Day 01
Flight from London Heathrow to Delhi
Day 02: Delhi
Upon arrival at Delhi airport, you will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel (standard check-in time is1400 hrs). The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Overnight stay at hotel
Day 03: Delhi to Paro by air
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in the entire Himalayas, offering fascinating views and an exciting descent into the Kingdom. You will be met at the airport by our representative, then driven to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, with a stop-off at Chuzom. The journey takes around 1.5 hours.
On arrival in Thimphu, check in to the hotel. Thimphu is the centre of government, religion, and commerce. A unique city with a mix of modern and ancient traditions and culture, it maintains a strong national character in its architectural style.
Why not explore Thimphu’s main street and market area, visit the local crafts bazaar and browse some of Bhutan's fine traditional arts. Here you can buy hand-woven textiles, thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewellery and other interesting local handicrafts.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu (Altitude 2400m).
Day 4: Thimphu
After breakfast, you will enjoy sightseeing in the Thimphu valley including a visit to the National Library, with its extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts, and the Institute for Zorig Chusum (known as the Painting School).
You will also visit the Textile Museum, which provides an insight into one of the most distinct art forms in Bhutan, and Simply Bhutan, a museum about the cultural heritage of the Bhutanese people.
After lunch, you will take a short drive to Pangri Zampa, one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan, where Buddhist monks learn Lamaism and astrology based on Buddhist philosophy.
Afterwards, visit the Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang), where visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the Thimphu valley or wander around the scenic surroundings.
Then, you will visit the Memorial Chorten, a landmark conceived by Bhutan’s third King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (“the Father of modern Bhutan”) who wished to erect a monument for world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it serves both as a memorial to the Late King and a monument to global peace.
Later, visit the Trashichhoedzong, one of the most important dzongs in the country. This impressive fortress/monastery houses the Throne Room of His Majesty, the King and various government offices.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu
Day 5: Thimphu – Gangtey (150 kms/approx. 5 hrs drive)
After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and drive to Punakha across the beautiful Dochula Pass (3080m). The passes are marked by a large Bhutanese Chorten (stupa) and prayer flags. Dochula Pass offers the most spectacular view of the towering peaks of the eastern Himalayas on a clear day. The Druk Wangyel Stupas (hundred stupas) are a sight to behold against this backdrop.
The highway follows the scenic Dang Chhu before climbing through forests of bamboo and oak into Gangtey/Phobjikha valley.
On arrival at Gangtey, we check-in to the Valley Camp. In the evening, take a stroll around the fascinating Gangtey Village.
Overnight in Gangtey
Day 6: Gangtey
After breakfast, proceed to visit Gangtey Goempa, perched on a small hill that rises from the valley floor. The Gangtey Monastery is the only Nyingmapa monastery on the western side of the Black Mountains and the biggest one in Bhutan. The Monastery is surrounded by a large village inhabited mainly by the families of the 140 Gomchens (lay monks) who take care of the Monastery.
Later, explore the wide Phobjikha valley. This quiet, remote valley is the winter home of the black-necked cranes, which migrate from the arid plains of Tibet in the north, to pass the winter months in a milder climate. The valley boasts two beautiful meandering rivers, Nakay Chhu (Chhu Naap-black water) and Gay Chhu (Chhu Karp-white water).
Also visit the Black Necked Crane Visitor Centre. The Centre has an observation room equipped with a high power telescope and spotting scopes for catching the best view of the cranes. There is also a small gift shop that sells handicrafts produced by the local people.
Overnight in Phobjikha.
Day 7: Gangtey – Punakha (70 kms/approx. 3 hrs drive)
After breakfast, we check out from the hotel and drive to Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan. On arrival in Punakha, check in to the hotel.
Later, we visit Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the junction of two rivers. It was the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and still serves as the winter residence of the monk body.
Next, we visit the Chimi Lhakhang. Situated on a small hill in the centre of the valley, it is also known as the temple of fertility.
The trail leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, meaning ‘field’. A walk through the village near the temple will give you a rare glimpse of the daily lives of the people in the community.
Overnight in Punakha
Day 8: Punakha – Paro (120 kms/approx. 4½ hrs drive)
After breakfast, we check out from the hotel and drive to Paro along the scenic highway.
En-route, visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the country built-in 1627. It houses some sacred shrines that offer solace and peace.
Overnight in Paro
Day 9: Paro
After breakfast, excursion to Taktsang Monastery (approx. 5hrs walk): It is one of the most famous monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived on the back of a tigress and meditated here and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site is recognized as one of the most sacred places in Bhutan.
After the day hike to Taktsang monastery, you may enjoy the rest of the day relaxing at the hotel or shopping in Paro town.
Overnight in Paro.
Day 10: Paro to Delhi by Air
After an early breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination. Our representative will help you with exit formalities and then bid you farewell. Upon arrival at Delhi airport transfer to hotel.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 11: Delhi to London Heathrow by flight
Transfer from hotel to Delhi airport in time to board your flight for London Heathrow.
