Our travels in Bhutan take us across the country and into the rural parts of the central highlands, navigating the various towns and villages that make up this remarkable place. On this trip, you’ll find Dzongs that dot the landscape, temples constructed more than 1500 years ago, and you’ll walk the path of Padmasambhava, the scholar who brought Buddhism from India to the Himalayas.
On this trip, you’ll experience the kinds of things mentioned in stories about the importance of Gross Natioanl Happiness and ways in which the people of Bhutan try to live their lives in accordance with that ideal. While it’s not always easy, you will see a country that is following its own path and deliberately and intentionally trying to do something different.
Our trip will include some hiking and walking, some listening, and travel through the mountains of this place. If nothing else, I hope you’ll find something new to bring back about this magical place.
Itinerary (Brief)
Day 1: AM Flight to LAX, LAX to BKK, arrive evening on March 19th
STAY: Great Residence Hotel, 2 nights
Day 2: Downtown Bangkok, Chao Phraya River, Temples, evening street food in Lat Krabang
Day 3: AM Flight to Bhutan – Arrive Paro early afternoon. National Museum, Paro Dzong drive to Thimphu, evening in Thimphu.
Day 4: Thimphu to Punakha: Chimi Lhakhang, a monastery dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley (the Divine Madman), Punakha Dzong.
Day 5: Punakha to Trongsa: stops along the road (could be a long day), stay in Yangkill. First visit to Trongsa Middle School.
Day 6: Trongsa Dzong, Trongsa National Museum; travel to Bumthang, Jakar
Day 7: Tang Valley; Orgyen Choling House (story of Pema Lingpa)
Day 8: Tang Valley to Punakha: Evening hike to cremation grounds.
Day 9: Punakha to Paro: hike to Tango University. A visit to see the Takin! Evening in Paro.
Day 10: Hike to the Tiger’s Nest
Day 11/12: Return to Bangkok and the US
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