The Keys to Bhutan

After flying overnight to Delhi, you’ll take an early morning flight to Paro before your transfer to the Bhutanese capital, Thimphu. Historical and cultural attractions here include the beautiful Memorial Chorten, a stupa built in the memory of Bhutan’s third king, which is a thriving hub of religious and social activity. The eight hundred year old temple Changangkha Lhakhang has magnificent views of the Thimphu Valley, while the Motithang Takin Preserve is a great place to spot Bhutan’s national animal, the goat-like takin. An unmissable sight is the newly-completed Buddha Dordenma, a gargantuan gilded statue of the Buddha which stands at 51.5 metres tall and has stunning valley views. In the evening, visit the fortress of Thimphu, Tashichho Dzong, which houses the throne of the king. Your home for the night is the enchanting Taj Tashi, a luxurious traditional Bhutanese palace with a world-class Indian spa and a restaurant specialising in fiery Bhutanese cuisine. The next morning, you can explore more of Thimphu’s cultural sites such as the Folk Heritage Museum and National Library, before the drive to your next stop, Punakha.

The former capital of Bhutan, today Punakha is a pleasant and serene town in a fertile valley with a warmer climate than Thimphu. Your hotel is the intimate luxury lodge COMO Uma Punakha, situated on a bend of the Mo Chu River and surrounded by verdant forest, mountains and paddy fields. A great way to spend your first afternoon is to hike through the paddy fields to Chimi Lakhang, the nearby temple of fertility. The next day, you’ll visit the magnificent monastery-fortress Punakha Dzong, one of the finest examples of traditional Bhutanese architecture. Then, you’ll hike to the ancient village of Rinchengang, overlooking the dramatic ruins of Wangdi Dzong, which has stood untouched since it was ravaged by fire two centuries ago.

Early in the morning you’ll pay a visit to a local nunnery, before embarking on your journey to your next stop, the historic town of Trongsa. Consider breaking up the drive by stopping for a walk at the remote village of Rukubji. Arriving at Trongsa in the evening, your hotel is the elegant Yangkhil Resort, made up of luxurious, traditional Bhutanese buildings surrounded by lush gardens. The next morning, visit Trongsa Dzong, the largest of its kind in Bhutan, and Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower which houses a museum, before beginning the 3 hour drive to Jakar.

In the evening you’ll arrive and settle in to your home in Jakar, River Lodge. This is a friendly and popular hotel with delicious food and a family atmosphere: be sure you try out the homemade organic wild strawberry or plum jam. The next day, it’s time to explore the bustling town of Jakar and the surrounding area. You’ll make an excursion to the medieval village of Ura, visiting the beautiful gorge and rock pools of Burning Lake en route. The Jakar Valley is one of the holiest areas of Bhutan, packed with temples and religious sites. These include Jampay Lakhang, one of the first two Buddhist temples built in the country, and Kurjey Lakhang temple, a venerated site where the royal family are cremated.

The isolated valley of Phobjikha, via a picturesque drive, is your next stop. Home to endangered black necked cranes, this is a haven for nature lovers and hikers. The Phobjikha Nature Trail offers stunning views of the valley and ends at the beautiful, bustling Gangtey Goempa temple. You’ll stay overnight at Gangtey Goenpa Lodge, which is cosy, luxurious and has sweeping views over the valley below.

PARO – 3 nights

Departing Phobijika, you’ll begin the scenic journey to Paro, the final stop on your Bhutan adventure. When you arrive, explore the Paro Dzong, one of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture accessible by a centuries-old wooden bridge, before discovering the atmospheric old town, which is a great place to pick up local handicrafts. You should also use your time in Paro to check out the area around Mt. Jomolhari, the highest and most sacred mountain in Bhutan. The highlight of your stay, though, is a visit to Taktsang Palphug Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest. Perched precariously on a rugged cliffside, the monastery’s stunning location and beautiful artwork and iconography make it well worth the 3 hour hike to get there. If you’ve got the energy, you should round out your stay in Paro with a trip to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples which is said to represent the origins of Buddhism in the country, before heading to the elegant grounds of your hotel, Uma by COMO.