Bhutan In Style
Suggested Itinerary
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Overview
Located between the mountainous landscapes of northern India and Tibet, the tiny kingdom of Bhutan is a land lost in time. Filled with ancient fortified dzongs and mountaintop monasteries, the Land of the Thunder Dragon is without doubt one of the most extraordinary destinations anywhere on earth. Against a backdrop of towering snow-covered mountains, take time to enjoy this unique country in true style, staying at some of the finest hotels that Bhutan can offer. Over the course of a remarkable ...
Located between the mountainous landscapes of northern India and Tibet, the tiny kingdom of Bhutan is a land lost in time. Filled with ancient fortified dzongs and mountaintop monasteries, the Land of the Thunder Dragon is without doubt one of the most extraordinary destinations anywhere on earth. Against a backdrop of towering snow-covered mountains, take time to enjoy this unique country in true style, staying at some of the finest hotels that Bhutan can offer. Over the course of a remarkable week, you will venture into the cultural heart of a land that for centuries was cut off from the outside world. Enjoy the sleepy charms of Paro and Thimphu and trek up to the spectacular ‘Tiger’s Nest’ Monastery. Gaze on the timeless images of fluttering prayer flags and panoramic mountain landscapes and experience life amongst the nuns of the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery in Punakha. This incredible journey will take you to places that have barely changed in 500 years and introduce you to a people whose smiles, culture and way of life will leave you captivated.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Suggested Itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.
DAY 1: ARRIVE PARO - THIMPHU
DAY 1: ARRIVE PARO - THIMPHU
After arriving in Paro you will be met and driven an hour along the Paro and Thimphu river valleys to Thimphu, Bhutan's capital, at 2320 metres. You can stop on the way to take in the magnificent Tamchhog Lhakhang, the hereditary place of worship for Bhutan's iron bridge builder. After some time to relax and freshen up before enjoying your first opportunity to explore a little of this magical capital with its busy shops and bazaars and photogenic citizens in national dress. Given the high altitude we recommend that you take things fairly easy today, until you have had a chance to acclimatise properly.
DAY 2: THIMPHU
DAY 2: THIMPHU
Today offers a chance to fully appreciate the cultural charms of the Bhutanese capital, beginning with a visit to the National Library and its extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts. This will be followed by visits to the Textile Museum and the Zorig Chusum (famed for its Thanka paintings), before moving on to the city's Folk Heritage Museum and the impressive Memorial Chorten. The afternoon will then be spent exploring the sites around Trashichhoedzong, Buddha Point and the Motithang Takin Preserve, before returning to your hotel by way of a local craft bazaar or the Jungshi Paper Factory, where you can observe the fascinating process of Dehsho paper making. Dehsho paper played a crucial part in Bhutanese culture as monks used it for woodblock printing, writing prayer books and mantras.
DAY 3: THIMPHU - PUNAKHA
DAY 3: THIMPHU - PUNAKHA
This morning you will drive into the stunning Punakha Valley to visit the old Bhutanese capital. The journey will take you by way of the spectacular Dochu La Pass where, weather permitting, the drive should herald some quite spectacular 180 degree views of some of the highest mountains in the country. Strategically positioned at the confluence of two thundering rivers, Punakha lies in the heart of some of Bhutan's most famous rice growing areas and, after checking in to your hotel, there will be an opportunity to explore something of these beautiful surroundings.
DAY 4: PUNAKHA
DAY 4: PUNAKHA
The first visit of the morning will be to the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery, whose complex houses a 14 foot bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara, the largest of its kind in the country. Alongside the temple is a higher centre for learning where, alongside their more orthodox religious teachings, the nuns learn about Thangka paintings, pottery and tailoring. The next visit of the day will be to the impressive 17th century Punakha Dzong, before a hike down through the rice paddies brings you to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of fertility. The rest of the day is then at leisure.
