Bhutan Holiday Extension

Early morning, we travel to the airport for our flight to Paro. Upon arrival, we journey to Thimphu, Bhutan’s compact capital, and transfer to the Hotel Druk, for the next two nights. After lunch, we explore the local farmers’ market before continuing to Thimphu Monastery, the seat of government since the 1960s. We also witness the unique flag down ceremony here. This evening, we meet a Bhutanese Lama for the opportunity to learn more about Buddhism.

Today we start with a visit to the Memorial Chorten, built in honour of the third King of Bhutan. We then head to Buddha Point, home to the grand Buddha Dordenma statue and offering panoramic views of the surrounding Thimphu Valley, before visiting the Institute of Traditional Medicine to gain an insight into ancient healing practices. After lunch, we continue to the Bhutanese Institute of Traditional Arts, where students are trained in the 13 traditional Bhutanese arts. Later, we visit Motithang Takin Preserve for a chance to see the Bhutanese national animal, before returning to the city. Unwind this evening with a taste of Bhutan’s local beer or grain whisky.

Tour Highlight

We journey from Thimphu to Punakha today, stopping en route at Dochula Pass, a breathtaking spot at 3,100 metres above sea level offering panoramic views of the snow-clad Himalayas. Arriving in Punakha, we settle in at the RKPO Green Resort, our hotel for the night. After lunch we take a scenic stroll, passing rural paddy fields and a traditional village as we head to Chimi Lhakhang monastery. Later, we explore Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful and significant monasteries, celebrated for its ornate architecture.

Returning westwards, we make the scenic drive to Paro this morning, arriving at the Tashi Namgay Resort or the Village Lodge Paro, our accommodation for the next two nights. After lunch, we explore the town’s vibrant local market before visiting a local farmhouse. Here, we don traditional attire and try our hand at Bhutan’s national sport, archery. Later, enjoy a cultural performance before partaking in a home-cooked dinner, a chance to experience true Bhutanese hospitality.

Tour Highlight

Start your day with an unforgettable adventure, hiking to view the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, a revered pilgrimage site that seems almost suspended in mid-air on the cliffside. For those that wish, the entire hike including return typically takes around five hours. Alternatively, you may choose to take a shorter walk to one of two viewpoints and still be rewarded with spectacular views. From the trailhead, we take a strenuous yet rewarding hike that winds uphill through pine forests. Our first stop at the café takes around one hour to reach. Or climb on to the second viewpoint, a further 40 minutes away, providing great photo opportunities of the monastery. The final section involves steps up and down to visit the monastery itself, sitting at an elevation of over 3,000 metres. Later, we visit the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, and participate in a blessing ceremony. We end our day at the Namgay Artisanal Brewery where we learn about the craft brewing process before participating in a beer tasting.

We bid farewell to Bhutan and transfer to Paro airport for our flight to Delhi. Upon arrival, we make our way to the Pride Plaza Hotel Aerocity or ITC Maurya Hotel for our final evening.

After breakfast, we transfer to the airport to begin our journey back to the UK.

Please note, if joining our Bhutan Holiday Extension, after our Brahmaputra River & Darjeeling tour, you will require an additional night in Kolkata before starting your tour of Bhutan and you will finish in Kolkata, rather than Delhi. Your exact itinerary will be confirmed at the time of booking.