Meeting and assistance on arrival at Delhi International Airport
Platinum guests receive a VIP jet-bridge greeting at Delhi International airport. An Airport Representative will meet you at the Aerobridge, and fast track you through immigration and customs. A Platinum by Trans India representative will escort you to the hotel and will arrange for immediate check-in.

Check-in at The Imperial Hotel (Grand Heritage Room – room booked from 1400 hours of this day)

Delhi – Situated in a strategic position on the west bank of the Yamuna River, between the Himalayas and the Aravalli Hills, Delhi is the gateway to the rich alluvial soils of the Ganges plain and has, according to Indian folklore, been occupied since 2500 BC. New Delhi is an audacious statement of Imperial British control over India. Today the difference between bustling Old Delhi and the calmer, tree lined avenues of New Delhi is striking.

Overnight at The Imperial Hotel (Grand Heritage Room)

Morning at leisure to enjoy facilities at your hotel

Afternoon sightseeing tour of New Delhi

This tour includes visits to the important landmarks and monuments of New Delhi including Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage site said to be the motivation behind the 'wonder of the world' the Taj Mahal. Drive past the India Gate, a free-standing, 42 metre high arch, built in 1931 as a war memorial in the memory of the 90,000 soldiers of the Indian Army who died in World War I. Take a photostop outside the Rashtrapati Bhavan (President’s House) the official residence of the President of the India.

The highlight of the day will be visit to the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib – Delhi's largest Sikh temple. Later visit the Qutub Minar, a 72 meter high minaret built in 1199 AD.

Dinner at Spice Route Restaurant at The Imperial Hotel
Designed by Rajeev Sethi, the celebrated cultural czar of India, The Spice Route is an architectural marvel that offers a unique dining experience in a distinctively beautiful setting. It has been designed to reflect the journey of spices from the Malabar Coast in Kerala through Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Indonesia to Thailand and Vietnam.

Overnight at The Imperial Hotel (Grand Heritage Room)

Breakfast at hotel

Morning assisted transfer to Delhi International Airport to board flight for Paro
Platinum guests receive a VIP departure assistance at Delhi International airport with a friendly meet and greet host who provides luggage assistance, expedited security check and immigration.

On arrival in Paro, transfer by road to Thimphu (approximately 01 hour and 30 minutes drive)

Check-in, at Amankora Lodge (Suite)

Your lodge is set in the heart of the Thimphu Valley, it reflects its surroundings through the wood panelled interiors and minimalist furnishing in natural tones. There only 16 suites in the property and are quite stylish and spacious, featuring traditional wood burners and a free standing bath in the bedroom. The suites come with window seat which either have courtyard or forest views. The Amankoa Thimphu lodge has a spa with 03 treatment rooms along with a steam room. Thimphu (altitude – 2350 m) is a small city in the heart of Himalayas. Thimphu’s charm is not only embedded it its wealth of museums or places of historic interest but visitors must wander along the main street and into shops, all of which are decorated in traditional style.

Rest of the day at leisure / free for acclimatization

The tiny Buddhist Kingdom of Bhutan awaits, nestled high in the Himalayas its isolation from the world has cultivated a culture rich in traditions, religion and a benevolent monarchy. The dramatic landscapes, from snowcapped peaks and deeply forested slopes to raging, boulder strewn rivers, sit largely undisturbed as the endeared environmental initiatives and religious beliefs leave the Kingdom pristine and a jewel of nature. This special soulful journey takes you into this ancient Kingdom for an adventure into the hearts and lands of charming farmers, fascinating weavers, enchanting monks and charismatic leaders.

Overnight at Amankora Lodge (Suite)

Breakfast at hotel

Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan. Ideally you can start your day at leisure pace. After a leisurely breakfast depart from hotel around 1030 hours. Thimphu sightseeing takes about 05 hours. You can drop back to the hotel for lunch, take an hours break and resume sightseeing in the second half of the day.

Explore the Buddha Dordenma, one of the world’s tallest Buddha statues. Not far from the town, the towering golden monument was completed in 2015, fulfilling an ancient prophecy.

