Bhutan
Day 01, 08-Dec-25, Mon: PARO – THIMPHU (55 km/1.5 hour)
The flight into Bhutan takes you close to the great Himalayas, offering dazzling scenic views of some of the world’s highest glacial peaks (Remember to check in early and ask for your seat on the left side of the Plane if you are flying from New Delhi, India or Kathmandu, Nepal). As you enter Paro valley, you will sweep past forested hills with the silvery Pa Chu (Paro River) meandering down the valley below. Paro Dzong (fortress) and Ta Dzong (watchtower) on the hills above the town will be a fine sight. Our representative will receive you and will drive to Thimphu with sightseeing enroute.
Drive towards the capital city, Thimphu.
Stop at Tachogang: Tachogang Lhakhang (Temple) was built by Thangthong Gyalpo in the fifteenth century. The temple was likely constructed in 1420.
Chuzom: The confluence of Paro (Pachu) and Thimphu (Wangchu) rivers. You can see three different types of Stupas – Bhutanese, Tibetan and Nepalese.
Visit National Memorial Chorten: The building is a monument to world peace and prosperity. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.
Evening visit Tashichho Dzong the impressive fortress which houses the secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty the King and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of the Chief Abbot and central monk body. Witness the Flag lowering ceremony before you enter the Dzong.
Thimphu Hotel, Thimphu
Day 02, 09-Dec-25, Tue: THIMPHU SIGHTSEEING
Drive to Kuenselphodrang (Buddha Point) where world’s tallest Buddha Statue (169 feet) sits overlooking the Thimphu Valley. Enjoy the spectacular view of Thimphu city below.
Visit the Takin (National Animal of Bhutan) enclosure at Motithang.
Drive down to the view point of Tashichho Dzong, the impressive fortress which houses the secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty the King and various government offices.
Zorig chusum (meaning 13 arts and crafts) which is popularly known as the painting school. Students in this institute learn 13 different traditional arts and crafts like painting, sculpture, wood carving, weaving, embroidery, etc.
Thimphu has a set of small museums and sights – you can choose which ones to visit based on your interests:
- Folk Heritage Museum.
- Visit the Royal Textile Academy and Museum: It showcases the traditional methods of weaving and has large collection of dresses from the Royal family.
- Postal Museum – where you can also make a postage stamp with your own photo and can be posted in Bhutan.
- Centenary Farmer’s Market – popularly known as the weekend vegetable market where the local farmers sell their farm produce. Across the wooden cantilever bridge you will find handicraft shops.
- Witness an archery (National) game if one is going on during your visit.
- Traditional handmade paper factory – where age old traditional method of paper making is still followed.
Thimphu Hotel, Thimphu
Day 3, 10-Dec-25 Wed: THIMPHU-PUNAKHA (3 HOURS)
An early morning drive (3hrs) east to the milder and warmer climate of Punakha climbs through apple orchards and forests of blue pine before entering pristine mixed forests. The pass at Dochu La (3,116m), is an awe-inspiring sight; with prayer flags strewn across its width. Sip warm tea until dawn breaks over the snow-capped Himalayan peaks.
Proceed down to the green terraced fields, famous for growing red rice around Punakha. A gentle walk to the temple of Cheme Lhakhang; perhaps in time to hear the monks at prayer in this tranquil rural landscape. In the afternoon walk around Punakha Dzong (1637). This pristine environment is also a nature-lovers paradise where we may catch sight of the rare and endangered White-bellied Heron.
Punakha Dzong is considered to be one of the most beautiful Dzongs in Bhutan. Inside the dzong is the Kuenrey, a beautiful temple housing the ‘hundred-pillar’ assembly hall with exceptional murals, enormous 18th century golden statues, and most surprising of all is the high ceiling, exquisitely painted with hundreds of dragons. We have chosen the afternoon when the light is perfect to bring the richness of the paintings and a quieter time to enjoy the ambience of this remarkable dzong.
The 160 meters Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge is known for the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan, which gives you spectacular views of Punakha Dzong and the Pho Chhu Valley.
Evening at leisure.
