Bhutan: Rhododendron Festival

Transfer to the airport for a flight from Delhi to Paro. The flight into Bhutan takes you close to the great Himalayas, offering dazzling scenic views of some of the world’s highest glacial peaks. You will experience breath taking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Chomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. As you enter Paro valley, you will sweep past forested hills with the silvery Pa Chu (Paro river) meandering down the valley below. On arrival transfer to Punakha (approximately 3½ hrs drive). At an elevation of 1,300m, Punakha is one of the lowest lying valleys in the Kingdom. With its temperate climate, this valley is the market garden of the country, where produce grows year-round and many Bhutanese reside during the colder winter months.

Lunch at a local restaurant. On arrival check into the Dhensa Boutique Resort, where two nights are spent. The hotel sits in the heart of the verdant and lush Punakha Valley surrounded by pine forests and walking trails overlooking the Punakha river. Dinner at the hotel.

Morning walk through the farmland to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten, built by the Queen Mother and dedicated to her son, the current King. The temple has commanding views of the valley up to the high mountains of Gasa and houses hundreds of images of various protector deities. Continue to the Suspension Bridge which, at 180m long, is one of the longest suspension bridges in the world. Visit Punakha Dzong built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyall in the 17th century and situated at the junction of Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. Inside, the utse is six storeys high and topped with a golden roof, whilst the fortress is divided by three courtyards housing administrative, monastic, and religious buildings respectively. It also houses a set of 108 volumes of the Kanjur (a holy book) written in gold. The dzong is now the winter home of the chief abbot and hundreds of monks and serves as administrative headquarters of the district.

Picnic lunch by the Punakha Dzong. Continue to the Shangchhen Dorji Lhengdrup Nunnery, made up of a collection of brass roofed buildings and brilliant white chorten that gleam high above the pine covered ridge of the Punakha valley. Return to the hotel either by foot, or car for the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. Dinner at the hotel.

Morning visit to the Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) monastery, which perches on the side of a cliff, 900-metres above the valley. It was founded by Guru Rimpoche who, legend has it, flew on the back of a Tigress and meditated in the cave, where the monastery stands, for three months. The monastery itself was built by Desi Tenzin Rabgye in 1646 and is a place of pilgrimage and is a recognised holy place.

Lunch at a local restaurant. Return to the hotel for the afternoon at leisure. Dinner at the hotel.

Depart (with luggage) for Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, with a brief stop to visit the chain iron bridge built by the great master architect, Thangtong Gyalpo.

Lunch at a local restaurant. Check into The Postcard by Dewa located on the outskirts of Bhutan’s capital city. Nestled in a forest, the hotel is the perfect place to wind down in the lap of nature and enjoy pristine views of the Khasadrapchu valley and Wang Chhu River. Afternoon at leisure. Dinner at the hotel.

Drive to the high mountain pass of Docha La located 3,140 metres above sea level, which gives fantastic views of the Himalaya. Visit Druk Wangyal Lhakhang. Inside this temple are 108 Buddhist paintings made by monks. They tell the life of Buddha.

Lunch at a local restaurant. Continue to the Royal Botanical Park, Lamperi, which is the backdrop of the Dochula Pass and the venue for the Rhododendron Festival, a celebration of nature’s resilience and beauty, highlighting the vibrant blooming of over 46 species of rhododendrons that adorn the Himalayan landscape. The festival not only showcases the floral splendour of Bhutan, but also immerses visitors in the rich tapestry of cultural traditions and ecological awareness. Enjoy traditional Boedra and Zhungdra songs relating to nature performed by the local community. There will be an option for short and long hikes in the botanical park to see different rhododendron species and engage in the ecological richness. Return to the hotel. Farewell dinner at the hotel.

Depart (with luggage) for Paro airport for an international Druk Airways flight to Delhi. On arrival, transfer to the Roseate Airport hotel for one night.

Lunch and dinner under own arrangements.

Transfer to Delhi airport. Suggested flights (not included in the cost of the tour) British Airways flight BA256 departing Delhi at 10.10 hrs, arriving London Heathrow at 15.15 hrs.