Odysseys Unlimited

Day 1: Depart U.S. for Delhi, India

Day 2: Arrive Delhi We reach the Indian capital mid-afternoon and transfer to our airport hotel, where the remainder of the day is at leisure. Dinner tonight is on our own.

Day 3: Delhi/Thimphu, Bhutan An early morn­ing flight reveals breathtaking views of the Himalayas rising from the lush green valleys of Bhutan as we reach the “dragon kingdom.” We land in Paro at Bhutan’s only international airport then travel by coach approximately 1½ hours to Thimphu, the Himalayan country’s capital and largest city. After checking in at our hotel, we enjoy lunch to­gether then embark on a walking tour to Memorial Chort­en, Bhutan’s best-known religious landmark; and to the colorful weekend market. Late afternoon we return to our hotel, where tonight we enjoy a welcome dinner. B,L,D

Day 4: Thimphu Today’s touring features the Nat­ional Library, housing an immense collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts and the world’s largest book; the Painting School, where students keep alive the traditional art of painting sacred religious scrolls; and the Folk Heritage Museum, which celebrates the country’s rural life. After lunch together we visit the Textile Museum, where we see a demonstration of traditional weaving; and Tashichhoe Dzong, the historic fortress and monastery that today houses government offices and temples. Tonight we enjoy a small group highlight as we dine with a Bhutanese family then attend a cultural performance. B,L,D

Day 5: Thimphu/Punakha This morning we visit a local factory where paper is made by hand. Then we embark on the three-hour drive to the former capital of Punakha via the Duchula Pass (alt. 10,000 feet), which affords stunning views of the Himalayas. Here we follow the sacred tradition of raising prayer flags in the name of peace and wisdom. Continuing on, we visit a rice farming village and also stop for tea. Mid-day we reach Punakha, which sits at the con­fluence of the “Mother” river and the “Father” river in a sub-tropical valley. Upon arrival we take an orien­tation walking tour of the low-lying city. B,L,D

Day 6: Punakha This morning’s tour of Punakha features Punakha Dzong, winter home of the central monastic community and one of the country’s most attractive and historic monasteries, set on a spit of land where the rivers meet. Then we embark on a rafting trip before enjoying lunch together by the river. We return to our hotel mid-afternoon; the remainder of the day is free for independent exploration. B,L,D

Day 7: Punakha/Gangtey We start the day with an easy amble through rice fields to visit Chime Lhakhang, a local temple perched on a hill above a traditional village. Built by the “Divine Madman” ca. 1499, the temple is a pilgrimage site for couples struggling with problems of fertility. Then we travel by motorcoach to Gangtey (also known as Phobjikha), a bowl-shaped glacial valley where Black-necked cranes winter from late October to early April. A protected species in Bhutan (life in prison is the penalty for killing a crane), the cranes also have religious significance, as we learn on today’s visit to a crane center. Please note that at this time the valley uses only solar power to provide electricity, which has limited availability, as does hot water. B,L,D

Day 8: Gangtey Today we visit the only monastery in western Bhutan of Buddhism’s Nyingmapa sect, the oldest school of Himalayan Buddhism. Leaving the monastery en route to our hotel, we walk along a nature trail and visit a local farmhouse amidst the stunning valley landscape. B,L,D

Day 9: Gangtey/Paro We leave Gangtey today for the five-hour drive to historic Paro, stopping en route in Thimphu for lunch and some free time to explore the local markets. B,L,D

Day 10: Paro This morning we visit Ta-Dzong, the national museum showcasing Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage dating from at least 2000 BCE to the present day. Built in 1648 as a watchtower, the cylindrical museum houses a fine collection of Bhutanese art and artifacts. We continue our tour at Rinpung Dzong, a historic Buddhist monastery and fortress housing local government and monastic offices; and Kyichu Lhakhang, an important place of pilgrimage and ceremony for Bhutan’s royal family and one of the kingdom’s oldest and most sacred temples. After lunch together, this afternoon we traverse the valley to see the ruins of Drukyel Dzong, a victory fortress dating to the 17th century. Then we have the option to return to town by coach or by bicycle through the scenic valley, stopping along the way for tea at a local farmhouse. B,L,D

Day 11: Paro/Tiger’s Nest Monastery Today we embark on a highlight of any trip to Bhutan: a visit to Taktsang, the sacred Tiger’s Nest monastery and temple complex hanging from a cliff some 2,000 feet above the upper Paro Valley. We set out on our scenic two-hour uphill hike early this morning (a horse is available for transport part of the way). Those not wishing to go all the way up to the complex can get a very good view of Tiger’s Nest at a way-station cafeteria. First built in 1692, the Himalayan Buddhist monastery honors the “Guru with Eight Names” who established Buddhism in Bhutan. The complex of four main temples, eight caves, and residential quarters surrounds the cave where the guru is said to have meditated alone for three months. After this exhilarating experience we return to our hotel, where tonight we celebrate our Bhutan adventure at a farewell dinner. B,L,D

Day 12: Paro/Delhi This morning we fly to Delhi, where we transfer to our hotel day rooms until we depart for the airport and our overnight flight to the U.S. B

Day 13: Arrive U.S. We arrive in the U.S. and connect with our flights home.

Please note: This trip involves considerable walking uphill and on uneven terrain, as well as some lengthy coach rides on unpaved roads. You should be in good physical condition to enjoy the tour to the fullest. While the elevations in Bhutan on this tour are not severe, the relatively high altitude of Thimphu and Paro (both 7,500 feet) and Gangtey (9,000 feet) could pose problems for travelers with certain health conditions. You should consult your physician if you have concerns.