HONEYMOON IN BHUTAN

Concise itinerary:

• Arrival, transfer to Punakha

  This morning, board your flight to Paro, Bhutan’s only international airport. Upon arrival, and as you exist the arrival hall, you will be met by your guide and transferred to Punakha (an approximate 3-hour drive). Stop en route to visit the Tamchog Lhakhang. From here, the road climbs steeply through a scenic forest of pine and cedar trees to Dochu La. Before reaching Punakha, stop to visit the Chimi Lhakhang. Upon arrival in Punakha, you will check in to &Beyond Punakha River Lodge and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure. Your Spend three nights at &Beyond Punakha River Lodge. accommodation will be in a Tented Suite on a full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner, and in-house beverages) basis.

   

  Included activities:

   

  Tamchog Lhakhang

  Tamchog Lhakhang was originally built by Thangtong Gyalpo, a pioneering engineer who introduced the construction of suspension bridges into Bhutan and Tibet. It is believed that more than 58 bridges were built across the country, however, only two have survived. One of these bridges still stands strong at the base of the Tamchog Lhakhang. Marvel at the iron bridge reconstructed using original chain links.

   

  Dochu La

  Dochu La is an incredible Bhutanese mountain pass peaking at 3 140 m (10 301 ft) above sea level. Boasting exceptional views of the snowcapped eastern Himalaya on clear days, the pass links Thimphu and Punakha. Stop to see the Druk Wangyal Chortens, where 108 memorial stupas and chortens stand in honour of Bhutanese soldiers slain in the insurgency against Bodo militants from India. The Queen Mother, Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, commissioned the shrine in 2003 after King Jigme Singye Wangchuck overcame the insurgents.

   

  Chimi Lhakhang

  Located on a round hillock on the edge of the Punakha Valley, Chimi Lhakhang was built in 1499 by the 14th Drukpa hierarch, Ngawang Choegyel after the site was blessed by ‘the Divine Madman’ the maverick saint, Drukpa Kunley. The temple draws local people to receive blessings from the lama, and it is famously known as the temple of fertility. Bhutanese people from across the country bring their new- borns to be named here. The Lhakhang is about a 30minute walk through fields from the main road.

  • &Beyond Punakha River Lodge

• Village visits, blessing ceremony

  This morning, after breakfast, you will visit the Talo and Nobgang villages, followed by a visit to the Nalanda Buddhist College, a Buddhist monastic school. On the way back, visit the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery. Here you will experience a traditional blessing and butter lamp lighting ceremony. You will return to the lodge for lunch. After lunch, visit the Punakha Dzong followed by a stop at the Punakha suspension bridge. Before heading back to the lodge for the evening, enjoy a visit to the Punakha farmers market (Saturday only).

   

  Included activities:

   

  Talo and Nobgang villages

  The villages of Talo and Nobgang sit at an altitude of 2 800 m (9 186 ft). Nobgang is also the ancestral home of the four Queen Mothers. The farmhouses have their own flower gardens and the slopes surrounding them have vegetables growing in abundance – the communities of these villages are still very much dependent on farming. A visit to these charming villages also offer great views of the valley.

   

  Nalanda Buddhist College

  Originally built in 1754 as a monastery, Nalanda was converted to a Buddhist college (shedra) in 1991. The site was chosen by the founding monk following a dream he had about eight vultures that were circling this site while the monastic body was on the move from Punakha. These eight vultures were believed to be the original scholars from the ancient Nalanda University in India.

   

  Sangchhen Dorji Lhendrup Nunnery

  Perched on a ridge amongst the pine trees gleams the magnificent structure of the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang. This temple houses a 4.2 m (14 ft) bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara, made by local Bhutanese artisans. Other statutes include those of The Buddha, Guru Rinpoche, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, Tsela Namsum, and the 21 Taras. The temple complex also houses a permanent school of higher learning and a meditation centre for nuns where, apart from religious training, provides vocational training such as tailoring, embroidery, statue making and thangka painting.

   

  Blessing ceremony and lighting of butter lamps

  Become immersed in Bhutanese culture, with a tshewang (blessing) ceremony for personal empowerment, wish fulfilment and a healthy life. The prayer will be approximately 30-minutes, during which you can make an offering by lighting butter lamps.

