‘The land of thunder Dragon’ and ‘the last Shangri La’ on earth, is situated in the lap of Eastern Himalayas between India and the People’s Republic of China. Covering an area of 18000 sq miles, the tiny Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan is one of the most isolated nations in the world. Spectacular mountain terrain, varied flora and fauna and unique ancient Buddhist monasteries have made Bhutan an exemplar tourist destination, it is bestowed with rich bio-diversity harboring around 300 medicinal herbs and 165 endangered species. Each part of Bhutan has its own, historical, geographical, cultural, traditional and religious significance.
This journey takes you to four distinctly different, as well as breathtakingly beautiful valleys with lush green paddy fields, incredulous fortress-like monasteries known as Dzongs and majestically flowing rivers.
Itinerary Highlights
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu:
Day 02: Kathmandu:
Day 03: Arrival
Day 04: Paro sightseeing
Day 05: Paro to Thimphu
Day 06: Thimphu sightseeing
Day 07: Thimphu to Punakha via Dochula pass
Day 08: Drive to Wangduephodrang
Day 09: Punakha to Paro
Day 10: Paro – Kathmandu:
Day 11: Departure
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu:
Overnight at the Hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Kathmandu:
Pashupatinath temple: One of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world, Pashupatinath lies in the bank of river Bagmati. The two-storied pagoda houses a sacred lingum, or the phallic symbol of Lord Shiva. Although the temple dates back to the 4th century, it was brought into its present shape in the early 18th century. The temple is most noted for its gold-plated roofs and silver-coated doors. Sadhus and sages, who follow the lifestyle of Lord Shiva, are seen covered with ashes and loincloths. The banks of the river Bagmati, is also considered one of the holiest places in which to get cremated and cremations can be witnessed here. All tourists are requested that respect is shown for the grieving.
Boudhnath stupa: Also known as Khasti Chaitya, Boudhanath Stupa is one of the world’s largest stupas. The unique aspect of this great Buddhist monument is that it is set in the octagonal Mandala design. Hundreds of prayer wheels and the 108 images of the Buddha set into the niches around this huge structure make it even more mesmerizing. It is believed to have been constructed in the fifth century and is said to entomb the remains of Kasyap Rishi, a sage respected by both Buddhists and Hindus. Another notable aspect of the area is the presence of about four dozen monasteries around it. It lies some eight km to the east of the city center.
Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
DAY 03: Arrival
The flight to Paro is an experience like no other. During the journey, you will get inspiringly beautiful glimpses of some of the worlds most famous Himalayan peaks.
At the airport, our representative will welcome you and escort you to your hotel. Drive up to your hotel, check in and begin the sightseeing with Ta-Dzong, the National Museum (closed on Sundays and Mondays), which was originally the watch tower of the Paro Dzong and stands imposingly on a hillock overlooking the Paro valley. A short visit here will give you an idea of the cultural and ecological richness of Bhutan. Ramble down to visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong, the ‘fortress of the heap of jewels’.
Overnight at the Hotel in Paro.
DAY 04: Paro sightseeing
According to legend, Guru Rinpoche miraculously flew here on the back of a tigress, meditated in a cave here for three months and converted the whole of Paro valley to Buddhism.
Resting at an altitude of 900 m above the valley, Taktsang is an architectural wonder and the spectacular four hour walk will be your most overwhelming experience ever.
Drive on to visit Drukgyel Dzong (the ruined fortress -17 km from the town), built in 1647 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over the Tibetans in 1644.
Drukgyel means ‘fortress of the victorious Drukpas’.
The Dzong, with a delightful village nestling at its foot, and the Mount of Jumolhari
(Alt 24,000 feet) appearing as a back drop on a fine weather is an awe-inspiring sight.
On the way back, stop at one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, the Kyichu Lhakhang built by the famous Buddhst Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
DAY 05: Paro to Thimphu
Ramble along the numerous handicraft stores in town in the evening to check out intricately woven Bhutanese textiles and exclusive handicrafts which you can take back with you as a souvenir of your trip to Bhutan.
Overnight at the Hotel in Thimphu.
DAY 06: Thimphu sightseeing
Afternoon: Visit the Institute of Traditional Medicine, and the National Library and later drive to “the fortress of the glorious religion”, TashichhoeDzong (Open to visitors in the evening after 5:00 PM during the week days and throughout the day (morning till evening) on Saturdays, Sundays and Government holidays). It’s a majestic fortress in all its grandeur and serves as the seat of Bhutan’s government. The Dzong houses the secretariat, the throne room, the offices of his majesty the king and the ministries of home affairs and finance.
Overnight at the Hotel in Thimphu.
DAY 07: Thimphu to Punakha via Dochula pass
After a dramatic one hour drive, the zigzag course of the road brings you to Dochula, a beautiful mountain pass (alt 3,140 m) with its fluttering prayer flags and a spectacular set of 108 miniature chortens. On a clear fine day, you will also get awe-inspiring glimpses of the towering Himalayan peaks around.
The remaining part of the drive is mostly a gradual descent into Punakha valley. Check in to your hotel in Punakha and begin the sightseeing. Start with the Punakha Dzong, strategically built between the two rivers, the Phochu (male river) and the Mochu (female river), the winter residence of the Je-Khenpo (the religious leader of Bhutan). This is followed by an evening hike to Khamsum Yule Namgyel Chorten, a three- storey shrine built by the Queen of Bhutan. It’s a brief 30-40 min walk uphill through terraces of paddy fields, chilly plantations etc.
Overnight at the Hotel in Punakha
DAY 08: Drive to Wangduephodrang
The temple is beautifully perched on a small hill top overlooking the entire village.
Take a drive to the small town of Wangduephodrang. Right before arriving Wangduephodrang, you will catch a glimpse of the very distinctive Rinchengang village whose inhabitants are all celebrated stonemasons. Visit the impressive Wangduephodrang Dzong built in 1638 A.D and local market and later return back to Punakha.
Overnight at the Hotel in Punakha
Day 09: Punakha to Paro
Evening: Free.
Overnight at the Hotel in Paro.
Day 10: Paro – Kathmandu:
Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 11: Departure
- 3 nights twin sharing accommodations at the hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast.
- 7 nights / 8 days trip to Bhutan as per the itinerary on full board basis with accommodation at A class hotels.
- All the surface transfers as per the itinerary in Kathmandu and in Bhutan using excellent conditioned AC vehicle.
- All the sight seeing tours as per the itinerary in Kathmandu and Bhutan with English speaking local guide escort.
- Entrance fees to the monuments during the sight seeing tours.
- Any International airfares, visa fees, airport taxes etc.
- Expenses of personal nature such as alcoholic, non alcoholic beverages, laundry bills, telephone bills, camera fees etc.
- Any sort of insurances, any extra cost arises during the entire trip due to the natural calamities, political disorder and due to any reason which is beyond the reach of Adventure G.Nepal.
- Any other services which is not mentioned in cost includes section above.
- Two way airfare for Kathmandu /Paro /Kathmandu sector.
- Visa fee for Bhutan to be paid directly on arrival at the entering point.
- TSF for Bhutan.
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