Savouring Bhutan

Day 2

To Paro

Fly past Everest into Paro. The flight from Kathmandu to Paro is a visual treat - check in early and sit on the left hand side for the best views. The highest Himalayan peaks rise above the clouds including Cho Oyu (8201m), Makalu (8462m), Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8506m) and the imposing block of Kangchenjunga (8586m).

In Paro, travel down willow lined steets to your hotel for tonight. If there is time this afternoon take a walk through Paro Town, past Ugyen Pelri Palace and the main archery ground, across the traditional covered bridge Nyami Zam over the Pa Chhu River and join devotees on their way up to Rinpung Dzong (Fortress on a Heap of Jewels). From here, head up to the former watch tower or Ta Dzong, housing Bhutan’s National Museum (damage by an earthquake in 2011 has meant a reduction in the exhibits) and take in the wonderful views of the valley.

Stay

Rema Resort, Paro 

Day 3

Dochu Laa to Punakha

This morning you will really get a sense of being in the mountains as you ascend to the colourful Dochu Laa pass where you will hopefully see clear views of the snow-capped mountains to the north. Generally the views from the pass are clearer first thing in the morning - so it is best to start as early as possible. Take time to visit the ornate Druk Wangyal Lhakhang (temple) and perhaps a tea break before descending into Punakha valley. As you descend into the subtropical valley of Punakha, you will notice the forest changing in character from the rhododendrons, pine and evergreen to huge leaved tropical trees. This afternoon, a gentle walk passed farmhouses and across the fields to Chimi Lhakhang, a 'fertility' temple with an interesting story, set on a small hill.

Stay

Meri Puensum

Day 4

Punakha Dzong and Chorten Walk

This morning you drive up to the other side of Punakha valley to visit the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal chorten. It's a 45 minute hike up to the chorten over a suspension bridge. Afterwards - either on foot and by vehicle (or raft - ask Kath/Jade) along the river (2-3hrs) - head back down into the valley to visit the spectacular Punakha Dzong and for a picnic lunch.

The Dzong is arguably the most beautiful Dzong in Bhutan, take time to explore some of the magnificent temples. Rest of afternoon at leisure or if there is time you may like to visit the village of Talo, high on the hill above the valley.

Stay

Meri Puensum

Day 5

To Phobjika Valley & Optional Shashi Laa Hike

Today you will head back west and there will be the chance to make part of the journey on foot, via the Shashi Laa pass. This is quite a tough half day walk (the down hill bit can be hard on the knees), but if you are used to walking you should be fine. If this doesn't appeal to you, visit instead the villages of Talo and Nobdang.

This afternoon, a gentle walk passed farmhouses and across the fields to Chimi Lhakhang, a 'fertility' temple set on a small hill.

Stay

Dewachen, Gantey

Day 6

Gangtey Goempa & Valley Walk

Today you will have time to relax and explore the valley on foot. For those wanting a special but very early experience, get up around 5am to head to the monastery to join the monks in prayer. Return to you hotel for breakfast after which, a walking tour of the monastery and village before a gentle 2 or 4 hour walk along the edge of the valley, across a stream to the local school.

Learn about the cranes at the black-necked crane centre and see if you can spot them or any other wildlife through their telescope. Take time to relax - perhaps paint, draw or take photos. Alternatively your guides will be around for more walks or family visits.

Stay

Dewachen, Gangtey

Day 7

To Thimphu

A longer drive today as you head back west, over the Dochu Laa pass to Thimphu. Visit the weekend market, which should be in full swing. Thimphu is the best place to buy souvenirs or handicrafts and your guide will be able to help you with any purchases. This evening dine at one of Thimphu's international restaurants.

Stay

Namgay Heritage

Day 8

Explore Thimphu

After breakfast, a sightseeing tour of Thimphu. Visit the memorial chorten, which is so important to Thimphu's inhabitants. A stop at the weekend market is a must if you did not have time yesterday. Depending on opening hours, guest interests and time, your guide may include some of the following in your schedule: The National Memorial Chorten, Trashi Chhoe Dzong (fortress of the glorious religion), the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, the National Textile Museum, the Folk Heritage Museum, the Paper factory or other workshops. The alternative would be to go for a hike to Tango & Cheri Monastery at the head of the valley or just to relax and explore the shops and cafes by yourself.

