Bhutan - The Dragon Kingdom

Day 1- Jet Airways flight from London Heathrow, via Delhi, to Kathmandu.

Depart London Heathrow on Jet Airways via Delhi (8 hours 30 minutes) to Kathmandu (1 hour 30 minutes).

Day 2- Arrive Kathmandu this afternoon and transfer to the Radisson Hotel for 2 nights.

Arrive Kathmandu this afternoon and transfer to the Radisson Hotel (standard room) for 2 nights.

Day 3- At leisure in Kathmandu with a choice of optional excursions.

At leisure in Kathmandu with a choice of optional excursions.

Day 4- A morning flight to Paro with Druk Air, and continue by road to Thimpu.

A morning flight on Druk Air to Paro (1 hour), and continue by road to Thimphu (58 km/approximately 2 hours) for 2 nights at the Riverview Hotel (standard room), or similar.

Day 5- Sightseeing in Thimpu.

Bhutan’s capital and the centre of government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is an interesting combination of tradition and modernity. Sightseeing today includes the Folk Heritage museum and Institute of Zorig Chosum (‘Painting School’) where students learn the 13 arts and crafts of Bhutan, the National Memorial Chorten and a traditional paper factory. In the evening visit the magnificent Taschicho Dzong, the largest monastery in Bhutan.

Day 6- Drive from Thimphu to Punakha, sightseeing along the way. Stay at the Punatsangchhu Resort.

Drive this morning from Thimphu to Punakha (73 km/approximately 3 hours) on a scenic road journey today through rhododendron forests over the Dochu-La Pass (3,050 metres), perched high above the Mangde River and dominated by the enormous Trongsa Dzong, built in 1644. Take a short walk to visit Khamsum Yuelling temple which has some of the most elaborate iconography on Bhutanese Buddhism. The temple was built by the 5th King’s mother to achieve universal peace through out the world during her son’s reign and the view from the top terrace is magnificent. Walking back down a picnic lunch by the riverside is followed by the drive to Punakha Dzong. The largest in the country and once the capital of Bhutan, it was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 17th century and the Chief Abbot still resides there during the winter months. After visiting the dzong, walk across what is claimed to be the second longest suspension bridge in the world. This bridge is over 210 metres long and spans the Pho-chu River, offering great views of the dzong and the rice fields in the Punakha valley. Close to the bridge is the cliff-face known as Lang-jam cliff and the local residents enjoy telling tales of a hidden valley. The hidden valley is believed to be “Shangri-la” in a country where many spots are believed to be the doors to the paradise. You will be staying overnight at the Punatsangchhu Resort (or similar) in a standard room.

Day 7- Drive to Bumthang, arriving in the afternoon. Stay at the Mountain Lodge.

Drive to Bumthang (190 km/approximately 6-7 hours) where you will arrive in the afternoon. Lunch is taken en route at a local restaurant. The Bumthang valley is blessed with four broad valleys, which is perfect for cattle, horse and sheep rearing. Barley and buckwheat also grow in the valley. Bumthang is a beautiful area and is often called by the Bhutanese as the Switzerland of Bhutan. Interestingly, the Swiss were the pioneers in developing Bumthang economically. Stay for 3 nights at the Mountain Lodge (or similar) in a standard room.

Day 8- Explore the Bumthang region.

The cultural and historic heart of Bhutan, Bumthang is littered with Buddhist monasteries and pilgrimage sites, and the next two days are spent exploring this fascinating and scenically photogenic region. There are many things to do see in the Bumthang Valley: a visit to the Dzong, the Jambay & Kurje Lhakhang (of 8th century fame). Drive to the bridge above Kurje and walk to Tamshing temple where you can see original wall paintings over 300 years old. A little away from the temple you will see a water mill where people still make flour from barley and wheat. From here take a short drive to the suspension bridge to the Wangduecholing Palace. Cross the bridge and then visit the old palace which was abandoned some 60 years ago. This palace used to be a training ground for medieval administrators. At an early age a family sends one of their boys to the court of the king. The boy gets trained many things, from sweeping to caring of horses, to reading and writing. At the age of 15 he enters manhood and should be able to get his sword. Those boys not qualified for the sword remains stable boys for a long time. This is an old practice which died during the reign of the Third king when modern schools came to Bhutan.

Day 9- Explore the Bumthang region.

Explore the Bumthang region.

Day 10- Drive to Punakha to stay at the Hotel Punatsangchu Resort.

Another long drive across the high passes to the magnificent monastery fortress of Wangdiphodrang. From here we continue to Punakha, the country’s winter capital, for a further stay at the Hotel Punatsangchu Resort (standard room), or similar (190 km/ full day with stops). Lunch is taken en route at a local restaurant.

Day 11- After breakfast drive back to Paro. Stay at the Tenzinling Resort. Afternoon tour of the city.

