What do you envision when you think of Bhutan? Surely you imagine monks clad in yellow-maroon robes, with beads in their hands, meditating in peace inside a Dzong (Buddhist monastery or fortress), just like seen in movies.  But that picture is far from complete! There is more to Bhutan than what meets the eye. A whole new world of enthralling beauty awaits you in nature’s full glory in Bhutan.

To begin with, Bhutan is the last great Buddhist kingdom in the Eastern part of the Himalayas. Set in the Southern part of Asia, it is neatly lodged between Tibet in the North and West, while India surrounds it from the East and South. This peaceful country has a landscape that ranges from lush sub-tropics to high Himalayan sub-Alpine regions with peaks as high as 7000m. So, expect a lot of greenery, fresh air and blue skies or clouds, rain and rainbows: the perfect concoction of a wonderful daydream!

The second least populous country of South Asia has its capital at Thimpu and the financial centre is located at Phuentsholing. Thimpu is also the largest city and a popular tourist spot to be included in your Bhutan tour itinerary.

Hotels included

Day 1: Arrive Paro by Air and Transfer to Thimpu:

On arrival at Mumbai Airport, you will make your own way to International terminal for your flight to Paro. On arrival at Paro Airport, (2200Mts). 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. On arrival, in Thimphu check-into the hotel. Evening an exploratory walk around Thimphu main street and market area. Dinner & Overnight at the hotel in Thimpu.

Day 2: In the morning, visit the handmade paper mill, School of Arts and crafts (Closed on Saturday, Sundays & Government holidays) where students learn 13 different arts used predominantly in Bhutan. Later visit national library & Simply Bhutan museum. Also, experience Archery at the Museum Itself. Later drive pass by memorial Chorten built in memory of the 3rd King. Visit Buddha viewpoint, Changangkha Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the valley, Enclosure where national animal, Takin are kept and Zilukha Nunnery. Dinner & Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 3: Thimpu - Punakha (75 KM, 3 Hrs Approx):

Today’s drive passes through Dochula pass (3100mts) making the most beautiful pass in Bhutan. 108 Druk Wangyel Chortens, built over the pass by queen mother in 2003 marks the pass more important than another passes. When the weather permits one can enjoy a spectacular view of the highest mountains of Bhutan at a sight that stretches almost 180 degrees. After a photo break, we will continue our drive to the warm valley of Punakha. On arrival, check into the hotel. Afternoon, we will visit the most beautiful Punakha Dzong, which houses the most elaborated temple in the country. The Dzong, showcase the finest example of the arts and crafts of Bhutan. Later in the day excursion to Chimi Lhakhang (from the hotel it is about 15 minutes drive till motorable road and then walk starts through paddy fields and villages. This is total about 1.1/2 hour walk, including both way). The Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the center of the valley, also known as the temple of fertility. A walk through the village near the temple will give you rare glimpses into the daily life and lifestyle of the villagers. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

Day 4: After breakfast hike up through fields of chilies, cabbages and rice along the banks of the Mo Chhu to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten (approx. 2 hours round trip walk), a stunning monument recently built by the Queens and consecrated in 1999. Afternoon visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang nunnery: Perched on a ridge amid pine trees and overlooking valleys of Punakha and Wangduephodrang, gleams the magnificent structures of Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang(Temple). The temple houses a 14-foot main bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara (Chenrigzig chagtong chentong). Other statues include those of Guru Padmasambhava, Gautama Buddha, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, Tesla Namsum, the 21 Taras and Tsepamay (Buddha of longevity). The Avalokiteshvara statue, one of the biggest in the country, was the handiwork of entirely local Bhutanese artisans. Dinner & Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

Day 5: Punakha – Paro (125 Kms, 4Hr 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 place of profound tantric teaching, this dzong now houses a school for the study of the Dzongkha language. 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. Dinner & Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 6: Paro: After Breakfast Excursion To Taktshang Monastery (Approx 5 Hours 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’. Afternoon drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. The snowy dome of sacred Chomolhari, "mountain of goddess'' can be seen in all her glory from the approach road to the Dzong. On 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. Evening an exploratory walk around Main Street and market area. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 7: After breakfast, take a full day excursion to Haa valley.

Adjoining the districts of Paro, Chhukha, and Samtse, Haa valley is one of the most picturesque places in the Kingdom, spread over an area of 1706 sq. km.

En route to Haa valley, take a short stop at Chelela pass. At an elevation of 3,988 meters, Chelela is considered to be one of the highest motorable passes in Bhutan. On arrival in Haa valley, visit the famous monasteries of Lhakhang Karpo (White temple) followed by Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple).

The Ha Wangchuklo Dzong built in 1915 after the Dumchog Dzong was razed to the ground by fire is worth exploring, standing in the midst of lush greenery with its beautifully painted walls. Later explore Haa town and its market area and then return to Paro for overnight stay.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m).

Day 8: 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.

• Thimphu:

  Bhutan museum. | Changangkha Lhakhang | National Library of Bhutan

• Paro:

  Rinpung Dzong | Haa Valley | Taktshang Monastery | Kyichu Lhakhang | National Museum of Bhutan | Chelela pass

• Punakha:

  Dochula pass | Chimi Lhakhang | Drukgyel Dzong, | Punakha Dzong

• Return Airfare

• Transfers & Sightseeing by Non AC Toyota Coaster/Hiace/Similar depending on group Size

• Vehicles as per group size on Sharing basis

• The vehicle is not at disposal – means it is for transfers and sightseeing as per the itinerary

• Seat Allotment in the Vehicle is on first come first serve basis at the venue, irrespective of the booking dates

• Monument Entrances

• Tips and Porterage

• Camera fees, guide charges

• Any services not mentioned in the inclusion list

Supplements -

• Private Vehicle for 2 to 3 Pax - Rs. 21,500 Per Vehicle

• Private Vehicle for 4 to 6 Pax - Rs. 29,500 Per Vehicle

• Private Vehicle for 7 to 9 Pax - Rs. 32,500 Per Vehicle

• River Rafting at Punakha: Rs. 9,500/- (Bases 6 to 8 pax)

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