Jewel of the East

Bhutan is an extraordinary place hardly touched by the hands of time. Nestling in the heart of the great Himalaya, it remained in self-imposed isolation for centuries, aloof from the rest of the world. Since its doors were cautiously opened in 1974, visitors have been mesmerised: the environment is pristine, the scenery and architecture awesome, the people hospitable and charming, and the culture unique in its purity. Despite the huge potential of its natural resources, Bhutan emerged as one of Asia's poorest countries, shunning the 'profit at all costs' mentality of the rest of the world. With one foot in the past and one in the future, it strolls confidently towards modernisation, on its own terms, fiercely protecting its ancient culture, its natural resources and its deeply Buddhist way of life.

Tour Itinerary

Day 01 Delhi/Bangkok/Kolkata- Paro
Arrive at Paro. The flight into Bhutan takes you over the great Himalayas, offering you the most scintillating scenery of the world’s highest glacial peaks. As you enter Paro valley, you will see the silvery Pa-chu (Paro river) meandering down the valley, the Paro dzong (fortress) and the Ta dzong (watch tower). Our representative will receive you at the airport and drive you over to Thimphu, 2 hours. Overnight Thimphu.

Day 02 Thimphu Sightseeing
Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, was established in the 1960s and is today still a small bustling town. You will notice the unique touch of traditional architecture in the buildings around. The town has just three lines of shops and is probably the only capital in the world without traffic lights. In the morning visit the National Library, School of arts, Indigenous Hospital, Zilukha nunnery, the view point and Changangkha Lhakhang (temple built in 15 century). After lunch visit the Memorial Chhorten, handmade paper factory, gold & silver smiths and the dzong after 5 pm (applicable only in winters). After this you can go around the town shopping and mixing with the people. Overnight at Thimphu.

Day 03 Thimphu - Trongsa
After early breakfast, drive to Dochula pass (3050 m) for tea stop. If weather permits you can see a range of high peaks towards the north east. Drive onwards to Wangdue Phodrang town for lunch. Then cross over Pelela pass (3300 mtrs), the traditional boundary between east and west. After a short break in Chendebji Chhorten, built in 18th century. Proceed to Trongsa, historically the seat of eastern power. Overnight at Trongsa lodge.

Day 04 Trongsa- Bumthang
After breakfast walk by Trongsa dzong (first built in 1647) and visit the Ta dzong (watch tower), dedicated to the Buddhist epic hero, King Gesar of Ling. Drive to Bumthang distance 68 km, 2 hours. After lunch visit Kurje temple (where the Indian saint Padmasambhava subdued a local demon and left his body imprint on a rock), the Jambay Lhakhang (7th century), Tamshing monastery (one of the oldest monastic schools), the Jakar dzong. Also visit the Swiss farm where you can buy cheese, and local fruit products. Overnight at Bumthang lodge.

Day 05 Bumthang- Punakha
After breakfast drive back towards Punakha (1350 mtrs.) for about 7/8 hrs. Overnight at Punakha.

Day 06 Punakha- Paro
Start early, visit Punakha dzong, a massive structure built on the confluence of two rivers in 1637 by Shabdrung, the spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan prior to the present dynasty. It was the old capital and still serves as the winter residence of the monk body. The first king, Ugyen Wangchuk, was crowned here in 1907. It has withstood several damages from fire, earthquake and flood. The latest flood of Oct’ 94 caused great damage to the fortress but miraculously spared the statue of the Buddha Jojampa.(Maitrea) Drive over for lunch to Thimphu and proceed towards Paro after a shopping spree in town if time permits. Distance about 130 km,time 4/5 hrs. Overnight Paro.

Day 07 Paro Sightseeing
In the morning visit the museum(which in the past served as the watch tower for the Paro dzong below), the Paro dzong, built in 1646, and the Kyichu temple (built by the Tibetan King Srongtsen Gompo in the 7th century). After lunch drive to Drugyal dzong, built in 1647 by the Shabdrung to commemorate Bhutanese victory over the Tibetans in the war of 1644. The dzong today stands in ruins, after being gutted by a fire. Behind the fort if the weather is clear you can see the looming majestic peak of Mt. Chomolhari (7314 mtrs.) You can also see from the road the Taktsang monastery clinging on the rocks above. If there is still some time left visit a farm house to test some unique drink/snacks served in traditional style. Overnight Paro.

Day 08 Paro Airport
Departure. Start early for the airport. Our guide will escort you to the airport in Paro and bid you farewell.

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