Bhutan, land of the dragon

DELHI
Departure for Delhi in late morning, then a day on board.
Arrival at Delhi international airport in the late afternoon, welcomed by our representative with flower garlands.
You will be given a welcome kit with all the necessary documents.
Transfer to the hotel by private car, and check-in.

THIMPHU
Transfer to Delhi airport and flight to Paro.
On arrival, a traditional welcome awaits you with a “Khadar”, a type of scarf placed around your neck. Drive to Thimphu, located in a valley at 2,400 metres altitude. Combining tradition and modernity, the country’s political and economic capital is now expanding rapidly but remains a calm and pleasant small town.

Here you will visit the Memorial Chorten, a stupa built in memory of the third King of Bhutan, considered by the people to be the “Father of Modern Bhutan”. The paintings and statues adorning the monument offer insight into Buddhist philosophy.

Your stay of several nights will then allow you to dedicate a day to exploring the Thimphu valley.

Visit the National Library (closed Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays), as well as the Zorig Chusum Institute (closed Saturday afternoons, Sundays and public holidays). This school teaches traditional painting techniques.

Then, in the town centre, you can explore the Handicrafts Emporium and its local craft shops, and the Folk Heritage Museum, housed in one of the oldest houses in Thimphu, established at the initiative of one of Bhutan’s Queens to preserve the traditional way of life and help future generations understand and appreciate Bhutanese heritage.

The day will end with a visit to Trashichhodzong, the “fortress of the glorious religion”.

GANGTEY
Before reaching Gangtey, stop at a small zoo, actually an enclosed park where a few Takins roam, the national animal of the country. The animal resembles a cross between a cow and a goat. Legend has it that it was created by the great Buddhist yogi, Drupa Kunley; it is found only in Bhutan and neighbouring areas.

Continuing towards Gangtey, stop at Dochula Pass (3,080 m) to admire the most spectacular mountain range in the eastern Himalayas, then a walk through the village of Wangduephodrang (1,300 m altitude), in a valley renowned for bamboo, stone and slate work.

In the afternoon, in the village of Gangtey, you will visit Gangtey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan. From Gangtey, you will enjoy an extraordinary view over the Black Mountain range. Gangtey is a remarkably beautiful place located at 3,000 metres altitude.

TRONGSA
This is the ancestral seat of the Royal Family. It was the seat of power of the first and second kings. It is a massive structure, with numerous levels extending along the ridge on which it is built. Thanks to its highly strategic position, at the intersection of the eastern and western routes, the Trongsa Penlop was able to effectively control the entire eastern region of the country.

BUMTHANG
Drive to the legendary Bumthang valley, considered the most sacred and spiritual region of Bhutan. It is home to numerous Buddhist temples and monasteries.

Bumthang (Central Bhutan) is one of Bhutan’s 20 dzongkhags (districts). It is the historically richest dzongkhag in terms of the number of recorded ancient temples and sites. Bumthang is made up of four mountain valleys: Ura, Chumey, Tang and Choekhor (also known as the Bumthang valley).

You will visit the local market, Buddhist temples and monasteries such as the Lhakhang Tamshing temple, which boasts remarkable historic Buddhist murals, the “Jambey Lhakhang” and “Kurje Lhakhang” temples — one of the holiest sites in Bhutan. A visit to the “Jakar Dzong” fortress, the region’s administrative centre, is also planned.

URA VALLEY
The road winds through beautiful countryside and small villages typical of this part of Bhutan. Passing through Ura La Pass (3,600 m), then discovering the temple dedicated to Guru Rinpoche, built in 1986. You will visit the village and the main temple. The village of Ura, built entirely of stone, resembles a medieval village, an impression reinforced by the women’s traditional dress.

PUNAKHA
Visit the temple of Drukpa Kunley at Chimi Lakhang (the “fertility temple”), where you may receive a blessing if you wish. When people hope to have children, they make a pilgrimage here, and if their wish is granted, they name their children Kunley.

Then a short excursion to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten. Once at the top, you will have a view over the winding Mo-Chu river and the villages below. Looking north, you will see snow-capped mountains. Altitude of Punakha: 1,350 m.

It is in Punakha that you will visit Punakha Dzong, strategically built at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative centre of the region. Punakha Dzong played an important role in Bhutan’s history. Damaged by four devastating fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has now been fully restored.

PARO
A bustling commercial town, Paro (2,250 m) is the name of a district (dzongkhag), a valley, a river and a town. It is the historically and culturally richest valley. It was through this valley that the first invasions and exchanges with Tibetans began; today it is the heart of Bhutan, home to numerous exceptional sites including Taktshang Monastery (about two and a half hours’ walk), one of Bhutan’s most important pilgrimage sites. The monastery is perched majestically on a mountainside, overlooking the valley.
The return walk is entirely downhill and takes around an hour and a half.
In the afternoon, visit Ta Dzong (closed Sundays, Mondays and public holidays), built in 1951 as a watchtower. Unlike Dzongs, which are rectangular in shape, Ta Dzong is round, recalling certain parts of European castles. In 1967, this fortress was inaugurated as the National Museum and houses a superb collection of art, relics, religious paintings (thangkas), as well as an impressive stamp collection.

DELHI
A visit to Delhi is planned on the day of your return to France.
Delhi, the capital of India, is a historic and endlessly surprising city. Every era coexists in Delhi in a blend that gives the city a unique and fascinating character.
Between its impressive monuments and nightclubs, its green open spaces and colourful markets, Delhi offers varied experiences for every traveller.
The visit of the old city begins with a cycle rickshaw ride. Visit the Great Mosque (Jama Masjid) and pass by the Red Fort, a perfect example of Mughal architecture, built by Emperor Shah Jahan. Delight your senses at Chandni Chowk, the vast and colourful bazaar.
Next, visit Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi.
In New Delhi, visit Emperor Humayun’s tomb, inlaid with white marble. Then stroll along Rajpath, the Indian equivalent of the Champs-Élysées, passing India Gate (erected in memory of unknown soldiers), the Parliament, and the Presidential Palace.
You will have a “day use” room available at the hotel, then, depending on your flight schedule, transfer to the airport and flight to France.