06 Nights 07 Days Bhutan Tour (Best of Bhutan)

Day 01: Arrive at Paro Airport and then drive to the capital city Thimpu (Meal: D)

The flight into the Himalayas reveals scenic and breathtaking views of Himalayan Mountains of the world. If weather permits, you will be able to see the world highest Peak-Mt Everest (8848m, 29,198ft) and other Himalayan mountain ranges. After clearance of customs and immigration, come out at the terminal building where, our representative from the /Bhutan will greet you and drive you to the capital city, Thimphu. On the way to Thimphu, visit Tamchhog Lhakhang located on the opposite side of the river. This is a temple built by Thang Thong Gyalpo of Tibet, who was responsible for building numerous iron bridges throughout Bhutan.

Kuenselcholing View Point: A place from where you can get a good overview of the Thimpu valley is from the Buddha point (Kuensel Phodrang). It is again a short drive from the town. You can pay your obeisance and offer prayers to the Buddha, the largest statue in the country and then walk around and take a glimpse of the valley.Memorial Chorten: This particular chorten was constructed in 1974 as a memorial for the third King of the country, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who is widely regarded as the father of modern Bhutan.

Tashichho Dzong: The names means – Means Fortress of Glorious Religion. It was built in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. It houses the secretariat building, the throne room and the office of the king, and the central monk body. Later relax remaining time at Hotel or stroll around the city. Overnight at Hotel in Thimphu.

Day 02: Sightseeing in Thimphu (Meal: BLD)

Morning take a hike to Cheri Monastery (Includes Dodina and Jigme Dorji Wild life Sanctuary): Hike about 1hrs (to and from) led to Cheri Gomba (Cheri Dorji Dhen). Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal built this monastery in 1620 and established the first monk body here. A chance to spot birds such as Mrs Gould’s Sunbird, Yellow-browed Tit, Yellow-rumped Honey guide, Long-billed Thrush, Ultramarine Flycatcher. Paper factory: The handmade paper making in Bhutan stemmed from the age old tradition originated in 8th century of Bhutanese history. The handmade paper constitutes as valuable National heritage of Bhutanese cultural identity and is preserved through all the ages. The Traditional paper is recognized and held high esteem both in home and outside world.

The weekend market: Held every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the people crowd the stalls every day, dressed in full color and gathered to meet and to barter, much like the street markets in London! Bhutan Craft bazaar: The private stalls had a variety of high-end quality products from places across the country such as wood carved national symbols, bags and western wears with touch of traditional designs, wooden and clay utensils, Bangchung, Dhapa, key hanger of jewelry boxes, bookmarks and handmade packing papers (Deysho) in different patterns, antique items and etc. The stalls have a distinctly rich outlook with fine tones of elegance, and a warm and inviting atmosphere. The craft bazaar is also an exemplary of how bamboo can be used to construct houses in the country. Later you can stroll around the city. Overnight at Hotel in Thimphu.

Day 03: Drive to Gantey via Dochula-la Pass (Meal: B, L, D) (Altitude: Gantey: 2800m/ 9240ft Dochula: 3140m/ 10360ft. Drive: 5 hours’)

Morning, you will have a drive towards Gangtey, crossing a pass known as Dochula (3140m, 10362ft). Stopping for a while, you can take a panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range, especially in clear winter days. The beauty of this place is further enhanced by the Druk Wangyal Chortens- a 108 stupas built by the eldest Queen, Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck.

In the mountains east of Wangdue Phodrang lies the beautiful Phobjikha valley, on the slopes of which is situated the great monastery of Gangtey, established in the 17th century. The village of Phobjikha lies a few km. down from the monastery, on the valley floor. This quiet remote valley is the winter home to the rare black necked cranes migrating from the Tibetan Pleatue to escape the harsh winter. While the cranes reside in the winter valley for 4/5 months the village folks are not allowed to make load noises or fish in the river that runs through the valley. Explore the fascinating glacier valley and return to Hotel for overnight stay.

Day 04: Drive to Punakha/Wangdue (Meal: BLD) (Altitude: 2800m/ 9240ft Drive: 2 hours’)

Morning visit, Gangtey Goemba: In the mountains east of Wangdue Phodrang lies the beautiful Phobjikha valley, on the slopes of which is situated the great monastery of Gangtey, established in the 17th century. The village of Phobjikha lies a few km. down from the monastery, on the valley floor. This quiet, remote valley is the winter home of black necked cranes, which migrate from the arid plains of Tibet in the north, to pass the winter months in a milder climate.

