The Golden Dragon: Luxury Bhutan Escape

1. Day 1 Paro Airport – Pemako, Thimphu ▾

   • 50 km Driving distance
   • 1 hr 15 min Driving time
   • 2,300 m Altitude of Thimphu

   The panoramic Himalayan views shall be mesmerizing as you fly to Bhutan. The Landing is another experience. On arrival at the Paro International airport your guide from Ideal Travel Creations shall welcome you with a “Tashi Khadar”. Drive to Thimphu.

   Discover the barren mountains, Tamchog Lhakhang, the Paro River (Pa Chhu) joining the Thimphu River (Wangchhu) at Chhuzomsa and the three stupas featuring distinct Bhutanese, Tibetan and Nepali style architecture. Villages, linear settlements the comfortably winding road along the Thimphu and Paro River with some beautiful views are some of the experiences as you reach Thimphu.

   Check in at the Pemako, Thimphu, located at the heart of Thimphu City. Take a dip in the indoor pool or simply relax in the garden area of the hotel. Lunch in one of the Tourist Restaurants in Thimphu. After lunch, if the energy levels allow, stroll around Clock Tower Square, Craft Bazaar and the Kaja Throm”, the new local market built as per the command of the His Majesty.

   In the evening visit impressive Tashichho Dzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion) which houses the Throne Room and the Offices of His Majesty the King as well as the Je Khenpo, seniormost religious authority of Bhutan. Dinner at the inspired dinning; Chig Ja Gye OR Thongsel Restaurant in the Property.

   Overnight in Pemako Thimphu.

2. Day 2 Thimphu ▾

   After a leisure breakfast at the Latest Recipe, join the Local residents of Thimphu for circumambulations at the National Memorial Chorten, built in the honor of the Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, also known as “The Father of Modern Bhutan”.

   Drive towards Kuenselphodrang. On the way visit Hindu Temple formally known as Devi Panchayan Mandir which was consecrated on 1st October 2019. His Majesty, The King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck offered worship and granted “Tika” to the Hindu Communities on the Dussehra on 1019 in this temple.

   Further in Kuenselphodrang, witness the 52-meter Buddha Dordenma statue in Thimphu. Visit the temple inside the statue and discover the 125,000 smaller Buddhas. The place offers a breath-taking view of the Thimphu Valley. If you love Hiking You can opt for a gentle hike to Changangkha Lhakhang from here.

   It is a 7 km Hike through the pine forest. This trail was initially intended to be a cycling trail but is very good for hike as well. It is a part of the 60 km cycling trail around Thimphu valley which was initiated in 2016 to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty the Fourth King of Bhutan.

   Finally visit the Simply Bhutan, a living museum and a photo studio aimed at preservation and promotion of culture involving Bhutanese youth as the core group. Lunch in one of the Tourist Restaurant in Town. After lunch, visit Takin Preserve.

   Takin is the national animal of Bhutan. Then visit the Zorig Chusom (The National Institute for 13 Traditional Arts and Crafts of Bhutan) and the Royal Textile Academy. The day ends witnessing an Archery Match at the Changlimithang stadium.

   In the evening, you may choose to take a spa in the hotel (additional costs may be applicable) OR spend your time at the Ara Bar. (additional costs may be applicable). The Rimps could be other options to enjoy your evening tea or Suja (Bhutanese Butter Tea) Dinner with your Bhutanese Hosts at the Thongsel.

   Overnight in Pemako, Thimphu.

3. Day 3 Thimphu – Gangtey Lodge ▾

   • 140 km Driving distance
   • 4 hr Driving time
   • 3,000 m Altitude of Phobjikha/ Gangtey

   Visit the Simtokha Dzong on the way. This is one of the oldest dzongs in Bhutan. Drive to the Dochula Pass (3150 m), the highest point between Thimphu and Punakha valleys. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the higher Himalayas, explore the 108 Druk Wangyel Chhortens and then visit the Druk Wangyel Lhakhang.

