A five night long fam trip to western Bhutan via Kathmandu, organised by Diamir, exceeded all expectations concerning the seemingly hard-to-reach Himalayan Kingdom. Taking it simply: a dream come true!…

The travel plan was, day by day:

• 29 Nov. Flight to Kathmandu.
• 30 Nov. Kathmandu upon arrival: visiting Bodhnath and Pashupatinath.
• 1 Dec. Early morning flight from Kathmandu to Paro 2280m. A thorough visit to Paro Dzong, then on the way to Thimphu staying shortly at a peasant house, then Tachog Lhakhang monastery and a famous iron chain bridge. Reaching Thimphu 2320m (video: police post at the main crossing in Thimphu). Tsa tsa ceremony (videos: Beata’s part and Monk’s part) and folk dances in the evening. Picture gallery of this day.
• 2 Dec. Thimphu. Trying the local dresses. Hike by Druk Wangitse Lhakhang. Then Kuenselphodrang (Buddha Point 2600m), Druk Phodrangdhing Panghi Zamdong (Astrology College), Pangrizampa Lhakhang, Arts & Crafts school. Tashichho Dzong in the evening. Picture gallery.
• 3 Dec. Drive from Thimphu via Dochu La pass 3150m (108 choerten and panoramic view of Bhutan Himalaya, see the featured image above) to Punakha 1250m. Visiting Khamsung Yulley Namgyal choerten. Trying Bhutanese cooking and archery in a private dwelling and helping in the harvest. Visiting a building place of a lodge where Diamir invests. Photos from this day.
• 4 Dec. Visiting Punakha Dzong. Drive back via Chime Lhakhang, Dochu La again and Thimphu back to Paro. The photo gallery from this day.
• 5 Dec. The climb to Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) 3150m. The photo gallery from this day and the return day.
• 6 Dec. Flight from Paro back to Kathmandu. Visiting Bhaktapur and Swayambunath.
• 7 Dec. A free day in Kathmandu. Evening flight back home.

Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) 3150m