Bhutan
Known as the “Kingdom in the Clouds” in the West, Bhutanese call their home Druk Yul, or “Land of the Thunder Dragon.” Majestic snow-capped mountains, high mountain passes, dense forests, and lush valleys offer a spectacular backdrop to the ancient villages, sacred temples and dzongs, or fortresses, which are seemingly untouched by time. Relatively undiscovered until 1974, it is a land of pristine environment and amazing architecture, where cultural traditions remain deeply rooted in the everyday life of the people. Bhutanese tourism is based on the principle of “high value, low impact,” with great emphasis that tourism be environmentally friendly and culturally rewarding. Up to thirty-five percent of tourism fees go toward the medical care and education of the people. Although most popularly traveled in the spring (Mar-May) and autumn (Sep-Nov), a visit to Bhutan is possible all year round. Please browse our collection of Bhutan deluxe tours below.
Our recommended Bhutan luxury tours and vacations
Known as the “Kingdom in the Clouds” in the West, Bhutanese call their home Druk Yul, or “Land of the Thunder Dragon.” Majestic snow-capped mountains, high mountain passes, dense forests, and lush valleys offer a spectacular backdrop to the ancient villages, sacred temples and dzongs, or fortresses, which are seemingly untouched by time. Relatively undiscovered until 1974, it is a land of pristine environment and amazing architecture, where cultural traditions remain deeply rooted in the everyday life of the people. Bhutanese tourism is based on the principle of “high value, low impact,” with great emphasis that tourism be environmentally friendly and culturally rewarding. Up to thirty-five percent of tourism fees go toward the medical care and education of the people. Although most popularly traveled in the spring (Mar-May) and autumn (Sep-Nov), a visit to Bhutan is possible all year round. Please browse our collection of Bhutan deluxe tours below.
Our recommended Bhutan luxury tours and vacations
Land of the Thunder Dragon - 10 days
Delhi, Thimphu, Punakha, Paro.
Comprehensive Bhutan - 12 days
Delhi, Thimphu, Gangtey, Bumthang, Punakha, Paro.
Mystical India &: Bhutan - 17 days
Delhi, Thimphu, Punakha, Paro, Delhi, Bandhavgarh, Jabalpur, Amritsar.
Delhi, Thimphu, Punakha, Paro.
Comprehensive Bhutan - 12 days
Delhi, Thimphu, Gangtey, Bumthang, Punakha, Paro.
Mystical India &: Bhutan - 17 days
Delhi, Thimphu, Punakha, Paro, Delhi, Bandhavgarh, Jabalpur, Amritsar.
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.
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.
Comprehensive Bhutan
12 days - Delhi, Thimphu, Gangtey, Bumthang, Punakha, Paro
12 days - Delhi, Thimphu, Gangtey, Bumthang, Punakha, Paro
Discover the treasures of Bhutan on this in-depth journey through the kingdom. 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, with interesting attractions in and around the city. Of interesting note, Thimphu is the only capital in the world with no traffic lights. Gangtey is base to explore the Phobjikha Valley, famous for the graceful black-necked cranes the Bhutanese treasure. Each November a festival is held to welcome the cranes after their arrival from the Tibetan Plateau. The Bumthang District is the general name given to the combination of four valleys - Chumey, Jakar, Tang, and Ura, and is home to many ancient temples and monasteries. The former capital, Punakha, lies some 45 miles from Thimphu, and the fertile valley here is fed by the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. 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.
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, Handicrafts Emporium, and Tashichhoedzong, housing the throne room of the King. (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Day 4: Gangtey. Depart by road to Phobjikha Valley, or Gangtey Valley, home to Bhutan's graceful black-necked cranes. The glacial U-shaped valley is named after the great Gangtey Monastery, the only Nyingmapa monastery in the region. In the evening visit the monastery, and take a walk around the village. (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Day 5: Bumthang. This morning explore Phobjikha Valley. The black-necked cranes visit central Bhutan to roost from late October to mid-February, and magically circle the monastery three times upon arrival and again upon departure to Tibet. The cranes are strictly protected by the Bhutanese government, and a conservation center was established in 2003. In the afternoon proceed to Bumthang, the religious heartland of the nation. (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Day 6: Bumthang. Touring Bumthang District this morning visit Kurje Lhakhang, a sacred monastery and final resting place of Bhutan's first three kings. Guru Padmasambhava is said to have subdued evil spirits here, and the middle of the three temples is built on the site of a cave containing an imprint of his body. Also visit Jambay Lhakhang, built in the 8th century and one of Bhutan's oldest buddhist landmarks; Tamshing Lhakhang, housing some of Bhutan's oldest wall paintings, and Jakar Dzong, located on a picturesque ridge overlooking Chokhor Valley. In the evening stroll around the town and visit some of the local handicraft shops. (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Day 7: Punakha. Explore Bumthang Valley this morning before driving to Punakha, former capital of Bhutan until 1955. En route visit Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, stretched along the hilltop above the confluence of Punakha Chhu and Tang Chhu rivers. (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Day 8: Punakha. Blessed with a temperate climate, Phunakha 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. This afternoon enjoy some free time, perhaps visiting the local market to see the life of the local people. (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Day 9: Paro. Depart by road for Paro, en route visiting 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 here. In Paro this afternoon visit Ta Dzong, originally a watchtower it now houses the National Museum; and Rinpung Dzong, translated as "fortress on a heap of jewels," it was used to defend Paro Valley from Tibetan invasions. (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Day 10: 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 see Drukgyel Dzong, a fortress and Buddhist monastery now in ruins. This evening visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in the country, built in the 7th century by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo. (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Day 11: Delhi. Return to Delhi by flight today. (breakfast, dinner).
