CENTRAL WALKING ADVENTURE 9 DAYS / 8 NIGHTS

Visit us at www.AustinAdventures.com THE ITINERARY

The tiny Kingdom of Bhutan in the Eastern Himalaya, or the 'Thunder Dragon Kingdom', has successfully remained isolated from the outside world for many centuries. As the last Mahayana Buddhist Kingdom, and the teachings of this school of are intrinsic to the daily life of its people. Here the spinning of prayer wheels, the murmur of mantras and the glow of butter lamps in the houses are still important features of the everyday life. The architecture in Bhutan is unique and charming with several old Dzongs (temples) built without a single nail. This cultural adventure introduces visitors to the unique Bhutanese culture including pilgrimage sites, crafts and Buddhist practices. Travel beautiful mountain roads, walk up to temples strategically placed on hills or rivers and search for bird life in the Gangtey Valley. This adventure can be modified to include mountain-biking.

DAY OVERNIGHT HOTEL MEALS HIGHLIGHTS

Meet and arrival transfer to hotel. Explore 1 THIMPHU Tashi Yoedling LD Thimphu

Hike to viewpoint near Thimphu. 2 THIMPHU Tashi Yoedling BLD Continue exploring Thimphu. Weekend market in Thimphu

3 GANGTEY RKPO Green Resort BLD Drive to Gangtey. Visit Gompa

Visit Nature Center for cranes (seasonal). 4 GANGTEY RKPO Green Resort BLD Explore villages

PUNAKHA/ Drive to . Hike to Punakha 5 Zhingkham Resort BLD WANGDUE Dzong

Soednam Zingkha Drive to Haa Valley. Hike to nunnery at 6 HAA BLD Heritage Lodge top of pass

Hike in Haa Valley and visit local temples. 7 PARO Khangkhu Resort BLD Return to Paro

8 PARO Khangkhu Resort BLD Hike to Tigers Nest . Tour Paro

Transfer to airport for international 9 DEPARTURE - B departure

Central Bhutan Walking Adventure | www.AustinAdventures.com ITINERARY IN DETAIL

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN BHUTAN – THIMPHU Driving time: 1.5 hours Your flight is a spectacular introduction to Bhutan as clear weather will reveal magnificent views of the world’s highest peaks and the lush green Paro valley below. After clearing customs and immigration, you will be met by your guide and transferred to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. It is the only capital in the world without traffic lights! Thimphu is a lively place, an interesting combination of tradition and modernity. Home to civil servants, expatriates and the monk body, the city maintains a strong national character in its architectural style. Tour the city with stops at the National Library, the Folk Heritage Museum, the National Painting School, the Textile Museum, and the National Post Office (Bhutan has many intricate stamps). In the evening visit the National Memorial Chorten. Overnight at Tashi Yoedling.

DAY 2: EXPLORE THIMPHU Hiking time: 2 hour / 2 miles Wake up early and head to a spectacular breakfast spot with views of the whole valley. Stop on the way to visit Bhutan’s National animal, the . Continue on to the trailhead to start this gentle hike and enjoy the scenic view of whole of Thimphu city and the surrounding valley. Hike through forests of blue pine, oak, and dogwood to Wangditse Goemba temple at 8,700 feet. This temple was built in the 13th century by Lama . From Wangditse Goemba, descend to Dechenphodrang Monastic School. Built in 1641 as a Dzong, today it serves as an institution of learning for young monks.Return to Thimphu and explore the markets. Option to visit the Chamglmithang Archery Ground to watch Bhutan’s national game. Overnight at Tashi Yoedling.

DAY 3: THIMPHU – GANGTEY Driving time: 5 hours Depart for the drive to Gangtey stopping at (10,006 ft). This pass offers panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges and is dotted with 100 picturesque . Visit the monastery of Gangtey Gompa which dates back to the 17th century. Arrive at the quaint valley of Phobjikha whose gentle sloping hillsides have often been described as "the most beautiful in the ." This is the winter home of the black necked cranes that migrate from arid plains in the north to pass winter in the milder lowland climate. Overnight at RKPO Green Resort.

