en
- Boutique
- 14-day trip
- From €6,425 p.p.
Bhutan trip | Discovery tour Bhutan 'Land of the Thunder Dragon'
Start your journey with a flight from Delhi to Paro and enjoy spectacular views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks. Experience the impressive Tschechu festival, featuring traditional dance performances in the capital, Thimpu. Drive over the Do Chula pass to Punakha. On a clear day, the breathtaking peaks of the eastern Himalayas can be seen. Walk through the pepper and cabbage fields up to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten and behold the fantastic views of the valley. Cross the Chele-la pass to Haa, for a visit to the white and black temple. End the trip with a strenuous climb to the famous Tiger's Nest.
Travel programme
Travel overview
- Day 1 Flight to Delhi
- Day 2 Flight to Bhutan
- Day 3 Cheri Monastery and archery
- Day 4 Thimphu – Punakha
- Day 5 Punakha Valley
- Day 6 Punakha – Trongsa
- Day 7 Trongsa – Bumthang
- Day 8 Bumthang Festival
- Day 9 Bumthang – Gangtey
- Day 10 Phobjikha Valley
- Day 11 Gangtey – Paro
- Day 12 Tiger’s Nest
- Day 13 Departure from Bhutan
- Day 14 Departure from India
Air travel to Delhi
You will travel to Delhi, the capital of India. Here you will arrive in the early night, staying overnight at the Hilton Express New Delhi Airport hotel. Conveniently, as you don't have to go through passport control, you won't need a visa to India. Tomorrow, you will travel on to Bhutan.
Inclusief:
- Accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis
Exclusief:
- International flight
Air travel to Bhutan
Today you’ll fly from Delhi to Bhutan. The breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks as you land in Paro are unique and will remain etched in your memory forever. On arrival, you’ll be greeted by your personal guide and driver, who will accompany you throughout your journey through Bhutan.
After a 1.5-hour drive, you’ll arrive in Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, situated at an altitude of 2,350 metres. On the way, you’ll learn about three different prayer temples and admire a centuries-old suspension bridge. Upon arrival at your accommodation, you’ll have time to acclimatise.
In the afternoon, you’ll visit Kuensel Phodrang, or Buddha Point, a massive 51-metre-high bronze Buddha statue, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views over the Thimphu Valley. If you wish, you can round off the day with a visit to Tashicho Dzong, the seat of the Bhutanese government, where the changing of the guard takes place at 5.00 pm.
(Visits to the sights are subject to time constraints)
Included:
• International flight to Paro
• Meet and greet on arrival
• Private transfer with a guide to your hotel
• Excursion: Visit to Buddha Point and Tashicho Dzong
• Accommodation on a full-board basis
Cheri monastery and archery
After a drive to Dodena, situated at 2,600 metres, you’ll take a lovely one-hour uphill walk to Cheri Monastery (3,000 metres), where you can enjoy sweeping views. The monastery was built in 1619 and was home to one of the oldest monastic orders in Bhutan. To this day, monks come here to meditate for six years, in periods of three to four months at a time, during which they have no interaction with other people!
You’ll enjoy a picnic lunch by the river and then head to the national ‘stadium’, where archery competitions take place at weekends. Archery is Bhutan’s number one national sport, and watching a competition is a special experience. If you’re here at the weekend, you can also visit the market, where you’ll find plenty of familiar and unfamiliar vegetables and other foodstuffs.
Includes:
• All activities mentioned
• Accommodation on a full-board basis
Thimphu - Punakha
After an early breakfast, you’ll drive on to Punakha. After a few hours, you’ll cross the Dochu La Pass (3,080 m). If you reach this pass at sunrise, you’ll be treated to the sight of the white Himalayan peaks on the horizon, tinged with pink in the first rays of the day. A magical moment. At the pass stand 108 prayer towers commemorating soldiers who lost their lives in battle. You’ll have a cup of tea in the cafeteria before continuing on to Toebesa.
