Nepal Bhutan Tour

After breakfast, drive through dense forests of blue pine, oak, and rhododendrons and enjoy views of the Himalayan range and the valley beyond. After a lunch stop, the road climbs steeply through a forest of pine and cedar, festooned with hanging lichen high up near Dochula pass at 3,050m (10,007 ft). After stopping here for tea and panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain range, we descend along a series of hairpin bends to the fertile valley of Punakha. Accommodation: Hotel Lobesa (or similar). Transport: Private Vehicle 06:00 – 07:00 Hr(s) Included Activities: Meet a Buddhist Monk, Chime Lhakhang Visit Additional Notes: Approx. Altitude: Punakha Valley 1,300m

Visit Punakha Dzong, the winter seat of the Je Khenpo and the Monk Body, located between the rivers of the Mo (female) Chu and Pho (Male) Chu. Hike Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery and observe this complex mediation and traditional arts training center for nuns. Walk back to the road and then drive a short distance to Wangdue for a visit to the Wangdue Phodrang. We’ll continue on to the suspension bridge and hike through rice terraces, fields, and deep pine forest to Khamsum Yueley Chorten, where the view is superb. Descend until we reach the suspension bridge and return to the hotel. Accommodation: Hotel Lobesa (or similar). Transport: Private Vehicle: Punākha 06:00 Hr(s) Included Activities: Punakha Dzong Visit, Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery, Wangdue Phodrang Visit Hike, and Visit Khamsum Yueley Chorten Additional Notes: Wangdue Phodrang is currently under reconstruction, depending on the status, we may or may not be able to visit.

Visit the Crane Information Center and learn about the Gangtey/Phobjikha valley which is one of the most ecologically sensitive areas in Bhutan and is known as the winter habitat for the endangered black-necked cranes. Explore the Crane information Center which is managed by the RSPN (Royal Society for the Protection of Nature), an NGO striving to protect Bhutan’s environment, flora, and fauna. These magnificent cranes migrate from Tibet in early November and return at the end of February. Accommodation: Hotel Dewachen (or similar). Transport: Private Vehicle 03:00 – 04:00 Hr(s) Included Activities: Black-Necked Crane Centre Visit Additional Notes: Approx. Altitude: Gangtey Valley 2,900m

The valley is also a center for crane observation run by the RSPN (Royal Society for the Protection of Nature), an NGO striving to protect Bhutan’s environment, flora, and fauna. At certain times of the year, it is possible to spot these magnificent birds. Accommodation: Hotel Dewachen (or similar). Transport: Private Vehicle: Gangtey Gonpa Included Activities: Gangtey Goempa Monastery Visit, Phobjikha, and Khewa Valley Hike Khewa Village Visit, Family Farm Meal

Please note that on occasion the Institute for Zorig Chusum art school is closed due to school breaks and holidays. If it is not open on the day of your visit, another activity will be arranged. Accommodation: Namgay Heritage Hotel (or similar). Transport: Private Vehicle 03:00 – 04:00 Hr(s) Included Activities: Buddha Point Visit, Institute for Zorig Chusum Visit, Lecture on Gross National Happiness Additional Notes: Approx. Altitude: Thimpu 2,300m

In the morning, visit Memorial Chorten. Drive to the valley and visit Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple). In the afternoon, spend time exploring Haa town. Accommodation: Rigsum Resort (or similar). Transport: Private Vehicle 06:00 – 08:00 Hr(s Included Activities: Haa Valley Temples and shrines, Memorial Chorten Visit Additional Notes: Approx. Altitude: Haa Valley 2,600m

Drive to the Haa Valley, one of the most remote and sacred valleys in Bhutan via the Cheela Mountain Pass, at 3,810m (12,500 ft). Hike to Kila Goempa Nunnery which clings to a rocky cliff. Later, visit Kyichu Lhakhang Temple and the local archery grounds. Accommodation: Hotel Olathang (or similar). Transport: Private Vehicle 02:00 – 03:00 Hr(s) Included Activities: Kila Goempa Nunnery Hike, Kyichu Lhakhang Temple Visit Local Archery Grounds Visit Additional Notes: Approx. Altitude: Paro 701m (2,300 ft)

Embark on a vigorous hike up to the Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s Nest), the most venerated pilgrim site in the Himalayan world. The view is absolutely stunning, with the monastery clinging to a cliff face towering 2,953m (9,688 ft) above the valley. Return to Paro and visit the ruins of the Drukgyal Dzong fortress. Accommodation: Hotel Olathang (or similar). Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Transport: Private Vehicle: Paro Included Activities: Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery Hike, Drukgyal Dzong Visit Additional Notes: Due to the altitude this climb can be tough. Be prepared to spend about 5 1/2 hours getting up and down with stops, including lunch. Remember to stay hydrated and take your time. The hike is gradual and uphill and takes about 2 hrs to reach the first stop at the cafeteria where you can enjoy views of the monastery. If you choose, you can stop here and wait for the group who chooses to continue up to the Monastery.

Depart at any time. Airport transfer included. After exploring the beauty of Bhutan, it is finally time to bid goodbye to this wonderful nation, with a promise to return for more. Transport: Private Vehicle: Paro to Paro Airport 00:30 Hr(s)