Itinerary
DELHI – THIMPHU – TRONGSA – BUMTHANG – GANGTEY – PUNAKHA – PARO – DELHI
DAY 01 – TRAVEL TO DELHI
Fly to Delhi today.
DAY 02 – ARRIVE DELHI – Trident Gurgaon
Arrive, VIP meet at the aircraft door, assistant through immigration control, then meet & greet at departures door then transfer to your hotel.
Rest of the day is at leisure to relax after your flight.
DAY 03 – DELHI TO THIMPHU (FB) – Taj Tashi
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Paro.
On arrival, met and transferred to Thimphu (2 Hrs)
On arrival check-in at your hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure to relax after your flight.
DAY 04 – THIMPHU (FB)
A full day is spent visiting the sights of Thimphu including the huge Dzong, King’s Memorial, the Painting School and a Handicrafts Emporium.
DAY 05 – THIMPHU TO TRONGSA (FB) – Yangkhil Resort
You will drive to Trongsa (6.5 Hrs) via the DochuLa Pass (3,088 meters) from where on a clear day one can see Gangkar Puensum, Bhutan’s highest peak rising to an impressive 7,497metres. Descending to the small settlement of Wangduephodrang we break the journey and explore the magnificent Dzong, which is perched on the riverside.
Another high pass is crossed this afternoon, the spectacular Pele-la. (3,300 meters).
DAY 06 – TRONGSA TO BUMTHANG (FB) – Mountain Lodge
Morning visit the Trongsa Dzong, then later, drive to Bumthang (2 Hrs)
This region that spans from 2,600-4,500m is the religious heartland of the nation and home to some of its oldest Buddhist temples and monasteries.
On arrival check-in at your hotel, then at leisure.
DAY 07 – BUMTHANG (FB)
Visit the local sights including the Kurje and Jambey Lhakhangs
Later, enjoy a walk to the local villages.
DAY 08 – BUMTHANG TO GANGTEY (FB) – Gangtey Lodge
You will drive to Gangtey [6 Hrs].
On arrival, check-in at your hotel, then at leisure
The valley of Gangtey is one of the most beautiful spots in Bhutan. A few kilometres beyond the Gangtey Monastery, on the valley floor, lays the village of Phobjikha. This place is the winter home of black-necked cranes that migrate from the arid plains in the north to pass winter in milder and lower climate.
DAY 09 – GANGTEY (FB)
You will visit the Black Necked Crane Center to learn more about these birds and the significant place they hold in local folklore.
Rest of the day at leisure.
DAY 10 – GANGTEY (FB)
Today is a free day so you can take some lovely walks in the area and meet the locals. No doubt you will be invited in for tea. Today will be a good chance for some spectacular photo opportunities.
DAY 11 – GANGTEY TO PUNAKHA (FB) – Damchen Resort
Drive to Punakha (3.5) en-route visiting Chimi Lhakhang (a half hour’s walk from the roadside through paddy fields)
On arrival, check-in at your hotel, then at leisure
DAY 12 – PUNAKHA (FB)
You will visit the Punakha Dzong and other sights of this beautiful town.
DAY 13 – PUNAKHA TO PARO (FB) – Le Meridien
Drive to Paro [4.5 Hrs]
On arrival, check-in at your hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure
The cultural highlights of Paro resemble so much the intricate and beautiful textiles worn by the people during the valley’s annual festival. Here we take you through the rice fields, orchards, farmhouses and temples of various ages.
DAY 14 – PARO (FB)
A full day’s sightseeing today includes visits to the Ta Dzong, which houses the National Museum, the Rinpung Dzong and the famous Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest),
DAY 15 – PARO TO DELHI (B) – Haveli Dharampura
Transfer to the airport for the flight back to Delhi.
On arrival, check-in at your hotel, then at leisure.
DAY 16 – DELHI (B)
This morning you will be taken on a very interesting walk in Old Delhi, have a chance to eat a traditional breakfast at a much-used place recommended by your guide. Proceed to walk the old lanes and learn about the life here, visit the spice area of the market with a chance to bring home so spices at a fraction of the cost. After the tour you will have lunch at the organisers own home, a wonderful heritage haveli tucked away, you would never know it was there. We love this experience while in Delhi.