   Descend to the subtropical lush and beautiful valley of Punakha. The terraced rice fields, the meandering river and the beautiful villages shall welcome you as you reach Punakha. Explore the Lobesa Village for a while. Interact with the local vendors selling fresh fruits, vegetables and other local produce.

   Lunch at the Lobesa. Visit the Wangduephodrang Dzong overlooking the convergence of the Dangchhu and Punatsangchhu Rivers. The dzong was initially built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1638. Drive along the slopes of bare hills following the river (Drang Chhu) until you reach Chuzomsa, (the confluence of the Dang Chhu and the Pe Chhu).

   After crossing the bridge the road goes uphill through pine forests often encountering small villages, where women spinning yarns on their porches, older men idling their time and children frolicking around could be the most common sights. Explore the Lawala Pass.

   A few Photographs are must here. Drive down along the pine forest till you reach Gangtey lodge perched high above the pristine nature reserve of Phobjikha valley. Gangtey Lodge rewards the intrepid traveler with spectacular views over the 17th century monastery, traditional farm houses and dense forested mountains of Himalayan blue pine.

   Spend your evening enjoying the breathtaking views the property has to offer in one of the most beautiful Glacial valleys in the Himalayas. Dinner and overnight in Gangtey Lodge.

4. Day 4 Gangtey/ Phobjikha Valley ▾

   Start your day with a breakfast with views. Visit the Gangtey Goemba overlooking the large green expanse of the Phobjikha Valley. Gyaltse Pema Thinley, the grandson and mind reincarnation of Pema Lingpa founded the Temple in 1613, and Tenzin Legpai Dhendup, the second re-incarnation, built the temple.

   Hike the Gangtey Nature Trail. The trail starts at the 17th century Gangtey Monastery. The two-hour gentle trek lets you get immersed in the beautiful Phobjikha valley. Visit the Khewang Lhakhang and interact with the young monks. Explore the nearby villages for a while.

   Picnic Lunch in the Phobjikha Valley. After lunch drive towards the villages of Kilkhotthang and Remeachin. Visit the Nelung Dreachagling Nunnery and the villages around. Witness farmers working in the field and enjoy taking photographs in this beautiful Glacial valley.

   On the way back visit the Black Necked Crane Information Centre, a place for recreation with crane watching equipment (binoculars, spotting scopes) and reference books. Intimate Bhutanese dinning in the cosy Woodshed of the Gangtey Lodge with promise to introduce you to the exotic flavours of Bhutan as part of your cultural immersion into Gangtey Valley.

   Overnight in Gangtey Lodge.

5. Day 5 Gangtey Lodge – Como Uma Punakha ▾

   • 85 km Driving distance
   • 2 hr 30 min Driving time
   • 1,250 m Altitude of Punakha

   Retrace your steps back to Punakha with ample stoppages on the way to enjoy anything interesting that comes along the way. Picnic Lunch in Punakha. Visit Chimi Lhakhang. Also known as the temple of fertility, the temple was built by Lam Drukpa Kuenley. the revered ‘Divine Madman’ and Buddhist ‘crazy wisdom.’ A lot of graphic phallus paintings and crafts might surprise you in the nearby areas.

   Spend some time with the Nuns at the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery. Explore the Khuruthang town for a while and then finally visit the Punakha dzong at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu River. Addition to its appealing looks this Majestic Dzong stands six stories high.

   Walk over the one of the country’s longest suspension bridges and enjoy the breathing views, soothing breeze and a beautiful experience. Finally drive to Como Uma Punakha, the most jewel-like lodge which sits on a small hill at the western end of the Punakha Valley above the Mo Chhu river.

   It seems to breathe a different air, and is ideally located for Himalayan exploration, for village treks, temples, festivals, and whitewater rafting. Every room in this property commands sweeping views of the Punakha Valley and the Mo Chhu as it winds its way through the rice fields and orchards.

