INCLUSIONS WITH 3 STAR DELUXE OPTION…
- Accommodation on twin/dbl Sharing Basis
- Meal Plan (Breakfast & Dinner)
- Exclusive Non-a/c vehicle for transfers & sightseeing in Bhutan.
- All permit fees & hotel taxes (as per itinerary).
- English speaking 01 Guide for the entire Bhutan tour (at Lataguri there will not be any tour guide)
- All parking fees are included for mentioned sightseeing points
- SDF of INR 1200 per person per night for tour to Bhutan
Itinerary
(Phuetsheling 1N / Thimpu 2N / Paro 2N / Gorumara 1N)
Day 01: Bagdogra Airport/NJP to Phuentsholing (154 KMS / 4 HRS – 5 HRS Approx)
Arrive at Bagdogra Airport. You will be met with your chauffeur at the parking and you will be transferred to Phuentsholing. Evening at leisure or you can roam around the market. You will get beautiful souvenirs, Gift Items , Handicrafts items from Bhutan. Rest of the day in leisure. Overnight stay in Phuentsholing.
Day 02: Phuentsholing-Thimphu Transfer (162 KMS/5 hrs)
After breakfast at the hotel, your Tour Guide will come to your hotel to receive you & take you to immigration office at Phuentsholing to complete your immigration facilities. Then transfer to Thimphu enroute visit the View Point. Check in to your hotel & proceed for the sightseeing. Overnight stay in Thimphu
Day 03 : Thimphu – Dochu-La-Pass – Punakha Sightseeing – Thimphu
After breakfast drive to Punakha , On the way Stop at Dochu-La-Pass (3150 mts.). to view the higher Himalayas. Arrival at Punakha check in at hotel. After noon visit Punakha Dzong – built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. For many years until the time of the second king, it served as the seat of the Government. The Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo and King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck convened the first National Assembly here in 1952. After that take a short excursion trip to visit the Chhimi Lhakhang – The Temple, also known as “The Temple of Fertility” was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, “The Devine Mad Man”. Evening transfer Thimphu. Overnight stay at Thimphu.
Day 04: Thimphu Local Sightseeing + Transfer to Paro ( 1.30 HRS //60 Kms)
After breakfast proceed for the below sightseeing:
1)The Motithang Takin Preserve – For animal lovers, Motithang Takin Preserve is one of the best places to visit in Thimphu. This attractive preserved area was built as a small zoo but later it was converted into an animal preserve center. Takin -The national animal of Bhutan, lives in the Motithang Takin Preserve in Thimphu
2 )Bhutan Textile Museum – Bhutan Textile Museum offers an amazing display of Bhutanese dresses and textiles, it gives a clear picture of Bhutan history in terms of textile and traditional clothing…
3) Buddha Dordenma Statue – Atop a hill in Thimphu, is a massive, golden Buddha sitting atop a gilded meditation hall. Hidden inside it has 125,000 smaller Buddhas. This means that in Thimphu, there are more Buddha statues than this city’s population(100000) ,It is also known as Budda point.
4) The National Library- It was established in 1967 and has a famous collection of historic manuscripts ,photos and books …
5) Painting School – It is also known as Institute for ZorigChusum where students are taught courses like traditional drawing, painting, carving and to develop skills in arts and crafts.
6) The Clock Tower – Clock Tower Square is an example of a great architectural marvel. It is a tower with four clock faces, which makes it different from any other building or structure in Bhutan. One of the most popular places among visitors, people usually visit here in the evening to enjoy the beautiful paintings and carvings. There are many restaurants and souvenir shops near this tower, making it one of the most visited sites in the town. Later Transfer From Thimpu To Paro ..Overnight stay at Paro.
Day 05 : Paro Local Sightseeing..
After breakfast Proceed for Paro Local Sightseeing..
1)National Museum of Bhutan: An ancient watchtower that now displays hundreds of ancient Bhutanese artifacts and artwork including traditional costumes, armor, weaponry, and handcrafted implements for daily life. The collections represent the rich cultural traditions of the country.
