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DESTINATION OVERVIEWS

MAP OF BHUTAN

BHUTAN

DAY 1:

BANGKOK, THAILAND

Arrive Bangkok. What remains of your day is at leisure.

DAY 2:

BANGKOK / PARO, BHUTAN / THIMPHU

Very early this morning you fly to Paro, Bhutan. Upon arrival you are transferred to Thimphu, the capital city. This is the day for exploring: Wander through bookshops, handicraft boutiques and visit the Textile Museum. In the afternoon, visit Thimphu Dzong (Bhutanese temple or fortress), a working monastery where young monks are trained and schooled and the Takin animal sanctuary - one of the only places in the world to see these unique creatures.

In the early evening you have the opportunity to circle the Memorial Chorten in prayer with other locals.

DAY 3:

THIMPHU / PUNAKHA

In the morning you depart Thimphu and head west over Dochu-la Pass at 3,200 m (10,500 ft). On a clear day enjoy spectacular views over the Eastern Himalayan mountain range. On descending into the picturesque valley of Punakha, visit the breathtaking Punakha Dzong. The Dzong lies between two rushing rivers, the Mochu and Pochu, or 'male’ and ‘female’ rivers and was built in 1637 AD. It is one of the most dramatic and photogenic buildings in Bhutan.

DAY 4:

PUNAKHA / GANGTEY

Depart for Gangtey in the Phobjikha Valley, a glacial valley on the western slopes of Black Mountain National Park. Enjoy a winding two hour scenic drive from Punakha through pristine forests, oak trees and beautiful rhododendrons. Large flocks of black-necked cranes spend winter here. En route, look for nocturnal red pandas that sleep in the trees during the day.

In the afternoon, wander down to visit the school children of the local primary school and take the opportunity for cultural exchange with an opportunity to play games or teach the children about your home country.

DAY 5:

GANGTEY / BUMTHANG

Continue your journey to central Bhutan. The route to Bumthang crosses Pele La Pass at 3,400 m (11,155 ft), marked by a chorten and an array of prayer flags. View the dramatic Jhomolhari Mountain (7,219 m / 23,684 ft) and other peaks, which mark the boundary between western and central Bhutan. Beyond Pele La Pass is Longte Valley and this is a great opportunity for yak spotting.

Arrive Bumthang early evening and enjoy the first night of festivities as the Jambay Lhakang Festival commences; an ancient fire dance is held every year to bless women with infertility. The dances were composed mostly in the 15th century and celebrate the discovery of sacred Buddhist texts in the area.

DAY 6:

BUMTHANG

The Jambay Lhakang festival is a village festival, with people from all over Bumthang attending the celebrations dressed in their finery. It takes places within the courtyard of the temple and is conducted by the head lama. It is one of the most important religious festivals in Bhutan, celebrated with ancient dances and song. Enjoy a full day of colourful and vibrant festival entertainment.

Tonight enjoy an evening of local hospitality. Dine on food unique to the central Bhutan region, sample the local 'arra' (rice wine) and join in the traditional dancing of Bumthang.

DAY 7:

BUMTHANG / PUNAKHA

Today journey westward back to Punakha, a total of 6.5 hours. Around half way we will stop to visit Chimi Lhakang, an ancient temple with infamous healing powers. Enjoy a walking tour through a small village and rows of rice terraces to reach Chimi Lhakang, known as the 'Divine Madman'. He is the most notorious of all the Bhutanese buddhas. The temple is famous for healing infertility problems and women make important pilgrimages here from all over the country.

DAY 8:

PUNAKHA / PARO

Drive from Punakha to Paro, a total of 4.5 hours, departing Punakha early in the morning in order to reach Paro for lunch. In the afternoon, stretch your legs and take a wander down from the hotel to visit local archers at play and try your hand at this ancient sport. Bhutan holds a gold medal in the Olympic Games for Archery and it is considered an ancient art in Bhutan. Peruse the village streets and local markets and purchase gifts and souvenirs to take home. In the evening enjoy a dinner of local cuisine including the famous red rice of Paro.

DAY 9:

PARO / TAKSTANG

This is the most famous monastery in all Bhutan and is perched on the side of a cliff 900 m (2,953 ft) above the Paro Valley. In Buddhism it is said that Guru Rinpoche flew here on the back of a tigress, and meditated here, and so the monastery is called “Tiger’s Nest” or Takstang. It is a sacred place of pilgrimage which Bhutanese people try to visit at least once in a lifetime. Take a guided hike up to the monastery, a return trip of approximately 4 hours. While the hike up is challenging, horses, mules and donkeys are usually on hand to ease the journey.

Spend your last night relaxing after your trek, soaking under the stars in a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath.

DAY 10:

PARO

You are met and transferred to the Paro airport to connect with your early morning outbound flight, and depart Bhutan.

EPIC SUGGESTS

... turning your hike to Takstang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery into an overnight experience offering two days hiking to Takstang, with one night spent at a deluxe camping site en route.

Click here to view accommodation options in Paro

Click here to view accommodation options in Thimphu

Click here to view accommodation options in Punakha

Click here to view accommodation options in Gangtey

Click here to view accommodation options in Bumthang