en
- Signature
- 15-day trip
- From €21,275 p.p.
Bhutan trip | Round trip mystery Bhutan
The special trip takes you to the magical Himalayan kingdom, Bhutan. Stay in the country's most exclusive accommodations. Discover authentic work in the capital, Thimpu, from traditional paper-making to hand-rolling incense. Take a walk through the Punakha area, visit the impressive Dzong and enjoy a riverside BBQ lunch overlooking rice paddies and mountain peaks. Continue to the pristine landscapes of Gangtey. Take a traditional outdoor bath with stunning views of the majestic Phobjikha Valley. Explore the unknown Tang Valley near Bumthang, a rarely visited area with temples and monasteries that are truly off the beaten track.
Travel programme
Travel overview
- Day 1 Flight to India
- Day 2 Flight to Bhutan
- Day 3 Thimphu and surroundings
- Day 4 Thimphu – Punakha
- Day 5 Punakha: cultural
- Day 6 Punakha – Gangtey
- Day 7 Gangtey Valley
- Day 8 Gangtey – Bumthang
- Day 9 Bumthang area
- Day 10 Tang Valley
- Day 11 Bumthang – Paro
- Day 12 Paro area
- Day 13 Tiger’s Nest
- Day 14 Departure from Bhutan
- Day 15 Departure from India
Air travel to India
Today, you will travel to New Delhi in India, where you will be received upon arrival and transferred to your hotel by private transfer. Tomorrow, you will travel on to your final destination of Bhutan.
Inclusief:
- Private transfer to your hotel
- Overnight accommodation including breakfast
Exclusief:
- International flights
Air travel to Bhutan
Your journey to Bhutan continues today with a flight to Paro. 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 will be greeted by our local representative, who will accompany you throughout your trip through Bhutan.
After a 1.5-hour drive, you will arrive in Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, situated at an altitude of 2,350 metres. Upon arrival at Six Senses Thimphu, you will have time to acclimatise. You will then set out to explore the area, visiting, amongst other places, the Institute of Traditional Medicine, where medicines are made from herbs, minerals and other ingredients prepared according to centuries-old recipes. You’ll continue on to the School of Arts and Crafts, the Folk Heritage Museum and the Simply Bhutan Museum, which showcases Bhutan’s ancient cultural heritage. Other attractions include the National Library, the Textile Museum, the Weaving Centre, Buddha Point and the National Memorial Chorten.
You can also stretch your legs on a short walk with scenic views, such as the Wangditse Leisure Forest Trail.
Experience
Enjoy a relaxing Ayurvedic massage with a view of the pine forests.
Inclusief:
- Private transfer to the airport
- International flight New Delhi - Paro
- Meet & greet on arrival
- Private transfer with guide to your hotel
- Explore the Thimphu area
- Accommodation on a full board basis
Thimphu area
After breakfast, a short walk takes you to Cheri Goemba Monastery. On the way back, you’ll visit the 16th-century Pangri Zampa, which now houses a monastic training school for astrologers. Back in the city, you’ll discover various authentic crafts practised in the capital, from traditional papermaking to hand-rolled incense; Himalayan artefacts line the main street.
After lunch, you’ll head to the northernmost tip of the valley to visit Trashi Chhoe Dzong, which has been the seat of government in Bhutan since 1952. As the sun sets, take a stroll past the Takin sanctuary for a magnificent view over the Thimphu valley. The takin is Bhutan’s national animal. This sanctuary is home to takins that have strayed down from the higher mountains. According to local legend, takins are believed to be half-cow and half-goat.
Alternatively, you could play a round of golf at Thimphu Golf Course. A unique golfing experience that few of your fellow golfers will ever have the chance to enjoy. Play golf at altitude in a country boasting impressive monastery fortresses, Buddhist shrines, temples and breathtaking natural scenery. At an altitude of 2,350 metres, your scores are bound to be surprising.
In the evening, enjoy an exclusive invitation to the lodge with the Mynak Trulku. He has the answers to all your questions about Buddhism. He is the 12th reincarnated lama of the famous Mynak Rinpoche.
Tips from a Travel Specialist
At the weekend, you can visit the Authentic Craft Bazaar or the vegetable market.
