Bhutan ~
A Journey to the Dragon Kingdom

Map of South Asia with Bhutan

Faraway in the foothills of the mighty Eastern Himalayas is an ancient land that has changed little over time. It is known among its inhabitants as Druk Yul, or the Land of the Thunder Dragon, and to the outside world as the Kingdom of Bhutan. Because of a farsighted policy towards development that encourages traditional culture over commercial materialism, this little Himalayan kingdom has managed to blend its Buddhist culture with its incredibly scenic the land in a most unusual success story.

For the traveler in search of those few remaining places where traditions remain intact, Bhutan is a perfect destination. Amongst monasteries, fluttering prayer flags and friendly people, is a land of incredible beauty filled with towering snow capped mountains, cold blue rivers and lakes, emerald valleys and a Buddhist religion and architecture that is breathtaking. Nature also provides some astonishing diversity with fiery rhododendrons blooming in spring in competition with vast expanses of blue poppies. And there is still a large number species of flora and fauna that have yet to be identified. Happily the Bhutanese traditional reverence for nature has enabled many to exist where they have been driven to extinction elsewhere. In Bhutan, one may experience an inward journey that is as fulfilling and intense as the outward one. Join Lost Frontiers for this unforgettable adventure.

The Itinerary:

Day 1
Arrive Paro: Arrive and transfer to hotel. Tour of old town Dzong museum.

Day 2
Paro: Visit Paro's most sacred shrines and magnificent Bhutanese architecture at Kyichu Lhakhang. O/N Paro.

Day 3
Paro,Thimphu: Drive to Thimphu, Bhutan's capital. Continue day with visits to the Semtokha Dzong, Bhutan's oldest fortress and the Changangkha Lhakhang. O/N hotel.

Day 4
Thimphu, Punakha: Attend traditional mask dance and then drive to Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan. O/N Punakha.

Day 5
Punakha,Trongsa: Travel to Trongsa via Pele la pass at an altitude of 3,150 metres. Day ends at Trongsa Dzong, Bhutan's most impressive and an architectural masterpiece. O/N lodge.

Day 6
Trongsa , Bumthang: Visit one of the most spectacular valleys in Bhutan and it is also the heartland of Buddhism. O/N guesthouse.

Day 7
Bumthang day visit: See the Kongchogsum Lhakhang that it is believed was founded in the 8th century. O/N Bumthang.

Days 8, 9
Bumthang - Shingkhar: Shingkar village lies at an altitude of 3,400 meters opposite to Ura village. We visit Mebar tso lake and then attend the Shingkhar Festival. O/N hotel.

Day 10
Excursion to Ura village: Drive to Ura village for festival. O/N hotel.

Day 11
Shingkhar to Trongsa: Return through the pass and overnight at Trongsa. O/N guesthouse.

Day 12
Trongsa - Samcholing village: O/N camp.

Day 13
Trongsa - Punakha: Drive to Gangtey Gompa and visit Gangtey Gompa. See rare black-necked cranes.O/N hotel.

Day 14
Punakha sightseeing: Visit the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal chorten and see Dho Jha Gha Lam temple. Free evening. O/N hotel.

Day 15
Punakha to Thimphu: Drive to Thimphu with time for stops to see countryside. O/N hotel.

Day 16
Sat, 8 May. Thimphu: Tour National Library and visit Traditional Medicine Institute. End day with an excursion to Tango Monastery. O/N hotel.

Day 17
Thimphu - Paro: Visit local farmhouse and experience a traditional meal with drinks. O/N hotel.

Day 18
Paro: Drive to Drukgyal dzong and hike to Taktsang monastery. Farewell dinner. O/N hotel.

Day 19
Paro: Flight home. End of services.

Level Of Difficulty: Moderate to difficult.