Essence of Bhutan

Depart early from Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok. The flight leaves at 5:40 a.m. or 6:50 a.m. Bangkok time, depending on the day of departure. You will be met by our representative and transferred to Thimpu (two-hour drive). Thimpu, the Bhutanese capital (7,609 feet), is situated in a valley surrounded by terraced rice fields. The main street in Thimpu, Norzim Lam, is lined with shops.

Overnight at Namgay Heritage Hotel or similar. (All meals)

Drive a short distance north of Thimphu, to the base of a trail which leads to the 17th century Cheri Monastery. Continuing onward from the trailhead, climb steeply for 30 to 45 minutes. It is usually possible to enter Cheri courtyard, but not the temple. Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyel (first ruler of Bhutan) built the Cheri Monastery in 1620 and established its first order of monks. Packed lunch will be served at the monastery site.

After lunch, return to the base of the mountain and drive back to Thimphu. In the evening, visit the vibrant Thimphu market.

Overnight at Namgay Heritage Hotel or similar. (All meals)

Relax with breakfast at the hotel. Visit Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Drive to Drubthop Lhakhang, the nunnery temple. Learn more about the culture through visits to the Bhutanese Indigenous Hospital and Traditional Painting School.

Drive to Punakha after lunch. The road climbs steeply through a scenic forest of pine and cedar trees, to Dochula pass (10,000 feet). The pass offers panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges, on the descent to the fertile valley of Punakha (4,430 feet).

Overnight at Damchen Resort or similar. (All meals)

Hike about 30 minutes to Chimi Lhakhang (temple) on a small hilltop. The temple was dedicated to the great yogi, Drukpa Kuenley, known as the Divine Madman who lived in the 14th century. He dramatized Buddhist teachings using songs and outrageous sexual humor. Bold phallus symbols and paintings on the houses and temples are a result of his influence. It is believed that this temple blesses women who seek fertility.

Visit Punakha Dzong (fortress) situated between the two rivers, Pho Chu and Mochu (male and female river). The fortress is now used as the winter seat of Je Khenpo (the spiritual head of Bhutan). The Dzong served as the capital seat of the Kingdom for more than 300 years. The intricate Buddhist paintings inside the monastery are spectacular.

Overnight at Damchen Resort or similar. (All meals)

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast before making the return drive to the journey’s beginning in Paro (approximately five hours).

Overnight at Tashi Namgay Resort (Deluxe rooms) or similar. (All meals)

Begin the day with breakfast before a short drive to Taktshang Monastery. The trail to the monastery climbs through pine trees festooned with Spanish moss and occasional fluttering prayer flags. Hike at your own pace for about two to four hours.

Built in 1600s, the monastery clings to the edge of a sheer-rock cliff that plunges 2,952 feet into the valley below. It is believed that, in the 8th century, Guru Rimpoche, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, landed here on the back of a flying tigress to subdue a demon. Guru Rimpoche is believed to have meditated here for three months. Packed lunch will be served.

Drive to nearby Ta-Dzong, where you’ll be introduced to Bhutan with a visit to the National Museum which houses art, handicrafts, costumes and ancient weapons displays. Stroll the streets of Paro in the evening.

Overnight at Tashi Namgay Resort (Deluxe rooms) or similar. (All meals)

Transfer to airport for flight home. (Breakfast)