BHUTAN TOUR: 09 DAYS TOUR |
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Days: 10 Nights - 09 Days Destination Covered: Thimphu - Punakha - Gangtey - Bumthang - Paro.  38169(starting price per person) |
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Notes
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Bhutan Packages for Indian/Bangladeshi Nationals valid from 01 June to 31 Aug 2014 & 01 to 31 Dec 2014 Per Person Net and Non-commissionable cost on twin sharing basis in Indian rupees on min. 02 Pax traveling together.
CPAI Off Season
| Category | 02 PAX | 04 PAX | 06 PAX | 08 PAX | SRS | Extra Bed | CNB |
| Luxury |  102079 |
93169 | 88989 |
89979 | 71719 |
54999 | 23099 |
| Deluxe | 60719 |
51809 | 47739 |
48619 | 36409 |
22989 | 10119 |
| Superior | 42459 |
33439 | 29369 |
30249 | 14629 |
25959 | 5499 |
| Standard | 38169 |
29149 | 25079 |
25959 | 12539 | 14189 |
4949 |
MAPAI Off Season
| Category | 02 PAX | 04 PAX | 06 PAX | 08 PAX | SRS | Extra Bed | CNB |
| Luxury | 126169 |
117259 | 113189 |
114069 | 72049 |
73809 | 31789 |
| Deluxe | 70949 |
62039 | 57969 |
58849 | 36409 |
40369 | 20019 |
| Superior | 48069 |
39159 | 35089 |
35969 | 15179 |
26729 | 12869 |
| Standard | 44659 |
35749 | 31569 |
32559 | 12649 |
25629 | 11659 |
Day 01: Arrival Paro – Thimphu Drive: Approx 65 Kms/01-1/2 Hrs
Meeting & greeting upon arrival at Paro Airport & drive to Thimphu. En route visit Simtokha Dzong the oldest fortress of the Kingdom which now houses the School for religious and cultural studies. Evening free at leisure.
Bhutan takes you over the great Himalayas, offering the scintillating scenery of the world's highest glacial peaks. Paro Valley you will see the silvery Pa Chu (Paro River) meandering down the valley, the Paro Dzong (fortress) and Ta Dzong (watch tower). Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 02: In Thimphu
Morning after buffet breakfast at the hotel visit to National Memorial Chorten: The building of this landmark was envisaged by the third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, as a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it is both a memorial to the Late King (“the Father of modern Bhutan”) and a monument to world peace. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 03: Thimphu – Punakha (Wangduephodrang) Drive: Approx 77 Kms/ 03 Hrs
Morning after buffet breakfast at the hotel Punakha an old winter capital of Bhutan. En-route stop at Dochu LaPass, 10,000ft/3,048m to view the eastern Himalayas, including Bhutan's highest mountain, Gangkar Punsum, 24,770ft/7,550m. The road then drops down through varied –ever changing forest, finally emerging into the highly cultivated Punakha valley.
Afternoon you will make a short trek to visit the Crown Prince's chorten and nearby villages. You return on a different route through the village to Sonagasa (the King’s winter residence) and through to Punakha Dzong, following the Mo chu river. You will meet the vehicle and visit huge impressive Punakha Dzong.
Punakha Dzong: Its proper name is Pungthang Dechen Phodrang, which means the Palace of Great Happiness. The Dzong is located on the confluence of Phochu and Mochu rivers and was constructed by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1637-38 near Dzongchung or the little Dzong, built in 1328 by Ngagi Rinchen (which can be still seen opposite the main Dzong). The Dzong was damaged by flood, earth quake and several times by fire and was rebuilt each time to its original grandeur. The Dzong houses the most sacred relics of the Drukpa Kagyu school including the Rangjung Kasarpani, and the mummified remains of Zhabdrung Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, who passed away here in 1651. In 1907 (on 17 Dec) Punakha Dzong was the site of the coronation of Ugyen Wangchuck as the first King of Bhutan. It is the district administrative center of Punakha Dzongkhag and the winter home of Bhutan's Central Monastic Body led by HH the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot).
