The Hidden Kingdom

- A Secret Retreats journey -
13 Days/12 Nights
from 10,000 USD /person

 

ITINERARY BOOK
 


This journey has been personally designed by Karma Lotey who originates from beautiful Trongsa, nestled in Central Bhutan. His educational journey spans across Bhutan, India, and the United States, offering him a diverse perspective on both local and international dynamics. Leveraging his adeptness in outdoor activities alongside his managerial acumen, Karma curates adventure programs aimed at ensuring visitors experience the utmost satisfaction.

All our itineraries have generally been constructed on the basis of the rooms that have the most charm or best view, and not necessarily the first prices, nor the most expensive suites.
We can of course adjust according to your request.

Highlights of the Journey:

  • Thimphu, the capital and its famous textiles
  • Punakha, fertile valley with a mild climate
  • Phobjikha Valley
  • The Gangtey Monastery
  • Trongsa and Bumthang central districts
  • The Tiger’s Nest Monastery

The Kingdom of Bhutan, a small, land- locked country of only about 750,000 inhabitants, is often called the happiest country in the world. Bhutan’s values provide for a unique intersection of tradition, spirituality, and development, making it like no other place in the world to experience. This journey will make you climb new heights through the captivating landscapes and cultural tapestry of Bhutan. From the exhilarating moment, you soar above the majestic Himalayan giants to the tranquil farewell bid at the journey's end. Immerse yourself in the depths of the culture and traditions of the hidden Kingdom that still remains a mystery to this day to the outside world. Uncover the beauty underneath the clouds and above. Step foot into the holiest of lands, and partake in ancient activities and communities for this is truly an unforgettable experience. An in-depth exploration to the heart of Bhutan.


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Your Journey Day by Day

from 10,000 USD /person for 13 Days/12 Nights

based on 2 people sharing the same room

 

