Exclusive Bhutan Tour

Day 1: Arrive in Delhi

We fly out from Dublin to Delhi ( If your flight fare is included in this price)

Arrive in Delhi and check in to the hotel and rest.

Day 2: Delhi to  Agra Taj Mahal

Today we take a 4-hour drive from Delhi to Agra.

The Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum located in Agra, India. It was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. To visit the Taj Mahal, you need to purchase an entry ticket and follow the dress code which requires visitors to cover their heads and remove their shoes. Photography is allowed but with certain restrictions. It is recommended to visit during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and hot weather.

Day 3:  Agra to Delhi 

Today after breakfast we leave Agra and the Taj Mahal and return to Delhi, evening we will visit India Gate and Gandhi Memorial place.

Day 4: We take a Flight from Delhi to Paro Bhutan

Morning flight to Paro airport in Bhutan, 2-hour flight(or to an alternative airport in Bhutan, if necessary). You will be picked up from the airport and driven to your hotel, where you will stay for one night. Relax for the rest of the day, and try some traditional Bhutanese food.

Day 5: Paro- Thimphu

Morning trek to the famous Paro Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) – this is a prominent Himalayan Buddhist sacred site and temple complex located on the cliffside of the upper Paro valley. The temple complex was first built-in 1692, around the Taktsang Senge Samdup cave where Guru Padmasambhava is said to have meditated for three years, three months, three weeks, three days and three hours in the 8th century. Padmasambhava is credited with introducing Buddhism to Bhutan and is the patron deity of the country. Today, Paro Taktsang is the best known of the thirteen Taktsang or ‘tiger lair’ caves in which he meditated. The hike takes about four hours. Afternoon visit to Rinpung Dzong the administrative seat of the district of Paro containing a state monastic community of 200 monks. Then we travel to Thimpu, the Bhutanese capital for a two-night stay.

Day 6: Thimphu

Enjoy a city highlights tour including the Memorial Chorten (a huge stupa) built-in memory of the third King of Bhutan. Mainly by foot, we will explore the City and discover its markets, its peoples, its culture and experience the wonderful sense of happiness and contentment that seems to pervade all life in Bhutan.

Day 7: Trongsa

Proceed on a picturesque drive to Trongsa via Wangdiphodrang Dzong, a monastery at the meeting point of two rivers, then over the Pele-la pass.

Day 8: Bumthang

Morning visit to Trongsa museum, filled with Bhutanese architecture built-in 1647, and the Watch Tower is located on the top of a steep hill. Continue on to Bumthang is one of the most spectacular valleys in Bhutan. Upon arrival, you will check into your hotel for a two-night stay.

Day 9: Bumthang

Spend the day visiting several of the region’s ancient monasteries. Also visit the historical Jakar Dzong, one of the largest museums in Bhutan. The The Bumthang area is truly unspoilt and is famous for producing honey, as well as cheese, apples, apricots and Red Panda beer. There are numerous day walks and places to visit including Jakar Dzong (the Castle of the White Bird – 1646 AD), Lamey Goemba, Wangdichholing Palace and the impressive Kurjey Lhakhang (temple) on the western side of Bumthang Chhu (river). On the last day, you will head out to explore the Choskhor area, the easternmost and highest valley in Bumthang, to Ura Village which is said to be home to some of the earliest inhabitants of Bhutan. This traditional, picturesque medieval village and its temple echo Bhutan’s past especially when one walks the cobbled lanes and encounters locals who still wear sheepskins on their backs. Back in Jakar, you may wish to try the short hike to Thangbi Monastery.

Day 10: Punakha

Early morning visit the Bumthang market, following which you drive to Punakha for a two-night stay.

Day 11: Punakha

Full-day tour of Punakha including a visit to the 17th-century fortress Punakha Dzong lies between Phochu and Mochu Rivers. Here we visit Chimmi Lhakhang hilltop, a fertility temple which was founded by the tantric Buddhist master Drukpa Kuenley, one of Tibet’s foremost yogis and the patron saint of Bhutan. A fantastic day covering the highlights of the valley will include a visit to the Punakha Dzong, a hike to Talo Village and an optional white-water rafting excursion on the Mo Chhu or Po Chhu rivers.

Day 12: Punakha To Pontchelling

Drive to Phonchelling the border town of Bhutan for the Last Night in Bhutan before we head back to east India to Sikkim

Day 13: Phonshelling to Gangtok Sikkim

Sikkim is a state located in the northeastern part of India, known for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and rich history. A tour of Sikkim offers visitors the opportunity to explore the Himalayan mountains, scenic lakes, and picturesque villages, as well as to experience the unique traditions and customs of the local people. Popular attractions in Sikkim include the stunning Tsomgo Lake, the ancient Rumtek Monastery, and the charming town of Gangtok. We spend the first night in Gangtok.

Day 14: Visit Rumtek monastery

Rumtek Monastery is a famous Buddhist monastery located in Sikkim, India, about 23 km from the capital city of Gangtok. It is one of the most important centres of Tibetan Buddhism outside of Tibet and is the seat of the Karmapa, the head of the Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery was originally built in the 16th century in Tibet but was destroyed during the Chinese Cultural Revolution in the 1950s. In 1959, the 16th Karmapa fled Tibet and established the monastery in its current location in Sikkim.

The Rumtek Monastery complex is a sprawling complex of buildings, including temples, shrines, and accommodations for monks and visitors. The main temple is adorned with intricate murals and statues and houses a golden stupa containing the relics of the 16th Karmapa. The monastery also has a large prayer hall, a library, and a museum that showcases Tibetan art and artefacts.

The monastery holds great significance for Tibetan Buddhists and is an important pilgrimage site for followers of the Karma Kagyu School of Buddhism. Visitors can witness the monks’ daily rituals and prayers and participate in meditation and other spiritual practices. Overall, a visit to Rumtek Monastery can be a deeply enriching and enlightening experience for anyone interested in Buddhism and Tibetan culture.

Day 15: Rest and explore Gangtok by Foot

Today we take a short drive to the hill called Ganesh Tok for a stunning view of Gangtok town and after that, we will walk back to the town on foot and experience the Himalayan town and culture.

Day 16: We take a short drive to Yangang

To experience local culture and village life we will take a short drive to the village called Yangang, afternoon we take the village hike and we will spend the night in a local house and experience the local food, traditions and village life in Sikkim.

Day 17: Drive to the Airport and fly to Delhi

Today we take a drive to the Airport and take a 1-hour flight to Delhi, the capital of India.

Day 18: Explore Delhi and Depart Home.

Today is the departure day and our flight will be at night so during the day we have enough chance to buy some gifts from India for our family back home.

This itinerary can be customised and it can change if we require it for safety reason or any natural disaster that happen before or during the trip.

For this trip a 1000 Euro deposit is essential.