ITINERARY OVERVIEW
DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO; DRIVE TO THIMPHU
DAY 02: THIMPHU – PUNAKHA
DAY 03: PUNAKHA – GANGTEY/PHOBJIKHA
DAY 04: GANGTEY / PHOBJIKHA - BUMTHANG
DAY 05: BUMTHANG
DAY 06: BUMTHANG – PARO (MOUNTAIN FLIGHT)
DAY 07: PARO
DAY 08: DEPART PARO
For those who wish to spare no expense in their experience of Bhutan, but have a limited amount of time, this is the trip for you. Ultimate Bhutan begins with your arrival by business class on Druk Air. Your first class accommodations at Uma Paro and Amankora afford you the finest in luxury with services including massage, spa, wellbeing therapies and fine dining. Your transfers are by the highest in luxury 4WD vehicles in Bhutan, whilst your excursion from Bhutan’s spiritual heartland Bumthang back to the western valley of Paro is undertaken mountain flight. You will be accompanied by our most senior guide and driver, as well as an interpreter if required. To truly immerse you in all things Bhutanese, we will arrange a private dinner and culture show, a traditional private tented lunch, and an audience with a Rinpoche (if available). All of these options can easily be tailored to suit your level of luxury.
BHUTAN TOUR DATES:
All of our Bhutan tours are private, tailor-made journeys for independent travel on dates of your choosing. We can easily customise your Bhutan tour to spend more in the places doing the activities that you are interested in. Please click on the 'Tailor-Design This Bhutan Tour' tab above to begin customising this tour to your requirements. This tour can be experienced all year around.
WHAT WE INCLUDE IN OUR TAILOR MADE BHUTAN TOURS:
• Airfares within, in and out of Bhutan including taxes.
• Bhutan Tourist Tariff Royalty & Visa fees.
• All private excursions and transfers in superior luxury air-conditioned vehicle.
• Local English speaking guide/tour leader.
• Experienced driver.
• Accommodation in luxury hotels and resorts.
• All meals in Bhutan.
• All entrance fees and permits.
NOT INCLUDED:
• All personal expenses such as bars, beverages, laundry, telephone and tips.
• Medical / Travel Insurance.
DETAILED ITINERARY
DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO; DRIVE TO THIMPHU
DAY 02: THIMPHU – PUNAKHA
DAY 03: PUNAKHA – GANGTEY/PHOBJIKHA
DAY 04: GANGTEY / PHOBJIKHA - BUMTHANG
DAY 05: BUMTHANG
DAY 06: BUMTHANG – PARO (MOUNTAIN FLIGHT)
DAY 07: PARO
DAY 08: DEPART PARO
DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO, PARO – THIMPHU
You will arrive in Paro by Druk Air Business Class. The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world, with a constantly changing panorama of some of the highest mountains on earth. This beautiful valley is home to many of Bhutan’s oldest monasteries and temples, and the country’s only airport. After being welcomed with “Khadar” (traditional scarf), a BTB representative will provide you with the necessary assistance for completion of all immigration and customs formalities, including the processing of your visa whilst you relax in the airport VIP lounge.
You will then be transferred by your deluxe 4WD to Uma Paro Resort’s restaurant ‘Bukhara’ for an exquisite lunch experience before transfer by deluxe 4WD to Bhutan's capital, Thimphu. On arrival check into Amankora Resort Thimphu, a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of downtown Thimphu. The dzong-like architecture incorporates stone, white washed buildings and traditional wood burning “bukhari” stoves. A flagstone outdoor dining deck offers views of blue pine forests. Remainder of the day is at leisure to settle in, relax, enjoy the hotel facilities or if you wish undertake a small tour of downtown Thimphu.
DAY 02: THIMPHU – PUNAKHA
Spend the morning visiting some of the highlights of the capital, including one of the oldest temples in Thimphu, 12th century Changangkha Lhakhang (Lhakhang means temple) and the National Memorial Chorten, first initiated by the Third King as a protection from the negative elements of modernisation, and as a monument to world peace. The Royal Queen Mother completed it as a memorial stupa for the Third King who passed away in 1972. Afterwards if there is time also visit a fascinating replica of a medieval farmhouse at the Folk Heritage Museum before transferring to Taj Tashi Hotel for lunch.
Transfer by deluxe 4WD to Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan. On arrival, check into to luxurious Amankora Punakha, built around a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse. Facilities include a spa centre housing a yoga/meditation room, tea pavilion and eight suites featuring wood panelled interiors, a traditional bukhari, king-size bed, terrazzo-clad bath, shower and vanities, and day bed. Overnight and dinner at your Amankora Punakha.
DAY 03: PUNAKHA – GANGTEY/PHOBJIKHA
Visit Punakha Dzong, the "Palace of Great Happiness" built in 1637 by the Shabdrung, the ‘Unifier of Bhutan’. It is situated at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu (Mother and Father Rivers) and is the winter headquarters of the Je Khenpo and hundreds of monks who move en masse from Thimphu to this warmer location. The three story main temple of the Punakha Dzong is a breathtaking example of traditional architecture with four intricately embossed entrance pillars crafted from cypress and decorated in gold and silver. It was here in 1907 that Bhutan's first king was crowned.
