Xpdtion Bhutan

Day 1 | Cross The Border, Climb To Thimphu

Meet at Phuentsholing and complete biometrics, permits and border formalities before driving into the mountains towards Thimphu. Stop along the way for views as the landscape changes from the plains to pine forests and low cloud. Arrive in Thimphu, settle in and meet the crew.

Day 2 | Thimphu, Up Close

Visit Buddha Dordenma, Pangri Zampa, Choki Traditional Art School and the traditional paper factory. After lunch, visit Simply Bhutan, the takin preserve and the craft bazaar. Evening free in Thimphu.

Day 3 | Over Dochula, Down to Punakha

Stop at Simtokha Dzong before climbing to Dochula Pass at 3,100 metres and its 108 chortens. Continue to Punakha, visit Chimi Lhakhang, Punakha Dzong and the suspension bridge, followed by a picnic lunch and rafting on the Mo Chhu.

Day 4 | Into the Crane Valley

Drive to Phobjikha and hike to Gangtey Goenpa. Visit the Black-necked Crane Information Centre before walking through the village and marshland. Stay overnight in a farmhouse, eat with the family and spend the evening around a fire.

Day 5 | The Road to Paro

Drive towards Paro, stopping at the viewpoint above the airport to watch aircraft navigate the mountain approach. Visit Rinpung Dzong and its traditional cantilever bridge. Get fitted into Bhutanese gho and kira and wear the national dress for the evening in town.

Day 6 | Hiking Up Tiger's Nest

Take on the 10 km round-trip hike to Taktsang, climbing approximately 900 metres to the Tiger's Nest monastery at 3,000 metres. After the hike, play khuru with local players before ending the day with a traditional hot stone bath.

Day 7 | Back Down to the Plains

Drive back towards Phuentsholing, with lunch on the road. Time and energy permitting, explore the border town, visit Zangto Pelri Lhakhang and the market before completing exit formalities and crossing back into India.