Kingdom of Bhutan – Hidden Gem of the Himalayas

Depart the U.S.

Depart for Bangkok, Thailand. Please check your bags from your gateway city to your arrival city. Be sure to attach the provided Gohagan & Company luggage tags for each piece of luggage, including carry-ons

Cross International Date Line

Bangkok, Thailand

Arrive at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok, Thailand. Proceed through the immigration checkpoint to the baggage claim area and retrieve your luggage. After completing a customs screening, meet a Gohagan & Company representative.

Walk from the airport to the first-class Hyatt Regency Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport hotel. Settle in and make your own plans for dinner.

Bangkok/Paro, Bhutan/ Thimphu

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before checking out. Then join the group for a walk to the airport, where we will board an included flight to Paro, Bhutan. As the plane approaches Paro, you will have a spectacular view of the Himalayan peaks from above.

From the airport, we will take a scenic drive from Paro to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. It is Bhutan’s main metropolis, a mix of ancient and modern that feels truly unique. It is one of two capital cities in the world that does not use traffic lights.

National Memorial Chorten. Stop at the National Memorial Chorten, built in 1974. A chorten (also called a stupa) is a Buddhist shrine or monument that sometimes contains religious relics. This distinctively shaped white building with a gold spire looks something like an enormous chess piece; it was erected in memory of the late Third King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. For many people in Thimphu, the chorten — which is dedicated to world peace — is the focus of daily worship and a place where they complete their perambulations (walking around the monument while praying or meditating).

Check into the first-class hotel The Pema by Realm. We will enjoy a lunch together here. Then spend a little time settling in to your room and freshening up.

Tashichho Dzong. This afternoon, visit the famed Tashichho Dzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion). First built in 1216, this majestic fortress is poised on the banks of the Wang Chhu River. The dzong is well-known for its white walls, intricate wood carvings, interior murals and surrounding gardens. We will see the Buddha Dordenma statue, the largest in the world at 169 feet tall. It is made of bronze and gilded in gold. A surprise: inside the Buddha’s chest, 125,000 miniature Buddhas are hidden. Since Thimphu has a population of around 100,000 people, there are more Buddhas than there are human beings.

Tonight, enjoy a group dinner at the hotel.

Thimphu

Savor breakfast at the hotel, then set off for a full-day excursion of Thimphu.

Weaving Workshop. Start the morning with an interactive workshop on the Bhutanese art of thagzo. Observe weavers as they make colorful clothing and learn about handicrafts in Bhutan.

Folk Heritage Museum and National Textile Museum. Gain insights into rural Bhutanese life and art as you tour the fascinating Folk Heritage Museum. A rural house from the mid-19th century has been authentically re-created from rammed-mud timber and decorated with items such as leopard-skin bags and Brokpa yak-hair hats (with their distinctive five protruding “spider”; legs) that were commonly used at that time. Stop at the National Library, then the National Textile Museum, which features displays of thagzo (weaving) in different styles and with various materials. Enjoy an included lunch with the group at a local restaurant.

National Institute for Zorig Chusum. In the afternoon, set off for another unusual and memorable destination – the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, commonly called the Arts and Crafts School. The students here are enrolled in courses that teach the 13 traditional arts of Bhutan — carpentry; masonry; carving; painting; sculpting; bronze casting; blacksmithing; ornament making; cane and bamboo weaving; weaving; tailoring, embroidery and applique; woodturning; and papermaking. During your visit, learn the captivating history of these practices, observe talented artisans and see their work.

Enjoy a group dinner at the hotel tonight.

Punakha

Enjoy breakfast at this hotel this morning before checking out.

Drive to Punakha. Board a motorcoach for a scenic drive from Thimphu to Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan. On the way, stop at Dochula Pass (elevation 10,171 feet) for an unforgettable panoramic view of the Himalayan mountains (weather permitting).The breathtaking scenery here makes it a popular stop with travelers; for many pilgrims, it is a destination for prayer and reflection. Browse through a local vegetable market. Lunch is included today at a local restaurant during our travels.

In Punakha, check in to the first-class Dhensa Boutique Resort. Spend the afternoon at leisure, settling in to the hotel or exploring the area.

Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery. Nearby, this striking complex is perched on a ridge overlooking the scenic Punakha valley. It houses a Buddhist college, temple and nunnery. Walk through the grounds and listen to the afternoon prayer ceremony.

Enjoy a group dinner tonight.

Punakha

Savor breakfast at the hotel, then set off for a full-day excursion of Punakha.

Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. This morning, hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, standing proudly on a hilltop above the Punakha Valley. Cross a thrilling suspension bridge draped with fluttering flags and ascend a narrow track up the hill. This easy hike takes approximately an hour, though the trail may be muddy. Upon reaching the chorten, marvel at the beautiful iconic shrine and soak up the views of the lush valley below. It’s a uniquely peaceful experience.

We will lunch together as a group this afternoon.

Punakha Dzong. Next, visit the renowned Punakha Dzong (Palace of Great Happiness), an iconic ancient fortress built in 1637 at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (Father River) and Mo Chhu (Mother River). The dzong served as the seat of the Bhutanese government until the 1950s, when the capital was moved from Punakha to Thimphu. After touring the dzong and its grounds, cross a famous landmark, the Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge. The swaying bridge is 525 feet long and draped with colorful prayer flags. Stroll along it and take in the marvelous view of the fortress and the surrounding green landscape.

