Day 1: Arrive in New Delhi
On arrival at Delhi International Airport follow the signs in the terminal to proceed through immigration, collect your luggage, clear customs and meet your representative in the Arrivals Hall. The airport representative will be holding a board with your names on it for identification.
A private transfer will bring you to your hotel. Remaining day at leisure.
Day 2: Delhi - Paro - Thimpu
Departing Delhi, the plane will rise, and with good weather, offering magnificent views as the landscape changes from the open plains of the Ganges River delta into the foothills of the Himalayas. Crossing the mountains we will descend into the small airport at Paro and disembark into the clean, fresh mountain air which will come as a delightful contrast to the intense experience of India’s Golden triangle.
After immigration, we will meet our local guide, and drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. En-route, we will travel along the River Paro, stopping at Chuzom, the confluence of Thimphu and Paro rivers where three different style of stupas; Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese are set.
Thimphu is a unique city, with a population of around 90,000 it is one of the world's smallest capitals and perhaps still the only one without a traffic light. The city is developing but still remains relatively low rise and regulations mean most of the buildings are still constructed in a traditional style.
After lunch, we visit the King's Memorial Chorten, built by the former King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk who was known as "the father of modern Bhutan", it serves as both a memorial and as a monument to peace and is continuously circled by devout locals, murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels. Afterwards, we drive to Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang), this recently completed giant Buddha statue offers beautiful views over Thimphu and the surrounding countryside. Later, we enjoy an exploratory walk around the heart of Thimphu, visting the main street and market area. We will visit the local crafts bazaar, to browse through example of Bhutan's traditional handicrafts. Here you can buy hand-woven textiles, thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, wood carvings and jewellery.
In the evening we have organized a traditional welcome dinner with a local family where you will get the opportunity to sample local delicacies and learn about Bhutan's unique cultural and traditional values.
Day 3: Thimpu
Following breakfast, we commence our sightseeing tour of the Thimphu Valley. Visit the National Library, which houses an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts; the Institute for Zorig Chusum (known as the Painting School) where students undergo a 6-year training course in Bhutan's 13 traditional arts and crafts. You can watch the students as they develop their skills and purchase examples of their work. Later visit the Textile Museum, which provides insight into Bhutan's one of the most distinct art form. We also visit Simply Bhutan, a living museum and studio encapsulating the cultural heritage of the Bhutanese people.
After lunch, we take a short drive to the 16th century Pangri Zampa, one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan. Here Buddhist students learn Lamaism and astrology based on Buddhist philosophy. Later we visit the Takin Preserve. "Takin" is the national animal of Bhutan, and looks like a cross between a cow and a goat. Legend has it that the animal was created by the great Buddhist yogi, Drupa Kunley, and it can be found only in Bhutan and nearby areas. Taxonomy places the animal in a category of its own as it is not similar enough to any other animal to fit established categories.
We then visit Trashichhoedzong, one of the most important buildings in the nation. This large structure is the center of government and religion, the site of monarch's throne room and seat of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Originally built in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in 1960s in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans following a fire.
After returning to our hotel there will be some free time to explore Thimphu's center, visiting shops and the local market. Prior to dinner, we have arranged a special cooking demonstration held at local restaurant where a team of chefs demonstrate how local Bhutanese delicacies are prepared. Bhutanese food is heavily seasoned with red chilies and can be quite hot. Tasty and fiery 'Emma Datshi' made with chilies and local Bhutanese cheese is the national dish of Bhutan. Guests can have fun participating in the preparation of local Bhutanese delicacies.
Day 4 : Thimpu - Punakha
After breakfast, we leave Thimphu and drive to Punakha across the Dochula pass (3,080m). Like other passes in Bhutan, the pass is marked by traditional Bhutanese Chortens draped with prayer flags. With clear weather there are spectacular views over the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas.
In the afternoon we visit Punakha Dzong (the Palace of Great Happiness), built at the junction of the Phochu and Mochu rivers in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal this majestic dzong once served as the religious and the administrative center of Bhutan. Your guide will explain more about the intricate culture of Bhutan, explaining the significance of the paintings that adorn the temple.
Later in the day we visit Chimi Lhakhang, known as the Temple of the Divine Madman, it is situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley. The Divine Madman was a maverick 15th century saint who blessed the site and it is now considered as an important fertility site, where couples who want children are usually blessed with a child very soon after praying here. The temple is reached by a trail which leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, where you are offered a rare glimpse into the daily life and lifestyle of the villagers. Also watch out for the phallic paintings and sculptures which adorn many of the buildings to the amusement of tourists.
Day 5: Punakha - Paro
After breakfast, enjoy an excursion to Phobjikha and Gangtey. The valley of Gangtey is one of the most beautiful spots in Bhutan, a wide, flat valley without any trees reached after a hard climb through dense forest.
We visit Gangtey Gompa, 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 also the biggest Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan. The Monastery is surrounded by a large village inhabited mainly by the families of the 140 Gomchens who take care of the Monastery.
Afternoon, we drive to Paro along the scenic highway. En route, we visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress in the country built in 1627 and now home to the School for Buddhist studies. After lunch, we proceed to visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, this impressive structure now houses the National Museum. The museum is home to an extensive collection, including antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts. From the museum we take a short walk down the hill to visit Rinpung Dzong, fortress of the heap of jewels, which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine paintings illustrating Buddhist lore.
In the evening, we visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.
Day 6: Paro
In the morning we start early to participate in a traditional puja ceremony at a monastery aiming at peace, prosperity and happiness. We then embark on a memorable excursion to the iconic Tiger's Nest monastery. One of Bhutan's most famous monasteries, it is perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it's Tiger's Nest name. This site has been recognized as an important sacred site and is now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. The monastery is reached by a relatively demanding trek through lush pine forests, draped with prayer flags.
In the evening, witness a cultural performance, followed by dinner. All Bhutanese art, dance, drama and music has its roots in the Buddhist religion. The music of Bhutan is an integral part of its culture and plays a leading role in transmitting social values. Traditional Bhutanese music includes a spectrum of genres, ranging from folk to religious song and music. Dances are performed wearing ornate costumes and masks, with each aspect having a symbolic meaning.
Day 7: Paro - Delhi
After breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for your onward flight to Delhi where we stay overnight before our flight back home.
Day 8: Delhi – Onward
Breakfast at hotel and later transfer to the airport for your return flight home.