Bhutan's Highlights with a Twist

DAY 1: DEPART UK

Depart the UK on your flight to Paro.

DAY 2: THIMPHU   AN INTRODUCTION

Your guide will meet you at Paro airport and take you to the capital city, Thimphu. En route, you will stop by the your first Bhutanese temple: Tamchog Lhakhang, which is reached by walking across a rickety iron-chain bridge over the Paro Chhu river. Settle into your hotel and then, later in the afternoon, your guide will introduce you to the sights and sounds of the capital itself. You will visit its most iconic monument, the National Memorial Chorten, which has impressive valley views. If it’s a market day (weekends), you’ll join the hustle and bustle as farmers from all over the country try to sell their wares. On a Saturday you’ll also be sure to stumble across an archery tournament or two! 

DAY 3: THIMPHU   OLD AND NEW BHUTANESE ART

Today, experience the blend of old an new through visits to two inspiring organisations that seek to preserve traditional arts and crafts while promoting contemporary talent. Watch 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   

Set off with your guide and driver for the scenic drive to Punakha.  The journey will take you through pine and cedar forests via the Dochula Pass where, on a clear day, the panoramic views of the Himalayan range are just incredible. Stop to explore the 108 stupas built in honour of fallen Bhutanese soldiers. Continue to descend into the fertile Punakha valley before taking a short walk through paddy fields to visit the notorious Chimi Lhakhang, otherwise known as the Temple of Fertility. 

DAY 5: PUNAKHA DZONG

Arguably one of the most beautiful in the country, Punakha Dzong is set on the confluence of the Mo Chuu and Pho Chu rivers. Spend the day exploring this spectacular complex that is brimming with with history; all of Bhutan’s kings were crowned here. 

DAYS 6 & 7: HAA VALLEY   RURAL, PICTURESQUE SCENERY

The drive to the untouched Haa Valley takes around 5 hours. In the afternoon, explore the hamlets and temples of the picturesque, rural valley area, with a visit to Lhakhang Karpo (The White Temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo, a 7th Century monastery. Stop by a local farmhouse and try your hand at making Hoente; these dumpling (or momos) are a regional speciality.

The following day, embark on a 2-3 hour hike to the see the Kila Nunnery, which is perched on a cliffside. Begin at Chele La which, at 3,988m, is the highest motorable pass in Bhutan - so you can imagine the magnificent views!

DAYS 8 & 9: PARO   TEMPLES AND TIGER’S NEST

The drive back to Paro is just one hour. On arrival your local guide will introduce you to the city with highlights including the Paro Rinpung Dzong towering over the town, as well as the National Museum. End the day with tea or local wine over a spot of archery at a traditional farmhouse.

Your last full day in Bhutan will see you hiking to the iconic and incredible Tiger’s Nest, otherwise known as the Taktsang monastery, clinging to a sheer cliff face 900m high. The ascent will take between 2 and4 hours as the terrain is quite steep in parts.

DAY 10: ONWARD FLIGHT

You will be collected from your hotel and driven to the airport for your onward flight. You can either fly home or continue your holiday with an adventure in Thailand, India, or another remarkable destination in Asia.