We Love —
- Soak up the atmosphere of the unique country of Bhutan and breathe in the pure Himalayan air!
- Travel along the panoramic Paro highway and admire the unspoilt flora of the surrounding landscape.
- Be captivated by the impressive Taktshang monastery, which you'll find nestled on the side of a cliff.
New Voyage Privé —
Carefully selected by our experts especially for you
Your Itinerary In Brief —
With its magnificent and largely unspoilt Himalayan setting, rich flora and fauna and vibrant Buddhist culture, Bhutan has become an increasingly popular destination for international tourists.
Rightly known as the last Shangri-La, this country of rolling hills and towering cliffs will charm you with its protected flora and monasteries nestled in steep cliffs.
Embark on this exciting, one-of-a-kind 6-night tour with the following itinerary:
Your itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in New Delhi
Day 2: Arrival in Paro and transfer to Thimphu
Day 3: Thimphu
Day 4: Thimphu - Punakha
Day 5: Punakha
Day 6: Punakha - Paro
Day 7: Paro
Day 8: Departure
Please note that the order of activities may be changed without affecting the programme.
Your Itinerary In Detail —
Day 1: Arrival at Delhi Airport
Upon arrival at New Delhi International Airport, you'll be met before taking your private transfer back to your hotel.
Day 2: Flight to Bhutan
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer privately to the airport for your flight to Paro in Bhutan.
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in the Himalayas. Following the Himalayan range, the journey offers fascinating views. Bhutan's first gift to you as you step off the plane is the fresh, clean mountain air.
After immigration formalities and baggage collection, you will be greeted by a representative with a "tashi khaddar" (white scarf offered to the guest, which is an auspicious way of welcoming the guest) and drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan.
The road crosses the Paro valley to the confluence of the Paro and Thimphu rivers at Chuzom (confluence).
Shortly before reaching Chuzom, you will see on your left Tamchog Lhakhang, the temple built by Thangtong Gyalpo, a pioneering engineer who introduced the construction of suspension bridges to Bhutan and Tibet (several of which are still in use today).
The current bridge leading to Tamchog Lhakhang was restored in 2005 in a traditional style with iron chains. Crossing this iron bridge is a marvellous experience (about a 50-minute walk there and back).
Arrival in Thimphu, check-in at the hotel.
The capital of Bhutan and the centre of government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with an unusual blend of modern development and ancient traditions.
Day 3: Thimphu
After breakfast, embark on a fascinating nature walk to Cheri Monastery, now a major meditation retreat centre.
It was founded in 1620 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to house Bhutan's first corps of monks. An elaborately decorated silver chorten inside the upper monastery houses the ashes of Zhabdrung's father.
It is believed that Guru Rinpoche meditated in a cave above the monastery when he came to Bhutan in the 8th century.
To get to Cheri, you have to walk 14 km (30 minutes) towards the northern end of the Thimphu valley to Dodena (2,600 m), where the hike starts. The trail begins by crossing a beautifully covered traditional wooden bridge over the Thimphu Chhu (river) and then climbs steadily up to the monastery.
The steep path is serene and tranquil, and you'll have the opportunity to breathe in the cool breeze beneath the beautiful woodland, while the view from the top is breathtaking.
A place where Zhabdrung spent many years meditating, Cheri now has a number of hermitages and small temples located on its slopes, offering spectacular views.
Hiking information:
Level of difficulty: Moderate
Season: January to December
Maximum altitude: 2650m
Altitude gain: 330m
Walking distance: 6.5 km (return)
Walking time: 2.5 hours (return)
After lunch, visit the Textile Museum.
With the opening of the Textile Museum, under the patronage of Her Majesty Queen Ashi Sangay Choden, Bhutanese textiles have reached new heights as one of the most visible and distinct art forms. The Textile Museum has opened its exhibition with six main themes: warp weaves, weft weaves, the role of textiles in religion, achievements in the field of textile arts, textiles made from indigenous fibres and the royal collection.
For a taste of Bhutan's traditional crafts, visit the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, established in 1971. This is the main institute responsible for preserving and promoting Bhutan's thirteen traditional arts and crafts. Better known as the School of Arts and Crafts or the School of Painting, the institute offers courses for ages 4 to 6 in 13 traditional Bhutanese arts and crafts.
Then take a short drive north of the city to Buddha Dordenma, situated on a hilltop in the Kuenselphodrang nature park.
The statue fulfils an ancient prophecy dating back to the 8th century AD, discovered by Terton Pema Lingpa (discoverer of religious treasures).
It is said to emit an aura of peace and happiness throughout the world. This massive statue of Shakyamuni, made of bronze and gilded with fine gold, stands 51.5 metres high, making it one of the largest statues in Bhutan.
125,000 smaller Buddha statues have been placed inside the Dordenma Buddha statue, each also cast in bronze and gilded. Here, at the Buddha Point, you can practise meditation in a designated area.
Later in the afternoon, visit the National Memorial Chorten, a large white structure crowned by a golden spire. It is located near the centre of Thimphu city and is one of its most iconic monuments. It is the ideal place to interact with the locals, who flock in large numbers to walk around the chorten, spin the large red prayer wheels and pray in a small shrine inside the gate. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide an insight into Buddhist philosophy.