Afterwards Transfer to Phobjikha Valley (5.5-6 hrs). Drive by luxury 4WD over the Dochu-La pass (3,100 meters) which on a clear day offers an incredible view of Himalayan peaks before descending into balmy Punakha valley (about 3 hrs total driving time). The drive through the countryside affords a glimpse of everyday life in this most remote of Himalayan kingdoms.
Continue on through the bustling market town of Wangduephodrang, and up winding mountain roads through mixed forests and over high passes before descending down into the wide and picturesque Phobjikha Valley. Phobjikha is one of Bhutan’s few glacial valleys, and chosen winter home of black necked cranes (November - March) migrating from the Tibetan plateau. On arrival check into Amankora Gangtey, positioned on a forested knoll close to the valley floor. The 8 suites combine wood panelling and chocolate brown walls, the traditional bukhari, terrazzo-clad bath, shower and vanity, and day bed. Dinner and overnight at Amankora Resort Gangtey.
DAY 04: PHOBJIKHA VALLEY – BUMTHANG
Following breakfast visit the Phobjikha Sanctuary to view the majestic black necked cranes (Nov-Mar only) and Gangtey Gompa (Monastery), dating back to the 16th century. Afterwards drive by luxury 4WD over the Pele La pass (3,420m) on the Black Mountain range towards Trongsa (4.5 hrs). Enroute visit the beautiful 18th century Chendebji Chorten. Trongsa is the ancestral home of Bhutan’s ruling dynasty. Visit Trongsa Dzong, the largest Dzong in Bhutan and the Ta Dzong museum housing a collection of historical artefacts of the Royal Family.
Continue driving towards Bumthang (2.5 hrs), the spiritual of the kingdom. Bumthang is home to some of Bhutan’s oldest Palaces, Buddhist temples and monasteries. On arrival transfer to the luxurious Amankora Bumthang. The Resort is located between the First and Second King's palace amongst orchards of apples and pears and a glorious aged peach tree planted by the late Queen Mother. After checking in, you will be accompanied to your exquisite, wood panelled guest suites. Enjoy an optional Spa Treatment before dinner. Overnight at Amankora Resort Bumthang.
DAY 05: BUMTHANG
In the morning visit Kurjey Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places in the kingdom where Bhutan’s patron saint Guru Rimpoche meditated and 7th century Jambay Lhakhang. It dates back to the origins of Buddhism in Bhutan and is one of the Kingdoms oldest temples. Return to Amankora Resort for lunch before continuing sightseeing including Jakar Dzong and Tamshing Lhakhang, founded in 1501 by Pemalingpa and containing interesting and ancient Buddhist wall paintings. Overnight at Amankora Resort Bumthang.
DAY 06: BUMTHANG – PARO (MOUNTAIN FLIGHT)
Enjoy a stunning mountain flight with incredible views over Bhutan from Bumthang back to the Paro Valley. On arrival you will enjoy some sightseeing around Paro including a visit to the Ta Dzong Museum housing many religious relics, works of art and handicrafts offering a great orientation into Bhutan’s historical, cultural, and religious past. Next, visit the Rimpong Dzong to see the painting of the great saint Milarepa, considered as the master of meditation by the Bhutanese and believed to have attained enlightenment in a lifetime. Dzong’s are large monasteries and district administrative centres, which were once strategic forts.
Afterwards check-in to Uma Paro resort featuring five-star comfort in an idyllic location on a pine-covered hillside. Uma Paro’s modern and understated architectural aesthetic is beautifully infused with the surrounding orchards, valleys, monasteries and terraced mountains. You will be welcomed by the Guest Relations Executive of the Uma Paro Resort with a traditional scarf “Khadar” and welcome drinks (non-alcoholic).
After enjoying an optional Shambala Spa Treatment, enjoy a private cultural performance followed by dinner. Religious festivals are numerous and have many different names according to their types. The best known are the “Tsechus”, festivals held in honor of Guru Rimpoche commemorating his great deeds. Secular dances and music are performed during these festivals. Generally, dancers are accompanied by singing, and on official occasion musical instruments. Overnight at Uma Paro.
DAY 07: PARO
After breakfast hike to Taktsang Monastery. The trail is broad and the walk of approximately 2 hours uphill takes you almost a kilometre above the Paro valley floor (for those who cannot hike we will arrange a horse for transfer up to the viewing point). The view of Taktsang Monastery built on a sheer cliff face 900 metres above the valley floor is a spectacular sight. The Monastery is also an important pilgrim site for the Buddhists. The great Guru Rimpoche is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. He then mediated in a cave there for three months where the monastery was later built. Refreshments and lunch will be arranged in the tent specifically pitched on the path to Taktsang Monastery.
On the return drive to Paro, visit 7th Century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples constructed by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. Afternoon is at leisure at Uma Paro Resort with the option of resting in the resorts beautiful surrounding grounds, or enjoying an optional Shambala Spa Treatment. Dinner at Uma Paro Resort Restaurant ‘Bukhara’. Overnight at Uma Paro.
