Highlights of Bhutan

Day 1 - Welcome to Bangkok

Day 2 - Thai Flavours and City Adventures

This morning, dive into Thai cooking with expert instructors as you create authentic and delicious dishes but, before that, stroll through a lively market to gather fresh ingredients for fragrant curries and desserts. After lunch, explore the city with your local guide. Enjoy a scenic boat ride to Wat Arun, glide through the canals on a long-tail boat, and visit a hidden artist house. Conclude your day with stunning sunset and temple views and drinks at a riverside rooftop bar.

Day 3 - Travel to Bhutan: A Journey into the Land of Happiness

From Bangkok fly across the southern Himalayas to Paro, where your guide will warmly greet you. On your way to Thimphu you might visit the Weaving Centre to admire exquisite textiles and the impressive Tashichho Dzong, the majestic fortress housing the King’s throne room. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore this city, known as the capital without a traffic light.

Day 4 - Explore Thimphu Valley

Today is a full day of exploration as you immerse yourself in the culture of Bhutan. You’ll visit the Folk Heritage Museum, the Painting School, which offers a six-year course in the country’s 13 traditional arts and crafts, and Thangtong Nunnery, where you can interact with Buddhist nuns and serve them tea. Stop by the Memorial Chorten, a monument to peace and the third king, a traditional handmade paper factory, and any spots that were closed the day before.

Day 5 - From Mountain Passes to Majestic Dzongs: Discovering Punakha

En route to Punakha today, your driver will take you over Dochu-la pass with its beautiful views and highest point decorated by prayer flags. After about 3.5 hours of driving, you’ll reach the subtropical valley of Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan. Visit the impressive Punakha Dzong at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers before checking into your hotel. If you have time, take a walk around town or rest at your lovely hotel.

Day 6 - Scenic Journey though Central Bhutan

The drive today into central Bhutan is one of the most scenic rides of your holiday, passing through terraced farmland, deep river valleys, and oak and rhododendron forests, across the Black Mountain Range and the town of Trongsa. En route, visit Chendebji Chorten, a stupa with eyes painted at the four cardinal points. Before settling into your Bumthang hotel, stop by Yatra Weaving.

Day 7 - A Day in Bumthang: Temple Trails & Tasteful Traditions

Today, enjoy a traditional lunch at a farmhouse featuring local Bumthang cuisine, including dishes made from local buckwheat. Afterward, put on your walking shoes and set out to visit ancient temples on foot. Start with Jambey Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in the country, built in the 7th century. Then, walk to Kurjey Lhakhang and cross a suspension bridge to Tamshing Lhakhang before sampling local cheese and beer at the Red Panda Brewery.

Day 8 - Tang Valley

Hike off the beaten path today to areas rarely visited in the gorgeous Tang valley. Stops include the Ugen Chhoeling Palace with its museum of cultural treasures and Mebartso “Burning Lake.” This gorge is a destination of pilgrims and visitors who offer lighted butter lamps on the water. Today’s lunch spot is one of pure natural beauty so bask in the views and the serenity before hiking back to your hotel.

Day 9 - Travel to Punakha

Return over the mountains to Punakha today, stopping at the Trongsa Museum on the way. Built within the watchtower of a dzong, the museum is dedicated to the monarchs of Bhutan, showcasing the history of the nation’s kings. This is another long day over scenic mountain passes and into valleys so when you reach Punakha, settle into your hotel for the evening or stretch your legs with a quick stroll.

Day 10 - Journey to Paro: Sacred Sites and Spa Retreat

Continue your journey west today, stopping for lunch in a traditional farmhouse. Upon reaching Paro, visit the auspicious Kyichu Lhakhang, a sacred monument to pinning down the left foot of a treacherous ogress. This is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, dating back to the 7th century (the other being Jambey Lhakhang in Bumthang, which you saw on day 7). Check into your luxurious 5-star Spa Hotel for the evening.

Day 11 - Hike to the Tiger's Nest, Bhutan's Iconic Monastery

This wouldn’t be the highlights of Bhutan without a hike to Taktsang, the iconic Tiger’s Nest, the country’s landmark. The trek takes about 4-5 hours, allowing you to appreciate the stunning views, the restoration efforts, and the remarkable stability of this cliffside monastery, along with its captivating interiors. The rest of the day after the hike is yours to relax and indulge at your peaceful hotel.

12 - A Day of Ultimate Relaxation and Wellness Experiences

Today, indulge in the luxury of a spa hotel with a full day at your leisure. Start with a delightful breakfast, join a meditation or yoga session, relax in the sauna, take an archery lesson, try on a kira or goh, or enjoy the heated swimming pool. You’ll receive one spa treatment per day and have access to a number of activities and facilities. There’s no better place to end your time in Bhutan.

Day 13 - Return to Bangkok

Day 14 - Departure

Your representative will be waiting in the hotel lobby for your transfer to Suvarnabhumi International Airport. For international flights, please check in 3 hours prior to departure to ensure a smooth travel experience.

Safe travels!