Upon arrival, traditional reception with garland of flowers.
Overnight at hotel

Transfer to the airport and flight to Paro.
Arrival, reception and departure by road to Thimphu, the capital (1 hr drive to the east).

Visit a colorful farmer’s market, the Monastery of Tashicho Dzong, Memorial Chorten, the traditional art school, the native hospital, the reserve of Takin (endemic antelope goat species of the Himalayas), the Dupthop convent in Zilukha, Simtokha Dzong monastery, paper factory, craft workshops, etc.

Free time to stroll and browse the shops of Thimphu.
Overnight in Thimphu.

Thimphu is the capital of Bhutan and Dzongkhag district. With an estimated population of about 100,000, Thimphu is the largest city in Bhutan. Thimphu Valley is at an average altitude of 2300m. It was a wooded and agricultural valley until 1951, when the enormous 17th century fortress Tashicho Dzong was redesigned by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk to make it the official capital of Bhutan and replace the former capital of Punakha.

Today, the city rises on the western slope of the Wang Chuu valley, with several government offices located around Tashicho dzong. The rapid expansion of the rural exodus has led to the reconstruction of the city center and the proliferation of suburbs. Norzin Lam, the main artery recently set up in Day, is lined with shops, restaurants, retail galleries and public buildings. There is a mixture of buildings, small houses and shops.

Under the regulations, all buildings must be designed in the traditional style with Buddhist paintings and patterns. A lively weekend market (now open every day of the week) where meat, vegetables and tourist items are found. Most light industries are located south of the main deck. Thimphu has a growing number of commercial and office services. Thimphu is one of the few national capitals without any traffic lights! Police dance with arms and hands. The Memorial Chorten dominates the horizon of Thimphu. The Dordenma Buddha statue, the largest Buddha statue in the world, is under construction at the top of a ridge, overlooking the city.

Tashichho Dzong: Tashicho dzong means “fortress of the auspicious doctrine.” It has always been the seat of Dharma Raja and the summer capital of the country. The original fortress of Thimphu was built in 1216 by the Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa, above the present Dzong, was damaged in an earthquake in 1897 and rebuilt in 1902. King Jigme Wangchuck completely renovated and enlarged the capital in Thimphu in 1952 in the traditional style, using neither nails nor written plans. It currently houses the throne room and the king’s offices, the secretariat and the ministries of interior and finance.

The main structure of the Dzong Tashichoe is two-storey with four three-storey towers in each corner, topped by three-level golden roofs, in the center of the building, a large central tower called Utse, which is also the seat of the monastery of central Bhutan. Je-Khenpo and the monks of Thimphu and Punakha reside here during the summer. The festival of Thimphu, traditionally organized here, has been moved outside in a new courtyard.

Visiting a school of Arts and Crafts (or “art school”), where the Bhutanese children can follow an eight-year program devoted to traditional arts such as drawing, painting, wood carving and sculpture. This will be followed by a visit to the Textile Museum, the Heritage Museum, Changgangkha Lhakhang Temple, the National Library, the hospital, and see how the paper is made from the factory of Daphne with flower petals of Cosmos and other plants. We can also visit the great Tashichho Dzong, the seat of the administrative and religious center of Bhutan, at the end of Day.

Overnight in Thimphu.

Early in the morning, you can walk through the Chorten Memorial, a sanctuary built for the memory of King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Many Bhutanese gather here to pray everyday.

After breakfast, we head towards the northern tip of the valley (about 20 minutes) to start our walk for Cheri Gompa (monastery); a pleasant walk through rural rice fields and forests, through a Tibetan village to a valley. We start at the junction just before the village of Dechencholing, cross the village along the trail that leads to Pangri Zampa gompa, by the river.

The route passes through a Tibetan village, rice fields, chortens and the village of Choku of Begana (also called Dodena). From Dodena, after crossing the cantilever bridge, a steep climb of 30 to 45 mn takes us up the hill. Cheri Dorji Dhen was first built in 1620 by Shabdrung, the first ruler of Bhutan, who also created the first order of monks here. It is usually possible to enter the Cheri courtyard, but not into the sanctuaries inside. Back at the bottom of the hill, our vehicle takes us back to Thimphu.