Khamsum Yuley Chorten: Khamsum Yuley Namgay Chorten was built in 1990s and took period of nearly 10 years. It was built by Queen Mother and dedicated to the King and for the well being of Bhutanese. It majestically located on a ridge, with amazing views of the country side. It is one of the finest Bhutanese architects. It is located in idyllic countryside north of Punakha, about 30 minutes drive from town. From the parking, it is another 45 minutes uphill walk through the rice fields and the return portion downhill takes around 30 minutes. In the summer or during the rainfall, the trails could be muddy and slippery. After return walk back, there is an option to walk along the riverside, following the ancient trail that goes through farmlands, homes, Sonagasa village and arrive near Punakha Dzong. This extra walk takes another two hours or so. It is particularly interesting for those interested in birding and to enjoy the walk viewing the countryside. Overnight at hotel, Punakha / Wangduephodrang.
Day 04: Punakha – Gangtey (Phoibjikha) Drive: Approx 78 Kms/03 Hrs
Morning after buffet breakfast at the hotel drive east (3 hrs) on a spectacular road over Dochula pass (3050m) and descend into low lying Wangdu valley. Then drive up the Black-mountains area into Phojikha valley (2hrs). En-route; at Dochula pass, we stop to view the panorama of east Himalayan peaks. In Wangdue, stop to stroll around its interesting township and also stop to view villages, vegetations etc. along the way to Phobjikha. In the afternoon, visit the ancient Gangtey monastery and take a nature in the valley (1-2hours). (Due to conservation measure, there is no electricity in the valley. The hotel uses generator during the evenings and it is turned off after dinner. Hot water is provided in the bucket). From the mid October till about mid-march, Phobjikha valley is the winter roosting ground for the rare and endangered black-necked cranes.)
Gangtey in Phobjikha Valley: Gangtey or Phobjikha at an average altitude of 3,000m is a wide and beautiful valley, designated as conservation zone within the Jigme Singye Wangchuk National Park (formerly known as Black Mountains National Park) is a natural habitat for wildlife, including nesting grounds for endangered black-necked cranes that migrate from Central Asia in the winter (late October and stay till March). Because of the conservation measures, there is no electricity in the valley. The lodges use solar powered cells or generator to light which is turned of after dinner. Hot water is provided in the bucket and rooms are heated with wood stoves. Underground electrification is planned and expected to be completed by 2011. Gangtey is the name for hilltop village and its monastery. The valley is known as Phobjikha and falls under Wangdue Dzongkhag.
Gangtey Gompa Monastery: It sits atop a hillock that overlooks the Phobjikha valley. It is headed by the ninth Gangtey Trulku and is the largest Nyingma monastery in western Bhutan. It was founded in 1613 by Gyalse Pema Thinlay, a grandson and reincarnation of influential treasure finder Pema Lingpa. An incarnate line of Pema Thinlay, representing the body aspects of Pema Lingpa, contrasted with mind and speech emanations. The monastery has been recently built and surrounding the monastery are village homes and hermitages.
Black-necked Crane: Or Thrung Trung Karmo' as this bird is passionately known in Bhutan is subject of many Bhutanese songs and folklore. They are seen among the painting on the walls of temples and Thankga. These endangered species of cranes migrate from Tibet in late autumn and typically stay till the mid march. The wetland in the center of Phobjikha valley provides the nesting grounds and natural habitat for these black necked cranes. Black Necked Crane Information Centre is 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. The centre also offers display information that outline the natural and cultural history of the area. There is a small gift shop, which sells handicrafts produced by the local people, that local people can benefit from ecotourism. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 05: Gangtey (Phoibjikha) - Bhumtang Drive: Approx 188 Kms/05-06 Hrs
Morning after an early buffet breakfast at the hotel drive east across Pele la pass to Trongsa (2-3hr) and continue drive across Youtongla pass into Jakar in Bumthang (2hr).
