
117200 / Person
Beautiful Bhutan 07 Days
Start City
ParoEnd City
ParoNo of Days
07No of Nights
06Destinations
punakhathimphuparo
Bhutan, a Buddhist kingdom on the Himalayas’ eastern edge, is known for its monasteries, fortresses (or dzongs) and dramatic landscapes that range from subtropical plains to steep mountains and valleys. Peaks such as 7,326m Jomolhari are popular trekking destinations in the High Himalayas. Paro Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s Nest) clings to cliffs above the forested Paro Valley.
In 2006, the fourth king of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, announced that he would abdicate in favour of a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy. In 2008, the year that marked 100 years of the monarchy, two important events occurred: the first democratic elections and the coronation of the fifth king, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.
How to Get from India to Bhutan.
By Direct Flight Entry: It's very simple to fly from India to Bhutan. Drukair and Bhutan Airlines are the two airlines that fly directly to Paro, the only international airport in Bhutan, from Delhi, Gaya, Bagdogra, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Guwahati. The ticket for a direct flight from Bhutan to Paro is approximately 38,000 ex Delhi, 27,000 ex Kolkata, 17,000 ex Guwahati, and 16,000 ex Bagdogra (ex hub–Paro ex hub). The prices listed are estimates.
By road, passing through the Bagdogra airport, the New Jalpaiguri or New Alipurdwar railway stations, and the Phuentsholing, Bhutan border: Fly or take the New Jalpaiguri Train station (about 12 km from Bagdogra airport) to get to Bagdogra. It will take four to five hours to get to Phuentsholing and four to five hours to get to Thimphu. The route between Phuentsholing and Thimphu is picturesque. Phuentsholing is around two hours away from New Alipurdwar.
Arrival At Paro Airport – Thimphu
- On arrival at Paro Airport and after completing your Visa / Permit formalities you will be received by our Bhutan representative who will assist you in boarding your vehicle for transfer to Thimphu (2320Mts / 7656Fts, 65 Kms / 01½ to 02 Hrs). Evening free at Leisure.
- Before check-in if time permitting city tour of Thimphu will be done and it will depend on flight arrival time in Paro
- Overnight in Thimphu.
Thimphu Sightseeing
- After breakfasts go for Thimphu sightseeing covering Memorial Chorten, Tashichho Dzong, Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodong), Changangkha Lhakhang (Monastery), Motithang Takin Preservation Centre, Drupthob Goemba / Zilukha Nunnery, Zangthopelri Lhakhang (Monastery). Jhunghi handmade paper factory, Thimphu Post office.
- Overnight at Thimphu.
Thimphu – Punakha (75 Kms / 03 Hrs Drive)
- After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Punakha across the Dochula pass (3O8Om). In Bhutan, the passes are marked by a large Bhutanese Chorten and prayer flag. Dochula Pass offers the most spectacular view over the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas on a clear day.
- En route proceed for the day excursion to Chimi Lhakhang (from the hotel it is about 15 minutes drive to a motorable road and then the walk starts through paddy fields and villages. This is a total of about 1½ hour walk, including both ways). The Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, is also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and want one, if they pray at this temple, are usually blessed with a child very soon. The trail leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, meaning ‘field’. A walk through the village near the temple will give you rare glimpses into the daily life and lifestyle of the villagers.
- After checking into the hotel, proceed to visit Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the junction of two rivers. It was the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and still serves as the winter residence of the monk body.
- Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.
Punakha Exploration
- After breakfast, we will visit the following places:
- The Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup nunnery was built as a Buddhist college for nuns and is located on a hilltop in Punakha Valley.
- The feeling at the nunnery is that of serene peace which can be attributed to the prime location on this hilltop with beautiful landscaping all around. One very distinct structure at the nunnery is the large, white-coloured Stupa that is very similar in design to that of several other Stupas in Nepal.
- Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chörten
- Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chörten — chörten in the Punakha District, Bhutan. This chörten was built in 2004 by HM The Queen Mother, Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck, in Nyizergang — about a thirty-minute walk uphill from the footbridge in Yepaisa Village.
- Overnight in a hotel in Punakha
Punakha – Paro (120 Kms / 4½ Hrs Drive Approx)
- After breakfast, drive to Paro along the scenic highway, en route visit SimtokhaDzong, the oldest fortress of the country built in 1627 which now houses the School for Buddhist Studies.
- On arrival in Paro, check into the hotel. After lunch, proceed to visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique Thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons &armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artefacts.
- Ta Dzong's visit is immediately followed by a short walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong (ParoDzong), meaning (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, and scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and other cosmic mandalas.
- Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Paro—Excursion To Taktshang Monastery –TIGER Nest. (FEES 1000 For 5 Years And Above, To Be Paid Directly)
- After breakfast excursion to Taktshang Monastery or Tiger’s Nest (approx. 5-6, hours walk/hike –2 ways in total): (please wear good hiking shoes & carry water & a stick)
- It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro Valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognised as a most sacred place and was visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and is now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of the building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendour.
- Afternoon drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. The snowy dome of sacred Chomolhari, the "mountain of goddess'' can be seen in all her glory from the approach road to the Dzong.
- Evening, visit the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by the Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.
- Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Paro - Onward Connections
- After breakfast, transfer to Paro Airport for taking onward connection.
Inclusion
- 6 Nights’ Accommodation on twin sharing basis.
- Tourist permits for Bhutan.
- SUV Vehicle within Bhutan. Creta KIA or similar.
- Daily 2 meals (Breakfast & Dinner) at hotel.
- A qualified & Licensed English-speaking guide.
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for total nights of stay.
- All sightseeing is as per the tour plan.
- Bottled mineral water at the start of the tour
- Full service & assistance before, during and after your Bhutan trip.
- GST
Exclusion
- Airfare.
- Any beverages (hot or cold ordered during Breakfast, lunch or dinner)
- Any other cost arising due to medical situations, political unrest or any weather-related conditions beyond our control
- Expenditure of a personal nature
- Monuments and scared sites entrance
- Traditional Hot Stone Bath, River Rafting and Cultural program fee.
- Tips for the guide and driver ( Not compulsory )
- GST
Facts and Figures
- Land area38,394 square kilometers
- Forest area72.5 %
- Altitudebetween 240 meters and 7541 meters above sea level
- Inhabitants700,000
- Languageofficial language “Dzongkha”, English & Hindi widely spoken
- ReligionVajrayana stream of Mahayana Buddhism
- CurrencyNgultrum (equal to Indian Rupee)
- CapitalThimphu
- National TreeCypress
- National BirdRaven
- National FlowerBlue Poppy
- National SportArchery
- National AnimalTakin
- Local timeSix hours ahead of GMT and half an hour ahead of Indian Standard Time
Few Local words you can learn for local connect.
- You are welcomeJembalaekso
- Hello (formal)Kuzu zangpo la
- Hello (informal)Kuzu zangpo
- Nice to meet youNga choe da chebay sem ga yi
- How are you?Gaday bay Zhui?
- I’m fineLegshom (Layshom)
- What is your name?Chhoe gi ming ga chi mo?
- Thank YouKa din chey la
- Good bye/wishesTashi Delek
Documents for permit approval
- Clear passport-size photo (soft copy)
- Clear copy of ID – Voter Card or 06 months valid passport (any one)
- For children below 18 years -- Birth certificate with name mentioned & in English or passport (any one)
- Original document to be carried at the time of traveling
- Travel Insurance is compulsory for getting a permit
- Aadhar card not accepted in Bhutan
- Note: On arrival permit is also possible, but it is suggested to take the permit before travel to avoid the long process at immigration