Highlights of Bhutan | Yampu Tours

Custom Travel Experiences Since 1998

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Highlights of Bhutan

PRIVATE TOUR - 10 DAY SAMPLE ITINERARY

FROM £$ 9667

Private Tour Highlights

  • See aerial views of the highest mountain peaks in the world
  • Enjoy the culture and kindness of Bhutan’s people
  • Journey past numerous gilded temples
  • Get introduced to the lush, green Paro valley
  • Observe what life at a monastic school is like
  • Check out ancient sacred text stored in the National Library
  • View the extensive collection of ancient weaponry and stone objects at the National Museum of the Kingdom
  • See the rich folk art and medicine tradition in the area
  • Enjoy lunch at the renowned Taktstang Monastery
  • Visit the Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest monasteries in the county
Interested in this tour?   Let us build you a customized quote based on your budget.

Tour Overview

Enjoy the culture, sites and kindness of Bhutan’s people through a tour of the country’s most significant cities. Visit the famous Taktsang Monastey in Paro, immerse yourself in the culture and tradition of Thimphu and drive over the breathtaking Dochu La Pass en route to Punakha, the original capital of Bhutan.

As the main point of entry for the country, Paro offers a great introduction to Bhutan, but also hosts an array of must-see sites for any visitor. Among its impressive collection of sacred buildings are the Rimpung Dzong, Ta Dzibgm Jtucgy Lhakang and the Drukgyel Dzong, but perhaps the most impressive of all is the famous Taktsang Monastery, or Tiger’s Nest, that is impressively built into a sheer cliff wall. On a clear day, flying into Paro you will be able to see the towering mountains that jut out of its lush valley floor.

The capital of Bhutan, Thimphu is the country’s center of government, religion and commerce. With an intriguing mixture of tradition and modernity, this city is home to many Buddhist monks, businessmen, politicians, expatriates, civil servants and most importantly the Kings and the Royal Family members. You will be taken to many significant cultural sites including temples, chortens, museums, the National Library, the Painting school and much more.

Driving from Thimphu to Punakha, you will experience the altitude of the 3,100 meter (10,170 ft) Dochu La Pass, where on a clear day, you can see spectacular views of the Northern Himalayas. Once in Punakha, explore this old capital city, visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong and hike to the astounding Khamsum Yulley Namygal Chorten in the northern part of the valley.

Inclusions
Price Includes:
Round trip regional airfare from New Delhi to Paro, All accommodations, Daily meals at hotels, Service of chauffeured air-conditioned vehicle, One time entrance fees at all monuments, Services of English speaking local guide for excursions, Bottled water on intercity drives, All currently applicable taxes including service tax

Notes:
* Additional supplements may apply during the weeks immediately preceding and following the Lunar (Chinese) New Year. The dates vary each year, but fall sometime between January 21st and February 20th:
2016 – Monday, February 8th
2017 – Saturday, January 28th
Best Time to Travel
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Best Good Consult

Package Price: From £$ 9667

Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.

Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.

Trip Type:

All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!

Tour Itinerary

Day
1

International flight to New Delhi

Overnight international flight to New Delhi.

Overnight international flight to New Delhi.

Day
2

Arrival in New Delhi

Upon arrival, airport reception and check in to the airport hotel for the evening.

Note: For optional New Delhi tours please ask a Yampu travel consultant for more details.

Upon arrival, airport reception and check in to the airport hotel for the evening.

Note: For optional New Delhi tours please ask a Yampu travel consultant for more details.

Day
3

New Delhi – Paro – Thimphu

Transfer to the airport for a flight to Paro. In clear weather, the flight into Paro is a befitting introduction to Bhutan; enjoy the aerial views of the highest mountain peaks in the world that rise out of the lush green Paro Valley. Upon arrival and airport reception, transfer to Thimphu (55 kms, approx. hours). Spend the remainder of the evening at leisure.

Transfer to the airport for a flight to Paro. In clear weather, the flight into Paro is a befitting introduction to Bhutan; enjoy the aerial views of the highest mountain peaks in the world that rise out of the lush green Paro Valley. Upon arrival and airport reception, transfer to Thimphu (55 kms, approx. hours). Spend the remainder of the evening at leisure.

