Splendid Bhutan

DAY 01

ARRIVAL AT PARO AIRPORT – THIMPHU (65 Kms / 02 Hours)

On arrival at Paro Airport and after completing your permit formalities you will be received by our Bhutan representative who will assist you in boarding your vehicle for transfer to Thimphu. Thimphu is a unique city with unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. On arrival in Thimphu, Check in to the hotel. Evening free at leisure. Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 02

THIMPHU SIGHTSEEING

After breakfasts go for Thimphu sightseeing covering  Memorial Chorten – The Chorten built in honor the 3rd King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, Tashichho Dzong– Also known as “Fortress of the Glorious Religion”. The Dzong houses, Main Secretariat Building which houses the Throne room of His Majesty, the King of Bhutan. Later visit  Kuensel Phodrang (Buddha Point) – the Largest Statue in the country, Changangkha Lhakhang (Monastery) – is a popular fortress-like temple where parents traditionally come here to get auspicious names for their newborns or blessings for their young children from the protector deity Tamdrin. Also visit Motithang Takin Preservation centre to see the rare “Takin” National Animal of Bhutan.  Then visit the new Zilukha Nunnery – Perched on a promontory, overlooking picturesque Trashichho Dzong and Golf course. National library  – is a major scriptural repository and research facility dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the rich literary, cultural and religious heritage of Bhutan. Textiles Museum (Handicrafts Shops) . Then visit Zangthopelri Lhakhang – the site of the temple was a former battle ground, and the temple was constructed there in order to pacify energies. Back to the hotel. Overnight at Hotel.

Note: Most places in Thimphu are closed on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays. All tourists visiting Dzongs and temples must be dressed appropriately. No half pant, sleeve less shirts, floaters, etc. are allowed)

DAY 03

THIMPHU – PUNAKHA / WANGDI ( 77 Kms / 03 to 3½ Hrs) 

After breakfast drive to Punakha / Wangdi (Wangdiphodrang) . Punakha / Wangdi is the last town on the highway before entering Central Bhutan. The drive is over Dochu La pass (3080Mts / 10102Fts) which is very scenic with fascinating view of mountains of Bhutan. Visit Punakha Dzong (All visits to Punakha Dzong & Monastery are limited till Courtyard only.) – Built Strategically at the junction of Pho Chhu (Father) and Mo Chhu (Mother) rivers to serve as the religious and administrative centre of the region, Punakha Dzong has played an important role in Bhutan’s history. Chimi Lhakhang is situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley. This temple is also known as the temple of fertility. 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. It is about 30 minute walk across field from the road to the temple. Overnight at the Hotel in Punakha /Wangdi.

NOTE: For Guests traveling to Wangdi/Punakha, a special (Pink) permit is required which is issued on the basis of the permit made at Paro. Travelers are also advised to make photo copy for the paper permit issued at Paro and keep it in safe custody as you will not be allowed to leave the country without surrendering this paper permit in original)

DAY 04

PUNAKHA / WANGDI – GANGTEY EXCURSION – PUNAKHA / WANGDI

Today the day start early for full day excursion to Gangtey & Phobjikha Valley (3000Mts / 9845fts , 85Kms / 3 to 3½ Hrs One way ) The valley of Gangtey is one of the most beautiful spots in Bhutan. The surprise of finding such a wide, flat valley without any trees after the hard climb through dense forests is augmented by an impression of vast space, and extremely rare experience in Bhutan where most of the valley’s are tightly enclosed. A few kilometers beyond the Gangtey Monastery, on the valley floor lie’s the village of Phobjikha. Black Necked Crane Information Centre (Closed on Saturday, Sunday & National Holidays)- Situated on the edge of the forest and wetland along the main road of Phobjikha valley, has an observation room equipped with high power telescope and spotting scopes for catching the best view of the cranes. Gangtey Goempa (All tourists visiting Dzongs and temples must be dressed appropriately. No half pant, sleeve less shirts, floaters, etc are allowed) – Perched on a small hill that rises from the valley floor, the Gangtey Monastery is the only Nyingmapa monastery on the western side of the Black Mountain’s Gangtey valley, Bhutan and also the biggest Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan. Evening Back to the hotel. Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 05 

