Bhutan

TRAVEL ITINERARY

Day 01: Flight from your home  – Delhi

Arrival in Delhi on the morning of Day 02. Transfer to the hotel to rest. In the afternoon, sightseeing tour of Old Delhi: Jama Masjid Mosque and Chandni Chowk. One overnight stay in a hotel in Delhi.

Day 03: Delhi – Bagdogra – Darjeeling  (2-hour flight + drive)

After breakfast, transfer to Delhi Airport and onward flight to Bagdogra. Pick-up at the airport by a local representative and continued drive through densely populated areas into the famous tea town of Darjeeling (approx. 3–4 hours). Already during the drive through subtropical vegetation, you will see many tea gardens along the road. The “Darjeeling” tea harvested and processed here is among the most renowned tea varieties in the world. Overnight in Darjeeling.

Day 04: Darjeeling

FOCUS OF THE DAY: Darjeeling – a very special tea

Before breakfast, we head to Tiger Hill, an inner-city hill in Darjeeling famous for its breathtaking panoramic views. With clear visibility, you can see not only the world’s third-highest mountain, Kangchenjunga, located at the border of China and Nepal, but also Makalu and Mount Everest, the highest mountain on earth.

After breakfast, we take a half-day city tour. Depending on the local schedule, a fascinating train ride from the historic Darjeeling Station to Ghoom awaits you. Since 1999, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most famous narrow-gauge railway routes in the world. The train journey ends after one hour in Ghoom, where we visit the Gelukpa Monastery. Overnight in Darjeeling.

Day 05: Darjeeling – Gangtok  (approx. 100 km / 3.5 hours)

FOCUS OF THE DAY: Sikkim – the world’s first “organic state”

After breakfast, we drive to Gangtok, the capital of the former Kingdom of Sikkim (today a state of India). You will travel through green landscapes—where quinine is extracted from tree bark and cardamom is cultivated. The special feature here: everything is farmed according to ecological principles. Various population groups with Hindu and Buddhist traditions shape the cultural region of West Bengal and Sikkim. On the border between Sikkim and Nepal lies Kangchendzönga, at 8,586 meters the highest mountain in India and the third-highest in the world. At the border to Sikkim, you will receive a permit. Overnight in a hotel in Gangtok.

Day 06: Gangtok and Rumtek Monastery

After breakfast, we visit the largest monastery in Sikkim: Rumtek Monastery, the seat of H.H. The Karmapa.
The monastery is located 24 km from Gangtok on the opposite hillside, belongs to the Tibetan Karma Kagyu school, and was established in 1960. It houses a school for the training of lamas, which often brings color and liveliness to the monastery grounds. In the afternoon, city tour of Gangtok. Overnight in Sikkim.

Day 07: Gangtok – Phuentsholing  (220 km / approx. 6 hours)

Border town India–Bhutan

After breakfast, we drive towards Bhutan. Along the way, you will get an impression of the beautiful landscape—vast tea plantations and the simple houses of the tea-picking families line the route through the plains. After about 7 hours, you reach the Indo-Bhutanese border and the first Bhutanese town, Phuentsholing, where our visas will be checked. In the evening, we visit the Zangtho Pelri Lhakhang temple located in the center of the town. Overnight in Phuentsholing.

08: Phuntsholing – Thimphu

We take the scenic drive to the capital, Thimphu, passing rice fields, small villages, and mountain settlements. On the way, we visit the famous Kharbandi Monastery. Short stop at the confluence where the Paro River (Paro Chhu) meets the Thimphu River (Wang Chhu), which then flows into a rugged high-mountain valley. The evening is at leisure. Overnight in Thimphu.

09: Thimphu

We spend the full day exploring Thimphu, visiting the National Memorial Chorten—with its paintings and statues offering deep insight into Buddhist philosophy—a large Buddha statue, the Institute of Traditional Medicine, and Tashichho Dzong. Overnight in Thimphu.

10: Thimphu – Punakha

Drive to Punakha across the Dochula Pass (3,050 m), which offers a magnificent panorama of the eastern Himalayas. Admire the 108 stupas built by the king for the benefit of all living beings. In the afternoon, visit the “Palace of Great Bliss,” located at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. Overnight in Punakha.

11: Punakha – Gangtey

After breakfast, drive through Wangdue Phodrang and continue to Gangtey via the Lawa La Pass (3,300 m). In the Phobjikha Valley, we visit Gangtey Monastery, dating back to the 16th century—an excellent example of traditional architecture. Overnight in Gangtey.

12: Gangtey – Trongsa

Early morning departure for Trongsa over the Pele La Pass (3,300 m). Lunch break at Chendebji Chorten, built in the 18th century. Afterwards, visit the breathtaking Trongsa Dzong from 1648—the most impressive and architecturally magnificent fortress in the kingdom. Overnight in Trongsa.

13: Trongsa – Bumthang

Drive to Bumthang across the Yutong La Pass (3,400 m). Bumthang is famous for its yathra, woolen textiles, which can be purchased in Chumey village. The beautiful Bumthang Valley (known as the Switzerland of the Himalayas) consists of four valleys—Chumey, Choekhor, Tang, and Ura. It is home to many renowned Buddhist temples and monasteries. Visit to the Swiss Farm. Overnight in Bumthang.

14: Bumthang

Visit Jakar Dzong, the “Castle of the White Bird,” built in 1667, and experience the cultural performances of the annual Bumthang festival. Explore Jambay Lhakhang (7th century), built by Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo—one of the oldest temples in the country; Kurje Lhakhang; and Tamshing Monastery, founded in 1501 by Terton Pema Lingpa. The monastery houses very old religious paintings such as a thousand Buddhas and the 21 Taras (female Bodhisattvas). Visit a nearby farmhouse for refreshments and experience traditional Bhutanese life. Overnight in Bumthang.

15: Bumthang – Paro (Flight)

Flight to Paro. After arrival, visit Rinpung Dzong, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first spiritual ruler of Bhutan. This fortress is the most prominent landmark in the Paro Valley. Evening at leisure to explore Paro. Overnight in Paro.

16: Paro

Discover the National Museum, which houses some of the finest examples of Bhutanese art, including bronze masterpieces and paintings. Its extensive collection presents Bhutan’s history and culture through its exhibits. Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the most sacred shrines of the country. Drive to the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, an important historical site with a stunning view of Mount Jhomolhari, the “Mountain of the Goddess” (7,329 m).

17: Paro

Today we enjoy a full-day hike to the famous “Tiger’s Nest Monastery.” Tiger’s Nest, or Taktshang Pelphug (2,900 m), is one of the most revered spiritual sites in Bhutan. Perched dramatically on a cliff 900 m above the Paro Valley, it is an iconic symbol of the country. Lunch and refreshments will be served at the cafeteria with a spectacular view of the monastery. Evening at leisure. Overnight in Paro.

18: Paro – Delhi

Return flight from Paro to Delhi. Upon arrival half day delhi Sightseeing. In the evening, farewell dinner followed by transfer to the international airport. We say goodbye—you came as guests and leave as friends.