Discover Bhutan: Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon
Overview
Bhutan, often referred to as the "Land of the Thunder Dragon," is a breathtakingly beautiful kingdom nestled in the Eastern Himalayas. Its stunning landscapes range from lush valleys to towering snow-capped mountains, creating a picturesque backdrop for its rich culture and traditions. The vibrant architecture of dzongs (fortresses) and monasteries, adorned with intricate carvings and colorful paintings, adds to the charm of the country. Bhutan's commitment to preserving its natural environment and cultural heritage is evident in its pristine forests and diverse wildlife. With a unique blend of spirituality and adventure, Bhutan captivates all who visit.
Included/Excluded
- Travel as per Itinerary in Hatchback/ SUV (as per group size)
- Entry Permit for Bhutan for 6 Days, including all Inner Line Permits
- Accommodation for 5 Nights - 2 Nights in Thimphu, 1 Night in Punakha, 2 Nights in Paro on sharing basis
- 5 Meals (Breakfast from Day 2 to Day 6)
- Driver Charges, Permits, Tolls, Fuel & Parking charges
- Local English Speaking Guide
- Guided Trek to Taktsang Monastery
- Airport/ Railway Station Pickup and Drop
- GST (5%) is applicable extra.
- Bhutan Tourism Fees of INR 1,200/- per day (Mandatory)
- Any kind of food and beverages that is not included in the package like alcoholic drinks, mineral water, meals/refreshment/lunches on the highway.
- Any personal expenses like tip to the drivers, entry to the monuments/ monasteries, camera/video camera charges, laundry, telephone bills, tips etc.
- Any cost arising due to natural calamities like landslides, roadblocks etc. (to be borne by the customer on the spot)
- Anything not mentioned in the inclusion.
- Cost arises due to any change in tourism policy between Bhutan – India travel and trade policies.
- Cost arises due to changes or delays in flight timings. WanderOn as a responsible travel partner will definitely try to minimize the impact of delay but WanderOn shall not be liable/responsible for such incidents.
- Airfares/ Train Tickets
Tour Plan
Day 1:
- Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, meet our representative who will help you board your transfer to Thimphu - the capital city of Bhutan.
- You will pass through some meandering mountain roads lined with broad leaves forests, quaint villages, and towns to reach Thimphu.
- En route, take a small stopover at the Chuzom Bridge from where you will see a beautiful confluence of the Paro and Thimphu rivers, along with a beautiful portrait of the King and Queen as a welcoming sign to Bhutan.
- Reach Thimphu and check in to your hotel.
- If time permits, you can choose to explore Thimphu - the only city in the world without traffic lights or explore the local markets.
- Overnight stay in Thimphu
Day 2:
- Begin the day by having your breakfast at the hotel.
- Next, get ready to explore the capital city of Thimphu.
- We will start by visiting the National Memorial Chorten which is the tomb of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, also known as the Dragon King.
- Later, we will visit the Buddha Dordenma statue - the largest sitting Buddha Statue made of solid bronze and plated with gold, located atop a hill near Thimphu.
- After admiring the views of Thimphu Valley from the large Buddha statue, you will visit the magnificent Simtokha Dzong which was built in the 17th century.
- Further, we will visit the Royal Takin Preserve (Motithang) - a zoo in Bhutan that is home to the National Animal of Bhutan - Takin.
- We will also visit the glorious fortress of Bhutan - the Tashichho Dzong, the seat of the Royal Govt of Bhutan since 1962.
- In the evening, you are free to indulge in a shopping spree at the Handicrafts Emporium and the local markets of Thimphu
- After completing the day’s sightseeing, return back to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 3:
- Have your breakfast in the morning and get ready for the day.
- Today, we will board our transfers to Punakha which is located 75 kms to the east of Thimphu.
- Our first stop on today's road journey will be the Dochu La - one of the most scenic mountain passes of Bhutan.
- We will spend some time admiring the surrounding views of the Himalayas while sipping a hot cup of tea/coffee in the cafe at the pass.
- We will also visit the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens that are built on the pass in memory of the Bhutanese soldiers who died in “Operation All Clear” in 2003.
- Next, you will embark on a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang (temple of fertility) - a temple dedicated to Lam Drukpa Kuenley (Divine Mad Man).
- This place is considered the origin of Phalluses as the symbol of fertility and protection where childless couples usually seek blessings so that they conceive.
- Further, reach Punakha and check-in to the hotel.
- We will then visit the Punakha Dzong which is located at the scenic confluence of Mo Chhu and the Po Chhu Rivers.
- The Punakha Dzong is the second largest and the second oldest Dzong in Bhutan, known for hosting the famous annual Punakha Tshechu Festival.
- Return back to the hotel in Punakha for an overnight stay.
Day 4:
- Have your breakfast at the hotel and get ready to board your transfer to Paro.
- Enjoy a beautiful 4-hour drive from Punakha to Paro.
- Upon reaching Paro check into your hotel and rest for some time.
- Next, we will visit the Drukgyel Dzong - a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is 15 km up the Paro Valley.
- Drukgyal Dzong means ‘Fortress of the Victorious Drukpa’; This ancient fortress was built in 1646 to mark the victory of Bhutan over the Tibetan Troops, but was destroyed by an accidental fire in 1951.
- Next, we will visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most visited temples in Bhutan and is considered ‘the spiritual heart’ of Bhutan.
- Return back to Paro for an overnight stay.
Day 5:
- Post breakfast in the morning, get ready to watch the most magical sight of Bhutan.
- Today, we will visit the famous Taktsang Monastery (Tiger Nest Temple), located 11 km from Paro.
- Drive till the starting point of the hiking trail that will take you to the Taktsang Monastery.
- We will then start the hike through the beautiful pine forest to reach the magnificent Taktsang Monastery.
- You will have to hike for 2-4 hours (depending on your speed), to reach one of the holiest sites in Bhutan which clings impossibly to a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley.
- Spend some peaceful time walking around the monastery listening to the prayer chants, the sound of the fluttering flags or quietly meditating in the caves of the monastery.
- After spending enough time in the monastery, we will start our return journey to Paro.
- Return back to the hotel in Paro for an overnight stay.
Day 6:
- After breakfast in the morning, get ready for your transfer to Paro International Airport.
- Your amazing Bhutan Trip will conclude once you are dropped at the Paro airport for your onward journey.
- Take back a treasure of happy memories to cherish for a lifetime.
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