Mountains & Monasteries of Bhutan

Welcome to India! As you arrive at Delhi’s International Airport you will be met and transferred to the Hotel Trident Gurgaon for one night.

This morning you will be transferred back to the international airport for your flight to Paro, Bhutan. The flight into Bhutan takes you close to the great Himalayas, offering dazzling scenic views of some of world’s highest glacial peaks. As you arrive into Paro, you will be met by your guide for your one hour drive to Thimphu. Enroute stop to visit the Tamchogg Lakhang and marvel at the iron bridge reconstructed using original chain links from the famous Tibetan bridge builder Thangtong Gyalpo.

On arrival in Thimphu, you will check in to your hotel and have time for a short rest and to freshen up. Then later in the afternoon you will proceed with visits to the National Library, which holds a vast collection of Buddhist texts and manuscripts, some dating back several hundred years, as well as modern academic books mainly on Himalayan culture and religion. Afterwards visit the Tashichho Dzong Bhutan’s administrative and religious center (opens at 5:00 PM for visitors). It houses the throne room of His Majesty the King of Bhutan, government ministries and the nation’s largest monastery and headquarters. Afterwards, return to hotel for dinner and a Bhutanese cultural program.

Today, after an early breakfast you will be taken by your guide into the town for sightseeing activities which will include visits to the Institute for Zorig Chusum (where students learn the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan). This can be followed up by a visit to the Folk Heritage Museum – a three storied, 19th century traditional house which provides a glimpse of the Bhutanese lifestyle, and houses artifacts from rural households. Also browse the Handicrafts Emporium and the Textile Museum, which displays a wide assortment of colorful hand-woven textiles, thangkha painting, and other craft products; and smaller handicrafts shops along the main street if time permits. Last stop of the morning is a visit to the Buddha Dorderma, a gigantic Shakyamuni Buddha statue.

You will return to the hotel for lunch. Then in the afternoon you set out with your guide for a hike up to the Cheri Goempa (monastery.) The hike starts by crossing a lovely bridge that spans the Thimphu river, and then climbs to the monastery.

After an early breakfast this morning you will be transferred by road to Punakha (a 3 ½ hour drive). The road climbs steeply through a scenic forest of pine and cedar trees to Dochula Pass at 10,000 feet. The pass offers panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges and then descends to 4,430 feet into the fertile valley of Punakha.

Before reaching Punakha you will stop and hike about 30 minutes to the Chimi Lhakhang on a small hilltop.

You will arrive at your hotel later in the day.

After breakfast, you will be taken to Khamsung Yuely Namgyel temple (a 30 minute hike from the car park.) It is a fine example of Bhutanese architecture and artistic traditions. This temple has been dedicated for the well-being of the kingdom, its people and all sentient beings.

The rest of the day is open. If you are interested in a rafting experience then in the afternoon drive to the rafting launch area to take on a 1-2 hour experience down the river. Two rivers – Mo Chhu and Po Chhu have different grades of difficulties so your guide will confer with you in advance

After an early breakfast, you will depart for your 4 ½ hour drive to Paro, stopping enroute at Semtokha Dzong – “the place of profound tantric teaching.” On entering the town, stop to visit the National Museum and the Dzong. The museum collection includes ancient Bhutanese art and artifacts, weapons, coins, stamps and a small natural history collection.

You’ll then proceed to the hotel for check in, lunch and short rest. Later in the afternoon, visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang. Then it’s back to the hotel for dinner.

This morning you will take a short drive to the north of Paro Valley to Ramthankha, the starting point for the hike to the Taktsang monastery, Tiger’s Nest. The trail climbs through beautiful pine forest, where many of trees covered with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. This is one of the most venerated and sacred of all Buddhist sights around the world.

After the hike you will return to the hotel for lunch and remainder of the day. Dinner will be at the hotel this evening.

This is a day at leisure in Paro. You may wish to participate in a meditation or yoga session.

Today you will be transferred to the Paro airport for your flight to Delhi where you will connect your international flight home.