In the evening, visit the Centenary Farmers Market. Better known as the weekend market, this lively and colourful market is the largest where farmers from different parts of the country gather to sell their produce. With its wide range of products, including handicrafts, and its picturesque and colourful setting, the Farmers Market is a favourite haunt for many.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu (altitude 2,320 m).
Day 4: Thimphu - Punakha (75 km, approx. 2h30 drive)
After breakfast, drive to the Dochu-la pass (3,088m/ 10,130 ft), stopping briefly to enjoy the view and admire the chorten, mani wall and prayer flags that adorn the highest point of the road.
If the sky is clear, the following peaks are visible from this pass (from left to right): Masagang (7,158 m), Tsendagang (6,960 m), Terigang (7,060 m), Jejegangphugang (7,158 m), Kangphugang (7,170 m), Zongphugang (7,060 m), a Table Mountain that dominates the remote Lunana region - finally Gangkar puensum, Bhutan's highest peak at 7,570 m.
At Dochula Pass, 108 chortens or stupas known as Druk Wangyal Chortens were built by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk, the eldest queen mother. These chortens are built in three layers: the first, the lowest, has forty-five chortens, the second thirty-six and the last twenty-seven, built around the main chorten.
Continue on to Punakha. Punakha was the capital of Bhutan and the seat of government until 1955. It is still the winter seat of Je Khenpo (the chief abbot).
Benefiting from a temperate climate and drained naturally by the Pho Chhu (male) and Mo Chhu (female) rivers, the fertile Punakha valley produces abundant crops and fruit. Situated at an altitude of 1300 m above sea level, Punakha enjoys mild winters and is a popular destination all year round.
After lunch, visit the Punakha Dzong or "Palace of Great Happiness", built at the junction of the Phochu and Mochu rivers in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. This majestic dzong once served as Bhutan's religious and administrative centre. It measures around 600 by 240 metres and has a six-storey golden domed tower. Inside, courtyards and religious statues hint at the depth of the history and spiritual tradition embodied here. Your guide will help you to better understand this complex culture, which is exotic to us even though it has long been established here.
Afterwards, a short excursion to Chimi Lhakhang:The Chimi Lhakhang, located on a hill in the centre of the valley, is also known as the Temple of Fertility. It is widely believed that couples who have no children and want one, if they pray at this temple, are usually blessed with a child very quickly.
The path leads through rice fields to the small village of Pana, wh ich means "field". A walk through the village near the temple will give you an insight into the daily life and way of life of the villagers.
In the evening, stroll through the town of Punakha and the surrounding area.
Overnight at the hotel in Punakha (altitude 1,300 m).
Day 5: Punakha
After breakfast, a beautiful hike leads to the majestic Khamsum Yuelley Namgel Chorten, which was built to eliminate negative forces and promote peace, stability and harmony in a changing world.
The chorten dominates the upper Punakha valley and offers breathtaking views of the Mo Chhu and the mountain peaks of Gasa and beyond. (approx. 2 hours' walk there and back)
Enjoy a picnic lunch by the river, taking in the fascinating views. Then, come the afternoon, drive to the town of Wangdue and visit the Dzong of Wangduephodrang Dzong.
Founded by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1638 atop a high ridge between the Punak Tsang Chhu and Dang Chhu rivers, with fantastic views over the valley below, the Wangdue dzong occupies a special place in Bhutanese history.
The dzong's strategic location enabled the Penlop (governor) of Wangduephodrang to protect the roads leading to Trongsa, Punakha, Dagana and Thimphu, making him the third most powerful ruler after the governors of Paro and Trongsa. The Dzong was damaged by fire in 2012 and recently restored (in 2022) to its original grandeur and splendour.
Next, explore the village of Rinchengang.
Rinchengang village is situated on a hill opposite the Wangduephodrang Dzong, high above the West-East National Road. The village's old traditional mud houses are clustered together and have an ancient appearance, which is quite unique compared to other Bhutanese villages.
The whole village is a close-knit community and, according to legend, its first inhabitants were hired in the early 17th century by the saint Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal as construction workers from Cooch Bihar in India, to build the Wangdue Dzong.
They were exceptionally skilled in masonry and contributed greatly to the construction of the Dzong.
In recognition of their contribution, they were offered a permanent settlement in the village. Rinchengang is considered to be one of the oldest villages in Bhutan and still preserves its ancestral cultures and traditions. Surrounded by rice terraces, the village is about a 15-minute walk from the highway and offers fantastic views of the Wangduephodang dzong and the Punatsang Chhu river.
Overnight at the hotel in Punakha (1,300 m altitude).
Day 6: Punakha - Paro (125km, around 4 hours' drive)
After breakfast, drive to Paro along the scenic highway. Then, upon arrival in Paro, check into the hotel.
The beautiful valley of Paro is home to a rich culture, landscapes of great beauty and hundreds of myths and legends. It is home to many of Bhutan's oldest temples and monasteries, the national museum and the country's only international airport.
