Itinerary

Days 1 & 2 — U.S./Bangkok, Thailand

Depart the U.S., cross the international date line, and arrive the next night.
Novotel Suvarnabhumi Hotel

Day 3 — Paro, Bhutan

From Bangkok, fly to the Paro Valley (7,300 feet) in Bhutan. Transfer to our hotel and enjoy time to relax, or visit the seventh-century Kyichu Lhakhang. Tonight, gather for a welcome dinner.
Zhiwa Ling Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 4 — Punakha

This morning, journey to Punakha, Bhutan’s ancient capital. Travel over the Dochu La pass (10,000 feet) and stop for tea and a view of 200 miles of Himalayan summits (weather permitting). Settle into our hotel in the golden Punakha Valley and enjoy dinner together.
Meri Puensum Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 5 — Punakha

After an invigorating hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten, a spectacularly situated temple, be rewarded for your efforts with incredible views of the valley below. Then visit the Punakha Dzong, an impressive fortress guarding the southern end of the valley at the confluence of the Pho (male) and Mo (female) Rivers.
Meri Puensum Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 6 — Phobjika

Travel to the alpine valley of Phobjika (10,000 feet), considered one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan. It is also the largest wintering site of the endangered black-necked crane, which arrives in November and stays through March. Along the way, the environment changes from semi tropical to pine forest, and then to an alpine environment—home to several species of rhododendron, dwarf bamboo, and Grey Langur monkeys.
Dewachen Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 7 — Phobjika

Against a backdrop of forest-clad mountains, the Gangtey Gonpa temple complex rises dramatically from a cluster of hilltop cottages. One of the oldest private monasteries in Bhutan, Gangtey Gonpa has recently been renovated, allowing us to examine the fine workmanship of Bhutan’s best woodcarvers, sculptors, and painters. Then set off on a half-day hike, stopping to meet a family at a local farmhouse along the way.
Dewachen Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 8 — Thimphu

Travel to Thimphu (7,900 feet), the capital of Bhutan and home to the royal family. Visit the National Textile Museum and browse its exhibitions. Bhutan’s weavings and brocades are considered spiritual expressions and are admired for their diversity and sophistication
Terma Linca (B,L,D)

Day 9 — Paro

Today, attend the dramatic Paro Tsechu festival. Perched majestically above the town of Paro, the Paro Dzong is one of the oldest dzongs, or fortress-monasteries, in Bhutan, and still serves as the administrative and religious center of the valley. Visit the dzong and enjoy a full day of festivities. Bhutan’s festivals are joyous expressions of its Buddhist culture. People travel from distant valleys and towns to socialize, celebrate their thriving Buddhist heritage, and enjoy one of the most important events on the Bhutanese calendar. Tonight, get a behind-the-scenes perspective on contemporary Bhutan during a lively Bhutanese banquet with members of the government, local dignitaries, and respected professionals.
Terma Linca (B,L,D)

Day 10 — Paro

Our journey in the kingdom culminates with a hike to the most famous pilgrimage site in Bhutan: Taktsang Lhakhang, or the Tiger’s Nest Temple (9,300 feet). Visible from afar, this stunning monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff 2,000 feet above the valley floor. This evening, celebrate your Bhutanese adventure at a festive farewell dinner.
Zhiwa Ling Hotel (B,L,D)

Days 11 & 12 — Paro/Bangkok, Thailand/U.S.

Fly to Bangkok and check into our hotel. The following morning, transfer to the airport for your return flight via Bangkok, arriving home the same day.
Novotel Suvarnabhumi Hotel (B, L; B)

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