In Toebesa, you’ll receive a warm welcome from a local family who run their farm on a ridge. A unique opportunity to see the inside of a traditional Bhutanese house, and the hostess will prepare a typical meal for you. This is followed by a glass of ara, a Bhutanese spirit.
Upon arrival in Punakha, you’ll walk for about 30 minutes through rice fields to Chime Monastery, which is dedicated to an important saint.
Included:
• Private transfer to hotel in Punakha
• All activities
• Accommodation on a full-board basis
Punakha Valley
You’re under no obligation, but if you set off early once again, you’ll visit one of Bhutan’s most beautiful monasteries whilst it’s still quiet, save for the murmurs of priests engaged in their morning prayers. Punakha Dzong (a dzong is an important monastery, often strategically situated and militarily fortified) is picturesquely situated on the Pho River and boasts a magnificent suspension bridge. Your picnic blanket offers a view of this scene.
The afternoon is set aside for another walk, this time a round trip of about 75 minutes to Khamsum Yuley Namgyal Chorten, which once again offers stunning views.
Included:
• All activities
• Accommodation on a full-board basis
Punakha - Trongsa
The next leg of the journey takes you from Punakha to Trongsa. The drive is stunning: you’ll cross the Pele La Pass, situated at an altitude of 3,420 metres, and pass one of the country’s most beautifully situated dzongs, Trongsa. Trongsa Dzong is strategically situated on a mountain ridge, in a bend of the river. In the past, if you wanted to travel from western Bhutan to the east, you had to knock on the door, as the only road led straight through the monastery.
The original watchtower that towers above the dzong is now a museum where you can admire high-quality traditional and modern crafts, as well as many references to the royal family.
Inclusief:
- Transfer to Trongsa
- All activities
- Accommodation on a full board basis
Trongsa - Bumthang
In the morning, you’ll visit Trongsa Dzong, perhaps the most beautiful in the country. After this visit, the road continues eastwards, first via a seemingly endless winding road up to the 3,330-metre-high Yoto La pass. You’ll reach the Chumey Valley, where you’ll undoubtedly be able to visit one of the weaving workshops where yak wool is processed into ‘Yathra’, woollen clothing and rugs.
On arrival in Bumthang, you will visit Kurjey Lhakang, one of the holiest sites in the country. It acquired this status in the 8th century, when the most important saint, Guru Rimpoche, visited the valley and founded this monastery. The highlight of the monastery is the rock on which Guru Rimpoche meditated.
Inclusief:
- All activities
- Accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis
Festival Bumthang
Many festivals take place in Bhutan every year, and attending them is on the wish list of many travellers. And rightly so, as experiencing them is a spiritual and spectacular experience, as well as a way to get to know the local people dressed in their finest.
Festivals come in all shapes and sizes. The most important – and most popular – are the Tsechus, which are usually held in the dzongs of the towns. Smaller festivals take place in smaller monasteries, or in villages on the central green. Ceremonies are held under the guidance of prominent Buddhist priests, but you’ll find the masked dances particularly impressive. These are spectacular events, with groups of men and women dancing energetically and sometimes with wild movements. A truly special experience.
Tips from a Travel Specialist
If you ask us for details of the dates and locations of festivals, we’ll ensure one can be fitted into your itinerary.
If possible and if it fits in with your travel dates, we’ll select a small-scale festival which might require a slight detour, but where you’ll be one of the very few tourists in attendance. This makes your experience that much more special!
Inclusief:
- All activities
- Accommodation on a full board basis
Bumthang - Gangtey
Your driver will take you back westwards. Just before the Pela La Pass, turn left and, about 50 minutes later, you’ll reach one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan: the Phobjikha Valley. The valley is unlike any other in the country. It has an exceptionally flat valley floor, where, fortunately, plans to build the international airport were abandoned in the past. The valley is now part of a National Park.
