TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Land of the Thunder Dragon, one of the most mysterious and unknown of all Himalayan kingdom’s, hidden in isolation behind the high peaks of the Himalayas. A trip to Bhutan is like having a magic wand transporting one back to the 15th century. For centuries forbidden to foreigners, this timeless Buddhist Kingdom has succeeded in preserving its enchanting traditions and ancestral way of life. This is further epitomized by the state’s mandate of “Gross National Happiness”, whereby economic development, a goal for much of its humanity, is only a means to the real goal of happiness.

This trip combines the best of what Bhutan offers with a good mix of both cultural and active pursuits! Begin our tour in Thimphu, the only capital in the world without any traffic light! Catch the weekend market, Textile Museum and more before taking a three-hour winding scenic mountain to Punakha. Tour the impressive Punakha Dzong, enjoy day hikes in the cultivated valley of Punakha. We then re-cross Dochu La to Paro and explore the beautiful valley of Paro and ends our visit to the dramatic Taktsang Monastery, built on a sheer cliff face at a height of 2950m.

detail itinery

DAY 01            ARRIVAL – PARO

If we are lucky, we’ll have glorious views of the snowcapped Himalayas on the way to Paro (Try and get the left hand seat for better view of the Himalayas). The remarkable and steep descent into the Paro Valley is an awe-inspiring beginning to our adventure.

Your guide who is going to be with you throughout your trip will meet you at the airport. A fifteen-minute drive follows the narrow winding road to the hotel, which is a traditional Bhutanese building with attractive gardens and an exceptionally peaceful atmosphere. Take a good rest at hotel and after lunch you can visit the Ta-Dzong which was built in 1651 as a watch tower for the Rinpung Dzong. Since 1967, the watch tower has served as the home of the National Museum and holds a fascinating collection of art, ancient relics and religious artifacts. Next in line is Rinpung Dzong built in 1646 by Shabdrung, the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan, the Dzong houses the monastic body of Paro and its district administration.

Just on the outskirts of Paro town, we will visit Kyichu Lhakang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan.

 If there is time, we will walk along the small main street of Paro in the evening with its typically Bhutanese shops and small lodges.

Overnight: Hotel drukchen/Similar

Meals: Lunch & Dinner Included

DAY 02                        PARO – DAY EXCRUSION TO THIMPHU

After breakfast we will drive to Thimphu (capital of Bhutan). On your way to Thimphu you can do a short hike to Tamchog Monastery, a private temple owned by the descendents of famous Tibetan bridge – builder Thangthong Gaylpo.

Later continue your drive to Thimphu and Visit Buddha point for a stunning view of Thimphu city and Takin Compound: One the way to the Viewpoint over Thimphu is the home of Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin, a strange looking beast which some say resembles a beestung moose. The Bhutanese have their own story to narrate about how the Takin was created by the Master DrukpaKuenley (the divine madman).

Visit the Memorial Chorten, the glorious religion was initially constructed in 1641 and rebuilt by King JigmeDorjiWangchuk in the 1960s. Also see the new authentic craft bazaar (Close on Tue) of 80 stalls showcasing works by artisans from rural areas will showcase.

Later in the late afternoon drive back to Paro and enjoy the hotel facilities.

Overnight: Hotel Drukchen/Similar

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

DAY 03                        PARO – HIKT TO TIGER NEST’S

This morning, we make an excursion to Taktshang Monastery – this has to be the monastery with the most outstanding setting in Bhutan. Set on a vertical cliff face at 2950m above sea level, it defies all engineering logic. For the energetic, hike 2 hours up to get a more dramatic view of the monastery. (The hike demands a certain level of fitness and a pony ride to the monastery can be arranged at additional cost).

Overnight: Hotel Drukchen/Similar

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

DAY 04                        PARO - KATHMANDU

After breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport in time to catch your onward flight. Your escort  bids you farewell, and soon the remote and legendary Dragon Kingdom disappears again behind its guardian mountains.

Thank you & Tashi Delek!

Cost Inclusion

-US$ 40 (visa fee for a single entry, per person for foreign nationals)

-Visa & E-permit process and arrangement, only valid passport accepted.

-Flight Fare from Kathmandu-Bhutan-Kathmandu

-SDF to the government and other taxes

-All accommodations on one single room as per the hotels listed below

-Breakfast and dinner in hotel, lunch will be outside the hotel in tourist standard restaurant

-Full-time English-speaking guide will be provided

-Transfers and sightseeing as per your itinerary

-Entrance fees to events, historic sites, museums and parks as indicated in the itinerary only

-Farmhouse visit for meals/stay with local family, only if you are interested

-Complimentary a bottle of water per head

Cost Exclusion

-Room upgrades charges

-Bank charges for payment transfers

-Any alcoholic/nonalcoholic beverages

-Other personal expenses/shopping

-Travel Insurance must cover COVID expenses

-Unforeseen COVID expenses

-Gratuities to guide and driver

-Outdoor activities (Cycling, River Rafting, Motor Biking, Horse Riding, Cultural Program etc.)

IMPORTANT NOTES:

-Hotel star rating in Bhutan is not up to the international standard.

-Air Fares is based on current date and is subjected to change.

-Rooms are subject to availability at the time of booking confirmation.