At the end of the afternoon, we will stroll to the weekend market, where the show of haggling of colorful fabrics between Bhutanese from various backgrounds is exciting. It is an excellent experience of Bhutanese life, linking tradition and culture.
(Note: Saturdays and Sundays are market days but most people rush to buy fresh fruits and vegetables on Friday and other goods that arrive early in the day born from other districts.)

Overnight at the hotel.

Departure by road for Gangtey passing by the spectacular Dochula pass (pass at 3050m) and descent into the valley of Wangdu. Then drive up to the black mountains area in the Phojikha valley (2h).
On the way, at Dochula Pass, we stop to see the superb panorama of the eastern heights of the Himalayas. In the Wangdu Valley, stops to enjoy the villages and landscapes of this pretty township on the way to Phobjikha.

Afternoon visit the ancient monastery of Gangtey and discover the Phobjikha valley. By conservation measures, there is no electricity in this valley. The hotel uses the generator during the evenings and is switched off after dinner. Hot water is heated with wood stoves and provided in the bucket. From mid-October to mid-March, the Phobjikha valley is the winter resting place for black-necked cranes, a rare and endangered species. Overnight in Phobjikha.

Gangtey in the Phobjikha Valley
Gangtey or Phobjikha is located at an average altitude of 3000 m in a wide and beautiful valley, designated as a conservation area in the Wangchuk Singye Jigme National Park (formerly known as the Black Mountains National Park), it is a natural habitat for local fauna and a wintering area for Black-necked Neck Cranes that migrate from Central Asia and come here from late October to March. The underground Electrification of the region is planned. Gangtey is the name of a hilltop village and its monastery. The valley is known as Phobjikha and is part of the Wangdue Dzongkhag district.

After breakfast, the whole day is free to explore the Gangtey Valley.

Gangtey Gompa Monastery
It is located on the top of a hill that overlooks the Phobjikha valley. It is run by the 9th gangtey Trulku and is the largest Nyingma monastery in western Bhutan. It was founded in 1613 by Gyalse Pema Thinlay, grandson and reincarnation of the influential researcher of treasure Pema Lingpa. The monastery was built recently, it is surrounded by the houses of the village and the hermitages.

Black-throated crane or “Thrung Trung Karmo” is a mythical bird in Bhutan as this bird is passionately known in Bhutan is the subject of many songs of Bhutan and folklore. They are considered among the paintings on the walls of the temples and Thankga. These species of cranes migrate from Tibet in late autumn and generally remain until mid-March. The wetland in the center of the Phobjikha valley provides nesting areas and natural habitat for these black-necked cranes.

The Phobjikha valley, has an observation room equipped with high-power telescopes and telescopes to capture the best view of the cranes. The center also offers display information that describes the natural and cultural history of the region. There is a small souvenir shop that sells handicrafts made by local people that local people can benefit from ecotourism.

Overnight in Gangtey.

Early in the morning drive towards east through Pele La pass to Trongsa (2-3hrs) and continue along Youtongla pass to Jakar at Bumthang (2hr).

Bumthang: it is one of the districts full of history, with a large number of temples and sacred sites; it is sometimes called the spiritual and cultural heart of the country.

The Bumthang consists of four valleys: Ura, Chumey, Tang and Choekhor. The city of Jakar town (2800m) is located in the vast wooded valley of Choekhor and is the capital and center of the district of Bumthang. Almost all hotels are here and the main Buddhist sites are also in the vicinity. The market and the main street, called Chamkhar, form the bulk of the city, made of wooden houses. Bumthang is famous in Bhutan for its colorful woolen garments called Yathra. The Bumthang farms produce buckwheat, dairy, honey and apples. This is called the Bumthangkha, different from the Dzongkha and other dialects of the country.

Overnight at the Bumthag.

Bumthang, cultural center with its many temples and sites in its four valleys. A whole born Day is given to visiting Jakar and its surroundings, with short steps and short roads to visit the monasteries, ancient temples, farms, schools and villages palace. We will taste the local cuisine, like sarasin nukes. The next day, after a two hour drive, we will go to Ura or the Tang Valley, depending on the weather. We will visit small villages and return to sleep in Jakar.

Night in the Bumthang.

Departure by road to Trongasa via western Bhutan via the Yutong pass. Visit Trongsa Dzong Chokhor, one of the most impressive and spectacular fortresses / monasteries («dzong”) in the country.

