Bhutan, the last known Shangrila is home to museums, monasteries and dzongs. Paro which boasts of beautiful temples perched on the cliffs from the legendary Taktsang is a must watch when on Paro Holidays. It also houses Ta Dzong, a national museum which displays beautiful collection of art and religious Thangka painting. Thimphu, a beautiful blend of traditions and modernity can be visited for its Memorial Chorten and Mothinthang zoo with Thimphu Holidays. Wangdi which played a pivotal role during the unification of Bhutan should not be missed.
DAY 01: ARRIVAL AT PARO – THIMPHU (65 KMS / 02 HRS, 2134Mts / 7000Fts)
Arrive Paro by Druk Airways, the only national carrier. The flight offers you beautiful view of mountains and landscapes. On arrival and after visa formalities are completed, you will be received by ITT members transfer to Thimphu (65 KMS / 02 HRS, 2134Mts / 7000Fts), the capital of Bhutan. Visitors can enjoy relaxing walk in the valley at evening. Stay overnight at the hotel.
DAY 02: THIMPHU
After breakfast go for Thimphu sightseeing tour. Visit Memorial Chorten, the Stupa built in 1974 in the memory of late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. The paintings and images inside the monument provide a rare sight into Buddhist philosophy. Also visit Mothinthang zoo and Viewpoint. Stay overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast drive to Wangdiphodrang (70KMS / 03 HRS, 1350Mts / 4430Fts), the last town on the highway before entering central Bhutan. The drive over Dochu La pass is very scenic with fascinating view of mountains of Bhutan. Visit Punakha Dzong which was built at the confluence of the Po and Mo Chu Rivers in the 17th Century by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel served as capital of Bhutan until 1955. (The Punakha Dzong is closed in the month of winter when the monk body is in Punakha. All visit to Dzong and Monasteries is limited till courtyard only) Further drive to Wangdiphodrang (70 KMS /03 HRS, 1350Mts / 4430Fts) the last town on the highway before entering central Bhutan. Stay overnight at the hotel.
DAY 04: WANGDI – GANGTEY – WANGDI (70 KMS, 2 ½ Hrs ONE WAY)
After breakfast go for full day Gangtey excursion. Gangtey Gompa in the Phobjikha Valley is a 16th century monastery. It is the only monastery in Bhutan, which follows the Nyingmapa sect of Buddhism. The Phobjikha valley is home to rare Black Necked Crane, an endangered species, which migrate from the Tibetan plateau in winters. About 250-300 of these reside in this beautiful valley. Return to Wangdiphodrang in the evening. Stay overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast go for drive (135 KMS / 05 HRS, 2134Mts / 7000Fts) to Paro via Lobesa and a short walk through farm houses and fields to Chimme Lhakhang. This monastery was built in the 15 century and dedicated to the famous Lam Drukpa Kunley or divine mad man. He is one of the most famous saints in Bhutan and his temple is visited mostly by childless couples. Have lunch at Thimphu (optional) and drive to Paro to visit the oldest building in Bhutan, the Simtokha Dzong. It now serves as a Buddhist university. Stay overnight at the hotel.
DAY 06: PARO
After breakfast go for Paro sightseeing tour. Visit the ruined fortress of Drugyel Dzong which still attracts visitors due to the strategic location of the fort. On clear weather Mount Chomolhari 7320 meters can be seen towering over the Dzong. Proceed through the beautiful valley to the watch tower or locally known as Ta-Dzong. Visit Ta Dzong, a national museum which was built in 1651 as a watch tower. The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 0900HRS TO 1600HRS & it is closed on Sunday, Monday & National Holidays. Since 1951 the Dzong has been re-established as the National Museum and holds fascinating collections of art and religious Thangka painting. Take a short walk downhill to the Rinpung Dzong which serves as the administrative center and school for monks. Walk further down crossing the traditional bridge into Paro Town. Stay overnight at the hotel.
DAY 07: PARO DEPARTURE
After breakfast transfer to the airport for your journey back home.
Accommodation as per the itinerary on Bed & Breakfast plan on Twin / Triple sharing basis.
•
Transfer & sightseeing as per the itinerary by Toyota Car / Van / Bus. (NOT AT DISPOSAL)
•
Services of an Escort cum Guide as per the itinerary for Bhutan Portion only.
•
Current Bhutan State & Hotel tax as on 01/01/2011.
Package excludes
•
Change in Taxes if any shall will be collected directly upon arrival.
•
Train fare, Airfare, All insurance coverage.
•
Expenses of personal nature & cost for services not included in "Cost includes" title.
•
Cost incurred due to Political disturbance, Natural calamities, Doctors on call etc. Accidents or any unforeseen circumstances
•
During High Season (MAR, APR, MAY, SEP, OCT, NOV), most of the hotel in Bhutan are full with charter for Inbound Movement. You are requested to send the booking request for mentioned period well in advance. At such time Bhutan hotel may charge High Season surcharge which will be mentioned with the confirmation sent over the mail.
•
Difference in amount arising due to change in Fuel price in Bhutan (Calculation based on Petrol INR 57 per liter & Diesel INR 36 per liter)
Note
•
Above rates are subject to availability
•
Cancellation charges as per company policy
•
Room categories in all packages are the base category rooms
•
In case we are not able to provide the same hotels as mentioned, then we shall provide similar alternate properties, change in the cost if any will be advised.
