Mystical Bhutan Expedition

Depart from Kochi International Airport for your flight to Paro, Bhutan (flight duration approximately 4.5 hours with a possible connection). Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, experience your first breath of the clean Himalayan air as you're welcomed by our representative who will assist with immigration formalities. Begin your Bhutanese journey with a scenic drive to Thimphu (approximately 1.5 hours), the capital and largest city of Bhutan. En route, stop at Tamchog Lhakhang Iron Bridge, built by the great iron bridge builder Thangtong Gyalpo. Upon arrival in Thimphu, check in at your hotel and take some time to rest and acclimatize to the altitude. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner featuring traditional Bhutanese cuisine with a cultural orientation program. Overnight in Thimphu.

After breakfast, embark on a full-day exploration of Thimphu. Visit the impressive Buddha Dordenma statue, a massive 51.5-meter bronze Buddha overlooking the valley. Proceed to the National Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the third King of Bhutan. Tour the Tashichho Dzong, a magnificent fortress housing government offices and the King's throne room. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the National Folk Heritage Museum to gain insights into traditional Bhutanese rural life. Continue to the Traditional Paper Factory to witness the ancient craft of handmade paper production. End your day with a visit to the Takin Preserve to see Bhutan's unique national animal, followed by a stroll through the vibrant Thimphu Centenary Farmers Market. In the evening, enjoy some leisure time to explore Thimphu's main street and handicraft shops. Overnight in Thimphu.

After an early breakfast, drive to Punakha, Bhutan's ancient capital (approximately 3 hours). Cross the Dochula Pass (3,100 meters) where, on clear days, you can enjoy spectacular views of the Eastern Himalayan mountain ranges. Visit the 108 memorial chortens known as "Druk Wangyal Chortens" built on the pass. Continue your journey to Punakha, stopping at the Chimi Lhakhang Temple, also known as the Temple of Fertility, built by the "Divine Madman" Lama Drukpa Kunley. After lunch, visit the majestic Punakha Dzong, considered one of Bhutan's most beautiful fortresses, strategically built at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers. Later in the afternoon, enjoy a pleasant hike through rice fields to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a stunning monument built for the protection of the kingdom. Overnight in Punakha.

After breakfast, depart for Paro (approximately 4 hours). En route, stop at Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress in Bhutan built in 1629. Upon arrival in Paro, check in at your hotel and have lunch. In the afternoon, visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum housed in an ancient watchtower with a collection of arts, relics, and religious thangka paintings. Continue to Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong), a fortress-monastery overlooking the Paro valley featuring impressive architecture and courtyards. Explore Paro town with its traditional buildings and quaint shops. In the evening, enjoy a special cultural program with traditional Bhutanese music and folk dances performed by local artists, followed by dinner. Overnight in Paro.

Today brings the highlight of your Bhutan journey – a hike to the iconic Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest). After an early breakfast, drive to the base of the trail. This sacred monastery clings dramatically to a cliff at 3,120 meters above sea level and is where Guru Rinpoche, who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, is said to have meditated for three months. The round-trip hike takes approximately 5-6 hours depending on your pace (a moderate level of fitness is required). There's a cafeteria halfway up where you can stop for refreshments and enjoy spectacular views. After descending, enjoy a well-deserved lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest and most sacred temples built in the 7th century. Later, experience a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath, a therapeutic treatment using river stones heated in fire and placed in water infused with medicinal herbs. This will help soothe your muscles after the hike. Enjoy a relaxing dinner at your hotel. Overnight in Paro.

After breakfast, embark on a day trip to the remote and picturesque Haa Valley, one of the least visited areas in Bhutan that was only opened to tourists in 2002 (approximately 2 hours drive). Cross the Chelela Pass (3,988 meters), Bhutan's highest road pass, offering stunning views of the sacred Mount Jomolhari. The valley is home to beautiful farmhouses, terraced fields, and pristine forests. Visit the main town area and the historic Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple). Enjoy a traditional farm-cooked lunch with a local family for an authentic experience of Bhutanese hospitality. In the late afternoon, return to Paro. This evening, participate in a special farewell dinner featuring Bhutanese specialties, where you'll receive a traditional Bhutanese white scarf (Khadar) as a token of goodwill for your journey home. Overnight in Paro.

After an early breakfast at your hotel, transfer to Paro International Airport for your return flight to Kochi. Bid farewell to the Land of the Thunder Dragon with memories to last a lifetime. End of services.