Enjoy an included dinner at the hotel tonight.

Paro

Enjoy breakfast at this hotel this morning before checking out.

Take a scenic drive to Paro, a lovely town on the banks of the Paro Chhu River. Paro is home to some of the world’s oldest monasteries and temples — dating back to the seventh century. On the way, we will visit Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of fertility. This temple is a prevalent destination for childless women, where they pray and receive a wang (blessing or empowerment) We will lunch at a local restaurant near Dochula Pass, then continue on to Paro.

Paro Rinpung Dzong. This dzong, whose name translates to Fortress on a Heap of Jewels, is an iconic Paro landmark, boasting a whitewashed exterior and orange-red roofs. Both the architecture and the views here are stunning. Construction on the dzong began in 1644, and it was erected on top of a previous dzong and monastery (the “heap of jewels”; in its name). Recently, the building has served as the National Assembly’s meeting hall and government offices.

National Museum of Bhutan. Perched above the dzong is its round, thick-walled watchtower, which was built as a defense in 1649. Some 300 years later, it was turned into a museum and filled with art, and arcana that ranges from the quotidian to the surreal. Some displays, such as Bhutanese traditional clothing, thangkas (Buddhist paintings on cloth), teapots and bronze statuary, shed light on Bhutanese culture and traditions. Other displays showcase a stone egg laid by a mule, a horse horn and a gallstone used in traditional medicine. Each of the floors is fascinating! After touring the museum, stop inside the dzong and see the prayer room.

Enjoy an included dinner tonight. Spend the next three nights at the deluxe Le Meridien Paro.

Paro

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then set off for a full-day excursion of Paro.

Kyichu Lhakhang. This temple, one of the country’s oldest and most beautiful, has a unique origin story. In 659, the Bhutanese King Songsten Gampo’s wife, the Chinese Princess Wencheng, prophesied that a fearsome demoness was preventing Buddhism from taking root in Bhutan. The king decided that a string of 108 temples should be built throughout the Himalayas to paralyze this evil giantess. Temples incapacitating most of her body were constructed inside Tibet, but more were needed in Bhutan to hold down her troublesome left leg. Kyichu Lhakhang has her left foot.

Farmhouse lunch with a Bhutanese family. Visit the farm of a local family and watch as they prepare lunch. You ‘ll learn about regional dishes, ingredients and cooking techniques. They will prepare popular Bhutanese dishes such as ema datshi (a spicy stew made from chilis and cheese), momos (dumplings), and buckwheat noodles with spices and vegetables. Savor this delicious home-cooked lunch, along with some ara (alcohol made from fermented grain).

Free Time: Spend the late afternoon strolling Paro’s main streets and market, if you wish.

Enjoy an included dinner at the hotel tonight.

Paro

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then set off on your chosen excursion.

Traveler’s Choice | Choose ONE of the following excursions.

• Hike to Taktsang Monastery. The highlight of any Bhutan itinerary is the hike to Taktsang Monastery (more famously known as Tiger’s Nest). This monastery, one of Bhutan’s holiest destinations, is perched on a precipitous cliff above the Paro Valley, about 10,236 feet above sea level. The hike up to the monastery takes about three hours and the terrain is steep in places (and could be slippery, depending upon recent weather). However, your efforts will be repaid with a gorgeous view of the lush Paro Valley and breathtaking Himalayan mountains. For a little easier challenge, you can stop at a comfort stop halfway up and still get amazing views!
  • Why the name Tiger’s Nest? According to legend, Guru Rinpoche rode a tigress up to a steep cliff where he meditated within a cave, sanctifying this holy place. The Taktsang Monastery complex is built around a network of nine caves and comprises four temples, eight tunnels and smaller buildings, all interconnected by stairways hewn from rock. Note: To enter the temple, you must remove your shoes and hat, have your arms and legs covered, and leave personal items outside (lockers are provided).
• Dzongdrakha. Visit Dzongdrakha, a string of cliff-side chapels and temples, also sanctified by Guru Rinpoche. Legend has it that the guru spent time here suppressing demons during his visit to Bhutan from Tibet in 822 A.D. The dzong has a beautiful cliff-top setting, but is more easily accessible than Tiger’s Nest, with a 15-minute walk. Overlooking the green Paro Valley, immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquility of this less-visited site.

After this morning’s excursion, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Free Time: Spend the afternoon exploring the area on your own.

Farewell Reception: Join your fellow travelers for a Farewell Reception at the hotel, followed by a group dinner in Paro this evening. Raise a glass to your amazing visit to Bhutan!

Paro/Bangkok, Thailand/Depart for Home City

Enjoy breakfast in the hotel this morning, then check out and transfer to the airport. Fly from Paro to Bangkok on an included flight. Once in Bangkok, enjoy dinner on your own. Check into the first-class Hyatt Regency Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport hotel, which you ‘ll remember from your arrival.

Return to Home City

Following breakfast at the hotel, set off on a walking transfer to the airport, where you ‘ll board your international flight home.