Bhutan Paro, Thimphu & Punakha Tour

Highlights
Bhutan, a Buddhist Kingdom, lies along the lofty ridges of the eastern Himalayas, bordered by China (Tibet) to the north and northwest, and by the Indian states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, West Bengal and Sikkim on the East, South and West respectively. With an area of 46,500 Sq. km Bhutan is comparable to Switzerland both in its size and topography.

It was the mighty Himalayas, which protected Bhutan from the rest of the world, and left the Kingdom blissfully untouched Bhutanese people are driven by their respect for the tantric strain of Mahayana Buddhism. The Bhutanese people have been able to protect this sacred heritage and unique identity for centuries by choosing to remain shrouded in a jealously guraded isolation.

The population of the Kingdom is only about 6,00,000. Three main ethnic groups constitute Bhutan's population. the Sharchops, who are held to be earliest resident.

Tashi Dzong Thimphu Day 01: Arrive Paro by Druk Air:
Druk Air flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular of all mountain flights. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills, each flight is a mesmerizing feat and offers exciting descent into the Kingdom. On arrival at the airport received by our representative and transfer to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 02: Thimphu / Punakha ( 75 Km, 3 Hours ):
After breakfast proceed on to visit Thimphu valley. Visit Trashichhoedzong, the beautiful medieval fortress/monastery which houses most of the Government's office and King's Throne room It is also the summer residence of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot. Then visit National Library which has vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts. After that drive to Arts & Crafts School, famous for traditional thangkha paintings. Here you will see, students at work producing intricate design on cloth. Later visit Textile and Folk Heritage Museums, a fascinating testimony of the Bhutanese material culture and living traditions. After lunch visit Handicrafts Emporium which displays wide assortment of beautifully hand-woven and crafted products. Then drive to Memorial Chorten, the stupa built in the memory of Bhutan's Third King who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan. The paintings and statues inside this monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy. Late afternoon drive to Punakha across Dochula pass (3,080m ). Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

Day 03 : Punakha / Wangduephodrang / Paro ( 150 Km, 5 Hours ):
After breakfast visit Punakha Dzong, Built strategically at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative centre of the region, Punakha Dzong has played an important role in Bhutan's history. Damaged by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has now been fully restored. Then drive to Wangdiphodrang visiting Dzong and local market. The district of Wangdiphodrang is also famous for its bamboo products, slate and stone carvings. After lunch drive to Paro with a short stop at Dochula pass. En route visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the Kingdom built in 1627, it now houses the School for Buddhist studies. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 04: Paro:
After breakfast take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery, 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. Afternoon visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum of the Kingdom. Originally built as Watch Tower since 1967 it is acting as the National Museum of the country and holding fascinating collection of art, artifacts, thangkha paintings and Bhutan's exquisite postage stamps. Then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong which has a long and fascinating history. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 05: Depart Paro:
After breakfast drive to the airport for flight to Kathmandu..

Seasons
High Season: February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November and December / Low Season: January, June and July.

Tour Package Includes Bhutan:
Accommodation / Full board meals / All transfer with sightseeing / English speaking tour Guide / Entrance fees and Permit / Flight Tikcet.

Cost excludes:
Personal Expenses bar bills, laundry, tips etc / Nepal re-entry visa fee / Travel insurance

Bhutan Travel Tips:
All Foreign National Tourists visiting Bhutan must travel through all inclusive package Tours, for which there is a fixed tariff set by the Royal government of Bhutan. This Tariff includes the Services of accommodation, All meals, Transportation within the country, Guide services, sightseeing and entrance fees for the museums and monuments.

Visa Information
All visitors to Bhutan must have a visa approved prior to arriving in the kingdom. Those who have not had a visa approved will not be permitted to board their Druk Air flight to Bhutan. A two-week visa costs US$50/- + USD 10/- Tourism Tax and actual visa stamping in your passport at Paro Airport during the immigration process. Visas are approved and issued prior to entry, with the prepayment of your travel itinerary. Therefore visitors to Bhutan need to finalize their travel plans well in advance. We recommend 30 days.

Tourist Attractions:
Trashi Chhoe Dzong | Memorial Chorten | School of Arts and Crafts | Weekend market | Changlimithang Stadium | National Institute of Traditional Medicine | Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) | Rimpung Dzong | Town of Paro

Getting There
By Air: The best way to enter Bhutan is by Druk Air, the national air carrier. Following stations are connected with Druk Air Flight.

REVISED Tour Cost 2023/24
BHUTAN TOUR COST FOR 2023/24 FLIGHT TICKETS: USD 541/- (KTM/PBH/KTM)

Note
By Surface: Entry or exit is also possible through Phuntsoling the southern Bhutanese border town. From here the nearest airport is Bagdogra in West Bengal. For travelers wishing to visit indian states of Sikkim, West Bengal along with Bhutan, Phuntsoling serves as the convenient point. Exit from Bhutan can be also made through Samdrup Jongkhar, an important link for visiting further Northeastern states of India. However, Government rules of Bhutan has made it mandatory to use at least one way by air.

Important: Bhutan Tour Package have one single uniform rate per person/per day basis which is fixed by the Govt. of Bhutan. They do not have any Budget/Standard/Deluxe categories, using moderate hotels and all packages are on full board with sightseeing

For More information:
Write Us Mail: holidaynepal@gmail.com | Call: +977 9841 911150 Or WhatsApp & Viber +977 9816 770504