BHUTAN TOUR (4Nights/5Days) (Thimphu – Paro)

Day 01: ARRIVE PARO, TRANSFER TO PARO (1 hr drive/54 kms):

On a clear day, the flight to Paro is breathtaking, with views of major Himalayan peaks such as Everest, Kanchenjunga and Makalu, and on the final approach Bhutan’s own snowy peaks, the sacred Jhomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tserimgang. On arrival at Paro airport and after completion of airport formalities, you will be met by your Etho Metho representative. Drive towards to Thimphu.

 

After check in visit following sites in Thimphu.

National Memorial Chorten: The building of this chorten was originally the idea of Bhutan’s third king, H.M. Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (“the father of modern Bhutan”), who had wished to erect a monument to world peace and prosperity, but was unable to give shape to his idea in his lifetime due to pressures of state.  After His Majesty’s untimely death in 1972, the Royal Family and Cabinet resolved to fulfill his wishes and erect a memorial that would perpetuate his memory and also serve as a monument to peace. The National Memorial Chorten was consecrated on July 28, 1974. The finely executed wall paintings and delicately fashioned statues within the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy. (Closes Daily Nov-Feb at 4pm & Mar-Oct at 5pm)

 

Buddha Dordenma: statue sitting on top of a hill overlooking Thimphu. The Statue of Sakyamuni Buddha is one of the tallest in Asia (51.5 m). The site of Buddha Dordenma offers unobstructed views over the capital town. (Closes Daily Nov-Feb at 4pm & Mar-Oct at 5pm)

 

Takin Zoo: A short distance up the road to the BBS tower viewpoint is a trail leading to a large fenced enclosure that was originally established as a zoo.
Some years ago the fourth king decided that a zoo was not in sync with Bhutan’s environmental and religious convictions, and so it was disbanded. The animals were released into the wild, but the Takins, Bhutan’s national animal, were so tame that they wandered around the streets of Thimphu looking for food, and the only solution was to put them back into captivity. (Closed on Monday)

 

Rest of the day at leisure.  (Overnight at hotel in Thimphu)

DAY 02: EXPLORE THIMPHU VALLEY.

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 service, and foreign missions with representation in Bhutan. It is also the headquarters for a number of internationally funded development projects.

 

Today’s sightseeing’s will include: 

Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre: Weaving is predominantly a woman’s domain but this private weaving center is different as it is owned and run by Mr. Kesang(a man – which is very rare in Bhutan).  He weaves, creates new and unique patterns, comes up with unusual color combinations and is very involved.  The center frequently produces ceremonial textiles for Bhutanese royals, including the traditional outfit for King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema’s highly publicized October 2011 marriage. (Closing based on owner’s discretion, in such an event we will replace with another site)



Changangkha Lhakhang:This popular temple, perched like a fortress on a ridge above central Thimphu, hums with pilgrim activity. It was established in the 12th century on a site chosen by Lama Phajo Drukgom Shigpo, who came from Ralung in Tibet. Parents traditionally come here to get auspicious names for their newborns or blessings for their young children from the protector deity Tamdrin (to the left in the grilled inner sanctum). Children are blessed by a phurba (ritual dagger) and given a sacred thread.

 

Traditional Handmade Paper Factory, witness the process from start to finish. The paper is made from the barks of the black Daphne tree. The thicker paper is used for scriptures and the thinner ones are used for wrapping gifts and various other purposes.

 

Thangtong Dewachen Nunnery, the only nunnery in the Capital it is popularly known as Zilukha Anim Dratshang. The Nunnery is located few minutes’ drive from the town. It was built in 1976 by the 16th emanation of Thangtong Gyalpo, Drubthob Rikey Jadrel. You may interact with some 60 nuns or so that has devoted their life to spirituality and Buddhism.

 

Weekend Market: Most of the Thimphu’s population and many valley dwellers converge on the bustling weekend market, held down by the river. A wide range of foodstuffs and local arts and crafts are sold at the market, which runs from Friday afternoon to Sunday. A visit to the market provides great photo opportunities, as well as the chance to mingle with local people and perhaps buy souvenirs. (Open Fri-Sun)



Tashichhodzong: The “fortress of the glorious religion” was initially erected in 1641 and rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the 1960s. Tashichhodzong houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body. It is open to visitors during the Thimphu Tsechu (held in autumn) and while the monk body is resident in its winter quarters at Punakha Dzong. (Open: Mon-Fri [Mar-Oct after 5:30pm] [Nov-Feb after 4:30 pm] / Open on Sat, Sun, Govt. Holidays)

 

In the evening, take a stroll along the town’s main street. (Overnight at Thimphu Hotel)

DAY 03: TRANSFER TO PARO (1 hr drive/54 kms)

After breakfast drive towards Paro and visit following sites.