Bumthang: Bumthang is one the most historic district, if the number of ancient temples and sacred sites is counted, and therefore it is sometimes called the spiritual and cultural heartland of Bhutan. Bumthang consists of the four valleys of Ura, Chumey, Tang and Choekhor, although often the entire district is known as Bumthang. Jakar town (2800m) is located in spacious tree covered Choekhor valley and is the capital, and center of four valleys of Bumthang district. Almost all the hotels are also located here and most significant Buddhist sites are also located nearby. The current bazaar or town is a single lane street of mostly wooden houses and the area called Chamkhar. There are plans to relocate the town. Bumthang is famous throughout Bhutan for its distinctive and brightly colored woven wool items called Yathra. Bumthang farms yield buckwheat, dairy products, honey and apples among other products. The Bumthangkha is the widely spoken dialect here and differs from Dzongkha and other dialects spoken in the rest of the country Bumthang is the general name given to combination of four valleys – Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura with altitude varying from 2,600m to 4,000m. It is home to many of prominent Buddhist temples and monasteries. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 06: In Bhumtang
Morning after buffet breakfast at the hotel visit to Kurje Lhakhang, where the saint Padmasambhava subdued a local demon and left his body imprint on a rock., the Jambey Lhakhang (7th century temple), Tamshing Lhakhang (housing some of the oldest wall paintings in Bhutan) and Jakar Dzong (administrative center of the region). Stroll in the village, visit the little handicrafts shop at the entrance to the town, and perhaps take refreshments at a local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 07: Bhumtang – Punakha (Wangduephodrang) Drive: Approx 212 Kms/08 Hrs
Morning after buffet breakfast at the hotel drive to Punakha. From the township of Jakar, you first climb out of the Bumthang valleys on the twisting mountain road towards the Yotong La (11,000ft/3,353m). Near the pass is an area of wild cane/bamboos that is a well-known habitat for Red Panda. The road then descends to Tongsa but instead of stopping here for the night you will drive on, past Chendebji Stupa, over the Pele La (11,000ft/3,353m) and start the descent until you reach your hotel located on the bank of the river. Overnight at hotel, Punakha / Wangduephodrang.
Day 08: Punakha – Paro Drive: Approx 143 Kms/05 Hrs
Morning after buffet breakfast at the hotel drive to Paro. En route visit to Simtokha Dzong. This dzong, built in 1627 is the oldest in Bhutan. It now houses the Institute for Language and Culture Studies. Upon arrival transfer to hotel. Rest of the day free at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 09: In Paro
Morning after buffet breakfast at the hotel visit to Ta Dzong Dzong (Sun, Mon Govt holiday closed), which in the past served as watchtower for Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong) (Open 10-4pm - closed on Monday). Then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal , the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan, the Dzong houses the monastic body of Paro, the office of the Dzongda (district administrative head) and Thrimpon (judge) of Paro district. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge called Nemi Zam. A walk through the bridge, over a stone inlaid path, offers a good view of the architectural wonder of the Dzong as well as life around it. It is also the venue of Paro Tshechu, held once a year in the spring Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 10: Paro – Tiger Nest - Paro
Morning after buffet breakfast at the hotel excursion to Tiger Nest.
'Tiger's Nest' or Taktshang as it is often referred to for Taktshang Pelphung monastery, is one of the most venerated and famous of Bhutan's monasteries. It is located on the face of a 900m sheer cliff. It is an impressive and unmissable site, but accessible only by walk or to ride mules/pony. From the trail head at Rumtokto (2600m), the walk till the Cafeteria is a steep one hour uphill (about 350m ascent). From the Cafeteria (2940m), one can get a good close-up view of Taktshang. Savor views of the monastery over a well deserved cup of tea and biscuits at the cafeteria and continue uphill for another 45 minutes to a high observation point (3140m) where there is a Chorten. From this vantage point, the lookout to the monastery is a very spectacular and seems almost close enough to touch. It is now on the other side of a deep chasm, only around 150m away as bird flies, but takes half hour or even more to reach. Continue down the flight of cliff-hanging steps on the narrow trail to a beautiful waterfall that plunges down the deep chasm and alongside is a retreat hermitage, jammed dramatically into a rock crevice. Then climb up the flight of steep steps to the monastery. At any point on this walk, you can always return if you find it too