Bhutan - Land of the Thunder Dragon

12 days from £3650 per person

Route: Kolkata – Thimphu – Gangtey – Punakha – Paro – Kolkata

Bhutan remains one of the least visited countries in the world, a place unchanged for centuries with proud ancient traditions. A land of staggering friendliness and beauty, just being in Bhutan, the roof of the world, is to experience something unlike anywhere else. Starting in Kolkata, fly to Paro, home of the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery and drive onto the capital, Thimphu. From here cross the spectacular Dochu–La Pass to the glacial valley of Gangtey, home of the rare black–necked crane, continuing onto Punakha, the site of an awe–inspiring Dzong.

Day 1 London Heathrow to Kolkata via Dubai

Fly with Emirates via Dubai to Kolkata. (N)

Day 2 Arrive Kolkata

Arrive into Kolkata in the early hours where you will be met and transferred to your accommodation. Later 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. (B)

Accommodation in Kolkata: Oberoi Grand Hotel (or similar)

Day 3 Kolkata to Paro – by air / Paro to Thimphu

Today return to Kolkata Airport for the spectacular flight to Paro. On your arrival you will be met and driven 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 and also stop at the small zoo to see Bhutan's national, and unique, animal the Takin. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Thimphu: Bhutan Suites
Upgrade option: Le Meridian

Day 4 Thimphu

Later return to the town and 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 school that teaches Bhutan's traditional painting. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Thimphu: Bhutan Suites
Upgrade option: Le Meridian

Day 5 Thimphu to Gangtey

Leave Thimphu and continue east climbing steeply through oak, pine and rhododendron forests to the Dochu-La Pass, which, at 3,140 meters is the highest point of the journey 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. One of the most important wildlife reserves in Bhutan, the sparse population and limited availability of electricity, which makes Gangtey and Phobjikha uniquely special. (B/L/D)

Accommodation in Gangtey: Dewachen Hotel, ABC Lodge or Phobjikha Resort
Upgrade option: Gangtey Lodge

Day 6 Gangtey to Punakha

Today re-trace your steps west to Punakha stopping en-route in the small town of Wangdue Phodrang to visit its dramatically sited Dzong. Afterwards, continue down 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. Today, although the political heart of the nation has moved west to Thimphu, the Dzong remains the winter residence of the Dratsheng, or Central Monk Body, is the administrative headquarters of the Punakha district and remains the site of the colourful Punakha Tsechu. (B/L/D)

Accommodation in Punakha: Four Boutique Hotel
Upgrade option: Uma Punakha

Day 7 Punakha

After checking out of your hotel continue your journey to Punakha Dzong. Completed in 1638 AD the Dzong features 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. Explore this fascinating and beautiful dzong with your guide. (B/L/D)

Accommodation in Punakha: Four Boutique Hotel
Upgrade option: Uma Punakha

Day 8 Punakha to Paro

This morning leave Punakha and return to Paro the gateway of Bhutan. Once again traverse the Dochu-La pass and continue past Thimphu and return to Paro. (B/L/D)

Accommodation in Paro: Tashi Namgay Resort or Tenziling Resort
Upgrade option: Uma Paro

Day 9 Paro

Today make your way to Drukgyel Dzong. Built in 1649 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, Drukgyel Dzong was originally constructed to reaffirm Bhutanese control over the important land route into Tibet. There are far-reaching views from Drukgyel back down the valley and on a clear day Mount Jhomolhari, standing at 7,314 meters, looms close on the horizon. Later visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan and the National Museum, housed in a building completed in 1656 and famous for its collection of ancient thangkas before ending your day at Paro Dzong, over 400 years old, and located just below the museum on the hillside. (B/L/D)

Accommodation in Paro: Tashi Namgay Resort or Tenziling Resort
Upgrade option: Uma Paro

Day 10 Paro

After breakfast drive through the Paro Valley. Here is the base of the climb that leads to the famous Taktsang Monastery, a major pilgrimage site for the Bhutanese. 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, 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 as is the increase in the altitude, but is well worth it on completion. (B/L/D)

Accommodation in Paro: Tashi Namgay Resort or Tenziling Resort
Upgrade option: Uma Paro

Day 11 Paro to Kolkata – by air

Leave your hotel and transfer back to Paro Airport in good time to catch your return flight to Kolkata. (B)

Accommodation in Kolkata: Oberoi Grand Hotel (or similar)

Day 12 Depart Kolkata via Dubai

Return to Kolkata Airport for your Emirates flight via Dubai to London Heathrow. (N)

Bhutan - Land of the Thunder Dragon

12 days from £3650 per person

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Itinerary: Bhutan - Land of the Thunder Dragon

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