 
Day 1 : Thimphu (-/L/D)
As you fly into Bhutan and experience the Himalayan Giants from the sky, your personal guide and driver will be waiting for you at Paro airport to drive you to Thimphu (1hr). Upon arriving at Thimphu, they will check you in at the hotel so you can leave your bags and be able to visit the Textile Museum and the Memorial Chorten. We will then have lunch and then continue our sightseeing. You will be driven to the viewpoint of Thimphu from where you can get an excellent panoramic view of the city. On your way back check out the small zoo in the pine trees to spot some Takins, the national animal of Bhutan. Your next stop is a trip to the Buddha Point. The Buddha Dordenma is seated amidst the ruins of Kuensel Phodrang, the palace of Sherab Wangchuck, the thirteenth Desi Druk, overlooking the southern approach to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. It is one of the largest Buddha stupas in the world, at a height of 169 feet.
After embarking on remarkable sights, you will return back to the hotel to relax for the rest of the day.
HOTEL: Zhiwaling Ascent (Deluxe Room)
Day 2 : Thimphu (B/L/D)
Wake up, have some breakfast, and be ready to continue exploring Thimphu on the second day including the School for Traditional Arts and Crafts, the Traditional Paper “Desho” making factory, and the Craft Bazar. The capital has several interesting stops and sights to explore depending on time. Some of these are: The Handmade Paper Factory The Textile Academy & Museum The Handicraft Emporium run by the National Women’s Association of Bhutan Folk Heritage Museum, The traditional Thirteen Arts Crafts School, and The Archery grounds. You might be lucky to catch an archery competition, Bhutan’s national sport.
If there is more time, check out the rest of the shops and spaces that the bazaar has to offer. You can also choose to retreat back to your resort to relax.
HOTEL: Zhiwaling Ascent (Deluxe Room)
Day 3 : Thimphu - Phunakha (B/L/D)
Make sure to have some breakfast and check out. Be ready to be driven to Punakha via Dochula Pass which will take roughly 1 hour. The pass is a popular location as it offers a stunning 360-degree panoramic view of the Eastern Himalayan Mountain range. The view is especially scenic on clear, winter days with snowcapped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the tranquility of the 108 Tibetan Buddhist stupas gracing the mountain pass. From Dochula pass, drive onwards for 1 and a half hours, en-route to Punakha, hike, and visit the temple dedicated to the Divine Mad Monk - Drukpa Kuenley. The hike takes about an hour and a half to return to the car road.
Return to the car and be driven to your next stay at Dhensa Boutique Resort, which blends traditional styles with modern tastes in its architecture and interior design to give you the best stay in the middle of pine forests and rice fields.
HOTEL: Dhensa Boutique Resort (Suite)
Day 4 : Phunakha (B/L/D)
The next day begins with breakfast so that you have enough energy for a short hike through the fields of rice, chilies, and cabbage, to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a monument dedicated to the 5th King of Bhutan. The next stop will be the magnificent Punakha Dzong built on the confluence of the Pho and Mo rivers. This fortress is the winter residence of the Central monastic orders and its Chief abbot. We will spare some time for lunch then visit a farmhouse and meet with the farmers and their family so they can share with you livelihood. After sharing stories, head back to your hotel to stretch your toes and relax.
HOTEL: Dhensa Boutique Resort (Suite)
Day 5 : Phunaka - Gangtey (B/L/D)
After breakfast and checking out, you leave with a driver towards the Phobjikha Valley. The journey will take approximately a little over 2 hours depending on the number of stops we make for photos etc. On arrival in the valley, you will see one of the oldest and wealthiest private monasteries in Bhutan, Gangtey Goenpa. Home to the head lama of Gangtey Goenpa is the ninth incarnation of Pema Lingpa, a famous 14th-century blacksmith from Bumthang who is one of Bhutan's most famous Buddhist saints and teachers. This area is also famous for the very rare black-necked crane and many birds that migrate here during the winter months. Take a beautiful nature hike through the valley overlooking the plains created by the glacier that some claim is like the setting of a Shangri-la. The pristine environment of Phobjikha Valley has a Crane Center to view some interesting exhibits put together by the Royal Society for the Protection of Nature and watch a brief film about black-necked cranes. In the afternoon, several hiking options are available. The forests surrounding the valley are full of birds and mammals alike, and the nature hike is a wonderful way to experience this pristine ecosystem. After immersing yourself in the wildlife and nature, check into your hotel for the night at Gantey Lodge.
HOTEL: Gangtey Lodge (Farm Suite Room)
Day 6 : Gangtey (B/L/D)
The next day after breakfast, you will visit one of the oldest farmhouses in the valley where you will be able to explore, experience, and partake in the daily chores of the household. This experience will allow us to immerse in the local community and learn about their culture. You will be able to interact with local family members and experience a typical day with them. In the evening, enjoy an outdoor dining experience with sweeping views of the majestic valley. Nature Trail Hike from the lodge. The trail hike starts from the Mani stone wall to the north of the Gangtey Gonpa and ends in Khewa Lhakhang. This hike takes you through the pine forest and small bamboo plants secured with lichens, offering you a spectacular view of the Phobjikha Valley and the wetlands here with Black Necked cranes flocking over and around in the months of November till the end of February.
You can then continue on further south to visit a nunnery and the village of Kingathang. There are options of walking, bicycling or horseback riding from Tabeding on a farm road flanked on both sides by village farmhouses and mingling with the local people as you come across them. We will also have the opportunity to visit a farmhouse and experience the authentic Bhutanese butter tea and locally brewed alcohol called Ara.
With a day full of chores, hikes, farms, and temples retreat back to the lodge to relax.
HOTEL: Gangtey Lodge (Farm Suite Room)
Day 7 : Gangtey - Trongsa (B/L/D)
Head to the land of Monarchy in Bhutan after breakfast. Drive approximately two and half hours to the district of Trongsa. We will stop at Chendiji Chorten, a Buddhist stupa. Chendiji Chorten was built in the 19th century as a spiritual deterrent after subduing a fierce demoness in the valley. In the afternoon, we will visit the most impressive Dzong in the country the Trongsa Dzong in Central Bhutan which has a rich history dating back to the 16th century. The dzong was built in its present form in the year 1644. We will interact with some senior monks in the Dzong. Stroll the quaint little town and then be taken back to your resort.
HOTEL: Willing Resort (Junior Suite)
