Sojourn in Bhutan

After a thrilling flight from Delhi over the Himalaya mountains to Paro, you will be met by your private guide and driver, both of whom will remain with you for the duration of your time in Bhutan, and driven to the country’s capital city of Thimphu. Stop en route to see the colourful suspension bridge near the tiny settlement of Tamchog Lhakhang and in the afternoon, explore Thimphu itself. Sightseeing is flexible depending on your interests but can include the National Textile Museum, the Jungshi paper-making factory and the National Memorial Chorten.

If possible, we recommend timing your visit to Thimphu from Friday to Sunday, as this is when the city’s colourful weekend market takes place.

Today’s journey to Punakha begins with a visit to Buddha Dordenma, a gigantic statue made of gold-gilded bronze that guards the entrance to the Thimphu Valley. Continue the journey to Punakha via the Dochula, a high mountain pass marked with over one hundred memorial stupas (Buddhist shrines). Punakha’s dzong (fortress-monastery) has a strategic river position and is arguably the most striking fortress in the country. There will be time to appreciate this architectural wonder before travelling the short distance to the town of Punakha.

Punakha’s location in a warm and fertile sub-tropical valley makes it one of the most appealing places in Bhutan to enjoy a spot of hiking. Options include a 45-minute walk to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten for impressive views of the Punakha Valley. Alternatively, the challenging yet rewarding trek to Giligang Temple is an extension of the above hike and takes around 4 to 5 hours to complete. Depending on your choice, the remainder of the day can either be spent relaxing, exploring more of Punakha or, for an additional cost, it is possible to enjoy a spot of gentle rafting on the Mo Chhu (Female River).

Drive back along the same route to Paro, stopping at the 15th-century hilltop fertility temple of Chimi Lhakhang along the way. Sightseeing in Paro, later today, will include the National Museum of Bhutan, a former watchtower that now houses a fascinating collection of more than 3,000 pieces of Bhutanese art and, if time permits, Paro Dzong which was built to defend the then-small settlement from invaders from Tibet. There are also several temples worth discovering, including the 15th-century Dungtse Lhakhang, and the Kyichu Lhakhang which dates back to the 7th century and is one of the most sacred and oldest temples in Bhutan.

Departing in the morning, today’s highlight is a visit to Taktsang monastery, more commonly known as Tiger’s Nest. One of the most revered places in Bhutan, the monastery seemingly hangs off the face of the cliff that rises from the valley floor some 900 metres below. The roundtrip hike takes between 4 and 5 hours and there are spectacular views of both the monastery and the encompassing valley along much of the route. Returning to Paro, lunch will be taken at a traditional farmhouse and the rest of the day is at leisure.

This morning, you will be transferred to Paro airport to catch your return flight to Delhi where, on arrival, you will be met and taken to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

A private transfer will take you from your hotel to Delhi International Airport, where you will check in for your onward flight.