The valley is famous for the fact that flocks of rare black-necked cranes arrive here every winter (November–March) from the Tibetan plateau, where they breed. A perilous journey for the birds, over the world’s highest mountain peaks where the air is thin! The crane is revered in Bhutan; you will visit the Black-necked Crane Centre in the afternoon.
Inclusief:
- All activities
- Accommodation on a full board basis
Phobjikha Valley
We leave the activities in Phobjikha Valley up to you and you can discuss these in advance with your guide. There are pleasant walks to take in the valley, past fields, temples and farms. You can visit a school in the town of Beta. Gangtey Goempa in an impressive 1613 monastery. Are you an active person? Then you can hike up from the valley towards the Pele La pass through forests of magnolias, rhododendrons and blue spruce. This takes about 4 - 5 hours.
Inclusief:
- All activities
- Accommodation on a full board basis
Gangtey - Paro
After breakfast, you’ll drive back to Paro, descending from Dochula. Continue your journey through the Wang Chhu and Paro Chhu river valleys, before driving through Paro town to the northern end of the valley.
On the way, you will visit Simtokha Dzong. This dzong now houses a school for the study of the Dzongkha language.
Later in the day, you will visit Paro Rinpung Ta Dzong, which dates from 1644. The dzong is situated on a steep slope and, in times gone by, proved time and again to be a stronghold in the defence against attacks from Tibet.
Included:
• Private transfer to hotel (Punakha – Paro, 125 km, approx. 4 hours)
• Excursion: Simtokha Dzong & Paro Rinpung Ta Dzong
• Accommodation on a full-board basis
Tiger's Nest
After breakfast, a 5-hour walk to Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) is on the programme. On the way back to the city, you’ll stop at Drukgyel Dzong (external visit), a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought against Tibetan invaders centuries ago. You will also visit the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang. This is one of the two oldest temples in Bhutan.
In the evening, you’ll have the chance to explore Paro’s high street and market area.
Included:
• Excursion: Walk to Tiger’s Nest (approx. 5 hours)
• Excursion: Drukgyel Dzong & Kyichu Lhakhang Temple
• Accommodation on a full-board basis
Departure from Bhutan
It is time to bid farewell to Bhutan and head for beautiful India. Your driver will take you to Paro International Airport. We hope to welcome you back soon to the Land of the Thunder Dragon.
You’ll return to New Delhi in India on an international flight, where you’ll spend another night before flying back home. You’ll stay in New Delhi at the same hotel as on the outward journey.
Inclusief:
- Private transfer to the airport
- International flight Paro - New Delhi
- Overnight accommodation including breakfast
Accommodations
Holiday Inn Express New Delhi Int'l Airport T3
Conveniently located inside the New Delhi Terminal 3, Holiday Inn Express New Delhi Int'l Airport T3 is a short walk from the departure gates for boarding. The hotel boasts a modern design and comfortable facilities. One can enjoy free Express Start Breakfast and free Wi-Fi. Travellers in need of a pre-flight freshen...
Conveniently located inside the New Delhi Terminal 3, Holiday Inn Express New Delhi Int'l Airport T3 is a short walk from the departure gates for boarding. The hotel boasts a modern design and comfortable facilities. One can enjoy free Express Start Breakfast and free Wi-Fi. Travellers in need of a pre-flight freshen up, or those with shorter stopovers can make use of the hotel's unique and innovative Aqua Pods. Stay on top of your fitness regime with our 24-hour fitness centre. Exhausted travellers can make use of therapeutic treatments offered at the Spa.
Your stay: 1 night
Namgay Heritage Hotel
Ideally positioned just steps away from the centre of Thimpu city, Namgay Heritage Hotel is a traditionally decorated hotel with modern amenities. Guest rooms are each equipped with cable TVs, free Wi-Fi, and a coffee and tea maker. Hotel amenities include a swimming pool, a restaurant, a sauna, a steam room, a...
