Ultimate Bhutan with Nepal

Day 2

Relax at Dwarika's resort

A day to relax at the Dwarika's Resort or to explore the surrounding area. The 360 degree views over the Himalayas are breathtaking. Set over 20 acres, the resort is spread over a lush hillside and lies at an altitude of 1,700m among pine, rhododendron and cherry trees. You can relax, have a free consultation with the in-house Ayurvedic doctor, head to the spa for a massage, or for a walk to one of the local farms. Other activities on offer are pottery, painting, cookery, meditation and yoga.

STAY

Dwarika's Resort, near Kathmandu

Day 3

Fly to Paro and to Thimphu,

Our airport representative will let you know what time to be ready for your transfer to the airport. The flight to Paro is a visual treat - try to get to the gate 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).  On arrival in Paro, you will be met by your guide and driver and taken along the national 'highway' to the capital of Thimphu, stopping off at Thamchu Lhakhang on the way. The view over Thimphu from the big Buddha statue will help you get your bearings before heading into Thimphu town.

Check into your hotel and later that afternoon there may be time to head up to Mothitang to see Bhutan's national animal, the rare and elusive Takin.  If you wish to stretch your legs, there are great views of the town and Dzong on a lateral hike from the viewpoint, through the forests (1hr-1.5hr) to Wanguetse and Dechenphodrang monasteries.

STAY

Amankora, Thimpu

Day 4

Explore Thimphu

After breakfast, a sightseeing tour of Thimphu. Visit the memorial chorten, which is so important to Thimphu's inhabitants and the Folk Heritage Museum which will give you an insight into how many rural Bhutanese live. A stop at the weekend market is a must.

Depending on opening hours and your interests you can include some of the following in your private schedule: the National Memorial Chorten, Trashi Chhoe Dzong (fortress of the glorious religion), the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, the National Textile Museum, or the Handmade Paper Factory.

This afternoon, you may like to take a walk to Cheri or Tango Goempas on the outskirts of town. Alternatively you can stay in town and have time to explore the town further, or go shopping.

STAY

Amankora, Thimpu

Day 5

Over Dochu Laa to Punakha

An early start this morning to ascend up to the colourful Dochu Laa pass.  Hopefully you will have clear views of the high Himalaya. Visit the ornate Druk Wangyal Lhakhang (temple) atop the hill before you start your descent into Punakha. You may like to walk some of this on foot following the ancient woodland path - once the main road over the pass - to meet the vehicles further down. 

STAY

Six Senses, Punakha

Day 6

Explore Punakha valley

Punakha Valley - Visit the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal chorten. It's a 45 minute hike up to the chorten over a suspension bridge. Afterwards, either on foot, by vehicle, or even by raft head back down into the valley for a picnic lunch and to visit the spectacular Punakha Dzong - arguably the most beautiful Dzong in Bhutan - where you will take time to explore some of the magnificent temples. There may be an option to raft down to the Dzong.

STAY

Six Senses, Punakha

Day 7

To Phobjikha valley

Today we head to the beautiful Phobjikha valley - it's a bit of a bumpy drive, and there may be roadworks, but there will be stops along the way. Continue on the road east over the Black Mountains, where you may spot monkeys if you are lucky! A branch in the road leads to the glacial Phobjikha valley. You may like to take a walk down into the valley from the Lawa La pass, where you may come across herders with their Yaks. It will be cold here, so you might need to get out your thermals tonight.

STAY

Gangtey Lodge, Phobjikha

Day 8

Phobjikha valley

Today you will have time to relax and explore the valley on foot. Visit the monastery and village before a gentle 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 any other wildlife through their telescope. There are lots of hiking opportunities in the valley but you may just like to relax in your hotel, which has amazing views from the restaurant across the valley.

STAY

Gangtey Lodge, Phobjikha

Day 9

To Bumthang

To Bumthang. After a leisurely morning visiting Ogyen Chholing Palace Museum head back south to Jakar. Spend the next two days walking between some of Bhutan's most important and most sacred temples in the Chokhor valley. 

STAY

Six Senses, Bumthang

Day 10

Bumthang

Continue your exploration of Bumthang by vehicle and on foot. You are more than likely to be joined by cheeky school children and a 1-mile walk may end up taking an hour with all their questioning and the photo opportunities!

STAY

Six Senses, Bumthang

Day 11

Jakar Tshechu

The three-day Jakar Tshechu festival showcases several sacred mask dances. The festival also hosts different types of folk songs and dances.

STAY

Six Senses, Bumthang

Day 12

Fly to Paro

Today transfer to the airport for your flight back to Paro and settle into your beautiful hotel which overlooks Paro Valley.

You may also like to visit the lovely Kyichu Lhakhang or perhaps try your hand at archery on a local range.

STAY

Uma by COMO, Paro

Day 13

Chele La pass and hike

Today you will really feel that you are in the mountains as you head up the Chele La pass, with its 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. From here there is a 4-hour ridge hike to Kila Goempa. It's a tough but rewarding walk. If everyone would prefer a shorter walk, there is a trail down to the nunnery that takes about an hour, or you can drive down. From Kila Goempa, it is about 20 minutes back to the road where you will meet your vehicle.

STAY

Uma by COMO, Paro

Day 14

Taktsang hike

One of the most sacred 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. 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 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! Before heading back to your hotel you may like to visit 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). Tonight dine in a local farmhouse.

STAY

Uma by COMO, Paro

Day 15

Depart Paro to Kathmandu

Transfer to the airport for your flight from Paro to Kathmandu and enjoy Dwarika's Hotel at leisure. If you don’t get good views of the Himalayas on your flight into Bhutan, you might like to take a scenic flight today.

This evening you will have a 6-course farewell dinner at the  traditional Nepalese Krishnapan restaurant in Dwarika's Hotel. It is a great experience, and will round off your trip in style before your flight home tomorrow.

STAY

Dwarika's Hotel, Kathmandu

Day 16

Depart

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.