Bhutan Scenic

The most breath-taking mountain flights you will ever encounter in your life. Flying in from the sweltering plains of India, one can see a sequence of the world's tallest peaks from the left side of the aircraft's window. If the weather is clear, your pilot will give the names of the peaks. You will drop into the high mountains, and as the plane descends, you will see no airfield or city, but rather the coming Paro valley, alpine woods, little monasteries, temples, and farm cottages. Prior to the jet touching down on the runway, you'll get a sight of Paro's verdant valley, Paro Dzong, and Paro Lake (river). You will be taken from Paro airport to Thimpu, the capital city. Make your way to the hotel. The remainder of the day is free. Overnight in a Thimphu hotel.

Today, continue to a sightseeing trip of Tashichho Dzong, the National Library, and the Handicraft Center to display traditional arts, as well as Tashichho Dzong and Takin Zoo. Later, the National Memorial Chorten was built, which included a stupa dedicated to Bhutan's third monarch and a Buddha statue. The remainder of the day is free. Overnight in a Thimpu hotel. (B)

Today, travel to the Punakha valley's lowlands, passing across Dochula pass at 10,000 ft and stopping in Hongtsho hamlet. Make your way to the hotel. Afternoon visit to the magnificent Punakha Dzong is strategically located at the confluence of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. It was constructed in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the region's religious and administrative capital. Later in the day, pay a visit to Punakha Dzong and Punakha Suspe.

Today, travel to the magnificent Gangtey valley through Wangdiphodrang Dzong, which is strategically placed on a 4,430-foot peak that overlooks the country's highways to the east and south. The Gangtey valley is one of Bhutan's most stunning open valleys and is home to the endangered black necked cranes (Grus Nigricllis) during their winter migration from Tibet. For millennia, these cranes have captivated human imaginations with their intellect, poise, sociality, beauty, and independence, inspiring numerous stories, legends, folktales, and songs. The birds fly back across the Himalayas into Tibet and China, where they spend the summer. Gangtey hamlet is a tiny settlement overshadowed by the Gangtey monastery with its yellow roof. Overnight in a Punakha hotel. (B

This morning, travel to Paro, stopping at Lamperi along route. Pay a visit to the Royal Botanical Gardens. Afternoon, see the Drukgyel Dzong ruins. Overnight in a Paro hotel. (B)

Today, after breakfast, take a tour of Paro, seeing the Paro Dzong and National Museum. Later, travel to the base of the world-famous "Tigers Nest" or "Paro Taktsang," one of Bhutan's most prominent spiritual heritage sites, which actually hangs on a granite cliff overlooking the Paro valley at an elevation of 900m above the valley floor. Guru Rimpoche, who came in the eighth century, is affiliated with the shrine. The remainder of the day is free. Overnight in a Paro hotel. (B)

This morning, you will be taken to Paro airport in order to catch a flight or train return to your home or next destination. (B)