   

  Punakha Dzong

  Constructed in 1637, this was the second dzong in the country. The fortress’ towering white walls form a lovely contrast to the surrounding greens and blues. The very first National Assembly was held here in 1953, as well as the royal wedding between King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema in 2011. It is also the winter residence of the central monastic body and holds a very important relic over which many wars were fought with the Tibetans. All of Bhutan’s kings are crowned here before they can take their throne in Thimphu. Punakha Dzong’s magnificence is especially striking in the spring when the lilac-coloured jacaranda trees are in full bloom.

   

  Punakha suspension bridge

  Stretching across the Pho Chu, the Punakha suspension bridge is 180 m (590 ft) in length, making it one of the longest suspension bridges in the country. It connects the Punakha Dzong to the surrounding villages and offers a great view of the glistening stream below. Saturday farmers market A visit to the farmers market in Punakha is a unique opportunity to mingle with local communities. This bustling gathering plays host to a range of organic food and product vendors. Held only on Saturday, the market rewards travellers the experience to familiarise themselves with the region’s organically or locally grown produce.

  • &Beyond Punakha River Lodge

• Hike, rafting

  Early this morning, you will hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten. After your visit to the chorten, begin your hike to Giligang before returning to the lodge for lunch. After lunch, enjoy an exhilarating whitewater rafting experience on the Pho Chu. This evening, you will enjoy a romantic sunset dinner along the river.

   

  Included activities:

   

  Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten

  This three-storey lhakhang is a recent addition to Bhutan’s string of architecturally splendid buildings. Built by Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon, it houses representations of the tantric form of Buddhist deities that subjugate enemies and ward off harmful influences on the people of Bhutan. Built for the protection of the country and the present king, Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten also offers impressive views of the valley below.

   

  Giligang hike

  After your visit to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, begin your hike to Giligang. While it is a fairly steep 3 – 4-hour trail, there are numerous rest-spots along the way offering awe-inspiring views of the Punakha Valley, rice paddies, Punakha Dzong, mountain ridges and green forests. Giligang Temple is a 300-year-old, privately owned monastery which has now been handed over to the Zhung Dratshang. Aum Kortem, one of the caretakers, has lived at the monastery for more than 50 years. From Giligang, the trail continues gently downhill until you reach Changyul Bridge, near the Punakha Dzong. This is where the trail ends, and you will be picked up and taken back to the lodge.

   

  Whitewater rafting on Pho Chu

  The Pho Chu, which translates to ‘male river’, is fed by glaciers in the Lunana region. A favourite amongst thrill-seeking travellers, its 16 km (9.9 mi) course is loaded with 15 different rapids, ranging from class 2 to 4, making it the perfect spot to embark on a rafting adventure. At the confluence between the Pho and Mo Chu lies the Punakha Dzong, and thereafter the main river is known as Punatsang Chu. This merger is also where your rafting experience ends. On your rafting journey you will witness breathtaking views of alpine scenery, secluded stretches of serene sparkling water.

  &Beyond Punakha River Lodge, tucked deep in the lush green Punakha Valley and draped on the banks of the Mo Chu, is a spectacular lodge. Offering six intimate luxury tents, a one-bedroom suite (the River House) and a two-bedroom suite (the Family Suite), the lodge is enveloped by vast expanses of verdant paddy fields and dense clusters of forested hills. Intricately built, the lodge has been created in the traditional Bhutanese architectural style and is in perfect harmony with the surrounding terrain. The lodge is an adventure playground, making it the ideal base for the intrepid outdoor enthusiast. Choose from an array of activity-based experiences including whitewater rafting, kayaking, and a variety of hikes and longer treks in the breathtaking surroundings. Those looking to be pampered, can indulge in a range of relaxing treatments and wellness therapies, lulled by the sights and sounds of the spa’s beautiful position in the orange orchard near a small perennial stream. Balance your chakras with gentle yoga sessions, or sink into the bliss of a traditional Bhutanese, and not-to-be-missed, hot stone bath. Take yourself into the paddy fields or surrounds for intimate lunches, enjoy a sundowner on the suspension bridge coloured by rows of prayer flags, and dine on traditional cuisine, a delicious fusion of Indian, Tibetan and Chinese influences.

