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Beautiful Bhutan
Bhutan is one place that even the most seasoned travelers consider a privilege to visit. Perched high atop the mighty Himalayan range, the Kingdom of Bhutan has defied globalization and chosen to remain a hidden paradise. Although it consistently ranks as one of the world's top destinations, its remote location and strong preservation efforts make it accessible to only a fortunate few. Now, Friendly Planet's Beautiful Bhutan program makes it possible for you to not only visit this exotic land, but also immerse yourself in its rich cultural traditions.
Experience the enchantment of Bhutan's ancient fortresses, monasteries, and temples, the richness of its artisan traditions, and the beauty of its pristine natural landscape as you traverse the country's mountainous terrain. This unique program also provides ample time to interact with the friendly people of Bhutan, including a very special opportunity to join hundreds of Bhutanese in their celebrations of the spiritual festivals of Tamshing (October departure), Jambay Lhakhang (November departure) and Ngang Lhakhang (December departure). You're sure to leave with an enlightened understanding of the country's national philosophy of "Gross National Happiness." But, be sure to reserve your space quickly, as this once-in-a-lifetime trip is sure to sell out quickly!
Our Touring Program
Day 1: Departure from USA. Your exotic journey to Bhutan begins tonight as you check in for your late night flight to Bangkok, via Taipei. Los Angeles flights will depart from LAX shortly after midnight on day 2.
Day 2: En route. En route. Cross the International Dateline and lose a day en route to Thailand. You will recover this day on the return portion of your trip.
Thai woman in traditional costume
Day 3: Arrive Bangkok. Late morning arrival in Bangkok, bustling, captivating and fascinating capital of Thailand, situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Our representatives will meet you upon arrival, assist with passport and customs formalities and escort you to your waiting touring coach. En route to your centrally located hotel, enjoy a panoramic tour of the city.
Majestic Grand Hotel.
Himalayan Mountains
Day 4: Arrive Paro, Bhutan & Thimphu. After a much-needed rest, transfer to the airport to continue your flight, via Druk Air, to Bhutan. On a clear day, experience breathtaking aerial views of the Himalayas as you approach Paro, Bhutan on your Druk Air flight. A representative will greet you upon arrival at Paro International Airport. After customs formalities, board your motorcoach for the scenic drive to Thimphu, Bhutan's capital city, passing through a bucolic landscape dotted with rice paddy fields, apple orchards, and quaint villages. Time permitting, enjoy a panoramic tour of Thimphu Valley upon arrival. Evening at leisure. Hotel Pedling or similar. (B,L,D)
Local children
Day 5: Thimphu. Your first full day in Bhutan begins with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten, built in honor of King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, and the Dupthop Lhakhang Monastery. Continue to the National Library, a fascinating repository of numerous ancient Buddhist manuscripts, and the city painting school where students are trained in the traditional art of painting Thangkhas (sacred Buddhist religious scrolls). After a break for lunch, proceed to the traditional Medicine Institute to learn about ancient Bhutanese healing practices. Then, at Lungtenzampa, you'll have the opportunity to observe the traditional royal silversmiths and papermakers at work. Your tour of Thimphu concludes with a visit to the local handicraft emporium, where you can shop for unique Bhutanese gifts and souvenirs. (B,L,D)
Punakha Dzong
Day 6: Thimphu & Punakha. Today, travel by bus to the town of Punakha, making stops for scenic treks along the way. Take in sweeping, panoramic views of the snowcapped Himalayan mountain ranges at the Dochula Pass. Continue driving to Lobesa, where you'll hike up a small hill to the Chimi Lhakjang, a temple dedicated to Drukpa Kuenly, the great 14th century Yogi. Locals believe that this temple blesses women seeking fertility. Check-in at the hotel for lunch and then proceed to the majestic Punakha Dzong. Situated between the Phochu and Mochu Rivers ("Male" and "Female" Rivers, respectively), this fortress is the most magnificent in all of Bhutan. In the 17th and 18th centuries, it served as the country's capital. Today, it houses the district's administrative and judiciary offices as well as the winter home for Bhutan's spiritual leader, Je Khenpo, and the 600 monks of Thimphu and Punakha. Kyichu/Meri Puensum or similar. (B,L,D)
The Grey Langur
Day 7: Punakha & Trongsa. After a hearty breakfast early this morning, set out on the fabulous drive to Trongsa. As you cross the Punakha Valley and enter into the valley of Wangdue Phodrang, take in the breathtaking beauty and serenity of Bhutan's diverse, untouched flora and fauna. Thanks to its isolation, small population, mountainous terrain, and the national religion of Buddhism, which stresses the sanctity of all life, Bhutan has protected virtually all of its forests and wildlife. As a result, this tiny kingdom, in contrast to all of its neighbors, possesses the last truly intact, large-scale ecosystem in the Himalayas.