DAY 5: PUNAKHA - PARO
DAY 5: PUNAKHA - PARO
This morning you will make the return journey to Paro. On arrival back into the town you will have time to freshen up before heading out to explore the town. Nestling amongst some of the most picturesque landscapes in Bhutan, the Paro Valley is a wide and verdant region of west Bhutan, recognized as one of the most beautiful in the whole country, it is also home to an impressive Dzong, the setting for the famous spring Tecshu Festival and the famous Tiger's Nest monastery.
DAY 6: PARO
DAY 6: PARO
Head out today to explore the town. Nestling amongst some of the most picturesque landscapes in Bhutan, Paro is home to an impressive Dzong, the setting for the famous spring Tecshu Festival, as well as the Ta Dzong, the watchtower originally built to defend Rinpung Dzong which, since 1968, has housed the country's National Museum. From the National Museum, you may like to take a leisurely hike along the forested hillside to Zuri Dzong. You will be driven back to Paro where you may wish to visit the weekly market or visit Dumtse Lhakhang, a temple built by Thangtong Gyalpo, the iron bridge builder. Later today you will get the opportunity to learn Bhutanese archery skills using a traditional bow and arrows on a local Bha Cho or archery range. Archery or “Da” in Dzongkha is embedded in the Bhutanese culture and you will often see depictions of gods and deities holding a bow and arrow, a symbol of wisdom. Archery became Bhutan’s national sport in 1971 and is one of the main social events in Bhutan, leading to regular competitions and archery festivals around the country. If you are lucky you may even see local matches in the main archery range of towns and large villages. After you have tried archery, your guide might even challenge you to a game of khuru – traditional Bhutanese darts!
DAY 7: PARO
DAY 7: PARO
This morning you will visit the spectacular Taktsang Goemba, the sacred 'Tiger's Nest' Monastery, built in the 8th century by Guru Rinpoche; without doubt one of Bhutan's most breath-taking settings and its most revered Buddhist temple. Clinging precariously to the rock ledge, it is situated over a thousand metres above the Paro Valley floor and the walk up to it will take up most of the morning. This afternoon is then free to perhaps visit the beautiful 1200 year old Kyichu Lhakhang Temple, one of the 108 temples miraculously constructed by King Songten Gampo in a single night.
DAY 8: DEPART PARO
DAY 8: DEPART PARO
This morning you will be transferred back to the airport to catch your international flight back home.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Uma Paro, Paro
A haven of peace set inside miles of forested hillside, Uma Paro is an uncluttered, modern and supremely comfortable hotel made from natural local woods and stones. With timber beams and whitewashed walls decorated by colourful local paintings, rooms are either in the main building, or set inside individual villas dotted through the woodland. Each villa has panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows and a Bukhari woodburning stove as well as a private spa treatment area, and all come with butler service. Meals are served in each room or in the impressive circular Bukhari pavilion with 360 degree forest views, serving Himalayan delicacies and western treats.
Uma Punakha, Punakha
The ideal retreat for travellers in search of peace and adventure, this exquisite luxury lodge is set deep in the Uma Punakha Valley overlooking the Mo Chu river. Two villas and nine rooms with large high-ceilinged windows offer spectacular views of the surrounding valley, where historical sites and stunning landscape await to be explored. Traditional Bhutan cuisine, served at the restaurant or in rooms for more privacy, and a spa are sure to make your stay complete.
Taj Tashi, Thimphu
Blending Bhutan's Dzong architecture with modern design, the Taj Tashi is Thimpu's most luxurious five star Hotel. Deep in the valley, its 66 rooms look out onto the city, forested hillside and surrounding snow-capped peaks, and feature hand-painted Bhutanese murals, canopy beds, walk-in closets, home theatre systems and exquisite bathrooms. Small touches such as floor warmers and bath-towel heaters give every stay that luxurious feel. The restaurant serves fiery Bhutanese cuisine and western dishes, and the spa is a soothing stop for hot stone massage, body wraps and much more.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
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This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
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Shalmali is our Indian Subcontinent expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
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