BHUTAN, ECOLUXURY WITH COMO

Departure from your country of origin by scheduled flight to Delhi.

Overnight arrival or morning arrival in Delhi, border practices, meeting with the guide and transfer to the hotel.  The room is booked from the evening for possible overnight arrival.Breakfast. Morning free for relaxation. Free lunch. Afternoon dedicated to visiting the Mausoleum of Emperor Humayun (1565), the 13th-century archaeological area with the Qutb Minar, the Victory Tower symbol of Delhi, the Friday Mosque (1650) where 25,000 people can pray; from the outside the Raj Ghat and the India Gate. Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight stay.

Breakfast. Private transfer to the airport and flight to Paro, Bhutan's only airport, 2200m above sea level.  The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in the entire Himalayas. The journey offers fascinating views and a thrilling descent into the Kingdom. Bhutan's first gift when you disembark the plane will be the fresh, clean mountain air. After immigration formalities and baggage claim, you will be met by our representative and then to your hotel. Lunch. Afternoon visit to Ta Dzong, originally built as a watchtower to oversee the Paro Dzong, now houses the Kingdom's National Museum and boasts ancient Thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons and armour, household items and a rich assortment of natural and historical artefacts. Walk along the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning 'Jewel Heap Fortress', which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries that line the courtyard of the Rinpung Dzong are beautiful wall paintings illustrating Buddhist tradition. Evening visit to the Paro market and walk along the town's main street. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Full board. Depart in the direction of Punakha, crossing the Chunzom (confluence of Pachu, the river that flows through the Paro valley and the Thimphu valley). On the way, stop to visit the Tachog Lhakhang, a 14th century temple located at the base of a mountain across the Pa chu on the Paro-Thimphu highway. Built by the great master architect Thangtong Gyalpo, the temple houses some unique statues. Visit the National Memorial Chorten, a shrine built to commemorate Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, the monarch who opened Bhutan's doors to the outside world. The late 'third dragon king' remains highly revered in Bhutan, and locals and pilgrims come here every day to pray and spin the red prayer wheels. This is followed by a visit to the Thirteenth School of Traditional Art, commonly known as the 'School of Painting', which offers a six-month course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts where centuries-old traditions are still practised. We proceed to Punakha via the Dochula Pass (3,088 m/10,130 ft). In the clear skies, you can enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain ranges, passing the beautiful 108 chortens built on the hill by Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo (Queen Mother of Bhutan) for the safety and well-being of His Majesty, the King of Bhutan. Also visit the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang temple, built to honour His Majesty the fourth Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Singye Wangchuck. 

We proceed to Punakha, which is inextricably linked to some of the most historic events in Bhutanese history and deserves its reputation as one of the most beautiful and significant regions at the heart of Bhutanese culture. Punakha was the capital of Bhutan from 1637 to 1907 and the first National Assembly was held here. The Dzong is historically important. On the way, visit the Chhimi Lhakhang, the Monastery of the Divine Fool, known for its fertility shrine, where one can receive a special fertility blessing. After lunch, visit the Punakha Dzong, located on the island of Pho - Chu (male river) and Mochu (female river). The Dzong was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative seat of the region. Damaged over the centuries by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong was completely restored in recent years by the 4th King Jigme Singye Wangchuck. Also visit the massive Kuenray, the Coronation Hall of all Bhutanese kings, the Dzongchung at the entrance to the Dzong and the recently renovated cantilever bridge over the Mochu. Overnight stay in a hotel in Punakha.

Full board. Depart in the direction of central Bhutan, to Bumthang via Trongsa. The journey will take us through dense oak and rhododendron forests and through tropical vegetation, the village of Nobding and the Pele la Pass (11,000 ft). On the way, we will encounter the beautiful scenery of rural Bhutan, also passing through open meadows, the valley of the yak herders and many other villages. Shortly before reaching Bumthang, we stop at the 'Yathra' weaving centre in Zugney where we will spend some time interacting with local weavers. On arrival in Bumthang settle into your hotel and stroll around the town to visit the local shops and interact freely with the locals. Overnight at the hotel in Bumthang.

Full board. Transfer to the airport and approx. 25-minute flight to Paro. Arrival and transfer to hotel. Afternoon visit to the round-shaped Ta Dzong, which used to be a religious monastery but now serves as the National Museum.Evening stroll through the town of Paro. Overnight stay.

Full board. Excursion to Taktsang Monastery (approx. 5 hours round trip on foot). It is one of Bhutan's most famous monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. Guru Rinpoche is said to have arrived here on the back of a tiger and meditated in this monastery and is therefore called 'Tiger's Nest'. This site was recognised as a sacred place and visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and is now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in a lifetime. Tiger's Nest monastery is a highlight and everyone would not think of leaving Bhutan without visiting the sacred temple, typically a busy monastery with many visitors (locals and tourists). On the way, visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of 108 temples built in the Himalayas by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. The construction of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. Overnight stay in a hotel.

Breakfast. Transfer to the airport and flight to Delhi. Arrival and check-in at the hotel. Free lunch. Afternoon free for relaxation or individual activities. Dinner at the hotel and overnight stay.

Breakfast. Transfer to the airport and scheduled flight to your country of origin. Arrival and end of services.