Himalayan Kingdom Explorer

During your flight from Bangkok to Paro on Druk Air, you will experience breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges. After your arrival in Paro, you will be welcomed by your guide at the airport and then transferred to your hotel. You will have the afternoon and evening free to rest or walk around Paro (7,380 ft.) and savor the feeling of a country that seems to be existing in an earlier century. From the dress of the people to the traditional architecture, you know you are in a different kind of place than exists anywhere else on earth. You will be amazed at the fresh, clean air and peaceful environment. NOTE: Flights from Delhi or Kathmandu may require additional overnights in Paro.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, visit Ta Dzong, an ancient citadel housing the National Museum. This interesting building is said to be in the shape of a conch shell and contains a collection of ancient and modern thangkas. Afterwards, drive to the ruins of Drugyel Dzong from where there are spectacular views Mount Chomolhari (if the weather is clear). From the road, you have the option of hiking up to Kali Goema Nonnery (approximately 35-40 minutes each way). Continue on with the journey to Thimphu. Along the way, make a stop in the road to view Taksteng Monastery, the most famous monastery in Bhutan that sits on the side of a cliff almost 3,000 feet above the Paro valley. Thimphu is the capital of Bhutan and located in a wooded valley. Here you visit Tashichho Dzong, built in 1216 and completely renovated between 1962 and 1969 without the use of nails or written plans and the National Library, established to preserve many ancient Dzongkha and Tibetan texts. There are many other wonderful places to visit of your choice such as the Folk Heritage Museum, which has been turned into a replica of a traditional farm house as it would have looked about a hundred years ago, the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, where traditional herbal medicines are prepared and distributed, or the National Textile Museum where you can learn about the national art of weaving. You can also witness a folk dance from the Royal Academy of Performing Arts in the evening with advance notice.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today’s two hour and 45 minute drive takes you to Punakha. Blessed with temperate climate and fed by the Pho-chu (male) and Mo-chu (female) Rivers, Punakha is the most fertile valley in the country. Until 1955, Punakha served as the capital and is even today the winter seat of Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and central monk body. The Punakha Dzong was built at the confluence of the Pho-chu and Mo-chu Rivers in 1638 by Shabdrung and renovated from 1994-2003 with detailed arts and crafts. Punakha is also home to many different types of Himalayan birds including the heron, kingfishers, lapwing, ibis bill, shell duck, and cormorant, which all migrate in the winter. The rest of your day is free to relax.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the morning, visit the Punakha Dzong, followed by the Khe-mi Lhakhang, built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley in the 15th century. The legend says that the lama subdued an evil spirit that appeared half human and half dog. Khe means dog and Mi means human. The temple is a short hike from the road through paddy fields and villages. You also visit the newly built temple of Khumsum Yuele Chorten, built for the crown prince by the queen mother. The temple is built on a ridge of a mountain overlooking the Punakha valley. You will need to hike about one hour gradually uphill through fields and pine forests to get here. Today’s drive will be across the Pele La region about four hours and 15 minutes. Along the way you can see many different species of rhododendrons in bloom (April and May only) and many other plants. Trongsa forms the central hub of the nation and is historically the place from where attempts at unifying the country were launched. It is from here the first monarchy was elected and still traditionally, the crown prince has to take the position of governor before he takes the seat of the throne. The landscape around Trongsa is spectacular for miles on end. This afternoon, visit the Kuenga Rabten village where you can visit the waterfall. Just above the king’s second palace, there is a nunnery where hundreds of nuns practice Buddhism. Overnight at a hotel in Trongsa.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the morning, visit the imposing Trongsa Dzong (exterior only), ancestral home of Bhutan's royal family and an impressive work of traditional Bhutanese architecture. It was built in 1648 by Chhoyje Minjur Temple, a well-trusted follower of Shabdrung. You then visit Ta Dzong from where there are wonderful views. After lunch, drive to Jakar (approx. 40 miles/2.5 hrs), the major trading center of the region. Overnight at a local lodge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, visit a few of the local sites such as the Jakar Dzong, said to be the largest in Bhutan overlooking the Choskhor Valley, and Lamey Goemba, a large palace and monastery built as a residence for King Ugyen Wangchuk. If you are interested, you may want to stop to see the Vegetable Dye Project, which produces traditional vegetable dyes for use in cotton thread and raw silk production. Continue on to Ura, the highest of Bumthang's valleys and considered to be one of the holiest valleys in Bhutan. Here you will enjoy seeing the closely packed houses along cobblestone streets, which give this town its medieval atmosphere. Return to Jakar for your overnight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today you drive about six and a half hours to Wangdi and view the impressive Wangdiphodrang Dzong from the outside. For many centuries, this dzong held the seat as one of Bhutan's most powerful Dzongs. Overnight at a local lodge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, return to Paro (about 4 hrs) for your overnight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the morning, transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Meals: Breakfast