Wonders of Bhutan

In clear weather, enjoy magnificent views of the world’s highest peaks as they give way to the lush green Paro valley as you land. The first gift from Bhutan will be the cool, clean fresh air as you step out of the plane. After clearing customs and visa control, you are met by your local CEO who will conduct your welcome meeting and orientation. Later, enjoy dinner and visit Rimpung Dzong, a school for monks, and take a walk through the town.

After breakfast, drive through the dense forest of blue pine, oak, and rhododendrons and enjoy the view of the Himalayan range and the valley beyond. After a lunch stop, the road climbs steeply through a forest of pine and cedar, festooned with hanging lichen high up near Dochula pass (3,050m/10,007 ft). This pass often offers panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain range. After stopping for tea and the view, we descend along a series of hairpin bends to the fertile valley of Punakha.

Visit Punakha Dzong, winter seat of the Je Khenpo and the Monk Body, remarkably located between the rivers of the Mo (female) Chu and Pho (male) Chu. Drive to Lobeysa and hike another 20 min to Chime Lhakhang, temple of the “Divine Madman”, built in 1499. Today, it is mostly visited by women as it is known as a temple of fertility. Walk back to the road point and then drive a short distance to Wangdue, one of the major towns and district headquarters of Western Bhutan, where we make a short stop and visit the Wangdue Phodrang. Continue to the suspension bridge and hike through rice terraces, fields, and deep pine forest to Khamsum Yueley Chorten; the view from here is superb. Descend the trail until you reach the suspension bridge and return to the hotel.

Travel to Gangtey, visiting the village of Khewa en route, where their main production is potato farming and dairy products.

The valley is also a centre for crane observation run by the RSPN (Royal Society for the Protection of Nature), an NGO striving to protect Bhutan’s environment, flora, and fauna. At certain times of the year, it is possible to watch these magnificent birds.

Drive to the capital to visit the National Library, Memorial Chorten, and the Institute for Zorig Chusum, an arts and craft school where we can watch students working with paints and clay, as well as woodworking and other traditional arts.

Drive to one of the most remote and sacred valleys in Bhutan via the Chelela Pass. Later, hike to Kila Goempa Nunnery, which clings to a rocky cliff. Drive to the valley and visit the Wangchuk Lo Dzong shrine, Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple), and Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple).

Return to Paro and visit the ruined fortress of Drukgyal Dzong.

Embark on a vigorous hike up to the Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s Nest), the most venerated pilgrim site of the Himalayan world. The view is absolutely stunning, and the monastery clings to the rock, towering 900m (2,953 ft) above the valley. Later, visit Kyichu Lhakhang Temple and the local archery grounds.

Depart at any time. Airport transfer included.