bhutan

Destinations Covered : BHUTAN
Duration : 04 nights / 05 days

Day 01: Arrive Paro by Air & transfer to Thimphu ( 55km, 1 ^½ hrs drive )
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in entire Himalayas. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Kolkatta, the journey offers fascinating views and an exciting descent into the Kingdom. Bhutan’s first gift to you as you disembark from the aircraft will be cool, clean fresh mountain air. After immigration formalities and baggage collection, you will be met by our representative and welcomed to Bhutan.

Afterwards drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan with en-route stop at Chuzom, the confluence of Thimphu and Paro rivers. Three different style of stupas ; Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese adorn this confluence. Shortly before reaching Chuzom, you will see on your left Tschogang Lhakhang, “the temple of the excellent horse”. It is a private temple, built in 15th century, as the result of visitation from Balaha, the excellent horse, a manifestation of Chenrezig, the compassionate Buddha.

Thimphu, earlier a small settlement was developed in to a town and became the new capital of Bhutan. The city sprawls across the western slopes of the Wang Chuu river valley, with several government offices located around Trashichoe dzong, the 17th Century fortress monastery is today the seat of Bhutanese government. The main thoroughfare is lined with shops, restaurants, retail arcades and public buildings.

Dinner and overnight at the Hotel in Thimphu . (Altitude 2400m)

Day 02: Thimphu
Breakfast at the Hotel , after which proceed for sightseeing of the following places , starting with a visit to the National Library ( Closed on weekends) , which houses an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts, some dating back several hundred years , as well as modern Academic books mainly on Himalayan culture and religion .

Followed by a visit to Textile (Closed on Sunday) and Folk Heritage Musuem (halfday on weekend) – both of which opened in 2001 provides a fascinating insight into the Bhutanese material culture and way of life .

Later in Thimphu , sightseeing of the following :

Visit King’s Memorial Chorten continuously circumambulated by people, murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels. Construction of this landmark was the idea of Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (“the father of modern Bhutan”) who has wished to erect monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it serves both as a memorial to the Late King and as a monument to peace.

Also visit to Trashichhoe dzong, “fortress of the glorious religion”. This is the centre of government and religion, site of monarch’s throne room and seat of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Built in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in 1960s in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans.

End the day with a visit to the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts shops, to browse through example of Bhutan’s fine traditional arts. Here you can buy hand-woven textiles, thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewelry, interesting items made from local materials.

Dinner and overnight at the Hotel in Thimphu . (Altitude 2400m)

Day 03: Thimphu – Paro ( 55km, 1 ^½ hrs drive )
Morning after breakfast drive to Paro : en route visit Simtokha Dzong. This dzong, built in 1627 is the oldest in Bhutan. It now houses the Institute for Language and Culture Studies.

The beautiful valley of Paro encapsulates within itself a rich culture, scenic beauty and hundreds of myths and legends. It is home to many of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries, National Museum and country’s only airport. Mount. Chomolhari (7,314m) reigns in white glory at the northern end of the valley and its glacial water plunge through deep gorges to form Pa Chhu (Paro river). Paro is also one of the most fertile valley in the Kingdom producing a bulk of the locally famous red rice from its terraced fields.

Afternoon visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts. After the visit walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and other cosmic Mandala.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro (Altitude 2200m).

Day 04: Paro
Morning after breakfast Excursion to Taktshang Monastery (5hrs hike) – : 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’. This site has been recognised as a most sacred place and visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April, 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendour.

Afternoon : Visit Kyichu Lakhang : It is one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom dating back to 7th century (the other is Jambey Lhakahng in
Bumthang). The lhakhang complex is composed of two temples. The first temple was built by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century and in 1968, H.M. Ashi Kesang, the Queen Mother of Bhutan, built the second temple in same original pattern.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro (Altitude 2200m).

Day 05 & 06: Depart
After breakfast leave for Fort Kuchman. 60kms/1hr drive. The Fort set atop a steep hill along what was once an integral Central Asian trade route. The two days spent in Kuchaman includes visit to local markets, but most importantly to understand the traditional livelihood and skills of the people living in and around the region. This includes those cobblers who make the famous Kuchaman Mojdi, The Kumhars who make unique pottery, traditional carpet weavers and bangle makers. Our trip provides an opportunity to get to know the workers and their environment better and helps to shop responsibly. One of the evenings, we can also go for a short train ride closer to the Sambhar salt lake.