Overnight in Trongsa.

Departure by road to Punakha.

En route, the fortress of Wangdur and the village of Rinchengang located in height and spectacle unique in Bhutan! Later, another short walk will take us to the temple of Chimi Lhakhang, dedicated to the saint Drukpa Kuenley, amicably nicknamed the “divine madman” for the green jokes that enamelled his teaching so unconventional. We will take the time to see schools and villages

Overnight in Punakha.

After breakfast, visit Punakha.

Punakha Dzong
Its real name is Pungthang Dechen Phodrang, which means Palace of Great Joy. This monastery is at the confluence of the Phochu and the Mochu; it was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1637-38 near “Dzongchung” or small monastery, itself built in 1328 by Ngagi Rinchen (which one can still see from our Day s in front of the great monastery). Damaged successively by floods, earthquakes and fires, it has always been rebuilt to the equivalent of its original grandeur.

The most sacred relics of the Drukpa Kagyu school, including those of Rangjung Kasarpani and the mummified remains of Zhabdrung Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, who died here in 1651, are preserved there. In 1907 (17 December) the monastery of Punakha served for the coronation of Ugyen Wangchuck, first King of Bhutan. The administrative seat of the district of Punakha is also the winter residence of the central monastic body of the country, led by the High Priest Je Khenpo.

Khamsum Yuley Chorten
The construction of the Khamsum Yuley Namgay Chorten lasted 10 years in the 1990s. Built by the Queen Mother and dedicated to the King and for the well-being of the Bhutanese, it is majestically located on a piton with splendid views of the country, 30 minute drive north of Punakha.

It is accessed from the parking lot, by 45 mn walk through the fields of rice. The return descent takes 30 minutes. In summer, during the rains, the path can be muddy and slippery. On the way back you can walk along the river on the old road that leads through the farms and the village of Sonagasa to the monastery of Punakha. This walk takes 2 hours more and will be particularly interesting for bird lovers and landscapes.

Overnight at hotel.

Walk through the countryside north of Punakha and walk to visit Khamsum Yeulley Chorten temple. The ride back and forth is interesting through the rice fields and villages and the view is also magnificent. In the afternoon we will have another opportunity to admire the mountains at the Dochula Pass. This area is also rich in fauna and flora.

Overnight in Paro.

Kichu Lhakhang: Kichu is one of the oldest temples in the country, built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. The story tells that an immense demon was lying on the Himalayas and on Tibet, preventing the rise of Buddhism. In order to get rid of it, King Songtsen Gampo decided to build 108 temples in a single Day to nail the olive tree to the ground for all of them in the year 659. Of these 108 temples, 12 were built according to precise plans in strategic locations. The temple of Jokhang in Lhasa is in the heart of the demone and Kichu is in his left foot.

Dungtshe Lhakhang: Dungtse Lhakhang was built by the famous bridge builder Thangtong Gyelpo in 1433. It is said to be on the head of the demon, which made the inhabitants sick. The building was restored in 1841 and serves as a unique conservatory for the works of art of the Kagyu school. You can sometimes go back but in any case you can walk around this three-story chorten.

Visit to Paro.
The small and charming town of Paro (2280m) is located in the center of the valley on the bank of the Pa Chhu River. Paro was created in 1985 with a main street lined with shops painted in bright colors. Paro District Headquarters is located near the Rinphung Dzong. Bhutan International Airport is located in Paro while the capital is just over an hour’s drive away. Paro is known as the most fertile valley and one of the most historic valleys of Bhutan. The Tibetan trade and invaders created Paro.

Taktshang – The Tiger’s Nest
The Tiger’s lair or the Tiger’s nest, as the Taktshang Pelphung monastery, is one of the most well-known and revered places. In a cliff of 900 m high overlooking the valley of Paro. This site is not to be missed but can only be reached on foot or by mule / pony. One can foresee the eve of asking a horse for his guide. From the end of the road (2600m), the walk to the Cafeteria is steep and lasts one hour (about 350m of difference in altitude). From the Cafeteria (2940m) and around, you can see the famous Taktshang and you can enjoy this extraordinary look with a cup of tea and well-deserved biscuits.

