thankful for some certainty (just heard from the firm about the deferred start of the training contract!), i've stuck my long ears out and this is what might materialise come year end!
Itinerary in brief –
· Day 1 - Fly into Paro and take the 1.5 hour drive to Thimphu (the capital city) for an easy day of exploration (e.g. visit to the local market) and cultural activities (such as making of zsa zsas, a traditional Bhutanese offering) as travelers adjust to the altitude, which – at 8,000 meters, is not bad, but for people from Singapore who are used to sea level, some may feel slightly short of breath if they move around too quickly the first day or two; overnight in Thimphu
· Day 2 – Leave early morning for the drive through Dochu La pass to Gangtey, which is a spectacularly beautiful valley in Central West Bhutan where travelers can observe the endangered black neck cranes, who return from Tibet and reside in Gangtey for the winter; overnight in Gangtey
· Day 3 – Enjoy a brief, early morning walk through the forests of Gangtey and leave by mid-morning to Punakha to attend the blessing Puja ceremony for the elder housing project; overnight in Punakha
· Day 4 – Start the day in Punakha Valley by taking a beautiful walk along the MoChu River - pass rice paddies and chili fields - to visit a new Chorten established by the four queens. Visit the Punakha Dzong, the most stunning dzong in Bhutan; alternatively, one can walk through the fields and visit Chimi Lakhang – the fertility temple. One can also simply relax at the Amankora Lodge, which is a converted old farm house and enjoy a cup of tea in the orchard
· Day 5 – Depart for a leisurely five hour drive to Paro, with stops along the way to visit Dochu La Pass and others; the evening will start with a performance of traditional dance and music and will be a black tie affair; overnight in Paro
· Day 6 – Visit the iconic Tiger’s Nest, the stunning temple that is built on a cliff face, or visit Kichyu Lhakhang- the oldest temple in Bhutan and make offerings of butter lamps; overnight in Paro
· Day 7 – Morning departure home via Bangkok and arriving Singapore in the evening
· The trip will be punctuated throughout with lectures on Bhutanese culture and Buddhism, making of zsa zsas and offering of butter lamps, hanging of prayer flags, as well as hikes – mostly gentle - through the countryside, picnics, and finally on the evening before departure, a special blessing ceremony for the travelers held at the Druygel Dzong - an old ruin that is lit up with candles for the night just for the group and a wonderful gala dinner in traditional dress that follows.
Weather – Early December weather is comfortably cool in Bhutan with blue and sunny skies. It’s perfect for walking through the countryside. Most of us are comfortable in a sweater or a light jacket. Night time can be cold but usually we will be cuddling up around cozy fires or tucked in comfortable beds!
Accommodation – Accommodation will be at the Aman lodges.
(is it just me or did that last line give you heart palpitations, too? :) )
