A Week In Bhutan - Drive In & Drive Out

Package Overview

Bhutan is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. Bhutan is often referred to as the last Shangri-La on earth, nestled deep in the valleys of the Himalayan mountains in southern Tibet. Travelers, the country is known as Bhutan, but the population calls itself proud Druk Pa and her country Druk or Druk Yul the land of the thunder dragon. The number of tourists traveling to Bhutan each year is deliberately kept low to protect the country from excessive influence and make the trip a unique experience for every visitor. A Rich Culture The people of Bhutan are a rich mosaic of lifestyles and languages. However they are also united by their friendliness and unique cultural heritage rooted in Mahayana Buddhism that has remained isolated from western influence. They also treasure their environment, and live in harmony with its elements. remained isolated from western influence. They also treasure their environment, and live-in harmony with its elements.

Day wise Itinerary

• Day 1 : Bagdogra Airport (Ixb) / New Jalpaiguri (Njp) - Phuentsholing

  • Evening at leisure
  On arrival, guests will be received at the Bagdogra Airport / New Jalpaiguri Station by Yatra Guest Experience Executive who will drop you to Bhutan India border. Drive to your hotel. Overnight stay at Phuentsholing.

  • Themes Sightseeing
  • Accommodation Hotel Tara Phendeyling [ 3 Star ]
• Day 2 : Phuentsholing - Transfer To Thimphu

  • Evening free for self-activity.
  After breakfast transfer to Thimpu upon reaching Thimpu check in at hotel. Evening free for self-activity. Overnight stay at Thimpu.

  • Hotspots Tashichho Dzong (Thimphu Dzong)
  • Themes Sightseeing
  • Accommodation Hotel Amodhara [ 3 Star ]
• Day 3 : Thimphu City Tour

  • Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory
  • Folk Heritage Museum
  • Memorial Chorten
  • Changangkha Lhakhang
  Post breakfast visit the Immigration Office to extend your permit to go to-wards Punakha. Then, visit the following Jungshi Handmade Paper Facto-ry: This is a private factory and they manufacture a special watermark pa-per as well as products such as lampshades, envelopes and other objects made of traditional Bhutanese paper. They make great gifts to take home with you and are genuinely unique. It is not just the texture of these handmade paper products that will intrigue you, but also their unique earth tones and natural hews. This factory manufactures a special water-mark paper as well as products such as lampshades, envelopes and other objects made of traditional Bhutanese paper. Bhutan protects its environ-ment through long-term sustainability, and they follow it because they do not destroy the plant when they extract the raw material required. Paper products are manufactured from "daphne papyracea". Folk Heritage Mu-seum: The folk heritage museum was open to the general public in 2001 upon completion. It treasures troves of culture and rich Bhutanese herit-age provide rich insights into the Bhutanese ethos. Try to schedule your visit during the morning hours since the museum is less crowded at that time and there is plenty of sunlight to go around. The folk heritage muse-um is housed in a replica traditional Bhutanese house learn first-hand about Bhutan‟s rich cultural traditions, its deeply rooted heritage which spans thousands of years and the Bhutanese way of life. The tour of this almost living museum will also give you a glimpse onto how many rural folk of the country live today following the ancient Bhutanese ways. Me-morial Chorten: Referred to as the Memorial Chorten, it’s actual name is Gongzo Chorten or Gyaldren Chorten. The chorten (stupa) is a chief land-mark in the capital city and is also a most sacred place of worship for local people. The idea of the chorten was conceptualized by the Third King His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck to ward-off negative energies. After His Majesty’s demise, the chorten was built in his memory by the 4th King and the then Queen Mother in 1972. Many old people come here early in the morning to circumambulate and say their prayers in the hopes of garner-ing enough good karma for their afterlife; they are joined by the middle and the younger generation in the evenings who also come to do either the same thing or to just relax their mind. The doors of this stupa remain mostly closed except on holy days. Inside, there are three stories and on each floor are statues of protective deities. Changangkha Lhakhang: It is a 12th century temple sitting on top of a hill overlooking Thimphu valley with the main statue of Chenrizig (The Buddha of Compassion). This tem-ple is often mistaken for a dzong by visitors because it looks like one, and apart from the temple it also houses a monastic school. Most of the couples go to this temple soon after birth to get blessings for their child. Overnight stay at Thimphu.

