Duration: 5 days/ 4 nights
Location: Delhi - Paro - Wangdue - Punakha - Thimphu - Paro -
Arrival at Paro International Airport. Welcome and transfer to hotel. After refreshment, visit Paro Dzong, a fine example of the architecture of Bhutan. This temple is also known as the Rinpung Dzong, meaning “fortress located in a green jewelry.” This impressive dzong to inwardly sloping walls were built in the 16th century on the foundations of a monastery built by Guru Rinpoche, who is regarded as the second Buddha. Walk to the Nyamai Zampa, an old traditional cantilever bridge in Bhutan. Then, visit a typical Bhutanese farmhouse. Walk in Paro. Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast, drive to Punakha by the collar Dochula (3088m). Panoramic view on the Himalayan mountains. Stop at 108 chortens (stupa) built on the hill by Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo (Queen of Bhutan) for the safety and well-being of His Majesty the King of Bhutan. Druk Wangyal Lhakhang visit the temple built to honor His Majesty Druk Gyalpo fourth, Jigme Singye Wangchuck. Continue to Wangdue. Visit the Dzong (fortress), located on a ridge overlooking a river junction. Then drive to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan from 1637 to 1907 Enroute visit the monastery Devin du Fou – Chhimi Lhakhang, famous for its shrine to fertility. Then, visit the Punakha Dzong, located at the confluence of two rivers: the Pho – Chu (Male river) and Mochu (Female river). The Dzong was built in 1637 by Ngawang Namgyal Zhabdrung to serve as administrative and religious headquarters in the region. Visit Kuenray, living coronation of kings of Bhutan, Dzongchung at the entrance of the Dzong and cantilever bridge overlooking the Mochu which was recently renovated. Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast, drive to Thimphu. Visit Takin reserve, home to the national animal, the Takin, exclusively present in Bhutan. Visit Tashichhoe Dzong fortress built in 1641 by Ngawang Namgyel Zhabdrung. It was rebuilt by Jigme Dorji Wangchuck Her Majesty between 1962 and 1969 The Dzong houses the secretariat building, the throne room and the office of the king, and the main monastic body. Then the Memorial Chorten built in 1974 to commemorate the third king of the country, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, widely regarded as the father of modern Bhutan. Kuenselphodrang, the largest Buddha statue in the world, is perched on the hill overlooking the Thimphu valley. Beautiful view. Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast, drive to Paro airport for the flight back to Delhi.
You will find below our selection of hotels for this trip. Hotels indicative subject to availability. The choice of the class of accommodation to you. You will be able to specify it in your quote.
Gangtey Palace – Paro
Bhutanese traditional hotel located in a beautiful spot overlooking the Paro valley. Large rooms with traditional décor. Very nice welcome.
Uma by COMO – Punakha
Spacious rooms with an exceptional view of the Punakha valley and the river. Warm, attentive staff. The hotel has a spa.
Pedling Hotel – Thimphu
Very central location with shops and restaurants within walking distance. Clean and comfortable rooms with modern decor and gargantuan breakfast. Staff very friendly, courteous and always willing to help.
You will find below our suggestion for activities to do throughout your journey. Do not hesitate to contact an advisor Aryavrit Travels for any specific request.
Expect a complete change: in the saddle on the beautiful Marwari horses with amazing earrings shaped like a crescent moon, discover the breathtaking surroundings and go out to meet the locals. A walk to discover treasures, off the beaten path.
We invite you to immerse in unusual: a bike ride on the roads of India, Nepal and Bhutan. Cycling is a way to meet people, a tool to reach out to the population, which allows you to be closer than at the window of an air conditioned car. Let yourself drift along with your meetings, you will appreciate the paths which reserve surprises, all more enjoyable than the other.
Take a step back to admire the pink city Jaipur, it is possible. Climb aboard the platform of your balloon and fly over the capital of Rajasthan and the impressive Amber Fort which is necessary not far from it. In the early morning light, the emotions are at their peak by the glipse by the history of vastness and beauty which has exisred here for last many centuries.
Polo on horseback or elephant, a unique show in Jaipur, Jodhpur or Delhi. Sport in vogue in India, polo on horseback is still today one of the spearheads of the sport in the Indian aristocracy. Polo on elephant back, meanwhile, is not a sport as such. Nevertheless, it attracts large crowds because of the originality of a rapid game with elephants struggling to move on the ground. Very entertaining!
Catch a game of cricket, a sport that is truly thrill the crowds in India. Unknown in France, cricket crystallizes all the passions in the Indian subcontinent, where millions of fans follow live matches of their national team. The best players are idolized as real stars, like Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev considered one of the best cricketers of all time.
Experience the charm side with a vintage ride in Rajasthan. These old cars of the maharajahs take you as a prince through the main streets of the cities. A timeless adventure not to be missed.
What could be more authentic than sharing a moment with a local family? An opportunity to understand the Indianess from very close which is worth reading several books on India. A unique opportunity to learn about the customs of your hosts, with whom you share a traditional meal. A moment of conviviality, memorable exchanges that will only add magic to your stay.
Indians like to say that what unites them is a passion for cricket and love of cinema. India is the largest film industry in the world in terms of production and the number of entries. Attend the screening of a film, it’s a unique experience and share a moment of jubilation.
Immerse yourself in the practice of Yoga and meditation which helps you to know your body and mind. An experienced yoga teacher will teach you the various techniques of “pranayama” (breathing), “asanas” (positions) and ‘dhyana’ (meditation). A unique opportunity in the purest tradition.
Mehndi usually refers to the art of drawing with henna on the skin. It is an ephemeral equivalent of tattooing. In Rajasthan, mehndi is an fplk art and it is common for women to get as sophisticated as those of newlyweds drawings. Attend a session to decorate your hands with henna and why not take the opportunity to keep track of your visit!
You fell for tandoori chicken, Kerala fish curry, samosas, the thali, the dal, biryani? Do not leave without having learned to cook these dishes. We offer courses in vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisine. At the end of the session, you are invited to examine and taste your own the prepared dishes.
Ayurveda invites us to stay in harmony with nature, in touch with the elements of nature by practicing yoga and meditation which help us to purify and nourish our body and mind. A massage on the eye helps to rebalance the body and its functions. Enjoy your visit to the birthplace of Ayurveda to experience a massage in the purest tradition.