Highlights Of Bhutan
Summary
This is a tour of a country that you are bound to fall in love with, as it measures its success in Gross National Happiness. It means you are sure to get a very warm welcome anywhere you go. A little Himalayan kingdom, where your journey will take you through its majestic landscape, and make you marvel at the exotic culture that is so carefully maintained. You will start your trip in Delhi, where you get a day full of admiring the awe-inspiring historical architecture in this city, and the serene surroundings in which the memorial for Gandhi is built. Explore the city of Thimpu, with a hike to the Cheri Gompa monastery & Tashichho Dzong monastery. You will drive across the Dochula pass (3, 080m), where you will get clear views of the eastern Himalayas, and see how the Bhutanese mark the passes with Chortens and prayer flags. A hike of about 5 hours will take you to the Taktsang Monastery (The Tiger's Nest), one of the most famous monasteries in Bhutan, which is perched on a cliff face 900m above the valley. Hike up to Chimi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to the "Divine Madman", an eccentric monk who is famous for many Rabelaisian folklore stories. Visit the picturesque Punakha Dzong built on the confluence of 3 rivers, and is the 2nd largest & oldest Dzong in Bhutan.
Duration |
10 Days
Price
From £4,195.00 per person based on two people sharing*Best time to go
The best time to visit Bhutan is in spring and in autumn when there are many Buddhist festivals.
Tour Highlights
- Visit the Tiger's Nest monastery perched on a cliff at 10,000ft
- Enjoy a historical tour of Delhi including Qutab Minar A UNESCO World Heritage site
- Visit the picturesque Punakha Dzong, the 2nd largest & oldest dzong in Bhutan
- Drive through the beautiful Dochula pass
- Enjoy the Rabelaisian folklore stories at the Chimi Lhakhang temple
Day 1: Depart UK
Depart London Heathrow on an overnight flight to Delhi
Day 2: Delhi
Transfer by private vehicle to the hotel for a two-night stay. The afternoon is at leisure.
Overnight: Maidens Hotel
Day 3: Delhi
Embark on a full day tour of Delhi, with highlights being India Gate, Qutub Minar and Humayun's tomb. Also enjoy a rickshaw ride through the markets of old Delhi before visiting Raj Ghat and Ghandi Smriti.
Overnight: Maidens Hotel
Day 4: Thimpu
Travel to Delhi airport and fly to Paro.
Transfer by private vehicle to the hotel in Thimpu for a two-night stay.
In the evening drive to Kuensel Phodrang, (Buddha Point) to get a complete birds-eye view of the town of Thimphu.
Overnight: Hotel Le Meridien
Day 5: Thimpu
Enjoy a full day tour of Thimphu - highlights include a Cheri Gompa monastery hike, and visits to the National Memorial Chorten, the Handicrafts Emporium and Tashichho Dzong monastery.
Overnight: Hotel Le Meridien
Day 6: Punakha
Travel by private vehicle to the Dochula Pass, stopping to take in the view and admire the Buddhist shrines and prayer flags, to the hotel for overnight stay.
After lunch hike to the nearby Chimi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to the "Divine Madman", an eccentric monk from the 16th century. Visit Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative centre of the region. In the evening, take a stroll along the town’s main street.
Overnight: COMO Uma Punakha
Day 7: Paro
Travel by private vehicle to Paro to the hotel for a two-night stay.
In the afternoon drive towards the north end of the valley to view the Ta Dzong, formerly a watchtower and now the National Museum. Later walk down the hillside trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, (Paro Dzong), which overlooks Paro valley. Also view the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo.
Overnight: COMO Uma Paro
Day 8: Paro
This morning take an excursion to visit the famous Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche, founding father of the Bhutanese form of Mahayana Buddhism, arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery.
In the evening visit a traditional farmhouse to interact with a local family and learn something of their lifestyle before enjoying a stroll along the main street with its handicraft shops.
Overnight: COMO Uma Paro
Day 9: Delhi
Travel to Paro airport and fly to Delhi.
Transfer by private vehicle to the hotel for overnight stay.
Overnight: Pride Plaza Aerocity
Day 10: Departure
Transfer to Delhi Airport for your onward daytime flight to the UK
From £4,195.00 per person based on two people sharing*
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Inclusions
All flights, transfers, accommodation, meals and activities as specified.
Exclusions
Transfers, meals and activities not specified, visas, insurance, gratuities and items of a personal nature.
*Costs are based on travel in low season