Afternoon: Depart on overnight flights from the U.S.

In Transit: En route to Bangkok.

Arrive To: Arrival to Bangkok. Transfer to hotel for your overnight before your early morning departure to Paro, Bhutan.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.

Lodging: Best Western Premier Amarath

Meals Included: Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Very early transfer to airport for flight to Paro, Bhutan.

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Join an staff-led visit to the National Museum, housed in an ancient watch tower, that visually introduces Bhutan?s history and culture. The museum provides a wonderful introduction to Kingdom?s rich culture and heritage. Then take a scenic drive to Thimphu (8,000ft.) along the Paro and Thimphu River. Note: The Museum that used to be housed in the watch tower suffered partial damage from the earthquake in September, 2011 and remains closed while undergoing renovation; it is scheduled to be opened in 2015.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.

Lodging: Namgay Heritage Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Begin the day as many locals do with a morning walk (15 minutes from the hotel) to the National Memorial Stupa, built in 1974 in memory of the late third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. This place is popular among the pious, young and old alike, who make it part of their daily ritual to visit. Continue to the National Institute of Traditional Arts and Crafts, also known as the painting school, where 13 different forms of Bhutanese traditional Arts and Crafts are being taught to young and enthusiastic students. It is the trained students who keep these age-old Bhutanese traditions alive. They are responsible for passing on the valuable ancient knowledge and skills to the next generation of Bhutanese.

Lunch: Lunch in town.

Afternoon: This afternoon's field trip to the National Textile Museum introduces different styles of Bhutanese weaving. The weaving styles of Bhutan are distinctly recognizable, and weaving is considered a national art form. Later in the afternoon, engage in a discussion/presentation on Gross National Happiness (GNH), the country’s guiding development philosophy by the Gross National Happiness Commission. The country’s planning agency is entrusted with a responsibility of mainstreaming GNH. The discussion will touch upon the work of the organization, quantifying GNH and other areas of study.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Lodging: Namgay Heritage Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Take a field trip to the Takin (the national animal of Bhutan) preserve and to the site of the world?s largest sitting Buddha that is nearing completion. Later witness a game of archery, Bhutan?s national game and learn about its significance in the Bhutanese society.

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Explore the country’s biggest weekend farmer’s market where farmers from the neighboring valleys come to sell their produce. Take a field trip to the Tashicho Dzong / fortress, the administrative head quarters of the government of Bhutan. While the northern half of the fortress houses monks, the southern half houses the office of the King, the Prime Minister?s office, the Ministry of Finance, the Home Ministry, and the Office of Gross National Happiness Commission. In the face of increased globalization, there has been a growing need for Bhutan to preserve its culture, including its national language, Dzongkha. The center of these preservations attempts is here at the fortress.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.

Lodging: Namgay Heritage Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: The drive to Phobjikha Valley is over 6 hours with stops along the way.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Depart for Phobjikha valleys. The scenic drive to Phobjikha valley begins with a gradual climb through a forest of pine and cedar. As the drive continues the flora changes, and hanging lichen appears high up near Dochola pass (3,055 m/10,100ft). Stop to take in the breathtaking panoramic views (weather permitting) of the Himalayan mountain range that stretch for hundred of miles. On the drive notice many prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. The views continue to entertain as the bus descends along a series of hairpin bends to the fertile valley of Phobjika Valley (1,350 meters/ 4,430 feet).

Lunch: Lunch en route.

Afternoon: Drive past the majestic fortress of Wangdi Dzong, which was severely damaged by a tragic fire in July 2012. Works are underway to rebuild the Dzong back to its original grandeur. Arrive at Phobjikha, a broad and beautiful valley. This area is home to Black-Necked cranes, a highly endangered species of crane that migrates from the Tibetan plateau in late October then return to Tibet in February/March. The Black-necked Crane is revered as a heavenly bird (lhab-bja). The birds have harmoniously coexisted with the local residents largely due to locals’ strong Buddhist beliefs. The lhab-bja appears in the Bhutanese folk lore, songs, dances and historical references.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Lodging: Thegchen Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: After breakfast, take a 2 – 3 hour nature hike around the valley, through the village. Explore the Crane Observation and Education Center to learn about these amazing birds.

Lunch: Enjoy lunch in the valley.

Afternoon: Discover the valley's most important landmark, the 17th century Gangtey Goemba/monastery and the monastic school located next to the guesthouse, overlooking the expansive Phobjikha valley below. At the monastery, a discussion with the monks provides insight into thier daily lives.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Lodging: Thegchen Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: Drive time on this day will be about 4 to 5 hours. Pariticipants must be in good health as they pass through high elevation.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Today beings with an early morning start to Bumtung, the eastern most part of your trip. The drive takes you to the central valley of Bumthang past Bhutan’s rich flora and fauna. Cross Pele la Pass (3,300 m/ 10,989 ft.), with its alpine environment of rhododendrons and dwarf bamboo, the pass is traditionally considered the boundary between West and East Bhutan. During clear weather you can view the high snow capped peaks, among them Mount Jomolhari (7,314 m/ 24,355 ft). Descend from the pass through the dwarf bamboo where you reach Chendebji Chorten. This Chorten, or Stupa, was built in the 18th century by a Buddhist monk known as Lama Shida, in order to subdue a demon that had been terrorizing the inhabitants of this valley and the Ada valley just over the ridge.

Lunch: Lunch in Trongsa village.

Afternoon: Continue the scenic drive to Bumthang. Along the way, see traditional woolen weaving of Yathra - a style/design specific to this region. Watch local women work on their looms. See the methods used to produce the special designs of the region.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Lodging: Kaila Guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: The hike involves a fairly steep descent on uneven trail.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Field trip to school; meet the students and teachers and experience schooling in Bhutan. Drive to the scenic valley of Ura via Sherthang Pass (11,778 feet) and hike downhill to Ura Village (10,171 feet), one of the highest villages in Bhutan.