   Dine at the Bukhari Restaurant. Named after the traditional Bhutanese fireplace, Bukhari is the warm heart of this resort — a restaurant serving produce from Punakha Valley. The food is healthy, wholesome and full of flavour, from Bhutan and India, with some international favourites too.

   Overnight in Como Uma Punakha.

6. Day 6 Punakha and Wangdue Valley ▾

   After a liesure breakfast, drive to Chorten Ningpo was founded in the mid-late 18th century by Jigme Sengye, the 18th Druk Desi (secular ruler) of Bhutan, who held office from 1776-88. This revered figure is renowned for his unorthodox teachings and profound impact on the Bhutanese people.

   The temple was built to house a sacred relic of Guru Rinpoche, reinforcing its spiritual significance. The chorten is home to a magnificent statue of Maitreya (the future Buddha) and images of the great lamas of the Drukpa lineage. The great oak tree outside the monastery is said to have grown out of the blazing log that the ‘Divine Madman’ threw (the tree’s bark is still black from where it was burnt).

   Start your Hike to Kabji Hoka Tsho. The hike is of medium difficulty with few stretches of uphill climb. Walk along the irrigation channel to the lake. An array of lush flora and soothing chirps of birds. When you get to the lake, a little walk leads down to the water, where you get some of the best views of Kabji Hoka Tsho in its serene and pristine surroundings.

   Though the lake is hidden amidst the thick vegetation, it’s amazing to see the vast area surrounding the lake. (Hiking to this place during the summer time is not advisable due to slippery irrigation Chhanels and leeches specially for urban hikers.) In the afternoon, explore the villages in upper Punakha Valley.

   And try white water rafting in the Mo chhu. Drive back to hotel and simply relax at the hotel enjoying what the property has to offer. Dinner and overnight in Como Uma Punakha.

7. Day 7 Punakha – Como Uma Paro ▾

   • 135 km Driving distance
   • 3 hr 45 min Driving time
   • 2,280 m Altitude of Paro

   After a nice breakfast, drive to Paro. On the way explore the Royal Botanical Park for a while. Picnic Lunch on the banks of Paro River near Shaba Village. After a short stoppage at Airport Viewpoint, visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong. Finally Visit the Paro National Museum, which displays a collection of fascinating Bhutanese relics.

   Explore the Paro Town. Visit Coffee shops, handicraft shops and interact with the locals. Drive to Como Uma Paro. The property sits on a tree-clad hill overlooking the town of Paro and is only a 10-minute drive from Bhutan’s international airport.

   The villas and rooms combine the colourful accents of traditional Bhutanese craftsmanship with the clean-lined contemporary design for which COMO Hotels and Resorts are known for. Dinner and Overnight at the Como Uma Paro.

8. Day 8 Paro Valley ▾

   • 2,280 m Altitude of Paro

   Your Day starts with an early morning Hike to Taktshang Monastery, one of the most wonderful and significant monasteries in Bhutan. Also known as the Tiger’s Nest, the hike shall be accompanied with stories of Guru Rinpoche, who arrived on the spot where the monastery is located on the back of a flying tigress somewhere in 8th century.

   Reaching the top shall enlighten you on why the Monastery is an iconic pilgrimage for visitors to the Kingdom of Bhutan. Visit Kyichhu Lhakhang, a 7th-century temple nearby with two magical orange trees that bear fruit throughout the year. Drive to a local farmhouse for lunch with a Bhutanese family.

   Try the traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath, National Dress and Archery here. You shall also have an opportunity to witness the daily life in a village in Bhutan. Drive back to the Hotel. Explore the property, enjoy a peaceful time all by yourself within the property.

   Dinner and Overnight at the Como Uma Paro.

9. Day 9 Como Uma Paro – Paro Airport ▾

   “The Golden Dragon: Luxury Bhutan Escape” comes to an end with a drive to Paro airport and farewell.

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