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BHUTAN – 05 Nights / 06 Days

Day 01 Arrive Paro by Druk Air
The flight into Bhutan takes you over the great Himalayas, offering the scintillating scenery of the world’s highest glacial peaks. As you enter Paro valley, you will see the silvery Pa Chu (Paro river) meandering down the valley, the Paro Dzong (fortress) and Ta Dzong (watch tower). On arrival, received by our representative and transfer to Thimphu ( 55 km, 2 hours ) , the modern capital town of Bhutan.

Day 02: Thimphu
Today’s full day of sightseeing in Thimphu valley includes, visit to ;

National Library(closed on Sat & Sun), which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts, some dating back several hundred years, as well as modern academic books mainly on Himalayan culture and religion;

Textile and Folk Heritage Museum: These museums, both of which opened in 2001, provide fascinating insights into Bhutanese material culture and way of life.

Handicrafts Emporium ; it displays wide assortment of beautifully handwoven and crafted products.

Memorial Chorten ; the beautiful stupa built in the memory of Bhutan’s third King. The paintings and statues inside
the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.

Trashichhodzong ; the beautiful fortress/monastery which houses Secretariate building, King’s Throne room and

other government’s offices. It is also the summer residence of Chief Abbot.

Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 03: Thimphu / Punakha (75km, 3hrs drive )
After breakfast, drive up to Dochu-la pass (3,088m/ 10,130 ft) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m ), Jejegangphugang (7,158 m ), Kangphugang (7,170 m ), Zongphugang (7, 060 m ), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana – finally Gangkar puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m

On arrival, check into the Hotel . In the afternoon in Punakha , visit Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the junction of two rivers. It was the capital of Bhutan until 1955, and still serves as the winter residence of the monk body. The first King, Ugyen Wangchuck was crowned here in 1907. The fortress has withstood several damages from fire, earthquake and flood. The latest flood of Oct’ 1994 caused great damages to
the fortress but miraculously spared the statue of Buddha Jojampa. Followed by vist to local market.
Overnight at the Hotel in Punakha.

Day 04: Punakha / Paro ( 125 km, 4.1/2 hours drive)
After breakfast drive to Paro . Upon arrival check in at the Hotel. Later visit TaDzong(closed on Sun & Mon), : once a watchtower, built to defend Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars of the 17th century, Ta Dzong was inaugurated as Bhutan’s National Museum in 1968. It holds fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps. The museum circular shape augments its varied collection displayed over several floors Afterwards, walk down a hillside trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, which has a long and fascinating history. 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 Hotel in Paro.

Day 05: Paro
Morning after breakfast excursion to Taktshang Monastery (5hrs hike) : 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’. This site has been recognised as a most sacred place and visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April, 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendour.

Afternoon : Visit Kyichu Lakhang : It is one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom dating back to 7th century (the other is Jambey Lhakahng in
Bumthang). The lhakhang complex is composed of two temples. The first temple was built by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century and in 1968, H.M. Ashi Kesang, the Queen Mother of Bhutan, built the second temple in same original pattern.

Overnight at the Hotel in Paro.

Day 06: Depart Paro by Druk Air
After breakfast drive to the airport for flight to onward destination.

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BHUTAN – 06 Nights / 07 Days

Day 01:Arrive Paro by Druk Air
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in entire Himalayas. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Kolkatta, the journey offers fascinating views and an exciting descent into the Kingdom. Bhutan’s first gift to you as you disembark from the aircraft will be cool, clean fresh mountain air. After immigration formalities and baggage collection, you will be met by our representative and welcomed to Bhutan.

Afterwards drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan with en-route stop at Chuzom, the confluence of Thimphu and Paro rivers. Three different style of stupas ; Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese adorn this confluence. Shortly before reaching Chuzom, you will see on your left Tschogang Lhakhang, “the temple of the excellent horse”. It is a private temple, built in 15th century, as the result of visitation from Balaha, the excellent horse, a manifestation of Chenrezig, the compassionate Buddha.

Just before arriving Thimphu, visit Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). Located at a short drive from Thimphu city centre, visitors can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from the Buddha point (Kuensel Phodrang). You can pay your obeisance and offer prayers to the Buddha, the largest statue in the country and then walk around and take a glimpse of the valley.

