Bhutan:
Tourism in Bhutan is unique as it is referred as the “Switzerland of Asia.” From quant farming villages to magical forests to mountains where Yeti’s supposedly live, Bhutan is a place which has escaped the civilized touch of the rest of the world. It is The Land of “Gross National Happiness” whose philosophy is being practiced worldwide.
With its beautiful and largely unspoiled Himalayan setting, its rich flora and fauna, the mesmeric rolling hills and towering crags magnificent mountains, dense forests, pure air, delightful people and its vibrant Buddhist culture, Bhutan the “Land of the Thunder Dragon” or ‘Druk Yul’ has become an increasingly popular destination for international tourists. Bhutan often revered as, is still regarded as one of the last “Shangri-La’s” in the Himalayan region because of its remoteness, its spectacular mountain terrain, varied flora and fauna and its unique ancient Buddhist monasteries besides timeless images of its history.
The tiny kingdom of Bhutan shares with Nepal the world’s greatest concentration of mountains and living heritage of Buddhism. 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 Himalaya range become a reality.
Unravel the wonders for yourself of this last Shangri-La – a land of snow-capped mountains, emerald green landscape, sturdy fortresses and gentle people. In Bhutan, tradition is real: The visitors can see it, feel it. In a world where a thick cloak of globalization has all but smothered distinctive heritages, this self-reliant kingdom proudly stands alone. This trip will help you to experience and understand the authentic Bhutanese way of life. Drive from one valley town to another visiting temples, monasteries, dzongs, isolated villages, and the people. The trip is a wonderful immersion into Bhutanese culture, where daily life is itself a form of art. An ultimate vacation in this mythical Himalayan Kingdom!
Facts and Figures
Land area : 38,394 square kilometres
Forest area : 72.5 %
Altitude : between 240metres and 7541metres above sea level
Inhabitants : 700,000
Language : official 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
| Day 1 | |
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| Day 1 | Arrive Paro & Transfer to Thimphu.
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 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 cool, clean fresh mountain air. After immigration formalities and baggage collection, you will be met by our representative, and afterwards drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan with enroute 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 TschogangLhakhang, “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. On arrival in Thimphu; Check-into the hotel. The capital town of Bhutan and the centre of Government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. With the population of about 90,000 it is perhaps still the world’s only capital city without a traffic light. Evening an exploratory walk around Thimphu Main Street and market area. Also visit the Local Crafts Bazaar, 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, jewellery, interesting items made from local materials. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu |
| Day 2 | Thimphu Sightseeing
After breakfast proceed for an excursion to Tango Goemba: Tango Goemba .This monastery was founded by Lama GyalwaLhanangpa in the 12th century and the present building was built in the 15th century by the "Divine Madman", Lama Drukpa Kunley. In 1616 Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal visited Tango and meditated in a cave near the monastery. His meditation helped ensure the defeat of an invading Tibetan army. The head Lama, a descendent of Lama Drukpa Kunley presented the Goemba to Shabdrung, who carved a sandalwood statue of Chenrezig which he installed in the monastery. The picturesque three-storey tower and several surrounding buildings were built in the 18th century by the eighth Desi, Druk Rabgye and Shabdrung Jigme Chhogyel added the golden roof in the 19th century.Situated north of Thimphu, one way it takes about half an hour drive and one hour walk through shaded rhododendron forests to reach the monastery. After lunch, visit Buddha Point (KuenselPhodrang). Located at a short drive from Thimphu city centre, visitors can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from the Buddha point (KuenselPhodrang). 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. 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. Later visit to Trashichhoedzong: This impressive fortress/monastery houses Secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty, the King and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of Chief Abbot and central monk body. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu |
| Day 3 | Thimphu / Gangtey
After breakfast, check-out from the hotel & drive Gangtey (Phobjikha) enroute visiting Dochula Pass (Altitude 3080m). In Bhutan, the passes are marked by a large Bhutanese Chorten and prayer flag. Dochula pass offers the most spectacular view over the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas on a clear day. On arrival at Gangtey; Check-into the hotel. The approach to Phobjikha valley is through a forest of oak and rhododendron. Phobjikha is one of the few glacial valleys in Bhutan and chosen home of black necked cranes, which migrate from the central Asiatic Plateau to escape its harsh winters. Afternoon take a walk around Gangtey village and visit Gangtey Goempa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in this region. Overnight at the hotel in Gangtey. |
| Day 4 | Gangtey/Bumthang
After breakfast drive to Trongsa across Pelela pass (3100m). Enroute visit to Chendbji Chorten, the stupa patterned on Swayambhunath in Kathmandu with eyes painted at four cardinal points. It was built in the 18th century by Lama Shida from Tibet, to cover the remains of an evil spirit that was subdued at this spot. Stop at Trongsa for lunch. Later continue drive towards Bumthang. On arrival in Bumthang; Check-into the hotel. Bumthang is one of the most spectacular valleys in Bhutan and also the heartland of Buddhism. 29 kms ahead of Trongsa cross Yutongla pass (3,400m) and from here again the landscape looks different and dense forests of conifers stretches. The arrival of Bumthang begins with wide, open cultivated Chumey valley. Rest of the day is at leisure Overnight Stay at hotel in Bumthang |