Folk Heritage Museum – Established in 2001, this is an interesting museum built in the form of a very traditional Bhutanese house. The museum is a walk through the rural traditions, habits and skills of the Bhutanese. The museum is closed on Sundays.

Memorial Chorten – The building of this landmark was originally envisaged by Bhutan's third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (the father of modern Bhutan) who wished to erect a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it serves both as a memorial to the Late King and as a monument to peace.

Changangkha Lhakhang – It is a fortress like temple perched on a ridge above Thimphu. The temple was established in 12th century on a site chosen by Lama Phajo Drugom Zhigpo, who came from Tibet. From the courtyard of the temple, there is fascinating view of the Thimphu valley.

Takin Zoo – The zoo houses the ‘Takin ‘the national animal of Bhutan. This is a distinctive species by itself, with the body of an antelope and a goat’s head. A drive further will reach you to BBS tower which offers some breathtaking views of the Thimphu Valley below.

In the evening after 5.00pm, visit the Tashichhodzong situated on the banks of Wang Chu. It is home of the National Assembly and the summer residence of the capital’s venerated monastic community. The Dzong is the impressive result of a redesign of the original medieval structure sanctioned by the Third King, HM Jigme Dorgi Wangchuck, when he moved Bhutan’s permanent capital to Thimphu. You can walk down the street on Norzin Lam in the evening to explore the local markets.

Weekend Market – Every weekend most of Thimphu’s scant population and many valley dwellers congregate on the banks of the river where the weekend market is held. It is an interesting place to visit and provides an opportunity to mingle with the local people. This market generally starts off on Thursday afternoon.

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Discover the secrets of Incense making by visiting a local family Using a 350-year-old recipe known only by their family, the proprietors of Nado Poi is finally opening the doors of their workshop in Thimphu for guests to learn more about this ancient art. Using a wide selection of rare, foraged or homegrown herbs, spices and ingredients from all over the Himalayas, they create blends that are unique that the sacred smoke the incense creates is highly sought after by monastic bodies and temples all over the world. Nado Poi also creates exclusive incense sticks and powder blends for the Royal family of Bhutan. The experience includes selection of raw materials, creating the dough, rolling and cutting of the incense.

Overnight at Amankora Lodge (Suite)

Breakfast at hotel

Morning transfer by road to Punakha across Dochula Pass (10,500 feet), which heralds the most enchanting views of Bhutan on a clear day (approximately 03 hours drive)

Check-in at Amankora Lodge (Suite)

Amankora lodge is centred around a traditional farmhouse, built by a former chief abbot of Bhutan, the lodge is accessed via a suspension bridge over the Mo Chhu River. On your arrival, you will instantly feel the rural setup around this property. After a thrilling ride through Dochu-la pass, an ideal way to enjoy the afternoon is by opting for a spa treatment focused on Himalayan plant and herb-based therapies. Your lodge also have a pool, a yoga studio and a steam room. The dining room is centred around original farmhouse that serves both international and Bhutanese cuisine. The 12 Suites have rustic elements with contemporary design which are built around an orange orchard. The Suites have a free standing bath in the bedroom, a wood panelled interior and a window seat with views across rice paddies and the Punakha Valley beyond.

This afternoon, explore Punakha’s sunny side Punakha sits on an elevation of 4,100 ft. in a fertile, warm, and beautiful valley, the sub-tropical environment allows the cultivation of rice and numerous fruits such as oranges, mangoes, and bananas. The valley and the surrounding mountain sides offer a large variety of attractive places to hike and bike. You can also explore monasteries and Bhutanese farming traditions as they have been carried out for centuries.

Prayer Flag Hoisting – A short and peaceful hike to this special 15th century temple to see the largest statue of Jowo Jampa – the Future Buddha, and Gum Shing. Prayer flags are hoisted for happiness, long life, prosperity, luck and merit, to clear ones’ sins, and to offer karmic merit to all sentient beings. When the wind blows, it is believed that it carries the prayers on the flags, blessing all beings. Find the spot where you want to hoist your prayer flags, a local monk will accompany you to consecrate the hoisting.

