| DAY 1: ARRIVE PARO The tour begins in Paro, the gateway to Bhutan. The flight into Bhutan offers spectacular views of Ganesh Himal, Cho Oyu, Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, and other awe-inspiring mountain peaks. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the Uma Paro Resort (Deluxe Room), where you will spend the next four nights. Nestled among dramatic snow-capped mountains and valleys, the Uma Paro seamlessly integrates itself into the eastern Himalayan countryside, one of the last pristine mountain landscapes on earth. Though local Bhutanese artisans used traditional methods in designing and building the 20 rooms and 9 villas, the result is a clean-lined modernism that is both relaxing and peaceful. No luxury is spared: among other amenities, all rooms feature spacious bathrooms, DVD players, heated towel racks and in-room yoga mats. The one-room villas all have their own private spa and courtyard for absolute privacy. Using local organic produce, the restaurant serves Bhutanese cuisine melded with pan-Asian flavor and accents. More pampering awaits at the Como Shambhala spa, which offers Asian-inspired holistic treatments, a steam room, sauna, indoor pool and a yoga room. Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure. DAY 2: THIMPHU DAY TRIP Today, take a full day excursion to Thimpu, which has been the capital of Bhutan since 1955. Though it is a thriving city, Thimpu has actively protected its strong cultural identity and the traditional lifestyle of its residents. Start with a visit to Simthoka Dzong, built in 1690; it now houses a school of religious and classical studies. Next, see the Memorial Chorten, a local landmark; the Drubthob Gompa Nunnery; the School of Arts and Crafts; the National Institute of Traditional Medicine; and the Handicraft Emporium, which showcases Bhutanese collectibles like wooden masks, weaving, and paintings. (B,L,D) DAY 3: PUNAKHA DAY TRIP After breakfast, set out on a spectacular drive over the Dochula Pass to the famed Punakha Valley, the richest agricultural region in Bhutan and also the winter capital of Bhutan for over 300 years. Visit the Punakha Dzong, Bhutan’s second oldest and arguably the most beautiful dzong, located at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Po Chhu rivers. After, visit the Machin Lhakhang to see the important burial site of the Shabdrung, the most important tulku lineage in Bhutan, equivalent in many ways to the Dalai Lama lineage of Tibet. (B,L,D) DAY 4: PARO This morning, set out for a morning hike to the Takstang Monastery, known as ‘Tiger’s Nest.’ Takstang clings to a granite cliff high above the valley floor; the monastery was built in 1648 around the cave where Buddhist monks once worshipped. Then visit the National Museum of Bhutan, previously the Ta Dzong Fort, which displays beautiful antique thankha paintings, textiles, weapons and an interesting collection of postage stamps. This afternoon, drive to the Keychu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Bhutan, which is located in a picturesque spot overlooking the Paro River. Later enjoy a beautiful drive to the Rimpung Dzong. This structure was built in the 17th century and is now used as an administrative center and a school for monks. Return to Paro for your final evening in Bhutan. (B,L,D) DAY 5: DEPART PARO After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and brought to the airport for your international departure. (B) |