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Thunder Dragon Road Trip

Across Bhutan from Paro to Bumthang

10
Nights
Duration
$
0
Starts From
Family Adventures
Family Adventures
Luxury & Romance
Luxury & Romance
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The tiny kingdom of Bhutan, known as the Land of the Thunder Dragon, is one of the most extraordinary places in the world. The kingdom that prioritizes the philosophy of Gross National Happiness is an intriguing mix of ancient and modern. Our road trip covers the pristine Himalayan landscape from Paro to Bumthang, taking you to ancient fortresses and monasteries, to festivals and archery competitions, and along picture-perfect walking trails to traditional villages. And everywhere, your spirits will be lifted by the sight of fluttering prayer flags, signposts to the most amazing experiences. Time this trip with one of Bhutan’s many festivals complete with masked monks and a joyful atmosphere!
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
01-02
Thimphu
Magnificent textiles and ancient manuscripts
03-04
Punakha
The temple of the divine madman
05-06
Gangtey
Watch for Black-necked Cranes in the beautiful alpine valley
07-08
Bumthang
Quiet monasteries and ancient stupas
09
Haa Valley
Rural village life way off the beaten track
10-11
Paro
The spectacular Tiger’s Nest Monastery
12
Departure
Depart

Detailed Itinerary

DAY
01-02
Bhutan’s Cultural Heart
Thimphu
,
Bhutan
You are welcomed at the airport on arrival, then set off immediately with your driver and host on the hour-long journey to Thimpu, the country’s capital. Offer a prayer at Kuenselphodrang (Buddha Point), then delve into the city in detail. Admire ancient manuscripts in the National Library and vibrant textiles at the Royal Academy. Visit the magnificent medieval fortress-monastery of Tashichho Dzong; the vast building was constructed entirely by hand and without a single nail. Meditate with the monks at Dechen Phodrung Monastery.
Thunder Dragon Road Trip - 1
DAY
03-04
High Mountains and lush valleys
Punakha
,
Bhutan
Drive the super-scenic Dochu-La pass at 3088 metres stopping frequently to take in the views of the Himalayas with the fluttering prayer flags in the foreground and admire the many stupas lining the route. Visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, at the confluence of the Mo and Po (‘female’ and ‘male’) Rivers. This huge fortress is one of the most important (and most beautiful) in the country and holds some of the country’s most sacred relics. Walk through rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang temple, the fertility temple constructed by the ‘Divine Madman’, an eccentric yogi and saint who blessed the grounds. Hike to Khamsum Yuley Monastery to see the elaborate stupa built to ward off evil spirits.
Thunder Dragon Road Trip - 2
DAY
05-06
The winter home of the endangered Black-necked Cranes
Gangtey
,
Bhutan
Another spectacular drive today passing through the beautiful alpine valley of Phobjikha, the winter home of the endangered Black-necked Cranes. Visit one of the oldest monasteries at Gangtey decorated with large paintings of cosmic mandalas and outstanding woodcarvings and sculptures. This idyllic valley is one of the most beautiful parts of the country. The best way to appreciate this is to hike through villages, farmland, and forest for those breathtaking views of the valley and sightings of the ‘heavenly birds’ (October to March), so important in Bhutanese tradition. Check out an archery competition with teams in traditional dress shooting at small wooden targeys over 100m away!
Thunder Dragon Road Trip - 3
DAY
07-08
Remote landscapes of the east
Bumthang
,
Bhutan
Drive across the Pele-la Pass at an altitude of 3300 metres travelling a route through awe-inspiring mountains and valleys. Stop at Chendbji Chorten, recalling Kathmandu’s famous stupa with eyes painted at four cardinal points and at Trongsa’s important Dzong fortress. Explore the Bumthang region with its beautiful ancient temples and stupas; the new monastery at Kurje Lhakhang surrounded by 108 stupas; the ancient wall paintings at Tamshing Lhakhang; and the 7th C Jambay Lhakhang, built by the king of Tibet. Bumthang is famous for its beautiful woodcarving and a form of weaving distinguished by unusual patterns and bright colours. Enjoy time in the markets and workshops.
Thunder Dragon Road Trip - 4
DAY
09
Further off the beaten track
Haa Valley
,
India
A short flight takes you back to Paro Airport; from here venture out to the Haa Valley on the border with Tibet. Although just 60 kilometres by road from Paro, it’s a whole other world with astounding scenery, beautiful monasteries, and barely a tourist in sight. Travel over the Chele La Pass at 4000 metres with its lattice of fluttering flags. See the “Black Temple” and the “White Temple”, ancient Buddhist shrines dating from the 7th C. and the walk through meadows and rhododendron forests to the Kila Nunnery.
Thunder Dragon Road Trip - 5
DAY
10-11
The Tiger’s Nest
Paro
,
Bhutan
Head back to Paro today. Visit the Paro Ta Dzong, a mid-17th century circular fortress that protected the area from Tibetan and Indian invasions and the Rinpung Dzong, Fortress of a Mountain of Jewels, one of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture, now the seat of the administration and an institute for monks. Take the two- to three-hour walk to the magical Taktsang Monastery, the Tiger’s Nest, the most spectacular monastery in Bhutan.
Thunder Dragon Road Trip - 6
DAY
12
International departure
Departure
,
India
Drive to the airport to connect your flight back home.
Thunder Dragon Road Trip - 7

