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Private Journey: Paro, Bumthang & Beyond
Private journey
From March 02-11, 2025
Service includes:
Guides, drivers, private vehicles, lodges, meals, visas, permits, admissions to temples & monuments, museums & all ground costs & fees (***Tips & Gratuities are not included***)
Attend a colorful masked dance festival
Visit lovely Punakha valley, ancient Bhutanese capital
...an event at the 💗 of the kingdom's spiritual traditions
Fly from Delhi to Paro, March 02, 2025
Return flight from Paro to Delhi March 11, 2025
First stop: Paro, West Bhutan
...a place of serene rice fields and ancient temples
Meet the inspiring residents of Kila Nunnery or hike to cliff-top Tiger's Nest Monastery
Next, take a private heli flight across Bhutan to Khoma's celebrated weavers' village
...spend an afternoon learning about the kingdom's vibrant weaving traditions
Return by private helicopter to Bumthang, royal heart of the kingdom
Stay at the magnificently appointed Amankora Lodge in Bumthang
Take a drive to the lovely Tang Valley and meet the inspiring nuns of Pema Choling. Their commitment to spiritual growth, and their religious study, not only preserves ancient traditions but also empowers women to become spiritual leaders and scholars in the predominant tradition of the kingdom's monasteries.
Includes all guides and ground services, lodges, meals, visas, permits and all entrances, fees and attractions
Take the domestic flight from Bumthang to Paro
On arrival from Bumthang, take the leisurely 4-hour drive from Paro to the lush Punakha Valley; stop at the high pass of Dochula to admire the greater Himalayan peaks and the 108 stupas built by Bhutan's eldest Queen Mother. Drive upriver along the Mo-chhu to the spectacular &Beyond River Camp.
Celebrants at the spectacular annual mask dance festival honor the martial protectors of the kingdom's most sacred religious treasures; performances take place in the inner flagstone courtyards of what was Bhutan's ancient capital and religious center, a tradition that continues to this day.
In Gangtey, visit the Black-necked Crane center to learn about Bhutan's efforts to save the endangered cranes. Take a scenic hike along the nature trail marked by tall pines and rolling hills. We may even catch some last remaining Black-necked cranes before their return to the Tibetan Plateau.
Check in at the secluded Amankora lodge set amid pine trees; Visit the Bhutan Foundation offices & meet Country Director Norbu Dema for an interesting conversation about their projects. See the city's markets, meet artisans, visit the textile museum & the school of traditional arts and crafts.
Drive through the Black Mountain Range to the scenic valley of Gangtey-Phobjikha
Other options in the capital include a stop by the giant Buddha Dordenma, a visit to 14th-century Changangkha Temple to light butter lamps for world peace, or an afternoon stroll through the fascinating centenary farmer's market.
We bid farewell following a final breakfast, after which we bring you back to the airport in time for your return flight to Delhi & onward connections home.
Lodge details below:
Take the 4-hour drive back west to Thimphu, Bhutan's bustling capital
Includes all guides and ground services, lodges, meals, visas, permits and all entrances, fees and attractions
Learn more about the lodges on this trip by visiting the following links:
Amankora Paro| andBeyond Punakha |
Gangtey Lodge | Amankora Thimphu
Your address in Punakha, is the elegant luxe retreat featuring well-appointed accommodations with panoramic balconies, indoor and outdoor showers, and some suites with private heated pools. Creative dining locations and personalized service are among the signature touches at this property.
Enter the grand fortress of Punakha & get festive with the local people of Punakha. Join them at their biggest religious mask dance festival of the year, then walk across the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan; meet our friend, the celebrated national artist, Kama Wangdi at his open-air studio.
Stay at the multi-award-winning Gangtey Lodge
Visit the Gangtey monastery down the hill, and return to the valley floor for potential Black-necked Cranes viewing, or take a walk along the quiet country road to meet the friendly nuns of Shechen Chodzong at the scenic eastern end of the valley.