India – introduction
A country with a rich and colorful history, India is home to some of the world’s most fascinating cultures. India is a country located in South Asia and the capital of India is New Delhi. The Government of India, the Constitutional Republic represents a highly diverse population of thousands of ethnic groups and the many languages spoken in the country.
India is a country that attracts millions of tourists every year and is considered one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. These visitors are attracted to its natural beauty and cultural heritage. It has many historic sites as well like the Taj Mahal, Golden Temple, Red Fort, etc.
DAY WISE ITINERARY:
DAY 01 ARRIVE PARO -TRANSFER TO THIMPHU (55 KMS / 1½ HRS DRIVE)
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in the entire Himalayas. Flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu, the journey offers fascinating views and an exciting descent into the Kingdom. After immigration formalities and baggage collection, you will be met by our representative, and afterward drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan with a enroute stop at Chuzom, the confluence of Thimphu and Paro rivers. Three different styles of stupas; Tibetan, Nepalese, and Bhutanese adorn this confluence. Shortly before reaching Chuzom, you will see on your left TschogangLhakhang, “the temple of the excellent horse”. It is a private temple, built in the 15th century, as the result of visitation from Balaha, the excellent horse, a manifestation of Chenrezig, the compassionate Buddha. On arrival in Thimphu, check into the hotel. The capital town of Bhutan and the center of Government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. Evening an exploratory walk around Thimphu Main Street and market area. Also visit the Local Crafts Bazaar, to browse through example of Bhutan’s fine traditional arts. Here you can buy hand-woven textiles, Thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewellery, interesting items made from local materials. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu (Altitude 2400m).
DAY 02 THIMPHU
A fter breakfast, sightseeing in Thimphu valley including visit to the following: The National Library, housing an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts; the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School) where students undergo a 6-year training course in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts.
Later visit Textile Museum, which provides insight into Bhutan’s one of the most distinct art form. Also visit Simply Bhutan, a living museum and studio encapsulating the cultural heritage of the Bhutanese people.
Afterward, visit to Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). Located a short drive from Thimphu city centre, visitors can get a good overview of the Thimphu Valley from Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). You can pay your obeisance and offer prayers to the Buddha, the largest statue in the country, and then walk around and take a glimpse of the valley. King’s Memorial Chorten was continuously circumambulator 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”) who has wished to erect monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it serves both as a memorial to the Late King and as a monument to peace. Later visit to Trashichhoedzong: This impressive fortress/monastery houses Secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty, the King and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of Chief Abbot and central monk body. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
DAY 03 THIMPHU – GANGTEY (150 KMS / 05 HRS DRIVE)
After breakfast, check-out from the hotel & drive Gangtey (Phobjikha) enroute visiting Dochula Pass (Altitude 3080m). In Bhutan, the passes are marked by a large Bhutanese Chorten and prayer flag. Dochula pass offers the most spectacular view over the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas on a clear day. And also via Wangdue Phodrang, where you can visit the local market and explore the newly developed town. The district of Wangdue Phodrang is also famous for its bamboo products, slate, and stone carvings. Further ahead pass through dense forests and oak, and rhododendron trees, reaching Gangtey (Phobjikha).
The valley of Gangtey is one of the most beautiful spots in Bhutan. The surprise of finding such a wide, flat valley without any trees after the hard climb through dense forests is augmented by an impression of vast space and an extremely rare experience in Bhutan where most of the valleys are tightly enclosed.
After lunch, take a walk around Gangtey village and visit 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 Mountain’s Gangtey valley, Bhutan 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. Overnight at the hotel in Gangtey
DAY 04 GANGTEY – PUNAKHA (75 KMS / 03 HRS DRIVE)
After early breakfast, enjoy the Gangtey Nature Trail (Distance: 5.5 km, Time: approx. 2 hours, Difficulty level: Easy). This pleasurable walk provides an opportunity to get a nice feel of Phobjikha Valley. From the small hilltop overlooking Gangtey Goemba, you head downhill through flower meadows to Semchubara village and from here through beautiful forests and into the open valley. The trail ends at the local community school after passing a Chorten and Khewal Lhakhang. Later continue driving to Punakha, upon arrival; check into the hotel. Later visit Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the junction of two rivers. It was the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and still serves as the winter residence of the monk body. Overnight at a hotel in Punakha.
DAY 05 PUNAKHA
After breakfast, hike up through fields of chilies, cabbages, and rice along the banks of the Mo Chhu to Kham sum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a stunning monument recently built by the Queens and consecrated in 1999.
Later visit to Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery. Perched on a ridge amid pine trees and overlooking valleys of Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang, gleams the magnificent structures of Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang (Temple). The temple houses a 14-foot main bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara (Chenrigzig chagtong chentong). Other statues include those of Guru Padma Sambawa, Gautama Buddha, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, Tsela Namsum, the 21 Taras and Tsepamay (Buddha of longevity). The Avalokiteshvara statue, one of the biggest in the country, was the handiwork of entirely local Bhutanese artisans. The temple complex also houses a permanent higher learning and meditation centre for nuns where, apart from religious trainings, it provides life skill training such as tailoring, embroidery, statue making and thangka painting. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha
DAY 06 PUNAKHA – PARO (120 KMS / 4½ HRS DRIVE APPROX)
After breakfast, proceed to for short walking excursion to Chimi Lhakhang, from hotel it is about 15 mins’ drive till motor able road and then walk starts through paddy fields and villages. This is total about 1½ hrs walk, including both way). The Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, 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. The trail leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, meaning ‘field’. A walk through the village near the temple will give you rare glimpses into the daily life and lifestyle of the villagers. On arrival in Paro, check into the hotel. After lunch, proceed to visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique Thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons &armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts. Ta Dzong’s visit is immediately followed by a short walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong (Paro 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, and scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and other cosmic mandalas. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
DAY 07 PARO
After breakfast excursion to Taktsang Monastery or Tiger’s Nest (approx. 5 hours walk): It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, 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 recognised as a most sacred place and visited by ShabdrungNgawangNamgyal 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 the building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendour.
Evening, visit the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by the Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
DAY 08 DEPART PARO BY AIR
After early breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for a flight to your onward destination. Our representative will help you with exit formalities and then bid you farewell.
|
City |
Nights |
CATEGORY A |
CATEGORY B |
|
Thimphu |
2 |
Thimphu Tower/ Thimphu Central/similar |
The Capital/similar |
|
Gangtey |
1 |
Dewachen/ Phobjikha resort/similar |
Hotel Dewachen/ similar |
|
Punakha |
2 |
Hotel Lobesa/ Similar |
Zhingkham resort/ similar |
|
Paro |
2 |
Mandala resort/ Similar |
Tashi Namgay/Kaachi Grand/Similar |
VALIDITY: 01st March – 21st Dec 2026
VEHICLE ENVISAGED
|
Group size |
Vehicle type |
Seating capacity Including Guide and Driver |
|
1 – 2 Pax |
SUV Car: Creeta, Breeza or Kia |
5 Including Guide and Driver |
|
3 – 4 Pax |
Hiace bus / H1 |
8 Including Guide and Driver |
PACKAGE INCLUSIONS:
PACKAGE EXCLUSIONS:
