TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Stay at the best of the hotels away from the maddening crowd.
- Your own private guide and driver for flexible touring based on your interests
- Visit old Monasteries and majestic fortresses
- Explore a capital city with no traffic lights.
- Feast on Ema Datsi and Red Rice, two of the most popular dishes of Bhutan
- First-hand experience of untouched Nature and unique Culture
- Experience the Sacred Spirituality and see prayer flags fluttering in the wind.
- Shop for Silks, Souvenirs and More
- Marvel on structures adorned with Phallus paintings.
- Hike through pine forests to visit “Tiger’s Nest”
- Experience the beautiful landscapes and spectacular Himalayan scenery.
- The must visit Dochula Pass and the Druk Wangyal Chhortens
- Visit Phobjika, the most beautiful glacial valley of Bhutan.
- Endangered Black-necked Cranes in Phobjikha Valley (only in winter months).
ITINERARY
Paro - Thimphu
Driving Distance: 65 Kms, Driving time: 1.50 Hrs - 2 Hrs, Altitude of Thimphu: 2,350 m Your flight to Paro on a clear day is marked with the panoramic views of the Himalayas including the Everest and other famous Peaks. The approach through the foothills and the landing (including few steep turns) at the tiny airstrip of Paro has been termed as adventurous by many travelers. After the completion of immigration formalities at the Paro Airport exit door, you will be received by your Bhutanese guide with traditional “Tashi Khadar”. Afterward, drive to Thimphu following the Pa Chhu River. Check-In to the hotel and have your first experience with Bhutanese Cuisine. Rest of the day is at leisure. You can explore the Thimphu valley and town or shop till your heart’s content. In the evening you could look into taking a dive at the indoor swimming pool.
Meals : Breakfast ( ✔ ) Dinner ( ✔ )
Thimphu Sightseeing
Today you would be driven in and around Thimphu covering key places of interest. After breakfast, you would visit Kuensel Phodrang,--- the gigantic Buddha Dordenma Statue located atop a hill in Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park. National Memorial Chhorten,--- a Stupa built in 1974 to honor the third Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Every morning till night old people and young people circumambulate the Chhorten. You may choose to light butter lamps and also circumambulate around the Chorten. Zorig Chusum, --- Premier Institute of traditional arts and crafts in Thimphu established with an objective of preserving “thirteen arts and crafts of Bhutan”. Folk Heritage, --- traditional house giving an insight to the Bhutanese lifestyle, and artifacts from the rural households Thereafter you would be taken to a local restaurant for lunch. In the afternoon you would be taken to Sangaygang View Point, --- also known as BBS Tower offering a panoramic view of Thimphu Town situated at an elevation of 2,685 m. Changangkha Monastery, --- popular fortress-like temple perched on a ridge above Central Thimphu built in 15th Century by Lama Phajo Drugom Zhipo. Takin Preserve Centre, --- see Takin (National animal of Bhutan) It is a unique combination of Goat and an Antelope Tashichhodzong, --- or ‘the fortress of the glorious religion’. Initially erected in 1641 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was rebuilt in the 1960s during the reign of Bhutan’s third king in the traditional style, without plans or nails. It houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body and opens after 5 PM. On the completion of sightseeing, you are driven back to your hotel. After relaxing for some time you are served with dinner.
Meals : Breakfast ( ✔ ) Dinner ( ✔ )
Thimphu - Gangtey/Phobjikha
Driving Distance: 140 Kms, Driving time: 4 hrs - 5 hrs, Altitude of Gangtey - 2,900 m After breakfast and completion of check out formalities, you are driven to Gangtey/Phobjikha. On the way stop at Dochula Pass --- lies at an elevation of 3,150 m and is a great place to view the higher Himalayas. The landmarks around the pass include 108 Druk Wangyal Stupas built under the patronage of Queen Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk. Thereafter, you continue your drive to Gangtey/Phobjikha. While in Gangtey, visit the Gangtey Goemba, --- an important monastery of Nyingmapa school of Buddhism, the main seat of the Pema Lingpa tradition. The present Abbot, Kunzang Pema Namgyal is the ninth re-incarnation. It is one of the largest Nyingma monasteries in Bhutan. Black Necked Crane Information Centre, --- a place for recreation with crane watching equipment (binoculars, spotting scopes) and reference books After the completion of sightseeing, you are driven back to Gangtey Lodge.
Meals : Breakfast ( ✔ ) Dinner ( ✔ )
Gangtey/ Phobjikha Valley Sightseeing
A full day to explore at the Phobjikha Valley, --- one of the most beautiful glacial valleys in the Himalayas. It lies at an elevation of 3,000 m. It is surrounded by a large village inhabited mainly by the families of the 140 Gomchens who take care of the monastery. Phobjikha is best known for the rare black-necked cranes that migrate here from the Tibetan Plateau to avoid the extremely cold winters. You may choose to do any of the following: Visiting villages and interacting with People, Hikes around the valley, Photography, etc. You can also choose to hire the bike or the cycle from the hotel and go on a nature trail enjoying breathtaking views.
Meals : Breakfast ( ✔ ) Dinner ( ✔ )
Gangtey - Punakha/Wangdue
Driving Distance: 78 Kms, Driving time: 2.50 hrs - 3 hrs, Altitude of Punakha: 1,310 m After Breakfast, you would check out of the hotel and get transferred to Punakha/Wangdue. After arrival at Punakha, check in to the hotel. After lunch, you would visit Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. For many years until the time of the second King, it served as the seat of the Government. It is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo (The Chief Abbot of the Central Monastic Body of Bhutan). Chhimi Lhakhang, a famous Temple, which is also known as “The Temple of Fertility” built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley. Evening free for leisure activities. Overnight at Punakha
Meals : Breakfast ( ✔ ) Dinner ( ✔ )
Punakha - Paro
Driving Distance: 135 kms, Driving Time: 4 hrs - 5 hrs, Altitude of Paro: 2,280 m After breakfast, you would check out of the hotel to proceed to Paro, the final leg of the tour. On the way stop at Royal Botanical Park, Lamperi, --- also known as the Rhododendron Garden, is the first Botanical Garden of Bhutan. It is famous for 46 species of rhododendrons. After arriving at Paro, you would be transferred to your Hotel for Check In. After lunch, you would be taken around to visit Paro Rimpung Dzong, --- also known as Fortress of the heap of jewels, built during the time of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646. Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower overlooking Rimpung Dzong built in 1951 now converted into a national museum. Overnight at Paro.
Meals : Breakfast ( ✔ ) Dinner ( ✔ )
Paro Sightseeing
After breakfast, start your day with a hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's nest), --- the abode of gods and monks situated at an altitude of 3100m on the Upper Paro Valley, Bhutan. As per the legend, Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), the tantrum mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, came in the form of Dorje Droloe riding a flying tigress to subdue the demon that was obstructing the spread of Buddhism in the Himalayas. After the completion of the hike, you would be served picnic Lunch among the woods. After lunch, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, --- one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan built in the 7th century by the Tibetan Emperor Songtsen Gampo.
Meals : Breakfast ( ✔ ) Dinner ( ✔ )
Departure
Today we will bid farewell to this beautiful country and take an early flight back. We hope by now you must have made some good friends and also have taken photographs and beautiful memories of Bhutan. We certainly hope of serving you again on your next visit to this great country or the Last Shangri-La. Tashi Delek.
Meals : Breakfast ( ✔ ) Dinner ( ✔ )
INCLUSION
Inclusion
- Accommodation using Starting Room Category of Each Hotel on Twin Sharing Basis.
- Daily Breakfast as per the above package in the hotel.
- Service of an English speaking guide during sightseeing.
- Airport Transfers & sightseeing as per the itinerary by Air – Conditioned Vehicle.
Exclusion
- Personal expenses such as mini bar , travel insurance , laundry, telephone calls , spa , tips , porter-age , etc.
- Additional sightseeing or extra usage of the vehicle, other than mentioned in the itinerary.
- Still camera or Video camera fee .
- Any cost arising due to natural calamities like, landslides, road blockage, political disturbances (strikes), etc. to be borne by the client directly.
- Any other feature which is not mentioned in the "Cost includes" column.
- Government Service Tax.
- Airports tax and travel insurance etc.
COST
0
TERMS
- Confirmation will be received at the time of booking
- A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
- English-speaking guide. If you need another language then kindly inform us in Special Requirements upon booking
- The duration of transfers are approximate; the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
- Avoid any clothing that is too revealing
- The accommodation room type (single room, double room or triple room) will depend on the availability of the hotels and the room configurations available, especially for odd-numbered groups of traveler.
OTHER INFORMATION
Tourism has been strictly limited in Bhutan so that traditional culture can be preserved and nurtured. The Bhutanese are highly religious people and therefore it is important to show respect and understanding of local customs and way of life, especially while visiting places of religious significance.
The tourism industry in Bhutan is founded on the principle of sustainability, meaning that tourism must be environmentally and ecologically friendly, socially and culturally acceptable, and also economically viable. For these reasons, tourism is carefully monitored and the number of tourists visiting Bhutan is kept to an environmentally manageable level.
FOR INDIAN TOURIST
Indian Tourist traveling to Bhutan does not require any visa. However, they need a travel Permit to visit Bhutan.
Permits: There are 02 types of PERMIT.
