Delhi / Day 1 - 2

Flight to Delhi

Spend a day in the capital of the country and prep for the flight to Bhutan. After arrival at the hotel and rest, step out for a short half-day tour of some of the important sites. Lotus Temple, a lotus-shaped temple is the youngest of the independent world religions and believes in the oneness of mankind, the oneness of God and the oneness of all religions. Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, a holy shrine of Sikhs, when the eighth Guru Sri Harkishan had stayed here for a few months as guest of Raja Jai Singh. Also, visit Laxmi Narayan Temple also called Birla Mandir build by G. D. Birla in 1938 dedicated to the goddess of prosperity and good fortune. The temple has well grafted gardens, that are fun to walk around.

Drive past India Gate and the important Government buildings. India Gate commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who died in the 1st world war. 13516 names of British and Indian soldiers killed in the Afghan War of 1919 are engraved on the arch and foundations. A short photo stop at Rashtrapati Bhawan, which was once the Viceroy’s residence but is now the official residence of the President of India.

Overnight at the hotel.

Paro and Thimphu / Day 3

Flight to Paro. The journey offers fascinating views and an exciting descent into the Kingdom of Bhutan. The first gift to you as you disembark from the aircraft will be cool, clean fresh mountain air. Drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan with en-route stop at Chuzom, the confluence of Thimphu and Paro rivers. Three different style of stupas; Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese adorn this confluence. Shortly before reaching Chuzom, you will see the Tschogang Lhakhang, “the temple of the excellent horse”. It is a private temple, built in 15th century, as the result of visitation from Balaha, the excellent horse, a manifestation of Chenrezig, the compassionate Buddha.

Arrive Thimphu and check-into the hotel. Thimphu was earlier a small settlement that developed into a town and became the new capital of Bhutan. The city sprawls across the western slopes of the Wang Chuu river valley, with several government offices located around Trashichoe dzong, he 17th Century fortress monastery, which is today the seat of Bhutanese government. The main thoroughfare is lined with shops, restaurants, retail arcades and public buildings.

Afternoon proceed for a city tour. Visit the King’s Memorial Chorten continuously circumambulated by people, murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels. Construction of this landmark was the idea of Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (“the father of modern Bhutan”) had wished to erect this monument for world peace and prosperity. It was completed in 1974 after his untimely death and it serves both as a memorial to the Late King and as a monument to peace.

Also visit to Trashichhoe dzong, ‘fortress of the glorious religion’. This is the site of the monarch’s throne and the seat of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. 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.

Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu

Thimphu / Day 4

The full day is spent at the Thimphu Tshechu (festival). Tshechus are the main religious festivals of Bhutan celebrated to honour Saint Padmasambhava, also known as ‘Guru Rinpoche’. During Tshechus, the dances are performed by monks as well as laymen. The dances are known as Cham, and feature Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and Pema Lingpa who were main figures who composed many of the dances. Also look out for the Atsaras, or clowns, who roam amongst the crowds, making people laugh. The dances invoke the deities to wipe out misfortunes, increase luck and grant personal wishes. Also visit the Changangkha Lhakhang, a fortress like temple and monastic school perched on a ridge above Thimphu, south of Motithang. The temple was established in 12th century on a site chosen by Lama Phajo Drugom Shigpo, who came from Tibet. From temple courtyard, there is fascinating view of the Thimphu valley. In the evening, roam the Thimphu Main Street and visit Craft Bazaar and Government Handicrafts Emporium, in case you want to shop for souvenirs.

Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu

Thimphu and Punakha / Day 5

Spend the first half at the Thimphu Tsechu and then leave for Punakha acrosss Dochu-la pass (3,088m/ 10,130 ft), stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the chorten, main wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m ), Jejegangphugang (7,158 m ), Kangphugang (7,170 m ), Zongphugang (7, 060 m ), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana and finally Gangkar puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m.

Before entering Punakha town, there is a short detour to Chimi Lhakhang. Situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, this temple is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who in the late 15th century used humour, songs and outrageous behaviour to dramatise his teachings and due to this also known as ‘Divine Madman’. This temple is also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon.

Later visit Punakha Dzong. Built strategically at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, this served as the religious and administrative centre of the region. Damaged by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has been now fully restored.

Overnight at the hotel in Punakha

Punakha, Gangtey and Trongsa / Day 6

This day is reserved for driving to Gangtey, stopping to see the Gangtey Goempa. 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.

