Adventures in Bhutan

Upon arrival at Delhi airport, you will be met by the Yoga Travels representative and transferred to the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Delhi’s population of about 20 million people is divided between the old and new cities. NEW DELHI with some large spaces, and OLD DELHI with its bustling little streets. You will explore OLD DELHI, pass by the RED FORT and enter the always bustling main shopping street of Chandni Chowk. Enjoy a pedicab ride and see some of the best silver jewelry, crafts and candy stores. This area has around 4 thousand people day and night. Later, visit the Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in the Indian subcontinent.

Lunch in a local restaurant.

Then visit Raj Ghat and discover the enchanting Humayun’s Tomb, surrounded by lush gardens and built in memory of the Mughal Emperor Humayun by his devoted wife. Pass by the India Gate, the Parliament Building, the President’s House and also visit Qutub Minar.

Return to hotel.
Dinner & overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to Delhi airport to board the flight for Paro.

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. Bhutan’s first gift, as we disembark from the aircraft, will be the cool, clean fresh mountain air.

After immigration formalities and baggage collection, we will be welcomed to Bhutan and driven to the hotel.

Upon arrival, we will check into the hotel. After lunch, we will proceed to visit Ta Dzong, originally built as a watchtower, which now houses the Bhutan National Museum.

We will also visit Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong), The Paro Dzong is probably Bhutan’s best known and most iconic Dzong. This is the first building you will notice when you land at Paro International Airport and may be your first memory of Bhutan.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. The road leads through the Paro valley to the confluence of the Paro and Thimphu rivers at Chuzom. The three different styles of stupas are here; Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese.

Enroute we will visit Tamchog Lhakhang which is a temple that is dedicated to the 13th century saint Thangthong Gyalpo, the bridge builder. This temple is located across the river from the Paro to Thimphu road. In order to get to the temple one must cross an iron chain bridge, one of the few remaining of the many that Thangthong Gyalpo built.

On arrival in Thimphu, we will check into the hotel. Thimphu is the location of the centre of government, religion and commerce. Thimphu is a unique city with an unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions.

With a population of about 90,000, it is perhaps still the world’s only capital city without a traffic light.

Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu (Altitude 2400m).

Our journey will continue from Thimphu to Wangdue, a drive of approximately 2.5 hours through scenic landscapes.

Visit Dochula Pass, at an altitude of 3,100 meters, offers panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain range. This pass is home to the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens, built in honour of Bhutanese soldiers who perished in military operations. The Druk Wangyal Lhakhang, located nearby, showcases beautiful murals depicting Bhutan’s history.

We will also visit Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the “Fertility Temple,” which is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley, a revered saint known for his unconventional methods of teaching. The temple is a pilgrimage site for couples seeking fertility blessings. The short hike to the temple through the village offers a glimpse of rural Bhutanese life.

For lunch, enjoy a meal at a local restaurant in Wangdue, where you can sample traditional Bhutanese cuisine or opt for international dishes.

After lunch, we will visit Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, which is perched on a ridge overlooking the Puna Tsang Chu River. Iit is an impressive example of Bhutanese architecture. Though it suffered significant damage due to a fire in 2012, the dzong is undergoing restoration. The site offers a rich historical perspective and stunning views of the valley below.

After exploring Wangdue, we will head to Punakha for the evening. The drive from Wangdue to Punakha takes about 30 minutes.

Overnight in Punakha.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will visit Punakha Dzong, also known as the “Palace of Great Happiness.” It is one of Bhutan’s most beautiful and significant dzongs. Located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, this dzong features stunning architecture and historical importance.

After that, we will walk across Punakha Suspension Bridge. The Punakha Suspension Bridge is one of the longest suspension bridges in Bhutan, spanning the Po Chhu River. Walking across the bridge offers breathtaking views of the river and the lush valley, and it’s an excellent spot for photography. After that, we will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Punakha.

Next, a visit to the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery. The Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery is a beautiful and serene place situated on a ridge overlooking the Punakha and Wangdue valleys. The nunnery is home to a large statue of Avalokiteshvara (Chenrezig), as well as several other statues and murals. It serves as a centre for higher learning and meditation for nuns. The tranquil atmosphere and the stunning views make it a must-visit.

There will be time to explore Punakha town in the evening. You can visit local markets, interact with locals, or simply enjoy the scenic surroundings. This is a great time to relax and reflect on the day’s experiences.

Overnight at Punakha.

Today we start our journey from Punakha to Paro, a drive of approximately 3.5 hours through scenic landscapes.

On our way to Paro, we will visit Simtokha Dzong, one of the oldest dzongs in Bhutan. Built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it now houses the Institute for Language and Cultural Studies. The dzong features intricate carvings and murals, and offers a glimpse into Bhutan’s early architectural style.

Lunch will be at a local restaurant in Paro where you can savor traditional Bhutanese cuisine or international dishes.

Next we will visit Paro Rinpung Dzong, also known as the “Fortress of the Heap of Jewels”. It is a majestic dzong overlooking the Paro Valley. It is an excellent example of Bhutanese architecture and houses various sacred relics. The dzong also serves as the administrative and monastic center of Paro. Take time to explore its courtyards and admire the intricate woodwork and murals. Just above Paro Rinpung Dzong is Ta Dzong, which has been converted into the National Museum of Bhutan. The museum houses a fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkas, and natural history exhibits. It provides a comprehensive overview of Bhutan’s cultural heritage and history.

We will explore Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Bhutan, built in the 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. The temple complex is serene and beautiful, with vibrant prayer wheels and ancient structures. It’s a place of deep spiritual significance and a peaceful spot for contemplation.

Towards the evening, take some time to explore Paro town. Overnight at Hotel In Paro.

After breakfast we will take our excursion to Taktshang 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. Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown to the site riding on a tigress and meditated at this monastery subsequently for three months, and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’.

It is one of Bhutan’s most holy sites and draws pilgrims not only from Bhutan but also from neighbouring Buddhist countries. This site has been recognised as a most sacred place and visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal 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.

You will be guided through a meditation in this most sacred place.

In the evening, return to your accommodation for a restful night.

Breakfast at the hotel and drive to the airport to board the flight for Delhi.

Upon arrival at Delhi, the tour is over. You may wish to remain in transit to connect to a flight for an onward destination home or continue your travels in India.