The Best of Bhutan: Hidden Treasures of a Himalayan Kingdom

Activity note: Hotel check-in from 2:00 p.m. Please note that there is no official programming on this day. A local Road Scholar representative will connect with everyone today and inform participants about travel plans and logistics to Bhutan tomorrow morning. Your group leader will meet you in Bhutan tomorrow.

Afternoon: Arrivals in the afternoon and evening. For all participants who purchased their air arrangements through Road Scholar and arrive today, a Road Scholar representative will meet you at the airport and coordinate the transfer from the airport to the program hotel. During this transfer to the hotel, the representative will advise everyone the schedule for the following day and all the travel logistics for your flight to Bhutan. If you are arriving at an earlier time/date or are a program-only participant, you cannot check into the hotel on this day until 2pm. Rooms might be available before then, but there is no guarantee. Our local partner in Kathmandu will be given your flight arrival information to Nepal and will get in touch with you on this day. Additionally, at check-in at the hotel, a welcome letter should be given to you with helpful information on how to reach our local coordinator if you have questions.

Dinner: At own arrangements. Due to participants arriving throughout the day and evening, dinner is not provided today. The hotel has a selection of restaurants and bars and offers room service.

Evening: At leisure. Settle in and get a good night’s rest for the days ahead.

Activity note: The flight from Kathmandu to Paro is approximately 1½ hours. Flight times are based on seasonal schedules and departure times are subject to change. Visas and flights to and from Bhutan are pre-arranged and the schedule and travel documents will be given out in Nepal. Once in Bhutan, we will take a private motorcoach from Paro to Thimphu, a distance of approximately 43 miles, or around 1½ hours. The elevation over the next 3 days will be about 7,700 feet.

Breakfast: In the hotel café, enjoy the breakfast buffet with water, coffee and tea. The café opens at 6am and is located on the first level overlooking the landscaped gardens and pool.

Morning: A Road Scholar representative will greet everyone in the morning and coordinate our early-morning transfer to the Kathmandu airport for the flight to Paro, Bhutan. We will meet our Group Leader in Bhutan Once arrived in Bhutan, our Group Leader will greet us with a warm welcome and introduce everyone. We will review the up-to-date daily schedule and any changes, discuss responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions. Please be aware that program activities and scheduled times could change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: After lunch we join a staff-led exploration of the National Museum, the recently-renovated ancient watch tower, which visually introduces Bhutan’s history and culture. The museum provides a good introduction to the Kingdom’s rich culture and heritage. We then take a scenic drive to Thimphu along the Paro and Thimphu Rivers.

Dinner: We have a welcome dinner at the hotel with included bottled water, coffee and tea; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

Activity note: The National Memorial Stupa is a 600-meter (0.4 mile - 15 minutes) walk from the hotel. The private bus transfer is 1 mile to the National Institute for Traditional Arts and Culture and a further 1.5 miles to the National Textile Museum. Walking and standing up to 3 hours indoors and out.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: We begin the day as many locals do with a morning walk 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. We 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 taught to young and enthusiastic students. It is the trained students and practitioners 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: At a local restaurant in Thimphu with bottled water, coffee and tea included; additional beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: This afternoon's field trip to the National Textile Museum introduces us to 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, we engage in a discussion/presentation with a representative of the Gross National Happiness Commission on Gross National Happiness, the country’s guiding development philosophy. The country’s planning agency is entrusted with the responsibility of mainstreaming Gross National Happiness. The discussion will touch upon the work of the organization, quantifying Gross National Happiness and other related areas of research.

Dinner: Hotel buffet.

Evening: Evening free. Explore Thimphu at leisure.

Activity note: Private motorcoach to all locations. Takin Preserve requires 10 - 20 minutes gradual uphill hike on partially-paved footpaths, tall steps and uneven ground. At the Sitting Buddha, 10 - 30 minutes walk on even ground, steps around the statue. Archery grounds, 20 - 30 minutes of standing. Farmers Market requires 30 - 45 minutes walking with some stairs. 10-minute walk to the Tashichho Dzong on even ground and steps with up to 1 hour standing.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: We take a field trip to the Takin Preserve. The takin, the national animal of Bhutan, is considered vulnerable to extinction. We continue on to the site of the world’s largest sitting Buddha. This is still under construction but is nearing completion. Later, we may witness an archery match. Archery is Bhutan’s national sport and we learn about its significance in Bhutanese society.

Lunch: At a local restaurant with bottled water, coffee and tea included; additional beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: If operating today, we explore the country’s biggest farmers' market where farmers from the neighboring valleys come to sell their produce. We then 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.

Dinner: Hotel buffet.

Evening: At leisure.

