Day 14. Thimphu – Punakha

Overnight – Como Uma Punakha

You are assisted with your check-out from your lodge and driven to Dochula Pass, which lies at 10,105 feet (3,080 m). This scenic pass is home to 108 memorial Chortens (small Stupas), known as the Druk Wangyal Chortens.
There are spectacular Himalayan vistas from this pass on a clear day. The visible peaks include –

Gangkhar Puensum, the highest mountain in Bhutan at 24,836 feet (7570 m). This is widely accepted as the highest unclimbed mountain in the world.
Masagang – 23,602 feet (7,194 m)
Tsendagang – 22,835 feet 7060(6,960 m)
Terrigang – 23,163 feet (7,060 m)
Jejegangphugang – 23,484 feet (7,158 m)
Kangphugang – 23,524 feet (7,170 m)

After this you will continue on your drive to scenic Punakha. Upon your arrival in the Punakha region, you will be driven to your boutique resort that sits above Punakha and has gorgeous valley views. Enjoy a slightly late lunch and then you are free to freshen up and explore the facilities and views of your lodge.

just before you arrive at Punakha, you have the option to enjoy a stop near Chimi Lhakhand and experience a walk across fields and a village to the Chimi Lhakhand Monastery, which is located on a hillock next to a beautiful, gushing river. The small monastery of Chimi Lhakhand is dedicated to the Divine Madman. This stop is not recommended for families with children, or those who may be sensitive to what they will experience here. Please note that phallus paintings and sculptures are found in parts of Bhutan and are a part of the belief system, mainly as protectors that keep away evil spirits. The scenic village you will cross includes exposure to such explicit materials, as does the monastery to a lesser extent. This is one of The Divine Madman’s legacies.

You are assisted with your check-out from your lodge and driven to Dochula Pass, which lies at 10,105 feet (3,080 m). This scenic pass is home to 108 memorial Chortens (small Stupas), known as the Druk Wangyal Chortens.
There are spectacular Himalayan vistas from this pass on a clear day. The visible peaks include –

Gangkhar Puensum, the highest mountain in Bhutan at 24,836 feet (7570 m). This is widely accepted as the highest unclimbed mountain in the world.
Masagang – 23,602 feet (7,194 m)
Tsendagang – 22,835 feet 7060(6,960 m)
Terrigang – 23,163 feet (7,060 m)
Jejegangphugang – 23,484 feet (7,158 m)
Kangphugang – 23,524 feet (7,170 m)

After this you will continue on your drive to scenic Punakha. Upon your arrival in the Punakha region, you will be driven to your boutique resort that sits above Punakha and has gorgeous valley views. Enjoy a slightly late lunch and then you are free to freshen up and explore the facilities and views of your lodge.

just before you arrive at Punakha, you have the option to enjoy a stop near Chimi Lhakhand and experience a walk across fields and a village to the Chimi Lhakhand Monastery, which is located on a hillock next to a beautiful, gushing river. The small monastery of Chimi Lhakhand is dedicated to the Divine Madman. This stop is not recommended for families with children, or those who may be sensitive to what they will experience here. Please note that phallus paintings and sculptures are found in parts of Bhutan and are a part of the belief system, mainly as protectors that keep away evil spirits. The scenic village you will cross includes exposure to such explicit materials, as does the monastery to a lesser extent. This is one of The Divine Madman’s legacies.

Days 1 - 18

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Pace & Activity

All journeys are mild activity & pace levels.