Luxury Tour of Bhutan

Upon your arrival at Delhi Airport, you will be met by our local representative, who will escort you to your hotel. You will spend the night at The Imperial, a luxury hotel ideally situated on Connaught Place—a true icon of the city.

The morning is at your leisure. In the afternoon, a tour of New Delhi and Old Delhi is scheduled. The primary difference between the two parts of the city lies in their origins: New Delhi was founded by the British. Consequently, this section of the city has retained its British character and features a planned layout—in contrast to Old Delhi. You will tour New Delhi by private car with a driver, while you will explore Old Delhi by rickshaw. This is the best way to discover the maze of streets within the Chandni Chowk bazaar district. There is truly so much to see and do!

Afterward, you will return to your hotel on Connaught Place, conveniently located near numerous restaurants. However, for a superb dinner, there is no need to leave the premises: The Imperial also boasts an excellent in-house restaurant.

After breakfast, you will be driven to Delhi Airport for your regional flight to Paro. The views of the mountain ranges are a feast for the eyes, and the landing on the runway at Paro Airport is the icing on the cake. There, you will meet your guide and driver, who will accompany you throughout your journey in Bhutan. The journey continues for approximately one hour to Thimphu, the modern capital of Bhutan. Along the way, you will enjoy magnificent views of the snow-capped peaks. With a population of just 100,000, Thimphu is one of the smallest capital cities in the world. The city center revolves around three main streets where restaurants and shops sit side by side. Weather permitting, you can visit the Memorial Chorten and the Tashichho Dzong in the afternoon. The Memorial Chorten was erected in memory of the country's third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Many Bhutanese people visit daily to pray, walk around the monument, and spin the massive prayer wheels. The Tashichho Dzong is an impressive monastic fortress. These *dzongs* (monastic fortresses) were once the centers of political and religious power. Even today, they house government offices and temples. In the late afternoon, you will see civil servants leaving the “dzong” after their workday, at which point the building opens to visitors. As you leave the “dzong”, take a look to your left. Here stands the (modest) Royal Palace, the residence of the current fifth king, His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.

Tip: The daily Flag Retreat Ceremony is accompanied by a grand spectacle. Don't miss it!

After breakfast, you will visit the immense Golden Buddha, perched high above Thimphu. Inside the statue, you will find a temple that you are welcome to visit. Today, you will also discover the Changangkha Monastery, the National Institute of Traditional Medicine (which houses a museum), the School of Arts and Crafts, the Textile Museum, the Folk Heritage Museum, a nunnery, and a market where you can find a wide variety of handicrafts. You will be able to decide for yourself—in consultation with your guide—how much time you wish to devote to each site

The journey to Punakha takes approximately three hours. The route traverses the Dochula Pass (3,050 m), offering panoramic views of the Himalayas and the 108 stupas encircling the hilltop. Your guide and driver will encourage you to take a moment to relax and savor this experience. A brief stop at the Lamperi Botanical Park is highly recommended, allowing you to connect with the country's magnificent flora and fauna. After dinner, visit Chimi Lhakhang—the Temple of Fertility. To gain insight into the life of Saint Drukpa Kunley (also known as the "Divine Madman"), be sure to read the stories inscribed on the temple walls. Now that you are ready, rest assured that your experience will be truly unforgettable! You will then be escorted to Punakha. Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan for over three decades and continues to play a pivotal role in the evolution of Bhutanese culture today. After a day filled with exploration, you can unwind amidst the delightful ambiance of your charming accommodation: Uma Punakha.

Note: The hike may place some physical exertion on your lungs. This marks your first opportunity to witness Dochula, the Rhododendron Trail, and the monastery nestled within the mountains. The hike takes approximately three hours to complete.

After breakfast, you will visit the Khamsum Yulley Temple. This magnificent temple was built by the mother of Bhutan's fifth—and current—King. From a distance, you will see its golden spire gleaming brightly. It is said that this temple brings peace to the world. Inside the temple, you will discover a variety of frescoes, statues, and traditional paintings. Next on the itinerary is Punakha's main attraction: the Punakha Dzong. This massive fortress is situated at the confluence of two rivers, creating a truly spectacular sight. The colossal white walls of the fortress were clearly designed to impress both friend and foe—and they have certainly succeeded. Inside, numerous sacred relics are enshrined, and the vibrant paintings are simply breathtaking. In the afternoon, you will visit the Wolakha Nunnery. The nuns here are truly fortunate; in addition to housing a beautiful bronze statue of the Buddha of Compassion—depicted with eleven faces and a thousand hands and eyes—the nunnery offers the most stunning panoramic views of the Punakha Valley. To conclude the day, you can take a leisurely stroll across the valley's longest suspension bridge to visit a nearby village, where you will get to see just how massive the traditional 'farmhouses' truly are.