Activity note: The drive to the Phobjikha Valley is 80 miles (5 - 6 hours with stops along the way). We drive over the Dochola Pass at 10,100 feet and arrive in the Phobjika Valley at 9,800 feet.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: This morning we depart for the Phobjikha Valley. Our scenic drive begins with a gradual climb through a forest of pine and cedar. As our drive continues, the flora changes and hanging lichen appears high up near the Dochola Pass (3,055 meters/10,100 feet). We pause to take in the breathtaking panoramic views (weather permitting) of the Himalayan mountain range that stretch for hundreds of miles. On our drive, we may 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 Punakha Valley (1,350 meters/4,430 feet).

Lunch: At a local restaurant in Lobesa, en-route to Phobjikha Valley with bottled water, coffee and tea included; additional beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: We 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. We arrive in 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 and returns 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 folklore, songs, dances and historical references.

Dinner: At the hotel with bottled water, coffee and tea included; additional beverages available to purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

Activity note: Moderate 2.5 mile hike (3 hours) on predominantly flat ground. Expect to hike on uneven trails with a gradual descent during the first 20 minutes.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

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

Lunch: Picnic lunch with bottled water and coffee or tea

Afternoon: We discover the valley's most important landmark, the 17th-century Gangtey Goemba monastery and monastic school. These are located near the lodge, overlooking the expansive Phobjikha Valley below. At the monastery, a discussion with a monk provides insight into their daily lives.

Dinner: Hotel buffet.

Evening: At leisure.

Activity note: Our drive today is approximately 100 miles (about 5 to 6 hours) with stops along the way. We cross over Pele La Pass arriving in the Bumthang Valley at 9,185 feet.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: Today begins with an early-morning departure for Bumthang, the easternmost point of our program. The drive takes us to the central valley of Bumthang, past myriad examples of Bhutan’s rich flora and fauna into one of the most beautiful and sacred valleys in Bhutan. We cross Pele La Pass (3,300 meters/10,989 feet). With its alpine environment of rhododendrons and dwarf bamboo, the Pass is traditionally considered the boundary between west Bhutan and east Bhutan. During clear weather you can view many high, snow-capped peaks, among them Mount Jomolhari (7,314 meters/24,355 feet). We descend from the pass through the dwarf bamboo groves, where we 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: At a restaurant in Trongsa with bottled water, coffee and tea included; additional beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: As we continue towards Bumthang, we view the traditional woolen weaving of Yathra - a style/design specific to this region. As we watch local women work on their looms, we gain an understanding of the methods used to produce the special designs of the region.

Dinner: At the hotel with bottled water, coffee and tea included; additional beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

Activity note: Private motorcoach 5 minute drive to school. 3-hour drive (70 miles) from Bumthang to Ura village and return. Hike to village 2.5 hours downhill on uneven dirt trail, slippery when wet. The hike involves a fairly steep descent on uneven trail. 15 minutes walk through Ura village on uneven ground and climbing over cattle stiles. Walking and standing up to 4 hours.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: We begin with a field trip to a local school. Here we meet the students and teachers and gain an introduction to schooling in Bhutan. Following our school visit, we drive to the scenic valley of Ura via the Sherthang Pass (11,778 feet). At Ura, hike downhill to the village (10,171 feet), one of the highest villages in Bhutan.

Lunch: At Ura village.

Afternoon: After lunch, we explore Ura village. We wander through the cobblestone streets of this traditional village, taking in the sights of local village life. We then return to Bumthang in time for dinner.

Dinner: Hotel buffet.

Evening: After dinner, we have a lecture providing us with more information about the educational system of Bhutan.

Activity note: There are walking opportunities today in both the morning and afternoon. In the morning we walk from Jambay to Kurjey, a walk of 1 mile (½ hour) on fairly flat ground. After lunch, there is an optional hike of approximately 3 miles (2 hours). Apart from a 10-minute uphill section at the start, the hike is generally on flat ground following a dirt road cutting through several villages.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: This morning we have a field trip to two of the most sacred monasteries in Bhutan - Jambay Lhakhang, built in the 7th century and Kurjey Lhakhang, built in the 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 who brought Buddhism to Bhutan from India in the 8th century.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Participants can choose to explore the town of Bumthang on their own or take an optional hike around a part of the valley.

Dinner: Hotel buffet.

Evening: At leisure.

Activity note: Our private motorcoach drive from Bumthang to Trongsa is 50 miles (about 3 hours) with stops along the way. The elevation in Trongsa is 7,215 feet. Walk on uneven steps and stairs inside and outside the museum. Up to 30 - 40 minutes standing in the museum. 10-minute walk to the Trongsa Dzong on uneven ground and steps. Walking and standing up to 2 hours.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: Today we return to the Trongsa area. We visit the Trongsa Watchtower Museum. This 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 artefacts of the Kingdom.

Lunch: At a restaurant in Trongsa, with bottled water, coffee and tea included; additional beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: We 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. Tradition dictates that the crown prince serves as the governor of Trongsa prior to ascending to the throne.

