Overview
Bhutan often revered as the “Land of the Thunder Dragon” or ‘Druk Yul’, is still regarded as one of the last “Shangri-La’s” in the Himalayan region because of its remoteness, spectacular mountain terrain, varied flora and fauna, and its unique ancient Buddhist monasteries.
This country of rolling hills and towering crags certainly exudes charm. The mountains are magnificent, the forest is dense, the people are delightful, the air is pure, the architecture inspiring, the religion exciting and the art superb. Like timeless images from the past, the traveler encounters the full glory of this ancient land through its strategic fortresses known as Dzongs, numerous ancient temples, monasteries, and stupas that dot the countryside, prayer flags that flutter along the high ridges, wild animals which abound in dense forests, foamy white waterfalls which are the ethereal showers, and the warm smile of its friendly people.
The tiny kingdom of Bhutan shares with Nepal the world’s greatest concentration of mountains and the living heritage of Buddhism. With its beautiful and largely unspoiled Himalayan setting, its rich flora and fauna, and its vibrant Buddhist culture, Bhutan has become an increasingly popular destination for travelers. In addition to generating hard-currency revenue, tourism is also providing impetus for the development of the services sector and hence balanced and holistic development of the entire region. In an effort to safeguard its rich natural and cultural environment, the country has consciously adopted a controlled tourism and development policy
Facts and Figures
- Land area : 38,394 square kilometers
- Forest area : 72.5 %
- Altitude : between 240metres and 7541metres above sea level
- Language : official language “Dzongkha”, English widely spoken
- Religion : Vajrayana stream of Mahayana Buddhism (Also known as Tantric Buddhism)
- Currency : Ngultrum (equal to Indian Rupee)
- Capital : Thimphu
- National Tree : Cypress
- National Bird : Raven
- National Flower : Blue Poppy
- National Sport : Archery
- National Animal : Takin
Tour Plan
Day 1 : Land Of thunder dragon – Bhutan
Arrive Paro by Druk Air & transfer to Thimphu (Lunch, Dinner)
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in the entire Himalayas. Flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu, the journey offers fascinating views and an exciting descent into the Kingdom. Bhutan’s first gift to you as you disembark from the aircraft will be cool, clean fresh mountain air. After immigration formalities and baggage collection, you will be met by our representative, and afterward drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan.
On arrival, in Thimphu check into the hotel. The capital town of Bhutan and the center of government, religion, and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with an unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. With a population of about 90,000, it is perhaps still the world’s only capital city without a traffic light.
Conclude the tour of the day with a visit to Trashichhoedzong, the “fortress of the glorious religion”. This is the center of government and religion, the site of the monarch’s throne room, and the seat of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Built-in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, ShabdrungNgawangNamgyel, it was reconstructed in the 1960s in the traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans.
Evening an exploratory walk around Thimphu’s main street and market area.Dinner & overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 2:
Thimphu – PARO (65 km, 1.15 hrs. approx.) (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Textile Museum : is worth a visit to get to know the living national art of weaving. Exhibitions introduce the major weaving techniques, styles of local dress, and textiles made by women and men.
Simply Bhutan Museum:The newly commissioned museum depicts the ancient Bhutanese architecture which is being lost to modernization. The uniqueness of the structure is in its composition of the materials used. The structure is built reusing old timber, window and door frames and other items from traditional and old demolished houses. The best part is the portrayal of the age-old lifestyles of the Bhutanese people.
Lunch followed by a city tour that includes:
Memorial Chorten: The stupa built was the memory of Bhutan’s third King, His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who is popularly regarded as Father the of modern Bhutan. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.
Buddha Point (KuenselPhodrang). Located a short drive from Thimphu city center, centers can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from Buddha point (KuenselPhodrang). 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.
Dinner & overnight at the hotel in Paro.(Altitude 2,195 m)
Day 3:
Thimphu – PARO (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
After breakfast excursion to Taktshang Monastery (5hrs hike): It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognized as a most sacred place and visited by ShabdrungNgawangNamgyel in 1646 and is now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of the building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendor.
Lunch at a Restaurant. Along the way, visit the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, SongtsenGampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan
Evening an exploratory walk around the Mainstreet and market area.Dinner & overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 4:
Thimphu – Depart PARO (Breakfast)
After early breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for the flight to your onward destination. Our representative will help you with exit formalities and then bid you farewell….
EXTRA INFORMATION : (BHUTAN VISA)
In order to process a Bhutan visa, we require a clear readable color copy of the passport (page containing passport no and face picture in JPEG or PDF format) at least 30 days prior to the date of entry into Bhutan. The remaining validity of the passport should be minimum of 6 months from the date of entry into Bhutan (excluding the traveling month).
Guests are required to have multiple entry visas for India if they are traveling to Bhutan from India and again re-entering India from Bhutan. Please also check if your Indian visa has a ‘2 months re-entry restriction’. If a restriction has been stamped on your Indian visa, then you will have to get it endorsed by the Indian embassy in Thimphu for a nominal charge. For this, however, you will need to be in Thimphu on working days, Mon – Fri during office hours excluding Govt holidays. You will be asked to provide you’re traveling documents like passports, Air tickets, etc.). Our Bhutan Office will assist the clients.
CLOSING DAYS OF SOME OF MOTHE NUMENTS MENTIONED IN THE ITINERARY:
- CLOSING DAYS OF SOME OF MOTHE NUMENTS MENTIONED IN THE ITINERARY:
- Ta Dzong – Paro (national museum): closed on Government Holidays.
- National Library – Thimphu: closed on Sat, Sun & on Government Holidays.
- Textile Museum – Thimphu: Closed on Government Holidays &Sundaysnday. On Sat open from 9.00 a.m. to 4 p.m..
- Institute of ZorigChusum (Arts & Crafts School) – Thimphu: Closed on Sun & Government Holidays. On Sat open from 10 a.m. to 12 o’clock. Also closed in winter (Dec-early March).
- Simply Bhutan – Thimphu: Closed on Sun & on Government Holidays
- Folk Heritage Museum – Thimphu: Closed on Sunday & on government holidays.
- Choki Traditional Art School – Thimphu: Closed on Government Holidays & on Sundays. On Sat open from 9.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.
CLOSING DAYS OF SOME OF MOTHE NUMENTS MENTIONED IN THE ITINERARY:
All elements included in this quotation are subject to availability until the booking is made. The hotels/services as quoted may change while our giving you the final confirmation based on current availability.
Also, kindly note, that our above tour prices are based on the currently prevailing rate of exchange, fuel prices, entrances to monuments, and government tax structure. Since these elements are controlled by the government and are always subject to change without prior notice – therefore, in case of any excessive hike in all or any of these elements our tour price might get affected and change accordingly.
Hotel Envisaged:
Destination
Name of Hotels -3* Hotels
Name of Hotels-4* Hotels
No of Nights
Thimphu
Amodhara/Pedling/similar
Norkhil (mountain view)/similar
1
Paro
Mandala/Druckchen/similar
Nak-sel (Deluxe)/similar
2