A Journey through Bhutan

Fly with Emirates via Dubai to Kolkata.

Arrive into Kolkata, the gateway to Eastern India, is a city of extreme contrasts. Sometimes described as the forward–thinking intellectual capital of India and noted for some wonderful landmarks of the British Raj, on the other hand, the city has been called ‘the soul of India’ and is one of the most populous urban areas on earth.

Today explore the colourful flower market and the nearby Howrah Bridge, the Maidan with its imposing white marble Victoria Memorial which was built by the British in 1921 and St John’s Church which has a memorial to the city founder Job Charnock. You may also wish to visit one of the most important temples in the city – the Kali Temple at Kalighat which is also situated close to Mother Teresa’s Home for the Destitute.

• Breakfast

Today return to Kolkata Airport for the spectacular flight to Paro. A beautiful agricultural valley in the West of Bhutan, the Paro Valley is characterised by its agriculture with red and white rice, apples, strawberries and asparagus grown in abundance. Numerous dzongs and temples dot this countryside in this scenic and historic landscape.

• Breakfast,
• Lunch,
• Dinner

This morning drive through the Paro Valley to the base of the climb that leads to the famous Taktsang Monastery. A major pilgrimage site for the Bhutanese since Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal visited the monastery in 1646, Taktsang – or ‘Tiger’s Nest’ – is spectacularly located 900 meters above the valley floor perched on the edge of a cliff. The views throughout the walk, and in particular into the distance once you are at Taktsang, are not only panoramic but also spectacular. Although the path, in general, is in good condition the climb to the monastery is a fairly strenuous challenge – also due in part to the high altitude.

• Breakfast,
• Lunch,
• Dinner

This morning drive through the Paro Valley to Thimphu, the modern capital of Bhutan. In the late afternoon, if there is time, travel by car above the capital to the hillside for sweeping views of the Thimphu Valley.

• Breakfast,
• Lunch,
• Dinner

Begin your day of sightseeing at the Tibetan inspired National Memorial Chorten. Other places of interest include the National Library and the National Institute for Zorig Chusum – a painting school that teaches Bhutan’s traditional arts to students throughout the country.

• Breakfast,
• Lunch,
• Dinner

Today continue to the semi–tropical Punakha Valley. Located at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu Rivers, the Punakha Valley is famous for its awe–inspiring Dzong. The ancient capital of Bhutan, Punakha’s importance centres on its Dzong which, for many years, served as the seat of Government and Monastic body until the time of the second King.

• Breakfast,
• Lunch,
• Dinner

Leave your hotel and begin your visit to Punakha Dzong. Completed in 1638 AD the Dzong has had numerous additions to its original structure – partly due to fires in the 1750s, mid–19th Century and, more recently in 1986 – and there are numerous chapels and temples within its walls. Standing nearly 200 metres long and six storeys high the Dzong is unique in having three courtyards rather than the normal two and you will have the opportunity to explore these with your guide.

• Breakfast,
• Lunch,
• Dinner

This morning continue east climbing steeply through oak, pine and rhododendron forests to the 3,140 meter Dochu-La Pass before continuing east high into the Black Mountains to the Phobjikha Valley. A glacial valley Gangtey and the Phobjikha Valley is most renowned for its rare migrant population of Black–Necked Cranes that reside here over the winter.

• Breakfast,
• Lunch,
• Dinner

Today leave Gangtey for the drive to Bumthang stopping en–route to visit Trongsa Dzong which dates from 1543 AD, afterwards continue onto Bumthang. Comprising of four major valleys, Bumthang is the collective name of the region. Believed to have taken its name from bumpa, a valley shaped vessel and thang, or field, the valleys of Bumthang are some of the holiest, and most spectacular, of Bhutan. Distinct from Thimphu and western Bhutan, little over ten years ago it took three days to travel to the capital.

• Breakfast,
• Lunch,
• Dinner

After breakfast start the day at the Jampey Lhakhang, revered in Bhutan as one of the oldest temples, and believed to date back to the 7th Century. Also visit nearby Jakar Dzong, founded in 1549 and in a picturesque location high above the Choskhor Valley. From here continue to Lamey Gompa, a beautiful Royal palace and monastery built in the 19th century and end the day at Wangdichholing Palace which was built on the site of an earlier 8th century structure.

• Breakfast,
• Lunch,
• Dinner

Bumthang’s valleys are home to some of the country’s most important religious institutions and today you will hike to one of the most picturesque – Petseling Monastery. Around 70 monks reside at Petseling and the views from the monastery back down the valley are spectacular. The hike to Petseling takes approximately three hours and is quite steep in places so a good level of fitness will be required.

• Breakfast,
• Lunch,
• Dinner

Today leave Bumthang and drive to Mongar. A staging post on the road to Trashigang and Lhuentse, Mongar sits atop a ridge surrounded by eucalyptus trees. Later today visit Mongar Dzong which is set above the town. With two entrances Mongar Dzong is unique and is most renowned for its images of the Buddha of Long Life, Tshepamey, as well as those of the Guru Rimpoche.

• Breakfast,
• Lunch,
• Dinner

After breakfast, leave Mongar and drive to Lhuentse. Isolated Lhuentse is by definition very rural. Located north of Mongar, the district is home to numerous small villages and is historically known as the ancestral home of the Bhutanese Royal Family. Visit the picturesque Lhuentse Dzong, dramatically standing on a rock outcrop the Dzong dominates the landscape of the Kuri Chhu Valley before returning to Mongar in the afternoon.

• Breakfast,
• Lunch,
• Dinner

This morning drive to Trashigang. A charming town in the far east of the country, Trashigang is the headquarters of the most densely populated district of Bhutan. Built along a slope behind a spur of land on which sits Trashigang Dzong, the surrounding region benefits from a year–round mild climate and, as a result, is alive with the colour of poinsettia and bougainvillea in the spring. Banana, orange and papaya also grow in abundance in the valley.

• Breakfast,
• Lunch,
• Dinner

Today start your day at Trashigang Dzong which was completed in 1659 by the Drukpas after their conquest of eastern Bhutan. Sitting high on an outcrop it is of little surprise that the Dzong commanded an important strategic position on the wealthy trade route from the west to the Tibetan plateau. Later, drive out to the Radi Valley which stands at 1,600 meters above sea level and where you may be fortunate to witness the colourful local women weaving the intricate silk fabric, called menzimatra, for which this region is renowned.

• Breakfast,
• Lunch,
• Dinner

Today leave Trashigang for the seven hour drive to Samdrup Jongkhar. Much like Phuentsholing in the west of Bhutan, Samdrup Jongkhar marks Bhutan’s other land border in the south-east of the country.

• Breakfast,
• Lunch,
• Dinner

This morning cross the border back into India and continue by car to Guwahati airport in good time to catch your onward flight to Kolkata.

• Breakfast

Time to relax or explore the city.

• Breakfast

Return to Kolkata Airport for your Emirates flight via Dubai back to London Heathrow.

• Breakfast