Bhutan and Myanmar Journey - 16 Days

Once you arrive at the airport, you will be greeted by our representative of Himalayan Trekkers, who will assist you with transportation and luggage. You will be escorted to the hotel for lunch.

After lunch, the journey begins at the Dzongdrakha Monastery, which is a cluster of cave temples representing like the structure is hanging on the cliffs. It is also known as the second Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery due to its location. 

It is a 1-hour hike through the scenic villages and apple orchards. Finally, there is a steep short climb before reaching the temples.

You will return to the hotel before the evening. 

After breakfast, you will be escorted to a drive of 80 km north to the Chele La pass.

En route, you will have lunch, followed by a visit to Drukgyel Dzong. On returning, you will visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples of Bhutan, built-in the 7th century. The overnight stay is at the hotel in Paro.

Today, following the breakfast, you will resume the journey with a visit to Ta-Dzong, an ancient watchtower, which is now converted into a museum. Then, you will also pay a visit to the Rimpung Dzong, the administrative and religious center of Paro district.

After a small halt for lunch at the local restaurant, there is a short drive to Thimpu, the capital. The journey to Thimpu is filled with chilly winds, driving along the river gorges, apple orchards and rice fields.

On arrival, check in at the Hotel. The evening is mostly spent with your leisure time, usually strolling in the town, where you can visit many handicraft shops and local traditional shops.

After breakfast, you will be driven north of the Thimpu valley to Dodina, which is the dead-end of the road. From there, you will have to cross the wooden cantilever bridge and begin hiking for about an hour to Changri Monastery.

Climbing down the way, you can have your lunch. Then take a drive to the other side of the valley, making a walk to another monastery in the region known as Tango. By the evenig, you will return to hotel. 

Today, you begin your journey with a visit to a memorial chorten, which was built in the memory of the third king of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Then, visit Changangkhang Lhakhang, situated on the top of the peak overlooking the valley.

After visiting the temple, you will take a drive to Sangaygang viewpoint to capture some picturesque moments. En route, there will be a visit to the mini zoo, the house of the national animal of Bhutan, ‘Golden Takin’.

Soon after lunch, you will visit the national library, Folk Heritage Museum, National Institute for Zorig Chusum, traditional Bhutanese textile industry, and Philatelic Bureau. 

In the late afternoon, you will make a 3-hour mountain drive to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan. 

Today, you will take a drive to Punakha Dzong. It is one of the most impressive Dzong of Bhutan, located in between the two most famous rivers: Po Chu and Mo Chu.

Then the journey continues with a drive to the northern valley, followed by a hike to reach Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten temple. Once your visit is complete, you will be escorted back to the hotel.

After lunch, there is a visit to Chimi Lhakhang also knon as fertility temple. The temple is located on the hillside above Yoakha village. 

On this day, you will drive back to Thimpu, the same way you arrived at, crossing Dochu La pass.

While reaching Thimpu, you can visit the weekend market to witness locals doing their daily chores. After having lunch in Thimpu, again a 2-hour drive to Paro.

As the journey to Bhutan comes to an end, you will be escorted to the airport, after having a healthy breakfast. The flight is concluding flight back to Calcutta, where you begin your journey to Myanmar.

On arriving at the airport in Yangon, our airport representative will escort you to the hotel.

The journey will begin with the sightseeing of Shwedagon Pagoda, one of the oldest religious monuments of Myanmar. Followed with a visit to another 2000 year old Pagoda, Sule Pagoda. You will also visit to the old colonial style building in the city center and lastly Botahthaung Pagoda, located near the Yangon River.

There will be a break for the dinner at Karaweik, the Royal Barge, where you will be entertained with the cultural shows. The overnight stay is at the hotel.

The journey begins with breakfast and moving ahead to Yangon airport to depart for Bagan. Arriving in Bagan, you will be transferred to the hotel.

The journey at Bagan begins with a sightseeing tour of Shwezigon Pagoda, remarkably noted as the first Buddhist building.

Then follows a visit to Ananda Temple, a remarkable representation of 4 Buddha images in standing position. Followed by a visit to Thatbyinnyu Temple- the highest white building in Bagan, Htilominlo Temple, Dhamanyangyi Temple, Manuha Tempe, and Myinkabar Gubyaukgyi Temple-known for its wall paintings.

The last sightseeing spot for today is Shwesandaw Pagoda overlooking the beautiful Ayeyarwaddy River. The night stay is at the hotel in Bagan.

Today, after having breakfast at the hotel, you will be escorted for a trip to Mount Popa. It is an extinct volcano situated at the height of 1500 meters.

Mount Popa is a marvelous example of the lush green environment amidst a barren land. You will then have to climb 730 meters of high conic flattop through 777 steps. The temple at the top is home to Myanmar’s famous legend of 37 Nats (spirits). The place is home to the spirits, which people of Myanmar both rightly feared and revered.

Taking the ride back to Bagan to stay a night at the hotel.

Soon after breakfast, you will be transferred to the Nuang U Airport to catch a flight to Mandalay.

Upon arriving the Mandalay airport, you will be escorted to Amarapura, the ancient capital at a distance of 11km south to Mandalay. You will be taken to the U Bein Bridge- a 1.2 km long wooden bridge, built 200 years ago.

Today's sightseeing includes Taungthaman Lake and Mahagandayon Monastery, Mahamuni pagoda, Mandalay Palace, Shwenandaw Monastery, Atumashi Monastery,and Kuthowdaw Pagoda.  Afterward, you will have the chance to enjoy the beautiful sunset at the Mandalay Hill.

Overnight. 

Today, you will be taken on a boat ride to Mingun- home to the second largest ringing bell in the world. Following up with a visit to Pahtodawghyi Pagoda, Mya Theindan Pagoda and then proceeding to Sagaing Hill, full of monasteries and pagodas. Last visit it to Kaung Hmu Daw, a dome-shaped pagoda, which is the exact replica of Mahazedi Pagoda in Sri Lanka.

Overnight. 

Coming to Myanmar and not visiting Inle Lake is nothing less than a sin. On this day, you will take a domestic flight to Heho.

On reaching Heho, you will be escorted to Pindaya- a natural limestone cave known for the housing of more than 8000 Buddha Images. Then you will be escorted to Nyuang Shwe to finally reach a hotel at Inle Lake.

After having a breakfast, you will be taken on a boat ride to the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, Ngaphechaung Monastery and then the floating gardens. After the completion of the tour, you will be transferred to the Heho airport for final departure to Yangon.

Arriving in Yangon, you will have a chance to visit the local China town for some shopping.

Overnight at the hotel in Yangon. 

On the last day of the journey, you will be taken to some of the last sightseeing such as Bogyoke Market- a market of gems, arts and crafts, Chaukhtatgyi- a large Buddha statue, and Kabaraye Pagoda. Once completed, the journey will finally end with a transfer to Yangon airport for departure.