Views, Valleys, and Visions

During your flight from Bangkok, Delhi or Kathmandu to Paro, you will experience breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges. After your arrival in Paro, you will be welcomed by your guide at the airport and then transferred to your hotel. You will have the afternoon and evening free to rest or walk around Paro (7,380 ft.) and savor the feeling of a country that seems to be existing in an earlier century. From the dress of the people to the traditional architecture, you know you are in a different kind of place than exists anywhere else on earth. You will be amazed at the fresh, clean air and peaceful environment. NOTE: Flights from Delhi or Kathmandu may require additional overnights in Paro.

Meals: Dinner
Lodging: Bhutanese style lodge

After breakfast, visit Ta Dzong, an ancient citadel housing the National Museum. This interesting building is said to be in the shape of a conch shell and contains a collection of ancient and modern thangkas (embroiderred and painted silk pieces depicting Buddhist life). Afterward, drive to the ruins of Drugyel Dzong from where there are spectacular views Mount Chomolhari (if the weather is clear). From the road, you have the option of hiking up to Kali Goema Nunnery (approximately 35-40 minutes each way). Continue on with the journey to Thimphu. Along the way, make a stop in the road to view Taksteng Monastery, the most famous monastery in Bhutan that sits on the side of a cliff almost 3,000 feet above the Paro valley (option of hiking up to the monastery). Thimphu is the capital of Bhutan and located in a wooded valley. Here you visit Tashichho Dzong, built in 1216 and completely renovated between 1962 and 1969 without the use of nails or written plans and the National Library, established to preserve many ancient Dzongkha and Tibetan texts. Choose among many other wonderful places to visit such as the Folk Heritage Museum, a replica of a traditional farm house as it would have looked about a hundred years ago, the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, where traditional herbal medicines are prepared and distributed, or the National Textile Museum, where you can learn about the national art of weaving. With advance notice, you can also witness a folk dance from the Royal Academy of Performing Arts in the evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Bhutanese style lodge

Today’s two hour and 45 minute drive takes you to Punakha. Blessed with temperate climate and fed by the Pho-chu (male) and Mo-chu (female) rivers, Punakha is the most fertile valley in the country. Until 1955, Punakha served as the capital and is even today the winter seat of Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and central monk body. The Punakha Dzong was built at the confluence of the Pho-chu and Mo-chu Rivers in 1638 by Shabdrung and renovated from 1994-2003 with detailed arts and crafts. Punakha is also home to many different types of Himalayan birds including the heron, kingfishers, lapwing, ibis, shell duck, and cormorant, which all migrate in the winter. The rest of your day is free to relax.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Bhutanese style lodge

In the morning, visit the Punakha Dzong, followed by the Khe-mi Lhakhang, built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley in the 15th century. The legend says that the lama subdued an evil spirit that appeared half human and half dog. Khe means dog and Mi means human. The temple is a short hike from the road through paddy fields and villages. You also visit the newly-built temple of Khumsum Yuele Chorten, built for the crown prince by the queen mother. The temple is built on a ridge of a mountain overlooking the Punakha valley, reached on a one-hour gradual uphill hike through fields and pine forests. Afterward, drive about four hours across the Pele La region. Along the way you can see many different species of rhododendrons in bloom (April and May only) and many other plants. Trongsa forms the central hub of the nation and is historically the place from where attempts at unifying the country were launched. It is from here the first monarchy was elected and still traditionally, the crown prince has to take the position of governor before he takes the seat of the throne. The landscape around Trongsa is spectacular for miles. This afternoon, visit the Kuenga Rabten village where you can visit the waterfall. Just above the king's second palace is a nunnery where hundreds of nuns practice Buddhism.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Bhutanese style lodge

In the morning, visit the imposing Trongsa Dzong (exterior only), ancestral home of Bhutan's royal family and an impressive work of traditional Bhutanese architecture. It was built in 1648 by Chhoyje Minjur Temple, a well-trusted follower of Shabdrung. You then visit Ta Dzong from where there are wonderful views. After lunch, drive to Jakar (approx. 40 miles/2.5 hrs), the major trading center of the region. Overnight at a local lodge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Bhutanese style lodge

After breakfast, visit a few of the local sites such as the Jakar Dzong, said to be the largest in Bhutan overlooking the Choskhor Valley, and Lamey Goemba, a large palace and monastery built as a residence for King Ugyen Wangchuk. If you are interested, you may want to stop to see the Vegetable Dye Project, which produces traditional vegetable dyes for use in cotton thread and raw silk production. Continue on to Ura, the highest of Bumthang's valleys and considered to be one of the holiest valleys in Bhutan. Here you will enjoy seeing the closely-packed houses along cobblestone streets which give this town its medieval atmosphere. Return to Jakar for your overnight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Bhutanese style lodge

Today's drive is about five hours to the Phobjika Valley. a designated conservation area and one of the most important wildlife preserves in Bhutan. Some of the wildlife you might see are barking deer, wild boars, Himalayan black bears, and even leopards if you are lucky enough to spot one. You stop at Gangtey Village and visit the Gangtey Gompa, a monastery that dates back to the 17th century. This Gompa overlooks the Phobjika Valley, and its complex includes monk quarters, medition centers, a school, and small hotel. The Phobjika Valley provides some wonderful short hiking and exploration opportunities. It is also the perfect place to relax and enjoy the scenery. Overnight at the beautiful Dewachen Resort.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Dewachen Resort or similar

Spend the day relaxing or enjoying some lovely hiking around the Phobjika Valley.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Dewachen Resort or similar

After a leisure breakfast, make the estimated two-hour drive to Wangdue and view the impressive Wangdiphodrang Dzong from the outside. For many centuries, this dzong held the seat as one of Bhutan's most powerful Dzongs. Continue on with the estimated four-hour drive to Paro, where you overnight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Bhutanese style lodge

In the morning, transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: None