Hike to Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of fertility): This Temple was built by lam Drukpa Kuenley (The Divine Madman) in 1499. It is about thirty minutes hike across fields from the road –Wooden phalluses are often found hanging in the four corners of the houses and also phalluses are painted on the walls of houses. It is the common belief that this helps in driving away evil spirits. (30 minutes hike to and fro, gentle steep, good foot path across the valleys and villages))Overnight in Punakha.

Day 05: Drive to Paro (Meal: BLD) (Altitude: 2280m/7524ft Drive: 4 hours’)

Morning Visit, Punakha Dzong (fortress), built in 1637 by Zhabdrung which is remarkably located between the rivers of Mo (Female) Chu (river) and Pho (Male) Chu. Until the time of second king it served as a seat of the king.

Later, drive to Paro and visit Rimpung Dzong: The Bhutanese Dzong are huge architectural structures constructed for a variety of functions throughout the country, from administrative buildings to monasteries and temples, yet they are carefully and thoughtfully designed and are strikingly beautiful. The Rimpung Dzong, known as the “fortress of the heap of jewels” in the picturesque setting of the Paro valley, is of course no exception, built in the time of the dynamic spiritual and political leader Zhabdrung in 1644. Once a year, as part of the Tsechu festival, one of the oldest Thongdol (gigantic scroll paintings) is ceremonially unfurled here.

Kichu Lhakhang (Monastery): It is one of the two most sacred and the oldest temples in Bhutan. It was built in 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. Overnight at Hotel in Paro.

Day 06: Excursion to Taktshang Monastery, sightseeing around Paro (Meal: BLD)

Morning, hike to Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s nest): This is Bhutan’s most recognizable cultural icon perched 800m/2640ft up a seemingly sheer cliff. Although it was tragically and mysteriously consumed by fire in April 1998, it has now been restored to its former glory. It is believed that in the 8th century, the great tantric master Guru Rimopche/ Padmasambhava (2nd Buddha) flew on the back of a tigress to the site where the monastery now stands. (Five hours hike to and fro, some gentle and some steep hike, some stony foot path and some good ones) If you ride a horse upward it will c person.

Visit Farmhouse: Picturesque farm houses dot the valley amongst fields and hillsides. We welcome you to enjoy the hospitality of the Paro farmers. Thrill yourself as the farmers welcome you to their homes with genuine smiles. The two to three-storied Bhutanese farm houses are handsome in appearance, with colorfully decorated outer walls and lintels, and are traditionally built. A visit to a farm house gives an interesting glimpse into the lifestyle of a farming family. (If you take hot stone bath in the farm house it will cost extra US$25 per person.)Later stroll around the town and see how locals live. Overnight at Hotel in Paro.

Day 07: Depart Paro (Meal: B)

After breakfast, taking the incredible memory of Best of Bhutan tour, you will be transfer to the airport for flight to onward destination.
 

Dates and Cost

Note : Set your own departure date if you have a group size of 2 packs or more.

What is included

1. Airport transfer with an escort in a private vehicle
2. All necessary travel permits
3. Guided sightseeing tour by English speaking local guide throughout the trip suggested
4. Accommodation on single/twin room based on group sized in 3 star deluxe hotel 
5. Sightseeing and monastery entrance fees as per the itinerary
6. All meals during tour (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner), snacks and tea or coffee
7. All Gov. and local taxes as applicable

What is not included

1. Flight to Paro & Return ( you could fly to Paro from Kathmandu, Culcutta, Delhi and Bangkok)
2. Insurance of any kind.
3. Additional cost due to natural calamity and unforeseen circumstance
4. Personal expenses such as drink, guide tips & etc.

Visa
Except the citizens of Bangladesh, Maldives and India, require VISA to enter Bhutan. The VISA processing for Bhutan requires a readable color copy of passport via email that must have at least six month of validity from the date of exit from Bhutan. The file (Scan Copy) should be forwarded via email in JPEG or PDF format. The passport number and picture of the applicant should be visible in the e-document. The application should be processed at least 10 days prior to the date of entry to Bhutan. The tourism council of Bhutan then issues a VISA clearance letter and fax or email it to the local travel agent. Please note that the VISA service is not offered in Bhutan, travelers have to buy full service package from the local tour operator. Travelers traveling by air are required to produce a printed VISA clearance copy at the time of check-in for Druk Air flight. People traveling by land to enter Bhutan via Phuentshoking or Samdrup Jonkhar are required to produce a VISA clearance letter at the immigration center. The actual VISA is stamped in your passport on your arrival in Bhutan.

