Travelpack

Highlights: Delhi - Thimphu - Gangtey - Punakha - Paro

Hotels or similar:
Delhi - Pride Plaza
Paro - The Village Lodge, Paro
Thimphu - City Hotel, Thimphu
Gangtey - RKPO Green Resort
Punakha - The Valley Camp

Bhutan often referred to as the "Land of the Thunder Dragon" or 'Druk Yul', is regarded as one of the last "Shangri-Las" in the Himalayan region given its remoteness, its spectacular mountain terrain, varied flora and fauna, its unique ancient Buddhist monasteries and the peaceful and serene environment.

This country of rolling hills and towering crags certainly exudes a charm of its own. The people are delightful, the mountains are magnificent, the forests are dense, the air is pure, the architecture inspiring, the religion profound and the art superb. Like timeless images from the past, the traveler encounters the full glory of this ancient land through its strategic fortresses known as Dzongs, numerous ancient temples, monasteries, and stupas which dot the countryside, prayer flags that flutter along the high ridges, wild animals that abound in dense forests, foamy white waterfalls like ethereal showers and the warm smiles of its friendly people.

The tiny kingdom of Bhutan shares with Nepal the world's greatest belt of mountains and the living heritage of Buddhism. The flight to Paro can truly be described as a flight into fantasy. During the flight, a first-hand close-up view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga, and other famous peaks of the Himalayan range becomes a reality.

With its beautiful and largely unspoiled Himalayan setting, its rich flora and fauna, and its vibrant Buddhist culture, Bhutan has become an increasingly popular destination for international tourists. In addition to generating hard-currency revenue, tourism is also providing the impetus for the development of the service sector and economic development across the region. In an effort to safeguard its rich natural and cultural environment, the country has consciously adopted a tourism policy that promotes a sustainable path to development.

Facts and Figures
Land area: 38,394 square kilometers
Forest area: 72.5 %
Altitude: between 240metres and 7541metres above sea level
Inhabitants: 700,000
Language: Dzongkha, English widely spoken
Religion: Vajrayana stream of Mahayana Buddhism (Also known as Tantric Buddhism)
Currency: Ngultrum (equal to Indian Rupee)
Capital: Thimphu
National Tree: Cypress
National Bird: Raven
National Flower: Blue Poppy
National Sport: Archery
National Animal: Takin
Local time: Six hours ahead of GMT and half an hour ahead of Indian Standard Time

Itinerary:
01st Oct’21 Fri: London Heathrow to Delhi by 10:20-23:30 Hrs
23:30 Hrs: Arrive in Delhi. Upon arrival at Delhi airport welcome, meet and assist by our representative and transfer to Hotel for an Overnight stay

02nd Oct’21 Sat: Delhi to Paro by flight 09:05 - 11:25 Hrs
Transfer from Hotel to Delhi airport in time to board flight for Paro. 11:25 Hrs: Arrive Paro ARRIVE PARO BY AIR & TRANSFER TO THIMPHU (55 KMS / 1½ HRS DRIVE APPROX)

The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in the entire Himalayas. Whether flying along with the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Kolkata, 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 the cool, clean, fresh mountain air. After immigration formalities and baggage collection, you will be met by our representative. Then drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan with a stop-off at Chuzom, the confluence of Thimphu and Paro rivers. Three different styles of stupas: Tibetan, Nepalese, and Bhutanese adorn this confluence. Shortly before reaching Chuzom, you will see on your left the Tschogang Lhakhang, “the temple of the excellent horse”. It is a private temple, built in the 15th century, as a result of the visitation from Balaha, the excellent horse, a manifestation of Chenrezig, the compassionate Buddha.

On arrival in Thimphu, check-into the hotel. Thimphu is also the center of government, religion, and commerce. It is a unique city with an unusual mix of modern and ancient traditions and culture. Although not what one expects from a capital city, Thimphu is still a metropolitan and lively place. Home to civil servants, expatriates, and the monk body, Thimphu maintains a strong national character in its architectural style.