Stay

Namgay Heritage

Day 9

Thimphu to Haa

This morning there will be a little time to visit one or two sights that were closed at the weekend before heading west to the sleepy valley of Haa. Enroute head to the big Buddha on top of the hill to see the whole city laid out before you. Stop briefly at Simtokha Dzong. Settle into tonight's accommodation, the basic but cosy Rigsum resort - named after the three hills looming opposite which are popularly known as ‘Rigsum Gonpa' signifying three deities, Jambayang, Chana Dorji and Chenrezig. These are the three principal bodhisattvas (Buddhas to be) among the thousand future Buddhas to come, and representations of them are to be found in every Lhakhang (temple) and household shrine room. After lunch visit the famous Lhakhang Nagpo and Karpo temples.

Stay

Rigsum Resort, Haa

Day 10

Haa Valley Walk

Haa is a perfect walking destination. Today you hike in through meadows and small hamlets in this rural valley where you may see farmers planting buckwheat or barley or herders grazing their yaks or cattle. You may be invited into one of the houses where you can see first hand how rural Bhutanese live. You may be offered yaks cheese or butter tea with toasted barley to snack on.

Stay

Rigsum Resort

Day 11

Haa to Paro

Today you head back to Paro via the Chele La pass, with it's wealth of flora and fauna. Make sure you have a warm jumper up here - and plenty of sunscreen as it can get cold but the sun can be fierce. We will spend some time at the pass and there will be the option to either head back to Paro or to walk above the tree line along the ridge that divides Paro and Haa valley. The walk is not long but it can be hard work at this altitude. The short steep descent from the top will take us to the nunnery of Kila Gompa. It is about a 20 minute walk through woodland along a path lined with small white chortens back to the road where the vehicles will be waiting. If you do not want to do the ridge hike, you can visit the nunnery from the road. Head back into Paro and rest of the day at leisure.

Stay

Rema Resort, Paro

Day 12

Paro Valley

This morning explore Paro valley. Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan with its magic orange tree that bears fruit all year round and the interesting and unusually shaped Dungtse Lhakahang (take a torch) before heading west to Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1648 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to control the northern route to Tibet (from here, it is only a two-day hike to the border, dominated by Mt Jhomalhari). This afternoon you can relax in and around the hotel - perhaps have an archery lesson, try a hot stone bath, visit Paro town, or take a hike out to Dzongdrakha or one of the other outlying temples or villages.

Stay

Rema Resort, Paro

Day 13

Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Hike

One of the most sacred of pilgrimages in the Himalayas, this hike is quite tough - but most abilities will be able to cope with it if it is taken at a steady pace.

Although those accustomed to the altitude might take 2 hours to climb to the temple, we allow the full day for the excursion and stop regularly including for coffee on the way up and for lunch on the return leg. You will be able to go at your own pace (or hire a pony -payable locally - ask your guide) and if you prefer to stop at the cafe or view point a little higher up, that is fine. Walking through oak, rhododendrons and trees draped in lychen, it is a rewarding and photogenic hike. Head back to your hotel for a well earned hot stone bath!

There is an optional 2-day trek with an overnight campon an alternative route to Taktsang - Please ask us for details of our Bumdra Trek option. Tonight dine in a local farmhouse.

Stay

Rema Resort, Paro

Day 14

Depart Paro

An early start for another spectacular flight over the Himalayas. On arrival back in Kathmandu you rest of the day at leisure to relax in the famous Dwarikas Hotel or to explore Kathmandu city. The hotel is a great place to escape the chaos of Kathmandu at the end of your tour, but if you would like to arrange guided sightseeing please ask us for our half day tours or longer extensions in Nepal.

Stay

Dwarikas, Kathmandu