Starting at $1200

AVAILABILITY: Yearround

ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels/Lodges

​

Commonly known as Land of the Thunder Dragon, the Kingdom of Bhutan is also referred to as the crown jewel of the Himalayas and the last Shangri-La on earth. A small and peaceful country, Bhutan is cradled between China to the north and India to the south. Its lands include subtropical savannahs to forests to the Himalayas that guard the country’s eastern border.

 

The country’s isolation, domestic policies and decision to limit tourism have helped to protect its culture and its natural beauty. Bhutanese culture is regarded as one of the oldest and most well-preserved cultures in the world. 

 

ITINERARY

• DAY 1: Kathmandu - Paro (by Druk Air) – Transfer to Thimphu; Transfer to airport and fly to Paro. You’ll descend through mountainous valleys before arriving you into the Kingdom of Dragons. After clearing customs and visa control you will be met by your driver and guide. A short drive along the valley, passing rural homes, monasteries and chortens, and you’ll arrive in Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Settle into your hotel and after lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll start your sightseeing with a guided walking tour, visiting the Textile Museum and a traditional paper-making factory.

• DAY 2: Thimphu valley sightseeing – Paro; Drive to Sangaygang, with a field of Bhutanese prayer flags perched high above the city. These colored flags send prayers to the heavens and white flags honor the dead. Visit the Motithang Takin Preserve where you can see the takin, a goat-antelope type creature that is Bhutan's national animal. Walk to the Zilukha Nunnery to visit the memorial Chorten and the National Library and Folk Heritage Museum, a beautifully restored Bhutanese farmhouse from the last century. Lunch and afternoon drive to Paro.

• DAY 3: Paro Sightseeing; Drive to Drukgyal Dzong, the ruined fort, which once defended this valley from Tibetan invasions. Mount Jhomolhari, the sacred summit, reaches skyward beyond the dzong and can be viewed on a clear day. Drive to Satsam Chorten to hike up to the Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest Monastery).  At this viewpoint, you can enjoy a view of the monastery, where Guru Padmasambhava landed on the back of a tigress in the 8th century. We then walk back to the road point and visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, built in the 7th century. Drive to visit Ta Dzong, built in the 17th century as a watchtower for the Paro Dzong. This dzong was converted into the National Museum in 1967. The museum boasts antique thangka, textiles, weapons and armor, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historical artifacts. Below the museum is the Rinpung Dzong, built in 17th century to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. The dzong is now used as an administration center and school for monks. A short walk below the dzong takes you across a traditional cantilevered to one of the innumerable archery grounds. Archery is the national sport of Bhutan. The evening ends with a walk through Paro’s main shopping district.

• DAY 4: Paro – Departure (by Druk Air); You will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey.

 

Program includes: Accommodations, sightseeing excursions mentioned in itinerary, transport, English-speaking guide.

 

Program excludes: Travel Insurance, Entry Visa Fee, personal expenses, alcoholic beverages and soft drinks, tips, temple and monastery entrance fees.