A tour that captures the wide variety and rich culture of Bhutan. The Paro Valley with its surrounding pine clad mountainsides, Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan and the Punakha Valley, a lower lying valley with a semi-tropical climate.
TUESDAY 19 MAY: Arrival from Delhi where your guide and driver will be waiting for you. Flights generally leave around 10.30 and arrive in Paro around 14:00. Drive to Punakha via Dochu La Pass (approx 2 1/2hrs). Afternoon sightseeing in Punakha; visit the Devine Mad Monks Temple (Temple of Fertility) and the remarkable Punakha Dzong, past home to the Bhutanese Royal family. Overnight Punakha.
WEDNESDAY 20 MAY: Today we start our acclimatization activity with a hike to Soela Gompa via Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten. This hike is approximately 15km with a moderate level of difficulty but for some, about 5km of the initial climb will be on the difficult side. The hike can take up to eight hours. Options to return after visiting the Chorten for a shorter hike can be arranged. Overnight Punakha.
THURSDAY 21 MAY: Drive to the Capital City Thimphu (2 1/2hrs). Hike up to Buddha Point and the giant seated Buddha, the Takin Reserve (National animal), Thimphu Dzong, postal museum and craft workshops. Overnight Thimpu.
FRIDAY 22 MAY: After an early breakfast dive back to Paro and hike to Taktshang Monastery (Tigers Nest) 5hrs. On the way back, visit Kichu Lhakhang Monestary. Overnight Paro.
SATURDAY 23 MAY: Free time for shopping in Paro or visit to the archery range. Evening race day briefing. Overnight in Paro.
SUNDAY 24 MAY: FULL & HALF MARATHONS. Early breakfast before the 8am start of both races. Celebration dinner and Cultural show at a local hotel in the eveningl. Overnight Paro.
MONDAY 25 MAY: Early morning return flight to Delhi arrival around 11am.