Overnight at Amankora Lodge (Suite)

Breakfast at hotel

Your day in Punakha Valley begins with a hike up through fields of chillies, cabbages and rice along the banks of the Mo Chhu to the upper end of the valley to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a stunning monument recently built by the Queens and consecrated in 1999.

Returning down through the valley you will have plenty of time to take in the impressive Punakha Dzong, home to the remains of Bhutan’s first ruler, Shabdrung Nawang Namgyal, and the winter residence of the monastic order’s leader and his entourage of monks.

Later a picnic lunch will be served on the banks of the Punak Chhu at a vantage point of the stunning Dzong and confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu.

Following lunch, a quick drive will take you to the village of Talo where you will stop to walk the stunning, quiet grounds of the village temple and perhaps visit the home village of the Kingdom’s four Queens.

Bhutanese Cooking Class – Master the art of Bhutanese cooking by signing up for a private cooking class. With many years of culinary experience, your chef is happy to share his knowledge and passion for the Bhutanese cuisine. The location of the cooking class is the former farmhouse kitchen. You can choose from a list of the most popular Bhutanese dishes what you are interested in to learn. After your hands-on cooking class in the afternoon, you can enjoy the exotic aromas of your newly acquired culinary skills during dinner.

Overnight at Amankora Lodge (Suite)

Breakfast at hotel

Morning transfer by road to Paro (approximately 05 hour drive)

Check-in at Amankora Lodge (Suite)

Amankora Paro boasts of beautiful views across Paro Valley, the interiors of the lodge use minimalist design elements which are synonymous with the Aman Resorts. The lodge serves traditional Bhutanese and international cuisine in the restaurant which also has an outdoor terrace. The pine forest surrounding the property can be admired from the outdoor seating area, warmed by a fire pit in the cooler months. Enjoy dip in the pool or book from wide range of spa therapies available in the lodge which also offers outdoor baths. The 24 suites have contemporary design and each features a window seat, a freestanding bath in the bedroom and a traditional wood-burning stove.

This afternoon, join us on a specially crafted experience organised just outside the town Insight to Bhutanese Farming Traditions

Paro Valley is often known as the “rice bowl? of the Kingdom as it produces a bulk of red rice from its fertile terraced fields. Paro is also known for production of wheat, millet, potatoes, apples and seasonal vegetables, which are grown mostly on a commercial scale. To experience how farming is done without the use of machines and modern technology, we can take you to a farmhouse, a 25-minute drive outside the town, where you can practice traditional farming skills. Should you also wish to try Bhutanese food in authentic surroundings, the locals will proudly prepare lunch for you to give you a real taste of the local cuisine.

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Sunset at Drukgyel Dzong A wonderful way to spend a late afternoon/early evening is by visiting Drukgyel Dzong – “The Victorious Fortress”.

A thirty-minute walk across open fields and village houses takes you to this historically significant structure where you can stroll around while your guide will give insight to the history of Bhutan. As the sun sets, we will arrange for some light refreshments just below the fortress overlooking the village and the river, before you make your way back to the town on the paved road before day turns to night. Drukgyel Dzong was built in 1649 to celebrate a decisive victory over Tibetan forces and to curtail further invasions. The Bhutanese fought twelve battles with the Tibetans in different parts of the country, whereof one took place in Drukgyel Dzong.

Overnight at Amankora Lodge (Suite)

Breakfast at hotel

This morning, enjoy slow paced cultural tour of Paro town

Paro cultural tour starts with a casual browse through the National Museum, housed in the Ta Dzong (Watch Tower) of the Rinpung Dzong, where an intriguing collection of artefacts serves as a great introduction to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom.

Just a short stroll below lies the dominating Paro Dzong, a premier example of Bhutan?s architecture. From the Dzong, a leisurely walk back into town crosses the scenic Nyamai Azmpa, a unique model of Bhutan’s traditional cantilever bridge. Continue to the town temples, Tshongdue Lhakhang and Drukchholing Lhakhang, with its fascinating altar and paintings. The wall paintings and unique design of Dungtse Lhakhang plus a visit to the revered Kyichu Lhakhang, which pins down the left foot of a treacherous Ogress, are a great finish to this day of cultural immersion.