-> Entry Permit: When you are entering Bhutan, you have to get the Entry Permit which can be procured at the entry point either in Paro airport (when traveling by flight) or in Phuentsholing Bhutan (when traveling overland either from Bagdogra or NJP). Entry permit cannot be made in advance as physical appearance is required at the immigration office. The entry permit is also a valid document to visit Thimphu and Paro.
-> Route Permit: If you choose your Itinerary to visit places (Punakha, Wangdue, Bumthang, etc) beyond Paro and Thimphu, you need to have a Route Permit. We need the scanned copy of either your passport or Voter ID card to make your Route Permit in advance. Route permit will ONLY be made in Thimphu on the working days between 09.00 – 11.00 hrs.
Travel Documents Required With Presence of the Guest:
- Valid Indian passport (above 6 months validity) or Voters Identity Card (anyone) is a must for 18 years and above.
- Child below 5 years (Birth certificate is required).
- Child between 6 – 17 years academic School Identity Card is required.
- 04 recent passport size photographs for each guest.
Entering Bhutan by Flight: While collecting your airlines boarding pass you are given 02 forms at Druk air counter.
- Embarkation & Disembarkation Card (Blue Form): You are required to fill up the form completely and submit the same to the authority. the concerned officer retains the disembarkation card and returns the embarkation card back to you which is again required while exiting Bhutan. Please do not lose this card.
- Immigration form (Yellow Form): You are required to fill and submit this form at the immigration counter while getting the entry permit at Bhutan airport.
Bhutan Entry Permit:
- Passport Holder: Bhutan entry permit is stamped on the passport itself. It is must to carry your passport while traveling & taking inter-point connection. You will not be allowed to leave the country without stamping the exit on it.
- Voter ID Card: Bhutan entry permits are issued separately on papers after verifying Voter ID card. This document must be carried while traveling & taking inter-point connection. You are also advised to make photocopy of the paper permit and keep it in safe custody as you will not be allowed to leave the country without surrendering this paper permit in the original. This permit is also required to make the pink permit for visiting any other area other than Thimphu & Paro.
Exiting Bhutan by Flight: While collecting your airlines boarding pass you are given 02 forms at the Druk air counter.
- Declaration from for Departing Passengers (Blue Form): You are required to fill it and submit at the immigration counter along with entry permit (original copy) and Embarkation card which is given to you while entering Bhutan.
- Immigration Form (Yellow form): You are required to fill up this immigration form (Yellow form) and this form has to be submitted at the immigration counter at the final port of Disembarkation, ie Bagdogra, Kolkata, Delhi and other airport connected by Druk air in India.
- Bhutan Entry Permit: This is the same Paper permit issued while entering Bhutan. You will not be allowed to leave the country without surrendering this paper permit in the original.
Notes:
- Declaration form basically states that you are not carrying any prohibited items out of Bhutan
- Embarkation form is the leftover form while entering Bhutan.
- Yellow form is basically a self-declaration of items carried by you on flight.i.e.number of check-in Baggage, hand baggage, duty & duty-free items.
Entering Bhutan by Surface: Bhutan Entry permits are issued from the immigration office at Phuentsholing only on working day (Monday-Friday) excluding Saturday, Sunday & Bhutan national holidays.
- You are required to visit the immigration office along with your guide/driver at the Bhutan entry gate to obtain your Bhutan entry permit (personal presence is a must for obtaining the permit).
- For the surface traveler, Bhutan entry permits are issued separately in papers after verifying the documents. This document must be carried while traveling and taking inner point connection. You are also advised to make photocopy of the paper permit and keep it in safe custody. As you will not be allowed to leave the country without surrendering the pink permit for visiting any other area other than Thimphu & Paro.
Exiting Bhutan by Surface:
While exiting from Phuentsholing you will have to surrender original entry permit which was given to you while entering Bhutan at the immigration office, Karbandi, which is 5 km before Phuentsholing. You will not be allowed to leave the country without surrendering this paper permit in original, issued at Paro / Phuntsholing.
FOR FOREIGN TOURIST
Visa Formalities: Other than Indian, Bangladeshis and Maldivian nationals, all visitors to Bhutan require a visa; all visas are issued from Thimpu; visas are only issued to tourists booked with a local licensed tour operator, directly or through a foreign travel agent. Applications for tourist visas are submitted by the tour operator. Visa clearance from Thimpu must be obtained before coming to Bhutan. Visa clearance takes at least 10 days to process. Air tickets to Bhutan cannot be purchased without visa clearance. At your point of entry, the visa will be stamped in your passport on payment of US$40, two passport photos will also be required. Visas are issued for a 15day period; extensions can be obtained in Thimpu at a cost of Nu.510.
Remain are same as Indian Tourist
