Christmas in Bhutan

Christmas is a spectacular time to travel in the Himalaya! Bright blue skies give way to spectacular views of the snow-capped mountains. Although the weather is cool, it is very comfortable for being out and about. Just in time for the holiday season, Village Tours and Treks has created a tour that offers classic sightseeing, homestays and a festival on Christmas Day. It's a great way to experience Bhutan without breaking your budget. For groups of 3 or more, the tour cost is $1820 per person.

Itinerary
12/21 Paro - Punakha. Upon arrival in Paro you will be met by a representative of Village Tours and will be driven to Punakha across DochuLa Pass (3050m) from where one can have breathtaking views of all major snow-capped peaks on a clear day. Lunch will serve at a farmhouse in Punakha. After lunch, visit Punakha Dzong, one of the most beautiful in the country, and take a drive to the very remote Talo Village where the Queens are from for other sightseeing. Homestay.

12/22 Punakha. After breakfast we take a short drive back to DochuLa Pass to start our hike (about 1h45 up). The trial climbs up through a masses of prayer flags and thick forrests to reach a tiny temple at the top. We will take our time enjoying the temple and the surroundings before heading back down to DochuLa. A late lunch will be served at the DochuLa teahouse. After lunch, we’ll take some time to wander the chortens at DochuLa. Homestay.

12/23 Punakha - Bumthang. Today is a long journey to Bumthang crossing two passes, namely PeleLa (3300m) and YotongLa (3425m). Enroute we will see the magnifi cent stupa of Chendebji, similar to the one at Bodhinath in Nepal. Further from Chendebji we will arrive to Trongsa Valley where you will see the largest Dzong in Bhutan. Trongsa is the ancestral home of the Kings. You will have free time to explore the village and surroundings. Overnight at hotel.

12/24 Bumthang. Early morning drive to Ura Village. From the pass, we will take a 2 hour hike to reach Ura village. Visit farmhouse. Homestay.

12/25 Bumthang - Trongsa. Early morning drive to Trongsa Dzong for the festival. Today we’ll spend the whole day exploring the festival. Overnight at hotel.

12/26 Trongsa - Wangdue. This morning we can go back to the festival if you choose and carry on to Redhi Village after lunch. If you decide you’ve seen enough of the festival, the we’ll drive to Wangdue after breakfast. Lunch will be at served at Kuenphen Restaurant. Drive for 5km to Redhi Village under Wangdue Dzongkhag. Overnight camping.

12/27 Wangdue. After breakfast we’ll hike to Chime Lhakhang. This site has been blessed by the famous “Divine Madman”. The temple is a pilgrimage site for women who are unable to bear children. We’ll then drive to Sha Valley. You will get the chance to met with the local people do some hiking and learn more about the rural life. Homestay.

12/28 Wangdue-Thimphu-Paro. After early breakfast drive to Thimphu where we will stop for lunch. If you would like, we can take some time to explore the city. If not, we will carry on to Paro where we will take an afternoon hike to Kila Goenpa nunnery for superb views of the Haa Valley, Tiger’s Nest and Paro Valley. In the evening you will have free time to explore the town or visit the Dzong. Overnight at hotel.

12/29 Paro. After breakfast we will hike to Tiger’s Nest (about a 1 hour hike up) and spend some time exploring the temple. Lunch will beserved at the teahouse on the hike back down. Afternoon drive up north to see and explore the Drukgyel Village. Today we will arrange a hot stone bath and serve local wine with dinner at a farmhouse. Overnight at hotel.

12/30 Paro. Early breakfast, drive to the airport for your departure.

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