  • Hotspots Tashichho Dzong (Thimphu Dzong)
  • Themes Sightseeing
  • Accommodation Hotel Amodhara [ 3 Star ]
• Day 4 : Thimphu - Punakha (3937 Ft / 90 Kms / 03 Hrs) City Tour

  • Dochula Pass
  • 108 Druk Wangyal Khangzang Chortens
  • Lobesa
  • Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility)
  • Punakha Dzong
  Post breakfast, drive toward Punakha, stop at Dochula Pass (3,100 m), where on a sunny day, you can get stunning views of the Himalayan rang-es. The Dochu La Pass is probably the best known mountain pass in Bhu-tan. Located at an altitude of 3150 meter above sea level, the Dochu La Pass is about 30 kilometer away from the capital city Thimphu and the road to Punakha. On a clear day the pass offers visitors a spectacular view of the majestic eastern Himalayan Ranges. A cup of hot coffee or tea at the pass has almost become part of tradition for people travelling to and fro from Punakha to the capital city. There is a small cafeteria at the pass that offers a chance for travelers to enjoy a hot beverage or a snack, it is located just off the road and overlooks the pass and is an ideal place to sit back, re-lax and enjoy the view. Another striking feature at the pass are the 108 Druk Wangyal Khangzang Chortens, that were built for the well-being of all sentiment beings on earth. The 108 Chorten were built as a tribute to the Kings of Bhutan for their selfless service and leadership they offer to the people of Bhutan. These Stupas or Chortens also represent the peoples love, appreciation and loyalty towards the country’s King. Continue drive towards Punakha and stop at Lobesa village and have lunch before going for a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility), it is dedicated to Lam Drukpa Kuenley (Divine Mad Man) and is the place from where Phal-luses originated as the symbol of fertility and protection and can be seen everywhere in Bhutan, on house walls and roofs and altars. Childless cou-ples usually go to this temple to get blessings so that they conceive and are blessed with a child. (NOTE: The temple and has some sexual depictions. You may want to reconsider visiting this place if you are not comfortable with children seeing these) Then drive to Punakha Dzong: The Punakha Dzong or the Pungtang Dechen Phortang Dzong is located at the conflu-ence of the Mo Chhu and the Po Chhu River, combine to form the Puna Tsang Chu which in turn is a tributary of the mighty Brahmaputra River. The Dzong was constructed by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1638 on the exact spot as prophesized by the Guru Rinpoche some 800 years ago. According to the prophecy of Guru Rinpoche “a person named Namgyal will arrive at a hill that looks like an elephant”. Another legend associated with the Dzong is that of Zowe Palep, the architect of the Dzong received vision of the Dzong in his sleep. This vision got imprinted in the architects mind and enabled him to construct the Dzong without putting his plans to paper. It is the second largest and the second oldest Dzong in Bhutan. The Dzong is home to some of the most sacred relics of the Drukpa Kagyu School of Buddhism; it is also home to the sacred mortal remains of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and Terton Pema Lingpa the great treasure discoverer of Bhutan. The Dzong has also served as the capital Bhutan till 1955 before the capital was moved to Thimphu. The Dzong is still the win-ter residence of the Je Khenpo (chief abbot) and the central monastic body and plays host to the annual Punakha Tshechu Festival which is very pop-ular with the locals and tourists alike. Overnight stay at Punakha.

  • Hotspots Tashichho Dzong (Thimphu Dzong)
  • Themes Sightseeing
  • Accommodation Sonamgang [ 3 Star ]
• Day 5 : Punakha - Paro (7200 Ft / 130 Kms / 04 Hrs) City Tour

  • Tamchog Lhakhang
  • Ta Dzong (National Museum)
  After breakfast, drive back towards Dochula and to Paro. Post lunch drive to Paro, on the way visit Tamchog Lhakhang: Tachog lhakhang is temple that is dedicated to the 13th century saint Thangthong Gyalpo, the iron bridge builder. This temple is located across the river about 15kms from the Paro towards Thimphu. In order to get to the temple one must cross an iron chain bridge, one of the few remaining of the many that Thangthong Gyalpo built. This is a private temple however tourists are allowed to visit if they are given permission. Crossing this very old bridge with its swaying and undulating movements can be quite an experience. The temple's loca-tion on the ridge and the high rocky barren hills which serve as its back-drop makes this a good location to take pictures. Ta Dzong (National Mu-seum): The name Ta Dzong translates to ‘watch tower’ and it served the function of watch tower for the Paro Rinpung Dzong. Back in the day, simi-lar look-out points were built for other dzongs (fortresses) to counter any approaching hostilities, for those were the days of frequent strife. These towers were specifically built high atop hills and other vantage points dur-ing the old days. Presently serving as the national museum (since late 60’s), it houses an array of antiquities such as ancient thangka (exquisite scroll painting), mural paintings and other forms of art done by great per-sonalities of those days, original textiles of the kingdom which represent the culture that still flourishes, weapons & armour used back in the day, household objects typical to the Bhutanese people’s way of life back then and even now, and other natural and historical artifacts. Overnight stay at Paro.