Mount Chomolhari (7,314 m) reigns in white glory at the northern end of the valley, its glacial waters plunging into deep gorges to form the Pa Chhu (Paro River). Paro is also one of the most fertile valleys in the Kingdom, producing much of the famous local red rice in its terraced fields.
After lunch, visit Ta Dzong, originally built as a watchtower and now home to the national museum. The extensive collection includes ancient thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons and armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historical artefacts.
A visit to Ta Dzong is immediately followed by a short walk along the path to visit Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong), which means "fortress of the cluster of jewels" and has a long and fascinating history.
Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are beautiful murals depicting Buddhist legends such as the Four Friends, the Old Man of Long Life, the Wheel of Life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount Sumeru and the Cosmic Mandala. Sumeru and the Cosmic Mandala.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro (altitude 2,280m).
Day 7: Paro
After breakfast, fascinating excursion to Taktshang or Tiger's Nest monastery (about 5 hours' walk there and back).
This is one of Bhutan's most famous monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated in this monastery, hence the name 'Tiger's Nest'.
This site was recognised as a sacred place and visited by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646. Today, all Bhutanese visit it at least once in their lives.
In the late afternoon, drive towards the end of the valley to the recently restored Drukgyel Dzong.
Built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 to commemorate a first military victory over Tibetan invaders, the dzong's name means "Victorious Druk".
From a historical and strategic point of view, this dzong has endured in all its glory and was the subject of an article in National Geographic magazine in 1914.
The glory of Drukgyel Dzong endured even when it was destroyed by fire in 1951. On a clear day, you can see the dominating view of Mt. Chomolhari (7,314 m) from the village below the Dzong.
You will also visit a typical farm. Bhutanese farms are very colourful, decorative and traditionally built without the use of a single nail. The majority of Bhutan's population continue to live as they have for centuries - in small isolated farms and hamlets, surrounded by terraced fields of rice, maize and buckwheat.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro (altitude 2,280m).
Day 8: Departure from Paro
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight to the next destination.
Please note the following about Bhutan: The sale of tobacco is prohibited in Bhutan and the capital has no traffic lights. CLOSING DAYS FOR CERTAIN MONUMENTS MENTIONED IN THE ITINERARY: - Ta Dzong - Paro (national museum): closed on public holidays. - Textile Museum - Thimphu: closed on public holidays and weekends: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Zorig Chusum Institute (arts and crafts school) - Thimphu: closed on Sundays and public holidays, open on Saturdays from 9am to 12pm. Closed from 20 December to 10 March for winter holidays. - Centenary Farmers Market (weekend market): Closed on Tuesdays.
Your Hotels —
Hand-picked Just For You
Relax in comfortable hotels selected by us, just for you.
Your accommodation:
- New Delhi: Vivanta Dwarka
- Paro: Paro Eco Lodge or Hotel Olathang or Bhutan Metta Resort & Spa
- Thimphu: Bhutan Peaceful Residency & Spa or Hotel Phuntsho Pelri
- Punakha: Zhingkham Resort or Damchen Resort
Hotels listed in the programme; if unavailable, accommodation in hotels of a similar category.
Your dining choices
This offer is based on a Bed and Breakfast stay in New Delhi, followed by a Half Board stay (excluding drinks) for the remainder of your tour. Let yourself be surprised by the country's culinary specialities, from yak milk dishes to spicy chillies!
Your Included Services —
Visa fees for Bhutan
Visa information: Obtaining a visa for your visit to Bhutan is simple and straightforward. The whole procedure takes just a few minutes and you're ready to enter the kingdom.
To apply for a visa with us, you need:
- A digital copy of a valid passport
- A recent digital passport photo
- Travel insurance valid for the duration of your trip
Please send these documents immediately to Voyage Privé's incoming partner, who will deal with your visa formalities before your arrival: [email protected]
Local emergency contact: +91 9891111556 (calls, SMS & WhatsApp)
Your Journey to Bhutan —
Flights:
You will be able to choose your airline and flight times when you make your booking. This flight may include one or more stopovers. The stopover may be technical (without a change of aircraft) or transit (with a change of aircraft).
Luggage information
Baggage, meals and other services on board certain flights may be subject to a charge. You will find out whether your airfare includes baggage when you choose your airline and timetable. If your fare does not include baggage, please go to the airline's website before your departure with your travel file reference to find out the exact fare and purchase your extra baggage. If you choose a low-cost airline, you will be able to add your baggage during the booking process. For domestic flights, airlines do not always offer the option of reserving baggage, so you will have to pay for it at the airport counter. You will receive all the information you need to check in for your flights after you have made your reservation.
Your Destinations —
Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Bhutan offers breathtaking scenery, with verdant valleys, towering mountains and monasteries perched on cliffs.
Visitors can explore the capital Thimphu, where tradition meets modernity, and discover the majestic dzong of Tashichho, the seat of government.
Bhutan is also renowned for its unique Buddhist culture, with colourful and lively festivals where fascinating masked dances tell deep spiritual stories.
Finally, the Bhutanese people's warm welcome, hospitality and respect for nature make it an unforgettable destination for travellers seeking authenticity and serenity.
