BHUTAN 2016 Discover Bhutan - Land of the Thunder Dragon TravelMakers 1 DAY 1—15 Apr (Fri): SYDNEY/BANGKOK Depart Sydney for Bangkok. Overnight stay in Bangkok, Thailand. DAY 2—16 Apr (Sat): BANGKOK (B) At Leisure in Bangkok. DAY 3—17 Apr (Sun): BANGKOK/PARO/THIMPHU (B,L,D) Depart from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport and arrive Paro International Airport at 1000 hours. On arrival at Paro International Airport in Bhutan you will be greeted by the company guide. The drive from Paro to Thimphu is one hour. After lunch, visit the National Textile Museum where exhibitions introduce the major weaving techniques, styles of local dress and textiles made by women and men. After that visit the beautiful National Memorial Chorten (a large stupa built in memory of the Third King of Bhutan). Following that visit the local markets and spend the rest of the evening at leisure walking through the town to do some shopping. DAY 4—18 Apr (Mon): THIMPHU (B,L,D) Start the day with a visit to one of the largest sitting Buddha statues perched on top of a scenic hill and enjoy a breathtaking view of Thimphu city. Following that take a break to visit the Takin Preserve, which houses the national animal of Bhutan— the Takin. Continue on to visit the interesting Folk Heritage Museum, a restored three-storey, rammed-earth and timber building which replicates a traditional farm-house and is furnished as it would have been about a century ago. Have a traditional lunch at the restaurant in the museum. After lunch, take part in a traditional art activity arranged specially for you. You can spend the rest of the evening at leisure either relaxing in the spa in the hotel or take a stroll through Thimphu town. DAY 5—19 Apr (Tue): THIMPHU/PUNAKHA (B,L,D) Start early for Punakha. After lunch take a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to one of Bhutan’s most prominent Buddhist saint famous for his unorthodox methods of teaching. DAY 6—20 Apr (Wed): PUNAKHA (B,L,D) In the morning visit Punakha Dzong, which is one of the oldest and magnificent of all the fortresses in Bhutan. Followed by a walk across a 100m suspension bridge. In the afternoon partake in a traditional dress wearing activity followed by visit to Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery. DAY 7—21 Apr (Thu): PUNAKHA/PARO (B,L,D) Transfer to Paro. On the way visit the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang temple at Dochula. DAY 8—22 Apr (Fri): PARO/BUMTHANG (B,L,D) Catch the flight from Paro International Airport to Bumthang. After some rest, take a lovely hike that connects three main temples of Bumthang—the 1200 years old Jambay Lhakhang, the Kurje Lhakhang and the Tamshing Lhakhang. The walk is connected by a suspension bridge that runs over the river. (Note: The domestic flight between Paro and Bumthang is subject to change based on the confirmation of the schedule by Druk Air, which is released at the start of 2016.) DAY 9—23 Apr (Sat): BUMTHANG (B,L,D) Start the day with a visit to Membar Tsho (Burning Lake) which is one of the most sacred site for Bhutanese. This site alongside a stream where sacred Buddhist teachings were found in the 15th century. Prepare lunch by taking part in a traditional Central Bhutanese cooking activity. After lunch visit the Bumthang Dzong. ITINERARY FOR A TASTE OF BHUTAN TOUR (APRIL 2016)