2) Ta Dzong – Ta Dzong, once upon a time was a watchtower, built to protect Rinpung Dzong in war times ,it was built in 1649 ,In the year 1968 it was inaugurated as Bhutan’s National Museum
3) Rinpung Dzong – Rinpung Dzong is also known as Paro Dzong and it was Built in 1644 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal , it is one of the best architecture.Rinpung Dzong has traditional Bhutanese architecture and it is the best tourist attraction point in Paro. The Ruin of Drukgyel Dzong: The Dzong was built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate the victory over the Tibetan Invaders. This fort is fifteen minutes’ drive from Zhiwaling and set on a hill with a spectacular view of the valley. It provides a wonderful architectural insight to the structure of forts in Bhutan. The Dzong was destroyed by fire in 1951 and is now preserved as a heritage site. The Dzong is situated in Drukgyel, overlooking the beautiful village with Mountain Jomolhari in the background. Drukgyel is also the starting point of Bhutan’s most famous trekking routes. Kyichu Lhakhang (Monastery): It is one of the oldest monasteries in the country built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King SongstenGampo. The story goes that a giant demoness lay across the whole area of Tibet and the Himalayas and was preventing the spread of Buddhism. To overcome her, King SongtsenGampo decided to build 108 temples, which would be placed on all the points of her body. According to the legend, he established a temple here on the left knee of an ogress in order to subdue her. This is one of the oldest monasteries in Paro district. There’s a belief that the two orange trees here in Kyichu Lhakhang miraculously bears fruits throughout the year.
5) Paro Airport View: This is one of the most stunning airports in the World and also the country’s first and only international airport. With a breathtaking view, this airport became a must-visit place in Paro. Overnight stay hotel in Paro. Overnight Stay at Paro…
Day 06: Paro – Phuentsheling- Gorumara(6 Hrs / 270 Kms)
After breakfast check out from hotel and transfer Phuentsheling And after reaching Phuentsheling transfer to Gorumara. On arrival check in at the hotel. Overnight stay at Gorumara.
Day 07 – Gorumara: – IXB Airport/NJP
You can enjoy the early morning Jeep Safari or Elephant Safari at your own cost. Return to the hotel. After breakfast transfer to the airport. Our escort will bid you farewell.
Earth! Famous for its concept of Gross National Happiness, Bhutan is the best place to visit when you want to break away from the monotony of a hectic, stressful lifestyle. Be it the beauty of the spectacular Himalayas and wide landscapes dotted with rice-fields or the magnificent architecture of age-old monasteries and houses, Bhutan is a treat for your eyes, mind, body and soul.
The two main cities are Thimphu, the capital city and Paro, the city with only international airport in the country.
The other important city is Phuentsholing which is an Indo-Bhutan border town and is one of the entry points to Bhutan by surface from India.
Location: Located in the eastern Himalayas, Bhutan is bordered by China in the north & Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Assam & West Bengal in the east, west & south.
Area: 38,398 sq. km.
Altitude: Varying from 180 m. to 7550 m. above sea level.
Population: Approx 8 hundred thousand
Capital: Thimphu
Local time: 6 hours ahead of GMT & 30 minutes ahead of IST.
Religion: Mahayana Buddhism & Hinduism.
Best time to travel: Bhutan has four distinct seasons – spring, monsoon, autumn and winter. Spring and autumn are the best time to visit Bhutan i.e. end of February till end of March and September to November. If you love flowers, you will get plenty of them in May, June and July. November, December, January and February will be blessed with breath taking mountain views, sunny days and the morning/evening chills.
National Emblem: The National emblem, contained in a circle, is composed of a double diamond thunderbolt placed above a lotus, surmounted by a jewel & framed by two dragons. The double diamond thunderbolt represents the harmony between secular & religious power; which results from the Buddhist religion in its Vajrayana form. The lotus symbolises purity; the jewel – sovereign power; & the two dragons a male & female stand for the name of the country-the thunder dragon (Druk Yul).
National Flag: The national flag is rectangular & divided into two parts with a white dragon in the middle. The upper yellow half signifies the country’s secular authority of the King & the lower saffron-orange half signifies the religious practice & spiritual power of Buddhism.
