Bhutan, the last bastion of Mahayana Buddhism in the Himalaya, still retains its age-old traditions and unspoilt culture. Giant fortresses, called dzongs, dominate the landscape and there are monasteries tucked away in remote corners. This tour covers most of the easily accessible parts of the country; the accommodation available is comfortable but shorn of trappings of luxury, though there are some expensive choices in many of the places.
Day 01 - Flight
Fly to Kolkata
Day 2 - Kolkata
Arrive into Kolkata and transfer to The Grand or Lalit Great Eastern; at leisure.
Days 3 & 4 - Thimphu
Fly to Paro and transfer to Thimphu; stay at the Phuentso Pelri or Kisa (or the Taj Thimphu). Visit the sights including the King's Memorial Chorten, the National Library and the Painting School where students undergo a 6-year training course in Bhutan's traditional arts and crafts.
Day 5 - Trongsa
Drive up to Dochu-la pass (3,088 meters), where on a clear day one can see Gangkar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan (7,497meters), and carry on to Wangduephodrang to see the magnificent Dzong. Continue to Trongsa across Pele-la pass (3,300 meters), the boundary between east and west; stay at the Yankhil Resort for the night.
Days 6, 7 & 8 - Bumthang
Visit the Trongsa Dzong, a massive structure with many levels, before carrying on to Bumthang, over the Yutong-la pass (3,400 meters) leading to the wide, open, cultivated Chumey valley; stay at the Wangdichholing Hotel. Visit Kurje Lhakhang, Jambey Lhakhang, Tamshing Lhakhang and Jakar Dzong; take an excursion to the Ura village which has clustered houses which is unusual in Bhutan.
Day 9 & 10 - Gangtey
Drive in the morning to Gangtey in Phobjika Valley; stay at Dewachen Resort or the Farm House - the valley is winter habitat for Black Necked Cranes that migrate from Central Asiatic plateau - free time to walk around in the village.
Days 11 & 12 - Punakha
Drive to Punakha for 2 nights at the Zangtho Pelri Hotel; visit the Punakha Dzong - built at the confluence of two rivers – and enjoy an excursion to Chimi Lhakhang, a monsastery built by Lama Drukpa Kuenly or the 'Divine Madman'.
Days 13 & 14 - Paro
Drive back to Paro; stay at the Olathang or Village Lodge for 2 nights (or Uma Paro/Aman); visit Ta Dzong, now housing the National Museum and the Rinpung Dzong. If up to it you can do the arduous climb to the famous Taktsang Monastery or "Tiger's Nest", precariously resting on a hillside.
Day 15 - Kolkata
Fly back to Kolkata today for a night; optional sightseeing.
Day 16 - Return
Transfer to the airport for your return flight.
Bhutan
Thimphu
Gangtey
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