Bhutan Family Holiday

Ever since Nepal opened its doors to visitors in the 1950s, its capital, Kathmandu, has conjured up visions of mystery and wanderlust, and this is as true today as it was back then. The heart of the city is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Durbar Square, but equally as beguiling are the historic squares in Patan and Bhaktapur, the other two major settlements in the Kathmandu Valley, the Hindu complex at Pashupatinath, the sublime Buddhist stupa at Boudhanath and the hilltop temple of Swayambhunath. Your time in Kathmandu is at leisure, but based on your interests, we would be very happy to discuss and arrange a sightseeing program for you in and around this enthralling city.

After a thrilling flight from Kathmandu over the Himalaya mountains to Paro, you will be met by your private guide and driver, both of whom will remain with you for the duration of your time in Bhutan, and driven to the country’s capital city of Thimphu. Stop en route to see the colourful suspension bridge near the tiny settlement of Tamchog Lhakhang, and in the afternoon, by way of an introduction to Bhutan’s breathtaking scenery, there is an opportunity to take a gentle 1½ to 2-hour hike in the countryside surrounding Thimphu.

Today, explore the compact capital, Thimphu. Sightseeing is flexible depending on your interests but can include the National Textile Museum, the Jungshi paper-making factory and the National Memorial Chorten. Other places of interest include the Zorig Chusum, the most important institute in the country for preserving traditional arts and crafts, and also the small preserve on the outskirts of the city that is dedicated to the wellbeing of the takin, a goat/cow-like creature that is the national animal of Bhutan. A visit to the General Post Office (Bhutan has a reputation for creating imaginative stamps) is another interesting thing to do, as is learning more about the distinctive and traditional clothing worn by the Bhutanese.
If possible, we recommend timing your visit to Thimphu from Friday to Sunday, as this is when the city’s colourful weekend market takes place.

Today’s journey to Punakha takes you up to the Dochula, a high mountain pass from where you will head off with your guide to undertake a moderate 7km hike of between 3-4 hours that, on a clear day, will present an awe-inspiring 360° view of the Himalayan mountains. After your trek, continue by road to Punakha, stopping at the 15th-century hilltop fertility temple of Chimi Lhakhang along the way.

Please note the Lungchutse loop trek begins at an altitude of 3,150 metres and rises by another 400 metres. We therefore recommend it for children of ten years of age and above.

Begin this morning with a visit to Punakha’s glorious dzong (fortress-monastery), arguably the most striking structure in the country, before continuing the short distance to see one of Bhutan’s longest suspension bridges. If you so wish, there is the opportunity to get the adrenaline pumping by venturing onto its swaying slats. The remainder of the day can either be spent relaxing, or you can continue exploring Punakha with a visit to Nalanda Buddhist College and/or the grand Sangchhen Dorji Lhendrup Lhakhang nunnery.

Punakha’s location in a warm and fertile sub-tropical valley makes it one of the most appealing places in Bhutan to enjoy a spot of hiking and this morning’s 45-minute walk to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten presents impressive views of the Punakha Valley. After a picnic-style lunch on the banks of the Mo Chhu (Female River), you can try your hand at archery, Bhutan’s national sport, before enjoying a spot of gentle rafting which will take you past the Queen’s Winter Palace and the King’s weekend retreat.

Drive back along the same route to Paro, where sightseeing later today will include the National Museum of Bhutan, a former watchtower that now houses a fascinating collection of more than 3,000 pieces of Bhutanese art and, if time permits, Paro Dzong, which was built to defend the then small settlement from invaders from Tibet. There are also several temples worth discovering, including the 15th-century Dungtse Lhakhang, and the Kyichu Lhakhang which dates back to the 7th century and is one of the most sacred and oldest temples in Bhutan.

Departing in the morning, today’s highlight is a visit to Taktsang monastery, more commonly known as Tiger’s Nest. One of the most revered places in Bhutan, the monastery seemingly hangs off the face of the cliff that rises from the valley floor some 900 metres below. The roundtrip hike takes between 4 and 5 hours and there are spectacular views of both the monastery and the encompassing valley along much of the route. Returning to Paro, lunch will be taken at a traditional farmhouse, and the rest of the day will be spent at leisure.

This morning, you will be transferred to Paro airport to catch your return flight to Kathmandu, where, on arrival, you will be met and taken to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

A private transfer will take you from your hotel to Kathmandu International Airport, where you will check in for your onward flight.