  • Themes Museums, Sightseeing
  • Accommodation Rema Resort [ 3 Star ]
• Day 6 : Paro Tiger's Nest Hike Or Chalela Pass

  • Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest)
  • Kyichu Lhakhang
  Have early breakfast and drive up to the base of Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest). The most famous and sacred site among all the places in Bhutan. Guru Padmasambhava is said to have come riding on a flying ti-gress to this place and meditated in a cave for 3 months, it wasn’t until Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal came to this place and meditated that it gained the popularity that it has now. The present structure is said to be built in the 15th century but was destroyed by fire in 1998 and has been restored. The walk is about 2 hours till the top through wide pathways which was built during the restoration works. One hour into the climb there is a tea point from where you get a very good view of the monastery, they also serve lunch here. From there it’s about another 45 minutes climb to the 2nd view point and the highest point in the hike. Kyichu Lhakhang: Considered the oldest temple along with Jampa and Kenchosum Lhakhang in Bumthang, it dates back to the 7th century when a Tibetan King ordered 108 temples to be built in a sin-gle night to subdue a huge ogress. It was later renovated in the mid-19th century and in the late 1960's by the Grand Queen Mother. It is also con-sidered by many to be one of the holiest places in the country. Inside the compound is an orange tree which always has oranges no matter what the season. Overnight stay at Paro.

  • Themes Monuments & Historical Places, Museums, Sightseeing
  • Accommodation Reema Resort [ 3 Star ]
• Day 7 : Depart Paro - Phuentsholing

  • Evening at leisure
  After breakfast departure transfer to Phuentsholing. Evening at Leisure. Overnight stay at Phuentsholing.

  • Themes Sightseeing
  • Accommodation Tara Phendeyling [ 3 Star ]
• Day 8 : Depart Phuentsholing - Bagdogra (Ixb) Airport (130 Kms / 5 Hrs)

  • Return home with happy memories
  After breakfast departure transfer to Bagdogra (IXB) Airport for your on-wards journeys.

  • Themes Sightseeing

Inclusions

• MAP (Room + Breakfast + Lunch/Dinner)
•  Base category room (unless specified) accommodation in respective hotels as per the package opted for.
•  Daily breakfast and dinner at the respective hotel's restaurant.
•  IXB / Phuentsholing / IXB transfers.
•  Intercity transfers.
•  Sightseeing tours as per the itinerary.
• Services of an accompanying English-speaking guide within Bhutan during sightseeing tours and intercity travel.
•  SDF @ INR 1200 per adult per night.
• Inner line permits.
•  Currently applicable taxes.
•  (Transportation by private vehicles, as per the program only – not on disposal)
•  Transport

Exclusions

•  Air / train fare to IXB/NJP/PBH and back.
•  @5% GST on total land package billing amount.
•  TCS as applicable if TDS is not being deducted.
• Entrance fee to the monuments.
• Upgradation to higher category rooms.
•  Lunches.
• Hiring charges of vehicle beyond the itinerary.
•  Expanses of personal nature viz. tips, porterage, laundry, beverages etc.
•  Anything not specifically mentioned in the clause, “The cost shall include”.

Price & Rates

Accommodation

Add-ons (at A Supplement Cost)

• Try -on Gho and Kira (Traditional Bhutanese Dress): INR 600 + 5% GST per person
• Archery or Khuru in Paro: INR 750 + 5% GST per person
• Hot stone bath in Paro: INR 2000-2500 + 5% GST per person
• Visit to Namgay Artisanal Brewery with beer tasting session: INR 950 + 5% GST per person

Payment Policy:

• 50% payment shall be required within 3 days of confirmation whereas balance 50% payment shall be required on D-45 basis.

Terms & Conditions

This Tour is Offered by

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