MARCH BHUTAN ADVENTURE
We find March in Bhutan beautiful as the country begins to wake up from winter, the look of spring begins to appear before the actual arrival of the season. You will notice the farmers tilling and planting their fields, and these fields turning green with new crops. Trees begin to unfurl new leaves and burst into blossom. We begin the journey with a flight to Bumthang, known as Bhutan's cultural heartland, the Bumthang valley gets praise for its natural beauty and its host of ancient buildings. From Bumthang we travel to Trongsa, home to Bhutan's largest Dzong (fortified monastery) and one of the Kingdom's best museums. A drive through the impressive Black Mountains brings us to the Phobjikha Valley, this broad glacially scoured valley is unique, and is often called one of the most beautiful places in Bhutan. At this time of year hundreds of black necked cranes, tall and beautiful birds, will be visible, as this is where they spend the winter. Next stop is sub-tropical Punakha with its many exquisite monasteries and temples, followed by the capital of Thimphu with its laid back Himalayan vibe and finally Paro, location of Bhutan's most iconic monastery, Tiger's Nest. You will meet our many local friends as you travel across this lovely country, these people will help make your visit more interesting (and a lot more fun). 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: WEDNESDAY, March 15
Arrival in Bhutan
Arrive Paro and check into hotel. Today we have relaxed day exploring Paro and some of the sights of this small town. Drive to the end of the Paro valley, enjoying the scenery along the way, and visit the ancient Drukyel Dzong, (fortified monastery), now restored to its former grandeur. Welcome dinner at hotel.
Overnight at Olathang Hotel.
(Lunch,Dinner)
DAY 2: THURSDAY, March 16
Flight to Bumthang
Morning 30-minute flight to Bumthang, in central Bhutan. Bumthang is considered Bhutan's cultural heartland, and is home to many monasteries and ancient buildings. We spend the afternoon exploring these sights.
Overnight at Swiss Guest House.
(B,L,D)
DAY 3: FRIDAY, March 17
Bumthang to Trongsa
This morning we explore more of the sights of Bumthang Valley, after lunch we depart for Trongsa. Small yet lovely Trongsa has a spectacular setting on the side of a mountain, surrounded by more mountains. It's the quintessential Bhutanese town that looks not unlike it did a century ago.
Overnight at Yangkhil Resort.
(B,L,D)
DAY 4: SATURDAY, March 18
Trongsa
The Trongsa Dzong is the largest in the country. Exploring this ancient building is fascinating and the nearby museum provides a good introduction to Bhutan's history.
Overnight at Yangkhil Resort.
(B,L,D)
DAY 5: SUNDAY, March 19
Trongsa to Phobjikha Valley
The drive to the Phobjikha is often considered one of the most spectacular in Bhutan (though this is a tough call, as the country is everywhere impressive), as we travel through the Black Mountains. These desolate mountains with untouched forest of ancient trees are surreally beautiful. The arrival in Phobjikha is equally impressive as you descend into a broad valley, dotted with small villages, the houses constructed of stone and the farmer's fields surrounded by stone fences. We'll check into our hotel and take a walk in the nearby village.
Overnight at ABC Eco-Lodge.
(B,L,D)
DAY 6: MONDAY, March 20
Explore Phobjikha
We have the entire day to explore Phobjikha, observe the black necked cranes, whose winter visits are considered auspicious by the valley residents, and we will take one of the most beautiful hikes in Bhutan, and finally relax in our comfortable hotel.
Overnight at ABC Eco-Lodge.
(B,L,D)
DAY 7: TUESDAY, March 21
Phobjikha to Punakha
We depart after breakfast for the 3-hour drive to Punakha. The drive from high altitude Phobjikha to low altitude sub-tropical Punakha takes us through more of Bhutan's remarkable Himalayan scenery to finally arrive in the sub-tropical Punakha Valley.
Overnight at Dhumra Resort.
(B,L,D)
DAY 8: WEDNESDAY, March 22
Explore Punakha
We will begin our day with a visit to the Punakha Dzong, one of the most massive and impressive of all of Bhutan's fortified monasteries. In the afternoon we will visit one of Bhutan's most renown weavers for a textile presentation. Late afternoon visit to Punakha's famed pedestrian suspension bridge, these bridges formerly common all over Bhutan have largely disappeared. The bridge provides impressive view of the river below and the surrounding mountains.
Overnight at Dhumra Resort.
(B,L,D)
DAY 9: THURSDAY, March 23
Further exploration of Punakha
This morning we drive high in the mountains above Punakha to visit the beautiful Nalanda Monastery. The monastery functions as a Buddhist university and the monks welcome visitors, here you have unique opportunity to explore a monastery in the company of our monk friends. We then hike downhill through field and forest to return to Punakha.
Overnight at Dhumra Resort.
(B,L,D)
DAY 10: FRIDAY, March 24
Punakha to Thimphu
Today's drive to Bhutan's capital of Thimphu takes us over the impressive 10,300 foot Dochu La Pass, graced with 108 chortens and with panoramic views of the snow capped Himalayas. Late afternoon arrival in Thimphu. Dinner with our Bhutanese friends, followed by a night out in Thimphu at local venues for those who would like to sample the local night life.
Overnight at Druk Hotel.
(B,L,D)
DAY 11: SATURDAY, March 25
Thimphu
Today we visit 2 of Bhutan's finest museums, the Royal Textile Museum and the Folk Heritage Museum. Rest of the day to explore Thimphu on your own or with guides.
Overnight at Druk Hotel.
(B,L,D)
DAY 12: SUNDAY, March 26
Thimphu
Hike in the hills above Thimphu to one of the ancient small monasteries. Afternoon visit to the Buddha Dordenma Statue, one of the largest Buddha statues in the world, perched on a hill overlooking Thimphu.
Overnight at Druk Hotel.
(B,L,D)
DAY 13: MONDAY, March 27
Thimphu to Paro
Free time in morning in Thimphu, afternoon departure to Paro. We'll explore downtown Paro and show you some of our favorite places.
Overnight at Olathang Hotel.
(B,L,D)
DAY 14: TUESDAY, March 28
Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery
After breakfast we drive 20 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. Farewell dinner this evening.
Overnight at Olathang Hotel.
(B,L,D)
DAY 15: WEDNESDAY, March 29
Departure
Following breakfast we have some free time before departure for airport and onward flights.
(B)
PRICES & REGISTRATION INFORMATION
(Inclusive of food, non-alcoholic beverages, accommodations, ground transportation, 1 internal flight, entrance fees, services of licensed Bhutanese guide and driver, services of USA based trip leader, Bhutanese visa and airport taxes.)
$6800. (Based on double occupancy)
$7500. (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, $875. ROUND TRIP, economy class
BANGKOK-PARO, BHUTAN-BANGKOK, $1245. ROUND TRIP, business class
Flights are with DRUKAIR, ROYAL BHUTAN AIRLINES, operating Airbus 319 jets.