Ideally positioned just steps away from the centre of Thimpu city, Namgay Heritage Hotel is a traditionally decorated hotel with modern amenities. Guest rooms are each equipped with cable TVs, free Wi-Fi, and a coffee and tea maker. Hotel amenities include a swimming pool, a restaurant, a sauna, a steam room, a restaurant and a bar.
Your stay: 2 nights
Dhensa Boutique Resort
Dhensa Boutique Resorts is located in the heart of the verdant and lush Punakha Valley. It is flanked by dense pine forests and overlooks the Punakha River and hundreds of rice fields running down to the valley. It is surrounded by many hiking and trekking trails. From Dhensa Punakha, it is...
Dhensa Boutique Resorts is located in the heart of the verdant and lush Punakha Valley. It is flanked by dense pine forests and overlooks the Punakha River and hundreds of rice fields running down to the valley. It is surrounded by many hiking and trekking trails. From Dhensa Punakha, it is just five minutes uphill to the beautiful Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery, which houses one of the largest bronze statues of Chenrigzig (Avalokiteshvara) in the country.
The 24 suites are located in six cottages, all with private balconies. At the hotel's restaurant, you can enjoy a select menu of Western classics, traditional Asian favourites and dishes offering a taste of Bhutan. Wherever possible, the menu is made with seasonal, local and organic produce.
Your stay: 2 nights
Yangkhil Resort
Situated within walking distance of Trongsa town, Yangkhil Resort is an elegant resort in the historic town. Established in October 2004, the resort offers comfortably furnished guest rooms, equipped with modern amenities. Lush green and colourful gardens, a fish pond, breathtaking panoramic views of Trongsa Dzong, Taa...
Situated within walking distance of Trongsa town, Yangkhil Resort is an elegant resort in the historic town. Established in October 2004, the resort offers comfortably furnished guest rooms, equipped with modern amenities. Lush green and colourful gardens, a fish pond, breathtaking panoramic views of Trongsa Dzong, Taa Dzong, Mangde Chhu and the view of mountains soaring over 10000 feet, create a memorable setting at Yangkhil Resort. A tranquil atmosphere within the establishment offers an ideal environment for guests seeking solitude or relaxation.
Your stay: 1 night
Swiss Guest House Bhutan
Swiss Guest House in Bumthang, Bhutan, offers charming accommodation in a traditional Bhutanese setting. Rooms are comfortably designed, with in-room heating, room service and Wi-Fi. Guests can enjoy delicious home-cooked meals at the hotel's restaurant. Are you ready for something different: then...
Swiss Guest House in Bumthang, Bhutan, offers charming accommodation in a traditional Bhutanese setting. Rooms are comfortably designed, with in-room heating, room service and Wi-Fi. Guests can enjoy delicious home-cooked meals at the hotel's restaurant. If you are ready for something different: the kitchen also serves a delicious Swiss cheese fondue! Nearby attractions include the historic Jakar Dzong and the scenic Bumthang Valley, both easily accessible. Recreational facilities at the guest house include a cosy lounge and a bar, ensuring a relaxing stay.
Your stay: 2 nights
Dewachen Hotel & Spa
The Dewachen hotel is beautifully situated on the edge of the Phobjikha Valley, surrounded by beautiful flower beds and with stunning views over the valley. It is a mid-range hotel, with a distinctly warm and homely atmosphere. Immediately upon entering, the cosy atmosphere falls over you: the restaurant has a large...
The Dewachen hotel is beautifully situated on the edge of the Phobjikha Valley, surrounded by beautiful flower beds and with stunning views over the valley. It is a mid-range hotel, with a distinctly warm and homely atmosphere. Immediately upon entering, the cosy atmosphere falls over you: the restaurant has a large bukhari (wood-fired open stove), the interior is finished entirely in wood, and partly lined with beautiful tapestries. Your host family will do everything they can to make sure you lack for nothing.
