Overview

Bhutan is located on the southern slopes of the eastern Himalayas, landlocked between the Tibet Autonomous Region to the north and the Indian states of Sikkim, West Bengal, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh to the west and south. It is believed that the name Bhutan is derived from the Sanskrti Bhotant meaning ” The End of Tibet” or from Bhutan meaning “high land”. Historically the Bhutanese have referred to their country as Druk Yul “Land of the thunder Dragon”. Bhutanese refer to themselves as Drukpa people.

Day 1:  Paro – Thimphu (65 Kms / approx. 1 to 2 hours drive)

Upon your arrival in Paro, you will be meet by our representative/ driver at the airport & drive towards Thimpu . Thimpu, the capital town of Bhutan is one of the smallest capitals in the world. For most part of its history, Bhutan has tried consciously to save its culture from the influences of the western world. It is not that modernity has not reached this region, but it is being introduced in a phased and balanced manner that is unheard of at any place in the world. All these make Thimphu and other parts of the country a unique destination. Upon arrival , check in at your pre booked hotel . Day is at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 2:  Thimphu

After breakfast ,full day sightseeing of Thimphu. Visit Kuensel Phodrang (Buddha Statue) a place for refreshing with a huge statue of Buddha on the top of the Kuensel Phodrang, National Memorial Chorten (Monument) & Folk Heritage Museum. Afternoon visit Sangaygang View Point, Changangkha Monastery, Takin Preserve Centre, the national animal of Bhutan can be seen here. Later, visit Tashi Chuu Dzong, also known as “Fortress of the Glorious Religion”, the main secretariat building which houses the throne room of his majesty the king of Bhutan.’ Return to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 3:  Thimphu – Punakha ( 77 Kms / approx. 2 to 3 hours drive)

After breakfast, drive to Punakha / Wangdue. Enroute visit Dochu-La-Pass (3150 mts) to view the higher Himalayas. Upon arrival, check in at your pre booked hotel. After noon visit Punakha Dzong – built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. For many years until the time of the second king, it served as the seat of the Government. The Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo and King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck convened the first National Assembly here in 1952. Later, take a short and easy hike to visit the Chhimi Lhakhang – The Temple, also known as “The Temple of Fertility” was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, “The Devine Mad Man”. Evening is free for leisure. Overnight stay at Punakha / Wangdue.

Day 4:  Excursion to Gangtey (Phobjikha) OR Punakha Sightseeing

After breakfast, enjoy a full day excursion trip to Gangtey (9,840 ft.). Gangtey is the home of Black Necked Crane which migrates from the arid plains of Tibet in the north. It is a beautiful valley of Bhutan. You can also visit Gangtey Gompha. Evening return back to hotel for overnight stay at Punakha / Wangdue. Alternatively, instead of going to Gangtey (Phobjikha), you also have an option spending the day in Punakha Valley itself. After breakfast hike Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten which is about 45 Mins easy hike to the top of the hill. It offers a breathtaking view of the Punakha Valley. Also visit Punakha Suspension Bridge and Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery. Rest of the day is free for leisure. Overnight stay at Punakha / Wangdue

Day 5:  Punakha – Paro (140 kms / approx. 4 to 5 hours drive)

After breakfast, drive to Paro. Enroute, stop at Lamperi to visit Royal Botanical Park. Upon arrival, check in at your pre booked hotel. Afternoon visit Ta Dzong – National Museum with an excellent collection of arts, relics, religious thangkha, etc. Rinpung Dzong – Meaning “fortress of the heap of jewels”. The Dzong now serves as the administrative and judicial seat of Paro. Evening is free for leisure. Overnight stay at Paro.

Day 6:  Paro

After breakfast , visit Durugyel Dzong or the Fort of Drupka Victory.set on a knoll with a spectacular view of the surrounding valley the ruins of this fort, which once protected against Tibetan invasions, provides a wonderful architectural insight to the structure of forts in Bhutan. Drukgyel is also the starting point to many of Bhutan’s most famous trekking routes. This is a historical site from the ramparts of which the Bhutanese repelled the Tibetan invaders. Taktsang Monastery, ‘Tiger’s Nest’ situated 3000 feet above the valley floor.The most famous of Bhutanese monasteries. 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”. The excursion to monastery takes about 5 hours for round trip. Return to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 7:  Departure from Paro

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Paro airport for your onward journey.

Inclusions

  • 2 nights accommodation in Paro.
  • 2 nights accommodation in Punakha.
  • 2 nights accommodation in Thimphu.
  • Buffet breakfast & dinner in hotels.
  • Guide charges
  • Non A/C vehicle for all transfers and sightseeing as per the itinerary. (vehicle will not be at your disposal).
  • All applicable taxes.

Exclusions

  • Any Air or Train fare
  • Expenses of personal nature.
  • Any other items/services not mentioned in “ Inclusions “ .
  • Items of personal nature like laundry, phone calls, tips to guides / drivers etc