Nestled deep in the eastern Himalaya, unknown to much of the world. Magnificent mountains, lush valleys, thick forests, a serene lifestyle and traditions unchanged for centuries – this is the essence of Bhutan. Towns are tiny, little more than villages, with quiet streets lined by decorative shops and houses.

Himalayan Buddhism flourishes here, little changed by time, untouched by world events. Maintaining its own very special architectural traditions Bhutan’s monastery-forts are incredible repositories of sacred texts and images, paintings and wall murals.

Colorful prayer flags highlight natural and manmade features of the landscape, adorning houses and bridges; standing atop ridges and mountain passes and in forest clearings. This is Bhutan, a kingdom that has long maintained its independence and isolation from the outside world and so preserved a fascinating Himalayan culture and tradition - a land of myths, legends and traditions which are as vital and alive today as when they originated.

Trip Itinerary

Days 1-2
Flying into Kathmandu is an unforgettable experience with the Himalaya
spread out before you. You will be met at the airport on arrival and
transferred to your hotel. On day 2 a full day tour introduces to some
of the wonders of Kathmandu.

Day 3
The flight from Kathmandu provides a most dramatic view of the
Himalaya as you fly alongside it. The tiny town of Paro, bursting with
colour and tradition, is overlooked by a dramatic dzong. Fields, cover
most of the valley floor, while hamlets and isolated farms dot the
countryside - the houses here are considered to be among the most
beautiful in the country. In the afternoon visit the National Museum
(Ta-Dzong) and Paro Rinpung Dzong.

Days 4-5
Thimphu lies in a wooded valley, sprawling up a hillside on the west
bank of the Thimphu River. Quiet and peaceful, with its streets lined
with traditional shop fronts, this town seems almost too small to be a
capital – it is often said to be the only one without traffic lights.
Beautiful textiles in wool, silk and cotton, basketwork, silver jewelry,
thangkas and other traditional crafts of the Kingdom are available in
various Handicraft Emporiums.

Day 6
The road to Punakha and Wangdue crosses the Dochula Pass (3150 m),
offering a great view of the Eastern Himalaya. Wangdue Phodrang Dzong is perched on a spur at the confluence of two rivers, completely
covering it and commanding an impressive view . Across the river,
comes the first glimpse of the picturesque village of Rinchengang whose
inhabitants are celebrated stonemasons. Punakha Dzong is the winter
residence of Bhutan’s spiritual leader, it is built between two rivers
known as “Phochu” (Male River) and “Mochu” (Female River).

Days 7-8
Descend through fields of bamboo to Gangtey, a glacial valley on the
western slopes of the Black Mountains. The valley is a designated
conservation area and, due to the large flocks of black-necked cranes
that winter here it is one of the most important wildlife preserves in
the country. There are also muntjack (barking deer), wild boar, sambar, Himalayan black bear, leopard & black fox in the area.
To the Bhutanese going to Gangtey is like going back in time, an
interesting perspective given that they themselves live in a country
not rushing towards modernization. Gangtey Goemba overlooks the
large green expanse of the Phobjikha Valley. The extensive complex
consists of the goemba and several other buildings - monk quarters,
meditation centers, school and small hotel.

Day 9
Return to Thimphu with time for further shopping and sightseeing.

Day 10
Taktsang is the most famous of all Bhutanese monasteries. It is perched on the side of a cliff 900 m above the floor of the Paro valley, where the only sounds are the murmurs of the wind, and water and the
chanting of the monks. The name Taktsang means ‘Tigers Nest’; the
Guru is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to the site of the
monastery where he meditated in a cave for three months.
The monastery itself is closed to tourists except by special permit.
However the one-hour walk to the viewpoint, where there is a small
wooden teahouse provides a close-up view of the monastery. It’s also
a good warm-up hike if you are going trekking. Nearby Paro are the ruins of Drugyal Dzong, a site of great historical significance. It was from this fortress that the Bhutanese repelled many Tibetan invasions. The name means the victorious Bhutanese. It offers a magnificent vista of Mount Chomolhari, “Mountain of Goddess” (7329 m). A short distance south of the road is Kyichu Lhakhang. This temple is said to be one of the 12 great geomantric temples ordered built by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet in the 7th century. It holds down the left foot of an ogress whose body is so large that it covers Bhutan and most of central Tibet.

Days 11-12
The early morning flight back to Kathmandu leaves the rest of the day
free for shopping and sightseeing. You will be transferred to the airport
for your departure flight.

Tour cost includes
»All accommodation - twin share
»Land transport as per itinerary
»All airport transfers
»Sightseeing as per itinerary
»All meals in Bhutan
»Breakfast only in Kathmandu
»English speaking guide

Not included in the tour cost
»Personal expenses such as drinks, postage, laundry and souvenirs.
»Meals
»International flights and departure taxes
»Visa and passport fees
»Travel insurance
»Emergency evacuation
»Tips and gratuities
»Costs arising from unforeseen events outside the control of Shiva Outdoors (eg. Landslides)

Note
Please note that the published itinerary is a statement of intent and to be used as a guide only. The guide in charge of your trip will alter the schedule if conditions necessitate and any/all such alterations are at the discretion of Shiva Outdoors and your guide.