OVERVIEW
This comprehensive, 14 day, escorted tour of this relatively isolated country will take you through the prime botanical and wildlife sites in Bhutan. Discover the natural richness of this eastern Himalayan region.
The Land of the Dragon, as Bhutan is known to its inhabitants, is a fiercely independent Himalayan kingdom where it seems that time has stood still. Bhutan carefully refrains from allowing mass tourism to preserve its unique environment and heritage.
Bhutan is one of the last strongholds of Tibetan Buddhism, and its peaceful and fun-loving people are proud and elegant, with timeless culture and dress.
Large Dzongs (beautiful medieval buildings that incorporate a monastery, village and fort in one) dot the countryside, along with Chortens (shrines) and Ihakhans (temples). A visit to the magnificent Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) near Paro is a particular highlight.
Bhutan is rated as one of the top ten global hot spots in the world because of its pristine forests that provide habitats for a diverse range of wildlife. Over 600 bird species inhabit the unspoiled woods. The trees are wrapped in beautiful epiphytic orchids, lichens, ferns and mosses. The forests harbour some of the most exotic plant species of the eastern Himalayas, with over 50 species of Rhododendron, Magnolias and a wide variety of medicinal plants.
Home to snow leopards, blue sheep, red pandas, Asian elephants and tigers, Bhutan’s environment is rigorously protected.
It is a remarkable country that offers not only the exquisite Himalayan scenery but also its rich and ancient traditions.
In a world where disasters and conflict dominate the news, it’s nice to get away and find some relief and peace of mind. Nature travel can offer that, and some destinations, in particular, embody the peace and beauty that restore our spirit. Bhutan is one of them!
Itinerary
| Day 1 | Bangkok to Paro | Our very early morning flight to Paro departs Bangkok at 5.00 am (meet your Coates escort for group check-in at 3.00 am). We arrive in Paro around 8.20 am (Sunday is a great day to come as there are always archery matches in progress on the way from the airport – also the weekly Paro vegetable market). We drive to our hotel resort for lunch, then travel 4 km back to Paro to look at the imposing dzong and visit the excellent National Museum, which has a brilliant natural history section. Accommodation: Kichu Resort, Paro LD |
| Day 2 | Paro Region | We have the whole day in the Paro region. We can drive the bus to the summit of the Chele La pass (3900m), looking at plants, trees and birds on the way. There will be lots of golden autumn colours. Given fine weather, there will be excellent views of the Himalayas at the pass. Time permitting, there is a chance of an optional short walk through the forest to a nunnery before returning to Paro. Accommodation: Kichu Resort, Paro BLD |
| Day 3 | Paro Region to Thimphu | We drive from Paro to Thimphu, the small capital “city” of Bhutan. We will be there by mid-morning and can visit the giant seated Buddha, which is on the edge of the forest above the town. After lunch, there are various unique sights to visit in this fascinating city, including the magnificent dzong. Accommodation: Drugyal Twin Tower Hotel BLD |
| Day 4 | Thimphu - Wangdue Phrodrang - Chuzomza | Today we will drive from Thimphu to Wangdue Phrodrang. Along the way, we will stop on top of the Dochu La (3400m) to look out at the 108 chortens. On a clear day, you can see the entire Bhutan Himalayan range from here. Down the other side, we will spend some time in the Royal Botanical Gardens for a great display of native plants and trees. They are also a haven for bird and animal life. We will enjoy lunch at the restaurant before dropping down to the Punakha Valley to visit the famous and magnificent Punakha Dzong. We will then drive a short way up the Dang Chhu Valley to our idyllic accommodation on the banks of the river, an excellent area for birding and animal spotting opportunities. Accommodation: Kichu Resort, Chuzomza BLD |
| Day 5 | Chuzomza to Phobjika | We will drive up towards the Pele La pass (3400m) looking for wildlife on the way. Just before the pass we turn off south into the beautiful Phobjika valley and to the small village of Gangtey. We will have lunch here and check into the newly constructed Kichu Resort Hotel. Accommodation: Kichu Resort, Phobjika BLD |
