Information
Bhutan is located in the eastern end of the mighty Himalayas, Bhutan is the last existing Buddhist kingdom in the world, overlooked by neighbors like India, China, Nepal, Bangladesh and India's North-Eastern state of Sikkim. Being surrounded by mountains full of lush greenery, Bhutan is fabulously rich, in terms of scenic beauty, which makes it an alluring tourist destination. The Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan is also known as the Land of the Thunder Dragon since it often experiences a tremendous storm from the Himalayas. Apart from mountains with altitude ranging up to 23,000 feet, landscapes of Bhutan also consist of sub-tropical plains. Bhutan is also blessed by Mother Nature in the form of rivers which have flown through different parts of the country and have passed by all the major cities adding to their breath-taking scenic beauty.
Schedule
Day 01 Arrival Phuntsholing
Arrival at Bagdogra airport. Placard pick up from airport and drive to Phuntsholing (165Kms / 04 ½ Hrs) Arrival Emigration office & Enter southern busy town of Phuntsholing better known as business town for night stay.
Day 02 Puntsholing - Thimpu Drive(190 Kms- 7 & 1/2 Hrs.)
Breakfast at hotel & Drive to Thimpu(200 Kms/ 07 & 1/2 Hrs.) Evening arrival Thimpu & if time permits visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the Kingdom which now houses the School for religious and cultural studies.
Overnight at hotel
Day 03 Thimpu
There are a good many things to see in the capital which has a very relaxed, laid-back feel about it. Thimphu is relatively small having a population of approximately 90,000 people and the streets are wide and tree lined.
In the morning you will visit the Late King’s Memorial Chorten, the National Library, the indigenous hospital specializing in herbal medicine, handmade paper factory, and the nunnery at Zilukha.
In the afternoon, tour of the school of fine arts where young students learn the traditional arts and crafts (Zo Rig Chusum – the thirteen crafts); Zangtopelri Lhakhang, the Handicraft Emporium and the local handicraft centers to see the varieties of textiles, thangkha paintings, masks, Jewellery etc. on display.
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.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 04 Thimpu – Punakha (75 Kms. / 2 &1/2 Hrs.)
In the morning we drive to Punakha (2 & ½ hrs. drive), the old winter capital. Leaving Thimphu the road climbs via a series of zigzags over the Dochu La Pass, 10,000ft/3,048m. On a clear day panoramic views can be had of the eastern Himalaya, including Bhutan's highest mountain, Gangkar Punsum, 24,770ft/7,550m. The road drops down through varied forest finally emerging into the highly-cultivated Punakha valley.
In the afternoon hike to Chimi Lhakhang, the divine mad monk’s temple. It is a beautiful walk through a lovely village. The temple can be visited and there is a tree outside which is supposed to have sprouted up after Drukpa Kunley sent a thunderbolt from an adjoining valley to kill some evil spirits who had gathered at the site.
Also visit the courtyard of Punakha Dzong . Overnight in Punakha.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 05 Punakha- Paro(125 Kms./3 & ½ Hrs)
After brerakfast drive to Paro. Afternoon Local S/s tour.
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.
Dungtshe Lhakhang: Dungtse Lhakhang was constructed by the great bridge-builder Thangtong Gyelpo in 1433. It is said to have been built on the head of demoness, who was causing illness to the inhabitants. The building was restored in 1841 and is a unique repository of Kagyu lineage arts. You may or may not be permitted inside but can walk around this three-storey Chorten-type building.
Ta Dzong (Sun, Mon Govt holiday closed): 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.
Overnight at hotel
Day 06 Paro – Phuntsholing(180 Kms/ 06-07 Hrs)
After breakfast at the hotel drive to Phuntsholing.
The distance of 180km takes 6-7 hours depending on the road conditions and stops is long, spectacular and also rich and diverse with forever changing vegetation.
Enter southern busy town of Phuntsholing better known as business town & leave for India.
Day 07 Phuntsholing Departure
After breakfast drive to Bagdogra / NJP to take onward flight / train etc.
BHUTAN TOUR ENDS
FAQs
I'm a solo traveller, is there a single supplement?
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Do you arrange airport transfers?
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Should I book pre/post tour accommodation?
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Which currency is most widely accepted on this tour?
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