Bhutan: Land of the Thunder Dragon

TOUR IN

21 Dec
-
30 Dec 2024
|
13 days

$6494

per person

Availability: 12 places

Squashed into a high pocket of land between Sikkim, Assam, Tibet and Arunachal Pradesh in the northeast of India, Bhutan is an extraordinary country, home to a fascinating and unique culture, stupendous scenery and a truly charming people. This trip explores a land that has been cut off from the rest of the world - both through geographical positioning and its own political desires - so much so that in many places things have barely changed at all over the last 500 years.

On this trip we visit some of the many spectacular dzongs and monasteries of this stunning country. The dzongs are the imposing fortresses which are now the civil and religious centres of the districts, often strategically located on hillsides overlooking valleys or beside gushing rivers. We will also take to the trails of central Bhutan to view the rich agricultural landscapes of the countryside, walking through villages of traditional houses with rows of ethereal prayer flags blowing in the breeze, and experience the cultures and customs of these gentle people.

This is a land of demons and spirits, steeped in mysticism and rituals, and will have you gasping in wonder at its unspoilt natural beauty.

Day 1

DAY 1: Tour starts in Paro

On arrival at Paro airport (see GETTING THERE section below) we will be met and transferred to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital approximately one hour away. Although the Thimphu Valley has supported small settlements for many centuries and a dzong has existed there since 1216, the city didn't really develop until the King declared Thimphu the new capital in 1961. Thimphu has a youthful exuberance that constantly challenges the country’s conservatism and proud tradition. The ever-present juxtaposition of old and new is just one of its appealing qualities and today it is Bhutan’s most modern and developed city. On arrival in Thimphu, there will be some free time to settle in and relax after an introductory briefing.

Day 2

DAY 2: In Thimphu

We have a whole day to explore the capital and among the sites we will visit are the Cultural Heritage Museum, the Takin Park to see Bhutan’s national animal, and the Dechen Phodrung Monastery. The Post Office is an unusual and enjoyable visit too, as it displays and sells a wide range and style of philately. If time permits we will also visit the National Memorial Chorten dedicated to the third King, which is a pilgrimage site for the older generation of Bhutanese people. We may be able to witness an archery tournament down by river. Our final visit of the day will be the Trashi Chhoe Dzong, which is the spiritual and Governmental heart of the city.

Day 3

DAY 3: Thimphu - Gangtey

This morning we leave the capital city behind us and head over the Dochu La Pass, which stands at 3140m. If the weather is kind to us, we will be greeted with a panoramic view of the Himalayas with a hill of 108 chortens in front of us. Here we will also visit the newest temple built in Bhutan with wall paintings of monks using laptops, airplanes, mobile phones and satellite dishes. The winding road will continue through mountain forests taking us on to Gangtey in the Phobjika Valley, our destination for the next couple of nights.

Day 4

DAY 4: In Gangtey

Today we will take a hike in the Phobjikha Valley starting near Gangtey Monastery. We will stroll gently uphill and visit the charming local villages of Gophu, Dogsena Pana and Jangchub Lhakhang, taking in some traditional old village life in a rural and agricultural part of the country, surrounded by beautiful landscapes. From here we will start to descend, completing the circuit towards the village of Khewa Lhakhang. During winter months we may have the opportunity to see black neck cranes in the valley.

Day 5

DAY 5: Gangtey - Bumthang

We’ll drive to Bumthang today via Trongsa for lunch, and then visit the dzong. In the afternoon we’ll continue to Bumthang, stopping en route at the Chumey Yathra textile and weaving centre before checking into our hotel.

Day 6

DAY 6: Chokhor Valley

After breakfast we will have a short drive to Kharsumphe village before beginning our gradual ascent on foot to Tamshing Lakhang, with good views of Kurje Lhakhang on the other side of the Chamkhar River. Returning to our hotel via a suspension bridge across the river, we may also have time to wander along the main street in Jakar and have tea in one of the local cafes.

Day 7

DAY 7: Chokhor Valley - Tang Valley

Today's 8km hike starts above the private Buddhist Monastery of Kharchu and through pastures with beautiful views onto Jakar Valley. Traversing through a pine forest, we'll reach 3,100m atop Batela Pass. Here we'll enjoy the most stunning panoramic vista of the Tang Valley, our home for the next few nights. After taking it all in, we'll start our descent to Bapzur Village where we will visit a nunnery and have a chat with some local nuns if we're lucky. Continuing by vehicle, we will enjoy a farmhouse lunch before visiting the Ogyen Choling Palace Museum. We'll be transported back to 19th and 20th Century living through the intricate recreations of granaries, homes and the like. Back at the homestay, there will be plenty of time to rejuvenate in a hot stone bath followed by a glass of locally brewed ara.

Day 8

DAY 8: In the Tang Valley

We have a good hike today, which is both challenging and rewarding, to the revered and sacred site of Thowadra Monastery. The name means ‘highest rock’ and stands at an altitude of 3400m. It was blessed by the presence of Guru Rinpoche who meditated here and left his footprints in the stone. The walk itself starts from the north end of the Tang Valley, at 2750m on a dirt road along the riverside until it crosses the river by a wooden bridge. The trail starts to climb up before a short descent and crossing another bridge. Upon reaching a chorten/ stupa, the trail again ascends through pine forest and past several monuments in the mountainside. For the last section the trail is very steep, but the monastery hangs above you on the cliff and motivates you to climb the last stone steps to the top. From here we will enjoy the fabulous view of the Tang Valley on the horizon and visit the mysterious and exceptionally holy temple, which is built directly into the cliff walls. We will then retrace our steps down to the first bridge, where our host will be waiting with a hot picnic and cup of chai before returning to the delights of our homestay.

Day 9

DAY 10: In Punakha

This morning we take a beautiful walk up to the Khamsum Namgyal Chorten, a small temple built for the present king by his mother. Wandering back down through the villages and along the riverbank takes us through an idyllic rural setting. Later we’ll visit the dzong, former capital of Bhutan, spectacularly positioned at the confluence of two thundering rivers and noted for its huge prayer hall with three giant Buddhas and wonderful painted thangkas.

Day 10

DAY 13: Tour ends in Paro

The tour ends this morning in Paro. Depending on your flight departure time, there may be an opportunity for some last-minute souvenir shopping and a wander before transferring to the airport.