8 Day Itinerary
£9,000pp
Embark on an extraordinary journey to Bhutan, where vibrant festivals in remote valleys and exhilarating archery tournaments await, balanced by more serene moments such as meditation at Punakha dzong and tranquil hikes through the Himalayas to sacred sites.
Begin in Thimpu, where you’ll spend one night at Six Senses Thimphu – a luxury hotel in the shadow of the Himalayas with sweeping views over Thimphu Valley and Great Buddha Dordenma. With a guide, visit the golden Buddha statue and the National Memorial Chorten.
Pre-dinner, you will meet with a Member of Parliament to give a short talk. This special session strives to give you more insight and understanding of Bhutan – whether it’s the Gross National Happiness, history, religion, culture or politics of this special country.
Travel to Punakha over the Dochula Pass, winding past exceptional views of the snow-capped Himalayas. Prior to arrival in Punakha, we will visit Chimi Lhakhang which is an easy 15 minute walk from the road. This is known as the Temple of Fertility.
Reaching Punakha in time for lunch, spend two nights at Amankora Punakha Lodge, an elegant hideaway set amidst farmland, on the river front.
In the afternoon you will visit to Punakha Dzong and chant in the inner sanctum with the chief Abbot.
The following day, Hike along the Butterfly Trail to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. For those wishing to ramp up the adrenaline, we can arrange white water rafting along the Pho River. In the evening, sip on riverside cocktails and soaking up the majestic scenery.
For lunch we will lay on a riverside BBQ lunch. In the afternoon, we will take a drive to Talo before visiting Nalanda Dorjidhen, a Buddhist college, where you will be able to sit and talk to monks speaking English.
Today you will take a scenic flight to Paro. On arrival, you will visit the Kyichu temple. You will light 108 Butter lamps. You will then visit the National Museum with a top curator.
We have arranged a private archery tournament for you. Two teams of archers will compete. Each team is encouraged by its supporters who dance and sing, extolling their team while teasing and mocking the opponents to make them lose their concentration. There are 2 painted targets placed at each end of the range at about 120 meters apart. The teams will compete, each player shooting two arrows. Each time an arrow hits the bulls-eye, there is celebratory mayhem!
Toward the evening, you will take e-bikes on a short tour to experience a little more of the Paro Valley.
After an early breakfast, take a day hike to Taktsang Monastery, perched on the side of a vertical cliff at 3000m altitude north of Paro. This monastery creates an extraordinary sight and is the unofficial symbol of Bhutan. It is one of the most famous Buddhist Monasteries in Bhutan and is also to as the ‘Tiger’s Nest’.
An hour and a half hike up to a small wooden teahouse provides a close view of the monastery where you take a breather and enjoy some light snacks. A further hike of an hour leads you to the glorious Taktsang Monastery. That evening, you will be able to enjoy the spa and ease those blessed aches from the morning’s pilgrimage.
Finally – to finish the trip in style, we have arranged an enchanting final dinner with live musicians, dancers and a meal fit for Bhutan’s Royal Family.
Day Itinerary
£9,000pp
11 Day Itinerary
Guide Price: £11,200pp
Journey to Bhutan to discover a landscape of outstanding natural beauty combined with dzong architecture, where you can enjoy the best experiences and become immersed in Buddhist culture.
21 Day Itinerary
Guide Price: £17,500pp
Connect with your spiritual side on an unforgettable trip across Bhutan and India. Absorb a serene atmosphere as you explore a plethora of monasteries, shrines and fortresses across the countries, culminating in a relaxing spa trip in the magical scenery of the Himalayas.
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