Footloose itineraries – Bhutan Himalayan Wonderland Tour

Bhutan, The Himalayan Wonderland Tour

3 night, 4 day tour: Paro-Thimphu-Paro

Day 1: Arrive Paro by Druk Air
Fly into Himalayas with Druk Air, Bhutan's National Air Carrier. The green walls of the hills known as doors or gateways into Bhutan from the plains climb continually higher as the plane flies north towards the Tibetan border. Silvery rivers thread through the valleys, waterfalls plunge down the forested mountainsides, and to the north, the great snow capped peaks of the inner Himalaya rise up into the sky. As the aircraft enters the Paro valley, look down and you will see the Paro Dzong overlooking Paro Chu (river) with Ta Dzong watch tower, now the National Museum, above it. Received by our representative at the airport and after completion of airport formalities, drive through the fascinating valley of Paro to the hotel.

Evening – visit to Paro market and stroll through the town's main street. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 2: Paro – Thimphu (60 km, 2 hours)
After breakfast in the hotel, drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress from where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. The snowy dome of sacred Chomolhari, "mountain of goddess'' looms directly over the Dzong. Along the way, see the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gembo. One of the most sacred shrines in the country, it reflects the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.

After lunch, visit Ta Dzong, originally built as a Watch Tower, it now houses the National Museum of the Kingdom and boasts antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons and armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artefacts. Then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning 'fortress of the heap of jewels' which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the courtyard of the Rinpung Dzong are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and other cosmic Mandala.

After that proceed to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan. The road leads through the Paro valley to the confluence of the Paro and Thimphu rivers at Chuzom (confluence). A short way beyond on the left is Tschogang Lhakhang, the temple of the hill of excellent horse. It is a private temple built in 15th century as the result of a visitation from Balaha, the excellent horse, a manifestation of Chenrezig, the compassionate Buddha. After the narrow, rock lined section the road opens up as Thimphu approaches, Simtokha Dzong lies en-route. Simtokha means the place of profound tantric teaching, this dzong now houses a school for the study of the Dzongkha language.

On arrival in Thimphu, check into the hotel. Evening – there will be time for an exploratory walk before dinner.

Day 3: Thimphu – Paro
After breakfast, sightseeing of Thimphu valley includes a visit to: the National Library, a treasure trove of priceless Buddhist manuscripts; The Traditional Medicine Institute, where centuries old healing arts such as accupuncture and herbal remedies are still practised; The Painting School, where young monks learn the art of Buddhist thangkha. Also visit a mask maker workshop and workshop for fine metal craft, weaving, ceramics and paper making. Then visit, the Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, a fascinating testimony of Bhutanese material culture and living traditions.

Afternoon – visit to Tashichhodzong, 'fortress of the glorious dharma'. It is the centre of government and religion, site of King's throne room, National assembly hall, and seat of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Built in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in 1961 in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans.

Also visit King's Memorial Chorten, continuously walked around by His Majesty's subjects, spinning prayer wheels and murmuring mantras. Then, visit Handicrafts Emporium and local shops if you like to browse through examples of Bhutan's fine traditional arts. Here you can buy textiles, thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewellery, interesting items made from local materials and all manner of unique objects.

Evening drive to Paro for overnight stay.

Day 4: Depart Paro
After early breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport for onward flight.

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Bhutan is similar to many other Himalayan countries and experiences its monsoon from June to September. The best times to visit are spring and autumn, although winter can be good at lower levels.

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