Tucked away in the Himalaya, bordering Tibet and the Northeastern Frontier provinces of India, and with a population of less than 800,000, Bhutan is a place of peace and natural beauty. Despite recent nods to modernity, Bhutan remains an immensely beautiful and serene land, and is a place where the Buddhist faith of its people remains the nation’s most vital cultural force.

Indeed, Bhutan’s greatest attractions are undoubtedly its vibrant and active Buddhist culture and its glorious Himalayan and pastoral landscapes. Buddhism plays a major role in the life of the Bhutanese people, and informs the highest levels of political activity. Bhutan is closely linked culturally and historically with Tibet, the name Bhutan implying Tibetan connotations. The Bhutanese have a very strong sense of independent identity, however, and quite often refer to their country as Druk Yul, or “Land of the Thunder Dragon,” and identify themselves as Drukpa. Since the Chinese incursion into Tibet in the 1950s, however, Bhutan has forged closer political and economic ties with India. Through it all, Bhutan has managed to maintain its identity and remains to many the embodiment of the legendary Shangri La.

Outline Itinerary

Day 1: Depart USA

Day 2: En route to Bangkok

Day 3: We will transfer to the airport for our flight from Bangkok to Bhutan. You will be met on arrival at Paro, and will be transferred to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital and an exciting blend of tradition and modernity.

Day 4: We will continue exploring Thimphu, visiting the Zorig Chusum (commonly known as Painting School), the Textile and Folk Heritage Museums, and the National Memorial Chorten, a monument to world peace and prosperity.

Day 5: Driving over Dochu-la pass (3,088m/10,130 ft), with impressive views of Himalayan giants, we descend into Punakha Valley.

Day 6: We take an excursion to to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of fertility and the Namgel Chorten, which was built to remove negative forces and promote peace, stability and harmony in the changing world.

Day 7: This morning we begin our drive to Trongsa via Wangduephodrang. Driving over another high pass, Pele-la pass (3,300 m/10,800 ft) we reach Trongsa.

Day 8: Today we visit Trongsa Dzong. Built in 1648, it was the seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan.

Day 9: Bumthang is the general name given to a combination of four valleys – Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura - with altitudes varying from 2,600m to 4,000m.

Days 10 & 11: We have two days to explore the many prominent Buddhist temples and monasteries, including Kurje Lhakhang, Jambey Lhakhang and Tamshing Lhakhang.

Day 12: Today we head to Gangtey. The valley of Gangtey is one of the most beautiful spots in Bhutan.

Day 13: Explore Phobjikha, the winter home of the migratory black-necked cranes. We will then continue on to our next destination, the “idyllic” Paro Valley.

Day 14: While in Paro, we will visit historic sites such as Drukgyel Dzong, Ta Dzong, Rinpung Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang, as well as the most famous of Bhutanese monasteries, Taktsang, Guru Rinpoche’s “Tiger’s Nest.”

Day 15: Today we leave Bhutan, taking the return flight from Paro to Bangkok. Overnight in Bangkok for our return flight to the USA the next day.

Day 16: Return to USA, arriving the same day.

Call us toll free at 1-800 MY INDIA (1-800-694-6342) or email us to request a detailed day-to-day itinerary.