Paro's-Dzong-bhutan
Day
4

Tour of Thimphu

Visit several sites around the city today, beginning with the National Memorial Chorten. Erected in 1974 to honor His Late Majesty King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, this large Tibetan styled chorten (or stupa) exhibits many religious paintings and tantric statues that reflect several aspects of Buddhist Deities.

Carry on to Changangkha Lhakhang, an old fortress styled temple. Also the site of a monastic school, this temple offers excellent views of Thimphu as it is perched on a ridge above the city. From here, a brief trip to the mini zoo (essentially a large fenced in area) is in order, where one can see the Takin – the national animal of Bhutan.

Then, go to Thimphu’s telecommunication tower, which is situated on a hillside (2865m) offering great photographic scenes of Thimphu Valley. Covered in prayer flags, the complex houses the Bhutan TV studio and although it cannot be photographed, the views of the valley are definitely worth the trip. With the remaining time in the day, enjoy a visit to the Paper Factory, where traditional Bhutanese paper is produced from the Daphne plant.
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national-memorial-chorten-tourism-council-bhutan
Day
5

Cultural Tour of Thimphu

Today, begin with a visit to the National Library, which was founded in 1967 and preserves many ancient Dzongkha and Tibetan texts. On the upper floor, one can see traditional Tibetan styled books that are written on long strips of handmade paper, stacked between pieces of wood and wrapped in silken cloth. See several wooden blocks that are used for printing books and prayer flags as well as a collection of more contemporary books.

Next, visit the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, Thimphu’s popular painting school that offers a six year course with teachings of traditional Bhutanese arts. Beginning with drawing, the students follow a curriculum that progresses to painting, woodcarving, embroidery and statue making.

Also on the list for the day is the National Institute for Traditional Medicine, which is an impressively large lab that dispenses herbal and other medicines. Follow this with a leisurely visit to the National Textile Museum to learn about the national art of weaving. The Folk Heritage Museum is also worth a visit, as it is a unique three story mud and timber building that acts as a living museum to give visitors insight into the ancient Bhutanese lifestyles.

Lastly, visit the Tashi Chhoe Dzong. Buil in 1216, this dzong houses the Throne Room and offices of the Bhutanese King and Ministers. The northern portion of the building is the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and the Central Monk Body. Tourists are allowed to visit only after 5 pm and may only enter the courtyard. In the evening, visit the Handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese souvenirs can be purchased.
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Day
6

Thimphu - Punakha

Morning departure for Punakha (70 kms, approx. 3 hours). Traveling on windy mountain roads, this will be a spectacular alpine journey, with great views of the Northern Himalayan Range from the Dochu La pass (3199 m/10170 ft). Built along the pass, take a brief stop to visit the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens. After lunch, embark a short hike (20 minutes) from the road to visit the Chimi Lhkhang, a temple built by the Lama Drukpa Kunley upon a small hill in 1499.

Morning departure for Punakha (70 kms, approx. 3 hours). Traveling on windy mountain roads, this will be a spectacular alpine journey, with great views of the Northern Himalayan Range from the Dochu La pass (3199 m/10170 ft). Built along the pass, take a brief stop to visit the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens. After lunch, embark a short hike (20 minutes) from the road to visit the Chimi Lhkhang, a temple built by the Lama Drukpa Kunley upon a small hill in 1499.

Punakha-Valley-bhutan
Day
7

Tour of Punakha

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Proceed on a guided tour to the Punakha Dzong. This impressive building was constructed in 1637 at the scenic confluence of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. This dzong has played a significant role in Bhutan’s history, as it served as the seat of Shabdrung’s government, the original founder of the Bhutanese state. It also hosted many foreign delegates over its lifetime in addition to the crowning of the first King and the first National Assembly. Today, the central monastic body continues to reside here during the winter months because of its warmer climate.

Afterwards, take a short hike to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten in the northern part of the valley. This chorten is comprised of astounding murals, intricate statues, and is a much more elaborate version of the Memorial Chorten in Thimphu.
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Day
8

Punakha – Paro

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Morning departure for Paro (145 kms, 4-5 hours). After lunch in Paro, visit the Ta Dzong. – a uniquely round building that is said to be built in the shape of a conch shell. Within its interior is the National Museum of the Kingdom, which displays a remarkable collection of Thangkhas, an extensive philatelic collection, ancient bronze and stone objects, statues as well as a variety of ancient weapons and shields.