difficult. Once inside the monastery, there are several shrines or temples with few monks in residence. After visiting Taktshang monastery's many shrines, most tours schedule lunch at the Cafeteria upon return. After lunch, retrace back to the road-head where you started in the morning. The return from Cafeteria is all downhill and takes just over half hour. Further, if you have more time, energy and ready for more challenging day, you can start early and trek beyond Takstang to see several monasteries, temples, retreat houses in the surrounding area. The most notable among them are Zangdopelri and Ugyen Tsemo. Pony/horse can be hired for ride up till the Cafeteria. However you cannot ride beyond the cafeteria or come down hill on the horse. According to the legend, Guru Padmasambhava or Guru Rinpoche, who spread the Buddhism across the entire Himalayas is said to have flown here in the 8th century on the back of a Tigress, in order to subdue negative spiritual forces that were hostile to spread of Buddhism. In 853, one of his students, Pelgyi Senge mediated here in the main cave. The stupa inside one of the temples contains his mortal remains and therefore the cave is known as 'Pelphung or Pelgi's cave'. Subsequently many great spiritual masters such as Milarepa, Thangthong Gyalpo, Phajo Dugom Zhigpo, Shadrung and many others, passed periods here in profound meditation. In 1692, Tenzin Rabgye built a two storey temple around what little may have existed previously. This was expanded and refurbished many times over the period of time. Taktshang and several temples in the area were burnt down in 1951 by fire accident but much of them remained intact and most of the relics were saved. Soon after, the, Taktshang was rebuilt by population of Tsento village. Again in April of 1998, a major fire destroyed the main structure of the building and its contents (some believe it to be arson). Reconstruction began in 2000 and was completed and consecrated after extensive efforts and financial support of Governments as well as donors. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 11: Paro Departure
Morning after buffet breakfast at hotel transfer to PBH airport in time to board flight for onward destination.
Note: Check in time at the International airport in India is 03 Hrs prior to the departure flight schedule.
***Tour Terminates***
Meeting & greeting upon arrival at Paro Airport & drive to Thimphu. En route visit Simtokha Dzong the oldest fortress of the Kingdom which now houses the School for religious and cultural studies. Evening free at leisure.
Bhutan takes you over the great Himalayas, offering the scintillating scenery of the world's highest glacial peaks. Paro Valley you will see the silvery Pa Chu (Paro River) meandering down the valley, the Paro Dzong (fortress) and Ta Dzong (watch tower). Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 02: In Thimphu
Morning after buffet breakfast at the hotel visit to National Memorial Chorten: The building of this landmark was envisaged by the third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, as a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it is both a memorial to the Late King (“the Father of modern Bhutan”) and a monument to world peace. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 03: Thimphu – Punakha (Wangduephodrang) Drive: Approx 77 Kms/ 03 Hrs
Morning after buffet breakfast at the hotel Punakha an old winter capital of Bhutan. En-route stop at Dochu LaPass, 10,000ft/3,048m to view the eastern Himalayas, including Bhutan's highest mountain, Gangkar Punsum, 24,770ft/7,550m. The road then drops down through varied –ever changing forest, finally emerging into the highly cultivated Punakha valley.
Afternoon you will make a short trek to visit the Crown Prince's chorten and nearby villages. You return on a different route through the village to Sonagasa (the King’s winter residence) and through to Punakha Dzong, following the Mo chu river. You will meet the vehicle and visit huge impressive Punakha Dzong.
Punakha Dzong: Its proper name is Pungthang Dechen Phodrang, which means the Palace of Great Happiness. The Dzong is located on the confluence of Phochu and Mochu rivers and was constructed by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1637-38 near Dzongchung or the little Dzong, built in 1328 by Ngagi Rinchen (which can be still seen opposite the main Dzong). The Dzong was damaged by flood, earth quake and several times by fire and was rebuilt each time to its original grandeur. The Dzong houses the most sacred relics of the Drukpa Kagyu school including the Rangjung Kasarpani, and the mummified remains of Zhabdrung Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, who passed away here in 1651. In 1907 (on 17 Dec) Punakha Dzong was the site of the coronation of Ugyen Wangchuck as the first King of Bhutan. It is the district administrative center of Punakha Dzongkhag and the winter home of Bhutan's Central Monastic Body led by HH the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot).