Meals and Accommodation
While travelling to Bhutan, you will buy full service package. Here, you be serve all meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. If you are interested to taste food available in Bhutan then, Ema Datshi is best featured food of Bhutan. It is quite spicy and is cooked with a lot of cheese. Steamed rice with varieties of spicy curries are widely available in Bhutan. The restaurants in Bhutan serve Chinese, continental and Indian foods. Special menus listed with food items and cost is available in the restaurants. Tibetan dumplings aka momos is a well accounted food in Bhutan.

Hotels, we use in Bhutan is best standard (Government approved 3 star) with comfortable, clean and offered all the amenities required and meets the recent standardization policy set by the government. Upon suggestion, the hotel accommodation can be upgraded from 3 star to 5 star ranges hotels and resorts. The star rated hotels are located in the cities of western Bhutan like Thimphu, Paro, Punakha, Wangdue Phodrang etc. Most of the hotels in these cities are easily accessible and lies in the heart of the cities. The hotels and lodges are decorated with traditional Bhutanese arts and paintings.

Transportation
We use comfortable and well-maintained tourist vehicle based on group size. We ensure before leaving on a trip that our vehicle are double-checked properly. Your security is our main concern and you can be sure to have a safe trip with us.

Climate
The weather in Bhutan varies from place to place depending upon the altitude of the region. In general the weather is warm during summer; you might get little rainfall especially in the south of Bhutan. Spring and autumn are very pleasant with warm days and cool nights. Winter is usually cold in Bhutan with chilling mornings and evenings. The temperature level may go down even below zero. You may get warmth of the sun during the day in winter. Due to the vivid geographical condition of the kingdom Bhutan experiences subtropical climate.

Vaccinations
As vaccination requirements change frequently, we suggest you consult your doctor at least 2 months prior to the commencement of your trip. We recommend protection against malaria, tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis and polio.

Insurance
Before joining the tour, we recommend you take out travel insurance. This should include adequate cover for baggage, medical expenses, cancellation, helicopter evacuation and emergency repatriation. If you do not have travel insurance, you must have a credit card with at least a US$5000 limit.

Personal expenses
We don’t pay for your personal expenses and recommend you to bring extra money to cover meals not included in the tour, extra activities, souvenirs, tips etc.

Currency
The currency of Bhutan is called Ngultrum with currency sign Nu. There are several banks and money exchange centers in Bhutan that change your local currency to Ngultrum. The exchange rate may differ in times due to fluctuation in US dollars. The ngultrum does not exchange independently with other nations' currencies but is interchangeable with the Indian rupee. Major debit and credit cards service is available in the major cities bit it is advised to carry ample cash and travel cheque for your convenience.

Communication
Most of the major towns and cities in Bhutan are equipped with basic communication facilities that include telephone, fax and internet service. Most of the bigger hotels provide email, internet and WiFi facilities within the hotel premises. You can also buy the Bhutanese cell phone service if you need it. If you want to send or receive a parcel then you can use Bhutan postal service which is commonly found in most of the places in the country. For express services people can use DHL or FedEx which are located in the capital city.

Clothing
While travelling to Bhutan, you need to be careful with your cloths and travel equipment. You need to know the season and weather condition before packing your things while traveling in Bhutan. The temperature and climatic condition varies in various regions of the country due to geographical condition and altitude differences. You therefore need to be very careful about selecting your dresses during your trip to the kingdom of Bhutan. Meantime, Bhutan being a religious country following the proper dress etiquettes would be a good idea. You are advised to avoid shorts, skirts, tight clothing while visiting the religious sites like monasteries and temples. Any clothing that express vulgarity is strictly prohibited while traveling
in the temples and monasteries. You are also advised to remove the sun caps if you are visiting temple of Dzongs.

Dos and Don’ts
Bhutan opened its territory for the international tourists only after 1947, when the government of Bhutan decided to promote the country through tourism. Bhutan is a religious country so there are many things that are considered taboos. The tourists visiting Bhutan should be aware about some basic dos and don’ts while traveling in Bhutan.

Dos
    Have a printed VISA clearance copy at the time of check-in for the flight to Bhutan
    Follow the proper dress etiquettes. Please make sure your dress code doesn’t harm the religious sentiments
    Be courteous to old people and treat then with respect
    Carry enough cash as many business do not accept credit cards
    Respond to the assigned tour guide and follow their instruction
    Do register your expensive personal belongings at customs as you need to show the proof of their existence while exiting the country.
    Do follow the traffic rules and regulations

Don'ts
    Avoid tight/skin revealing clothes while visiting religious sites as they might be considered vulgar
    Remove sun caps while visiting temples or Dzongs
    Avoid slangs while visiting religious sites
    Do not feed birds/animals while visiting natural sites
    Do not smoke anywhere you like. Look for the designated smoking zone
    Do not point finger at people or art.