DAY 4: HIKING IN GANGTEY Hiking time 1.5 hours / 3 miles Today’s hike starts from the small hilltop at Gangtey monastery at 9,515 feet. Head downhill and into open valley through meadows, pine forest, and small bamboo plants provides a spectacular view of the Phobjikha Valley. The hike ends in Khewa Lhakhang. There is an option of still walking further down through the village that ends at Black-Necked Cranes Nature Information Center which will take another 30 minutes. Continue to explore the small villages of the countryside. Overnight at RKPO Green Resort. Central Bhutan Walking Adventure | www.AustinAdventures.com DAY 5: PUNAKHA AND WANGDUE Begin your day by walking to the Khamsung Yuely Namgyel Temple where you are treated to grand views of the Mo Chu River Valley below. Descend from the temple and follow a well-worn path through rice fields and small villages. Hike to the , which was constructed in 1637 and was the second of Bhutan’s iconic dzongs. For many years this was the seat of the Bhutanese government. From this spectacular setting you can look back to see the Khamsung Yuely Namgyel Temple perched on a hillside in the distance. After a picnic lunch on the lawn of the temple it’s just a short walk from the dzong to your waiting vehicle and the return trip to the hotel. Overnight at Zhingkham Resort.

DAY 6: PUNAKHA – HAA VALLEY Travel to the Haa Valley via Chelela Pass. A trail near the pass will take you to Kila Gompa, a nunnery perched on a steep cliff face at 10,000 feet. Amazingly, this site houses 7 small temples and about 70 nuns. Views are magnificent, and it is well worth the hour long hike to get there. Descend back to the road and drive over the prayer flag strewn pass (4,000m) and down into the Haa Valley. You may opt to stay overnight at Haatoe, a farmhouse at Haa at 2955m which is located near a local temple. Overnight at Soednam Zingkha Heritage Lodge.

DAY 7: HAA VALLEY On the Western side of Bhutan lays the Haa Valley, the least populated and smallest district in Bhutan. As this area opened to tourism less than 10 years ago it is significantly less developed compared to Paro, Thimphu and Bumthang. Here you will find dense forests, fields of wheat and barley, and families raising livestock. Visit the Black Temple and White Temple then drive to Yotong village by the Haa Chhu River where you can hike to a 300-year-old Gompa dedicated to the Guru Rimpoche. Wander back along the river before driving back over Chelela Pass to Paro. Overnight at Soednam Zingkha Heritage Lodge

DAY 8: PARO AND TIGERS NEST Drive the winding road to Drukgyal Dzong, the ruined fortress which once defended the valley from Tibetan invasions. Continue to Ramthangkha, from where you will start your hike up to the Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s Nest), which clings to the mountainside 2,600 ft above the valley. At the view point enjoy a dramatic view of the monastery, where legend has it Guru rode in on the back of a tigress in the 8th century. On the way back, visit Kychu Lhakhang, the oldest Buddhist temple in Bhutan, built in the 7th century by the first king of and Paro Rimpung Dzong. Walk from the dzong to a traditional covered wooden bridge that will take you to the west bank of the river. Strolling downstream from the bridge, you can get a spectacular view of the dzong. Overnight Khangkhu Resort.

DAY 9: DEPARTURE Transfer to the airport for your departure flight. END OF SERVICES

Actual routes and activities may vary. Local trip coordinators reserve the right to change services and accommodations to similar quality alternatives. Central Bhutan Walking Adventure | www.AustinAdventures.com **Druk Airfare varies by location and dates. Please contact us for estimated rates. Airfare is estimated and subject to change until purchased. Best flight options are available from , and . Please note: Singapore - Paro flight operates only on Sunday & Thursday and Paro - Singapore flight on Saturday & Wednesday

INCLUDED SERVICES ▪ Standard Accommodation, as noted or similar ▪ Bhutan Visa (Wildland will obtain approval letter in advance) ▪ All meals while in Bhutan ▪ A/C vehicle and driver including airport transfers ▪ Specialist full time guide-escort in Bhutan ▪ Guided tours and excursions including entrance fees ▪ Airport-hotel transfers on scheduled dates ▪ Complimentary water during all transfers, drives and sightseeing

