Bumthang’s tsechus (festivals) are some of the most popular in Bhutan. Rare masked and sword dances are performed in the courtyards of the dzongs. (BLD)
DAYS 7-8 : WANGDUE PHODRANG & THIMPU
TAJ TASHI
Spend two days returning to Thimpu. (B,L,D)
Spend two days returning to Thimpu. (B,L,D)
DAYS 9-11 : PARO
UMA PARO
Thirty years ago, the only access to Paro was by a five day walk across mountains from the Indian border. Today, it is your base of exploration for a wealth of attractions. Walk (or ride) to Taktsang, the Tiger’s Nest. This magical monastery, an icon of Bhutan, clings to a granite cliff 3,000 ft. above the valley floor. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche, who first brought Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century, flew here on the back of a flying tigress. Visit the National Museum (Ta Dzong) housed in an ancient watchtower, then explore the Paro’s impressive Rinpung Dzong, one of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture. Drive to the remote Haa Valley (12,000 ft.), and if you wish, descend the 25 miles by mountain bike! (B,L,D)
Thirty years ago, the only access to Paro was by a five day walk across mountains from the Indian border. Today, it is your base of exploration for a wealth of attractions. Walk (or ride) to Taktsang, the Tiger’s Nest. This magical monastery, an icon of Bhutan, clings to a granite cliff 3,000 ft. above the valley floor. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche, who first brought Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century, flew here on the back of a flying tigress. Visit the National Museum (Ta Dzong) housed in an ancient watchtower, then explore the Paro’s impressive Rinpung Dzong, one of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture. Drive to the remote Haa Valley (12,000 ft.), and if you wish, descend the 25 miles by mountain bike! (B,L,D)
DAY 12 : DEPART PARO
EN ROUTE
Morning departure on your Druk Air flight. Bon Voyage! (B)
Morning departure on your Druk Air flight. Bon Voyage! (B)
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