Includes:
• Walk to Cheri Goemba Monastery, Pangri Zampa and a city walk
• Visit to Trashi Chhoe Dzong at sunset
• Accommodation on a full-board basis
Thimphu - Punakha
Set off for Punakha and the beautiful Punakha Valley via the Dochu-La mountain pass. Along the way, you’ll pass, amongst other sights, one of Bhutan’s earliest fortified monasteries, the 17th-century Simtokha Dzong, and ancient murals at the Hongtsho Goemba monastery. The journey continues over the 3,050 mountain pass, from where, on clear days, the peaks of the Himalayas are visible. After a stop for a picnic lunch, you’ll continue to Punakha, which lies at an altitude of 1,250 metres in a warm, fertile valley at the confluence of the Mo Chhu (female river). The subtropical climate makes it possible to grow rice and exotic fruit. On the way, you can visit Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility monastery built in 1499, where many couples come to pray for conception and receive a wang (blessing) from the saint with the ‘magical lightning bolt of wisdom’
Enjoy the evening sun in the courtyard or relax with one of Punakha’s signature spa treatments, using local ingredients.
Included:
• Private transfer with a guide to your hotel, with stops along the way, including a packed lunch
• Overnight stay on a full-board basis
Punakha cultural
Start the morning with a walk to Khmsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a beautiful monument built by the Queen Mother of Bhutan and consecrated in 1999. After the walk, you can visit the impressive Punakha Dzong, home to the remains of Bhutan’s first ruler and the winter residence of the head of the monastic order and his retinue of monks.
A popular option for lunch or dinner is the Private Riverside BBQ. Sit in the shade of pine trees and enjoy the sounds of the river, with views of rice paddies and mountain peaks. A romantic dinner lit by candlelight and warmed by a bonfire makes for an unforgettable experience. Or get to know Bhutan’s national sport and try your hand at archery in a workshop.
Learn how to make momos, traditional dumplings.
Inclusief:
- Visit to Punakha
- Accommodation on a full board basis
Punakha - Gangtey
A 2.5-hour drive takes you from Punakha through the subtropical Punakha Valley, alongside the Mo Chhu River. The motorway continues eastwards, following the picturesque Dang Chhu River before climbing through forests of bamboo and oak. Just before reaching the Pele La pass, a small side road leads to the hidden Phobjikha (Gangtey) valley. Gangtey lies at an altitude of 3,000 metres and is a serene place of natural beauty, unspoilt landscapes and local traditions and culture.
On arrival in the village, you can take a short walk to warm up before visiting the ancient altars and walls of the immense Gangtey Goemba. From here, you’ll enjoy a magnificent view over the valley.
Included:
• Private transfer with a guide to your hotel
• Visit to Gangtey Goemba
• Overnight stay on a full-board basis
Gangtey valley
The morning begins with a pleasant walk along the Nature Trail, through flower-filled meadows, pine forests and across the open valley. If you’d prefer a more challenging walk, consider the majestic Longtey walk, which offers impressive views as it takes you along a winding path through a rhododendron forest. You can also visit the Black-necked Crane Centre. Every year, these magnificent birds flock to the valley in large numbers to spend the winter. Between November and early March, they settle in the vast wetlands.
At the end of the day, unwind in an open-air Hot Stone Bath. The traditional wooden bath is situated in a candlelit stone hut and offers stunning views of the majestic Phobjikha Valley. Your body will benefit from the minerals in the heated stones and the soothing properties of local herbs.
After your relaxing bath, you can enjoy a delicious Bhutanese meal surrounded by hundreds of candles and warmed by a traditional bhukari wood-burning stove.
Includes:
• Visit to the Phobjikha Valley
• Accommodation on a full-board basis
Gangtey - Bumthang
Today’s itinerary features a five-hour drive to Bumthang, filled with unforgettable and impressive landscapes. You’ll drive through a stunning natural area featuring terraced fields, deep river gorges and authentic high-altitude farmsteads, all viewed from the country’s only east-west motorway.
After a short stop at Chendebji Chorten, which, according to legend, was built to cover the remains of a demonic spirit, you’ll continue on to Trongsa, the original home of the royal family. During a short walk through the village, you can visit the grand Trongsa Dzong. You will then drive on towards Bumthang, crossing the picturesque Yotong La Pass and descending into the Chhume Valley, home to Bhutan’s famous Yathra weaving. Meet the weavers of these renowned traditional textiles.
