Bhutan Explorer
March 26 - Apri 4 & September 10 - 19, 2010
Starting from $6,390 ~ Book by December 31, 2009 and receive one additional pre-tour night FREE at Novotel Suvamabhumi Airport Hotel, Bangkok with complimentary massage!

Isolated from the rest of the world until the 1960s, the Kingdom of Bhutan now offers visitors the opportunity to explore the traditional arts, unique architecture, cultural festivals, and religious history of this extraordinary Himalayan nation. Enjoy splendid views of alpine forests, magnificent monasteries, and flat-roofed farm houses in the Paro Valley and hike to the remains of the “Tiger’s Nest,” a Taksang monastery spectacularly perched on a 2,000 foot cliff. Then journey to Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan, enjoying passing views of misty waterfalls, multicolored prayer flags, and the stunning Himalayas. In the modern capital of Thimphu, stroll through the colorful weekly market and browse traditional crafts, including woven textiles and religious objects. Accompanying you on this adventure is Bhutan expert Preston Scott, curator of the Bhutan project for the 2008 Smithsonian Folklife Festival. From the first glimpse of Mt. Everest and the majestic Himalayas, Bhutan’s untouched natural wonders and rich cultural treasures are certain to inspire even the most seasoned travelers.

Days 1-2 — Depart the U.S.
Depart the U.S. for Bangkok, Thailand on individual flights. Upon arrival, check into the Novotel Airport Hotel.

Day 3 — Paro, Bhutan
Fly from Bangkok to Bhutan this morning. On clear days, views from the plane are unforgettable, looking out across many of the major peaks of the Himalayas. The descent into the Paro Valley reveals splendid views of alpine forests, magnificent monasteries, temples, and flat-roofed farm houses. Visit Paro Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most impressive dzongs, or fortresses. This imposing structure still serves as a monastery and houses the district government offices for the Paro Valley. Next, tour the Ta Dzong, Bhutan’s National Museum, which displays ancient religious objects, textiles, costumes, armor, and weapons. Gather this evening for a welcome reception and dinner.

Day 4 — Paro Valley
Spend the day exploring the Paro Valley, taking in some of the most spectacular natural and man-made structures in the valley. Visit Bhutan’s oldest temple, Kyichu, built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gompo. This afternoon, choose between hiking to the remains of the Taksang monastery the “Tiger’s Nest,” or visiting the Drukgyal Dzong. For those who are up for a vigorous hike, follow the trail to the remains of the “Tiger’s Nest,” the Taksang monastery spectacularly situated on a cleft in a 2,000-foot granite wall. It is said that the legendary Indian tantric Buddhist master Padmasambhava flew from Tibet on the back of a tiger to defeat five demons opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan. The hike to the “Tiger’s Nest” will be well worth the effort, as this is the most spectacular setting of any monastery in Bhutan. An option for travelers not interested in this hike is a visit to Drukgyal Dzong and its surrounding village. Built in 1647, the fortress was successfully protected by the Bhutanese during the Tibetan attack of 1648. However, centuries later the dzongs was destroyed by an accidental fire in 1951 and left in ruins.

Days 5-6 — Punakha
The journey from Paro to Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan, offers a panorama of misty waterfalls, multicolored prayer flags, Buddhist memorials, and remote villages. Enjoy the stunning view over the Himalayan panoply at Dochula Pass. While in Punakha, we'll visit the majestic Punakha Dzong, now used as the winter seat of the spiritual head of Bhutan, the Je Khenpo. Enjoy a two-hour hike to visit the Khamsum Yosercholing Monastery. Walk through villages and fertile rice fields to visit Chimi Lhakhang, the “Temple of the Divine Madman,” dedicated to the eccentric but beloved Lama Drupka Kunley. Many Bhutanese visit this temple in search of fertility blessings. The next day, we'll drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan.

Days 7-8 — Thimphu
Stroll through Thimphu’s weekly market where nomadic farmers come to trade and buy fruits, vegetables, and other staples. Bhutanese businessmen, monks, farmers, and other locals pass by to inspect the wares, including spectacular woven textiles and crafts. Visit Memorial Chorten, a large Tibetan-style stupa built in 1974 to honor the memory of Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, the third king of Bhutan, widely regarded as the father of modern Bhutan and the first king to open the country to the outside world. Tour the Institute of Traditional Medicine Services, established in 1988 to preserve traditional healing methods using centuries-old remedies and develop new health products through researching Bhutan’s medicinal plants. Visit the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, the School of Arts and Crafts, commonly known as the Painting School. The school offers courses in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts, including sculpture, painting, leather-working, and textile arts. Explore the Folk Heritage Museum and the National Library, established in 1967 to preserve ancient Tibetan and Dzongkha texts. You will also visit Drupthob Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s few surviving nunneries, the National Textile Museum, and the Motithang Zoo.

Days 9-10 Paro, Bangkok, the U.S.
Drive to Paro and board a flight to Bangkok. Relax at the hotel or explore downtown Bangkok. Depart the next day for the U.S. on individual flights.

Please Note:
Smithsonian Journeys travelers will visit most of the sites included in the day-by-day itinerary, but not necessarily on the days or in the order listed. Travelers on these departures will visit Bhutan during the Paro and Thimphu Tsechus. These spectacular fall festivals will afford opportunities to mingle with Bhutanese people dressed in their traditional finery as they take part in festivals that are important to maintaining their local culture and traditions. The group will need to be flexible in accepting last-minute changes to the itinerary due to site closures during festival times or serendipitous opportunities that present themselves.

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