Day 12: Depart Delhi. Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Meals: Ten breakfasts, eight lunches, and ten dinners.
Cost per person, double occupancy from $5,490.
Mystical India & Bhutan
17 days - Delhi, Thimphu, Punakha, Paro, Delhi, Bandhavgarh, Jabalpur, Amritsar
17 days - Delhi, Thimphu, Punakha, Paro, Delhi, Bandhavgarh, Jabalpur, Amritsar
This program pairs mystical Bhutan with the search for Tigers in India, and a fascinating visit to Amritsar on the India-Pakistan border. We begin in Thimphu, Bhutan's largest city declared capital by the king in 1961. Ancient traditions bump elbows with modernity here, all in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. The former capital, Punakha, lies some 45 miles from Thimphu, and the fertile valley here is fed by the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. 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. Our final stop in Bhutan is Paro, nestled in one of the Bhutan’s most beautiful valleys. 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. After a night in Delhi, journey to Banghavgarh, the national park famous for tigers. Game drives here take us on a search for the Bengal Tiger and other wildlife. Known for its picturesque marble rock formations, Jabalpur is an ancient city located in central India. An artistic and spiritual city, it is situated on the shores of the holy river Narmada. Our final stop is Amritsar, which translates as the "holy pool of nectar." The Golden Temple is the city's main attraction, and the most important religious place to the Sikhs.
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 Folk Heritage Museum, providing fascinating insights into Bhutanese material culture and way of life. Other sights today are the National Memorial Chorten, Handicrafts Emporium, and Tashichhoedzong, housing the throne room of the King. (breakfast, dinner).
Day 4: Punakha. Depart by road for Punakha, former capital of Bhutan until 1955. Great views of mountain peaks, chorten (stupa), and prayer flags can be enjoyed from Dochula pass. Winding our way down the pass visit Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, stretched along the hilltop above the confluence of Punakha Chhu and Tang Chhu rivers. Wangdue district is also famous for its bamboo work, slate, and stone carving. (breakfast, dinner).
Day 5: Gangtey/Punakha. Depart by road to Phobjikha Valley, or Gangtey Valley, home to Bhutan's graceful black-necked cranes. The cranes visit central Bhutan to roost from late October to mid-February, and magically circle the Gangtey Monastery three times upon arrival and again upon departure to Tibet. Visit the monastery and village, and explore the glacial U-shaped valley. (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Day 6: Paro. Blessed with a temperate climate, Phunakha 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. In the afternoon drive to Paro, en route visiting Simtokha Dzong, home of the Institute for Language and Culture Studies (breakfast, dinner).
Day 7: Paro. Embark on a full-day tour of Paro Valley. Visits include Ta Dzong, originally a watchtower, it now houses the National Museum; and Rinpung Dzong, translated as "fortress on a heap of jewels," it was used to defend Paro Valley from Tibetan invasions. Other sights include Drukgyel Dzong, commemorating the Bhutanese victory over the Tibetans in 1644; and Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in the country. (breakfast, dinner).
Day 8: 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. (breakfast, dinner).
Day 9: Delhi. Return to Delhi by flight today. Time permitting visit New Delhi's National Museum. (breakfast).
Day 10: Bandhavgarh. Fly to Jabalpur and proceed by road (approx. 4 hours) to Bandhavgarh National Park; famous for its tiger population, extensive wildlife, flower and fauna. This afternoon depart on a game drive by open jeep with your naturalist to search for tigers and other exotic wildlife. (breakfast, dinner).
Days 11-12: Bandhavgarh. Each day embark on an early morning game drive, and a second game drive in the late afternoon. (breakfast, dinner).
Day 13: Jabalpur. Drive to Jabalpur, an ancient city located on the shores of the holy river Narmada. In the afternoon visit the city's Madan Mahal Fort, Tilwara Ghat, where Mahatma Gandhi's ashes were immersed in the Narmada River, and 12th century Mala Devi Temple. This evening enjoy a boat ride on River Narmada at Bhedaghat to see the beautiful Marble Rocks, the scenic gorge rising to a hundred feet on either side of the Narmada. (breakfast).
Day 14: Delhi. After a free morning in Jabalpur, return to Delhi by flight. (breakfast).
Day 15: Amritsar. Fly to Amritsar, one of India's most ancient and fascinating cities, and important seat of Sikh history and culture. In the afternoon witness the flag ceremony at the Wagah border, the only border crossing between India and Pakistan. The changing of the guards and ceremonial lowering of the flags are carried out with great pomp. At sunset see the "Beating Retreat" ceremony, where soldiers from both countries march in perfect drill, going through the steps of bringing down their respective national flags to thunderous applause.
Day 16: Amritsar. Explore Amritsar this morning to learn about Sikh culture. Visits include the Golden Temple, Akal Takht, Tower of Baba Atal Rai, and Jallianwala Bagh. The balance of the afternoon is free to explore the city on your own. (breakfast).
Day 17: Depart Amritsar. Return to Delhi by flight or train and continue to your onward destination. (breakfast).
Meals: Fifteen breakfasts, one lunch, and ten dinners.
Cost per person, double occupancy from $8,150.
