Bucket List Bhutan & Oman

Day 1 Depart the UK

Depart the UK on your flight to Bhutan via Delhi. On a good day, in the right seat, you’ll be wowed before you even land by the views of Mount Everest.

Day 2 & 3 Thimphu an Introduction

On arrival, your guide and local driver will meet you for the journey to Thimphu. Take the rest of the day to unwind and settle in at your hotel.

During your stay in Thimphu, you’ll have plenty of time to soak up the distinctive atmosphere of this sleepy capital city. Both the golden Great Buddha Doredenma and the iconic National Memorial Chorten offer glorious panoramic views of the valley below and are well worth a visit. If it’s a market day (weekends), you can experience the dynamic farmers' market, and you’re likely to stumble across a local archery tournament too!

Thimphu is also the best place in the country to learn about the significance of the 13 arts and crafts of Bhutan. Your guide will take you to see local artists at work, and you could even try your hand at creating your own Thanka (a traditional Buddhist fabric painting).

DAY 4 THIMPHU TO PUNAKHA VIA THE DOCHULA PASS

Set off on the scenic drive to Punakha with your guide and driver, winding through the pine forests and over the Dochula Pass. At the pass, stop to stretch your legs and take a look at the 108 stupas built in honour of fallen Bhutanese soldiers. Take a snack or a warm Yak milk tea at the cafe, and on a clear day, you’ll want to take time to marvel at the Himalayan vistas. You will then descend to your destination, the fertile Punakha valley, with a detour into the paddy fields to visit the very memorable Temple of Fertility.

DAY 5 & 6 PUNAKHA  ANCIENT DZONGS & spiritual TRAILS

Punakha has quite a different feel to Thimphu valley as its more fertile landscape has hues of green and blue. The Giligang Trail is the best way to immerse yourself in the scenery and a lovely way to link the main sights together. Begin the day with a picnic breakfast in the serene gardens of the intricate Khamsum Chorten before the temple’s visitors start to arrive. Then spend 4-5 hours walking through the rice paddies and pine forests - your expert guide will be by your side throughout to give you insights into the region. The trail will lead to Punakha Dzong, probably the most beautiful and elaborate fortress in Bhutan. With a name that translates as “the palace of great happiness”, you are sure to end your day with a smile.

At the confluence of two rivers, another great way to see Punakha is by white water rafting. If you like, include it in your itinerary.

DAY 7 PARO

This morning you will take the 4-hour drive back to Paro, where you will spend one night. In the afternoon, enjoy an orientation tour of this historic town with your local guide and scope out its main attractions. Round off your day with tea and local wine over archery at a traditional farmhouse.

DAYS 8 & 9 BUMDRA TREK  TIGER’S NEST

Here, you have the option to stay in Paro and do a day trek to Tiger's Nest Monastery. However, if you have a reasonable level of fitness and like a bit of an adventure, we’d suggest the 2-day hike via Bumdra, the evocative Cave of a Thousand Prayers. Whichever option you chose, your guide will accompany you. If you decide on the overnight experience, an expert trekking guide will join you too.

The overnight experience includes a day hiking through a forest and along ridges to 4000m altitude and your camping spot.  Don't forget to hang your prayer flags while you're here! The next day, you will start descending to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (whilst everyone else is ascending...). Hiking down from above is quite a special way to catch your first glimpse of Bhutan's most iconic sight.

You will spend a good amount of time exploring the interior of Tiger’s Nest, where no cameras are allowed. Once you’ve satisfied your curiosity, climb down into the Paro valley where your driver will take you to your hotel. Time to toast and reflect on your adventure with a drink and a delicious final meal in Bhutan!

Day 10 Bhutan to Oman 

Depart Paro Airport for the flight to Muscat. This will be via Kathmandu or Delhi depending on the day of the week. Your travel consultant will be able to talk you through the options. On arrival, check in to your beach hotel.

Days 11 & 12 City & Beach in Muscat 

You’ll surely want to spend some time in the sun and around the hotel; the spa and restaurants are excellent and the pool - one of the longest in Asia - is just waiting to be enjoyed. During your time here a dolphin-spotting cruise is a must, as is an exploration of the capital city itself. 

Muscat stretches along the coast, from well-known sights such as the impressive Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque - a marvellous feat of modern Islamic architecture - to the souqs and seaside promenade of Mutrah. Your guide is your key to discovering the tastiest food, experiencing the warm hospitality of the locals over Arabic coffee and dates and learning about the area’s fascinating blend of modernity and tradition.

DAY 13 - 15 INTO THE MOUNTAINS OF OMAN

Join your guide to begin your journey into the mountains today, stopping to explore historic Nizwa en route. The old capital is brimming with history, culture, traditional buildings and industries. Dive into the busy souq, one of the oldest marketplaces in Oman and visit the fort, an impressive 17th-century architectural beauty. 

After lunch, you will ascend into the beautiful Jebel Al Akhdar mountains, arriving late afternoon. Spend a full day relaxing here, enjoying the otherworldly scenery and hotel facilities. Of course, your guide will be on hand if you’d like to explore further afield. There is the option to explore Wadi Bani Awf, a spectacular gorge that spans 26km. It weaves through several villages and offers plenty of beautiful sights. These include Snake Canyon where, if you’re up for a challenge, you can hike through pools, down steep slopes and over large boulders. And then there’s also the Saiq Plateau where you can take in the vast expanse of mountain scenery as you stand around 2,000 metres above sea level. It’s a truly spectacular spot. 

Day 16 Fly Home

Depart your hotel today for the transfer back to Muscat where you’ll board your direct flight back to the UK.

As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We can tailor it completely to suit your budget, pace and style. Get in touch to find out how this suggested itinerary could inspire your trip.

 

Your bespoke proposal with Experience Travel Group will include:

• International Flights (we can omit if you prefer)
• Accommodation as described
• Privately guided tours and transfers
• Tips for guides and drivers
• Original Experience Travel Group "signature" experiences 
• Full financial protection (ABTA and ATOL bonding.) 
• 24-hour in-country backup while away
• Your dedicated travel expert in the UK