BHUTAN TOUR: 06 DAYS TOUR

Days: 07 Nights - 06 Days
Destination Covered:
Thimphu - Punakha - Gangtey - Paro.

27499
(starting price per person)

Notes
  • Country with highest gross happiness quotient in the world.
  • No pollution.
  • No crowd (very less population).
  • No traffic jams hence no honking.
  • 100% nature, lush green…..pure and virgin environment.
  • No VISA required.
  • Next door neighboring country – well connected with Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra and Guwahati.

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

Category02 PAX04 PAX06 PAX08 PAXSRSExtra BedCNB
Luxury 85579 79089 76119 76779 63579 43999 18039
Deluxe 47519 41139 38059 38719 29919 17929 8249
Superior 30579 24199 21119 21779 10119 22109 3849
Standard 27499 21009 18039 18699 8799 10229 3519


MAPAI Off Season

Category02 PAX04 PAX06 PAX08 PAXSRSExtra BedCNB
Luxury 105169   98779 95809 96359 63909 59839 24969
Deluxe 55549 49059 46089  46749 29919 32119 15289
Superior 34539 28049 25079 25739 1066920129 8909
Standard32119 25629 22659 23319 8909  18699 8029
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 Drive: Approx 77 Kms/ 03 Hrs

Morning after buffet breakfast at the hotel Punakha. Upon arrival transfer to hotel. Later we can take another short walk through villages to visit Chimi Lhakhang temple, dedicated to saint Drukpa Kuenley, affectionately known as “the divine madman”, for his unconventional ways of teaching using dirty jokes. We also have time in between to visit local school and villages. Overnight in Punakha.

Day 04: In Punakha

Morning after buffet breakfast at the hotel sightseeing tour of Punakha & visit to Punakha Dzong & Khamsum Yuley Chorten.

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 the Hotel.

Day 05: 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 06: Gangtey – Paro Drive: Approx 00 Kms/00 Hrs

Morning after buffet breakfast at the hotel set out for Paro and stop at Thimphu for lunch. En route visit to 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.

Kichu Lhakhang: Kyichu is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan built in the 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. The story goes that a giant demoness lay across Tibet and the Himalayas, which was preventing the spread of Buddhism. To overcome her, King Songtsen Gampo decided to build 108 temples in a single day to pin the ogress to the earth forever in 659AD. Of these 108 temples, 12 were built in accordance with precise plans at key points. The temple of Jokhang in Lhasa was built over the very heart of the demoness and Kichu is said to have been built on the left foot. Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 07: In Paro

Morning after buffet breakfast at the hotel sightseeing tour of Paro & to Ta Dzong (Sun, Mon Govt holiday closed), which in the past served as watchtower for Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong) and now houses the National Museum (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.

National Museum Established in 1967, the museum is housed inside a circular Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower. It has fascinating collection of arts, relics, religious thangkha paintings, households stuffs, arms, handicrafts, stuffed animals and Bhutan's famous Stamps among others. Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 08: 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***

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.