NOT INCLUDED SERVICES ▪ International airfare and flights ▪ Airport taxes ▪ Tips and gratuities ▪ Drinks, alcoholic beverages, water in restaurants, and meals other than listed above ▪ Personal expenses for extra services, optional activities, or changes beyond our control ▪ Travel insurance for trip cancellation, medical services, or evacuation

Central Bhutan Walking Adventure | www.AustinAdventures.com ACCOMMODATIONS

TASHI YOEDLING, THIMPHU Located in the heart of the town and overlooking the fantastic sight of National Memorial Chorten, Tashi Yoedling offers comfortable rooms with a modern design. Tashi Yoedling is a 19-room hotel that captures the best of both worlds: it offers easy access for city exploration but still has amazing views of the Tashicho Dzong and the glorious mountains that adorn Bhutan. Each room is heated and features wi-fi, an in-room safe, and tasteful Bhutanese furnishing. Tashi Yoedling also offers a bar and restaurant with international dining options.

RKPO GREEN RESORT, GANGTEY RKPO Green Resort is located in Gangtey Gonpa. The rooms are decorated in a mix of both modern and traditional Bhutanese decor, all with private see-through big windows with comfortable seating area. Facilities include spa, hot tub, bar, lounge, and restaurant with a menu of Western classics, traditional Asian favorites, and dishes that offer a taste of Bhutan. Rooms include wi-fi, en-suite bathrooms with bath tub.

KHANGKHU RESORT, PARO Perched in the mountains above the , and opposite the Paro Dzong and the National Museum, Khangkhu is strategically located. Here you have amazing views of the Paro valley from your room and dining verandas. Facilities include restaurants, bar, spa and lounge. Each room is equipped with attached bathroom, cable TV, coffee/tea maker and high- speed internet.

SOEDNAM ZINGKHA HERITAGE LODGE, HATEY Soednam Zingkha Heritage Lodge is an immaculately restored traditional farm house nestled in the village of Hatey that combines heritage with modern comfort. Situated on two acres of land, the lodge boasts fifteen guest rooms, a reception area, a fully equipped kitchen, a dining area, and lounge. Hand-painted murals adorn the earthen walls and ancient timber throughout the lodge. Comfortable bedding, heated rooms, and modern bathrooms to create an unforgettable atmosphere of authentic Bhutan. There is a Choesham (altar room), where you can spend time in .

Central Bhutan Walking Adventure | www.AustinAdventures.com ZHINGKHAM RESORT, PUNAKHA Overlooking majestic Punakha Dzong, the river and magnificent surrounding hills, Zhingkham Resort offers 40 comfortable, spacious, and elegantly furnished rooms. Each room offers private balconies featuring beautifully carved wooden railings which are well positioned to take advantage of the striking views of the valley. Rooms are air-conditioned with en-suite bath, wi-fi, TV, and safety boxes. The bar and restaurant provide Bhutanese, Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisine overlooking the lush valley.

OPTIONAL UPGRADES

TAJ TASHI, THIMPHU In keeping with the enchanting surroundings, the Taj is a blend of Bhutan’s Dzong architecture and modern design. Adorned with classical hand-drawn Buddhist murals, its 66 elegant guestrooms afford visitors striking highlights of the region’s art and color. Taj Tashi’s location in the of Thimpu, makes it the ideal base from which to explore the tiny kingdom’s spectacular , centuries-old street festivals, scenic mountain passes and pristine wilderness, all within easy reach. All rooms have wi-fi and sweeping views of the valley and mountains.

UMA, PARO Uma is an intimate, 29 room resort featuring private villas with an enviable location in the Paro Valley. You can easily access the highlights of Paro, from Tiger’s Nest monastery to the museums, monasteries, and markets. Each villa is private with views of the mountains, forests, and valley. Each villa also has its own glade planted with local flora and is largely decorated with items made by local artists. Uma boasts an award-winning spa and world class restaurant serving Bhutanese fusion meals.

Central Bhutan Walking Adventure | www.AustinAdventures.com