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Arrive
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Day 1 Paro to Thimpu, Buddha Dordenma
Arrive in Paro today where you will be met at the airport for the 90-minute drive to Bhutan's capital city of Thimpu. Here you will be staying in a sanctuary of peace and wellness, the Six Senses, which is set on a hillside surrounded by pine forests looking out over Thimpu. After time to freshen up, set out with your guide to visit the city's most iconic landmark, Buddha Dordenma, a towering gilded bronze statue that guards the entrance to the Thimpu Valley. The statue itself is filled with 125,000 miniature statues, and is one of the largest Shakyamuni Buddha representations in the world. Spend as long as you wish enjoying the surroundings before returning to your hotel. This evening you may wish to venture into central Thimpu to try one of its authentic local restaurants.
Overnight: Six Senses Thimphu
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Day 2 The Trans Bhutan Trail from Thimpu to Dochula
After a delicious breakfast at the Six Senses, you will be met by your guide and begin your adventure in earnest. Return to the iconic site of Buddha Dordenma to set foot on your first section of the Trans Bhutan Trail, commencing a route eastwards in the direction of Dochula. Descending via the Debsi Valley, the first of many fortresses you will pass is Simtokha Dzong. This 17th century fort boasts an array of elaborate murals, carvings, tapestries and chapels.
Continuing the trail on a gentle but sustained ascent through orchards and strawberry fields, you will reach an area of forests and meadows which lends itself to a scenic picnic lunch. The path then continues more steeply uphill to arrive at the Dochula Pass, where you will have the opportunity to follow traditional rituals such as the burning of incense and hanging of prayer flags, as well as making an optional visit to Druk Wangyal Lhakhang temple and stupa, and its nearby meditation caves. At the end of the day's walking (a distance of approximately 16 miles), settle into your peaceful hotel for the night, where a hearty local dinner will be served.
Overnight: Dochula Resort (or similar)
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Day 3 The Trans Bhutan Trail from Dochula to Toeb Chandana
An early start this morning is well worth the effort as the Dochula Pass offers some of the most spectacular sunrises in Bhutan. Depart Dochula after breakfast to join a section of the trail known as the 'Divine Madman Trail', following in the footsteps of Drukpa Kunley (whose exploits you will learn about as you travel). Your scenic lunch stop today may be taken by the temple of Thinleygang, before you continue on the final stretch of today's walk (around eight miles in total) towards Toeb Chandana. Upon arrival you will be able to visit the Toeb Chandana temple and learn about the colourful history that surrounds it, before heading to your scenic campsite for the evening. Here you will be able to enjoy a hot shower and a typical Bhutanese hot stone bath, before tucking into a delicious dinner incorporating some of the freshest organic produce of the region.
Overnight: Trans Bhutan Trail Signature Camping
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Day 4 The Trans Bhutan Trail from Toeb Chandana to Punakha
After a night under canvas and breakfast at the camp, you will depart Toeb Chandana following the scenic ascent towards Sew Drangsa. Arriving here you will find a clearing marked with prayer flags - the usual lunch stop for the monks following this ancient route - and this is where you will also stop for a picnic before resuming your final section of the Trans Bhutan Trail. This is a spectacular descent towards Punakha Dzong, taking in magnificent views of the Punakha Valley along the way. Arriving at the dzong - one of the country's most beautiful - you will be able to take a fascinating tour with your guide, learning about its significance in Bhutanese history, as well as its resilience (it has survived fire, floods, Tibetan invasions and a glacial lake burst). Later this afternoon, check in to the fabulous Aman Punakha.
Overnight: Aman Punakha
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Day 5 Free time to enjoy Punakha
Today is at leisure for you to recover from the previous days' walking and to enjoy the attractions of Punakha at your own pace. Bhutan's historic capital sits at the confluence of two of Bhutan's most important rivers and is a good place to embark upon further hiking, try out some white-water rafting or shop for typical handicrafts in the town centre. Back the hotel, enjoy views over the rice paddies from the infinity pool or retreat to the heavenly spa.
Overnight: Aman Punakha
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Day 6 Punakha to Paro
Bidding farewell to Punakha today you will travel to Paro in private vehicle (a journey of around four hours). There will be ample time to explore Paro this afternoon, visiting the point where the Thimphu River meets the Paro River, crossing the ancient iron suspension bridge and visiting the National museum. Then settle in for the night at the COMO Uma Paro, a delightful hotel boasting sweeping views over the Paro Valley, superb cuisine and an excellent spa.
Overnight: COMO Uma Paro
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Day 7 Morning Climb to the Tiger's Nest - Afternoon at Leisure
Complete your Bhutanese adventure with a hike to one of the country's most revered icons, the Tiger's Nest Monastery (Taktsang). Typically taking around four to five hours in total, the walk includes a spectacular ascent some 1000 metres past prayer wheels and pine forests to Taktsang. More than just a monument, a small number of monks still inhabit the monastery and you will have plenty of time to contemplate the site and admire the views before returning to the COMO Uma Paro this afternoon. The spa here is one the best in the country, so spending a couple of hours here could be a soothing pastime for your final afternoon in Bhutan.
Overnight: COMO Uma Paro
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Day 8 To Paro Airport for onward flight
Your driver will meet you at your hotel for your transfer to Paro Airport, in plenty of time for your flight home.
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Depart