At 2,580 metres, the Bumthang Valley is covered with fields of buckwheat, millet, potatoes and apple orchards that gradually give way to a pine forest. Across the valley lie many of the kingdom’s famous ancient monastery complexes, many of which are still adorned with vibrant murals and richly decorated altars, all steeped in a mystical history.
Upon arrival at the lodge, you will have the opportunity to visit the neighbouring palace, Wangdichhoeling, where the second king once lived. It is renowned for its auspicious prayer wheels.
Included:
• Private transfer with a guide to your hotel, with stops along the way
• Accommodation on a full-board basis
Bumthang - Paro
Today you’ll take a domestic flight from Bumthang to Paro. After a 45-minute flight with stunning views, you’ll land in Paro. You’ll be met at the airport and driven through the town to the northern end of the valley. Here, the Paro Lodge is tucked away in a pine forest.
In the afternoon, there’s time for a short walk across open fields and past village houses. Before sunset, take a seat by the large prayer wheel beneath the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, and enjoy the view and the beautiful skies.
You can also try your hand at traditional archery during one of the archery sessions, using a range of traditional bows and arrows.
Evenings at Six Senses Paro may feature informative talks on Gross National Happiness, traditional cultural performances, prayer flag printing or an intriguing film about the Himalayas.
Included:
• Private transfer to the airport
• Domestic flight to Paro
• Private transfer with a guide to your hotel
• Accommodation on a full-board basis
Paro area
Discover the kingdom’s rich culture and heritage at the National Museum. Here you’ll also find an intriguing collection of artefacts.
Just a short walk downhill lies the imposing Paro Dzong, a fine example of historic Bhutanese architecture. From the Dzong, the journey continues via Nyamai Zampa, a traditional cantilever bridge, from where you’ll be taken to the town temple, built in 1525 and notable for its ancient murals.
Lunch options in Paro include a picturesque picnic spot or perhaps a visit to a traditional farm. After lunch, there is an opportunity to visit the uniquely shaped Dumtse Lhakhang with its beautifully preserved murals.
Included:
• Accommodation on a full-board basis
Tiger's Nest
In the morning, you’ll walk to one of Bhutan’s most impressive monuments, the Taktsang Goemba, better known as the Tiger’s Nest, built on a steep cliff face at an altitude of 2,950 metres. The four-hour trek offers spectacular views of this sacred monastery, perched on the cliffs 900 metres above the valley.
After lunch at a local farm or at the lodge, you can visit the outskirts of Paro town, where you’ll find the 7th-century twin temples built in the country. Immerse yourself in ancient Buddhist traditions.
On the final evening of your trip, you can enjoy the Hot Stone Bath or a relaxing Tibetan Ku Nye massage, during which warm oil is applied to specific points to prevent energy blockages.
Includes:
• Hike to Tiger’s Nest
• 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, a journey of around 30 minutes from the lodge. 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.
Inclusief:
- Private transfer to the airport
- International flight Paro - New Delhi
- Meet & greet on arrival in India
- Private transfer to your hotel
- Overnight accommodation including breakfast
Accommodations
JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity
Luxury and convenience come together at the JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity. Located next to the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, India, the hotel offers accessibility and style. Guests can relax in spacious, modern accommodations with details like luxurious bedding, premium technology and pristine...
Luxury and convenience come together at the JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity. Located next to the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, India, the hotel offers accessibility and style. Guests can relax in spacious, modern accommodations with details like luxurious bedding, premium technology and pristine marble bathrooms. On-site amenities include a full-service spa, an extensive modern fitness centre and an impressive outdoor pool. You can dine at one of seven on-site restaurants, including Akira Back, which serves Japanese cuisine with a Korean twist.
Your stay: 1 night
Six Senses Thimphu
Six Senses Thimphu is set among apple orchards and pine forests, yet within easy reach of the capital's attractions. It sits on a favourable hillside overlooking the glittering lights of Thimphu. With its grand design and outdoor ponds reflecting the sky, this is truly a palace in...
Six Senses Thimphu is set among apple orchards and pine forests, yet within easy reach of the capital's attractions. It sits on a favourable hillside overlooking the glittering lights of Thimphu. With its grand design and outdoor ponds reflecting the sky, this is truly a palace in the sky. Six Senses Thimphu offers 25 spacious villas and suites. For those who want an extraordinary culinary experience, the Namkha restaurant excels in healthy dishes and Asian specialities plus authentic Bhutanese dishes such as momos dumplings with a fiery ezay sauce.