 

Visit Ta Dzong, formerly a watchtower and now the National Museum. The museum collection includes ancient Bhutanese art and artifacts, weapons, coins, stamps and a small natural history collection. Then visit Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) situated at a commanding height overlooking Paro valley. Built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646, this Dzong now houses Paro’s monk body and the offices of the civil administration and is symbolic as the religious and secular center of all affairs of the valley. 

 

Kyichu Lhakhang: This lhakhang, built in the 7th century, is one of the two oldest and most sacred shrines in Bhutan (the other being Jambey Lhakhang in Bumthang). Kyichu Lhakhang is composed of twin temples.  The first temple was built by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century. In 1968, H.M. Ashi Kesang, the Queen Mother of Bhutan, arranged for a second temple to be built alongside the first one, in same style. 






Rinpung Dzong:  Built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the “fortress of the heap of jewels” stands on a hill above Paro Township.  The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge (called the Nemi Zam) and then up a paved stone path running alongside the imposing outer walls.  The valley’s annual springtime religious festival, the Paro Tsechu, takes place in the courtyard of the dzong and on the dance ground on the hillside above.

 

Evening walk around main street of Paro town.

 

 (Overnight at hotel in Paro)

DAY 04: TIGER’S NEST HIKE (4 to 5 hrs total hike).

In the morning, take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche, founding father of the Bhutanese form of Mahayana Buddhism, arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery. The main structure was severely damaged by fire in 1998, but after many years of painstaking restoration work, the complex has now been fully restored to its former glory.  

Rest of the day at leisure – walk along the Paro town.

(Overnight at hotel in Paro)

DAY 05: DEPART PARO:

Early breakfast in the hotel, then drive to the Paro airport for flight to onward destination.

Tour Cost

01 to 02 Person per Night USD  = $ 290 per Person per Night   

03 person & above per person per night USD = $280 per person per night 

Visa fee per person per entry extra on above rate $40.

AIRFARE for Entry Bhutan & Exist Bhutan

BKK/PBH/BKK Economic Class = $ 1045.00 Business Class $ 2210.00 

 DEL/PBH/DEL Economic Class  = $ 665.00   Business Class $805.00

 KTM/PBH/KTM Economic Class = $490.00     Business Class $ 565.00 

Note: Flight charges may vary as flight schedule at the time of booking your trip to Bhutan

Above Tour Cost Includes: Dbl/Twn sharing accommodation , English speaking guide, transfer, Standard Transportation (Toyota Hiace Van/Toyota Coaster Bus), sightseeing, entrance fees, govt. royalty, one mineral water/pax/day.

 

Not Included:  International flight cost, All beverages incl. water consumed at hotels/restaurants,   Travel Insurance, Hotels facilities (phone calls, laundry etc), Tips, others.

Cancellation Policies:

Tours/Treks:

  • If trip is cancelled 30 days or more during regular season (Jan, Feb, Jun, Jul, Aug, Dec) and  60 days or more  during peak season (Mar, Apr, May, Sept, Oct, Nov) prior to arrival date – No Charge
  • If trip is cancelled less than 30 days during regular season (Jan, Feb, Jun, Jul, Aug, Dec) and less than 60 days during peak season (Mar, Apr, May, Sept, Oct, Nov) to before 7 days to arrival date – 50% of tour cost
  • If cancelled after 7 days or less prior to arrival date – 100% of tour cost
  • No refund for No Shows or Early Departures
  • If guests do not complete the trek due to personal reasons, there will be no refund. For those nights not used for treks:

      -Standard Hotel room & meals will be extra US $ 80/person/night.

    Luxury Hotel room & meals will be on actual basis. Refer attached sheet for daily cost.

    Transfers/transportation and other miscellaneous expenses will be on actual basis.

  • If guests do not complete the trek due to weather conditions, there will be no refund. However, accommodation & meals at Standard Hotels & transfer/transportation will be provided free of charge by Way about Bhutan. 

       Luxury Hotel room & meals will be on actual basis.

 

Please note that some of the sights/itinerary may change due to season, weather, national holidays, and special events. We maintain the rights to alter the itinerary since tours are made in advance and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve your overall travel experience in Bhutan. 

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