The National Museum boasts a rich variety of exhibits collected from all over the country and belonging to different eras, some as early as 2000 B.C. Dungtse Lhakhang was built in 1421 by the Tibetan saint Thangthong Gyelpo, and is the only temple in the form of a chorten. Its chorten shape was meant to immobilize or subdue the demon and proclaim victory over Buddhism. The temple is unique in Bhutan as its paintings show the progressive stages of Tantric Buddhist philosophy as well as the most important deities and figures of the Drukpa Kagyupa School.

Kyichu Lhakhang is one of the oldest and most sacred temples in the Kingdom, dating back to the 07th century when the seed of Buddhism was won in Bhutan. The Tibetan King, Songsten Gampo ordered the establishment of monasteries in the Himalayan region to subdue evil spirits and to spread Buddhism. Of the 108 monasteries which were to be built, two major ones were built in Bhutan namely the Kyichu Lhakhang and the Jampa Lhakhang in Bumthang.

108 Butter Lamps at Kyichu Lhakhang

Lighting of 108 butter lamp in one of the Bhutan’s oldest temples dating back to the 07th century is an experience of a lifetime. The Butter Lamp or karme represents the dispelling of the darkness of ignorance. The lighting of butter lamps is an offering of light to the deities and is one of the most common means of increasing one’s merit. It also helps to focus the mind and aid meditation. The sacred and incredibly beautiful Kyichu Lhakhang is a tranquil and appropriate location for this ritual.

Overnight at Amankora Lodge (Suite)

Breakfast at hotel

This morning, the highlight of your trip to Bhutan will take you to Taktshang (Tiger’s Nest)

Tiger’s Nest is one of Bhutan’s most revered monuments. It literally hangs off the face of a cliff 2952 feet above the valley floor. The legend states that Guru Rinpoche flew into Bhutan on a mythical tigress and meditated in a cave before bringing Buddhism to Bhutan. The Taktshang Goempa is built around the cave, which is opened to the public once a year at the end of August.

The four-hour round trip hike offers spectacular views of the Goempa and the valley below. Horses or mules can be arranged on request to help lighten the journey.
Time: 15 minute drive to the base, 02 hour walk one way.
Difficulty level: Moderate to strenuous

Afternoon return to the lodge and we suggest foot massage to relax after a long trek

In the evening, we invite you to visit a monastery for special Tshewang ceremony

Tshewang is a one-hour ritual performed by 05 – 08 monks to promote a long life. This elaborate ceremony involves an abundance of prayers, mantras and final blessings using a Dorji (Thunderbolt) as well as sacred scriptures touched to the head.

Overnight at Amankora Lodge (Suite)

Packed breakfast from hotel

Early morning, transfer to Paro International Airport to board flight for Delhi
Platinum guests receive a VIP jet-bridge greeting at Delhi International airport. An Airport Representative will meet you at the Aerobridge, and fast track you through immigration and customs. A Platinum by Trans India representative will escort you to the hotel and will arrange for immediate check-in.

Check-in at ITC Maurya Hotel (Executive Club Room)

Afternoon at leisure

Dinner at Bukhara Restaurant at ITC Maurya Hotel
Bukhara – world famous for its cuisine, from the North-West Frontier of India, Bukhara brings alive the rustic flavors of North-West Frontier cuisine, traditionally prepared in a clay oven (tandoor). Rated amongst the top 50 restaurants in the world and the finest restaurant in Asia by ‘’Restaurant” magazine.

Overnight at ITC Maurya Hotel (Executive Club Room)

Breakfast at hotel

Later transfer to Delhi International Airport to board flight for onward destination
Platinum guests receive a VIP departure assistance at Delhi International airport with a friendly meet and greet host who provides luggage assistance, expedited security check and immigration.