MYSTICAL BHUTAN

₹37,000/per person

Featured 5.0

MYSTICAL BHUTAN

Bhutan – Wedged between the world’s giants, India and the Tibetan region of China, BHUTAN – the Land of the Thunder Dragon – one of the most sought after travel destinations today. The land of the thunder dragon kingdom is a trekker’s paradise and an environmentalist’s dream. Bhutan is one of the least densely populated countries in the world, with 79 percent of the people living in rural areas. Bhutan is the only country to maintain Mahayana Buddhism in its Tantric Vajrayana form as the official religion.

The Bhutanese architectural landscape is made up of chortens, stonewalls, temples, monasteries, fortresses, mansions and houses. Associated with a number of clear-cut architectural concepts and building types rooted in Tibetan Buddhism, there is a strong association between state, religious and secular forms. You can now discover the cultural and natural wonders of this last remaining Mahayana Buddhist Kingdom of the Himalaya. Here is a kingdom that is just throwing off the veil of mystery, and opening its doors to visitors.

Bhutan is truly Shangri-la, a mythical country hidden deep in the mountains.

Basic Information

Location	Bhutan, Thimphu, Paro Valley
Destination	Thimphu, Punakha valley, Paro valley
Cost	Start from ₹ 37000 per person

Included

Accommodation at mentioned hotels or Similar as per meal plans mentioned
SDF (Govt. sustainable development fee)
All internal permits
Transportation as per above tours
1 English speaking guide for Bhutan tour from day 2 - day 6
Internal taxes, mineral water daily 1 liter per person

Excluded

Personal travel insurance
Expenses of personal nature like medical expenses, phone calls, etc
Government Service tax as applicable
Any Airfare/Train fare
Entry fees at Monuments and guide services

Day 1 : Arrive Paro Intl. Airport & transfer to Thimphu 55 km 1hrs drive

Flying in from the heat of the plains of India one can witness from the left side of the aircrafts window a series of the world’s highest peaks. Your pilot will announce the names of the peaks if the weather is clear. You will descend into the high mountains and as the plane lowers you will not find any airstrip or any city but instead you will enjoy the view of the approaching valley of Paro, the alpine forests, little monasteries, temples and farm houses. Before the plane touches the runaway you will get a glimpse of the fertile valley of Paro, the Paro Dzong and Paro chu(river). Our representative will be at the airport to assist you, meet and greet and transfer to the capital city Thimphu and rest of the day at leisure. O/n at Thimphu

Day 2 Thimphu – capital city

When in Thimphu you got to prepare for surprises where this unique capital has no traffic lights but adopted its own version of the British – Indian colonial times traffic policemen who can startle you and memorize others with his elaborate hand gestures, sometimes he may be signaling stop when it looks like go but don’t worry you can observe the flow and notice his smile as you stare at him. Sightseeing includes visit to the National Memorial Chorten a stupa dedicated to the third king of Bhutan and Buddha statue, Takin Zoo where you will find national animal of Bhutan and drive down hill stop at the junction to take a glimpse of Trashichho Dzong. Proceed towards National Library and Folk Heritage Museum. Afternoon take a short walk to Handicraft Bazaar to view the traditional arts. Afternoon at leisure or take a walk to the main city from Clock tower square for shopping.. O/n at Thimphu. 1 complementary authentic Bhutanese set lunch in local restaurant in Thimphu

Day 3 Thimphu - Punakha via Dochula pass 77 km 3 hours drive

Morning drive to low lands of Punakha valley touching Dochula pass 10,000 ft and on the stop at Hongtsho village. Stop at the immigration check point to stamp in your permit. Next to the check point you will find small local stalls selling fresh juicy local apples available for sale in plastic bags you could try some. You will be driving through the first mountain pass in the western part of Bhutan. You will find the 108 Druk Wangyal chortens on the top of the pass where the ridges are draped in colorful prayer flags greet you. You could take three rounds and offer prayers, take some best photo shots. If the weather is clear you will be able to see the highest peaks towards the north,Gangar Punsum among others is the highest unclimbed peak (24,000 ft) in the world. Proceed down towards Punakha through Thinleygang village and upon reaching Lobesa turn left and drive down further. Stop and take a short walk through the villages to Chimmi Lhakhang - The divine madman also known, as Drukpa Kinley is a famous teacher with whom the phallic symbol is associated. Tales told by your guide would have excited you to visit Chimmi Lhakhang. Do not miss the master’s deeds painted on the walls. Japanese and several American couples visited this temple and were blessed miraculously with children. Afternoon visit majestic Punakha Dzong placed strategically at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, the dzong was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative seat of the region. It was here that the dual system of government was introduced in the 17th century and in 1907, enthroned the first King Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuk. Evening at leisure. O/n at Punakha. Enroute tea/coffee at Dochula pass

Day 4 Punakha – Paro 145 km 4 hrs drive

Morning drive to Thimphu via same road and stop at Lamperi. Visit the Royal Botanical Park for 30 minutes. If you are lucky you could see red pandas, different species of birds, you can take some photo shot close to the natural lake. You could watch a short documentary about the park. Proceed to Paro via Semtokha and check in the hotel. Day at leisure. O/n at Paro.

Day 5 Paro sightseeing

Morning visit Paro Dzong, the National Museum housed in a round fortress called as the Ta Dzong considered to be one of the best natural history museums in Asia where it has a fine collection of natural and historic artifacts. Afternoon visit Paro Penlop Heritage Farm house the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, a 17th century fortress that used to keep invaders from Tibet and in 1951 the fort was destroyed by fire. Kyichu Lhakhang the monastery dates back to 7th century and is one of the oldest and most sacred. Your last stop for the day will be at the base of the Tigers Nest. Evening visit the town for leisure or shopping. O/n at Paro.