Also visit the Paro Dzong also referred to as the Rimpung Dzong. Constructed in 1644, today it encompasses a Monastic school and several government offices, including that of the local governor. Afterwards, enjoy a short walk down the nearby hill, where a traditional cantilever bridge over the beautifully flowing Paro River will be crossed.
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bhutan-paro
Day
9

Tour of Paro

In the morning hike to the renowned Taktsang Monastery (3100m), which literally translates to Tiger’s Nest. Built in the 1600s, this monastery impressively clings to a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters to the valley floor. According to ancient legend, the Buddhist Guru Rinpoche flew to this site on the back of a tigress to subdue the eight evil spirits that were preventing to spread of Buddhism into the area. Tragically, the original monastery was destroyed by a fire in 1998, however it has been recently built in its original form. After an hour and a half walk up the hill, enjoy lunch at this magnificent spot.

After lunch walk back to the base to embark on a short drive north to the Drukgyel Dzong, which was built in 1649 to commemorate Bhutan’s many victories over the Tibetan invaders. Sadly, this Dzong also fell victim to an accidental fire, yet its ancient ruins remain. However, on a clear day, the amazing 7314m (24,000 ft) sacred Mount Jomolhari is clearly visible.

In the afternoon, visit one of the two oldest lhakhangs (or monasteries) in the county, the Kyichu Lhakhang. This building was constructed in the year 659 by the Tibetan King Songsten Gyampo. One of the 108 temples built by this king, it is said to hold down the left foot of an ancient demoness.
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takshang-bhutan
Day
10

Paro – New Delhi

Transfer to the airport for a connection to New Delhi and flight home or continue with an optional Yampu Tours add-on.

Due to the limited availability of flights between New Delhi and Paro, an extra night in Paro might be required (due to flight availability) before departing for New Delhi. Please check with a tour consultant.

Transfer to the airport for a connection to New Delhi and flight home or continue with an optional Yampu Tours add-on.

Due to the limited availability of flights between New Delhi and Paro, an extra night in Paro might be required (due to flight availability) before departing for New Delhi. Please check with a tour consultant.

Paro, Bhutan

Thimphu, Bhutan

Punakha, Bhutan

Places You'll See

  • paro-valley-bhutan

    Paro

    Visit the many historical sites scattered throughout the small, yet exquisite town of Paro. Hike up to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, precariously perched on the edge of a cliff, or see the display of Bhutan’s historical artifacts at the National Museum of Bhutan. Walk along the streets lined with traditional architecture and beautifully decorated buildings housing shops and restaurants.

  • Thimpu-street-Bhutan

    Thimphu

    This ever developing small village is the heart of Bhutan. Monks in traditional dress lining the streets beside camera wielding tourists is part of Thimphu’s small town charm. Buy traditional and modern goods from the quaint stores and markets, or visit Trashi Chhoe dzong, admiring the red-and-gold, triple-tiered roofs.

  • Punakha

    Once the capital of Bhutan, Punakha is home to one of the most picturesque Dzongs in Bhutan. Although the Punakha Dzong is the main attraction of the area, one can go on endless hikes throughout the surrounding areas and enjoy the magnificent natural sites as well.

Hotel Options

4 Star Properties

Paro : Olathang Hotel

Thimphu : Hotel Druk

Thimphu : Hotel Galingkha

Thimphu : Phuntsho Pelri

Punakha : Meri Puensum Resort

Indira Gandhi International Airport : New Delhi Airport Transit Hotel

Luxury Properties

Paro : Amankora Paro

Thimphu : Amankora Thimphu

Punakha : Amankora Punakha

Testimonials

Joan A.

Traveled April, 2013

As usual, everything went like clockwork

Recently I went to Bhutan with Yampu Tours. With multiple flights and visas, this is not the easiest of tours but, as usual, everything went like clockwork. I say, as usual, because this is the third trip with Yampu and I have nothing but praise for their handling of everything. The professionalism, attention to detail, economical prices, keeps me returning to their services when I want to travel. I highly recommend them.

Traveled To

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