Stray Asia: 10 Day Bhutan Explorer Tour

Stray Asia: 10 Day Bhutan Explorer Tour

Come with us on a 10-day small group adventure tour through the mysterious land of the Thunder Dragon, Bhutan. Starting and finishing in Paro, we'll take you further off the beaten track to the most breathtaking destinations the country has to offer - A mesmerising place in the clouds with lush valleys, tiered rice paddy fields, rich forests and rushing rivers.

Explore the sights, smells and tastes of the capital, see their sacred animal the takin, and visit the craftspeople of the local workshops. Weave up into the mountains of the Himalayas, hike the countryside and visit important, beautiful temples to learn about the culture. Head off the beaten track into Bumthang valley, see the Burning Lake and other important sights. See the rare and fiercely protected black necked crane and have an authentic homestay experience in a local village. Finish by hiking to the famous Tiger's Nest Monastery for amazing views. If Bhutan is on your bucket list, you'll see more and do more with Stray!

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Paro, Transfer to Thimpu

Stop At: Tashichho Dzong (Thimpu Dzong), Chhagchhen Lam, Thimphu Bhutan
Discover local life in Thimphu, see people playing archery, explore the farmer’s market, speak to the local stallholders and taste some of their goods. Visit Tashichho Dzong, a Buddhist monastery and fortress built in traditional Bhutanese style, surrounded by beautiful gardens, now used as the local Government offices and the residence of the King of Bhutan.
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Centrally located hotel

Day 2: Thimpu

Stop At: Buddha Dordenma, Kuensel Phodrang Viewing Point, Thimphu 11001 Bhutan
Visit the National Memorial Chorten, Buddha Dordenma and Changangkha Lhakhang. After this we’ll head further up into the hills above Thimphu to hike the Wangditse trail, a fairly flat track which the young and active King is known to frequent!
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Centrally located hotel

Day 3: Thimpu to Punakha

Stop At: Punakha Dzong, Punakha 13001 Bhutan
It’s a scenic drive towards Punakha, up into the mountains, above the clouds, to Dochula Pass, 3050m above sea level. We’ll take a walk through the rice paddy fields and the small village to Chime Lhakang. Next we’ll visit Bhutan’s most beautiful fortress; Punakha Dzong.
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Mountainside hotel with stunning views across Punakha

Day 4: Punakha

Stop At: Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, Punakha Bhutan
Hike to the Khamsum, Yalley Monastery. After lunch we’ll visit the Nalanda Institute, an important place of learning for Buddhist monks. After that we’ll visit a nunnery in time to hear the evening prayer chants.
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Mountainside hotel with stunning views across Punakha

Day 5: Punakha to Bumthang

Stop At: Kurje Lhakhang, Bumthang Bhutan
Drive through lush rainforest, see little farm houses seemingly in the middle of nowhere. As we drive into Bumthang valley you’ll notice a distinctly different style of architecture almost reminiscent of Austria or Switzerland. 
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Small family owned hotel on the outskirts of town.

Day 6: Bumthang

Stop At: Burning Lake, Bumthang Bhutan
Visit a sacred site known as Burning Lake before continuing towards Ura Valley. Heading back Bumthang we’ll visit Jampay Lhakhang, the oldest temple in Bhutan dating back to the 7th century. With a visit to Tamshing Monastery and Kunchosum temple, you can claim to have experienced three of the most sacred sites in Bumthang
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Small family owned hotel on the outskirts of town.

Day 7: Bumthang to Gangtey Valley

Stop At: The Tower of Trongsa Museum, Trongsa Bhutan
Visit the Trongsa Fortress, the biggest fortress in Bhutan. When we arrive in Gangtey we’ll stop at the monastery, located on a ridge overlooking the valley. Tonight, we’ll stay in a traditional farmhouse with a local family where you can observe local traditions and way of life. 
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Homestay in the local village (Note: There is no hot water or western style showers at the homestay)

Day 8: Gangtey Valley to Paro

Stop At: Paro River, Paro Bhutan
Stop into the Black Necked Crane Centre to learn more about this intriguing bird and the other animals that live in the valley. Standing 1.4 meters high, with an impressive wingspan of over two meters, it’s a rare opportunity to get up close to one of these incredible birds. After this it’s an express trip back to Paro via Thimphu where we’ll have the afternoon to relax and get ready for the Tiger’s Nest hike tomorrow!
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Comfortable resort style hotel.

Day 9: Paro: Hike to the Tiger's Nest Monastery

Stop At: Paro Taktsang, Taktsang Trail BT, Paro Bhutan
Today we’ll make an early start on the hike up to the iconic Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s Nest) one of the most sacred places in Bhutan.
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Comfortable resort style hotel.

Day 10: Depart Paro

Stop At: Kyichu Lhakhang, Lamgong Gewog, Paro 12001 Bhutan
After breakfast we’ll check out and head out to explore some of the sights around Paro. First we’ll visit Kichu Lhakhang, a very old, peaceful monastery, famous for the orange trees in the courtyard that bare fruit all year round. Then we’ll visit the National Museum where you’ll see historical artefacts of Bhutanese civilisation and traditions including a gallery of intriguing masks used in important ceremonies. We’ll finish the tour with a visit to the fortress of Paro which boasts beautiful views over Paro valley, before transferring you to the airport for your departure.
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
No accommodation included on this day.