Bhutan – The Land of Thunder Dragon
Indo Asia Tours
07 Nights / 08 Days Trip: Delhi - Paro - Thimphu - Punakha – Paro
Bhutan often revered as the "Land of the Thunder Dragon" is still regarded as one of the last "Shangri-Las" in the Himalayan region because of its remoteness, its spectacular mountain terrain, varied flora and fauna and its unique ancient Buddhist monasteries. It is in the relatively unexplored pockets of Asia, which allows only a limited number of discerning travellers in order to preserve its fragile environment and culture in its magical purity.
Tour Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Arrive in Delhi. On arrival, you will be greeted and assisted by our representative and transferred to the hotel. (Rooms will be available from 14:00 Hrs.)
Delhi has been the seat of power for several rulers and many empires for about a millennium. Many times the city was built, destroyed and then rebuilt here. Interestingly, a number of Delhi's rulers played a dual role, first as destroyers and then as creators.
Afternoon enjoy a short seeing of Delhi.
Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.
Day 02: Delhi/ Paro/ Thimpu
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board the flight to Paro. Dazzling views of the Himalayas cast a spell as you enter Paro valley with the silvery Paro Chu (river) meandering down.
On arrival you will be greeted and continue drive to Thimphu, an exciting blend of tradition and modernity.
Thimphu – The capital town of Bhutan and the centre of government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. Home to civil servants, expatriates and monk body, Thimphu maintains a strong national character in its architectural style.
Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.
Day 03: Thimphu
In the morning after breakfast, enjoy sightseeing of Thimphu including the following:
Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang) - visitors can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from here. King's Memorial Chorten, The Folk Heritage Museum - dedicated to connect people to Bhutanese rural past.
Then, visit the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts shops. In the evening, visit Trashichhoe dzong, “fortress of the glorious religion”. This is the centre of government and religion, site of monarch’s throne room and seat of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot.
Dinner & Overnight at the hotel
Day 04: Thimphu / Punakha
After early breakfast, drive to Punakha.
On the way enjoy splendid views of the distant Himalayas at Dochula pas (alt. 3,050m).
In the afternoon visit Punakha Dzong. Rest of the evening is free at leisure to explore the place on your own.
Dinner & Overnight at the hotel
Day 05: Punakha / Paro
After breakfast, drive to Paro. On the way enjoy an interesting 30-minute walk across rice fields, then following a tiny stream downhill before making a short climb to visit Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the temple of fertility.
Continue drive to Paro that stands tall at altitude of 2200 m / 7218 ft above sea level. The beautiful valley of Paro encapsulates within itself a rich culture, scenic beauty and hundreds of myths and legends. On arrival in Paro transfer to hotel.
Afternoon visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum of the Kingdom. (Imp: It remains closed on Sunday & Mondays).
Afterwards, walk down a hillside trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan.
Late afternoon, proceed to visit a farmhouse in Paro. You will also be able to enjoy cookery demonstration and enjoy the Bhutanese dinner with your local hosts.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 06: Paro
After breakfast enjoy excursion to Taktshang Lhakhang (Tiger's Nest). 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".
Later drive north of Paro valley to ruins of Drukgyel Dozng (From a distance). From this fort Bhutanese repelled several invasions by Tibetan armies.
While returning to Paro town enroute visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom.
Dinner & Overnight at the hotel
Day 07: Paro / Delhi
After breakfast, transfer to airport to board flight to Delhi.
Rest of the day is free at leisure
Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.
Day 08: Delhi Departure
After breakfast, transfer to airport to board the flight back to home. (Rooms will be available till 12:00 Hrs.)
Lufthansa City Center