Zhinghkham Resort Punakha
Day 04, 11-Dec-25, Thu: PUNAKHA -PARO (3.5 HOURS)
Ta Dzong : Built in 1656 as a watchtower for Rinpung Dzong is now used as the National Museum which is a repository of not only precious works of art but also costumes, Armour and other hand crafted objects of daily life that provide a good snapshot of the rich cultural traditions of the country. It opens 7 days a week except on National Holidays.
Rinpung Dzong: Built in 1646 by Lama Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyal and strategically located to thwart Tibetan incursions into the rest of the country, this Dzong became one of Bhutan’s strongest and most important fortresses.
Kyichu Lhakhang: It was built in 659 by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. The temple fell into disrepair but was superbly restored in 1839 by the 25th Je Khempo (Chief Abbot). He also contributed the outstanding statue of Avalokiteshwara, with eleven heads and thousand arms, which is located in the sanctuary.
Hotel Olathang, Paro
Day 05 12-Dec-25 Fri: PARO-TAKTSHANG HIKE
Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery: The hike to Taktshang Monastery perched on a cliff at 2950m/9700ft takes anywhere from 4 to 6 hours as per your hiking ability. It is an uphill hike to the Monastery. There is a cafeteria (Taktsang Jakhang) on the half way.
Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava (the great Buddhist master) with his magical powers came to Taktshang in the eighth century, flying from the east of the country on the back of a tigress (a form that one of his consorts is believed to have taken). He is said to have meditated for about three months in a cave on the cliff and subdued the evil spirits. The primary Lhakhang was built around Guru Rimpoche’s meditation cave in the 1692 by the fourth Desi Tenzin Rabgay. This incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below.
After lunch, drive up the valley to view the ruins of the Drugyel Dzong (literally meaning the fortress of victory), which once defended this valley from several invading Tibetan armies during the 17th century. It is now being rebuilt to its former glory.
Evening free or can visit the Paro town with a street of typical Bhutanese traditional buildings.
Hotel Olathang, Paro
Day 06, 13-Dec-25 Sat : Paro -Guwahati
At the end of your travels in Bhutan, our team will drive you to the Airport and bid farewell. From Paro, fly to Delhi and onwards to Colombo
Druk Air: Paro – Delhi 1155-1345
Sri Lankan: Delhi – Colombo 1845-2220
Sri Lanka
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| Day 1: Arrival & Colombo |
| Arrive in Sri Lanka from Delhi, at Colombo’s international airport late night (2220hrs). You’ll be met by our representative and transfer to your hotel in Colombo. |
| Hotel: Negombo – Arie Lagoon |
| Day 2: Colombo – Wilpattu |
| After a relaxed morning, drive to Wilpattu (4.5hrs)- En route bird watching at Anawilundewa wetland |
| Hotel – Wilpattu – Claughton Wild |
| Day 3: Wilpattu |
| A full day safari is the best way to explore Wilpattu |
| Hotel – Wilpattu – Claughton Wild |
| Day 4: Wilpattu |
| Morning half day safari at Wilpattu national park |
| Night drive at the buffer zone of Wilpattu national park in search of small cat species. |
| Hotel – Wilpattu – Claughton Wild |
| Day 5: Anuradhapura & Mihintale |
| Drive to Anuradhapura (1.5hr) |
| Visit Anuradhapura’s ancient sacred ruins |
| Visit the sacred mountain of Mihintale |
| Hotel – Sigiriya – Elephas Resort |
| Day 6: Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa |
| Visit and climb up the World Heritage site of the Sigiriya |
| Visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa |
| Visit the Loris Conservation Project at Jetwing Vil Uyana |
| Hotel – Sigiriya – Elephas Resort |
