Mo Chhu River, Punakha, Bhutan Qutub Minar, Delhi, India
DAY 10 • Phobjikha Valley • Overland to Punakha • Chimi Lhakhang
Today, we’ ll journey to Punakha, which served as Bhutan’ s capital for more than three centuries. After lunch at a local restaurant, we’ ll visit Chimi Lhakhang, known as the“ Fertility Temple.” After a walk through the local village at the foot of Chimi Lhakhang, we’ ll have dinner at our hotel.
Meals: B, L, D | The Four Boutique Hotel or similar
ADVENTURE HIGHLIGHT
On Day 13, you’ ll have an opportunity to climb to Tiger’ s Nest Monastery, the world-renowned shrine perched high above the Paro Valley.
DAY 11 • Punakha • Mo Chhu River rafting excursion • Punakha Dzong
Travelers may join an elective nature hike in the Punakha Valley. Then, we’ ll all enjoy a rafting excursion along the scenic Mo Chhu( Mother) and Pho Chu( Father) rivers. Then, we’ ll have a picnic lunch by the side of the river and visit Punakha Dzong, the most splendid example of the fortress-like monasteries that dot Bhutan’ s landscapes.
Meals: B, L, D | The Four Boutique Hotel or similar
DAY 12 • Punakha • Overland to Paro We’ ll depart Punakha and travel back through the Dochula mountain pass to Paro. Along the way, we’ ll meet Nepali immigrants in the roadside settlement of Hongtsho and stop to see an iron-chain hanging bridge that crosses the Paro River leading to a small hilltop temple. We’ ll arrive in Paro in time for lunch at a local restaurant. Later, we’ ll visit a local farm house, where we’ ll interact with our host family and sit down together dinner.
Meals: B, L, D | Hotel Kaachi Grand or similar
DAY 13 • Paro • Explore Tiger’ s Nest Monastery Today, we’ ll journey to Tiger’ s Nest Monastery. Perched on the face of a sheer cliff some 3,000 feet above the Paro Valley, Tiger’ s Nest( also known as Taktsang) is considered the holiest site in Bhutan. Travelers who choose to participate in this elective hike should be advised that it is a very steep climb of more than two hours to reach the UNESCO World Heritage Site, but the breathtaking views will be worth our efforts. Later, we’ ll stop at a local farm for a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath. Dinner is at our hotel this evening.
Meals: B, L, D | Hotel Kaachi Grand or similar
DAY 14 • Paro • Kyichu Lhakhang Temple This morning, we’ ll visit Kyichu Lhakhang, an ancient shrine said to have been built by a Tibetan King in the seventh century to subdue a demon attempting to prevent the spread of Buddhism. Then, we’ ll stop by the farmer’ s market followed by lunch at a local restaurant. Later, we’ ll enjoy our Farewell Dinner.
Meals: B, L, D | Hotel Kaachi Grand or similar
DAY 15 • Fly to Delhi After a morning flight to Delhi, India, you’ ll have the afternoon free.
Meals: B | Lhaki Hotel or similar
DAY 16 • Return to U. S. Transfer to the airport for your return home, or continue your discoveries with our optional Kathmandu & Chitwan: Traditions and Tropical Jungles post-trip extension.
Meals: B
Want to know more? Find the full itinerary and dates & pricing at www. oattravel. com / sik
106 Bhutan: Hidden Kingdom of the Himalayas