Later explore fascinating Phobjikha valley. This place is the winter home of black necked cranes that migrate from the arid plains in the north to pass winter winter in milder and lower climate. Phobjikha, at an altitude of 2900 m, falls under the district of Wangduephodrang and lies on the periphery of the Black Mountain National Park. The valley boasts two beautiful meandering rivers, Nakay Chhu (Chhu Naap-black water) and Gay Chhu (Chhu Karp-white water).

Next, drive to Trongsa across Pelela pass (3100m). En route visit to Chendbji Chorten, the stupa patterned on Swayambhunath in Kathmandu with eyes painted at four cardinal points. It was built in the 18th century by Lama Shida from Tibet, to cover the remains of an evil spirit that was subdued at this spot.

Overnight at Trongsa.

Trongsa and Bumthang / Day 7

After breakfast visit the striking Trongsa Dzong, ancestral abode of Bhutan’s royal family. Built in 1648 as the seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan. The Dzong is a massive structure with many levels, sloping down the contours of the ridge on which it is built.

Also visit Ta Dzong, a cylindrical stone structure rising five storeys, was built in 1652 by Chogyal Minjur Tempa, a task entrusted to him by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. After more than 350 years, it has been resurrected into a classy museum that represents a tasteful blend of tradition and modernity.

Then proceed on to Bumthang across Yutong la pass (3,400m). En-route also visit Yathra (woolen fabric) weaving center and villages. Bumthang is the general name given to combination of four valleys – Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura with altitude varying from 2,600m to 4,000m. It is home to many of prominent Buddhist temples and monasteries.

Later, there is an interaction with a monk at the hotel.

Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.

Bumthang / Day 8

After breakfast visit Kyichu Lhakhang, consisting of three temples. The one on the right was built in 1652 on the rack face where Guru meditated in the 8th century. Second temple is built on the site of a cave containing a rock with the imprint of Guru’s body and is therefore considered the most holy. The third temple was built in 1990s by Ashi Kesang, the Queen Mother. These three temples are surrounded by a 108 chorten wall.

Then proceed to Jambay Lhakhang. This monastery was built in the 7th century by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. It is one of the 108 monasteries built by him to subdue evil spirits in theHimalayan region. Its present architectural appearance dates from the early 20th century.

Jakar Dzong, founded by great grand-father of the first Shabdrung is next on the sightseeing schedule. This Dzong was initially built as a monastery in 1549. It was upgraded after the Shabdrung had firmly established his power in 1646.

In the afternoon drive across the River to Tamshing Lhakhang located across the river from Kurje Lhakhang. This temple was founded in 1501 by Terton Pema Lingpa, the re-incarnation of Guru Padsambhava. The monastery has very ancient religious paintings like 1,000 Buddhas and 21 Taras (female form of Buddhistava). The temple was restored at the end of the 19th century. Also visit to Lhodrak Kharchhu Monastery in the evening. The monastey has become part of an extensive effort to preserve and revitalize Tibetan culture.

Overnight at the hotel in Bumthang.

Bumthang and Wangdue Phodrang / Day 9

After breakfast drive to Wangduephodrang. It is the last town on the central highway before central Bhutan. The town is not more than an enlarged village with a few well-provided shops.

Located in the south of Punakha, the higher reaches of the Wangduephodrang valley provide rich pastureland for cattle. This district is also famous for its fine bamboo products, slate and stone carvings.

Evening visit a traditional farm house and meet a village family where tea / coffee will also be served. It provides opportunity to mingle with local family particularly the farming community and understand their cultural. Later explore local market.

Overnight at the hotel in Wangduephodrang.

Wangduephodrang and Paro / Day 10

Journey towards Paro, en route visit Simtokha where we see the Simtokha Dzong, which was built in 1627 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. It stands on a low ridge 8 km down the valley from Thimphu. The most noteworthy artistic feature of this dzong is the series of over 300 finely worked slate carvings behind the prayer wheels in the courtyard. Later continue the drive to Paro.

Arrive in Paro and check in at your hotel.

This afternoon is dedicated to explore Paro and its surrounding.

Afternoon visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons and armour.

After the visit walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and other cosmic Mandala.

Later drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. The snowy dome of sacred Chomolhari goddess can be seen in all her glory from the approach road to the Dzong. En route visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Paro / Day 11

This day is reserved to visit Taktsang Monastery, 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 is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognized as a most sacred place and visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April, 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendour.

The afternoon is dedicated to an archery demonstration as archery is the national sport of Bhutan and every village has its own archery range. High spirited competitions, usually accompanied by a banquet, are a part of all festive occasions. Using bamboo bows, teams of archers shoot at targets only 30 centimeters in diameter from a distance of 120 meters.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Delhi / Day 12 - 13

Fly back to to Delhi. Overnight in Delhi. Flight back.