Evening at leisure . Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu (alt. 2400m/7875ft)

Day 02:Thimphu
Thimphu, perhaps the most unusual capital city in the world, is the seat of government. This bustling town is home to Bhutan’s royal family, the civil servants, and foreign missions with representation in Bhutan. It is also the headquarters for a number of internationally funded development projects.

Morning visit to the National Library ( Closed on Weekends ) which houses an extensive collection of Buddhist literature, with some works dating back several hundred years.

Also visit the folk Heritage and National Textile Museums(Closed on Sundays) , a fascinating testimony of Bhutan’s living traditions.

Followed by a visit to Simply Bhutan – an exclusive project under the Bhutan Youth Development Fund . It is a living Museum and Studio encapsulating the cultural heritage of the Bhutanese people. The infrastructure portrays ancient Bhutanese architecture which is being lost to modernization .

Afternoon, in Thimphu visit the following : National Memorial Chorten. The building of this landmark was originally envisaged by Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (“the father of modern Bhutan”) who has wished to erect monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it serves both as a memorial to the Late King and as a monument to peace

Trashichhodzong, the beautiful medieval fortress/monastery which houses most of the Government’s office and King’s Throne room It is also the summer residence of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot.

End the day with a visit to the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts shops, to browse through example of Bhutan’s fine traditional arts. Here you can buy hand-woven textiles, thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewelry, interesting items made from local materials.

Dinner and overnight at the Hotel in Thimphu . (Altitude 2400m)

Day 03:Thimphu/Punakha (75km, 3hrs drive )
Breakfast at the Hotel , then drive to Punakha via Dochu-la pass, (3,088m/ 10,130 ft) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m), Jejegangphugang (7,158 m ), Kangphugang (7,170 m ), Zongphugang (7, 060 m ), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana – finally Gangkar puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m.

Drive further down to Punakha (alt. 1300m/4265ft) – Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until and still it is the winter seat of Je Khenpo (the chief abbot). Blessed with temperate climate and owing to its natural drainage from Pho Chhu (male) and Mo Chhu (female) rivers, the Punakha valley produces abundant crops and fruits.

Afternoon in Punakha 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 Padmasambawa, Gautama Buddha, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, Tsela Namsum, the 21 Taras and Tsepamay (Buddha of longevity). The Avalokiteshvara statue, one of the biggest in the country, is the handiwork of entirely local Bhutanese artisans.
The temple complex also houses a permanent higher learning and meditation centre for nuns where, apart from religious trainings, it provides life skill training such as tailoring, embroidery, statue making and thangka painting.

Overnight at the Hotel in Punakha. ( alt 1300m)

Day 04:Punakha

In the Morning in Punakha take a short excursion to Chimi Lakhang : situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who in the late 15th century used humour, songs and outrageous behaviour to dramatise his teachings and due to this also known as ‘Divine Madman’. This temple is also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon. It is about 30 minute walk across field from the road to the temple. The trail leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, meaning ‘field’. It then follows a tiny stream downhill to Yoaka and across more fields before making a short climb to Chimi Lhakhang.

After lunch visit the Punakha Dzong, Built strategically at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative centre of the region, Punakha Dzong has played an important role in Bhutan’s history. Damaged by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has been fully restored by the present King.

Dinner and overnight at the Hotel in Punakha ( alt 1300m)

Day 05:Punakha :/ Paro ( 125 km, 4.1/2 hours drive)

Morning after breakfast drive to Paro : Upon arrival check in at the Hotel.

The beautiful valley of Paro encapsulates within itself a rich culture, scenic beauty and hundreds of myths and legends. It is home to many of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries, National Museum and country’s only airport. Mount. Chomolhari (7,314m) reigns in white glory at the northern end of the valley and its glacial water plunge through deep gorges to form Pa Chhu (Paro river). Paro is also one of the most fertile valley in the Kingdom producing a bulk of the locally famous red rice from its terraced fields.

This afternoon is dedicated to explore Paro and its surrounding.
Afternoon visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts. After the visit walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and other cosmic Mandala.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro (Altitude 2200m).

Day 06:Paro
Morning after breakfast excursion to Taktshang Monastery (5hrs hike) : 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’. This site has been recognised as a most sacred place and visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April, 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendour.

Afternoon : Kyichu Lakhang : It is one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom dating back to 7th century (the other is Jambey Lhakahng in Bumthang). The lhakhang complex is composed of two temples. The first temple was built by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century and in 1968, H.M. Ashi Kesang, the Queen Mother of Bhutan, built the second temple in same original pattern.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro (Altitude 2200m).

