Itinerary Change Bhutan instead of Tibet

Sep : Delhi to Kathmandu - fly

24 Sep : At Kathmandu
Sightseeing tour.

25 Sep : At Kathmandu
Day free

26 Sep : At Kathmandu
Day free.

27 sept : Thu : Kathamndu / Paro by Druk Air & transfer to Thimphu (Flight # KB 205, Dep - ktm 0825 Arr - Paro 0950)
The flight into Bhutan takes you over the great Himalayas, offering the scintillating scenery of the world's highest glacial peaks. As you enter Paro valley, you will see the silvery Pa Chu (Paro river) meandering down the valley, the Paro Dzong (fortress) and Ta Dzong (watch tower). On arrival, received by our representative and transfer to Thimphu (65 km, approx 3 hours ) , the modern capital town of Bhutan.

Thimphu, perhaps the most unusual capital city in the world, is the seat of government. This bustling town is home to Bhutan’s Royal family, the civil servants, and foreign missions with representation in Bhutan. It is also the headquarters for a number of internationally funded development projects.

Evening take a stroll around Thimphu main street, visiting shops and local market. It is a fascinating and provides opportunity to mingle with local people.

Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

28 sept : Fri : Thimphu

After breakfast, sightseeing in Thimphu valley including visit to the following : National Memorial Chorten. The building of this landmark was originally

envisaged by Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (“the father of modern Bhutan”) who has wished to erect monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it serves both as a memorial to the Late King and as a monument to peace. Later visit Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, a fascinating testimony of the Bhutanese material culture and living traditions.

Afternoon visit to Trashichhodzong, the beautiful medieval fortress/monastery which houses most of the Government's office and King's Throne room It is also the summer residence of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot. Then, visit the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts shops, to browse through example of Bhutan's fine traditional arts. Here you can buy hand-woven textiles, thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewelry, interesting items made from local materials.

Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

29 : Sat : Thimphu / Punakha (75 km, approx 3 hours drive)

After breakfast, visit the National Library, housing an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts; the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School) where students undergo a 6-year training course in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts.

After breakfast drive to Punakha via Duchula pass. An hours drive from Thimphu will take you to this pass (3050 meters), from here one can have superb view of the Mountain ranges on a clear day. Drive on to Punakha (1,300m/4,265ft)

Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and still it is the winter seat of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot). Blessed with a temperate climate and fed by the Pho Chu (male) and Mo Chu (female) rivers, Punakha is the most fertile valley in the country.

Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

30 Sept : Sun : Punakha & Wangduephodrang

After breakfast visit to Punakha Dzong: Placed strategically at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, the dzong was built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative center of the region. Damaged over the centuries by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the dzong has been fully restored in recent years by the present monarch.

We shall also visit Wangduephodrang (1,300m/4,265ft). Located south of Punakha and the last town before central Bhutan, Wangduephodrang is like an extended village with a few well-provisioned shops. The higher reaches of the Wangduephodrang valley provide rich pastureland for cattle. This district is famous for its fine bamboo work, stone carvings, and slate which is mined up a valley a few km. from the town. Wangduephodrang Dzong: Stretched along the hilltop above the confluence of the Punakha Chu and Tang Chu rivers, the imposing Wangduephodrang Dzong is the town’s most visible feature.

Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.


01 Oct : Mon : Punakha / Paro (150 km, approx 5 hours drive)

After breakfast, drive to Paro.

Paro lies at a height of 2,200m/7,218ft. This beautiful valley encapsulates a rich culture, scenic beauty and hundreds of myths and legends. It is home to many of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries, the country’s only airport, and the National Museum. Mt. Chomolhari (7,300m) reigns in white glory at the northern end of the valley, its glacial waters plunging through deep gorges to form the Pa Chu (Paro river). The Paro valley is one of the kingdom’s most fertile, producing the bulk of Bhutan’s famous red rice from its terraced fields.

Afternoon visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum . The extensive collection includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.

Then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and other cosmic Mandala.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

02 Oct : Tue : Paro

After breakfast drive up the valley to view the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, 18 km from Paro town on the northern side of the valley. It was from here that the Bhutanese repelled several invading Tibetan armies during the 17th century. Nearby visit traditional Bhutanese Farm House which offers good insight into lifestyle of local people.

Then take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery view point, the most famous of Bhutanese monasteries. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery hence it is called “Tiger’s Nest”. The excursion to monastery’s view point takes about 5 hours for round trip.

While return to Paro town visit en route Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

03 Oct : Wed : Paro / Kathamndu by Druk Air (Flight # KB 204, Dep - Paro 1000 Arr - Delhi 1045)

After breakfast transfer to airport for flight to onward destination. On arrival transfer to the hotel.

04 Oct : Kathmandu to Pokhara and continue on the original itinerary.