In the evening, take an exploratory walk around Thimphu’s Main Street and market area. Also, visit the Local Crafts Bazaar and browse through some of Bhutan's fine traditional arts. Here you can buy hand-woven textiles, thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewelry, and many interesting items made from local materials. Overnight in Thimphu (Altitude 2400m).

03rd Oct’21 Sun THIMPHU
After breakfast, sightseeing in the Thimphu valley including a visit to the following: The National Library, housing an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts; the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School) where students undergo a 6-year training course in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts. Later, visit the Textile Museum, which provides an insight into one of the most distinct art forms in Bhutan. Also visit Simply Bhutan, a living museum and studio encapsulating the cultural heritage of the Bhutanese people.

After lunch, take a short drive (15 km) to Pangri Zampa, built in the 16th century and one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan located just north of Thimphu. Here is a monastic school where Buddhist monks learn Lamaism and astrology based on Buddhist philosophy.

Afterward, visit the Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). Located a short drive away from Thimphu city center, visitors can get a panoramic view of the Thimphu valley from here. You can pay your obeisance and offer prayers to the Buddha, the largest in the country. A walk in and around the premises taking in the scenic beauty of the surroundings is a popular activity even among the locals.

Then visit the Memorial Chorten where you will always see people from all walks of life circumambulating and chanting mantras or spinning prayer wheels. This landmark was conceived by Bhutan’s third King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (“the Father of modern Bhutan”) who wished to erect a monument for world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it serves both as a memorial to the Late King and a monument to global peace.

Later, visit the Trashichhoedzong, one of the most important dzongs in the country. This impressive fortress/monastery houses the Throne Room of His Majesty, the King and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of the Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot, and the central monk body.
Overnight in Thimphu

04th Oct’21 Mon THIMPHU – GANGTEY (150 KMS / 5 HRS DRIVE APPROX)
After breakfast at the hotel and check out, drive to Punakha across the beautiful Dochula pass (3O8Om). In Bhutan, the passes are marked by a large Bhutanese Chorten (stupa) and prayer flags. Dochula pass offers the most spectacular view of the towering peaks of the eastern Himalayas on a clear day. The Druk Wangyel Stupas (hundred stupas) are a sight to behold against this backdrop.
The highway follows the scenic Dang Chhu before climbing through forests of bamboo and oak into Gangtey/Phobjikha valley.

In the evening, take a stroll around the fascinating Gangtey Village.
Overnight in Gangtey

05th Oct’21 Tue GANGTEY
After breakfast, proceed to visit Gangtey Goempa, perched on a small hill that rises from the valley floor. The Gangtey Monastery is the only Nyingmapa monastery on the western side of the Black Mountains and also the biggest one in Bhutan. The Monastery is surrounded by a large village inhabited mainly by the families of the 140 Gomchens (lay monks) who take care of the Monastery.

Later, explore the wide Phobjikha valley. A few kilometers beyond the Gangtey Monastery, on the valley floor, lies the village of Phobjikha. This quiet, remote valley is the winter home of the black-necked cranes, which migrate from the arid plains of Tibet in the north, to pass the winter months in a milder climate. Phobjikha, at an altitude of 2900 m, falls under the district of Wangdue Phodrang and lies on the periphery of the Black Mountain National Park. The valley boasts two beautiful meandering rivers, Nakay Chhu (Chhu Naap-black water) and Gay Chhu (Chhu Karp-white water). According to a local legend, the two rivers actually represent a snake and a boar. The two animals once raced each other with an agreement that if the snake (Nakay Chhu) won, Phobjikha valley would be able to grow rice, but if the boar won, then rice could never be cultivated in the area. The snake lost since it had to meander all the way during its journey. Rice cannot be cultivated in the valley even today.

Also visit the Black Necked Crane Visitor Centre: Situated on the edge of the forest and wetland along the main road of Phobjikha valley, the Centre has an observation room equipped with a high power telescope and spotting scopes for catching the best view of the cranes. The center also displays information that outlines the natural and cultural history of the area. There is a small gift shop that sells handicrafts produced by the local people.
Overnight at the Valley Camp.

06th Oct’21 Wed GANGTEY – PUNAKHA (70 KMS / 3 HRS DRIVE APPROX)
After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive to Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan.