Khamsum Yuley Chorten: Khamsum Yuley Namgay Chorten was built in 1990s and took period of nearly 10 years. It was built by Queen Mother and dedicated to the King and for the well being of Bhutanese. It majestically located on a ridge, with amazing views of the country side. It is one of the finest Bhutanese architects. It is located in idyllic countryside north of Punakha, about 30 minutes drive from town. From the parking, it is another 45 minutes uphill walk through the rice fields and the return portion downhill takes around 30 minutes. In the summer or during the rainfall, the trails could be muddy and slippery. After return walk back, there is an option to walk along the riverside, following the ancient trail that goes through farmlands, homes, Sonagasa village and arrive near Punakha Dzong. This extra walk takes another two hours or so. It is particularly interesting for those interested in birding and to enjoy the walk viewing the countryside. Overnight at hotel, Punakha / Wangduephodrang.
Day 04: Punakha – Gangtey (Phoibjikha) Drive: Approx 78 Kms/03 Hrs
Morning after buffet breakfast at the hotel drive east (3 hrs) on a spectacular road over Dochula pass (3050m) and descend into low lying Wangdu valley. Then drive up the Black-mountains area into Phojikha valley (2hrs). En-route; at Dochula pass, we stop to view the panorama of east Himalayan peaks. In Wangdue, stop to stroll around its interesting township and also stop to view villages, vegetations etc. along the way to Phobjikha. In the afternoon, visit the ancient Gangtey monastery and take a nature in the valley (1-2hours). (Due to conservation measure, there is no electricity in the valley. The hotel uses generator during the evenings and it is turned off after dinner. Hot water is provided in the bucket). From the mid October till about mid-march, Phobjikha valley is the winter roosting ground for the rare and endangered black-necked cranes.)
Gangtey in Phobjikha Valley: Gangtey or Phobjikha at an average altitude of 3,000m is a wide and beautiful valley, designated as conservation zone within the Jigme Singye Wangchuk National Park (formerly known as Black Mountains National Park) is a natural habitat for wildlife, including nesting grounds for endangered black-necked cranes that migrate from Central Asia in the winter (late October and stay till March). Because of the conservation measures, there is no electricity in the valley. The lodges use solar powered cells or generator to light which is turned of after dinner. Hot water is provided in the bucket and rooms are heated with wood stoves. Underground electrification is planned and expected to be completed by 2011. Gangtey is the name for hilltop village and its monastery. The valley is known as Phobjikha and falls under Wangdue Dzongkhag.
Gangtey Gompa Monastery: It sits atop a hillock that overlooks the Phobjikha valley. It is headed by the ninth Gangtey Trulku and is the largest Nyingma monastery in western Bhutan. It was founded in 1613 by Gyalse Pema Thinlay, a grandson and reincarnation of influential treasure finder Pema Lingpa. An incarnate line of Pema Thinlay, representing the body aspects of Pema Lingpa, contrasted with mind and speech emanations. The monastery has been recently built and surrounding the monastery are village homes and hermitages.
Black-necked Crane: Or Thrung Trung Karmo' as this bird is passionately known in Bhutan is subject of many Bhutanese songs and folklore. They are seen among the painting on the walls of temples and Thankga. These endangered species of cranes migrate from Tibet in late autumn and typically stay till the mid march. The wetland in the center of Phobjikha valley provides the nesting grounds and natural habitat for these black necked cranes. Black Necked Crane Information Centre is 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. The centre also offers display information that outline the natural and cultural history of the area. There is a small gift shop, which sells handicrafts produced by the local people, that local people can benefit from ecotourism. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 05: Gangtey (Phoibjikha) - Bhumtang Drive: Approx 188 Kms/05-06 Hrs
Morning after an early buffet breakfast at the hotel drive east across Pele la pass to Trongsa (2-3hr) and continue drive across Youtongla pass into Jakar in Bumthang (2hr).
