A Taste of Asia – Bhutan Discovery Tour

Arrive Paro – Thimphu (LD)

Arrival in Bhutan at Paro international airport. High in the reaches of the mighty Himalayas, the runway at Paro airport is famous for being one of the most technically difficult in the world, so only the few pilots who are able to make the narrow landing and execute a tight turn at incredibly high altitude can fly this route. This is one flight where you might want to clap the landing!

On arrival in Paro, we will transfer to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. After a walk around town, get to know your companions properly with a welcome dinner (and introduction to your tour of Bhutan) at a local restaurant which specializes in fine dining using fresh, organic local produce from the mountains and valleys surrounding the capital.

Thimphu (BLD)

In the morning we will drive to Kabesa to visit Choki Traditional Arts School, a charitable school just north of Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. This school trains disadvantaged and orphaned children in the traditional arts of painting (Inverted Atlas makes a donation to the school).

Next, we will visit Pangri Zampa, Bhutan’s most important college of traditional astrology, founded in the 16th century. The college institute releases the annual Bhutanese calendar and has the responsibility for deciding dates for important national events in Bhutan. Astrologers are available for private readings.

On arrival in Thimphu we will visit the National Textiles Museum to browse a striking collection of intricate fabrics and clothing. We will then see some modern day masterpieces and have the opportunity to buy with a walk through the Craft Bazaar.

Thimphu – Punakha (BLD)

We will leave Thimphu early this morning and drive to Tashigang Gompa. We will visit the Gompa – about 30 monks live here during the warmer months. From the Tashiigang we will take a walk towards the Lungchotse Gompa which will take about 2 hours.

Lungchotse Gompa is the perfect place to enjoy the spectacular natural beauty for which Bhutan is famous. On a clear sunny day you can see the entire Bhutanese side of the Himalayan range.

When we reach the Lhakhang temple we will view it from the outside. From this point we will continue another 1.5 hours to DochuLa Pass where we will stop for a hot drink. From here we will meet our driver and head into the old capital of Punakha.

On the way we will stop for a pleasant stroll across the terraced fields of Sopsokha village to Chimi Lhakhang built in the 15th century by the ‘Divine Madman.’

Punakha (BLD)

Today we will take a short hike to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten via the village of Yebisa. The walk is fairly gentle with a few steeper parts and at the top you will see a beautiful view of the valley and surrounding villages. After visiting the temple we will descend and meet our driver at the suspension bridge.

At this point we will have the option for some gentle river rafting on the Mo Chu or “female river.” (Note this activity is optional and is not included in the price of the tour)

In the afternoon we will visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery and Talo Nobgang village. The nunnery has one of the largest bronze statues of

Avalokiteshvara – a bodhisattva embodying infinite compassion and was created by local Bhutanese artisans.

Later we will visit the imposing Punakha Dzong, “Palace of Great Happiness”. Built in 1637, it is strategically placed at the confluence of two rivers, the Po Chu and the Mo Chu.

Punakha – Bumthang (BLD)

This morning we will leave Punakha behind and drive to Trongsa, the gateway to central Bhutan.

Set amidst spectacular scenery, Trongsa Dzong, the ancestral home of Bhutan’s royal family, commands the eye from miles away. You can also visit Ta Dzong, the museum in the watchtower dedicated to the Wangchuk dynasty, which tells the stories of the Dzong and the valley it has watched over for centuries and features personal belongings of the Kings and Queens of Bhutan.

In the afternoon we will continue onto Bumthang, a town set among some of the most beautiful landscapes in Bhutan in an area of high valleys.

Bumthang (BLD)

Sightseeing in Bumthang, the spiritual heartland of Bhutan, with its many legendary monasteries, temples and palaces. Bumthang is the collective name for an area of 4 valleys – Chokhor, Tang, Ura and Chumey. Your guide will take you on a fascinating walking and/or driving tour of a variety of sacred sites including Jamba Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang and Tamshing Lhakhang. We will see Bumthang’s famous Red Panda Brewery and the Swiss cheese factory and dairy farm if time permits.

Bumthang – Gangtey (BLD)

Today we leave Bumthang for Gangtey, we will enjoy the views of the immense and remote Phobjikha Valley and black mountain ranges.

Visit Gangtey Gompa (one of Bhutan’s oldest monasteries) and explore the valley where the villagers continue to live a traditional Bhutanese rural lifestyle.

This is the site where black-necked cranes visit in their hundreds in November each year after spending the summer in Tibet. You may like to take the short Gangtey Nature Trail walk through Phobjikha valley to Gangtey Gompa where our vehicle and driver will be waiting to pick you up.

Gangtey – Paro (BLD)

This morning we will take a side trip to Lawa La where you can hoist different coloured prayer flags to bring good spirits and good luck.

After we have hoisted our flags we will spend the remainder of the day driving back to Paro.

This evening we are in for a true local treat as we visit a farmhouse for dinner, allowing you to experience traditional Bhutanese village life. We will also take the opportunity to try the restorative properties of a hot stone bath.

Paro (BLD)

This morning we will visit the National Museum located in Ta Dzong. This watchtower structure was built on top of the hill above Rinpung Dzong to defend the Paro Valley in times of war. View a not to be missed collection of Bhutanese artifacts, costumes, religious paintings, arms and stamps.

After our visit to the museum some fresh air will be in order so we will take a short hike along the forested hillside to Zuri Dzong. Zuri Dzong dates from 1352 and is home to the valley’s local protector gods. Continue your walk down to the Uma Resort junction where you turn right towards Paro Dzong and here again you should have a good view of Paro Dzong and town. Our driver will be waiting at the Paro bridge to pick you up. After lunch we will also visit the impressive Paro Rinpung Dzong, one of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture. Nearby we will visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, a temple of historical significance and one of the most sacred shrines in Bhutan. Afterwards, if there is time, we will visit Dumtse Lhakhang, a temple built by Thangtong Gyalpo, the iron bridge builder.

This evening we will learn all about Bhutanese cuisine with a cooking class. This will also enable us to take the food of Bhutan home with us to enjoy with loved ones.

Paro (BLD)

In the morning we will drive around an hour to the small village of Genekha to visit the Genekha local festival. You will see locals dressed in their finest clothes who have walked from miles around to attend the festivities. You will see masked dances performed by demons and animals and be captivated by the sound of cymbals, drums and horns and the unforgettable chanting of Buddhist monks who perform religious dance of purification. Arrays of colorful brocades whirl through the air as the dancers spin and dance the “thunderbolt step”. Watch for the Atsara or clown. This dancer, unique in his own style, mimics the

other dancers and entertains onlookers. Festival deities are invoked through benediction and luck is increased and misfortune banished.

Paro (BLD)

This morning complete the essential traveler’s pilgrimage in Paro and hike to the awe-inspiring Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Seemingly floating on the side of the valley this incredible temple is a feat of architecture and art alike, and the meandering walk, while challenging, is a rewarding trek along cliffside paths with peeks at stunning countryside and sheer cliff faces around every corner.

This evening we will head out into Paro for our farewell dinner to say goodbye to your trip leader and travel companions.

Depart Paro (B)

Today we wish you Tashi Delek (goodbye and good luck) as we transfer you to Paro International Airport for your departing flight.