PUNAKHA / WANGDI – PARO (135 Kms / 05 Hrs)

After breakfast transfer to Paro. On arrival Paro, check in to the hotel. Afternoon free at leisure. Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 06

PARO SIGHTSEEING    

After breakfast proceed for Paro Sightseeing covering Drukgyel Dzong – This Dzong was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his vi  ctory over the Tibetan invaders. On a clear day, one can see the commanding view of Mt Jhomolhari (7134Mts / 23400Fts).  The visit to Drukgyel Dzong ruins involves soft walking hence it is advice able that one goes with walking shoes. Then proceed to visit Ta Dzong (National Museum) – serving as the National Museum of the country. Rinpung Dzong  – Built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Later visit Kyichu Lhakhang – one of the oldest and  most sacred shrines of the Kingdom dating back to 7th century Back to the hotel. Overnight at Hotel.

Optional – Full Day hike to Taktsang Lhakhang – also known as Tiger’s Nest – Guests willing to go on this moderate trek will miss-out on the sightseeing of Paro. The transportation, entry fees and any other expenses will need to be paid by the travelers directly.

DAY 07

PARO – Kolkata/Delhi

After breakfast, transfer to Paro Airport for taking the flight to Kolkata / Delhi as per option booked by you.

Inclusions

• Return Airfare on Bhutan Airlines Ex Kolkata
• 06 Night’s accommodation in twin sharing basis as per hotels mentioned above or similar
• Meal Plan – Daily Buffet/ fixed Menu breakfast & Dinner
• Non Air-conditioned vehicle on sharing basis for Sightseeing and excursions as per our  itinerary.(Air conditioning do not work in Hilly terrains)
• Services of Local Guide for 10 or more Full Paying adults
• 01 Bottle Of Mineral Water Per Person Per Day

Exclusions

• Train fare.
• Any meals other than those specified in ‘Price Includes’.
• Expenses of personal nature such as tips, pony ride ,  telephone calls, laundry, liquor etc.
• Any other item not specified in ‘Price includes’.

Remarks

TERMS & CONDITIONS

• All Prices are in Indian Rupees valid for Indian Nationals
• Tours are subject to minimum 6 paying adults in shared vehicle
• All tours are subject to terms and conditions mentioned on the booking form in our brochure.
• The Departures will be open for sale till D – 15 basis, subject to availability of seats
• Names of guests are required as per photo ID proof. Name change is not permitted.
• Hotel Check-in time12:00 noon, check-out at 10:00AM.
• Child Without Bed ( Age 02 To 05 Yrs ).

MANDATORY WHILE TRAVELLING TO BHUTAN FOR INDIAN PASSPORT HOLDER:  

1. A)Personal presence.
2. B)04 Recent Color Photograph (as a stand by precaution for all travelers including child).
3. C)Original Indian Passport OR Election Identity card ONLY for all passengers traveling to Bhutan.
4. D)For minor – School / College identity card along with original Birth Certificate.  They must be accompanied by their parents with Election ID card / Valid Indian Passport. (Bona-fide letter from School or College are not valid documents for Bhutan Entry for minors.

DISTANCES AND TRAVEL TIME WITHIN & TO BHUTAN

FROM – TO – DISTANCE – HRS

Paro – Thimphu – 65 km – 1 hour

Thimphu – Punakha – 77 km – 03 hours

Punakha – Gangtey (Phobjikha) – 78 km – 03 hours

ALTITUDE OF SOME IMPORTANT PLACES OF BHUTAN

PLACES – ALTITUDE( IN METERS – IN FEET )

PARO – 2135 Mts. – 7000 Feet

THIMPU – 2135 Mts. – 7000 Feet

PUNAKHA – 1287 Mts. – 4220 Feet

WANGDI – 1350 Mts. – 4430 Feet