THUNDER DRAGON ROAD TRIP ODYSSEY Across from Paro to Guwahati, India The tiny kingdom of Bhutan, known as the Land of the Thunder Dragon, is one of the most extraordinary places in the world. The kingdom that prioritizes the philosophy of Gross National Happiness is an intriguing mix of ancient and modern. Our grand road trip covers the pristine Himalayan landscape from Paro to remote Bumthang, further east to the rarely visited villages and overland into India’s tribal Arunachal Pradesh. Your route takes you to ancient fortresses and monasteries, to festivals and archery competitions, and along picture-perfect walking trails to traditional villages. And everywhere, your spirits will be lifted by the sight of fluttering prayer flags, signposts to the most amazing experiences.

Thunder Dragon Road Trip Odyssey | 2 DAY PLACE HIGHLIGHT 01-02 Paro The spectacular Tiger’s Nest Monastery 03-04 Thimphu Magnificent textiles and ancient manuscripts 05-06 Punakha The temple of the divine madman 07-08 Gangtey Watch for Black-necked Cranes in the beautiful alpine valley 09-10 Bumthang Quiet monasteries and ancient 11 Mongar Explore remote and enchanting villages 12 Trashigang From the mountains to the plains 13 Samdrup Jjongkhar Border town 14 Guwahati Departure

www.alaya-travels.com Thunder Dragon Road Trip Odyssey | 3 DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 01-02 The Tiger’s Nest Paro You are welcomed at the airport on arrival - freshen up, then plunge right into this fascinating town. During your stay, visit the Paro Ta Dzong, a mid-17th century circular fortress that protected the area from Tibetan and Indian invasions and the Rinpung Dzong, Fortress of a Mountain of Jewels, one of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture, now the seat of the administration and an institute for monks. Take in the magic of the spectacular Taktsang Monastery, the Tiger’s Nest; walk all the way up or pause at the many viewpoints along the way. Meals: Breakfast www.alaya-travels.com Thunder Dragon Road Trip Odyssey | 4 Day 03-04 Bhutan’s Cultural Heart Thimphu Head off on the short drive to Thimpu, the country’s capital. Offer a prayer at Kuenselphodrang (Buddha Point), then delve into the city in detail. Admire ancient manuscripts in the National Library and vibrant textiles at the Royal Academy. Visit the magnificent medieval fortress-monastery of ; the vast building was constructed entirely by hand and without a single nail. Meditate with the monks at Dechen Phodrung Monastery. Meals: Breakfast www.alaya-travels.com Thunder Dragon Road Trip Odyssey | 5 Day 05-06 High Mountains and magnificent fortresses Punakha Drive the super-scenic Dochu-La pass at 3088 metres stopping frequently to take in the views of the Himalayas with the fluttering prayer flags in the foreground and admire the many stupas lining the route. Visit the magnificent , at the confluence of the Mo and Po (‘female’ and ‘male’) Rivers. This huge fortress is one of the most important (and most beautiful) in the country and holds some of the country’s most sacred relics. Walk through rice fields to temple, the fertility temple constructed by the ‘Divine Madman’, an eccentric yogi and saint who blessed the grounds. Hike to Khamsum Yuley Monastery to see the elaborate built to ward off evil spirits. Meals: Breakfast

www.alaya-travels.com Thunder Dragon Road Trip Odyssey | 6 Day 07-08 Valley hikes and cosmic mandalas Phobjikha Valley Another spectacular drive today passing through the beautiful alpine valley of Phobjikha, the winter home of the endangered Black-necked Cranes. Visit one of the oldest monasteries at Gangtey decorated with large paintings of cosmic mandalas and outstanding woodcarvings and sculptures. This idyllic valley is one of the most beautiful parts of the country. The best way to appreciate this is to hike through villages, farmland, and forest for those breathtaking views of the valley and sightings of the ‘heavenly birds’ (October to March), so important in Bhutanese tradition. Check out an archery competition with teams in traditional dress shooting at small wooden targeys over 100m away! Meals: Breakfast

