Temples & Trails of Bhutan

Arrive at Delhi International Airport and transfer to your hotel. A symbol of the country’s rich past and thriving present, the city of Delhi is where ancient and modern blend seamlessly together. It was the British that moved the seat of their empire from Kolkata to Delhi and it has been the capital city ever since. Enjoy some leisure time before dinner at the hotel. We’ll discover more of Delhi upon our return at the end of the itinerary. 

Today we’ll fly to Paro on what is considered one of the world’s most amazing mountain flights. Enjoy lunch on arrival (dependent on flight times) before a visit to the National Museum, Ta Dzong, for a fascinating intro to Bhutan’s past. 

Next, we’ll visit picturesque Rinpung Dzong to see the painting of the great saint Milarepa, considered the master of meditation by the Bhutanese. Afterwards, we’ll drive to Thimphu for dinner and an overnight stay. In the evening, your local guides will give a short presentation on the trip ahead. 

Spend the day exploring Thimphu, with a visit to Zorig Chosum, a school for studying traditional Bhutanese arts and crafts. We’ll also visit the post office – Bhutan is known for its unusual stamps, and here you can make your own personalised stamps. Next, we’ll visit the Motithang Takin Preserve to look out for Bhutan’s national animal, the takin. 

Later, in a local cafe, we’ll get a talk from an expert in Buddhism. We’ll then visit the Shakyamuni Buddha bronze statue (51.5 metres tall) in Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park. The day ends with a trip to local art gallery, VAST Studio, and a stroll around the town’s craft bazaar or vegetable markets.

Distance: 3.7 miles (6km)

Ascent: 1,300 feet (400m) 

An early morning drive takes us to Dochula Pass, 3,000 metres above sea level. Enjoy breakfast with views of Himalayan peaks and 108 memorial chortens (stupas). Next, we’ll visit the Druk Wangyal temple and hike through flower-filled forests and meadows to the 18th century Lungchutse Lhakhang. Soak up 360-degree views of Bhutan’s high peaks before we transfer to Lampelri Botanical Garden for a picnic lunch. There’s time for a stroll around the park and a presentation on Bhutan’s flora and fauna with our local ecologist expert. 

We continue by bus to the Punakha Valley and participate in a tea ceremony with the locals. We'll spend the night in Punakha. 

We visit Chimi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to a 16th century monk famous for amusing folklore stories. See a Longevity Blessing Ceremony performed by a high-level monk and enjoy a riverside picnic lunch before a visit to magnificent Punakha Dzong.

We’ll explore the hilltop Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery in the evening. Originally established as a Buddhist College for nuns, it now accommodates approximately 120 nuns. Join the nuns during prayers, reflect on your thoughts and enjoy the serenity and calmness you feel as you listen to the melodious chants. 

Distance: 6.2 miles (10km) 

Ascent: 985 feet (400m) 

Drive north of Punakha Dzong for a hike to Yuwo village through rice fields and up to Chorten Nyingpo Temple. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the monastery courtyards, and then serve tea to the resident monks. 

Optional walk towards Zhoshi village and up to Khamsum Yueling Temple. As part of your optional activity, we'll walk to Yebeesa village for evening tea with the farmers. 

Distance: 5 miles (8km) 

Descent: 656 feet (200m) 

This morning we’ll drive to Sieupang, followed by a hike through pine forests to Toeb Chadhanang. This heritage home holds the relics of Lama Drukpa Kunley, also known as the Divine Madman. We then hike further up to our picnic spot near a stream. Following lunch, our walk will take us steadily back to the highway from where we’ll drive back to Paro. We break up the journey with a visit to Tachogang Lhakhang, built by Thangtong Gyalpo, the renowned Iron Bridge Builder. Here, you can see remnants of his famous iron chains. 

Distance: 3 miles (4.5km) 

Descent: 1,300 feet (400m) 

Today, we drive west to Chele La Pass (3,988 metres). At the pass, we’ll take the trail southeast to explore greater heights and views. Enjoy a picnic lunch before hiking to Kila Goenpa through highland conifers, rhododendrons, and other flora. This region is home to rare pheasants, especially visible in the spring. The highlight of the hike is reaching the nunnery built on the sheer cliffs, providing a wonderful opportunity to serve tea to the nuns. Later, we return to Paro Valley. 

Distance: 4 miles (6.5km) 

Ascent: 2,300 feet (700m) 

Hike to Taktsang. Known as the Tiger’s Nest, it’s one of the most memorable highlights of Bhutan. We embark on an early morning trip with breakfast at the Taktsang Cafeteria. The magnificent Taktsang Monastery, perched on a sheer cliff-face 900 metres above the valley floor, is a dream for every Buddhist pilgrim. For non-Buddhists, the hike represents a symbolic inner journey, making this a unique Himalayan experience. 

Any guests who prefer not to hike to the monastery can spend the day exploring the Paro Valley. Lunch can be taken in a local restaurant offering views of the monastery. After lunch, we’ll return to the hotel to relax. 

We bid goodbye to Bhutan today and head to Delhi for an overnight stay. 

In the afternoon there’s a guided tour of New Delhi, which reflects on the legacy the British left behind. Highlights include a drive past India Gate, the 42-metre-high War Memorial Arch, the Parliament House, the Secretariat buildings and the Vice Regal Palace. Later, we’ll visit the 16th century Humayun’s Tomb, the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent and a precursor to the Taj Mahal. We’ll also stop by Sunder Nagar Nursery - a 16th century heritage park complex, a UNESCO world heritage site. Final group dinner together in the evening. 

Transfer to Delhi airport for your return flight to the UK.