Later return to your hotel, then the rest of the day is at leisure… you are located in the old lanes just on the edge of Chandi Chowkh market, one can spend hours and hours exploring these lanes.
DAY 17 – DELHI HOMEBOUND (B)
Today India bids you farewell with your transfer to the International terminal.
Bhutan - The happiest place on Earth - One Life
Special Value
- International flights included
- VIP meet at aircraft door on arrival
- Private arrival and departure transfers
- Private car & driver for all road transfers
- A Private guide will travel with you throughout your tour
- Meals as per itinerary (B = breakfast) (FB = breakfast, lunch & dinner)
- Entrances to all monument and places of interest are included
- Bhutan Visa for the clients
- Drive through beautiful countrysides of Bhutan
- Explore the local Bhutanese villages in Bumthang
- Visit the famous Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) in Paro
- See Gangkar Puensum, Bhutan’s highest peak at 7,497m
- Visit the Black Necked Crane Centre and learn all about these magnificent birds and their special place in local folklore
- Discover Taktsang Monastery, or The Tiger’s Nest, where Guru Padmasambhava meditated for three years, three months, and three days
- Take in the countryside as you travel from city to village and back again
- Explore wonderful villages, beautiful dzongs (temples), taste Bhutanese dishes, and soak in the deep religious beliefs of the people
This Tour features the following locations
DELHI: Delhi – the City of Djinns, the political centre of the largest democracy in the world. Every step in Delhi takes you into a world of chaos and mayhem, without once failing to leave you captivated and tantalized with its mayhem, mystery, and magic.
THIMPHU: Thimphu, situated at an altitude of 2400m, is the centre of government, religion, and commerce. The capital has an interesting combination of tradition and modernity and includes some of the most advanced and remotest parts of the kingdom.
TRONGSA: Trongsa Dzong was built in 1648 and has been the traditional home of all four kings of Bhutan before their ascending the throne. Tongsa Dzong is an impregnable fortress. The Dzong itself is a labyrinth of temples, corridors, and offices holding court over the local community. The dzong acts as a defensive fortress, stepping down into the valley and its bright golden yellow roof occupies most of the view from Tongsa. You can also climb a steep path to visit the Ta Dzong (watch tower), dedicated to King Gesar of Ling.
BUMTHANG: This region that spans from 2,600-4,500m is the religious heartland of the nation and home to some of its oldest Buddhist temples and monasteries. The last valley in Central Bhutan, Ura Valley, is also the highest in Bumthang. Wide-open spaces characterize the valley that sits in the shadow of the Thrumshing La (3800m/12465ft), separating the East from the West of the kingdom. Ura village and its new monastery are a charming stop before the climb to the east. Cobbled streets and a medieval feel give Ura an unusual yet very attractive atmosphere. The old women of Ura still wear sheepskin shawls on their backs which double as a blanket and cushion.
GANGTEY: The valley of Gangtey is one of the most beautiful spots in Bhutan. A few kilometres beyond the Gangtey Monastery, on the valley floor, lays the village of Phobjikha. This place is the winter home of black-necked cranes that migrate from the arid plains in the north to pass winter in milder and lower climate.
PUNAKHA: Punakha has been inextricably linked to some of the most momentous events in Bhutanese history and deserves its reputation as one of the most beautiful and significant regions at the heart of Bhutanese culture.
PARO: The cultural highlights of Paro resemble so much the intricate and beautiful textiles worn by the people during the valley’s annual festival. Here we take you through the rice fields, orchards, farmhouses and temples of various ages.
What our clients say
‘Kadrin chhe la’ Thank you in Dzongkha. You were right. Bhutan is the last Shangri-la. We have just returned and would like to extend our heartfelt thanks for designing and arranging such a fantastic tour. We made it up to Tigers Nest, it was difficult but taking our time we’ve done it. Even though you said all the hotels were 3 stars, they were in fact much better than we expected and the food was good. All the best from
Sue & Graham – Chichester, UK
