Adventure & Comfort in Bhutan & Thailand

DAY 1: DEPART UK

 Depart the UK on your flight to Bhutan via Delhi.

 DAY 2 & 3 THIMPHU  AN INTRODUCTION 

 After touching down in Paro Airport, your guide and local driver will take you to Bhutan’s sleepy capital city, Thimphu. Take the rest of the day to unwind and settle in at your hotel.

Your time in Thimphu will be spent soaking up the city’s distinctive atmosphere. You’ll visit its most iconic monument, the National Memorial Chorten, which has gorgeous views of the valley below. If it’s a market day (weekends), you can experience the dynamic famers’ market and will be likely to stumble across a local archery tournament too!

You’ll also experience an interesting blend of tradition and modernity by visiting two organisations that seek to preserve traditional arts and crafts while promoting contemporary talent. See local artists at work and 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 and cedar forests via the Dochula Pass. Here, you will stop to explore the 108 stupas built in honour of fallen Bhutanese soldiers before trying warm Yak milk tea at a cafe. On a clear day, this is also an incredible viewpoint with panoramic Himalayan vistas. You will then descend to your destination, the fertile Punakha valley, with a quick detour into the paddy fields to visit the memorable Chimi Lhakhang, otherwise known as the Temple of Fertility.

DAY 5: PUNAKHA   RAFTING THE PO CHU

Get an adrenaline rush as you paddle your way down the Po Chu river (‘Father River’) in the upper Punakha Valley. You will zip over 15 class 2-4 rapids surrounded by outstanding scenery, ending at the confluence by Punakha Dzong.

DAY 6: punakha  GILIGANG TRAIL & DZONG

Today you will take the best day trek in Punakha: the Giligang Trail. Altogether, it takes around 4-5 hours and includes a picnic breakfast in the peaceful gardens of the Khamsum Chorten, which means you can see it before the temple’s visitors arrive for the day. Your guide will lead you along the trail which traverses rice paddies and pine forests and offers spectacular mountain views.

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 forest and along ridges to 4000m altitude and your camping spot.  Don't forget to hang your own 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 10-12 thailand - Golden Triangle 

Today you’ll board a flight from Paro to Bangkok. In this example itinerary, we have suggested connecting straight on to Chiang Rai in Northern Thailand as it offers a gentle transition from Bhutan to Thailand. For a real feast for the senses and a complete contrast to Paro, you could stop in vibrant Bangkok for a few nights if you prefer.

Chiang Rai is an evocative riverside city, home to an ambient night market and one of the most extraordinary temples in Thailand. Just outside the city, you’ll find unusual cave temples, dramatic hills and fields of pineapple - we suggest exploring this rural area by bicycle, stopping for snacks and freshly-picked fruit along the way. You will stay in a stunning boutique hotel nestled in the mountains, with unique bamboo rooms and unbelievable views.

day 13 & 14 Chiang Mai   

Your guide and driver will next take you south to the so-called ‘2nd city’, Chiang Mai. You'll stay in a beautiful, peaceful retreat outside the city on the banks of the Ping River.

During your stay, you’ll have a chance to explore the city sights with our Chiang Mai signature tour. Tasting the local street food and observing Buddhist monks collecting their alms at dawn, you’ll get a strong sense of Thai culture and tradition (and how it compares to Bhutanese). You’ll also visit an ethical sanctuary for rescued elephants.

DAYS 15 - 18 HIDDEN BEACH RESORT IN SOUTHERN THAILAND

Take a direct flight from Chiang Mai to either Phuket or Krabi before a boat transfer to a peaceful hidden island: we recommend Koyao Island Resort or Koh Jum Beach Villas. Both are little-known retreats in beautiful surroundings which allow you to experience Thailand’s famous beaches and idyllic views of limestone cliffs rising from the sea. Your time here is simply for relaxing and enjoying beach life; why not enjoy traditional Thai massage in the outdoor Sala, take a canoe to hidden coves or swim and snorkel in the Andaman Sea?

Day 19 fly home

Depart Phuket or Krabi for your flight back to the UK.