Our flight from Bangkok, Thailand into Bhutan provides spectacular views of Bhutan’s landscape as we approach the airport in the Paro Valley. The valley is a green bowl surrounded by jagged Himalayan Mountains and forested hillsides, crossed by beautiful rivers, and dotted with medieval fortresses. 

The first thing that we notice as we disembark in Bhutan is the absence of noise and a feeling of peacefulness that is rare in most other Asian cities. The Paro Valley has kept its bucolic nature and is one of the most scenic valleys in Bhutan. The houses are considered to be among the most beautiful in the country, and Paro is believed to be one of the first valleys to have received the imprint of Buddhism.

We are greeted with a warm Bhutanese reception and transferred to Thimphu, home of the royal family. Before becoming Bhutan’s official national capitol in 1961, Thimphu was simply a rural farming valley.Small and secluded, Thimphu is unlike any other world capital. The city is quiet and there are still only a few streets, no traffic lights, and none of the traffic problems common to other Asian capitols. Dinner this evening will be Asian-Bhutanese cuisine at one of the finer restaurants in Thimphu.

Walking – easy, 1-2 hours on local paths.

This morning, after an early breakfast, we say goodbye to Thimphu and transfer to Punakha, our home for the next two nights. The road to Punakha offers great views of the eastern Himalayan mountains, and allows us to anticipate our Himalayan trek to come. 

Along the way, our road descends through magnificent pine and rhododendron forests and wanders through some of Bhutan’s most picturesque countryside. We stop in a small village where a short walk brings us to Chime Lhakang, a temple dedicated to the Lama Drukpa Kunley.Drukpa Kunley is one of Bhutan’s favorite saints, and is more commonly known as the “Divine Madman.” 

He traveled throughout Bhutan and Tibet using songs, humor and outrageous behavior to dramatize his teachings, believing that the stiffness of the clergy and social conventions were keeping people from learning the true Buddhist teachings. This site is still believed to hold fertility powers for women wanting to conceive.

This morning we drive to Paro, where we will visit the National Museum, housed in the round multi-storied Ta Dzong, built in 1775. The Ta Dzong was once the watch tower for the massive Paro Dzong, built in the 17th century by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. 

The museum’s collection includes ancient artifacts, weapons, a collection of antique thangkha (painted or embroidered religious pictures), textiles, and stamps. We walk from the museum to the Paro Dzong, the religious and secular center of Paro, and certainly the most dominant feature in the valley. The dzong was first conceived in the 15th-century, and finally consecrated in 1646.

Next we complete a short walk to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. This dzong was built in 1649 to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over Tibetan invaders,and sits at the point where the trail from Tibet enters the Paro valley.

Bhutan’s dzongs are perhaps the most visibly striking aspect of the kingdom and these huge citadels dominate the landscape of the major towns and act as the administrative headquarters for their respective regions. If we are lucky and the weather is clear, we may have the opportunity to view the sacred Mt. Jhomolhari (23,977 ft), which lies along the border of Tibet and Bhutan.

An early morning departure from Paro brings us to Kathmandu where we begin the second half of our epic journey. Upon landing in Kathmanduwe clear customs and prepare for our flight to Pokhara (3,080 feet), the rural capital of western Nepal. Pokhara is one of the most popular destinations in the country, and for good reason. It is a place to view snow-capped mountains,and the ideal location to start trekking expeditions to the Himalayas.

Our evening is spent in comfort at the Shangri-La Village Resort. The rooms at the Shangri-La are filled with ethnic touches evoking the deep cultural heritage of the area. Surrounding the resort are spacious,landscaped gardens, a swimming pool, and stunning views of the Himalayan Mountains.

Hiking – moderate, 3-4 hours; optional additional village exploration.

After a leisurely breakfast, we leave Sanctuary Lodge following along the river until arriving at a cable bridge about 20 minutes upriver. After crossing the bridge, we ascend partly on well-paved steps and partly on switchbacks, until reaching the welcome sign for our lodge. After settling in, we spend the rest of the day exploring the picturesque nearby villages of Majgaun and Patleket.