For those who wish to go beyond, it is necessary to be in good condition. Usually, the ponies do not go further and do not make the descent either.

From the cafeteria, the path continues for another 45 minutes for a nice observation site (3140m) where there is a Chorten (stupa). The view of the monastery is of course exceptional!! We are then on the other side of a precipice, but it takes another half an hour to reach, by steps in the rock on a narrow and vertiginous path, a waterfall and a hermitage, then by a volley From steep steps, we finally reach the monastery. You can of course turn around when you want on the way! The monastery houses some shrines and temples and some monks reside there.

After this visit, lunch is often taken at the Cafataria before starting the descent on foot. Good walking shoes are needed for this excursion. With time and courage, other temples, monasteries and isolated retreats exist around Taktshang, for example Zangdopelri and Ugyen Tsemo.

According to legend, Guru Padmasambhava or Guru Rinpoche, who disseminated Buddhism through the Himalayas, arrived in the eighth century on the back of a tigress to confront the negative spiritual forces hostile to Buddhism.

In 853, one of his students, Pelgyi Senge, meditated in a cave. A Stupa inside one of the temples contains its relics and the cave is named ‘Pelphung’ or ‘Pelgi’s cave’. Since then, many spiritual masters such as Milarepa, Thangthong Gyalpo, Phajo Dugom Zhigpo, Shadrung and many others are doing deep meditation here.

In 1692, Tenzin Rabgye built a two-storey temple, which has been refurbished and refurbished several times since.

Taktshang and some temples of the region were accidentally burnt in 1951 but most remained intact and the relics preserved. It was rebuilt by the entire population of the village of Tsento. A new fire destroyed the main building in April 1998. The rebuilding started in 2000 and was completed with great financial efforts from the government and private donors.

Paro Dzong Rinpung

Rinphung Dzong was built in 1645 by Shabdrung Nawang Namgyal on the site of the small fort. Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, it served as a rampart against the invasion of the north. It is considered one of the fine examples of Bhutanese architecture – with complex woodworking, large beams inserted into each other and held together without studs. This fortress is home to the giant Thangka (Thongdrol, 30 meters by 45 meters!!), commissioned in the mid-18th century, shown to the public every year on the last day of the Paro Tsechu festival. Rinphung Dzong is the place of the monks of the State.

National Museum of Bhutan

Founded in 1967, it houses a fascinating collection of arts and relics, religious thangka paintings, fabrics, weapons, handicrafts, a collection of stuffed animals and famous stamps from Bhutan etc. (Note : open from 10:00 to 16:00 and closed on Mondays).

In the morning, a panoramic 1hour drive will take us to the Chele. The pass is at an altitude of 3900m. On one side, the valley of Paro and on the other side the valley of Haa. The hike this morning begins after a short descent below the pass. A half hour climb and a short descent will take you to shelters under rocks, on steep cliffs, where some fifty monks live.

On the way back to Paro, we will stop in order to climb to a monastery called Dzondrakha that resembles the famous monastery of the Tiger’s nest, but in much more accessible. Half the walk is very easy in rural areas; the other half is uphill: in total it takes less than an hour to reach the summit where the monastery stands. Arriving on the site, you can enjoy the view over the fertile valley of Paro. Your guide will take you inside the main temple of the monastery.

Return and overnight at the hotel.

Transfer to airport and flight to Delhi.
Arrival, reception and transfer to the city for an orientation tour of the Indian capital

Visit of the Indian capital. Delhi, 16 million inhabitants, is divided distinctly between the old and the new city. NEW DELHI with its wide avenues, fresh and clean roads, OLD DELHI with its swarming little streets decorated with temples, monument and bazaar.

Afternoon, visit the NEW DELHI with Connaught Place; the business and tourism district, India Gate; the triumphal arch 42m high, Parliament: three poles designed by British architects as well as the Rashrapati Bhawan or the President’s Palace. Lord Mountbatten, the vice-kings of India, was the last viceroy.

Then visit the tomb of Humayun and the Qutub Minar, one of the first monuments of the Afghan era, with beautiful quotations of the Koran in Sanskrit on the walls. The iron pillar high of 7m50 has resisted since todays to the rain and the sun, without ever a trace of rust!!

Late evening transfer to Delhi International Airport. Assistance with registration formalities

Flight to your destination.