Land of the Thunder Dragon
10 days - Delhi, Thimphu, Punakha, Paro
10 days - Delhi, Thimphu, Punakha, Paro
Explore Bhutan’s most important and essential sights on this 10-day program. Thimphu was declared capital by the king in 1961, and is Bhutan’s largest city. Ancient traditions bump elbows with modernity here, all in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. There are interesting attractions in and around the city, and Norzim Lam, the main street, contains a number of restaurants, cafes, shops, and small hotels. Of interesting note, Thimphu is the only capital in the world with no traffic lights. The former capital, Punakha, lies some 45 miles from Thimphu, and takes about three hours to reach by road. The fertile valley here is fed by the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, with rice, both red and white, being the main crop. The majestic and ancient fortress, Punakha Dzong, lies at the confluence of the two rivers, and is the town’s most important and photographed attraction. We finish by exploring Paro and its environs. Nestled in one of the Bhutan’s most beautiful valleys, Paro is a charming and historic town. It is home to several fortresses and sacred sites, but the highlight is surely the magnificent Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Precariously perched atop a cliff, it is a must-see for all visitors.
Private tour itinerary
Day 1: Delhi. Arrive at Delhi's Indira Ganghi International Airport and transfer by sedan to your hotel.
Day 2: Thimphu. Fly to Paro, crossing over the great Himalayas and some of the world’s highest glacial peaks. Upon arrival complete the journey by road to Thimphu, the capital city. (breakfast, dinner).
Day 3: Thimphu. Explore the sights of the capital today. Visits include the National Library, housing a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts; and the Institute for Zorig Chusum (painting school), where students undertake a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. Other sights today are the Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, National Memorial Chorten, and Tashichhoedzong, housing the throne room of the King. (breakfast).
Day 4: Punakha. Drive to Punakha, former capital of Bhutan until 1955. (breakfast, dinner).
Day 5: Punakha. Blessed with a temperate climate, Punakha lies in the country’s most fertile valley. This morning visit Punakha Dzong, a majestic structure built at the junction of two rivers. The second dzong to be built in Bhutan, it was here that Bhutan’s first king was crowned in 1907. Also visit Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a recently built stupa of fine architectural design dedicated to the well being of the kingdom and benefit of all sentient beings. (breakfast).
Day 6: Paro. A superb view of the mountain ranges can be enjoyed at Dochula Pass as you proceed overland to Paro. En route visit Simtokha Dzong, home of the Institute for Language and Culture Studies. There are more than 300 finely worked slate carvings that appear behind the prayer wheels in the courtyard. (breakfast).
Day 7: Paro. A highlight of any visit to Bhutan is a trekking excursion to the legendary Tiger's Nest Monastery (Taktshang Goemba). The iconic and much-photographed monastery is built atop a cliff and offers amazing views of the Paro Valley below. The dramatic viewpoint for the monastery comes roughly at the cafeteria located midway through the trek. Most visitors walk in both directions, although horses are available to take you up to the monastery. Back in town this afternoon visit Drukgyel Dzong, a fortress and Buddhist monastery now in ruins, and the local bazaar.
Day 8: Paro. Embark on an excursion to Paro Haa, en route transversing Chele-la Pass where great views of Mount Chomolhari and Jichu Drakey can be had. After a picnic lunch visit the famous monastery Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple), and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple), both located in a sacred site. (breakfast).
Day 9: Delhi. Return to Delhi by flight today. (breakfast).
Day 10: Depart Delhi. Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Meals: Seven breakfasts, and two dinners.
Cost per person, double occupancy from $5,075.
Day 1: Delhi. Arrive at Delhi's Indira Ganghi International Airport and transfer by sedan to your hotel.
Day 2: Thimphu. Fly to Paro, crossing over the great Himalayas and some of the world’s highest glacial peaks. Upon arrival complete the journey by road to Thimphu, the capital city. (breakfast, dinner).
Day 3: Thimphu. Explore the sights of the capital today. Visits include the National Library, housing a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts; and the Institute for Zorig Chusum (painting school), where students undertake a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. Other sights today are the Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, National Memorial Chorten, and Tashichhoedzong, housing the throne room of the King. (breakfast).
Day 4: Punakha. Drive to Punakha, former capital of Bhutan until 1955. (breakfast, dinner).
Day 5: Punakha. Blessed with a temperate climate, Punakha lies in the country’s most fertile valley. This morning visit Punakha Dzong, a majestic structure built at the junction of two rivers. The second dzong to be built in Bhutan, it was here that Bhutan’s first king was crowned in 1907. Also visit Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a recently built stupa of fine architectural design dedicated to the well being of the kingdom and benefit of all sentient beings. (breakfast).
Day 6: Paro. A superb view of the mountain ranges can be enjoyed at Dochula Pass as you proceed overland to Paro. En route visit Simtokha Dzong, home of the Institute for Language and Culture Studies. There are more than 300 finely worked slate carvings that appear behind the prayer wheels in the courtyard. (breakfast).
Day 7: Paro. A highlight of any visit to Bhutan is a trekking excursion to the legendary Tiger's Nest Monastery (Taktshang Goemba). The iconic and much-photographed monastery is built atop a cliff and offers amazing views of the Paro Valley below. The dramatic viewpoint for the monastery comes roughly at the cafeteria located midway through the trek. Most visitors walk in both directions, although horses are available to take you up to the monastery. Back in town this afternoon visit Drukgyel Dzong, a fortress and Buddhist monastery now in ruins, and the local bazaar.
Day 8: Paro. Embark on an excursion to Paro Haa, en route transversing Chele-la Pass where great views of Mount Chomolhari and Jichu Drakey can be had. After a picnic lunch visit the famous monastery Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple), and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple), both located in a sacred site. (breakfast).
Day 9: Delhi. Return to Delhi by flight today. (breakfast).
Day 10: Depart Delhi. Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Meals: Seven breakfasts, and two dinners.
Cost per person, double occupancy from $5,075.
Our deluxe Bhutan tours are carefully designed to provide a unique experience in the destination, promote cultural understanding and exchange, flow smoothly from place to place, allow time for relaxation and exploration on your own, provide maximum value, and very importantly to be enjoyable. The itinerary can be modified to suit your tastes, time frame, budget, and special interests.