   

  What we love about Punakha:

  Once the capital of Bhutan and the seat of government, Punakha is the site of some of the most important moments in Bhutanese history. Popular amongst travellers, this district of Bhutan is located at an elevation of 1 200 m (3 937 ft) above sea level. It is a rich agricultural area producing local rice, vegetables and fruit from its many orchards. Two of Bhutan’s precious rivers converge here, the Mo and Pho Chu, and at their confluence stands the majestic Punakha Dzong. The riverbanks of Pho Chu are home to the last surviving populations of the critically endangered, white-bellied herons.

  • &Beyond Punakha River Lodge

• Transfer to Paro, astrology reading

  After an early breakfast this morning, you will be transferred to Paro (an approximate 4-hour drive). Stop en route to visit Bhutan’s capital city of Thimphu. Here you will visit the National Memorial Chorten. Afterwards, you will continue north of Thimphu to visit the Pangri Zampa Monastery, the school of traditional Buddhist astrology. The school offers the incredible opportunity to have your astrology read by one of the lamas. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Thimphu before continuing to Paro. Upon arrival at your hotel, COMO Uma Paro, you will check in and enjoy the rest of your afternoon at leisure. In the evening visit a local farmhouse. Afterwards, you will head back to the hotel for a couple’s massage workshop. Spend two nights at COMO Uma Paro. Your accommodation will be in a One Bedroom Villa on Half board (breakfast and dinner) basis.

   

  Included activities:

   

  National Memorial Chorten

  This well-known landmark was built in 1974 in the memory of the third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who is popularly regarded as the Father of Modern Bhutan. This four-storey structure has become the most visible religious landmark in Bhutan. It serves as an important place of worship for Thimphu residents, as well as devotees from other parts of the country. Found within the temple’s scared walls are carvings of mandalas, statues and religious teachings.

   

  Pangri Zampa Monastery

  Founded in the early 16th century along the west bank of the Thimphu River, Pangri Zampa Monastery is said to be one of the oldest in Bhutan. Established as an institute to learn and enhance traditional astrology, it is also tasked with the important role of releasing the lunar based Bhutanese calendar every year and is often entrusted to divine the most auspicious timings of key national events. Like the Bhutanese, you can also receive a prediction about your health, career, and life guidance, when you visit.

   

  Farmhouse experience in Paro

  The beauty of Paro Valley is embellished by clusters of old-fashioned yet colourful, decorative and traditionally built farmhouses. A visit to a local farmhouse offers a glimpse into the everyday life of the farmer.

  • COMO Uma Paro

• Taktsang Monastery trek

  Early this morning, take a short drive to Ramthankha, and start your hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest). On your way back down, hoist colourful prayer flags. Return to the hotel for a day at leisure.

   

  Included activities:

   

  Taktsang Monastery

  Built on a sheer cliff face at a height of 2 950 m (9 678 ft), the four-hour trek to Taktsang Monastery offers spectacular views. The trail climbs through a beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche, founder of Buddhism in Bhutan, flew from eastern Bhutan on a tigress, bringing Buddhist teachings and meditation to the cliff. This is one of the most venerated and sacred of all Buddhist sights around the world.

   

  Combining Bhutanese tradition with contemporary style, COMO Uma Paro is a cherished resort elegantly positioned on the slopes of the Paro Valley. Nine private villas and 20 luxury rooms flawlessly incorporate colourful local craftsmanship into clean-lined modern design, boasting exceptional views of the forest, mountains and valley floor. Built from handcrafted stone, wood and tiles, the rooms feature wooden furniture decorated in vivid floral designs and hand-stitched bed linen. The resort’s award-winning Bukhari restaurant offers fine dining menus that incorporates both local and international dishes. Additional facilities include an indoor pool with an open-air sundeck, a fully equipped gym and a yoga studio.

   

  What we love about Paro:

  Paro is a historic town, situated at 2 250 m (7 382 ft,) with many sacred sites and historical buildings scattered through the area. It is home to many of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries, the National Museum and the country’s only international airport. Mt Jhomolhari (7 326 m / 24 035 ft) reigns in its white glory at the northern end of the valley. Its roaring glacial water plunges through deep gorges to form the Paro Chu. Paro is one of the most fertile valleys in the kingdom producing a bulk of the locally famous red rice from its terraced fields.

  • COMO Uma Paro

• Departure

  After breakfast, you will be met by your guide and transferred to Paro International Airport for your flight onward.

  • COMO Uma Paro