Day 8 : Trongsa - Bumthang (B/L/D)
Today after breakfast, we will continue our journey to Bumthang. Upon arrival there, we will enjoy a walking tour of the Bumthang Valley, noted as one of the most beautiful and sacred in Bhutan. This valley has a history hallowed by the frequent visits of Guru Rimpochey – the Patron saint of Bhutan when he was bringing the Buddha's message to Bhutan. He meditated in many local caves which now have temples and shrines associated with them. The valley is wide, filled with fields and villagers are busy with their day's work. We visit the Jambay Lhakhang, a temple, along with Kyichu Lhakhang in the Paro Valley, is one of the two oldest temples in Bhutan. Built over a thousand years ago by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet as a part of his pledge to build 108 temples to the Buddha during his lifetime. We will have special permission to visit this sacred temple, which is one of the five holiest religious sites of Bhutan.
We continue to Kurjey, a 17th-century temple next to which a spectacular new monastery is being built in traditional style. From Kurjey, we begin our walk through the countryside, crossing a bridge over the rushing Chamkhar Chu River and through ripening paddy fields to Tamshing. This temple complex was founded in 1501 by one of Bhutan’s most famous saints, Pema Lingpa, the treasure discoverer. It is a monastery with many young monks in training. We continue past Tamshing and end our walk with a visit to the Swiss Project, an industrious complex that produces cheese, beer, apple juice, and honey. After all the visits and walks head to Village Lodge to kick back and relax with the view of the mountain from your room.
HOTEL: Mountain Resort (Deluxe Room)
Day 9 : Bumthang (B/L/D)
Have your fill of breakfast and then be ready to visit Pema Choling Nunnery and Mebar Tso, the “Burning Lake”. Follow an 11-kilometer unpaved road that branches north up the Tang Valley. Past the trail to Membartsho and the Pema Choeling Nunnery, a large nunnery where about over a hundred nuns complete twelve years of study. The road then climbs high above the river, crossing the bridge at Pangshing and then passing Gemshong, a picturesque village and Monastery perched on a ridge.
Once in the Lhakhang, we will engage in an impressive and emotional drum ceremony by the nuns for the well-being of all sentient beings and world peace. After the ceremony get a chance to exchange with the nuns over lunch before starting to head back to our hotel. Visit the most beautiful temple on the way back, which was manifested as the celestial abode of Guru Rimpochey in the neighborhood called Jakar Lakhang. Once back at the resort, settle in and make sure to have a good night's rest.
HOTEL: Mountain Resort (Deluxe Room)
Day 10 : Bumthang (B/L/D)
The following morning have some breakfast and then drive over to Tang Valley and visit Ogyen Choling Museum. The Ogyen Choling Museum offers insights into Bhutan's cultural and traditional heritage, helps explain the traditional practices and observances of the local community and shares stories of its past glories. Hundreds of priceless relics, art objects, and artifacts have been collected and preserved after having been lost to time and trade. In the nearby village, people were traditionally yak and sheep herders and grew buckwheat. While the tradition of farming has gradually changed into small-scale potato harvesting for exports, the tradition and cultural way of life remain in the people's homes.
After exchanging all day, head back to the resort and take it easy.
HOTEL: Mountain Resort (Deluxe Room)
Day 11 : Bumthang - Paro (B/L/D)
Rise and shine with a bountiful breakfast, check out, and prepare yourself to fly over to Paro. The first stop in Paro will be the impressive Ta Dzong, the ancient watchtower above the Paro Dzong, which now houses the National Museum. A museum filled with costumes from the different regions of Bhutan along with a wonderful collection of painted and appliquéd thangkas. You will have the opportunity to stroll in downtown Paro this afternoon. We will also visit the Oldest 7th Century Kyichu Monastery. After an eventful day, arriving at the resort you will meet with intricate detailed buildings brimming with culture and history. Here you will have the rest of the day to relax and enjoy the resort’s activities such as yoga and Bhutanese, the resort’s very own traditional tea house, and even visit the in-house spiritual temple in the resort.
Please keep in mind these additional activities are included in the itinerary’s price. Spend the rest of your day as you wish in this mystical valley.
HOTEL: Zhiwaling Heritage (Junior Suite)
Day 12 : Paro (B/L/D)
After breakfast, we embark on our hike to Taktsang, The Tiger's Nest. This serene monastery clings to a steep granite cliff about 700 meters above the valley floor. Legend has it that the Guru Padmasambhava flew to this rocky cave in the 8th century to meditate. He flew here on the back of a tigress, hence the name. Being one of the most revered pilgrim sites, many thousands of pilgrims come here every year, some walking for a month to reach here. The surrounding area has many temples, monasteries, and cells where many monks, nuns, and lay people can meditate, for some even for a lifetime. Although we are not allowed inside the monastery, we can hike up to the viewpoint, where a cafeteria is situated. From here you can get the most breathtaking view of Taktsang. It takes about 2 hours to get there and about 2 hours to return.
After accomplishing this feat, you will be dropped off at the resort to relax and enjoy your last night in Bhutan.
HOTEL: Zhiwaling Heritage (Junior Suite)
Day 13 : Paro - Home (B/-/-)
Your Journey in Bhutan comes to an end today. This is your chance to say farewell to your guide and driver as they send you off to the airport after your breakfast.

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End of Our services
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Your Accommodation on this Asia Travel Itinerary


The Hidden Kingdom

13 Days/12 Nights
from 10,000 USD /person

based on 2 people sharing the same room

 



The total price includes:
All Accommodation for 12 nights
Visa to Bhutan and the compulsory Sustainability Development Tax
All transfers by private, spacious, air-conditioned car, with a professional driver.
Domestic flight Bhumtang to Paro
All meals as mentioned (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
All excursions and activities as detailed within the program with an English-speaking Guide
All entry fees for places visited within the program.
Government taxes as currently in force.

The total price does not include:
International flights to and from Bhutan
Extra activities and meals not mentioned in the program
Beverages, personal expenses, and other services not clearly mentioned
Tipping guides and drivers, which are of course not mandatory, but always appreciated, are subject to your discretion.
Travel insurance (recommended)


This Secret Journey was designed in cooperation with Yangphel Travel (license #1000138)

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