Wonders Of Bhutan National Geographic Journeys

Arrive at any time and transfer to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. Time permitting, take a guided walk around town.In clear weather, the flight over the Himalayas offers magnificent views of the world’s highest peaks as they give way to the lush green Paro valley. The first gift from Bhutan will be the cool, clean fresh air as you step off the plane. After clearing customs and visa control, an arrival transfer will take you to Thimphu, where we'll be met by our local CEO who will conduct a welcome meeting and orientation. Accommodation: - Namgay Heritage Hotel (or similar). Meals Included: - Dinner Transport: - Private Vehicle: Paro to Thimphu 01:30 - 02:00 Hr(s) Included Activities: - Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting Additional Notes: Approximate Altitude: Paro 2,300m

This morning, meet a Buddhist monk and scholar to discuss Buddhist beliefs and ways of life in Bhutan. Then drive to scenic Punakha, crossing the lofty Dochu La pass and enjoying stunning views of the Himalaya through flickering prayer flags. Settle into your hotel and drive to Lobesa after lunch. From here, hike up to Chimi Lhakhang, a 15th-century monastery dedicated to the Buddhist saint Drukpa Kunley, known as the “Divine Madman.” Learn about his colourful, eccentric life, and witness women devotees who visit the monastery to receive blessings of fertility.After breakfast, drive through dense forests of blue pine, oak, and rhododendrons and enjoy views of the Himalayan range and the valley beyond. After a lunch stop, the road climbs steeply through a forest of pine and cedar, festooned with hanging lichen high up near Dochula pass at 3,050m (10,007 ft). After stopping here for tea and panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain range, we descend along a series of hairpin bends to the fertile valley of Punakha. Accommodation: - Hotel Lobesa (or similar). Meals Included: - Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner Transport: - Private Vehicle 06:00 - 07:00 Hr(s) Included Activities: - Chime Lhakhang Visit - Meet a Buddhist Monk Additional Notes: Approx. Altitude: Punakha Valley 1,300m

Enjoy a full day of exploration in Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan. Visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, or fortress, situated at the confluence of two important rivers. Drive to the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup nunnery, a meditation and training center for Buddhist nuns. Then drive to Wangdue Phodrang to discover the town’s dzong. In the afternoon, weave your way through rice terraces and pine forests to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a cheerful temple perched on a picturesque mountain ridge overlooking the Punakha Valley. Accommodation: - Hotel Lobesa (or similar). Meals Included: - Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner Transport: - Private Vehicle 06:00 Hr(s) Included Activities: - Punakha Dzong Visit - Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery - Wangdue Phodrang Visit - Hike and Visit Khamsum Yueley Chorten