People: Bhutanese are friendly & hospitable people. The large majority of Bhutanese people are a homogeneous group divided linguistically into three broad sub-groups. These are Sharchops, Ngalong &Lhotshampa.
Food: Staple diet is red rice, buck-wheat, wheat, maize, pork, beef, chicken, yak meat, cheese & chilies (taken as vegetable – not as spice).
Arts & Crafts: Bhutan is known for handicraft items in bronze, silver & other metals. Sculpting of religious figures is widely practiced & every temple, houses are large brightly painted & gilded statues of the Buddha & other saints.
Architecture: The castle-like Dzongs, with their gently tapering walls classic lines, large courtyards & beautiful galleries, are among the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture.
Living Culture: In almost every Dzongs (fortresses that house both the monastic & the Govt. administrative wings) there is an annual traditional festival (tsechus) that normally spans 3-4 days. Colourful & well-choreographed mask dances are performed during the tsechus. Due to the nature of the lunar calendar, exact dates for tsechus vary from year to year.
Important Information
Indian nationals do not require a visa for Bhutan; however they will have to obtain a permit to travel with. Sustainable Development Fee of INR 1200 per person per night is payable to travel to Bhutan. Children of age 6 to 12 Yrs get 50% off and Children of age 5 and below get 100% Off on SDF.
The following documents shall be required to avail the entry permit to travel to Bhutan.
- Valid Indian Passport (with a minimum validity of 6 months from the date of departure from Bhutan) or Voters Identity Card (anyone) is a must for 18 years and above.
- Child below 5 years Birth Certificate (Original Birth certificate in English is required) incase of children.
- Child between 6 – 17 years academic School Identity Card is required along with the Birth Certicate.
- Passport Size Photographs
- Travel Insurance (with proper seal and sign of the insurer)
- Covid -19 vaccination certificate. Incase of Children, the certificate of Parents shall suffice (Only if traveling with parents)
THINGS TO REMEMBER – DO’S & DON’TS
Photography (Please check with your guide):
- Request permission before taking photographs of people, events or objects.
- Inside the premises of temples, dzongs or monastery taking photographs is not permitted.
- Taking photographs is only permitted in the court yard area.
Religious Artifact / Antique:
- Please do not touch any religious artifact or antique.
- Purchase of religious items especially antiques is prohibited.
- Please do not climb on or do anything that would show lack of respect to Buddhist artifacts or antiques, large or small, ruined or not, they are regarded as sacred.
Dress Code:
- Please take off hats while entering dzongs, temples or monastery.
- Shorts / half pants / Slippers are not permitted while entering a dzong, temple or monastery.
- Full Sleeves T-Shirts or T -Shirt with collar must be worn to enter certains Dzongs & Monasteries.
Communication:
- Before entering a dzong, temple, monastery, please switch off all mobile phones or keep in the silent/vibrating mode.
- Please speak softly within the religious premises.
The Bhutanese Way:
- Always walk in clockwise direction while visiting religious places.
- Please remember not to point with a single finger but use an upturned flat extended hand specially to indicate a sacred object or place.
- Please throw rubbish only in designated areas.
- Please refrain from touching any ritual objects or mural paintings.
- Please do not walk over any clothes, books, hearth or materials left open in religious sites.
- Please refrain from smoking or drinking while visiting religious places.
- If you are not sure please ask the local people or the guide.
- Please do not be too close to the lake or river if you wish to avoid any accidents.
Smoking / Tobacco Products:
Any tobacco products and cigarettes are forbidden in the kingdom. For personal consumption passengers are permitted to bring 200 imported cigarettes (10 packets) on payment of 200 percent duty and 100 percent duty on Indian make tobacco products. Alcoholic beverage up to 1 liter for personal consumption is allowed.
Currency Notes:
Indian can carry denominations upto Rs 100 in Bhutan. Denominations of Rs 500 and above are legally banned in Bhutan. Few ATM Machines are available in Thimpu & Paro only. Please check with your service provider. Credit Cards are not accepted everywhere barring few establishments.