What's Included:

·      All airport and hotel transfers

·      Accommodation based on double occupancy for 11 nights

·      Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily

·      Services of your driver/host

·      Transportation by comfortable air-conditioned private vehicle with unlimited mileage

·      Complimentary bottled water and snacks in the vehicle

·      Flight from Bumthang to Paro

·      All activities with your private guide as listed:

o   Thimphu:Half day tour

o   Thimphu:Full day tour

o   Punakha: Full day tour with walk/trek

o   Phobijikah Valley: Full day tour to Gangtey and Black-necked Cranes observation

o   Bumthang: Full day tour of the monasteries

o   Haa Valley: Walk to the Kila Nunnery

o   Paro: Halfday tour

o   Paro: Full day tour

·      Entrance fees to sites mentioned in the itinerary

·      24/7Support Service

·      Trip kit with travel documents and itinerary information

·      All taxes and fees

What’s not included:

·      International flights

·      Visa fees

·      Travel insurance

·      Items of a personal nature: laundry, drinks, telephone calls, etc

·      Gratuities

·      Meals and services not listed

·      Video/Photography fees at monuments

·      Additional arrangements required due to emergency or other situation

+ SHOW DETAILED ITINERARY

Accommodation

Le Meridien Thimphu

Le Meridien Thimphu

Located in the heart of the capital city, conveniently accessible to Memorial Chorten and Tashichho Dzong. The 78 elegant guest rooms and suites boast authentic Bhutanese-style furnishings and stellar amenities. Great views of the local hillsides and the capital city. Relax and revitalize at the swimming pool and pampering spa.

Dewachen Lodge Gangtey

Dewachen Lodge Gangtey

A rustic country lodge in the classic Bhutanese style with magnificent views of the Phobjikha Valley from every one of the 28 spacious rooms and the lovely dining room. Rooms are simple and comfortable, heated by wood stoves, and equipped with good bathrooms with showers.

Risum Resort Haa Valley

Risum Resort Haa Valley

Located near the village of Wangtsa, this simple traditional resort has a magnificent view of the fortress and the three sacred hills of Meri Puensum. The 25 spacious rooms are decorated with wooden panels and all have private bathrooms and modern amenities. A fantastic rural experience.

Druk Resort Phuentsholing

Druk Resort Phuentsholing

A simple, modern hotel in the heart of this gateway town. The 32 rooms are well appointed. The market area is close by as is the Buddhist temple. The best available option and comfortable too!

On The Ground

Sandeep Singh

Sandeep Singh

Dynamic travel designer who continually develops unique ways to educate and entertain each and every tour group. Adept at delivering exceptional customer service and turning each tour opportunity into an unforgettable experience. Personally, Sandeep is a fashionable trendy gentleman who’s impossible to miss with his colorful turbans. Commencing his career within hotels, Sandeep understands the importance in providing exemplary, consistent service.

Stories

Tales and travelogues from our guests and our team travelling the world, forming new bonds and giving back to the society.