SPRING IN THE KINGDOM OF BHUTAN
Bhutan's location in the Himalayas, yet not far from the equator ensures the climate is pleasant year round, though spring is without a doubt one of the nicest times to visit. The rice terraces, these monumental works of low tech engineering are now emerald green with newly planted rice. Wildflowers bloom in the meadows, and the land is everywhere lush and green from the summer rains. Drama is always a constant in the scenery of Bhutan, with green mountains, snow clad Himalayan peaks, ancient monasteries, and hamlets and villages looking like a scene from long ago. On this 12-night journey we visit 5 different areas in Bhutan, offering you an intimate look at the country and plenty of opportunity to connect with its people. You will meet our many local friends as you travel across this lovely country. Prepare for a journey that both stimulates and relaxes as we explore this remarkable land. This journey will be co-lead by Champaca Journeys' founder John Leupold and Bhutan's trailblazing fashion and culture blogger, Karma Wangchuk of Bhutan Street Fashion.
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
DAY 1: THURSDAY, April 25
Arrival in Bhutan
Arrive Paro and check into hotel. After getting settled we go into Paro town to for your first Bhutanese meal at one of our favorite restaurants. In the afternoon we explore Paro and surrounding area. Welcome dinner at hotel.
Overnight at Olathang Hotel.
(Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 2: FRIDAY, April 26
Explore Paro, onward to Thimphu
This morning we continue to explore Paro and Paro Valley. Mid afternoon departure for Thimphu, Bhutan's capital, a 90-minute drive. This evening our Bhutanese friends will join us for dinner and a night on the town.
Overnight at The Willows Hotel.
(B,L,D)
DAY 3: SATURDAY, April 27
Get acquainted with Thimphu, capital of Bhutan
Full day to explore Thimphu. We’ll visit the famed National Textile Museum and the Folk Heritage Museum. Both venues provide a good introduction to Bhutan and its history. Afternoon free to explore Thimphu on your own or with guides. Dinner with our Bhutanese friends.
Overnight at The Willows Hotel.
(B,L,D)
DAY 4: SUNDAY, April 28
Hike to monastery and meet with monks
Morning 2-hour hike to Wangditse Monastery. Built in 1715 and impressively perched above the Thimphu valley, surrounded by pine and rhododendron forest. Few foreigners visit this sacred site, with its impressive Buddha statues. Return to Thimphu for lunch, then we drive 3 hours to Punakha, the drive takes us over the scenic pass of Dochu-La, at 10,300 feet.
Overnight at Four Boutique Hotel.
(B,L,D)
DAY 5: MONDAY, April 29
Explore sub-tropical Punakha
The morning will be spent exploring the lovely Punakha Dzong
(fortified monastery), architecturally and aesthetically one of the most beautiful of Bhutan's dzongs. Lunch at one of our favorite restaurants, followed by a presentation by one of Bhutan's renown textile experts.
Overnight at Four Boutique Hotel.
(B,L,D)
DAY 6: TUESDAY, April 30
Hike in the Beautiful Punakha Hills
We drive high into the hills above Punakha to visit Nalanda Monastery. Remote and beautiful, and seldom visited by tourists, both the drive to the mountain top location and the monastery visit are spectacular. After exploring the monastery, we begin our downhill hike, though forest and field and tiny villages. Our vehicle awaits us to take us back into town for lunch and then back to hotel.
Overnight at Four Boutique Hotel.
(B,L,D)
DAY 7: WEDNESDAY, May 1
Punakha to Trongsa
We depart after breakfast for the 4-hour drive across the dramatic Black Mountains, to reach Trongsa late in the day. The drive is spectacular and the destination equally so, Trongsa with its immense dzong and isolated mountain location never fails to impress visitors. Our guide is from Trongsa and will provide introductions to family and friends that will make your visit all the more memorable.
Overnight at Yangkhil Resort.
(B,L,D)
DAY 8: THURSDAY, May 2
Explore Trongsa
We will begin our day with a visit to the Trongsa Dzong, one of the most massive and impressive of all of Bhutan's fortified monasteries. Later in the day we drive 20 kilometers to the south where we encounter the Winter Palace of the Third King. Little visited, you will find yourselves transported to the days of yore in Bhutan. Our guide will arrange picnic with family and friends in a beautiful location.
Overnight at Yangkhil Resort.
(B,L,D)
DAY 9: FRIDAY, May 3
Trongsa to Phobjikha
This morning we say farewell to Trongsa and drive to the Phobjikha Valley, a broad glacial valley, unique in Bhutan, and renown for its beauty. Hike in the valley as you enjoy some of Bhutan's most dramatic scenery.
Overnight at ABC Eco-Lodge.
(B,L,D)
DAY 10: SATURDAY, May 4
Phobjikha to Thimphu
This morning we drive to the main village in the valley to visit the Gangtey Monastery. Under renovation for the past several years, we may see craftsmen at work as we explore this ancient temple. We then continue our journey back to Thimphu to arrive late afternoon. Our Bhutanese friends will join us for a night on the town.
Overnight at The Willows Hotel.
(B,L,D)
DAY 11: SUNDAY, May 5
Thimphu
Free morning in Thimphu, on your own or with guides. Early afternoon departure for Paro, where we stop in downtown Paro for more exploration before we drive to hotel.
Overnight at Olathang Hotel.
(B,L,D)
DAY 12: MONDAY, May 6
Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery
After breakfast we drive 15 minutes to the base of the mountain where Taksang is located. Also known as Tiger’s Nest Monastery, and probably the most iconic building in all Bhutan, it is perched on a cliff 2,700’ above the valley floor. Bhutanese say that the Guru Rimpoche arrived here in the back of a flying tiger in 746 CE, and meditated in a mountain cave for 3 months. The site has since been sacred and a monastery has been constructed to commemorate his visit. Taksang is a pilgrimage site for all Bhutanese who gain merit by making the ascent. You too can gain merit while by making the 3-hour ascent and visiting the monastery seemingly glued to the barest concavity of the cliff face. After descending we’ll have lunch in Paro, before returning to hotel for farewell dinner.
Overnight at Olathang Hotel.
(B,L,D)
DAY 13: TUESDAY, May 7
Departure
Free time to relax this morning before we leave for airport and onward flights
(B)
PRICES & REGISTRATION INFORMATION
(Inclusive of food, non-alcoholic beverages, accommodations, ground transportation, entrance fees, services of licensed Bhutanese guide and driver, services of USA based trip leader, Bhutanese visa and airport taxes.)
$5900. (Based on double occupancy)
$6400. (Based on single occupancy)
NOTE: International airfare, gratuities, alcoholic beverages with meals, laundry, souvenirs, items of a personal nature and travel insurance are NOT included.
GENERAL INFORMATION
INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE
Bhutan is accessed most easily from Bangkok, Thailand from where there are daily flights. Flights always depart in the early morning and participants should give themselves at least 24-hour layover in Bangkok in the event flight to Bangkok is delayed. Fares are subject to change without notice.
BANGKOK-PARO, BHUTAN-BANGKOK, $900. ROUND TRIP, economy class
BANGKOK-PARO, BHUTAN-BANGKOK, $1275. ROUND TRIP, business class
Flights are with DRUKAIR, ROYAL BHUTAN AIRLINES, operating Airbus 319 jets.