Delhi - Thimphu - Punakha - Gangtey - Bumthang - Paro - Delhi
Bhutan – Myths & Legends
Bhutan, often called the Land of the Thunder Dragon, is a hidden gem nestled in the eastern Himalayas, bordered by the giants India, China, and Nepal. This enchanting kingdom is celebrated for its vibrant and distinctive culture, warm-hearted people, and its unique philosophy of Gross National Happiness, offering a refreshing alternative to the modern world\'s focus on economics. It’s the perfect retreat in one of the most exclusive countries, known for having some of the cleanest air on the planet. Here, magic and legend are woven into the fabric of daily life and history, where monks outnumber soldiers, and Tantric Mahayana Buddhism remains a vital and living tradition.\r\n
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Night Stay
Guide
Tour Plan
Arrive in Delhi, where you will be welcomed and assisted before transferring to the Oberoi Maidens for an overnight stay. In the afternoon, enjoy a rickshaw ride through the bustling streets of Old Delhi, followed by a guided tour of the historic Qutab Minar. Return to the hotel for overnight accommodation.
Experience one of the world’s most stunning landings as your early morning flight descends into Paro, offering incredible views of the Himalayan mountains. Enjoy lunch at your choice of the Paro Namjo or Heritage restaurant. On the journey to the capital, stop at Tachog Lhakhang Dzong, a remarkable monastery situated near one of Drupthob Thangtong Gyalpo’s famous iron chain bridges. After a scenic 1.5-hour drive, arrive in Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, where you will be treated to a welcome dinner featuring authentic Bhutanese cuisine. Overnight stay at the Lemongrass Hotel or a similar property in Thimphu.
Start your day with a visit to the Memorial Stupa, one of Bhutan’s most iconic landmarks, surrounded by local Bhutanese and located in the heart of Thimphu. Next, drive to Kuensel Phodrang, also known as ‘The Big Buddha,’ perched on a hilltop overlooking Thimphu Valley. Continue your morning with a stop at the Textile Museum to learn about Bhutan’s rich weaving traditions. Afterwards, visit the National Library and the famous Thimphu Post Office, where you can admire traditional Dzong-style architecture and explore a small museum. You even have the chance to create a personalized stamp featuring your own photo! The day concludes with a visit to Trashi Chhoe Dzong, the center of Bhutan’s government and royal offices, which also houses the king’s throne room. You’ll then have free time to stroll around Thimphu city, discovering its cottage industries—from traditional paper making to hand-rolled incense—and browse Himalayan crafts along the main street. If it’s the weekend, you can also explore the Craft Bazaar or local vegetable markets. End your day with a delicious dinner at the hotel.
Drive to Punakha, crossing the Do Chula Pass at 3,080 meters, which offers breathtaking views of the eastern Himalayan peaks on clear days. Take a stroll around the 108 Druk Wangyel stupas at the pass. Along the way, visit Simtokha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s earliest fortress monasteries dating back to the 17th century. After a picnic lunch, continue your journey to Punakha, stopping at Chimi Lhakhang, the revered fertility monastery. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and freshen up before dressing in Bhutan’s vibrant traditional attire—the Kira for women and the Gho for men. Complete the authentic experience with a visit to the magnificent Punakha Dzong.
Drive to Gangtey, a central valley known for its stunning winter visitors—the majestic Black-necked Cranes—and breathtaking scenery in Phobjikha. Visit the renowned Gangtey Monastery, perched on a hill overlooking Gangtey village and offering spectacular views of the Phobjikha valley below. Founded in 1613 by Gyalse Rigdzin Pema Thinley, it is the largest Nyingmapa monastery in Western Bhutan and is led by the ninth Gangtey Trulku. The monastery complex includes the main temple, monks’ quarters, and meditation centers. If the Gangtey Trulku is present, a special audience for blessings can be arranged upon request. Upon arrival, you’ll find your accommodation consists of large, comfortable tents nestled in the scenic valley, introducing you to Bhutan’s unique version of “glamping” (glamorous camping). The Valley Camp offers cozy rooms with amenities comparable to a boutique hotel. Your evening will be filled with a lively bonfire, traditional Bhutanese dance performances, dinner, and drinks. Overnight stay at Dewachen Resort or a similar property in Gangtey.
After breakfast, set off on a scenic five-hour drive to Bumthang along Bhutan’s only east-west highway, passing terraced fields, deep gorges, and hillside farmhouses. Stop briefly at Chendebji Chorten, said to cover a demon’s remains, before reaching Trongsa — the ancestral seat of Bhutan’s royal family — where you can stroll the village and visit Trongsa Dzong. Continue over the picturesque Yotong La Pass into the Chhume Valley, famous for Yathra weaving, with an opportunity to watch artisans at work. Bumthang, comprising four valleys — Chumey, Choekhor, Tang, and Ura — is Bhutan’s spiritual heart, dotted with ancient monasteries, temples, buckwheat fields, apple orchards, and pine forests. On arrival, explore the historic Wangdichhoeling Palace and prayer wheels before settling in. Overnight in Bumthang at The Village Lodge, Jakar View, River Lodge, or similar.
Today, set out to explore more of Bumthang with an excursion to the remote and picturesque Tang Valley, known for its hidden temples and monasteries far off the usual tourist trail. En route, visit the sacred Burning Lake (Membartsho). According to legend, the revered saint Pema Lingpa, an incarnation of Padmasambhava’s disciple, dove into the lake with a lit butter lamp and emerged holding sacred treasures — the lamp still aflame — giving the lake its name and spiritual importance. Today, the lake is a revered pilgrimage site adorned with colorful prayer flags and a small altar, where locals light butter lamps on auspicious days. Continue your journey through Tang Valley, one of Bumthang’s most scenic and fertile areas, nestled at an altitude of about 2,800–3,000 meters. The valley, dotted with charming farms and dramatic landscapes, offers a glimpse into Bhutan’s rural beauty. With prior arrangement, you can also enjoy horse riding through this tranquil valley
Today, take a scenic 45-minute domestic flight from Bumthang to Paro. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel to check in, freshen up, and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, visit the National Museum, which offers fascinating insights into Bhutan’s rich culture and heritage. Then walk down to the impressive Paro Dzong, a historic fortress that once defended Bhutan against Tibetan invasions in the 17th century. Cross the charming Nyamai Zampa, a traditional cantilever bridge, and visit the old town temple, dating back to 1525, to admire its ancient murals. If time allows, you may also stop by a traditional farmhouse for a glimpse of local life. Before returning to town, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, where you can light 108 butter lamps (optional, with a fee) and learn more about Bhutan’s enduring Buddhist practices. End the day back at the hotel for a restful night in preparation for tomorrow’s adventure
In the morning, embark on a hike to Bhutan’s iconic Taktsang Goemba, famously known as the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Clinging dramatically to a cliffside at 2,950 meters (9,678 feet), this sacred site sits 900 meters above the valley floor. Legend says Guru Rinpoche flew here on the back of a tigress and meditated, giving the monastery its name. The round-trip trek takes about five hours and offers breathtaking views along the way. For added comfort, mules or donkeys can be arranged to help with the ascent if you wish. After descending, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, steeped in legend and history. Spend some time exploring Paro town before gathering in the evening for a special farewell dinner, complete with cultural performances, laughter, and fond memories of your journey.
Transfer from hotel to airport for your flight to Delhi with Druk Air. Meeting, assistance on arrival in Delhi and transfer to Hotel Oberoi Maidens. Overnight stay in Delhi.
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