TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Visit Memorial Chorten - Thimpu
- Visit Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang) - Thimpu
- visit Changangkha Lhakhang - Thimpu
- Visit Takin Preserve - Thimpu
- Visit of Trashichhoedzong - Thimpu
- Visit Punakha Dzong - Punakha
- Excursion to Chimi Lhakhang - Punakha
- Visit Simtokha Dzong - Wangdue
- Visit Rinpung Dzong - Wangdue
- Excursion to Taktshang Monastery - Paro
- Excursion to Chelela pass - Paro
ITINERARY
Arrive Paro by Air & transfer to Thimphu (55km, approx. 1.1/2 hour drive)
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in the entire Himalayas. Whether flying along the Bhutan Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Kolkatta, the journey offers fascinating views and an exciting descent into the Kingdom. Bhutan’s first gift, as you disembark from the aircraft will be cool, clean fresh mountain air. After immigration formalities and baggage collection, you will be met by our representative, and afterward drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan with an en-route stop at Chuzom, the confluence of Thimphu and Paro rivers. Three different styles of stupas; Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese adorn this confluence. On arrival, in Thimphu check-into the hotel. The capital town of Bhutan and the center of Government, religion, and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with an unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. Situated in western Bhutan, with a population of about 1,00,000, it is perhaps still the world’s only capital city without a traffic light. Evening an exploratory walk around Thimphu city center. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu. (Altitude 2,320m)
Meals : Breakfast ( ✔ ) Dinner ( ✔ )
Thimphu
After breakfast, drive to visit Memorial Chorten. Also known as Thimphu Chorten, this stupa is located at the heart of the Thimphu city and was built in 1974 to honor the third King of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (1928-1972) popularly known as Father of modern Bhutan.bhutan Afterward, visit Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). It holds one of the largest Buddha’s statue in the country of 169 feet (51.5m), made of bronze and gilded in gold. Visitors can also get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from this point. Then visit Changangkha Lhakhang. This temple is located above central Thimphu, built in 12th century by Lama Phajo Drukgom Shigpo on a ridge overlooking the town. Local parents traditionally come here to get auspicious names for their newborns or blessing from the protector deity ‘Tamdrin’. Later drive to upper Motithang in Thimphu to visit Takin Preserve. The Takin is the national animal of Bhutan and looks like a cross between a cow and a goat. Legend has it that the animal was created by the great Buddhist yogi, Drukpa Kuenley, and it can be found only in Bhutan and nearby areas. Taxonomists place the animal in a category of its own as it is not similar enough to any other animal to fit established categories. Post lunch, sightseeing in Thimphu valley including visit to the following : the National Library, housing an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts; the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School) where students undergo a 6-year training course in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts, Textile Museum, which provides deep insight into Bhutan’s one of the most distinct art form, Folk Heritage Museum, dedicated to connect people with the rich Bhutanese Folk heritage and rural history through exhibits, demonstrations, educational programs and documentation of Bhutanese rural life. Conclude the day’s sightseeing with the visit of Trashichhoedzong, or ‘the fortress of the glorious religion’. This is one of the most impressive buildings situated along the right flank of the Thimphu river built in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel who unified Bhutan and was later reconstructed in 1962 by the third King His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. This impressive fortress/monastery houses Secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty, the King, and various government offices. Evening at leisure in Thimphu city center. Also, explore the Local Crafts Bazaar, to browse through the example of Bhutan's fine traditional arts. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu. (Altitude 2,320m)
Meals : Breakfast ( ✔ ) Dinner ( ✔ )
Thimphu – Punakha & Wangdue (75km, approx 3 hours drive)
After breakfast, drive up to Dochu-la pass (3,088m/ 10,130 ft) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m), Jejegangphugang (7,158 m ), Kangphugang (7,170 m ), Zongphugang (7, 060 m ), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana - finally Gangkar plenum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m. Punakha was the forbhutanmer capital of Bhutan and seat of the Government until 1955 when the capital was moved to Thimphu. While Wangdue located towards the south of Punakha is not more than an enlarged village with a few well-provided shops. On arrival check into the hotel. Afternoon visit Punakha Dzong or ‘Palace of Great Happiness or Bliss, built at the junction of the Phochu and Mochu rivers in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. This majestic dzong served as both the religious and the administrative center of Bhutan in the past. It measures some 600 by 240 feet and has a six-story, gold-domed tower. Inside are courtyards and religious statuary that hint at the depth of history and spiritual tradition embodied here. Your guide will illuminate your understanding of this intricate culture that is exotic, though long established here. After exploring Punakha city center, embark on a short walking excursion to Chimi Lhakhang, located on a ridge surrounded by beautiful paddy fields. From the road point, it takes about 10-15 minutes to walk through Sobsukha village to reach the monastery. Also known as Fertility temple, it is associated with Lama Drukpa Kuenley, popularly known as ‘Divine Madman’. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon. Evening drive passes Wangdue town and its market. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha & Wangdue. (Altitude 1,300m)
Meals : Breakfast ( ✔ ) Dinner ( ✔ )
Punakha & Wangdue – Paro (125km, approx 4.1/2 hours drive)
After breakfast drive back to Paro descending back down from Dochu La, follow the way back up the dramatic Wang Chhu and Paro Chhu river valleys, before crossing through Paro town towards the north end of the valley. En route visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the country constructed by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1629. The name Simtokha literally means ‘Atop a Demon’ and the legend associated with the dzong’s construction tells us that it was built in order to subdue an evil spirit that was harassing travelers in the region. Later in the day after checking into the hotel, proceed to visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangka paintings, textiles, weapons & armor, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts. Then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and other cosmic Mandala. The evening takes a stroll around the interesting city center of Paro. Overnight at the hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m)
Meals : Breakfast ( ✔ ) Dinner ( ✔ )
Paro
After breakfast excursion to Taktshang Monastery (approx. 5 hours round trip walk): It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognized as a most sacred place and visited by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. The hike to the monastery makes a splendid half-day excursion. After breakfast embark on a driving excursion to Chelela pass. At an elevation of 3,988 meters, it is considered to be one of the highest motorable passes in Bhutan. About an hour’s drive along a thickly-forested road, this pass is a botanical paradise. The pass provides stunning views of the sacred mountain Jumolhari and Jichu Drake. It is also marked by hundreds of prayer flags fluttering in the wind. En route also visit Dzongdrakha temple. Often called as mini Taktsang, Dzongdrakha is a cliff-side temple complex on the western side of Paro valley. Four shrines make up the complex, dedicated to Drolma (Tara), Tsheringma (Goddess of Longevity), Guru Rinpoche and the Buddha of the Future, Maitreya. Local oral tradition states that when Guru Rinpoche first came to Bhutan, he came from Nepal, first landing at Drakkar, and then Dzongdrakha before arriving at Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) farther north up the valley Later in the afternoon drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. In early 1954, the Drukgyel Dzong was completely destroyed by fire and today only the ruins remain. The snowy dome of sacred Chomolhari, "mountain of goddess'' can be seen in all her glory from the approach road to the Dzong. While the return to the hotel, along the way, visit the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. Overnight at the hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m)
Meals : Breakfast ( ✔ ) Dinner ( ✔ )
Depart Paro
After early breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination. Our representative will help you with exit formalities and then bid you farewell.
Meals : Breakfast ( ✔ )
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
