Enigmatic and shrouded in myth, Bhutan is filled with tangible examples of its extraordinary culture, from the striking architecture of its mountain forts and monasteries to the images of Buddhist religious figures painted or carved onto the craggy cliffs. Frayed prayer flags flutter in spectacular mountain passes and prayer wheels turn slowly with the current of clear mountain streams. Grand examples of traditional design and architecture, Bhutan’s famous monasteries and temples cling to sheer cliff tops or majestically stand guard in its picturesque towns.
Blessed with an extraordinary range of natural habitats, from subtropical valleys to alpine peaks, Bhutan is also home to some exceptional wildlife, including the magnificent Bengal tiger and the elusive snow leopard, as well as the Asian elephant and the one-horned rhino.
&Beyond’s Mountain Peaks and Monasteries itinerary includes sites such as:
- Buddha Dodernma - a gigantic Shakyamuni Buddha
statue, filled with over one hundred thousand smaller Buddha statues. At a height of 51.5 metres, it is one of the tallest Buddha statues in the world. - Punakha to Dochu La pass boasting a scenic forest of pine and cedar trees. The pass offers panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges, and then descends into the fertile valley of Wangdue.
- Hiking to Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s Nest) from the north of Paro Valley to Ramthankha, from where you start your hike to the). The trail climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of tress festooned with Spanish moss and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. Legend has it that Guru Rimpoche, founder of Buddhism flew from Eastern Bhutan on a tigress, bringing Buddhist teachings and meditated here on this cliff. This is one of the most venerated and sacred of all Buddhist sights around the world.
Your accommodation will be in the luxurious surroundings of the Taj Tashi Hotel, Thimphu, Hotel Uma Punakha and the Hotel Uma Paro.
DON'T LEAVE WITHOUT Getting a private blessing at the Punakha Dzong or having your own personal postage stamp created with your image on it at the Thimphu Post Office.
&Beyond’s Mountain Peaks and Monasteries is priced from $US6945* ($AUD 7,437.65 as at rate 18/06/14) per person twin share and includes all accommodation, all transfers in a private vehicle and sightseeing, all entrance and monument fees, Bhutan visa fees and taxes.
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