zBhutan

Upon arrival at Paro Airport, you’ll be warmly greeted by your friendly and knowledgeable Bhutanese guide. A scenic 1-hour journey with your private car and driver brings you to the capital, Thimpu, where you check in to the Taj Tashi, a wonderful 5-star hotel that blends traditional design with modern amenities.  Meals L,D

Extensive private sightseeing begins outside of town at a tranquil Buddhist nunnery. Then visit the School of Arts & Crafts where talented young students follow a rigorous 8-year program devoted to the preservation of Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts. Your sightseeing also includes the Textile Museum, Changgangkha Lhakhang Temple and the National Library - home to a priceless collection of Buddhist manuscripts. Then visit the great Tashicho Dzong Fortress, built in 1641, before returning to your hotel.  Meals B,L,D

After breakfast, set out with your private car and driver for an unforgettable half-day journey that will take you across the 10,000-foot Dochula Pass, celebrated for its inspiring views of the Eastern Himalayas. Continue past the tranquil villages and small towns of the picturesque Wangdu Valley and ascend into the Black Mountains. Your destination is the high-mountain valley of Phobjikha, a natural habitat for diverse wildlife including rare black-necked cranes. Around mid-afternoon, you’ll arrive in the hilltop village of Gangtey and check in to the charming Dewachen Lodge. Please note that due to conservation measures for the area’s endangered wildlife, there is no electricity in the valley. Rather, all lodges use solar powered cells, generators and wood stoves.  Meals B,L,D

In addition to the region’s pristine mountain landscapes, today’s private sightseeing tour focuses on the historic Gangtey Gompa Monastery. Founded in 1613 and recently rebuilt, it sits on a hillock with spectacular vistas over the Phobjikha Valley and surrounding villages.  Meals B,L,D

A scenic overland journey to Punakha is punctuated by several interesting visits today including the fortress of Wangdur Dzong and the hillside village of Rinchengang. You’ll also explore remote mountain villages, visit Chimi Lhakhang Temple, and set out on an invigorating 30-minute walk past rice paddies and villages to visit the Khamsum Yeulley Chorten Temple. Lastly, you’ll visit the impressive Punakha Dzong Fortress, built at the confluence of the Pho and Mochu Rivers. Enjoy a peaceful overnight at the inviting Damchen Resort.  Meals B,L,D

This morning’s drive takes you once again through the spectacular Dochula Pass and back to Paro, where you’ll check in to the charming Uma Paro Hotel. In the afternoon, your private sightseeing tour features Kichu Lhakhang Temple; built in the 7^th century, this is one of the country’s oldest temples. You’ll also visit the mighty fortress of Paro Rinpung Dzong, regarded as one of Bhutan’s greatest architectural achievements with its intricate woodwork and massive beams held together without any nails. Meals B,L,D

Your guided ascent to the oft-photographed Tiger’s Nest Monastery is a bit steep, but the invigorating journey is well rewarded with awe-inspiring views of the cliff-side monastery and surrounding mountain landscapes. Continue your private touring to the impressive Dungtse Lhakhang Temple, built in 1433 by a Tibetan King, before returning to your hotel for a free evening. Meals B,L,D

You’ll be escorted to the airport today for your departure flight. Meals B