Your stay: 2 nights
Six Senses Punakha
This beautiful lodge has a rustic feel and is blessed with a warmer climate. Six Senses Punakha offers a choice of suites and villas, swimming pool, library, yoga and meditation cabins, and serves as an excellent base to visit the majestic Punakha Dzong. This spectacular lodge has a...
This beautiful lodge has a rustic feel and is blessed with a warmer climate. Six Senses Punakha offers a choice of suites and villas, swimming pool, library, yoga and meditation huts, and serves as an excellent base to visit the majestic Punakha Dzong. This spectacular lodge has a more rustic rural feel to complement the warmer climate of the area and offers stunning views of the valley filled with rice fields and dotted with traditional farms. Guests can start the day with breakfast on the terrace overlooking the rice fields as the mist fades through the valley, order a poolside barbecue for lunch and sample traditional Bhutanese dishes with a Western twist at Ari's for dinner.
Your stay: 2 nights
Six Senses Gangtey
Located in the town of Gangtey, Six Senses Gangtey overlooks the beautiful Phobjikha Valley and is the ideal spot for birdwatchers. The property features eight suites and a two-bedroom villa, all of which have a modern design. The accommodation features a library, an exercise and games room,...
Located in the town of Gangtey, Six Senses Gangtey overlooks the beautiful Phobjikha Valley and is the ideal spot for birdwatchers. The property features eight suites and a two-bedroom villa, all of which have a modern design. The accommodation features a library, an exercise and games room, a fire pit, a wellness centre and all-day dining. During your stay at the hotel, guests can enjoy walks along the Gangtey nature trail, to the village of Gangtey or relax during a meditation session at the Pyramid Meditation Room.
Your stay: 2 nights
Six Senses Bumthang
Nestled among lush forest overlooking the Bumthang Chhu River, Six Senses Bumthang offers an ideal place of tranquillity. The hotel aims to have as little impact on the environment as possible with furnishings that reflect the natural surroundings. There are a total of eight suites and one two-bedroom villa....
Nestled among lush forest overlooking the Bumthang Chhu River, Six Senses Bumthang offers an ideal place of tranquillity. The hotel aims to have as little impact on the environment as possible with furnishings that reflect the natural surroundings. There are a total of eight suites and a two-bedroom villa. Hotel facilities include a library, lounge, all-day dining and a wellness centre.
Your stay: 3 nights
Six Senses Paro
Six Senses Paro is designed to maximise what is certainly one of the most beautiful locations during the Six Senses Bhutan trip. The hotel is known as Stone Ruins - and guests will understand why when they dine among them. The spacious suites are designed with large windows with beautiful views of the valley. Eat...
Six Senses Paro is designed to maximise what is certainly one of the most beautiful locations during the Six Senses Bhutan trip. The hotel is known as Stone Ruins - and guests will understand why when they dine among them. The spacious suites are designed with large windows with beautiful views of the valley. Eat With Six Senses is the guiding philosophy for tasty and healthy dishes made from organic local produce. Guests can go back in time for a feudal dinner among 12th-century ruins or visit a local farm for a truly authentic Bhutanese dining experience.
Your stay: 3 nights
JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity
Luxury and convenience come together at the JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity. Located next to the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, India, the hotel offers accessibility and style. Guests can relax in spacious, modern accommodations with details like luxurious bedding, premium technology and pristine...
Luxury and convenience come together at the JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity. Located next to the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, India, the hotel offers accessibility and style. Guests can relax in spacious, modern accommodations with details like luxurious bedding, premium technology and pristine marble bathrooms. On-site amenities include a full-service spa, an extensive modern fitness centre and an impressive outdoor pool. You can dine at one of seven on-site restaurants, including Akira Back, which serves Japanese cuisine with a Korean twist.
Your stay: 1 night
Destinations
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
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
Bhutan trip | Round trip mystery Bhutan
We offer this tour from €21,275 per person.
The tour price is an estimate and is subject to availability and travel dates, amongst other factors.
Included
• International return flight New Delhi – Paro
• Domestic flights
• 22 nights’ accommodation in excellent and distinctive properties
• 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 positive impact via the Avila Foundation
Not included
• International flights to and from New Delhi
• Room category upgrade
• Travel and/or cancellation insurance
• India visa fees
• 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)