Delhi to Paro by Flight, Transfer to Thimphu (approx. 65 km, 1.5 hours)

Day 1: Delhi to Paro by Flight, Transfer to Thimphu (approx. 65 km, 1.5 hours)

Your Bhutan trip package from Delhi begins with a morning flight from Indira Gandhi International Airport (Terminal 3) to Paro International Airport.  Different airlines operate this route with a flight time of approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes. On a clear day, the flight offers views of the Himalayan range, including Mount Everest and Kangchenjunga, before the aircraft descends through the narrow Paro Valley for one of the most scenic landings in commercial aviation.

On arrival at Paro Airport, a Memorable India representative will receive you after immigration and Entry Permit formalities. You will then be transferred by private vehicle to Thimphu, approximately 65 kilometres away. The drive follows the Paro Chu and Wang Chu rivers through forested valleys.

In the evening, visit Tashichho Dzong, the imposing fortress-monastery that houses the Bhutanese government’s secretariat and the throne room of the King. The dzong is open to visitors in the evening after office hours and is particularly striking at dusk when the exterior is lit. Overnight stay at your hotel in Thimphu.

Thimphu Sightseeing (Full Day)

After breakfast, spend the full day exploring Thimphu. Start at the National Memorial Chorten, a stupa built in 1974 in memory of the third King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Elderly Bhutanese perform kora (circumambulation) and spin prayer wheels here throughout the day, making it one of the most quietly absorbing spots in the capital.

Continue to the Buddha Dordenma statue, a massive gilded bronze Shakyamuni Buddha on a hilltop overlooking the Thimphu Valley. The statue contains over 100,000 smaller Buddha statues within it, and the viewpoint offers a panoramic sweep of the capital and the surrounding mountains.

In the afternoon, visit the National Library (home to ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts) and the School of Arts and Crafts (Zorig Chusum), where students train in the 13 traditional Bhutanese arts, including painting, woodcarving, sculpture, and embroidery. Visit the Takin Preserve, home to Bhutan’s national animal, a large and unusual bovid found only in the eastern Himalayas. If your visit falls on a weekend, explore the handicrafts and farmers’ market where local vendors sell textiles, produce, yak cheese, and traditional goods. Overnight stay in Thimphu.

Thimphu to Punakha via Dochula Pass (approx. 75 km, 2.5 to 3 hours)

Day 3: Thimphu to Punakha via Dochula Pass (approx. 75 km, 2.5 to 3 hours)

After breakfast, drive from Thimphu to Punakha, crossing the Dochula Pass at 3,100 metres. On a clear day, the pass offers a panoramic view of the snow-capped Himalayan range, including Gangkar Puensum (7,570 metres), the highest unclimbed mountain in the world. The pass is marked by 108 memorial chortens (stupas) and the Druk Wangyel Lhakhang temple.

The descent from Dochula into the Punakha Valley transitions sharply from alpine conditions to subtropical vegetation, with a noticeable temperature difference. On arrival, visit the Punakha Dzong at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. This is the most visually striking dzong in Bhutan, serving as the winter residence of the central monastic body and the historic site of the first King’s coronation.

In the afternoon, walk across rice paddies to Chimi Lhakhang, the Temple of the Divine Madman, dedicated to the unconventional 15th-century saint Drukpa Kunley. The temple is a popular pilgrimage site for couples seeking blessings. Overnight stay in Punakha.

Punakha Excursion to Wangduephodrang, Return to Thimphu (approx. 80 km total)

Day 4: Punakha Excursion to Wangduephodrang, Return to Thimphu (approx. 80 km total)

After breakfast, drive to Wangduephodrang. Explore the local market for bamboo and cane products, and observe everyday Bhutanese rural life in this quiet town. The original Wangduephodrang Dzong (1638) is currently under reconstruction following a fire in 2012, but the valley setting above the Puna Tsang Chu river remains one of the most scenic in western Bhutan.

After Wangduephodrang, return to Thimphu. The afternoon is free for personal exploration. Revisit the handicrafts market, explore local cafes, or simply walk along the main street of the capital. Overnight stay in Thimphu.

Thimphu to Paro (approx. 65 km, 1.5 hours), Paro Sightseeing

Day 5: Thimphu to Paro (approx. 65 km, 1.5 hours), Paro Sightseeing

Check out from your Thimphu hotel and drive to Paro. On arrival, visit the Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong), a 15th-century fortress overlooking the Paro Chu river. The dzong remains an active monastery and the administrative headquarters of the Paro district. Cross the traditional covered bridge (Nyamai Zam) for a classic view of the fortress against the hillside.

Visit the National Museum of Bhutan (Ta Dzong), housed in a circular watchtower above the dzong. The museum displays thangka paintings, textiles, stamps, and historical artefacts. In the afternoon, visit the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, a fortress built in 1649 to celebrate a victory over Tibetan invaders. On a clear day, Mount Jhomolhari (7,314 metres) is visible from here.

Spend the evening exploring Paro town at a relaxed pace. Overnight stay in Paro.

Tiger's Nest Monastery Hike (Paro Taktsang)

Day 6: Tiger’s Nest Monastery Hike (Paro Taktsang)

This is the highlight day of the Bhutan tour from Delhi itinerary. After an early breakfast, drive to the trailhead of Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery). The monastery is perched on a sheer cliff face at 3,120 metres, roughly 900 metres above the Paro Valley floor. According to Buddhist tradition, Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) flew to this site on the back of a tigress in the 8th century and meditated in a cave here for three years.

The hike takes approximately 2 to 3 hours uphill and 1.5 to 2 hours downhill. The trail passes through the blue pine forest with prayer flags strung between the trees. A cafeteria at the midway point offers tea and refreshments with a direct view of the monastery. The final approach descends to a waterfall and climbs back up to the monastery entrance. Inside, the monastery houses several temple rooms with paintings, statues, and butter lamp offerings.

Horses and ponies are available for hire up to the cafeteria for those who prefer not to walk the full distance. The hike is moderate in difficulty but involves significant altitude gain. Return to your Paro hotel by late afternoon. Overnight stay in Paro.

Paro to Delhi by Flight

Day 7: Paro to Delhi by Flight

After breakfast, check out from your hotel. A Memorable India representative will transfer you to Paro International Airport for your return flight to Delhi. Flights typically land at IGI Airport by late afternoon, allowing you to be home the same evening. Your Bhutan packages from Delhi itinerary concludes here.

For travellers who wish to extend their trip, Memorable India can arrange additional days covering eastern Bhutan (Bumthang and Trongsa), a road-based exit through Phuentsholing connecting to Siliguri and North East India, or a combined Bhutan and Nepal itinerary through Kathmandu.