Your stay: 2 nights
Naksel Boutique Hotel & Spa
NakSel Boutique Hotel & Spa offers rooms in Paro, 5 km from Taktsang Monastery. It features a spa and wellness centre, a sauna and a garden. Wi-Fi is available free of charge in all areas.
You will find a flat-screen TV with cable channels and a safe in each room. The private bathroom has a bathtub...
NakSel Boutique Hotel & Spa offers rooms in Paro, 5 km from Taktsang Monastery. It features a spa and wellness centre, a sauna and a garden. Wi-Fi is available free of charge in all areas.
You will find a flat-screen TV with cable channels and a safe in each room. The private bathroom has a bathtub and free toiletries.
The Olive Restaurant serves international and signature dishes. The Chabchu Bar provides snacks and drinks.
Paro International Airport is 11 km from Naksel Boutique Hotel & Spa.
Your stay: 2 nights
Holiday Inn Express New Delhi Int'l Airport T3
Conveniently located inside the New Delhi Terminal 3, Holiday Inn Express New Delhi Int'l Airport T3 is a short walk from the departure gates for boarding. The hotel boasts a modern design and comfortable facilities. One can enjoy free Express Start Breakfast and free Wi-Fi. Travellers in need of a pre-flight freshen...
Conveniently located inside the New Delhi Terminal 3, Holiday Inn Express New Delhi Int'l Airport T3 is a short walk from the departure gates for boarding. The hotel boasts a modern design and comfortable facilities. One can enjoy free Express Start Breakfast and free Wi-Fi. Travellers in need of a pre-flight freshen up, or those with shorter stopovers can make use of the hotel's unique and innovative Aqua Pods. Stay on top of your fitness regime with our 24-hour fitness centre. Exhausted travellers can make use of therapeutic treatments offered at the Spa.
Your stay: 1 night
Destinations
Bhutan
Punakha
The Punakha Valley is home to the ancient Bhutanese capital of Punakha, a fertile region blessed with a bountiful harvest of fruit and rice. The climate here is almost tropical during the summer months.
Bumthang
A patchwork of rural fields forms a beautiful tapestry in the valleys of Bumthang. Wooded hills meet the valley, offering a leafy landscape perfect for exploring the surrounding natural environment. Visit Burning Lake, a tranquil spot by the river that provides an ideal opportunity to sit and meditate.
Bumthang comprises four valleys: Ura, Chumey, Tang and Choekhor, each with its own dialect. Ancient temples and monasteries abound in this beautiful setting. Visit Jambay Lhakhang, one of the 108 monasteries built by the Tibetan king Gampo to subdue evil spirits in the Himalayas. Other attractions include Kurje Lhakhang monastery and the local brewery.
Gangtey
Idyllically situated in the beautiful Phobjikha Valley, the small village of Gangtey lies in the Wangdue Phodrang district in Central Bhutan. It serves as an excellent base from which to explore the spectacularly beautiful surroundings. This village lies at an altitude of 3,000 metres and is tucked away in an ancient glacial valley with lush greenery and cultivated fields.
The village of Gangtey is home to the 17th-century Gangtey Monastery, the only Nyingmapa monastery on the western slopes of the Black Mountains. In winter, visitors can spot the endangered black-necked cranes migrating from the Tibetan Plateau and the vast plains of Central Asia to this warmer corner of the world. The lucky ones can enjoy the famous Tshechu festival, a lively and colourful annual celebration featuring a vibrant mix of games, costumes, dancing and drumming.
Wangdue Phodrang
Wangdue Phodrang is named after the dzong (fortress) that dominated the district in central Bhutan. Built in 1638 by the country's founder Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the architectural wonder served as a temple and administrative centre. In 2012, the dzong burned down, presumably due to an electrical fault, and plans are on track to rebuild it. The town has a charming and picturesque atmosphere. Tourist shops line the main street and there is a colourful weekly farmers' market. In autumn, Wangdue Phodrang Tshechu is observed for three days; a traditional festival known for the Raksha Mangcham (the dance of the Ox).
