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Discover the cultural and natural wonders of this last remaining Mahayana Buddhist Kingdom of the Himalaya. Visit some of the most sacred temples and monasteries in the Himalaya and attend a traditional Bhutanese prayer ceremony. Witness rare black-necked cranes, and enjoy scenic hikes in the bucolic Punakha River Valley.
Day 1 and 2 Los Angeles/Bangkok, Thailand
Depart for Bangkok, and arrive the next evening.
Amari Airport Hotel
Day 3 Bangkok/Paro, Bhutan
From Bangkok, fly (via Calcutta) to the Paro Valley (7,300 feet) in Bhutan. After a festive welcome lunch, visit the National Museum located in the ancient watchtower above the Paro Dzong. Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s most sacred temple complexes.
Zhiwaling Hotel
(B,L,D)
Day 4 Paro
Enjoy a short hike to Dzongdrakha (8,100 feet)—a tranquil village of about eight farmhouses built around four cliff-top temples overlooking the beautiful Bondey Valley. Later, drive to the top of Chele La (10,500 feet). From the summit, enjoy stunning views of Chomolhari, Jitchu Drake, and Drake Gang (weather permitting). A short hike takes us to where we may also catch a glimpse of Kangchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world.
(B,L,D)
Day 5 Paro/Wangdi Phodrang
Depart Paro and drive past the Thimphu Valley with views of Simtokha Dzong, Bhutan’s first dzong. Then continue over the Dochu La (10,000 feet), where in good weather 200 miles of Himalayan summits are visible. Take a short hike to enjoy the view and Bhutan’s magnificent forests.
Chuzomsa Resort
(B,L,D)
Day 6 Wangdi Phodrang/Phobjikha
Today, travel to stunning Phobjika (10,000 feet). Considered one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan, it is encircled by pine-covered mountains. In the center of the valley, rising dramatically from a small ridge, stands one of the oldest Nyingma monasteries in Bhutan—Gangteng Gompa. Enjoy a private visit with the head lama, Gangteng Tulku Rinpoche (if he is in residence).
Dewachen Lodge
(B,L,D)
Day 7 Phobjikha/Punakha
In the morning, view the endangered black-necked cranes in their pristine winter habitat, then travel to Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan. This impressive fortress is situated at the confluence of the Pho (“male”) and Mo (“female”) Rivers and guards the southern end of the Punakha Valley. In the afternoon, settle into our comfortable tented-camp accommodations and enjoy tea in our dining tent and a festive dinner prepared by our camp staff.
Tented Camp
(B,L,D)
Day 8 Punakha
Take an invigorating hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten, and be rewarded for your efforts by breathtaking views of the valley and a special prayer ceremony at this spectacularly decorated new temple. Attend the Punakha Dromchoe and Serda, one of Bhutan’s most interesting festivals, and witness masked dances and a magnificent procession.
(B,L,D)
Day 9 Punakha/Thimphu
Travel to the capital of Bhutan, Thimphu (7,900 feet), where we will visit the bustling Weekend Market. Visit the Traditional School of Painting and the Arts where students are trained in the ancient arts of Bhutanese thangka painting, maskmaking, and wood carving.
Druk or Riverview Hotel
(B,L,D)
Day 10 Thimphu
After some final exploration in Thimphu, visit the new Textile Museum. Bhutan’s textiles are unique for their diversity and sophistication. This evening, enjoy a cocktail reception and banquet with local dignitaries and members of the Royal Government.
(B,L,D)
Day 11 Thimphu/Paro
Return to the Paro Valley (7,300 feet) and take a final hike to the most famous site in Bhutan: Taktsang Lhakhang, or the Tiger’s Nest Temple (9,300 feet). This magical monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff 2,000 feet above the valley floor.
Zhiwaling Hotel
(B,L,D)
Day 12 and 13 Paro/Bangkok/Los Angeles
Fly to Bangkok and transfer to the Amari Airport Hotel. Depart the next morning and arrive in Los Angeles the same day.
(B)
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