16 DAYS ~ FROM £3,266
Bhutan - a land steeped in rich tradition, deep spirituality and culture. It’s a magical, mysterious placeandlocked by the Himalayas. Monasteries cling precariously on sides of impossibly steep valleys, mountain peaks with glacial valleys bisect the land and the alpine meadows are home to a hospitable and charming people. Bhutan is one of the last remaining bastions of Tantric Mahayana Buddhism.
Kolkata • Paro • Gangtey • Bumthang • Punakha • Paro • Kolkata
 Day 1. To Kolkata
Fly from Heathrow to Kolkata on direct British Airways flight.
Day 2. Kolkata
Arrive Kolkata early in the morning. Late morning city sightseeing including the lovely Jain Temple, VictoriaMemorial, NationalMuseum and Mother Teresa’s Orphanage. Overnight at Kenilworth Hotel.
Day 3. To Thimphu via Paro
Morning fly to Paro. Then drive to the capital city Thimphu. Two nights stay at Hotel Phuntsho Pelri or similar.
Day 4. Thimphu
Full day sightseeing includes the Trashichhodzong- a beautiful Medieval Fortress/Monastery - the National Library: housing extensive collections of Buddhist literature and the National Memorial Chorten. Also visit the government run Handicrafts Emporium, private crafts shops and the Folk Heritage and National Textile Museums, glimpsing the fascinating traditional Bhutanese lifestyle.
Day 5. Gangtey
After an early breakfast drive to Gangtey en route visiting Wangduephodrang Dzong and the local market. Afternoon visit the Gangtey
Monastery- the biggest Nyingmapa Monastery in Bhutan. Two nights stay at Dewachen Resort or similar.
Day 6. Gangtey
Full day exploring the beautiful Phobjikha valley the winter home of black necked cranes. The valley boasts two beautiful meandering rivers,
Nakay Chhu and Gay Chhu.
Day 7. To Bumthang
Morning drive to Bumthang en route visit the Chendbji Chorten-patterned on Kathmandu’s Swayambhunath Stupa with eyes painted facing
the four cardinal directions and Trongsa Dzong, built in 1648. Three nights stay at Wangdichholing Lodge or similar.
Day 8. Bumthang
Day to explore Bumthang - a name given to a complex of four valleys soaring to a height of 4,000 m - Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura -
The verdant highlands secrete Temples, Monasteries and sturdy stone built farming villages. It’s ideal walking country.
Day 9. Bumthang
Full day excursion to Ura Valley an area of outstanding beauty.
Day 10. Drive to Punakha
After breakfast drive to Punakha amidst the delightful countryside. Two nights at Zangtho Pelri or similar.
Day 11. Punakha
Morning visit the Punakha Dzong, built strategically at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in 1637, by Shabdrung NgawangNamgyal, to serve as the religious and administrative centre of the region. Also visit the Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley.
Day 12. To Paro
Morning drive to Paro. Afternoon visit the Ta Dzong, originally built as a Watch Tower, it now houses the National Museum. Then follow the trail down to Rinpung Dzong. Two nights at Olathang or similar.
Day 13. Paro
Morning drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined Fortress built to commemorate the Bhutanese victory over the Tibetan-Mongol forces, unfortunately destroyed by fire in 1951. Visit the sacred 7th c. Kyichu Lhakhang with its twin alongside built in 1968 by the Queen Mother of Bhutan. Later 4 hour trek to Taktsang Monastry, famously known as ‘Tiger’s Nest’.
Day 14. To Kolkata
Morning fly to Kolkata. Two nights at theHotel Kenilworth.
Day 15. Kolkata
Dawn visit to the fragrant flower market. Rest of the day at leisure.
Day 16 To Heathrow
Fly to Heathrow on British Airways flight.
Suggested extensions: Andaman Islands. (Various other excursions are available on request.)
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