Paro District
Paro lies at an altitude of 2,200 metres and is the gateway to beautiful Bhutan. This Himalayan oasis is home to many of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries. So there is plenty to see in this traditional town on the banks of the Pa Chhu (Paro River).
A fantastic day trip is the trek to the famous Taktshang (Tiger’s Nest) Hermitage, built against the sheer face of a 1,000-metre-high cliff.
Phobjikha Valley
Nestled in the western slopes of the Black Mountains lies the bowl-shaped Phobjikha Valley, a breathtakingly picturesque glacial valley situated at 3,000 metres above sea level and tucked away close to central Bhutan. A large flock of black-necked cranes soars above the vast expanses of lush greenery that cover the landscape, whilst the alpine region is covered in thick grassland, marshland and dwarf bamboo. The valley is also home to an abundance of wildlife, including barking deer, wild boar, sambar deer, the Himalayan black bear, the Himalayan serow, leopards and foxes. Highlights include Gangtey Goenpa Monastery, the Black-necked Crane Information Centre, and a two-hour walk along the Gangtey Nature Trail. The valley also serves as a convenient starting point for the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park, one of the largest unspoilt forest areas in the Himalayas.
Thimphu
The capital of Bhutan and the official seat of government. Thimpu is located at an altitude of 2,400 metres. It is an interesting mix of modern and historical architecture, traditional elements interspersed with modern buildings. Highlights include the Memorial Chorten, the Folk Heritage Museum, the national library, the textile museum and numerous craft shops.
Trongsa
The picturesque hill town of Trongsa rests on a steep ledge overlooking deep valleys covered in lush greenery and surrounded by breathtaking views in the heart of Bhutan. Dating back to the 16th century - the beginning of the nation - this historic town is the ancestral home of the royal family, and every crown prince must first serve as penlop (governor) of Trongsa. High above the Mangde Chhu River, the majestic Trongsa Dzong punctuates the mountainous skyline, shrouded in clouds and mist due to its high elevation. The interior reveals an impressive maze of courtyards, corridors, temples and towers decorated with mandalas and Buddhist statues. Other highlights include the stately Thrupang Palace, an isolated retreat set in beautiful landscaped gardens, and the densely forested Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park, one of the country's largest national parks.
New Delhi
India's largest city, Delhi, was one of the country's commercial and economic centres for centuries, making it incredibly rich in culture and history. The city consists of the ancient walled city of Old Delhi and the modern part, New Delhi and includes a stunning array of beautiful architecture, remarkable monuments and ancient temples, including three UNESCO World Heritage Sites - the Red Fort, Qutab Minar and Humayun's Tomb. Other major attractions include the 17th-century Chandni Chowk market, the iconic Bahà'i Lotus Temple and the Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque.
India
Bhutan trip | Discovery tour Bhutan 'Land of the Thunder Dragon'
We offer the described trip from €6,425 per person.
The tour price is an estimate and is subject to factors including availability and travel dates.
Included
• International return flight Delhi – Paro
• 7 nights’ accommodation in charming lodgings
• All meals as specified in the ‘itinerary’
• All included excursions as mentioned in the ‘itinerary’
• Private transport with an English-speaking private guide/driver
• Entrance fees during the land programme
• Bhutan tourist visa
• National Geographic or similar travel guide
• Administration fees (€50 per booking)
Positive impact of your trip:
• A contribution of €50 per person towards a positive impact via the Avila Foundation
Not included
• International flights to/from New Delhi
• Room category upgrade
• Travel and/or cancellation insurance
• Tourist tax (where applicable)
• Seat reservations
• Personal expenses/tips
• Any departure tax when leaving the destination
• Meals not specified and optional excursions
• Contribution to the Calamity Fund (€2.50 per booking)
• SGR contribution (€5 per person)