Day 07:Depart Paro
After breakfast drive to the airport for flight to onward destination.

TOUR PRICING
Jan / Feb / June / July / Aug / Dec 2014

01 Pax : US$ 250 Nett Per Night
02 Pax : US$ 225 Nett Per Person Per Night
03 Pax & Above : US$ 200 Nett Per Person Per Night
Single Supplement : US$ 30 Nett Per Person Per Night

Mar /April /May/Sept/Oct/Nov 2014

01 Pax : US$ 260 Nett Per Night
02 Pax : US$ 250 Nett Per Person Per Night
03 Pax & Above : US$ 230 Nett Per Person Per Night
Single Supplement : US$ 35 Nett Per Person Per Night

US$ 40 Nett Per Person Bhutan Visa Fee (Payable at a time)

The above cost is nett payable to us and includes the following services :

• Accommodation in sharing twin as per the itinerary
• All meals in Htls ( some lunches enroute )
• All transfers and sightseeings as per the itinerary
• English speaking accompanying guide
• Govt royalty and taxes
• Entrances

The following are payable extra :

• Expenses of personal nature
• Insurance of any kind / medical expenses
• Beverages (alcoholic / non – alcoholic)
• Expenses of personal nature ( like tipping , laundry , Telephone/fax calls, camera/video fees etc )
• Airfares and Airport Taxes
• Bhutan Visa Fee

Vehicle Used :
01 – 02 Pax : Non – AC Hyundai Tucson
03 Pax – 6 Pax : Non – AC Toyota Hiace
07 Pax & above: Non – AC Toyota Coaster ( Maximum 16 – 18 pax in a coaster . If the pax size is more than the recommended , then one coaster and one Hiace bus or two coasters will be provided depending on the group size ) .

Normally AC is not needed in Bhutan , however, if clients insist , then the supplement cost for the same is US$ 10 per person per night .

FOC : In Bhutan there is a flat rate from 3 pax onwards . However , in normal A level Hotels, in 10 full paying pax, the 11th pax will be given 50% FOC both in land and Airfare , and in 15 full paying pax, the 16th pax will be given 100% FOC both in Land and Airfare , however he / she will have to pay Visa Fee of US$ 40 , and applicable Airport Taxes.

HOTELS ENVISAGED : Normal Category ( comparable to 3* + )

Paro : Village Lodge / Tashi Namgay Resort / Tenzinling Resort / Tiger’s Nest Resort / Kichu Resort / Hotel Olathang / Hotel Tashi Phuntshok / Gangtey Palace/ BHUTAN METTA RESORT AND SPA /Khangu Resort/Deyked Resort

Thimphu : Hotel Kisa / Hotel Migmar / Hotel Jumolhari / Hotel Phuntsho Pelri / Wangchuk Resort / Hotel Motithang / Hotel Wangchuk / Hotel Ghalinka / Hotel Dragon Roots / Pedling/Galinka

Punakha : Hotel Zangtho Pelri / Damchen Resort / Meri Punesum Resort

Wangduephodrang : Puna Tsangchu Cottages / Kichu Resort / Dragon’s Nest Resort
Gangtey : Hotel Dewachen / Thenchenphodrang Guest House

ABOUT HOTELS

Standard hotels in Bhutan are mostly family run hotels with inventory ranging between 20-30 rooms and categorized close to 3 Star by international standards.
The hotels offered in this proposal are selected for their best location, service and over all superiority. However, due to limited availability of skilled manpower in hospitality sector, service standards do not match international standards.

BHUTAN VISA
In order to process Bhutan visa we require clear readable colour copy of passport (page containing passport no and face picture in JPEG or PDF format) at least 30 days prior to date of entry into Bhutan. Remaining validity of passport should be minimum 6 months from the date of entry into Bhutan (excluding the travelling month).

* Guests are required to have multiple entry visa for India if they are travelling to Bhutan from India and again re-entering into India from Bhutan. Please also check if your Indian visa has ‘2 months re-entry restriction’. If restriction has been stamped in your Indian visa, then you will have to get it endorsed from the Indian embassy in Thimphu for a nominal charge . For this however, you will need to be in Thimphu on working days, Mon – Fri during office hours excluding Govt holidays . You will be asked to provide your travelling documents like passports, Air tickets etc ) . Our Bhutan Office will assist the clients .