Local woman
The first stop is the impressive fortress of Wangdue Dzong, which stands on a hilltop overlooking the confluence of the Tsang Chu and Dang Chu Rivers. Continue climbing through the semi-tropical vegetation to Pele Pass, traditionally considered the boundary between West and East Bhutan. From here, hike downhill through an alpine forest of rhododendrons and dwarf bamboo to Rukubji Village for a picnic lunch.
Mountain view from Punakha
Proceed to the Chendebji Chorten, a large 18th century Buddhist monument constructed by a Lama to cover the remains of an evil spirit that was believed to terrorize inhabitants of the valley. As you approach Trongsa, gaze in wonder at its huge fortress that sits on a narrow promontory that juts out over the gorge of the Mangde River. The view from this Dzong extends for many miles, and in former times nothing could escape the vigilance of its watchmen. Check in at your resort hotel, offering superb views of the soaring mountains and majestic Dzong. Yangkhil Resort. (B,L,D)
Trongsa Dzong
Day 8: Trongsa & Bumthang. The magestic Trongsa Dzong, built in 1647, served as the site of many important historical events in making of modern Bhutan. Learn more about Bhutan's history on this morning's visit to the Dzong. Afterward, drive to Bumthang, stopping along the way to visit Domkhar Palace, the former summer residence of Bhutan's second King, Jigme Wangchuk. Enjoy an outdoor lunch with the beautiful palace as your backdrop.
Continue to Tsungney village to watch local artisans weaving the famous Bumthang fabric known as Yathra. Arrive Chokor Valley. Time permitting, search for treasures and bargains at Chamkhar Bazaar, an easy walk from your hotel. Mipham/River Lodge or similar. (B,L,D)
Portrait of Padmasambhava
Day 9: Buthmang. Enjoy a full day of sightseeing around the Chokhor Valley. Begin with a walk through the scattered villages of Jakar, Buthmang's main city and trading center. Visit the 7th century Jambay Lhakhang temple and the Chakar Lhakhang, an 8th century castle that housed the former ruler of the Bumthang Valley. Continue your hike to the Kurjey Monastery, a spiritual site said to be home to the tantric saint Padmasambhava and the local deity known as Shelging Karpo. Head north and cross the Chamkhar River, arriving at the Tamshing Lhakhang. Your final stop on today's trek through the ancient treasures of the Chokor Valley is the 7th century Konchogsum Lhakhang. Break for a hot lunch and then drive south for a visit to the Apple and Cheese Factory. (B,L,D)
Festival dancer
Day 10: Bumthang Festival. The festivities begin today as you head to the ongoing Tsechu festival. Celebrated annually by the people of Jakar valley, this ancient religious festival serves as a spiritual revival and reminder of the connection between past, present, and future. Accompanied by blowing horns, booming drums, and clashing cymbals, monks and lay persons alike dress in brilliant costumes to perform spiritual dances and re-enact legendary events and moral vignettes in the courtyard of the Dzong.
