Day 1

Depart London Heathrow on your overnight British Airways flight to Kolkata (Calcutta).

Day 2 Calcutta

On arrival you will be met and transferred to the 5* Taj Bengal Hotel. Rest of day at leisure.

Day 3 Calcutta

Full day sightseeing with guide.

Day 4 Paro

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Paro with Druk Air. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. In the evening visit Paro market and the town. Two nights Hotel Olathang.

Day 5 Paro

Morning visit to Ta Dzong, built in the 17th Century as a watch tower to defend Paro Dzong and the Valley. This fortress was converted into the National Museum in 1976 and is filled with antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons and Bhutan’s renowned postage stamps. Below Ta Dzong is the fascinating Rinpung Dzong meaning Fortress of the Heap of Jewels and which has an interesting history. In the afternoon see Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of Bhutan.

Day 6 Thimpu

In the morning drive to Thimpu. Afternoon sightseeing with guide. Highlights include a visit to the Kings Memorial Stupa, the Tashichhodzong, handicrafts emporium, the National Library, painting school, and the traditional Medicine Institute. Two nights Hotel Phuntsho Pelri.

Day 7 Thimpu

Day at leisure in Thimpu.

Day 8 Tongsa

Drive to Tongsa via Wangdue Phodrang. Sightseeing en route. Overnight Yankhil Resort. At Wandue Phodrang visit the Dzong which is perched on a spur where two rivers meet. The position of the Dzong is remarkable as it completely covers the spur and commands impressive views of the valley. Wandue district is famous for its fine bamboo work, stone carvings and slate. The landscape around Tongsa is spectacular.

Day 9 Bumthang

Drive Tongsa – Bumthang. Sightseeing en route. Overnight River Lodge.

Morning visit to Tongsa Dzong. Built in 1647 by the Shabdrung, it is the most impressive Dzong in Bhutan. Then visit ta Dzong on the hillside above the town, built as a watchtower to guard Tongsa. Proceed to Bumthang, one of the most spectacular valleys in Bhutan and also the holy heartland of Buddhism. The road winds steeply up to Yutong-la Pass (3,400m), then runs through dense coniferous forest to enter a wide, cultivated valley known as Chumey Valley.

Day 10 Trek

Trek Bumthang – Ngang Lhaklang. Camp overnight. 14 kms, 6 hours. The trek route follows the Chamkhar Chu (river), taking you through meadows, forests of blue pine and scrub bamboo. You will pass by many villages and temples on this relaxing, easy day.

Day 11 Trek

Trek Ngang Lhaklang – Ugyenccholing. 19 kms, 7-8 hours.

The trail ascends gradually through juniper forest towards Phephe-la Pass From there the path descends to Tang Valley, finally arriving at Ugyenchholing village Camp overnight.

Day 12 Trek

Trek Ugyenccholing – Bumthang. 11 kms, 4 hours. In the morning, walk up to Ugyenccholing Palace, a beautiful private mansion which also houses a small eco museum, then drive to Bumthang following the Tang Chu until you arrive at the main road. On the way visit the Mebar Tso lake, where Terton Pema Lingpa is said to have discovered religious treasures in the 15th century. This lake is very sacred and on auspicious days many Bhutanese people go there to offer butter lamps. In the afternoon visit the weaving centre. Overnight at River Lodge.

Day 13 Punakha

Drive Bumthang – Punakha. Sightseeing en route. Overnight Hotel Zangtho Pelri. Until 1955 Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan and it is still the winter seat of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot). Visit Punakha Dzong built in the 17 th century at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. Damaged by fires, floods and earthquakes over the centuries, the dzong has recently been restored to its original glory.

Day 14 Paro

Drive Punakha – Paro. Sightseeing en route. Overnight Hotel Olathang.

Day 15 Calcutta

Transfer to airport for flight to Calcutta. On arrival, transfer to Taj Bengal for overnight.

Day 16

Early transfer to the airport in time for your British Airways flight to London.