Dinner: At the hotel with bottled water, coffee and tea included; additional beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

Activity note: The drive to Wangdue Phodrang and the Punakha Valley is 80 miles (about 6 hours) with rest stops along the way. The elevation in Punakha Valley is 4,430 feet. The hike to Chimi Lhakhang and return is more than an hour on gentle slopes, uneven steps and dirt trails through rice terraces. Walking and standing up to 2 hours.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: This morning we have a scenic drive to Wangdue Phodrang and the scenic Punakha Valley.

Lunch: At a village with views of rice paddies.

Afternoon: This afternoon we take a walk through rice fields in the tiny village of Lobesa to Chimi Lhakhang (the 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, known as the “Divine Madman”. Lam Drukpa Kuenley preached in a way that ignored the general stiffness of clergy and society of the time. He dramatized his teachings using songs and outrageous sexual humor. Chimi Lhakhang is a popular pilgrimage spot for Bhutanese people. The temple is frequently visited by childless couples and parents who have difficulty raising children.

Dinner: At the hotel with bottled water, coffee and tea included; additional beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

Activity note: Private motorcoach, 1 hour drive to trail head. Up to 2.5 hour hike to Khamsum Yueley Namgyal Stupa and return. About half a mile steep ascent/descent with switchbacks. Hike on uneven ground through rice terraces, slippery when wet. Private motorcoach 15 minutes drive and 10 minutes walk to Punakha Dzong crossing a wooden cantilever bridge. Steep wooden ladder and uneven steps. About 1 hour exploring the dzong. Walking and standing up to 4 hours.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: We 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 wellbeing of the Kingdom and to benefit of all sentient beings. It was built to remove negative forces and promote peace, stability and harmony in a changing world. Built over a period of many years, Bhutanese craftsmen including carpenters, painters and sculptors consulted holy scriptures, rather than engineering manuals, to construct this 4-story temple. From Khamsum Yueley Namgyal, we can enjoy stunning views of the beautiful Mo Chhu river valley below.

Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch.

Afternoon: This afternoon we have a field trip to the Punakha Dzong, the winter residence of the Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot of Bhutan. Punakha 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 Chhu and Mo Chhu (Male River and Female River respectively). Punakha Dzong served as the capital seat of the Kingdom for more than three hundred years until 1955 when Thimphu became the capital.

Dinner: Hotel buffet.

Evening: At leisure.

Activity note: Private motorcoach, 70 miles (3 - 4 hours) drive to Paro with stops along the way. Elevation in Paro is 7,382 feet. Up to 1 hour exploring Paro covering about half a mile on the street. Paved footpaths and roads with open drains and uneven steps. 15-minute drive to hotel. Walking and standing up to 2 hours.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: We depart on the picturesque drive to Paro.

Lunch: At a restaurant along the way.

Afternoon: We continue the journey to Paro via the Dochola Pass. Upon our arrival, we explore Paro’s small town center with our Group Leader. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. Those who wish may choose to visit Paro Dzong, which was the setting for Bernardo Bertolucci film “Little Buddha” featuring Keanu Reeves.

Dinner: At the hotel with bottled water, coffee and tea included; additional beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

Activity note: This is an all-day hike involving steep climbs and drops, with an elevation gain of 1,900 feet under 3 hours. The hike is strenuous and you must be physically fit to complete it. For those unable to complete the full hike, there is an option to hike halfway to a viewing point at a tea house.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: After an early breakfast, we drive to the trail head. Here we commence on a strenuous, but rewarding, hike to view the spectacular and famous Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery. The trail to the Monastery climbs through a beautiful pine forest, where many of the trees are festooned with lichens. We walk past an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. We hike at a leisurely pace and those who choose to can stop mid-way at a tea house for rest and refreshment.

Lunch: Picnic lunch.

Afternoon: We continue our hike further up until the imposing Taktsang Monastery is seemingly within reach. Built in the 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 with bottled water, coffee and tea included; additional beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure

Activity note: There is no programming today. Morning flight from Paro to Kathmandu (1 hour) is pre-booked for all participants on the program. In Kathmandu, participants will be provided a hotel room for the full night, due to late night and possible next day departures (check-out,12:00 noon tomorrow).

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: We transfer to Paro airport for our flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, we transfer to our hotel.

Lunch: On our own. The hotel has several dining options to choose from.

Afternoon: We check in to our rooms and have the afternoon at leisure to prepare for departure to the USA.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: Program concludes. Late evening departure to the airport for your return flight home. For those of you flying out tomorrow, the hotel is booked for the night. Check-out is 12:00 noon tomorrow. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Pleases join our Facebook or Instagram page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Activity note: Hotel check-out 12:00 noon today for those with later departures from the program.

Morning: Hotel check-out 12:00 noon today for those with later departures from program