Bhutan in depth

DAY 1: DEPART UK

Depart the UK on your flight to Bhutan.

DAY 2: THIMPHU   AN INTRODUCTION

Your guide will greet you at the airport and take you to the capital city, Thimphu. Along the way, stop by the evocative Tamchog Lhakhang temple, reached by walking across a rickety iron-chain bridge over the Paro Chhu river. Take your time to settle into your hotel. Later, your guide will introduce you to the capital itself: the everyday sights and sounds as well as its most iconic monument, the National Memorial Chorten, which presides over impressive valley views. If it’s a market day (weekends), you’ll join the dynamic throng of farmers from all over the country who gather to sell their wares. On a Saturday you’ll also be sure to come across an archery tournament or two!

DAY 3: THIMPHU   OLD AND NEW BHUTANESE ART

Thimphu is at a fascinating crossroad between tradition and modernity, which is encapsulated in its approach to the arts. Discover the two inspiring organisations that seek to preserve traditional arts and crafts while promoting contemporary talent. See local artists at work and try your hand at creating your own Thanka (a traditional Buddhist fabric painting).

DAY 4: THIMPHU TO PUNAKHA VIA THE DOCHULA PASS

Today you’ll set off with your guide and driver for the scenic drive to Punakha.  Weaving through pine and cedar forests, you will stop en route at the Dochula Pass where 108 stupas stand in honour of fallen Bhutanese soldiers. On a clear day, you will also see panoramic views of the mighty Himalayan range. This journey will also take you via Chimi Lhakhang, otherwise known as the Temple of Fertility, the notorious temple adorned with phalluses.

DAY 5: PUNAKHA   GILIGANG TRAIL

The Giligang Trail is the best day trek in Punakha. Prepare for the day ahead with a picnic breakfast in the serene gardens of the Khamsum Chorten before the temple’s visitors start to arrive. The trek is between 4-5 hours in all, taking in rice paddies, pine forests and spectacular mountain-top views - your expert guide will be by your side throughout to tell you more about the region. You will end up at Punakha Dzong, arguably the most beautiful fortress in Bhutan. With a name that translates as “the palace of great happiness”, you are sure to end your day with a smile.

DAY 6 & 7: PHOBJIKHA (Gangtey)   VALLEYS AND HIKING

The 4-hour drive to Gangtey is incredibly scenic as it passes through fertile valleys, gradually climbing to the Lawa pass. Here you can take in spectacular mountain views of Mount Jomolhari, lying on the border of Bhutan and Tibet. Check in to your hotel in Phobjikha valley before taking on a half-day hike through rhododendron forests up to Shasi La Pass. Wander through small local villages and chortens before descending back into the valley.

On your second day you’ll visit Gangtey Goempa. This can be timed with the Tshewang prayer ceremony where, alongside crimson-robed monks, you’ll hear chants and blessings for personal fulfillment and long life. Later, explore the Gangtey nature trail passing by grass plains, farmhouses, and dense pine forests before reaching a vast open space to admire the expansive, lush Phobjikha valley.

*A wonderful time to visit is during the Black Neck Crane Festival which is held annually in early November. Please note that hotel reservations to coincide with the festival need to be made well in advance (up to a year).

DAY 8: Gangtey to BUMTHANG    

It's a long drive today but worth the effort to get to Bumthang, the most remote and sacred of Bhutan’s valleys. The journey will be broken up with stops for lunch in Trongsa and at a weaving centre, a community cooperative for over 200 remote households in the 13 villages across the district.

DAY 9: BUMTHANG   RELIGIOUS HEARTLAND

Bumthang is home to the oldest and most sacred of Bhutan’s monasteries. Today you will explore several of them on gentle walks, including the 7th Century temple, Jambay Lhakhang designed to convert Tibetans to Buddhism, and Kurjey Lhakhang, the final resting place of the remains of the first three Kings of Bhutan. Later visit JakarDzong, or ‘Castle of the White Bird’, initially constructed in 1549.

DAY 10: BUMTHANG   TANG VALLEY

Explore the most remote valley in the Bumthang region today, Tang valley, which is around a 4-hour drive from your accommodation. Visit the 16th Century Ugyen Choling Palace and museum where you can discover how people have lived over the centuries in rural Bhutan. Afterwards, head to the Burning Lake (MebarTsho) in the Tang River, an important pilgrim site covered in fluttering prayer flags and butter lamps (butter lamps traditionally burn yak butter!).

DAY 11: PARO   AN INTRODUCTION

Depart Bumthang this morning on a 30-minute flight to Paro. After checking in to your hotel, your guide will introduce to you the historic town on an orientation tour. Visit the Paro Rinpungdzong, which towers over the town and affords impressive views of the valley. Head to the National Museum, an ancient 17th Century watchtower now home to a fascinating collection of art, costumes, and weaponry as well as religious Thangka paintings. Later head to JangstaDumgtseg Lhakhang, a small temple housing a Buddha that was carried here all the way from Tibet. End the day with tea, local wine, and snacks over archery at a traditional farmhouse.

DAY 12: PARO   HIKE TO THE TIGER’S NEST

Your hike to the incredible Taktsang monastery, or Tiger’s Nest, clinging to a sheer cliff face 900m high begins north of the Paro valley. The ascent will take 2-4 hours as the terrain is steep in parts and altitude is high (3,120m). You will be greeted in the end by a truly breathtaking and iconic cultural site, making the hike well worth it!

DAY 13: ONWARD FLIGHT

You will be collected from your hotel and driven to the airport for your onward flight.