Bumthang: Bumthang is one the most historic district, if the number of ancient temples and sacred sites is counted, and therefore it is sometimes called the spiritual and cultural heartland of Bhutan. Bumthang consists of the four valleys of Ura, Chumey, Tang and Choekhor, although often the entire district is known as Bumthang. Jakar town (2800m) is located in spacious tree covered Choekhor valley and is the capital, and center of four valleys of Bumthang district. Almost all the hotels are also located here and most significant Buddhist sites are also located nearby. The current bazaar or town is a single lane street of mostly wooden houses and the area called Chamkhar. There are plans to relocate the town. Bumthang is famous throughout Bhutan for its distinctive and brightly colored woven wool items called Yathra. Bumthang farms yield buckwheat, dairy products, honey and apples among other products. The Bumthangkha is the widely spoken dialect here and differs from Dzongkha and other dialects spoken in the rest of the country Bumthang is the general name given to combination of four valleys – Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura with altitude varying from 2,600m to 4,000m. It is home to many of prominent Buddhist temples and monasteries. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 06: In Bhumtang
Morning after buffet breakfast at the hotel visit to Kurje Lhakhang, where the saint Padmasambhava subdued a local demon and left his body imprint on a rock., the Jambey Lhakhang (7th century temple), Tamshing Lhakhang (housing some of the oldest wall paintings in Bhutan) and Jakar Dzong (administrative center of the region). Stroll in the village, visit the little handicrafts shop at the entrance to the town, and perhaps take refreshments at a local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 07: Bhumtang – Punakha (Wangduephodrang) Drive: Approx 212 Kms/08 Hrs
Morning after buffet breakfast at the hotel drive to Punakha. From the township of Jakar, you first climb out of the Bumthang valleys on the twisting mountain road towards the Yotong La (11,000ft/3,353m). Near the pass is an area of wild cane/bamboos that is a well-known habitat for Red Panda. The road then descends to Tongsa but instead of stopping here for the night you will drive on, past Chendebji Stupa, over the Pele La (11,000ft/3,353m) and start the descent until you reach your hotel located on the bank of the river. Overnight at hotel, Punakha / Wangduephodrang.
Day 08: Punakha – Paro Drive: Approx 143 Kms/05 Hrs
Morning after buffet breakfast at the hotel drive to Paro. En route visit to Simtokha Dzong. This dzong, built in 1627 is the oldest in Bhutan. It now houses the Institute for Language and Culture Studies. Upon arrival transfer to hotel. Rest of the day free at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 09: In Paro
Morning after buffet breakfast at the hotel visit to Ta Dzong Dzong (Sun, Mon Govt holiday closed), which in the past served as watchtower for Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong) (Open 10-4pm - closed on Monday). Then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal , the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan, the Dzong houses the monastic body of Paro, the office of the Dzongda (district administrative head) and Thrimpon (judge) of Paro district. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge called Nemi Zam. A walk through the bridge, over a stone inlaid path, offers a good view of the architectural wonder of the Dzong as well as life around it. It is also the venue of Paro Tshechu, held once a year in the spring Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 10: Paro – Tiger Nest - Paro
Morning after buffet breakfast at the hotel excursion to Tiger Nest.
'Tiger's Nest' or Taktshang as it is often referred to for Taktshang Pelphung monastery, is one of the most venerated and famous of Bhutan's monasteries. It is located on the face of a 900m sheer cliff. It is an impressive and unmissable site, but accessible only by walk or to ride mules/pony. From the trail head at Rumtokto (2600m), the walk till the Cafeteria is a steep one hour uphill (about 350m ascent). From the Cafeteria (2940m), one can get a good close-up view of Taktshang. Savor views of the monastery over a well deserved cup of tea and biscuits at the cafeteria and continue uphill for another 45 minutes to a high observation point (3140m) where there is a Chorten. From this vantage point, the lookout to the monastery is a very spectacular and seems almost close enough to touch. It is now on the other side of a deep chasm, only around 150m away as bird flies, but takes half hour or even more to reach. Continue down the flight of cliff-hanging steps on the narrow trail to a beautiful waterfall that plunges down the deep chasm and alongside is a retreat hermitage, jammed dramatically into a rock crevice. Then climb