DAY 08: DEPART PARO
Enjoy breakfast at Uma Paro resort before driving to the airport for flight to your onward destination.
Tashi Delek!
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS BHUTAN TOUR
The 'Ultimate Bhutan' Raven Crown Prestige Tour is ideal for those who wish to spare no expense in their experience of Bhutan, but have a limited amount of time. It explores all of the highlights of Bhutan's western valleys, as well as the central Bumthang Valley utilising the most luxurious accommodations and services available in the kingdom.
• Stay in a boutique range of luxurious resorts and lodges offering every modern comfort.
• Discover some of the most sacred Buddhist monasteries and temples in the Himalaya.
• Indulge in a range of holistic therapies including Ayurveda, massage and facials and meditation.
• Visit many cultural attractions including medieval fortresses (Dzongs), markets and museums.
• Enjoy 5 star cuisine, including an opportunity to sample some of Bhutan's fiery Chilli dishes.
• Hike up to the famous Taktsang Monastery, perched on a cliff 900m above the valley floor.
• Gain a birds-eye view of Bhutan as you transfer by air from Bumthang to Paro.
• Marvel at the elaborate and ancient wall paintings and carvings in Dzongs and temples.
• Traverse beautiful landscapes from lush valleys to dense forests.
• Incorporate a Value-Added Option such as a cooking lesson or meditation session with a monk.
For information on locations visited, please click on the tabs below.
Paro
Paro (2,250m), the site of Bhutan’s only airport, is set amongst the pastoral beauty of Paro Valley, a broad valley fertile with paddy, wheat, millet, potatoes, apple and seasonal vegetables grown as the main crops. Located close to downtown Paro is the imposing Paro Dzong, also known as Rinpung Dzong, built in 1645 by the Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel (Unifier of Bhutan). Located on a hill behind the Paro Dzong is Ta Dzong, the National Museum housed in an ancient 17th century watchtower and featuring a fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps. Another Paro Valley highlight includes the incredible monastery of Taktsang, also known as the Tiger's Nest perched on a sheer rock cliff 900m above the Paro Valley floor. The Tiger’s Nest owes its name to the 8th century saint Guru Rinpoche who, according to myth, visited here mounted on a flying tiger. Other interesting options are the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong with its magnificent views of Mount Jumolhari and 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang.
Thimphu
Bhutan’s capital city of Thimphu (2,350m) is a fascinating blend of the old and the new. Zoning regulations have retained the forms and motifs of Bhutan’s traditional architecture giving the city a wonderful structural harmony. The capital’s most striking visual landmark is Tashichhodzong, the seat of the Royal Government and Central Monastic Body. Semtokha Dzong is the kingdom’s oldest Dzong, whilst The National Memorial Chorten is an important temple completed by The Royal Queen Mother as a memorial stupa for the Third King who passed away in 1972. The Royal School of the Performing Arts, the School of Traditional Painting and the Institute of Traditional Medicine offer visitors an amazing insight into Bhutanese culture. Other attractions include 12th century Changangkha Temple, Drubthob Monastery housing the Zilukha Nunnery, the National Library housing a rare collection of Buddhist scriptures, the lively weekend market and the 169 foot bronze statue of Buddha overlooking the city. Nearby sites include Tango and Cheri Monasteries.
Punakha
Punakha (1,310m) is Bhutan’s ancient capital, and remains the winter seat of the Central Monastic Body due to its sub-tropical climate. The drive to Punakha from Thimphu travels over Dochu-La Pass, marked by a beautiful scene of 108 Chortens, wind-blown prayer flags and the recently built Druk Wangyal Lhakhang. In clear weather the view of the Himalayas is stunning. The Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel is situated on a triangular spit of land at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu rivers. The three story main temple of the Punakha Dzong is a breathtaking example of traditional architecture with four intricately embossed entrance pillars crafted from cypress and decorated in gold and silver. It was here in 1907 that Bhutan's first king was crowned. Other highlights include Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten with its complex Nyingmapa iconography and Chimi Lhakhang, dedicated to Bhutan’s popular saint Drukpa Kuenley, otherwise known as the “divine madman” due to his unorthodox religious teaching.
Bumthang
Bumthang is the spiritual heartland of Bhutan and distinguished in history as the first place Buddhism was introduced to Bhutan by Guru Rimpoche. Its undulating green valleys are renowned for their natural beauty, historic palaces, numerous temples and important ancient Buddhist sites. Some of these include Kurje Lhakhang, home to a rock featuring the imprint of Guru Rimpoche’s body, 7th century Jambay Lhakhang, one of the Kingdom's oldest temples and the Tamshing Monastery containingsome of the oldest wall paintings in Bhutan.
Other highlights in the Bumthang Valley include the 16th century Ugyen Chholing Palace complex housing a fascinating museum, 14th century Tang Rimochen Lhakhang where Guru Rinpoche meditated and Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake), where some of Guru Rinpoche's treasures were found in the 15th century by the famous treasure discover Pema Lingpa.
