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Thunder Dragon Road Trip Odyssey

Across Bhutan from Paro to Guwahati, India

13
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 grand road trip covers the pristine Himalayan landscape from Paro to remote Bumthang, further east to the rarely visited villages and overland into India’s tribal Arunachal Pradesh. Your route takes 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.
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
01-02
Paro
The spectacular Tiger’s Nest Monastery
03-04
Thimphu
Magnificent textiles and ancient manuscripts
05-06
Punakha
The temple of the divine madman
07-08
Gangtey
Watch for Black-necked Cranes in the beautiful alpine valley
09-10
Bumthang
Quiet monasteries and ancient stupas
11
Mongar
Explore remote and enchanting villages
12
Trashigang
From the mountains to the plains
13
Samdrup Jjongkhar
Border town
14
Departure
Depart

Detailed Itinerary

DAY
01-02
The Tiger’s Nest
Paro
,
Bhutan
You are welcomed at the airport on arrival - freshen up, then plunge right into this fascinating town. During your stay, 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 in the magic of the spectacular Taktsang Monastery, the Tiger’s Nest; walk all the way up or pause at the many viewpoints along the way.
Thunder Dragon Road Trip Odyssey - 1
DAY
03-04
Bhutan’s Cultural Heart
Thimphu
,
Bhutan
Head off on the short drive 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 Odyssey - 2
DAY
05-06
High Mountains and magnificent fortresses
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 Odyssey - 3
DAY
07-08
Valley hikes and cosmic mandalas
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 Odyssey - 4
DAY
09-10
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 Odyssey - 5
DAY
11
Further East
Mongar
,
Bhutan
Drive over the Thrumshing La Pass, through dense forest filled with curious monkeys and into completely different environment as you descend from alpine to subtropical. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon village walks with your guide and get to know this rarely visited part of the country.
Thunder Dragon Road Trip Odyssey - 6
DAY
12
The Auspicious Mountain town
Trashigang
,
Bhutan
Continue the road journey to the town known as ‘Auspicious Mountain’, at the foot of a steep wooded valley. There is an impressive dzong here and a large prayer wheel in the centre of the small main square. This is farmland here and a community of weavers maintaining traditional practices. You’re likely to be the only visitors here and warmly received.
Thunder Dragon Road Trip Odyssey - 7
DAY
13
End of an epic drive
Samdrup Jjongkhar
,
Bhutan
The final leg of your epic road trip takes you out of the mountains and into the plains of Assam. Spend the night at the border town and wish Bhutan goodbye.
Thunder Dragon Road Trip Odyssey - 8
DAY
14
Departure
Departure
,
Bhutan
Cross the border into India and conclude your trip at the Guwahati Airport for international departure.
Thunder Dragon Road Trip Odyssey - 9

What's Included:

·      All airport and hotel transfers

·      Accommodation based on double occupancy for 13 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

·      All activities with your private guide as listed:

o   Paro: Halfday tour

o   Paro: Full day tour

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

·      All services from Bumthang to Guwahati

·      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

Zhiwa Ling Heritage Paro

Zhiwa Ling Heritage Paro

Nestled in the hills outside Paro, the hotel is a gem from its traditional Bhutanese architecture to its elegant temple made with 450-year-old timbers to its Swedish under-floor heating. The hotel was constructed, carved, and painted by local Bhutanese artisans. The 45 rooms with all modern amenities have splendid mountain views.

Gangtey Lodge

Gangtey Lodge

Think of the most luxurious version of a mountain hut! The 12-suite luxury lodge, discreetly positioned near a cluster of farmhouses and a 17th century monastery, is perched above the spectacular Gangtey (Phobjikha) Valley. Its remote location, stunning design, and outstanding service make this an Alaya favourite. The excellent restaurant incorporates locally grown ingredients.

Dhensa Boutique Resort Punakha

Dhensa Boutique Resort Punakha

Located deep in the heart of the verdant and lush Punakha Valley, this 24-suite resort is surrounded by thick pine forests, overlooking the Punakha river and hundreds of paddy fields that stair-step down to the valley floor. A unique combination of contemporary design with traditional architecture focused on the beauty of simplicity. Great spa with an outdoor, woodfired bath.

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.