| Day 7: Dambulla – Kandy |
| Visit Dambulla Cave Temple |
| Drive to Kandy (2.5hrs) |
| Visit Peradeniya botanical garden |
| The Kandy Cultural Show in the evening |
| Hotel – Kandy – Suisse Hotel |
| Day 8: Kandy |
| Visit the Temple of the Tooth |
| Time to relax and unwind at your hotel this afternoon, or you can explore Kandy’s central water tank, and the local markets. Hela Bojun Hala is worth a visit if you are looking for a spot for delicious Sri Lankan lunch. This open-air food court sells local dishes and provides employment opportunities for local women. |
| Visit the nature reserve of Udawattakele to find endemic Purple face leaf monkeys |
| Hotel – Kandy – Suisse Hotel |
| Day 9: Pekoe Trail |
| Hike the The Pekoe Trail – stage 1 (easy, 13km) |
| Hotel – Kandy – Suisse Hotel |
| Day 10: Kandy – Nuwara Eliya |
| Experience the most scenic train journey in Sri Lanka. Your guide will drop you at Kandy railway station and pick you again from Nanu Oya railway station. (3hrs) |
| Hotel- Nuwara Eliya – Oatland by Jetwing |
| Day 11: Nuwara Eliya |
| Vist Horton Plains- Walk to the worlds end and bird watching |
| Hotel- Nuwara Eliya – Oatland by Jetwing |
| Day 12: Nuwaraeliya |
| Visit a tea plantation and the tea factory to learn all about tea estates and cultivation of one of Sri Lanka’s finest exports. Taste fine Ceylon teas with a tea master. |
| Hotel- Nuwara Eliya – Oatland by Jetwing |
| Day 13: Nuwaraeliya – Ella |
| Drive to Ella (2hrs) |
| Explore the breath-taking beauty of Ella, |
| Enjoy a gentle climb to Little Adam’s Peak |
| Hotel -Ella – On Rock Ella |
| Day 14: Ella |
| Tackle Pekoe Trail stage 13 Ella-Demodara (8.8 km, moderate). |
| Return from your walk to relax in your camp |
| Hotel -Ella – On Rock Ella |
| Day 15: Ella – Wellaweya |
| Drive to Wellaweya (1hr) |
| Explore the Wellawaya village experience |
| Hotel: Jetwing Kaduruketha |
| Day 16: Buduruwagala |
| Visit the ancient Buddhist temple of Buduruwagala. |
| Hotel: Jetwing Kaduruketha |
| Day 17: Yala |
| Drive to Yala (1hr) |
| Explore Yala on an evening safari. |
| Hotel -Yala – Tamarind Tree |
| Day 18: Yala |
| Full day safari in Yala |
| Hotel -Yala – Tamarind Tree |
| Day 19: Yala |
| Full day safari in Yala |
| Hotel -Yala – Tamarind Tree |
| Day 20: Yala – Uda Walawe |
| After a relaxed morning enjoying your Yala resort, drive to Uda Walawe (1.5hr) |
| Enjoy an afternoon safari at Uda Walawe |
| Hotel -Uda Walawe – Kalu’s Hideway |
| Day 21: Uda Walawe – Sinharaja Forest Reserve |
| Enjoy a morning visit to Elephant Rescue Centre in Uda Walawe |
| Drive to Sinharaja Forest Reserve (3hrs) |
| Relax |
| Hotel -Sinharaja – Birds Paradis Hotel |
| Day 22: Sinharaja |
| Explore Sinharaja on a full day birding tour with a naturalist |
| Hotel -Sinharaja Birds Paradis Hotel |
| Day 23: Sinharaja – Mirissa |
| After a relaxed morning, drive to Mirissa (3hrs) |
| Check into your beach resort and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure |
| Hotel: Mirissa – Imagine Villa |
| Day 24: Whale Watching |
| Whale watching |
| Time to relax and unwind. |
| Hotel: Mirissa – Imagine Villa |
| Day 25: Relax at the beach |
| Time to relax and unwind. If you want to go for another whale watching trip this morning, you can buy the ticket locally. Otherwise, enjoy leisure time. |
| Hotel: Mirissa – Imagine Villa |
| Day 26: Mirissa – Galle – Bentota |
| Drive to Bentota (2.5hrs) |
| Visit the historic city of Galle, where you will enjoy a guided tour of the World Heritage city of Galle |
| Time to relax and unwind at the beach in Bentota |
| Hotel: Bentota – Club Villa |
| Day 27: Departure |
| Enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Depending on the time of your flight, you’ll be driven to the airport (1.5 hr) to end your Sri Lankan holiday. |