www.alaya-travels.com Thunder Dragon Road Trip Odyssey | 7 Day 09-10 Remote landscapes of the east Bumthang Drive across the Pele-la Pass at an altitude of 3300 metres travelling a route through awe-inspiring mountains and valleys. Stop at Chendbji Chorten, recalling Kathmandu’s famous stupa with eyes painted at four cardinal points and at Trongsa’s important Dzong fortress. Explore the Bumthang region with its beautiful ancient temples and stupas; the new monastery at Kurje Lhakhang surrounded by 108 stupas; the ancient wall paintings at Tamshing Lhakhang; and the 7th C , built by the king of Tibet. Bumthang is famous for its beautiful woodcarving and a form of weaving distinguished by unusual patterns and bright colours. Enjoy time in the markets and workshops. Meals: Breakfast

www.alaya-travels.com Thunder Dragon Road Trip Odyssey | 8 Day 11 Further East Mongar Drive over the Thrumshing La Pass, through dense forest filled with curious monkeys and into completely different environment as you descend from alpine to subtropical. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon village walks with your guide and get to know this rarely visited part of the country. Meals: Breakfast

www.alaya-travels.com Thunder Dragon Road Trip Odyssey | 9 Day 12 The Auspicious Mountain town Trashigang Continue the road journey to the town known as ‘Auspicious Mountain’, at the foot of a steep wooded valley. There is an impressive dzong here and a large prayer wheel in the centre of the small main square. This is farmland here and a community of weavers maintaining traditional practices. You’re likely to be the only visitors here and warmly received. Meals: Breakfast www.alaya-travels.com Thunder Dragon Road Trip Odyssey | 10 Day 13 End of an epic drive Samdrup Jjongkhar The final leg of your epic road trip takes you out of the mountains and into the plains of Assam. Spend the night at the border town and wish Bhutan goodbye. Meals: Breakfast

Day 14 Departure Guwahati Cross the border into India and conclude your trip at the Guwahati Airport for international departure. www.alaya-travels.com Thunder Dragon Road Trip Odyssey | 11 What’s Included: • All airport and hotel transfers • Accommodation based on double occupancy for 13 nights • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily • Services of your driver/host • Transportation by comfortable air-conditioned private vehicle with unlimited mileage • Complimentary bottled water and snacks in the vehicle • All activities with your private guide as listed: o Paro: Half day tour o Paro: Full day tour o Thimpu: Half day tour o Thimpu: Full day tour o Punakha: Full day tour with walk/trek o Phobijikah Valley: Full day tour to Gangtey and Black-necked Cranes observation o Bumthang: Full day tour of the monasteries o All services from Bumthang to Guwahati • Entrance fees to sites mentioned in the itinerary • 24/7 Support Service • Trip kit with travel documents and itinerary information • All taxes and fees

What’s not included: • International flights • Items of a personal nature, including telephone, laundry, taxis etc. • Video / Photography fees at monuments • Travel insurance • Visa Fees • Domestic flights within the USA • Gratuities • Beverages (other than water) at meals

www.alaya-travels.com Thunder Dragon Road Trip Odyssey | 12 ACCOMMODATION

City Stay Luxury Classic / Boutique Moderate

Thimphu 2 N Druk Le Meridien Taj Mahal

Punakha 2 N Zangto Pelri Dhensa Boutique Trident / Taj convention

Gangtey 2 N Dewachen Gangtey Lodge ( Luxury) Rajputana / Trident

Bumthang 2 N Valley View Valley View Bhainsrogarh Fort

Haa Valley 1 N Risum Resort Risum Resort Ajit Bhawan

Paro 2 N Tashi Namgay Zhiwaling Rawla Narlai

www.alaya-travels.com Thunder Dragon Road Trip Odyssey | 13