Day 1 - Fly from London
Heathrow to Thimphu via Bangkok - 2 nights at Amankora
With a dramatic flight in, the moment
you arrive in Bhutan you know it's going to be a unique adventure.
After the hour and a half transfer to Thimphu, you get the chance
to explore various museums and memorials, as well as time to shop
for Himalayan artefacts on the main street.
Next morning's tour of the capital starts with the Trashi Chhoe
Dzong (the seat of government) and the 16th Century Pangri Zampa
buildings, now a monastic school for astrologers, followed by
visits to the Kingdom's first monastery at Cheri Goemba and the
town's traditional industries from paper-making to hand-rolled
incense.
Day 3 - Thimphu to Gangtey - 2 nights at Amankora
in Gangtey
The dramatic drive over the 3000m high
mountain pass of Dochu La takes in the 17th Century Simtokha Dzong
fortress monastery, ancient wall paintings at the Hongtsho Goemba
monastery and towering Himalayan peaks (on a clear day!), before
descending through the picturesque village of Wangdi and on to the
hidden Phobjika Valley and Gangtey.
The following day is spent exploring
the valley either on foot or mountain bike, including a visit to
see the rare cranes at the Black Neck Crane Centre.
Day 5 - Gangtey to Punakha - 2
nights at Amankora in Punakha
The short journey to Punakha gives you
time for lunch at the lodge before visiting the hidden village of
Talo, home of the Queens' and the valley's protective deity
lhakhang and an optional hike to an ancient hilltop monastery.
Next morning's hike to the recent
Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten monument, built by the four queens
of Bhutan, is followed by a drive to Khuruthang to see the ancient
fortress of Punakha Dzong, passing several royal winter homes along
the way.
After a picnic lunch on the banks of
the Punak Chu, the journey back takes in the village of Lobesa and
Chimi Lhakhang monastery dating back to 1499.
Day 7 - Punakha to Paro - 2
nights at Amankora in Paro
A dramatic journey through the Wang Chu
and Paro Chu river valleys and across Paro town brings you to the
Amankora lodge and spa, set in a pine forest. After a stroll to
nearby ruins, the valley's oldest religious monuments and Paro's
main street, the evening may include an informative lectures at the
lodge.
The final day begins with a visit to
the National Museum in the Ta Dzong (or watchtower), followed by a
walk to the historic Paro Dzong and across Nyamai Zampa, a
traditional cantilever bridge, before being driven to the town's
temple, built in 1525, to see the ancient wall paintings.
Lunch options include a picnic or a
visit to a traditional farmhouse followed by a hike to one of
Bhutan's most revered monuments, the 'Tiger's Nest' monastery,
perched on a cliff face 900m above the valley floor.
Day 9 - Fly from Paro to London
Heathrow via Bangkok