The Lightfoot Travel team reveals one of its favourite Bhutan itineraries, and explains why this magical Buddhist Kingdom is on everybodys bucket list.
The Magical Kingdom of Bhutan: Trekking & Culture
Day 1: Punakha
Upon arrival in Bhutan you’ll be met at the airport and escorted by private transfer to Punakha. The three-hour drive takes you to the Dochula Pass, with its 108 chortens and views of the Himalayan peaks. Stay: Amankora Punakha
Day 2: Explore Punakha Valley
Today begins with a hike along terraces of rice, chillies and cabbage to a religious monument built by the four queens of Bhutan. Afterwards, you’ll drive towards Khuruthang, passing a palace before reaching Punakha Dzong, administrative headquarters for the Punakha region. You’ll visit the village and temple at Talo, and a monastic university. Stay: Amankora Punakha
Day 3: Punakha to Phobjikha
Drive along the Himalayan mountain roads from Punakha to the glacial valley of Phobjikha, seeing grazing yaks, crop farms and the central marshland, the winter home of the rare black-necked cranes. Embark on a hike or bike ride along the river and through forests and villages. Stay: Gangtey Lodge
Day 4: Explore the Phobjikha Valley
Today, you’ll visit Gangtey Monastery, the only Nyingma monastery in western Bhutan. Afterwards, relax back at your lodge and enjoy the stunning views or opt for a hot stone bath. Stay: Gangtey Lodge
Day 5: Phobjikha to Thimphu
This story is from the October - November 2018 edition of EL Hong Kong.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October - November 2018 edition of EL Hong Kong.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
A Writer's Retreat
We meet children’s author (and saree enthusiast!) Bhakti Mathur at her peaceful home on the Peak.
A Lantau Project
The idea of renovating a home had long appealed to Jenya Mcguigan; a recent move from Lamma to Lantau gave her the chance to do exactly that.
Staycay Season
For a change of scenery (and a reminder of the pleasures of travel), check in to one of these five fabulous spots in five very different locations across Hong Kong!
Award-Winning School Camp Programme For The Summer
Are the kids keen for some fun over the holiday? Read on for details of an award-winning school camp programme for the summer – one with 13 different streams to choose from!
Pictures Of Pooches
We meet Romanian expat Mihaela Tudor, and learn about her photography work, including a recent project about pets!
Middle Eastern Eats
We all love dipping into a plate of beautiful hummus, but this ubiquitous dish just begins to scratch the surface of everything that Middle Eastern cuisine brings to the table. Here’s a guide to finding a feast near you!
20 Watery Wonders Exploring The Aquatic Of HK
Summer is upon us, so it’s the ideal time to take a look at some of best ways to get wet – or at least enjoy a seaside view – in Hong Kong. Here are 20 ideas to get you started!
5 Booze Free Bevvies
Just as plant-based is becoming more and more a “thing” among foodies, so to alcoholfree drinks are appealing to an ever-increasing number of consumers. But how do they taste? To find out, we gave the Sipfree range of wines, spirits and beers a go. Read on to see if we’re converted!
Let's Talk About Sleep
For many new mums and dads, it’s the “holy grail”: getting their new bub to sleep through the night and take long naps during the day! We chat with the founder of Kristin Graham Sleep Consulting about the struggles she faced, and how they prompted her to help those in the same boat.
5 Tips For The Perfect Bedroom
Advice from the team at Blanc Des Vosges on making your sleeping spot a stylish haven.