Lunch: Lunch at Ura Village.

Afternoon: After lunch, explore Ura village- visit the small monastery and wander through the cobblestone streets of this traditional village. Return to Jakar.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.

Evening: An introduction to the educational system of Bhutan.

Lodging: Kaila Guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Take a field trip to two of the most sacred monasteries in Bhutan, Jambay Lhakhang, built in 7th century and Kurjey Lhakhang, built in 8th century. It is believed that in the 8th century Guru Padmasambhava (Lotus born) had meditated here and subdued the local deity known as Shelging Karpo. Guru Padmasambhava, popularly known as “Guru Rimpoche,” is the famous Buddhist saint that brought Buddhism to Bhutan from India in the 8th century.

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant .

Afternoon: Option to continue hiking around the valley or to take a field trip to Jakar Dzong. Jakar Dzong is used as the administrative center for Bumthang valley, and also houses the regional monk body.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Lodging: Kaila Guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: Drive to Trongsa will be about 3 hours.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Return to the Trongsa area, and begin a day of educational field trips. The first field trip will be to the Trongsa Watchtower Museum. The newly consecrated museum is located in the 300 year old renovated watch tower overlooking the Trongsa Dzong below. The museum provides a glimpse of Bhutan in the last 100 years with two galleries showcasing the history of monarchy in Bhutan with many royal possessions. The ancient monument showcases some of the rare and priceless artifacts of the Kingdom.

Lunch: Lunch at a restaurant in Trongsa.

Afternoon: Walk through the alley of what used to be a medieval village, now Trongsa Dzong, sitting high above the Mangde River. The Dzong is the ancestral home of the royal family, and it is tradition that the crown prince serves as the governor of Trongsa prior to ascending to the throne.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Lodging: Yankhil Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: The drive to Punakha will take about 5 hours with rest stops.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: This morning is a scenic drive to Punakha valley which is located at 1,350 meters/ 4,430 feet.

Lunch: Lunch at a village with views of rice paddies.

Afternoon: This afternoon, take a walk through rice fields in the tiny village of Lobesa to Chimi Lhakhang (temple of the divine madman) located on a small hilltop. This temple is famous for its fertility blessings. It is dedicated to the great 15th century Yogi, Lam Drukpa Kuenley or popularly known as the “Divine madman” in the west. He preached in the way that is unlike the stiffness of clergy and society of the time; he dramatized the teachings using songs and outrageous sexual humor. A popular pilgrimage spot for the Bhutanese, the temple is frequently visited by childless couples and parents who have difficulty raising children.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Lodging: Dragon's Nest Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Take a pleasant 2-3 hour hike through rice fields to the Khamsum Yueley Namgyal stupa. This magnificent stupa was built by Her Majesty the Queen Mother for the well being of the kingdom and for the benefit of all sentient beings. Built over a period of several years, Bhutanese craftsmen including carpenters, painters and sculptors consulted holy scriptures, rather than engineering manuals, to construct this 4-storey temple. From here enjoy the picturesque view of the beautiful Mochu River valley below.

Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch.

Afternoon: Participate in a field trip to the Punakha Dzong/fortress, the winter residence of the Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot of Bhutan. This Dzong is one of the most beautiful Dzongs in the country and a splendid example of Bhutan’s fine architectural and artistic traditions. It is situated between the two rivers Pho Chu and Mochu (Male and Female Rivers respectively). This Dzong/fortress had served as the capital seat of the Kingdom for more than three hundred years until 1955 when Thimpu became the capital.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Lodging: Dragon's Nest Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: Drive to Paro will take about 3 to 4 hours.

Breakfast: Breatkfast at the hotel.

Morning: Begin the beautiful drive to Paro.

Lunch: Lunch at restaurant along the way.

Afternoon: Continue the journey to Paro via Dochola Pass. En-route there will be an excursion at the Paro Dzong/fortress. It was the setting for Bernardo Bertolucci film “Little Buddha” featuring Keanu Reeves. Take a leisurely walk to the Dzong past the traditional wooden cantilevered bridge. Time permitting, explore Paro’s small town center.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Lodging: Khangkhu Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: This is an all day hike involving steep climbs and drops, with an elevation gain of 1, 900 ft. under 3 hours. It is strenuous and one must be physically fit to complete it.

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: After breakfast start on strenuous but a rewarding hike to view the spectacular and famous Taktsang monastery (Tiger?s Nest). The trail to the monastery climbs through a beautiful pine forest, many of the trees are festooned with Spanish moss. Walk past an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. Continue at a leisurely pace and those who choose can stop mid-way at the cafeteria for rest and refreshment.

Lunch: Picnic lunch along the way.

Afternoon: Continue the hike further up until the imposing Taktsang monastery is seemingly within reach. Built in 1600s, this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. It is believed that, in the 8th century, Guru Rimpoche, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, landed here on the back of a flying tigress to subdue a demon. Guru Rimpoche is believed to have meditated here for three months. Over the centuries, numerous Buddhist Masters have meditated here as well. It is considered one of the most sacred places for Buddhists.

Dinner: Farewell dinner at the hotel.

Evening: At leisure

Lodging: Khangkhu Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Transfer to Paro airport for your return flight to Bangkok.

Lunch: Lunch on your own.

Afternoon: Afternoon at leisure to prepare for departure to the US.

Dinner: Dinner in the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Lodging: Best Western Premier Amarath

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Transfer to the airport for return flights to the US.

Meals Included: Breakfast