Bhutan

Arrive in Bangkok and spend the night at the airport hotel before an early group flight the next morning into Bhutan.

Early this morning, fly over the eastern Himalayas to Paro, then drive to the country’s capital, Thimphu. Stop at the Buddha Dordenma Statue, a giant, 169-foot Buddha that overlooks the valley and holds 125,000 miniature Buddhas within its bronze cast. Then visit the Motithang Takin Preserve to view Bhutan’s national animal, the rare goat-antelopelike takin. Enjoy a welcome reception and dinner at our hotel.

Join students and teachers for their daily school assembly, then drive to Cheri Monastery, an important Buddhist pilgrimage site that was established in 1620 by Ngawang Namgyal, the founder of Bhutan. Return to Thimphu for a special evening with Bhutanese dignitaries and scholars.

After a stop at the weekend market this morning, depart for Punakha, pausing at Dochula Pass (some 10,200 feet above sea level) to view its 108 chortens, or stupas, small relic-filled religious monuments. Descend into the Punakha Valley and walk through rice paddies to visit Chimi Lhakhang, a 15th-century fertility pilgrimage shrine. Late this afternoon, stop at modern Sangchhen Dorji Lhendup Nunnery, then explore Nobgang, the native village of Bhutan’s queen mothers.

Today we hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a monument built by the royal family that’s festooned with colorful images. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Punakha Valley, then take a raft trip on  the Mochu River. Explore the labyrinthine 17th-century Punakha Dzong, winter fortress of the Je Khenpo, chief hierarch of Bhutanese Buddhism.

A scenic full day’s drive takes us into central Bhutan. Pass picturesque villages and forests, crossing the 11,000-foot-high Pele La Pass. Visit the Chendibji Chorten, built in the style of the famous Bodnath Stupa of Nepal, before descending into the Trongsa Valley to Trongsa, ancestral home of the Bhutanese royal family.

Visit Trongsa Dzong, the largest fortress in Bhutan, built on a mountain spur high above the gorges of the Trongsa River. Inside the Ta-Dzong (“Watchtower”) Museum, admire relics and artifacts belonging to the royal family. Drive to Jaka in the Bumthang Valley, stopping in the village of Zungney to visit the Yathra Weaving Centre, where yathra, a distinctive woolen cloth, is woven by hand.

Explore Choekhor Valley, where cultural and religious traditions have changed little over time. Hike along the Chamkhar River, stopping to visit the 15th-century Thangbi Temple. Continue hiking to Ngang Lhakhang village with its 16th-century “Swan Temple.” Also visit two of Bhutan’s most sacred sites: Jambay Temple, said to be one of 108 temples built on a single day in 659 C.E., and Kurjey Lhakhang, which contains the remains of the first three kings of Bhutan. Stop at a traditional country house to see how puta (buckwheat noodles) are made and to sample ara, the locally brewed rice wine.

In the morning drive to Tang Valley to visit the Ogyen Choling Palace and Museum, which provides a look at Bhutanese life over the last 200 years. Return to Jakar and observe a demonstration of Bhutanese cooking. Alternatively, watch the 2003 Dzongkha language film, Travellers and Magicians, the first feature film shot entirely in Bhutan.

Fly to Paro and enjoy free time to explore the town, then observe teams practicing archery, Bhutan’s national sport, during a fascinating demonstration of skillful shooting interspersed with cheering, jeering, and singing.

Drive to Cheli La, a mountain pass with stunning views of Paro and the Haa Valley. Hike past chortens and prayer flags to Kila Gompa, the oldest nunnery in Bhutan, where the nuns live in self-imposed isolation. Return to Paro and visit Paro Dzong, one of the most beautifully situated fortresses in Bhutan and the primary location for the movie, Little Buddha.

Today, hike to the famous Taktsang (“Tiger’s Nest”) Monastery, where an 8th-century Indian mystic is said to have arrived on the back of a flying tiger after bringing Buddhism to Bhutan. At an elevation of 10,000 feet and clinging dramatically to a cliff some 3,000 feet above the valley floor, the monastery is one of our trip’s highlights. Celebrate our adventure at a farewell reception and dinner this evening.

Depart on a flight to Bangkok, arriving in the afternoon, and check in to our airport hotel.

Catch return flights headed home.