BHUTAN TOUR (9Nights/10Days)(THIMPHU – PARO – PHOBJIKHA – PUNAKHA – HAA)

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

Your journey begins with the most spectacular of all mountain flights. You will fly over the southern hills, known as ‘dwars’, or gateways into the Himalayas as they rise from the plains until they meet the great snow-capped peaks of the inner Himalayas that rise up to the sky. On arrival at Paro airport and after completion of airport formalities, you will be met by your representative (Guide). Drive from Paro to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan.  

 

Rest of the day at leisure or take a stroll through this lively town that reveals an interesting combination of tradition and modernity. (Overnight at Thimphu Hotel)

Day 02: Thimphu Valley Exploration

Once known as the only capital city without traffic lights, it still remains to be one the cultural capitals of the Himalayas. 

Thimphu’s charm comes not only from its wealth of museums or places of historic interest, but also from the strong national character of its architectural style.

 

Today’s sightseeing includes:

The Folk Heritage Museum, a restored mid 19th century house which gives one insight into the average household & lifestyle in the region during that era. (closed on Sat 1pm, Sun 1pm, Govt. Holidays) 

 

Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School), where a six-year training course is given in the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan.  (closed on Sat 1pm, Sun, Govt Holidays, Summer/winter break)

 

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 Drubthob Rikey Jigdrel (the 16th emanation of Thangtong Gyalpo who built temples and iron chain bridges). You may interact with some 60 nuns who have devoted their life to spirituality and Buddhism.

 

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.  

 

Weaving Center, where you will be able to actually see the traditional weaving process and interact with the weavers. 

 

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.

(Overnight at Thimphu Hotel)

Day 03: Transfer to Phobjikha & explore (4hrs/135kms)

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, proceed to Phobjikha, one of the most pleasant glacial valleys in Bhutan. Drive to Gangtey via Wangduephodrang, where we will stop to visit the remarkable Wangduephodrang Dzong, stretched along a spur at the confluence of two rivers. We will also visit a local village house, to gain insight into the lifestyle of the people. Then drive up a winding mountain road through oak and rhododendron forest, and over a high pass down into the Phobjikha valley. Rests of the day at leisure- explore the valley. (Overnight at Gangtey Hotel)

Day 04: Phobjikha Valley Exploration

Gangtey Natural Trail (Gangtey)-The most beautiful and shortest of the existing nature trails in Bhutan. The trail hike starts from the mani (like Chhorten) stone wall to the north of the Gangtey Gonpa and ends in Khewa Lhakhang. The hike takes about 1hr 30minutes through the pine forest and small bamboo plants. You can see the Phobjkha valley so beautifully from this hike. It is one of the best hike places for the Nature lovers. During the winter months, we can see the endangered species of birds – Black Neck Cranes.

We will visit striking Gangtey Gompa (Monastery), the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan. Followed by a visit to the Black Neck Crane Center and dependent on the season, time spent in the Center’s nearby hide is a must to view the breeding cranes. Various walks can be arranged in this magnificent valley. 

(Overnight at Gangtey Hotel)

Day 05: Transfer to Punakha & explore(3 hrs/81 km)

After breakfast drive towards 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 Talo (Punakha)

The picturesque village of Talo, scattered along a ridge above the Punakha valley at an altitude of around 2,800m, is known amongst Punakha villages for its neat and clean appearance.  Talo Sangnacholing is built on a small plateau at the top of the village, and from there one has a majestic view of the entire valley and surrounding villages, and the high hills beyond Wangduephodrang which mark the gateway to central Bhutan.  The women here are particularly known for their beauty.  Talo is about an hour’s drive from Punakha.

Rest of the day at leisure. (Overnight at Punakha Hotel)

Day 06: Punakha Valley Exploration

Today, you will begin the day with hike up through fields of rice along the banks of the Mo Chhu to the upper end of the valley to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a stunning monument recently built by the Queens and consecrated in 1999. 

 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 Punakha Hotel)

Day 07: Transfer to Paro (3.5 hr drive/125 km):

After breakfast, drive back to Paro enroute visiting Simtokha Dzong which is the  oldest fortress built in 1627 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the unifier of Bhutan.

 

Later in afternoon visit following sites in Paro:

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.

 

Ta Dzong: On a ridge immediately above Rinpung Dzong is Ta Dzong, built as a watchtower to protect Rinpung Dzong. (“Ta” means “to see” in Dzongkha, so the watchtower of a dzong is always called a “Ta dzong”). On account of their function, watchtowers are always round in shape.  In 1968 Paro’s Ta Dzong was inaugurated as the National Museum, and now holds a fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings, Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps, coins and handicrafts, together with a small natural history collection.

 (Closed on Govt. Holidays)

 

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. 



(Overnight at Paro Hotel)

Day 08: Taktsang 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. 

 

Evening, stroll around the interesting Paro town in the evening.

 

(Overnight at Paro Hotel)

Day 09: Day excursion to Haa valley:

After an early breakfast drive towards Haa valley.

The high altitude Haa valley lies south of the Paro valley. The staple crops of this large, fertile valley are wheat, potatoes, barley and millet. Yaks are herded in the upper reaches of the valley, and yak meat from Haa is considered a great delicacy by the townspeople of Thimphu. A day trip to Haa with picnic lunch by the river near new Haa Dzong is very pleasant in the warmer months of the year, when one can drive from Paro to Haa over the Chele-la pass (3,810m/12,573ft). On a clear day there is a superb view of Mts. Jomolhari & Jichu Drake from the pass.

 

What to see & do in Haa

The principal attractions of a visit to Haa are the journey up and over the pass and the picturesque valley itself. Visits can be made to two famous monasteries, Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple). The central shrine in Lhakhang Nagpo is said to be almost identical to that of the Jowo temple in Lhasa. Legend has it that local deities assisted in the construction of Lhakhang Karpo.

 

In the evening drive back to Paro

 

(Overnight hotel in Paro)

Day 10: Transfer to Phuentsholing (4 hr drive/142 km):

After an early breakfast at the hotel, drive towards Phuentsholing enroute visiting Kharbandi Gompa:  This beautiful monastery in Phuentsholing is situated in a garden of tropical plants and flowers at an altitude of 400m /1,300ft above the town, was founded in 1967 by the Royal Grandmother, Ashi Phuntsho Choedron. The monastery contains paintings depicting scenes from the life of the Buddha and statues of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and Guru Rinpoche. From the monastery garden there is a splendid view of Phuentsholing and the plains of West Bengal with their tea gardens beyond. 

 

(Overnight at hotel in Phuentsholing)

Day 11: Depart Phuentsholing:

After an early breakfast at the hotel, drive towards Gangtok.

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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