Guided Touring in Bhutan

This culturally weighted sighseeing holiday with easy to moderate walks in the Himalayan foothills. Walks are 2-10 miles to a maximum altitude of 10,500 feet. The most difficult walk is to Taktsang Monastry, taken slowly, with approximately 1,509 feet of ascent over 2 miles.

Day 1: To Kathmandu - Fly to Kathmandu via Delhi.

Day 2: Kathmandu - Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to the Park Village Hotel, located outside the city in the foothills of the Shivapuri National Park, for 1 night. Afternoon to unwind and later a visit to the nearby sleeping Vishnu.

Day 3: To Thimpu - Take a spectacular flight over the Himalayas to Paro, on a clear day some of the highest Himalayan peaks can be seen. On arrival, drive to Bhutan’s laid back capital Thimpu for 1 night at the Peaceful Resort hotel. This afternoon visit the memorial stupa of the third King of Bhutan, where local people can be seen circumvallating the Stupa and spinning the prayer wheels for good Karma. There will be some free time to explore the city.

Day 4: To Punakha - Morning walking tour of Thimpu, visiting the National Memorial Chorten, Takin Sanctuary, the temple of Changgangkha Lhakhang with lovely views and the interesting Arts & Craft School. Later, journey over the Dochula Pass passing 108 stupas commissioned by the queen with great views of the Eastern Himalayan range. Arrive in Punakha for 2 nights at the Damchen Resort/Dragons Nest Resort.

Day 5: Punakha Valley - Walk in Punakha town and visit the Punakha Dzong, dating from 1637 with a spectacular location on the confluence of the Pho-chu (male) and Mo-chu (female) rivers. Afternoon walk past rice fields and small villages to the Khamsun Yuelley Namgyal Stupa, for great views of the Mochu valley.

Day 6: To the Phobjikha Valley - Travel east, stopping for a short walk to the Divine Madman Temple. Arrive in the Phobjikha Valley, a stunning glacial valley and a haven for Himalayan wildlife, for a walk to Gangtey Monastery. In November it is possible to see rare black-necked cranes, migrating from the Tibetan plateau. We spend the night here in the Phobjikha Valley.

Day 7: ToTrongsa - An invigorating day in the beautiful untouched Bhutanese countryside. Today we will drive close to the Black Mountains crossing the Pelila Pass. Reaching Trongsa we are greeted by panoramic views over the town and its Dzong. We take a gentle walk into the surrounding forest, where lovely birdlife can be seen, including endangered rufous-necked hornbills, as well as many species of orchid. Tonight we stay in Trongsa, in the centre of this very traditional part of Bhutan. 

Day 8: To Bumthang - Morning walk around Trongsa and Trongsa Dzong, perched spectacularly above a roaring gorge. Later head into the Jakar valley, stopping at the Yotongla pass and the town of Chumey, known for its traditional ‘yathra’ weaving. Arrive in Bumthang for 2 nights at Countryside Hotel/ Mipham Guest House.

Day 9: Bumthang - The Bumthang valley offers some wonderful walking areas, full of interest and with beautiful scenery all around. Walk to Ngang Lhakhang through villages, fields and forest to ‘Swan Land’ and ‘Swan Temple’ and the Burning Lake. After some time to relax in this bucolic area, there will be an evening stroll through town.

Day 10: To Punakha - Morning drive back to Punakha, and in the afternoon walk to Chendibji Stupa with some time to explore the valley. Overnight at the Dragon’s Nest Resort.

Day 11: To Paro - Travel back west, stopping en route in Thimpu for lunch and time to explore the market. Arrive in the colourful town of Paro and stay at the Silverpine hotel for 3 nights, where it is possible to experience a traditional hot stone spa.

Day 12: Paro walking and sightseeing - Winding through the pine forests to the peace and tranquility of the Tse-tho Monastery. We explore Dzongdrakha, an unusual village built precariously on a rock face, with beautiful views of Bondey village and the valley below.

Day 13: Taktsang Monastery - Take the hike to the famous Takktsang Monastery, also known as the Tiger’s Nest, which clings to the cliffs high above the valley floor. The ascent has a number of places to stop and admire the views, and is taken steadily. The first buildings date from around 1680 and legend says that Guru Padmasambhava, who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, arrived here on the back of a flying tigress.

Day 14: To Kathmandu - Fly to Kathmandu and overnight at the Hotel Malla. Afternoon tour of the historic centre and farewell dinner at Rum Doodle restaurant.

Day 15: To London - Transfer to the airport for a return flight to London via Delhi.