| Day 6 | Phobjika to Trongsa | Today, we continue driving east over the Pele La (3400m) and down to the small town of Trongsa, which has the largest dzong in Bhutan. On the way, we will have many opportunities to look for birds and plants. If we have time, we will also visit the dzong and museum (or we can do it on our return). Accommodation: Yangkhill / Norbulingka Resort, Trongsa BLD |
| Day 7 | Trongsa to Tingtibi | Today, we start our three-day adventure off the beaten track by driving down a minor road above the actual left bank of the Mangde Chhu River (which lies at the bottom of a deep gorge) and into a sub- tropical region of the country in the Royal Manas National Park. This area is rich in birdlife and is home to the endangered golden langur. We will be driving for about five hours in total. Accommodation: T.Wang Hotel, Tingtibi BLD |
| Day 8 | Tingtibi | We will be walking, birding and looking for wildlife in this biodiversity hotspot at the crossroads of the Royal Manas, Black Mountain and Thrumshing La National Parks. Accommodation: T.Wang Hotel, Tingtibi BLD |
| Day 9 | Tingtibi to Trongsa | We return to Trongsa, where we stayed three days ago, frequently stopping to wander along ahead of the bus to look at the birds and vegetation. Accommodation: Yangkhill / Norbulingka Resort, Trongsa BLD |
| Day 10 | Trongsa to Chuzomza | This morning, we begin our journey back towards the west of Bhutan. During the drive, we will have time to enjoy the wildlife and magnificent views. Our drive also takes us back over the Pele La and to our riverside lodge at Chuzomsa. Accommodation: Kichu Resort, Chuzomsa BLD |
| Day 11 | Chuzomza | Using our lovely resort as a base, we'll drive a short way on the newly constructed (rough) road above the Mo Chhu River to Tashigang in the Jingme Dorji National Park. We will have plenty of time to wander along the road and river, looking at wildlife, trees and plants. This area is also well known for its great birding. In the afternoon, we will return to the Kichu Resort. Accommodation: Kichu Resort, Chuzomza BLD |
| Day 12 | Chuzomza to Paro via Thimpu | In the morning, we drive back up and over the Dochu La and down to Thimpu for lunch and sightseeing before we make the 90-minute drive back to our resort in Paro. This afternoon, options include visiting the reserve of Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin, from where we can take a short walk through the forest above the town (optional). We could also visit the traditional paper-making factory, the school of traditional arts (great for paintings & traditional souvenirs) and many other options. You may also be interested in shopping (e.g. for bird and flower books). Accommodation: Kichu Resort, Paro BLD |
| Day 13 | Paro | Today, we will visit the Tiger’s Nest. It’s only a short drive to the car park below the famous Taktshang monastery (Tiger’s Nest), after which we will walk up through the forest to the viewpoint below the monastery (up to 2 hours). Those feeling fit enough can carry on up to the monastery itself for a short visit. Lunch is at the viewpoint restaurant. We will descend (by bus) by mid-afternoon, and then we will go back to the lovely Kichu resort for our special last night. Accommodation: Kichu Resort, Paro BLD |
| Day 14 | Paro to Bangkok | Free time in Paro today until we are transferred to the airport for our flight home, which departs Paro at 3.40 pm and arrives in Bangkok at 9.05 pm. B |
| NOTE: The itinerary above is a guide. Hopefully, we can keep to it. However, it is important to stress that although the Bhutanese are very well organised, we are travelling in a very little visited country, and things don't always go to plan. Travelling in Bhutan requires a certain amount of adaptability - but they are such friendly people it will always be fun. Our local guide is very adept at improvising if we strike bad roads or weather conditions. |
availability
Places available
Inclusions
- All airport transfers and transportation
- 2 crew members – Coates Wildlife Tours escort and a local English speaking guide
- Return Bhutan Airlines flights from Bangkok to Paro
- Bhutan visa fees, taxes and permits
- Bhutan accommodation with all meals
- Sightseeing with entrance fees
- Tips and Gratuities for our Bus Driver and Local Bhutanese Guide