| Day 5 | Bumthang Sightseeing
After breakfast proceed for the tour of Bumthang valley: visit Kurje Lhakhang, where the saint Padma Sambhava 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. After lunch take a short hike to Lhodrak Kharchhu Monastery: Located above the main town, about 3 km from Chamkhar town, the monastery was founded by Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche in 1984 who was recognized at a very young age by H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama and H.H. 16th Karmapa as the reincarnation of a Tibetan lama. The monastery has become part of an extensive effort to preserve and revitalize Tibetan culture. The monk’s regular curriculum includes reading, memorizing the daily prayers, learning dharma dances, drawing mandalas, learning the melodies of sacred rituals, learning the use of ceremonial instruments and the art of making sacrificial objects, grammer, poerty, karika along with the basics of contemplation and instruction on the different stages of tantra. Overnight Stay at hotel in Bumthang |
| Day 6 | Bumthang/Trongsa
After breakfast, drive to Trongsa. The landscape around Trongsa is spectacular and for miles on end the Dzong seems to tease you so that you wonder if you will ever reach it. On arrival; check into the hotel. After lunch, visit Trongsa Dzong, ancestral abode of Bhutan’s royal family. Built in 1648 as the seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan. Both the first and second kings of Bhutan ruled the country from this ancient seat. All four kings were invested as Trongsa Penlop ('governer') prior to ascending the throne. The Dzong is a massive structure with many levels, sloping down the contours of the ridge on which it is built and then visit the Ta Dzong, standing on the side of the mountain and built to guard Trongsa. Overnight Stay at the hotel in Trongsa |
| Day 7 | Trongsa / Punakha
After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive to Punakha, the old capital town of Bhutan. Enroute take a short day walking to ChimiLhakhang (from hotel it is about 15 minutes’ drive till motorable road and then walk starts through paddy fields and villages. This is total about 1½ hour walk, including both way). The ChimiLhakhang, situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, 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. 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 rare glimpses into the daily life and lifestyle of the villagers. After checking into hotel, proceed to 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. Evening can be spent exploring Punakha village located right on the bank of river. Overnight Stay at the hotel in Punakha |
| Day 8 | Punakha /Paro
After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive to Paro along scenic highway, en-route visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the country built in 1627 which now houses the School for Buddhist studies. On arrival in Paro, check into the hotel. After lunch, proceed to 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. Ta Dzong visit immediately 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 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 Stay at the hotel in Paro |
| Day 9 | Paro Sightseeing
After breakfast excursion to Taktshang Monastery or Tiger’s Nest (approx. 5 hours walk): 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 recognized 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 drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. The snowy dome of sacred Chomolhari, "mountain of goddess'' can be seen in all her glory from the approach road to the Dzong. Evening, visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. Overnight Stay at the hotel in Paro |
| Day 10 | Paro – Departure
After an early breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for the flight to your onward destination. Our representative will help you with exit formalities and then bid you farewell. |
| General Info | |
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| Inclusions |
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| Exclusions |
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| Bhutan visa procedure for all nationals (except Indian/Bangladeshi/Maldivian) | We require color scan of passport for visa about 30 days prior to travel date (sooner the better & minimum 7 working days needed to process and obtain Bhutan visa). Color scan or take picture by your mobile phone/digicam of the passport page with face image and passport number & email us in Jpeg/pdf format. Remaining validity in passport after Bhutan tour must be min 6 month excluding travelling month. Tourism Council of Bhutan requires full tour payment while applying visa so along with passport copy, please forward us wire transfer copy or payment details, to process visa. Multiple Indian visa required if you enter Bhutan from India and re-enter India after Bhutan tour. Passengers visiting India on E - tourist visa & entering Bhutan by Air (by remaining in transit at Delhi / Kolkata airport) and re-entering India after Bhutan tour by surface (Phuentsholing, Samdrup Jhongkhar & Gelephu) are required to travel with original Indian visa stamped in passport by Indian embassy/consulate at their home country as there is no facilities at these border towns to check & verify Indian E - Visa. No passport size photo/any pictures / any visa form etc required for Bhutan visa – only requirement is clear/readable copy of passport copy in colour. Dual passport holders are required to use the same passport whose details are submitted on to Bhutan for Visa authorization, prior to arrival in Bhutan. It is mandatory for a tourist (except Indian/Bangladeshi/Maldivian) to buy full service tour package from a local Bhutanese tour operator like us to avail Bhutan visa. Bhutan visa fee is US$ 40/ which is going to be included in tour cost submitted by us. Carrying any satellite phone (SATPHONE) & Drone is not permitted. Passport copies also required for ticket issuance for verifying correct names, same passport copy may not be valid for Bhutan visa if it doesn’t meet all above conditions |
| Cancellation policy | If any specific to the itinerary (by default Lotus cancellation policy will be applied/displayed) |
Tour Schedule Summary
Tour Schedule Summary
