Bhutan in Luxury

Your guide meets you as you leave the terminal and the drive to Thimphu takes about an hour. After lunch at the lodge the afternoon is yours to rest. If you feel like going out, we walk round the National Memorial Chorten at dusk, when the lamps are lit.

We visit the Buddha Dordenma first thing, before the tour groups arrive, and then the National Institute for Zorig Chusum and the Textile Museum. After lunch you choose: Changangkha Lhakhang and the Takin Preserve, a walk through the craft bazaar, or time at the lodge. Tashichho Dzong opens in the late afternoon.

We leave after a relaxed breakfast, stop at Dochu La for the view and the 108 chortens, and reach Punakha for lunch. In the afternoon we visit Punakha Dzong, which is at its best in the low light towards the end of the day.

The morning walk to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten leads across a footbridge and up through rice terraces to a ridge above the Mo Chhu. We come down for lunch beside the river.

Later we walk through the fields to Chimi Lhakhang, or you may prefer an afternoon at the lodge.

We drive back over Dochu La, with a second chance at the mountain view, and on to Paro. After lunch we visit the National Museum in its watchtower and walk down to Rinpung Dzong and the covered bridge below.

We set out early, so that you reach Taktsang ahead of most other walkers. The climb takes two to three hours at an easy pace. Ponies can be hired at the car park to carry you as far as the teahouse, halfway up. Your guide takes you through the temples, and we come down for a late lunch.

The afternoon is free.

Your guide and driver take you to the airport and stay until you are checked in.