Beautiful Bhutan

You will arrive into Paro International Airport on Druk Air Royal Bhutan Airlines. Your personal guide will be there to meet you. The capital of Bhutan is only an hour’s drive away. The view over Thimpu from the big Buddha statue helps to get your bearings before you plunge into this vibrant growing town struggling to blend the shock of the new with traditional aspects of life in the shadow of the Himalaya.

With the morning reserved for more sightseeing in the capital, you have the chance to buy some wish-fulfilling prayer flags to hang later at the Dochula pass. If the weather gods are with you at 3,140m the pass affords sweeping views towards the main Himalayan range and a meditative stroll amongst the forest of fluttering prayer flags, the maze of 108 memorial chortens and up to the Druk Wangyel temple. The route now plunges into the primaeval forest (look out for monkeys and birdlife) snaking nearly 2,000 metres down into the Punakha valley at Chimmi Lhakhang.

Following breakfast, you will enjoy Explore Punakha – Football with the Chorten Nibu Monks, Gilligang Temple hike over the longest suspension bridge through wildlife sanctuary to Camp. There is also the option to enjoy some white water rafting. For the afternoon your guide can suggest plenty of local riverside trails from a gentle stroll through the rice terraces to a hike across the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan. Alternatively, you may prefer to the short walk up through whitewashed homesteads and farmland to Khamsum Yuley Namgay Chorten, a shrine built by the royal family. This temple is a startlingly ornate and elaborate structure boasting a rainbow of Guru Rinpoche images and superb views of the lush rice paddies and orange groves of the Punakha Valley. Time and energy levels permitting continue upwards through the forest to the ancient, hilltop Gilligang temple for 360-degree views with glimpses of Punakha or maybe visit the azims at Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup nunnery.

Today will be spent exploring Punakha Adventures -Rafting adventure from Camp to Punakha Fortress & bike on local trails back to Camp for Archery, Fishing & Khuru. There is the opportunity to spend the morning with the Pazaps of Punakha if you wish but after lunch, it is time to retrace your steps back over the Dochula pass for a second chance of that spectacular view of the Himalayan range. Returning to the Chunzom (river confluence) we catch a glimpse of the three shrines in Nepali, Tibetan and Bhutanese style which were built to ward off evil spirits near the checkpoint. On the final leg, the sinuous route follows the Pa Chhu (river), through apple orchards and rice paddies, past quaint homesteads to your home in the Himalaya, Paro town. After check-in at your hotel, why not take a stroll in town, or spend the rest of the day relaxing after the drive.

Drive to Paro & Zurig Hike above Paro town to Paro Fortress, Dob Shari riverside Bike Ride, evening sand mandala making with a local master. Today is about walking – past Ugyen Pelri Palace and the main archery ground, across the traditional covered bridge Nyami Zam over the Pa Chhu River joining devotees on their way up to Rinpung Dzong (Fortress on a Heap of Jewels). Then it’s over to the car where you will drive up to the former watchtower of Ta Dzong, housing Bhutan’s National Museum (damage by an earthquake in 2011 has meant a reduction in the exhibits). Taking in the magnificent views at your feet, you may be fortunate to see a plane on its final approach into Paro. Time for an easy but stunning hike high above the valley to the pretty grounds of Zurig Dzong overlooking Rinpung Dzong, the palace, festival grounds and the whole valley stretching away to the mountains beyond before descending to your pick up point near the luxury resort Uma Paro.

Kila Nunnery Hike to hang prayer flags – Dress Up & Momo Making for dinner. Seemingly suspended in rock crags almost on the brink of the highest road pass in Bhutan, Kila Goemba has been a retreat for meditation since the 9th century. As with so many temples in the Himalaya, it was destroyed by fire before being rebuilt. These days it is an Anim Dratshang or nunnery; lofty retreat, place of worship and home to about 30 hardy nuns. The day’s adventure starts early but you can break the journey with a short detour to Dzong Drakar and its fine stupa.

Saving the best till last, the hike to the iconic Taktsang Goemba or Tiger’s Nest Monastery provides a fitting climax to your adventure.
Otherworldly forces seem to be at work to keep the monastery clinging to its perch in the rock face so it comes as no surprise to discover that this cliffside was where Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) landed on the back of a flying tigress, bringing Buddhism to Bhutan from Tibet. To avoid the hot sun an early start is advisable for the two-hour climb to the viewpoint. Descend steeply, then climb up to the monastery, passing a waterfall and entering through the main gates. Retrace your steps or alternatively (if time and energy levels allow) head further up to several remote temples and monasteries for more magnificent views over Taktsang and the valley below.

Return to the lodge for a well-needed foot massage before enjoying a hearty dinner.

With a heavy heart, you will say goodbye to this magical kingdom. Our guides will see you to the airport for your onward flight, or journey home.