Luxurious Highlights of Bhutan

Day 1 - Welcome to Bhutan

Soar through the Himalayas and touchdown in Paro today.  Meet your guide for transfer to your stunning hotel only 10 minutes away with gorgeous valley views. On a clear day, you can see Mt. Chomolhari whose glacial waters descend to form the Pa Chu (Paro River). Visit the National Museum and the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest in the country. Relax tonight at your 5* hotel with a sumptuous Bhutanese dinner.

Day 2 - Paro to Bumthang

Return to the airport this morning for a 30-minute flight to Bumthang. After checking into the gorgeous Six Senses and lunch, begin exploring the four valleys of Bumthang. Walk with your guide to Jambay Lhakhang and Kurjey Lhakhang, through valleys and farmland until you reach a suspension bridge. Cross the Chamkhar Chhu and continue to Tamshing Lhakhang before stopping for a taste at the Red Panda Brewery and Cheese factory.

Day 3 - Walks in the Tang Valley

Don your hiking shoes today and set out for the beautiful Tang Valley. Your driver will take you past beautiful meadows and pastures before leaving the main road and carrying on into the valley. A short hike takes you up to Ogyencholing Manor, an ancient noble family home converted into a museum. Stop by the sacred Mebartsho (Burning lake) where Buddhist pilgrims light butter lamps. Return to the sanctuary of your hotel for dinner.

Day 4 - Village and Valley of Ura

Today you will explore the Ura Valley. At an elevation of 3,100 meters, the Ura village is one of the highest settlements in Bhutan and visiting offers a unique opportunity to witness an authentic rural lifestyle. Get a peek of the intricate details of craftsmanship and a glimpse into Bhutanese traditions as your guide walks with you. You’ll also have a chance to try local delicacies like buckwheat pancakes, butter tea, and hearty dishes yak meat.

Day 5 - Journey to Gangtey

After breakfast, begin a 6-hour scenic journey to Gangtey. Stop along the way to see the famous Yatra weaving in Chhume Valley and the Trongsa Dzong, ancestral home to Bhutan’s monarch. Walk around the watchtower and visit Trongsa Museum before continuing to Chendebji Chorten, with eyes painted at the four cardinal points. Pass through oak and rhododendron forest and across the Pele-la pass into the glacial valley of Gangtey.

Day 6 - Bhutan's Most Beautiful Hike

This morning, visit Gangtey Gompa (Monastery), the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan. From here, you’ll set out on the Gangtey Natural Trail. This easy, 90-minute hike is often deemed the most beautiful and shortest of Bhutan’s nature trails. Soak in the view of the Phobjikha valley, where between late October and March, endangered Black Neck Cranes are often spotted. In the afternoon, enjoy additional walks or relax at your hotel.

Day 7 - Travel to Punakha

After breakfast, transfer to Punakha, situated in a low-lying subtropical valley. The journey will take approximately 3 hours. Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955, and is still the winter residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and central monk body. On arrival, hike to the nearby Chimi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to the “Divine Madman”, an eccentric 16th century monk. Check-in to your gorgeous hotel for the night.

Day 8 - Monasteries & Mountain Villages

Explore picturesque Punakha today, starting with a visit to Punakha Dzong, built in 1637. This fortress has played a prominent role in civil and religious life of the kingdom. See the villages of Talo or Nobgang, the ancestral home of the Queen Mothers of Bhutan where the Bhutanese say the most beautiful women in the country are from. Interact with the monks at Nalanda Monastery who are always eager to practice their English.

Day 9 - Travel to Timphu

Travel today up to Dochu-la pass stopping briefly to take in the view and admire the chortens, Mani walls, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. Continue to Thimphu (a total drive of about 3 hours), one of the most unique capitals in the world. This bustling town is home to Bhutan’s royal family, the civil service, and foreign missions yet no traffic lights. Check in to your elegant hotel and relax or explore town.

Day 10 - Highlights of Timphu

Today is a full day with your guide visiting historic and cultural sights. Stops include the National Memorial Chorten; Buddha Point with its view of the valley; Zorig Chosum where you can learn about the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan; the National Library with its vast collection of Buddhist texts and manuscripts; Takin Reserve to look for the national animal; and a traditional handmade paper factory. In the evening, you’ll have time for a stroll through town.

Day 11 - Thimphu to Paro

The ride to Paro is only an hour so stop en route at the Iron Chain Bridge built in the early 15th century. After settling into your hotel, transfer in the afternoon to a local farm house to see a shortened version of the traditional game of archery. The full game lasts at least a day! Spend time with the family learning how to prepare a traditional Bhutanese meal including fiery ema datse and tuck into your creations for dinner while performers take you on a journey of traditional song and dance.

Day 12 - Hike to Tiger's Nest

Without a flying tigress, the best way to see this iconic sight is on foot. Meet your guide for the ride to Ramthangkha, the starting point of your hike to Taktsang Monastery. Expect about 2.5-3 hours of hiking up plus time for a tea break, photos, and seeing the cliff-hugging monastery, then another 1.5-2 hours down plus a stop for lunch along the way. Once you reach the base, return to your hotel and consider a hot stone bath to ease your tired legs.

Day 13 - Homeward Bound

Depending on your departure flight today, continue to relax at the resort or check-out early for transfer to the airport for your onward flight. If you’re flying to Kathamndu or Delhi today, be sure to get a seat on the right-hand side of the plane for views of Mt. Everest.

Safe travels!