Bhutan

You will be met on arrival in Delhi and transferred to your luxury hotel quite close to the airport. This is an oasis of quiet with exemplary service and amenities.

Today enjoy two exceptional excursions: firstly to the incomparably beautiful Qutab Minar, then onto one of India’s most impressive private Art Foundations with outstanding collections of terracotta, textiles and everyday objects., where you will have lunch.

This morning is an early start for the flight to Paro. On arrival the road follows the river all the way to the capital Thimpu, where in recent years much development has occurred but where there are still no traffic lights.
After lunch cross the oldest cantilevered covered bridge for the trek through pine and oak forests to Cheri Goemba the first Buddhist Monastic school from 1627 that still contains many sacred relics and is a meditation centre for higher level Buddhist studies.

Of the many fascinating sites in Thimpu you will certainly visit the marvellous National Museum of Textiles, the National Institute for Zorig Chusum that educates young students in the thirteen traditional arts including sculpture, painting, metal work, silversmithing, the Memorial Chorten and the Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre.

Enjoy the beauty and charms of Paro, easily Bhutan’s most delightful town that evokes an exotic film set. Western Bhutan boasts a most beautiful valley where nature and man consulted to create their dearest image. Mt. Chomoihari reigns in white glory at the northern end of the valley and its glacial waters plunge through deep gorges to form the Pa-Chu (Paro River)
Visit the Rinpung Dzong, with its cantilever bridge, the National Museum, and wander along Paro’s main streets that offer good shopping for handicrafts and local jewellery.

Today make the exhilarating trek up to Tigers Nest. Takshang Monastery is one of thirteen of the most revered Buddhist pilgrim sites in the Himalayan world. You have the option of hiking 2 hours to reach the monastery viewpoint or tackling the entire challenging but very worthwhile return trip of 5/6 hours.
For the less hardy or eager, guides will show you some of the historical highlights of Paro.

This morning fly to Bumthang, This is highly recommended to avert the need for long arduous return drives as many of Bhutan’s roads are still under widening construction. Central Bhutan is the cultural and spiritual heart of the country. The beautiful valley with numerous apple orchards and crops boasts numerous villages and goembas and weaving traditions abound, especially the distinctive and brightly coloured yethra. Visit an antique collector and the Swiss cheese factory.

Stretch your legs with a wonderful walk across prayer flag decorated bridges to reach the spectacular Wangdichholing Palace built in 1857 and Lamey Goemba. It’s not unusual to find one of the lamas in residence who may give you a special blessing.
You may also choose to visit other monasteries and temples in the valley. Jambay & Kurjey Lhakhangs are the oldest two monasteries in the kingdom. The Tamshing Monastery is home to about 90 young monks, mostly from poorer families.

The drive to Trongsa is dramatically scenic. Visit the Trongsa Dzong. Perched on a strategic position above the Mangde Chu (river), this Dzong is the ancestral home of the Bhutanese royal family and one of the most exquisitely decorated, with wonderful paintings throughout.

Today’s drive over high mountains passes through forests of blood red rhododendrons and soaring magnolias, if it is Springtime is memorable. Arrive in the breathtaking glacial valley of Phobjika on the western slopes of the Black Mountains, a designated conservation area bordering the Black Mountain National Park where large flocks of black-necked cranes come to winter. It is one of the most important wildlife preserves in the Country, and described as “the most beautiful spot in the most beautiful country in the Himalayas”. The valley boasts two meandering rivers, where you can enjoy an exhilarating walk through forests and vast meadows. The restored Goemba at Gangtey is outstanding.

Today set out for Punakha the old Capital of Bhutan till 1955 that is still the winter residence of the Monk body and the Je-Khenpo. Visit the Punakha Dzong, the second oldest Dzong built by Lama Drukpa Kunley who subdued the demoness of the Dochu la with his Magic Thunderbolt of Wisdom. Punakha is possibly one of the most exquisite Buddhist monuments to be found anywhere in the world and it’s wonderful to wander amongst the monk-hood through the beautiful courtyards. If it’s festival time you’ll see the monks preparing decorations.

After a leisurely start this morning return to Paro via Dochu La (pass) at 3018 m where there are the 108 Stupas, commissioned by a former Queen.
After you check into your hotel there is time for last minute shopping, additional sightseeing or a leisurely afternoon back at your luxury hotel where a traditional hot stone bath might be the order of the day.

Your will be transferred to the airport in time for your international departure. Most flights leave in the morning. Druk Air flies via Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, Bangkok and Singapore.

SUGGESTED TOUR EXTENSIONS:

Kathmandu

Kashmir via Delhi