The drive today is a bit rugged and takes approximately four hours. But what a reward awaits you at the end! Just before reaching the Pele La Pass, you will turn off into the beautiful Phobjikha Valley, where you will check in to a magnificent property: the Gangtey Lodge. In this atmospheric setting—characterized by its warm hospitality and personalized service—you are sure to feel right at home in no time. Of course, you are welcome to head out this afternoon to explore the valley with your guide; however, if you prefer to simply relax and unwind at the lodge, that is certainly an option as well. During the winter months, you can use the telescope on the veranda to observe the Black-necked Cranes that flock to this valley every winter. You may also opt for a hot stone bath—a traditional herbal bath heated by glowing hot stones (not included). During dinner, the chef and pastry chef will treat you to a delightful culinary experience.

Today, you will explore the Phobjikha Valley—described by many as the most beautiful valley in the Himalayas—characterized by its lush green hills. The entire valley holds protected status; consequently, you will find no agricultural fields here, but rather a pristine nature reserve. A small river flows through the valley, and the lower terrain is somewhat marshy. The birds absolutely love it! There are several options for exploring the area; you can consult with your guide to determine which option best suits you. For instance, you can hike through the three villages of Gopho, Dogcena, and Pana, as well as past local monasteries and farms. This offers a wonderful opportunity to experience village life firsthand. The Crane Information Center, a local school, and—of course—the Gangtey Monastery are also well worth a visit.

You bid farewell to Gangtey Lodge and continue your journey toward Bumthang. Please allow approximately 6 hours for the drive. Naturally, stops can also be made along the way—such as at Pele La Pass (3400m)—from where you can catch a glimpse of the majestic Jomolhari peak in the Himalayas. You will have lunch at a restaurant in Trongsa en route, where you will also visit the Dzong and the Watchtower. The Watchtower currently houses a museum. If you feel a bit overwhelmed by the multitude of saints, kings, and historical figures (along with their various incarnations and manifestations!) associated with Bhutanese cultural history, be sure to watch the short introductory film screened inside the Watchtower; it will provide you with an instant overview of Bhutanese history and legends. Furthermore, the original Raven Crown—the very crown worn by the King on special occasions—can also be viewed here. Today's final destination is Bumthang. Bumthang is, in fact, a collective name for four distinct valleys: Jakar, Tang, Ura, and Chumey. The mountain resort where you will be staying is located in Jakar. It is a pleasant and comfortable family-run hotel that features a variety of local products.

Today, a magnificent half-day hike awaits you. You will visit three temples and a monastery, including Champe Lhakhang and Kurje. At Kurje, the caretaker kneels before the altar hundreds of times a day, leaving clearly visible impressions on the wooden floor. You will also find the famous imprint of Guru Rinpoche’s body (the Second Buddha)—etched into the rock and enshrined within the altar. A nearby cave—where one risks becoming trapped if one has accumulated too many sins—offers the opportunity to be liberated from one’s torments and transgressions. To reach the monastery, you will cross the river via a suspension bridge. You may enjoy a picnic lunch on the riverbanks, amidst a peaceful setting. The route is predominantly flat and, therefore, not physically demanding. Should this itinerary seem too long for your liking, we can propose an alternative option. At the local cheese factory, you can compare the quality of the local Gouda against that of the original, pairing it with a glass of local peach wine or a locally brewed Red Panda Weizen beer. In the afternoon, you will visit the former royal palace—Wangdicholing—as well as the Dzong and the vast Kharchu Monastery (home to 300 to 400 monks). While there, should you wish, you may enjoy a cup of tea and converse with a lama—a truly unique and enriching experience!

Tip: Mountain biking and horseback riding are also available activities in Bumthang. Please do not hesitate to inquire for more details.

To spare you the long overland journey back to the west, we have included a domestic flight from Bumthang to Paro in your itinerary. Accompanied by your guide, you will depart for Paro from Bumthang’s small airstrip. In Paro, after lunch in town, you will visit several iconic sites with your guide—such as the Paro Dzong, or National Museum, housed in an ancient watchtower. You will then settle in at Uma Paro, a luxurious hotel nestled within a pine forest filled with intoxicating scents.

Today, you will discover one of Bhutan’s most famous sites: Taktsang. This marks the starting point of your hike to the Tiger’s Nest. Perched on a cliff 800 meters above the valley floor, this rocky site is not only the most famous but also one of the most spectacular in the country. It was built on the very spot where Guru Rinpoche landed in the 8th century after flying in on the back of a pregnant tigress. Guru Rinpoche—also known as Padmasambhava—is revered as an incarnation of the Buddha and the figure who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan. He meditated in a cave here for three months; the current temple is built around this very cave. You will have the opportunity to visit various religious shrines before descending to a teahouse for lunch. Afterward, a walk of less than an hour will bring you back to your driver. This afternoon, you will visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan.

You will bid farewell to your guide and driver and return to Delhi. After a short transfer, you will arrive at the luxury airport hotel—the JW Marriott—where you can freshen up before the departure of your return flight. This flight typically departs after midnight.

Note: Do you have time to visit the city? If so, we can, of course, arrange hotel accommodations and sightseeing tours for you, should you wish.

You will be driven to Delhi Airport well in advance of your return flight. Your journey with Best Travel Agents in India concludes here.