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Arrive
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Day 1 Paro to Haa
Arrive in Bhutan today where a guide will meet you at Paro airport and escort on the two-hour drive west to Haa, set in a serene and unspoilt valley that offers a perfect introduction to the country. En-route make a stop at the Chele La Pass to take in the breathtaking Himalayan views, before continuing on to your comfortable base for the next two nights. This evening your guide will recommend one of the best local restaurants for your first taste of Bhutanese cuisine.
Overnight: Soednam Zingkha Heritage Lodge
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Day 2 Acclimatisation & Highlights of Haa
After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, your guide will meet you for a gentle acclimatisation walk that also takes in one of the highlights of Haa, a visit to the White Chapel complex (Lhakhang Karpo). This 7th century monastery features an atmospheric central chapel and is still visited on pilgrimages to this day. You may wish to participate in a traditional pre-expedition blessing offered to those embarking upon the Trans Bhutan Trail while visiting the chapel. The afternoon is free for you to rest or to continue to explore at your own pace while acclimatising to the higher altitude of the region.
Overnight: Soednam Zingkha Heritage Lodge
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Day 3 Hiking the Trans Bhutan Trail to Paro
Meet your guide this morning to set out on the very first section of the Trans Bhutan Trail. The 10-mile route east from Haa to Paro is an ancient one, used by traders for generations, and it traces the beautiful Haa river as it rises out of the valley, passing though yak pastures and into pine forests and fields of rhododendron. You may catch a glimpse of the Bjungneydra Taktsang monastery (the mini-Tiger's Nest) perched on the cliffside as you ascend towards the Kaleyla pass, where you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the Himalayan range to the north.
Fuelled by a scenic picnic lunch, resume your walk through bamboo forest and past traditional Bhutanese farming villages on a gentle descent into the Paro Valley. Reaching Paro you will have an opportunity to visit Kichu Temple, one of Bhutan's most historic religious sites, before settling in to your wonderful accommodation at the Six Senses.
Overnight: Six Senses Paro
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Day 4 The Trans Bhutan Trail to Upper Dopshari
Having enjoyed a replenishing breakfast at the Six Senses you will rejoin the Trans Bhutan Trail, heading northeast across the rice paddies of the Paro Valley and then descending into the traditional village of Dopshari. Here you can take in a cookery demonstration and traditional Bhutanese lunch at a local farmhouse, before trying your hand at Bhutan's national sport, archery.
This afternoon, rejoin the trail for one last time for the ascent to Upper Dopshari to take in panoramic views over the Paro Valley. From Upper Dopshari you will be driven back to Paro in private vehicle, stopping en route to visit Ta Dzong. This watchtower was originally built in the mid-17th century to protect Paro from the Tibetan military and is now the venue for Bhutan's National Museum. You will also be able to visit Paro's Rinpung Dzong ('Fortress on a Heap of Jewels') before being driven back to the Six Senses.
Overnight: Six Senses Paro
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Day 5 Hike to the Tiger's Nest - Afternoon at Leisure
An early start this morning provides rich rewards as you embark upon one of Bhutan's most iconic hikes, to the Tiger's Nest Monastery (Taktsang). The round trip usually takes between four and five hours and offers dramatic scenery as you ascend over 1000 metres through fragrant pine forests and past prayer wheels until you reach the monastery, which is still in use today. Retracing your steps back to Paro you may wish to spend the afternoon enjoying the spa at the Six Senses, after the exertions of the previous days.
Overnight: Six Senses Paro
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Day 6 Paro to Gangtey
Depart Paro today for a scenic drive west to Gangtey and your remarkable lodge set in one of Bhutan's most spiritual valleys. The splendid setting of the lodge, surrounded by the Black Mountains, invites peaceful contemplation of the magnificent views and an opportunity to disconnect in an unmatched way. To assist with the process, enjoy a complimentary hot stone bath and in-room massage once you have settled in this afternoon.
Overnight: Gangtey Lodge
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Day 7 Enjoying Gangtey Lodge & the Phobjikha Valley
Today you may wish to visit the Gangtey Goenpa, a striking monastery complex of five temples surrounding a central tower, and an important seat of Buddhism in the region. The site of the monastery also offers wonderful views of the valley when conditions are clear, as well as the opportunity to glimpse Black-necked cranes if you are visiting at the start of winter. These endangered birds are highly revered in the Himalayas, and you will be able to learn more about their significance at the Black-necked Crane Information Centre. Back at the lodge return to peace and tranquility, and perhaps indulge in another hot stone bath.
Overnight: Gangtey Lodge
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Day 8 Gangtey to Thimphu
Bid farewell to Gangtey and journey east in private vehicle to Thimphu, arriving in the early afternoon. At Thimphu you will be staying in the beautiful Six Senses, surrounded by forest-clad mountains, and the afternoon is free for you to enjoy this blissful setting and its Condé Nast-acclaimed spa.
Overnight: Six Senses Thimphu
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Day 9 Highlights of Thimphu
Today you will discover some of the highlights of the Bhutanese capital with your private guide. Visit the National Memorial Chorten, a towering white Tibetan-style monastery with golden spires, before continuing on to the National Textile Museum and the Folk Heritage Museum. You will then venture to the edge of the city visit Kuensel Phodrang - also known as Buddha Point - which overlooks the southern entrance to the Thimphu valley. At the end of your explorations of Thimphu you will be driven back to the Six Senses for a relaxing evening, perhaps watching the sunset over the valley from your private terrace.
Overnight: Six Senses Thimphu
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Day 10 Thimphu to Paro & travel home
You will be met at your hotel for the drive to Paro airport, in plenty of time for your flight home.
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Depart
