Bhutan - Land Of The Thunder Dragon
Tour this mystical mountain kingdom
Of all the Himalayan kingdoms, Bhutan is the most mysterious. It's a land of supernatural legends and ancient dzongs (monasteries) , where even today the local people wear traditional national dress.
Located in the eastern Himalayas bordering Tibet and India and largely isolated from the outside world, Bhutan has remained virtually unchanged for centuries. The Bhutanese revere nature and most of the country is completely unspoilt, offering great opportunities to glimpse rare fauna and flora.
This tour takes in some of the highlights of Bhutan, from its ancient monasteries and temples, where time has stood still, to jagged mountain peaks, lush forests, rushing glacial rivers, and of course its warm and friendly people.
2 nights Thimphu • 2 nights Punakha • 2 nights Paro
Day 1: Thimphu
Enjoy a scenic flight into Paro where your adventure begins. Drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, stopping en route to view a 15th century Buddhist temple and several stupas that dot the countryside. After checking in to your hotel, take an afternoon tour of Thimphu, taking in the Memorial Chorten and the locals murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels. Visit the Trashichhoe dzong, or Fortress of the Beautiful Religion, originally constructed in 1641 but rebuilt in the 1960s and now the centre of government and religion.
Stay: Hotel Migmar (BD)
Day 2: Thimphu
After breakfast visit Tango Goemba, a monastery north of Thimphu, originally founded in the 12th century with the current building dating from the 15th century, the golden roof being added in the 19th century. Enjoy a walk through rhododendron forests to reach the monastery and surrounding buildings. In the afternoon, visit the museum and some local craft shops where you can buy some good examples of Bhutan’s fine traditional art.
Stay: Hotel Migmar (BD)
Day 3: Punakha
After an early breakfast drive to Punakha via Dochu La, a pass at a height of more than 3,000m, the highest point of the road being marked with prayer flags. On a clear day, this location will afford spectacular views towards some of the highest mountains in the world and the highest in Bhutan - Gangkar puensum at 7,497m. In the afternoon visit the temple at Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the temple of fertility to which couples who are hoping to conceive go to pray.
Stay: Damchen resort (BD)
Day 4: Punakha
This morning, embark on a beautiful hike to the regal Khamsum Yuelley Namgel Chorten which was built to remove negative forces and promote peace, stability and harmony in the changing world. Your effort is rewarded with commanding views of the mountainous peaks beyond. After lunch proceed to Wangdue Phodrang, a district of western Bhutan and also the name of the dzong which dominates the district.
Stay: Damchen resort (BD)
Day 5: Paro
Leave for Paro, stopping en route to visit Simtokha dzong, built in 1627, and admire its fine slate carvings. After checking in to your hotel in Paro, the afternoon can be spent exploring all the town has to offer, including the National Museum.
Stay: Hotel Olathang (BD)
Day 6: Paro
This morning visit Taktsang Monastry, one of Bhutan’s must-see sights and the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro Valley floor. The monastery is also known as 'Tiger’s Nest' and is a celebrated place of pilgrimage – all Bhutanese try to visit at least once in their lifetime. In the afternoon, visit the ruined fortress of Drukgyel dzong, followed by the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang temple.
Stay: Hotel Olathang (BD)
Day 7: Paro
Depart Paro for your onward flight.
Pricing information
7-day tailor-made itinerary
Prices from: £2,489 to £2,855 pp
Valid for travel: Until 9 December 2012
Package includes: International flights, transfers, guided tours, 6 nights accommodation with meals as indicated.
B = breakfast • D = dinner
Terms & Conditions: Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.
To book, call 0845 643 6562
To book this travel offer, call one of our tailor-made travel experts now, quoting reference WEX101194.
Back to the top