Festival mask
Crowds of people gather in their finest hand-woven dress, made of the brightly patterned cloth for which Bhutan is renowned, creating an intensely colorful and exciting atmosphere that had remained unchanged for centuries. Locals believe that dressing in their finest clothing is another form of offering to the deities that will bring them merit, luck and prosperity. (Passengers on the October and December departures will visit the festival on Day 9). (B,L,D)
Day 11: Trongsa & Kungabten. Today's excursion brings you to Kungarabten, a small village that once served as the winter retreat for the Royal families. En route, stop at a beautiful monastery that is home to over 100 nuns that study and meditate there. Visit the convent's shrine and hostel, and, time permitting, join the nuns for lunch. After lunch, continue downhill for a visit to the Kungarabten Palace before driving back to Trongsa. Yangkhil Resort. (B,L,D)
Red panda
Day 12: Trongsa & Punakha via Phobjikha. This morning, return to Punakha via the Pele Pass, passing through the magnificent glacial valley of Phobjikha. This valley, like much of Bhutan, is a birdwatcher's and nature lover's paradise. It serves as the winter home for hundreds of endangered black-necked crane that migrate here from the Tibetan plateaus. Listen for the peaceful chirping of many other rare species of birds and be sure to have your camera ready to catch a lucky sighting of the precious Red Panda. From the Phobjikha Pass, walk downhill to the newly restored Gangtey Monastery. Return to Punakha for an evening at leisure. (B,L,D)
Day 13: Punakha & Thimphu. Return to Thimphu via Punakha, stopping for tea and photos along the way. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure for independent sightseeing or shopping in the capital city. Hotel Pedling or similar. (B,L,D)
Young Monks
Day 14: Thimphu. After breakfast this morning, trek across a traditional covered bride to Cheri Gompa, built in 1620 by Shubdrung Nawang Namgyal. Continue to the Tango Monastery, presently used by the monks of Bhutan as the Institute for Study of Buddhist Philosophy. Drive south back to Thimphu, stopping en route to visit the Pari Zampa Temple, where young monks are trained in astrology. Enjoy the evening at leisure. (B, L, D)
Traditional covered bridge
Day 15: Paro. This morning, return to Paro to explore the wonders of the Paro Valley, where you can take in impressive views of Mount Chomolhari. Sightseeing includes a tour of the Drukgyal Dzong, built in 1647 by Shubdrung Nawang Namgya, and later destroyed by fire. Continue your tour with visits to Satsam Chorten Monastery and the Kyichu Lhakhang, a pair of twin temples that ranks among Bhutan's oldest and most sacred sites. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the National Museum of Bhutan (Ta Dzong), home to numerous works of art, handicrafts, costumes, armor, and rare stamps. Take a leisurely hike down to Rimpung Dzong and walk through a traditional covered bridge across the river to your waiting car for the return drive to your hotel. (B, L, D)
Taktsang Monastery
Day 16: Taktsang Monastery. Visit the spectacular Taktsang Monastery, a site believed to be the birthplace of Buddhism in Bhutan. The Monastery's moniker, which translates as "Tiger's Lair," refers to the tale of Guru Padmasambhava, the Tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan and supposedly landed at this site on the back of a flying tiger.
Prayer flags
To view the monastery, you'll hike along a trail that climbs through a dense pine forest, where you'll see trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. After a light refreshments at a rest stop along the way, continue hiking until you clearly see the remains of this magnificent 17th century monastery that sits high atop a sheer rock cliff. Descend the trail for lunch at the cafeteria and return to the hotel in Paro for your final night in Bhutan. Dechen Hill Resort or similar. (B, L, D)
Day 17: Paro & Bangkok. This morning your amazing Bhutanese journey comes to a close as you transfer to Paro International Airport for your flight to Bangkok, Thailand.Upon arrival, meeting by our representatives then transfer to your centrally located hotel for overnight. Majestic Grand Hotel. (B)
Day 18: Bangkok/USA. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast then transfer to the airport to board your return flight to the USA via Taipei, arriving later this evening. (B)
Important Notes:
- The high altitudes reached on this trip and the amount of walking involved, often on uneven terrain, requires that you be in good physical condition to fully enjoy the trip. We strongly suggest that you consult your physician regarding any concerns prior to making a reservation.
- Regarding your itinerary in Bhutan, please be aware that numerous factors, such as weather, tour conditions, flight schedule changes and even your own physical ability, may dictate itinerary changes, either prior to departure or sometimes during the tour itself. Friendly Planet reserves the right to make changes in this itinerary in the interest of passenger safety, comfort and general well-being.
Bhutan is one place that even the most seasoned travelers consider a privilege to visit. Perched high atop the mighty Himalayan range, the Kingdom of Bhutan has defied globalization and chosen to remain a hidden paradise. Although it consistently ranks as one of the world's top destinations, its remote location and strong preservation efforts make it accessible to only a fortunate few. Now, Friendly Planet's Beautiful Bhutan program makes it possible for you to not only visit this exotic land, but also immerse yourself in its rich cultural traditions.
Day 1: Departure from USA. Your exotic journey to Bhutan begins tonight as you check in for your late night flight to Bangkok, via Taipei. Los Angeles flights will depart from LAX shortly after midnight on day 2. 
