The Exquisite Bhutan

The Exquisite Bhutan

AH-BHUTAN || 6 Nights / 7 Days

Thimphu

Wangdue / Punakha

Paro

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The Exquisite Bhutan

Thimphu formerly spelled as Thimbu or Thimpu is the capital and largest city of the Kingdom of Bhutan. It is situated in the western central part of Bhutan and the surrounding valley is one of Bhutan’s dzongkhags, the Thimphu District. The ancient capital city of Punakha was replaced by Thimphu when it was established as capital in 1955, and in 1961 Thimphu was declared as the capital of the Kingdom of Bhutan by His Majesty the 3rd Druk Gyalpo Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.

The city is spread out laterally in a north-south direction on the west bank of the valley formed by the Raidāk River, which is known as the Wang Chuu or Thimphu Chuu in Bhutan. Thimphu is the fourth highest capital in the world by altitude and is spread over an altitudinal range between 2,248 metres (7,375 feet) and 2,648 metres (8,688 feet). Unusually for a capital city, Thimphu is not served by an airport, but relies on the Paro Airport connected by road some 54 kilometres (34 miles) away.

The town shares its name with the dzong built in 1638 that dominates the district. The name is said to have been given by Ngawang Namgyal, the 1st Zhabdrung Rinpoche, who was searching for the best location for a dzong to prevent incursions from the south. At the chosen spot, the Zhabdrung encountered a boy named Wangdi playing beside the river and hence named the dzong “Wangdi’s Palace”.

Pungthang Dewachen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness) or Punakha Dzong was constructed by Tuebi Zaow Balip under the great command of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1637 and believed to have been completed in a two year time period. It is also the country’s most beautiful Dzong. It is the winter residence of Bhutan’s Central Monastic Body led by HH the Je Khenpo. The Dzong houses the most sacred relics of the Southern Drukpa Kagyu school including the Rangjung Kasarpani, and the sacred remains of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and Tertön Padma Lingpa.

Punakha Dzong.
In 1907, Punakha Dzong was the site of the coronation of Ugyen Wangchuck as the first King of Bhutan. Three years later, a treaty was signed at Punakha whereby the British agreed not to interfere in Bhutanese internal affairs and Bhutan allowed Britain to direct its foreign affairs.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01Paro Airport – Thimphu Sightseeing

(Distance: 65 kms. / Driving Time: 2 hrs. / Altitude of Thimphu: 2350 mts.)
Meet & Greet on arrival at Paro Airport and transfer to Thimphu (7,710 ft.) the capital city of Bhutan. On arrival check in at the hotel. Afternoon start for half day Thimphu sightseeing consist of Kuensel Phodrang (Buddha Statue) a place for refreshing with a huge statue of Buddha on the top of the Kuensel Phodrang, National Memorial Chorten – This Chorten was built in 1974 in a typical Tibetan style. It is also a center of worship for the people living in Thimphu. Later in the day visit Tashichho Dzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion) – The Dzong is the seat of the national government and the Central Monastic Body, including the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan) at present. Overnight stay at Thimphu.

Day 02Thimphu – Punakha/Wangdue Sightseeing

(Distance: 77 kms. / Driving Time: 3 hrs. / Altitude of Punakha: 1310 mts.)
After breakfast drive to Punakha / Wangdue, On the way Stop at Dochu-La-Pass (3150 mts.). to view the higher Himalayas. Arrival at Punakha check in at 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. After that 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 free for leisure. Overnight stay at Punakha / Wangdue.

Day 03Excursion to Gangtey (Phobjikha) OR Punakha Sightseeing

(Excursion to Gangtey – Distance: 78 kms. One way / Driving Time: 3 hrs.)
After breakfast, start for 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. 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 free for leisure. Overnight stay at Punakha / Wangdue.

Day 04Punakha/Wangdue – Paro Sightseeing

(Distance: 140 kms. / Driving Time: 5 hrs. / Altitude of Paro: 2280 mts.)
After breakfast drive to Paro (7,483 ft.). On the way stop at Lamperi to visit Royal Botanical Park. On arrival check in at the 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 free for leisure. Overnight stay at Paro.

Day 05Paro Sightseeing

After breakfast hike to the famous Taktsang Monastery – called “Tiger’s Nest” (2hrs hike from the base camp). Later visit Drukgyel Dzong & Kyichu Monastery. Overnight stay at Paro.

