GONE 2 ASIA

		SAMPLE ITINERARY
		Day 1 : Los Angeles - Bangkok
		Today we will depart Los Angeles International Airport bound for Bangkok, Thailand. After crossing the International dateline, we arrive in Bangkok at 11:30PM. After clearing customs we will check into the Amari Airport Hotel for the night.
		Day 3: Bangkok - Paro
		Early this morning we depart Bangkok on Druk Air (Royal Bhutan Airways) headed for Paro with a stop in Calcutta. After clearing customs and receiving our visas we will be greeted by our host in Bhutan, Chencho Tshering. We will transfer to our Hotel and after lunch will begin our Paro valley sightseeing with a visit to the Paro Dzong and the National Museum as well as a stop in Paro town. L,D.
		Day 4: Paro
		After breakfast we will continue our Paro valley sightseeing with a visit to Drukgyel Dzong from which we can view Jomolhari mountain if the weather is clear. From here we will also be able to view the Taktsang monastery nestled high on the black cliff face across the river. This monastery was ravaged by fire and is now undergoing extensive renovation. We will also visit a typical farmhouse to see everyday living and to enjoy a cup of traditional butter tea. B,L,D.
		Day 5: Paro - Thimphu
		After breakfast we drive about 90 minutes to Thimphu and begin our exploration of the capital city of Bhutan with a visit to the local market and the handmade paper factory. After lunch we will visit the Memorial Chorten which was erected by the Royal Grandmother Ashi Phuntsho Choegron in 1974 in memory of her son the third King Jigme Dorje Wangchuck, who died in 1972. Next stop is the new Textile Museum and a visit to the Handicrafts Emporium. B,L,D.
		Day 6: Thimphu
		After breakfast we will continue our sightseeing with a visit to the valley viewpoint and the Takin enclosure followed by the National Library and the Zilunkha Nunnery. After lunch we will continue on to the Painting School, the Post Office and the Tashichho Dzong. B,L,D.
		Day 7: Thimphu - Punakha
		This morning we will drive to Punakha, a trip of about three hours in length. We will leave the cooler temperatures of the Thimphu valley and arrive in the more tropical Punakha valley. Along the way we enjoy breathtaking views of Bhutan's Himalaya mountains from Dochu La pass and the Dochu La Cafe' where we can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee. We will reach Punakha in time for lunch at our hotel before visiting the Punakha Dzong and surrounding areas. B,L,D.
		Day 8: Punakha - Bumthang
		Today will be the longest day spent on the road between Punakha and Jakar. Along the way we will cross several passes among which Pele La Pass divides western and eastern Bhutan. We will make several stops along the way including one at Chendbje Chorten, built in the 19th century by a Tibetan lama to cover the remains of an evil spirit that was killed at this spot. Because of the long drive we will have a picnic lunch along the way. B,L,D.
		Day 9: Bumthang
		Today we will attend the Kurjey Festival which is held at the Kurjey Lhakhang Complex. This site is one of the most sacred in Bhutan as Guru Rinpoche meditated here and left the imprint of his body on the rock. In the early morning we will be able to see the unfurling of the Thangkha of Guru Rinpoche and his eight manifestations and see the dance that dramatizes the defeat of the local deity by Guru Rinpoche, who is now the guardian deity of the Kurjey Lhakhang (Monastery). B,L,D.
		Day 10: Trongsa - Gangtey - Punakha
		After breakfast we will depart Trongsa and head for Punakha. Along the way we will detour into Phobjika valley, situated in the Black Mountains, and home to the Gantey Gompa monastery and (in the winter) the migrating black-necked cranes. Although the drive back to Punakha is not as long as the one on June 28th, we will still have a picnic lunch and should arrive in Punakha in the late afternoon. B,L,D.
		Day 11: Punakha - Thimphu
		After breakfast we will return to Thimphu. After lunch we will have some free time to return to the local market, do some last minute shopping or just enjoy some free time in Thimphu town. Dinner tonight will be a Plums Cafe. B,L,D.
		Day 12: Thimphu - Paro
		After breakfast we will return to Paro, stopping at Simtokha Dzong for a visit. It was built in 1629 on a strategic position on a hill commanding the crossroads of Paro, Thimphu and Punakha roads. The main temple contains the largest 17th century statues in Bhutan. Since 1961, the Dzong has been used as a school for the study of the Dzongkha language. After lunch your time is free to pack, take a walk in town or just relax. B.L,D.
		Day 13: Paro - Bangkok
		After breakfast we will transfer to the airport for our departure on Druk Royal Bhutan airlines to Bangkok. After clearing customs we will transfer to the Amari Airport Hotel for the night. B
		Day 14: Bangkok - USA
		Early morning departure from Bangkok to Los Angeles, arriving the same day. Welcome home!

		Note: This itinerary is representative only. Sightseeing and times of flights are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances.
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				Land of the Thunder Dragon
				A Cultural Tour of BHUTAN Sikkim & Bhutan