BHUTAN TOUR (6Nights/7Days) (Thimphu – Punakha – Paro)

Day 01: Arrive Paro, Transfer to Thimphu Valley (1 to 2 hr drive/60 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 from Paro to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan and an exciting blend of tradition and modernity. 

 

On arrival, check-in at the hotel. Afternoon visit *Thangtong Dewachen Nunnery; the only nunnery in the Capital it is popularly known as Zilukha Anim Dratshang. 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.

Free or program may be arranged, according to choice. Evening, you will drive to Mini Zoo where Takin, the national animal of Bhutan can be seen. This particular animal is found only in the Himalayan region and the head of this animal looks like that of a goat and body of a cow/yak and before sun set drive to Sangay gang view point (2685 meters) to have view of whole Thimphu valley and walk through hundreds of colorful prayer flags that dot the hill overlooking the Thimphu valley (Overnight at Hotel in Thimphu)

 

NOTE: in the event that the flight arrival time is after 12.00 hours, above site visits are excluded.

Day 02: Thimphu Valley Exploration:

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 full day of sightseeing in Thimphu valley includes visits to:

Visit National Memorial Chorten– the building of this landmark was originally envisaged by Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who had wanted to erect a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it is both a memorial to the Late King (“the father of modern Bhutan”), and a monument to peace.

 

* Folk Heritage Museums: These museums, both of which opened in 2001, provide fascinating insights into Bhutanese material culture and way of life. 

 

* Handicrafts Emporium: This government-run enterprise displays a wide range of beautifully hand-woven textiles and craft products. It also carries a small collection of books on Bhutan, Buddhism and Himalayan culture.

 

* National Library, which holds a vast collection of Buddhist texts and manuscripts, some dating back several hundred years, as well as modern academic books mainly on Himalayan culture and religion. 



* Tashichho Dzong: The “fortress of the glorious religion” was initially erected in 1641 and rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the 1960s. Tashichho Dzong 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. 

 

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

Day 03: Cheri Hike(1 to 2 hrs total hike):

After early breakfast, drive towards Cheri base.

Cheri Gompa: This monastery was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1620. A silver chorten inside the monastery holds the ashes of the Shabdrung’s father. This trek trail starts by crossing a lovely bridge that spans the Thimphu River, then climbs steeply to the monastery. The journey takes about an hour.

 

After lunch visit following sites:

* Institute for Zorig Chusum: Commonly known as the Painting School, the Institute offers a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. On a visit one can see students learning the various skills taught at the school

 

Rest of the day at leisure.

 

(Overnight at hotel in Thimphu)

Day 04: Transfer to Punakha & Explore (3hrs/74kms)

After early breakfast, drive up to Dochu-la pass (3,088m/10,130ft) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the chortens, Mani walls, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road.  If skies are clear, the high Himalayan peaks towards the northeast will be revealed in all their glory.  On a clear day, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendegang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m), Jejegangphugang (7,158m), Kangphugang (7,170m), Zongaphugang (7,060m) a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana, and finally, Gangkar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m.

 

Then continue the drive to Punakha Valley. Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955, and is still the winter residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and central monk body. Hike to the nearby Chimi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to the “Divine Madman”, an eccentric monk from the 16th century famous for many his many amusing, Rabelaisian folklore stories. 

 

After lunch visit Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, has played prominent role in civil and religious life of the kingdom. Damaged by fire, flood and earthquake over the centuries, it has now been fully restored in its original splendor. 


Evening stroll through the town area. (Overnight at Hotel in Punakha)

Day 05: Transfer to Paro (4hrs/130kms):

Morning drive to Paro and visit: 

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. 

 

You will also visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.

 

In the evening walk along town’s main street.

 

 (Overnight at  Hotel in Paro)

Day 06: Taktsang Hike or Day excursion to Haa valley:

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.  

 

Tshewang/Longevity Blessing Ceremony  at Kichu Lhakhang or at Rinpung Dzong.

This scared ceremony is dedicated to Amitayus/Amitabha, the Buddha of Longevity. The Buddha Amitayus/Amitabha is invoked to enhance a person’s life – the general well being of a person and to ward off all obstacles and negative energy. It will be performed by a high level learned monk who will recite prayers, offer symbolic food offerings representing the Buddha of Longevity and bestow blessings on the person (s). The entire ceremony will take about an hour. 

 

Rest of the day at leisure.

 

(Overnight at Hotel in Paro)

Day 07: Depart Paro:

Early breakfast in the hotel, then drive to the 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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