On arrival in Punakha; Check-into the hotel. Later 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.

Next, visit the Chimi Lhakhang. From the hotel, it is about 15 mins drive up to the motorable road from where the walk starts through paddy fields and villages. (about 1.1/2 hour walk, to and fro). The Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the center of the valley is also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that childless couples who pray at this temple are usually blessed with a child very soon. The trail leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, meaning ‘field’. A walk through the village near the temple will give you a rare glimpse of the daily lives of the people in the community.
Overnight in Punakha

07th Oct’21 Thu PUNAKHA – PARO (120 KMS / 4½ HRS DRIVE APPROX)

After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive to Paro along the scenic highway, Enroute visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the country built-in 1627. It houses some sacred shrines that offer solace and peace. On arrival in Paro, check into the hotel.

After lunch, proceed to visit Ta Dzong, originally built as a Watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armor, household objects, and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts. Bhutan’s exquisite stamps exhibited here to offer another interesting collection.

This is followed by a short walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong (Paro 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 the 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 in Paro.

08th Oct’21 Fri PARO
After breakfast, excursion to Taktsang Monastery (approx. 5hrs walk): It is one of the most famous monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived on the back of a tigress and meditated here and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site is recognized as one of the most sacred places in Bhutan. It was also visited by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and is now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of the building. However, this iconic monastery has been restored to its original splendor.

After the day hike to Taktsang monastery, you may enjoy the rest of the day relaxing at the hotel or shopping in Paro town.
Overnight in Paro.

09th Oct’21 Sat Paro to Delhi by flight KB-200:0630-0825 Hrs
After an early breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for a flight to your onward destination. Our representative will help you with exit formalities and then bid you farewell.
0825 Hrs: Arrive at Delhi airport
Upon arrival at Delhi airport meet and assist at the airport and transfer to Hotel
Rest of the day at leisure
Late Evening (Approx. 2300 Hrs) transfer from Hotel to Delhi airport to board flight for London Heathrow

10th Oct’21 Sun Delhi to London Heathrow by flight 01:50-06:40 Hrs

Vehicle Envisaged:
01 – 02 Pax: SUV Hyundai Tucson / Santa Fe
03 – 06 Pax: Toyota Hiac
07 Pax & above: Toyota Coaster Bus (18 & 24 Seater)

VISA REQUIREMENT & PROCEDURE:
Visa: We shall be happy to take care of the Visa formalities.

The Tourism Council of Bhutan issues a visa clearance letter closer to the traveling date that will be emailed or faxed to you. Travelers are required to produce the aforesaid visa clearance copy at the time of check-in for the Druk Air flight. The actual visa is stamped on the passport on arrival in Bhutan. Visas are issued after depositing the full payment with the Tourism Council of Bhutan.

THE ABOVE PRICE EXCLUDES:

ANY EXPENSES CAUSED BY REASONS BEYOND OUR CONTROL SUCH AS ROADBLOCKS, WEATHER CONDITIONS, NATURAL CALAMITIES, ACCIDENTS, MEDICAL EVACUATIONS, ANY FLIGHT FARE / CANCELLATIONS, RESCHEDULING, DELAYS ETC,
Tips to drivers, hotels or local guides, etc.

Expenses of personal nature like tipping, laundry, telephone/fax calls, alcoholic/non- alcoholic beverages, and camera/video camera fee at monuments, medical expenses, any insurance etc.
Any service outside Bhutan.
Any other expenses apart from the ones mentioned above.


THE REVISED PRICE IS NET & NON-COMMISSIONABLE & VALID FOR THE ABOVE MENTIONED PERIOD AND INCLUDES THE CURRENT GOVT. SERVICE TAX

SUBJECT TO BE REVISED IF ANY ADDITIONAL TAXES ARE INTRODUCED BY THE GOVERNMENT OR ANY INCREASE OF HOTEL OR TRANSPORT CHARGES

Imp Note:
Please note that sometimes, the Hotels proposed in the quote may not be available at the time of booking. If such a situation should arise, a similar category of alternative hotel will be booked.

✔Prices are subject to change and availability!

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