After breakfast drive back to Paro in time for lunch (2,285 metres) (131 km/approximately 5 hours). On arrival, check into the Tenzinling Resort (standard room), or similar for a 2 night stay. There is the option to upgrade to the Uma Paro for the last 2 nights – please enquire for details. This afternoon visit the National Museum which stores some of Bhutan’s cultural and religious artifacts. After the visit walk down to visit Paro Dzong with its classic Bhutanese architecture. The cantilever system of bridge building can be seen below the Paro Dzong. Also visit the 8th century temple of Kyichu Lhakhang.

Day 12- Visit the holy Tiger's Nest Monastery.

Your last day in the Dragon Kingdom will take in what for many is the highlight of Bhutan, a visit to the holy Tiger’s Nest Monastery. This involves a spectacular walk up to the lofty heights of the 300 year old Taktshang Goemba (Tiger’s Nest) monastery. Situated high above the Paro Valley, the spectacular views from this ‘Temple of Heaven’ are simply breathtaking (ponies can be provided for those who may find the walk a little too strenuous). After lunch end the day with a visit to the Drugyel Dzong is a symbol of victory from the northern invaders. This dzong flourished until the latter half of the 20th century. The glory of the Dzong was at its peak when a western magazine first learned about Bhutan. The picture of the Dzong on the National Geographic issue of 1914 is no other than the Drugyel Dzong. Sadly this monument is now in ruins.

Day 13- Morning flight to Kathmandu for a 2 night stay at the Radisson Hotel.

Following a morning flight back to Kathmandu (1 hour 30 minutes), transfer to the Radisson Hotel for a 2 night stay (standard room), or for a supplement upgrade to the historic Dwarika’s Hotel.

Day 14- Today is free to explore Kathmandu.

Today is free to further explore Kathmandu or shop for last minute souvenirs and this evening a sumptuous 9-course Nepalese dinner has been arranged.

Day 15- Morning departure to the airport.

Morning departure on Jet Airways via Delhi back to London, arriving later this afternoon.

Radisson Hotel

The Radisson Hotel in Kathmandu is a modern first class property, class hotel located in Lazimpat area of Kathmandu close to the Royal Palace. Each of the hotel's 172 rooms and suites is fully equipped with individual air-conditioning/heating, hair dryers, tea/coffee making facilities, in-room safety deposit boxes, satellite television, full mini-bar and IDD telephone. The hotel has two restaurants and a lobby bar, a swimming pool, pool café, and a health / spa centre.

The Riverview Hotel

The Riverview Hotel is situated on the east bank of Thimpu River and offers great views over the town. The hotel has 50 spacious rooms with balconies and attached bath. Facilities include a restaurant serving continental, Chinese, Indian and Bhutanese cuisine, a bar serving international and local beverages. Currency exchange facilities, international direct dial telephone and internet connection are also available.

Punatsangchhu Resort

The Punatsangchhu Resort which opened in 2008 is located between Wangdiphodrang and Punakha and has 22 rooms. The rooms are very comfortable with views down over the valley and have en-suite bathrooms. The hotel has a restaurant and bar.

The Mountain Lodge

The Mountain Lodge is located on the outskirts of Jakar (the largest town in the Bumthang Valley). The accommodation wing is separate from the dinning area and both are made of wood. All 23 rooms are comfortable and have private facilities as well as wood burning heaters which can be lit upon request. Hot water is restricted to mornings and evenings. The restaurant serves very tasty Bhutanese, Chinese and Indian food, normally buffet style.

Tenzinling Resort

Located overlooking the Paro valley with the spectacular Paro dzong in the background, Tenzinling Resort has 21 rooms. All rooms have a balcony or terrace and en suite bathroom. There is a restaurant serving local and international cuisine, a bakery and bar.

Dwarikas 2 Night Hotel Upgrade

Extra Days:0Cost:from £ 150

For a supplement upgrade to the historic Dwarika’s Hotel for your last two nights in Kathmandu.

Uma Paro 2 Night Hotel Upgrade

Extra Days:0Cost:from £ 265

There is the option to upgrade to the Uma Paro for the last 2 nights in Bhutan.

Jet Airways - Premiere (Business Class)

Cost: from £ 1525

Business Class offers you the chance to arrive in your destination feeling relaxed and refreshed. Relax in more comfortable and spacious seating in a separate cabin and have the use of the business class lounge at Heathrow. The features include: • 180° fully flat bed • Herringbone configuration with privacy screen between the seats • 185cm length with lumbar support and massage • 15.4” flat screen TV • Complimentary Bvlgari amenity kit • Complimentary Dom Perignon champagne plus an extensive wine and beverage list • Access to business class lounges at London Heathrow, Delhi, Mumbai (Bombay), Chennai (Madras), Kolkata (Calcutta), Bengaluru (Bangalore) and Jaipur. The information described is for Jet Airways flights between London Heathrow and Delhi/Mumbai. The product on other routes such as Delhi to Kathmandu may vary Please kindly note that all airline product information is correct at time of writing however we do ask clients to take our advice in good faith as airlines frequently change such details and do not always send updates to us on changes to certain aspects of their products and services.