Day 06Excursion to Chele-La-Pass

(Distance: 35 kms. One way / Driving Time: 2 hrs. / Altitude of Chele-La-Pass: 3810 mts.)
After breakfast excursion trip to Chele-La-Pass (13,088 ft.) – the highest motorable road in Bhutan. Enjoy the scenic beauty & memorable landscapes from Chele-La-Pass. Back to Paro. Rest of the day is free for leisure. Overnight stay at Paro.

Day 07Paro Airport

After breakfast check out from hotel and drop at Paro Airport for your onward journey.

MAP Plan

Minimum Paying Pax Standard Deluxe Luxury Vehicle
02 PAX 34100 36700 42100 SUV like Santa Fee / Tucson
04 PAX 27000 29700 35000 Toyota Hiace / Hyundai H1
06 PAX 23300 25900 31300 Toyota High Roof Hiace

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Cost Include:

  • Accommodation on twin Sharing Basis.
  • Meal Plan (as per mentioned above).
  • Exclusive Non a/c vehicle for transfers & sightseeing as per itinerary.
  • All permit fees & hotel taxes (as per itinerary).
  • Guide charges (Only Bhutan Portion).
  • Rates are valid for INDIAN NATIONALS only.

Cost Exclude:

  • Air Fare/Train fare.
  • Personal Expenses such as Laundry, telephone calls, tips & gratuity, mineral water, soft & hard drinks, rafting, rock climbing, paragliding, porterage.
  • Additional sightseeing or extra usage of vehicle, other than mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Entrance Fees.
  • Any cost arising due to natural calamities like, landslides, road blockage, political disturbances (strikes), etc (to be borne by the client, which is directly payable on the spot).
  • Any increase in taxes or fuel price, leading to increase in cost on surface transportation & land arrangements, which may come into effect prior to departure.
  • GST & Travel Insurance
  • Anything which is not include in the inclusion.

Permit for Bhutan:

  • Indian nationals do not require any visa for Bhutan. A permit will be issued at the entry point on production of a passport or Voter ID and 04 passport size photographs.
  • Restricted Area Permit for Punakha / Wangdue:
  • Restricted Area Permit is required to visit Punakha / Wangdue from Home Ministry of Bhutan. No charge will be applicable for this permit. Please bring 02 passport size photographs and Voter ID card or Passport of each person including child. This special permit is given only after guest has entered Bhutan. Permits are not issued on Saturday, Sunday & Govt. holidays.

NOTE:

  • The above mentioned hotels will be confirmed as per the room availability. Otherwise we will confirm similar category.
  • The rates quoted in the packages are on per person basis & valid for Indian nationals from from 01st Sep 2018 to 5th Jan 2019 (High seasons surcharge will be applicable during the Festivals & Peak season).
  • We believe in giving value for money and we believe that quality comes with a price tag. We at Neptune promise to provide the best of our services and keep by our commitments towards quality and the sensitivity of the services.

DO’S:

  • Adults must carry original & valid Passport or original Voter ID card. Children must carry original & valid Passport or original birth certificate & school photo ID card.
  • Remember to carry and other packings as per seasons and personal requirements (including hiking shoes)
  • Please check with your mobile service provider for charges related to Bhutan.

DON’TS:

  • Tobacco & Tobacco products are banned in Bhutan.
  • Do not bring any plant or agricultural product out of Bhutan. It is illegal.
  • Credit cards are accepted in selected establishments in Bhutan.
  • Usage of Drones is strictly prohibited in Bhutan.
  • Photography is not allowed inside temples and Dzongs

Hotel Category Details:

Luxury Packages        : 3* Prime hotel with Breakfast & Dinner.
Deluxe Packages     : 3* Deluxe hotel with Breakfast & Dinner.
Standard Packages        : 3* Equivalent hotel with Breakfast & Dinner.

 

Please note Elite & Premium packages with Hotels like Uma Group of Hotels, Taj Tashi, Amankora rates are also available on case to case basis.

Hotels serve both Vegetarian & Non-Vegetarian food which would be basic & freshly prepared. Specific regional Indian cuisine will not be available. Only the basic Indian Vegetarian / Non – Vegetarian food can be arranged.