Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu and greet the rest of the Bhutan 2014 Team.
Day 02 : Fly Kathmandu, Nepal to Paro, Bhutan via Bhutan’s only national airline, Druk Air. This flight offers beautiful views of high peaks (including Everest, weather permitting). On arrival and after visa formalities we will be received by ITT members. Afternoon/evening free time. Overnight at Hotel Drukchen.
Day 03 : Paro Sightseeing. We’ll jump right in and visit Paro Taktsang, also known as “Tiger’s Nest” after breakfast. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the ruined fortress of Drugyel Dzong. Next, we’ll head to the National Museum of Bhutan, housed in the 17th century Ta-Dzong. A short walk downhill will take us to the Rinpung Dzong which serves as the administrative center and as a school for monks. In the evening we’ll return to Hotel Drukchen.
Day 04 : Drive to Thimphu (1.5 hours). Upon arrival we’ll check into the Hotel River View then head out for some afternoon sightseeing. We’ll visit the Memorial Chorten built in the memory of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the 15th century Changangkha Monastery, and the Motithang Zoo to see Bhutan’s rare national animal, the “Takin”. Next we’ll drive a bit further to take in a view of the Thimphu Valley. We’ll also visit the Drupthob Nunnery Temple and round out the day with free time in the bustling Thimphu Market before returning to the hotel.
Day 05 : In the morning, we’ll visit the Thimphu Painting School, National Library, Royal Goldsmith Workshop and Handicraft Centers. In the afternoon, we’ll drive 3 hours to Wangdue Phodrang crossing the Dochula pass at 3100m/10,170ft. Weather permitting, we will be able to see the eastern Himalayan ranges including the highest mountain in Bhutan, Mt.Gangar Punsum at 7520m/24,672ft. Finally, we’ll descend from the pass to the lower and warmer valleys of Lobesa with a visit to the market area. Overnight at Hotel Pema Karpo.
Day 06 : Day excursion to the Gangtey Gompa valley at an altitude of 2800m/9,186ft. The only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan is located in this beautiful valley. We’ll explore the fascinating glacier valley and return to the Hotel Pema Karpo.
Day 07 : In the morning we’ll take a short 45min drive to Punakha and visit the Punakha Dzong which once served as a capital of Bhutan. This remarkable fortress is built between two rivers and has survived numerous glacial floods and fires. Then we’ll drive a scenic 4-5 hours to Paro, stopping along the way to visit the oldest building in Bhutan, the Simtokha Dzong. It now serves as a Buddhist university. Overnight at the Hotel Drukchen.
Day 08 : We’ll say goodbye to Bhutan and fly back to Kathmandu for one last night and a celebratory Team dinner!
Day 09: Depart Kathmandu for home.