up the flight of steep steps to the monastery. At any point on this walk, you can always return if you find it too difficult. Once inside the monastery, there are several shrines or temples with few monks in residence. After visiting Taktshang monastery's many shrines, most tours schedule lunch at the Cafeteria upon return. After lunch, retrace back to the road-head where you started in the morning. The return from Cafeteria is all downhill and takes just over half hour. Further, if you have more time, energy and ready for more challenging day, you can start early and trek beyond Takstang to see several monasteries, temples, retreat houses in the surrounding area. The most notable among them are Zangdopelri and Ugyen Tsemo. Pony/horse can be hired for ride up till the Cafeteria. However you cannot ride beyond the cafeteria or come down hill on the horse. According to the legend, Guru Padmasambhava or Guru Rinpoche, who spread the Buddhism across the entire Himalayas is said to have flown here in the 8th century on the back of a Tigress, in order to subdue negative spiritual forces that were hostile to spread of Buddhism. In 853, one of his students, Pelgyi Senge mediated here in the main cave. The stupa inside one of the temples contains his mortal remains and therefore the cave is known as 'Pelphung or Pelgi's cave'. Subsequently many great spiritual masters such as Milarepa, Thangthong Gyalpo, Phajo Dugom Zhigpo, Shadrung and many others, passed periods here in profound meditation. In 1692, Tenzin Rabgye built a two storey temple around what little may have existed previously. This was expanded and refurbished many times over the period of time. Taktshang and several temples in the area were burnt down in 1951 by fire accident but much of them remained intact and most of the relics were saved. Soon after, the, Taktshang was rebuilt by population of Tsento village. Again in April of 1998, a major fire destroyed the main structure of the building and its contents (some believe it to be arson). Reconstruction began in 2000 and was completed and consecrated after extensive efforts and financial support of Governments as well as donors. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 11: Paro Departure
Morning after buffet breakfast at hotel transfer to PBH airport in time to board flight for onward destination.
Note: Check in time at the International airport in India is 03 Hrs prior to the departure flight schedule.
***Tour Terminates***
HOTEL ENVISAGED IN TOUR
| Category | Paro | Thimphu | Punakha/Wangdi | Gangtey | Bumthang | Phuentsholing |
| Luxury | Ziwa Ling Hotel | Taj Tashi | Dhensa Resort | Gangtey Gompa Lodge | Yu Garling | Druk Hotel / Bhutan Residence |
| Deluxe | Udumwara Resort | Khang Residency / Namgey Heritage | Kunzang Zhing | Dewachen / Yo Lo Koe | Swiss Guest House | Lhaki / Orchid |
| Superior | Tashi Namgey / Metta Resort /Olathang | Kisa / Migmar / Jumolhari / Bhutan Suites | Pema Karpo / Damchen / Meri Punsum | Dewachen / Yo Lo Koe | Wangdi Choling (Ygyenling) | Lhaki / Orchid |
| Standard | Bongde Gompa / Tashi Phuntsho / Tashi Lhadling | Phuntsho Pelri / Riverview / Wagchuk Resort | Pema Karpo / Damchen / Meri Punsum | Gakling | River Lodge / Kalia Guest House | Lhaki / Orchid |
Tour Cost Includes
- Total no. of hotel nights in Bhutan as per mentioned in the program using base category rooms with daily breakfast & dinner at the hotel.
- Local English speaking guide during the sightseeing.
- All transfers, sightseeing’s & excursions by an private Non A/c vehicle i.e. Santa Fe – 1-2 pax; Hiace – 3-8 Pax; Coaster – 9 pax and above
- Necessary permits to visit Bhutan.
- Road taxes, parking fee, fuel charges, interstate taxes. Any hikes in these fee / taxes will be extra.
Tour Cost Excludes
- Any expenses of personal nature such as table drinks, laundry, telephone calls, mineral water, soft drinks, tips, shopping etc.
- Monument entrance fee during the sightseeing approx. Rs. 250 – 350 per person.
- Festival period supplements at hotels if any in Bhutan.
- Any other meals / services not mentioned in the program.
- Any air fare.
- Govt. Service Tax @ 3.09%
Special Notes
- Indian nationals must possess a valid Indian Passport with minimum 06 month validity or voter ID card however children’s below 12 Yrs can travel with their school photo ID card accompanied with birth certificate in original.
- To visit places other than Paro & Thimphu, a road permit is required for which guests shall have to personally visit immigration office in Thimphu along with our guide on any working day.
- Check in time is 1400 Hrs / check out time is 1200 Noon at the Hotels except few hotels / cities.
- All drive times are approximate and are subject to change.
- Vehicle shall be strictly as per the itinerary & not on disposal, vehicle after 6 pm would attract additional charges.
- For International flight check-in time is 03 hours before the departure time.