Tour in Bhutan
05 NIGHTS / 06 DAYS BHUTAN TOUR (THIMPHU, PUNAKHA & PARO)
- 6 Days
- People: 4
- Bhutan
Nestled in the folds of the Eastern Himalayas, Bhutan remained in self-imposed isolation for centuries. The population lived in close harmony with nature, evolving a unique identity derived largely from a rich religious and cultural heritage. Bhutan, roughly the size of Switzerland, is the world’s only Mahayana Buddhist country. The Buddhist respect for all sentient beings has helped Bhutan protect its pristine ecology and wildlife.
This self-sufficient population was never colonized and had limited contact with the outside world. Buddhism was established in the 8th century by the Indian saint Padmasambhava, known in the Tantric tradition as Guru Rinpoche. Bhutan was unified in the 17th century by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the great leader of the Drukpa school of Mahayana Buddhism. In 1907, Bhutan established a hereditary monarchy, and in 2008, it transitioned to a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy.
Facts and Figures:
- Land area: 38,394 sq. km
- Forest area: 72.5%
- Altitude: 240m – 7541m above sea level
- Inhabitants: 700,000
- Language: Dzongkha (official), English widely spoken
- Religion: Vajrayana Buddhism
- Currency: Ngultrum (equal to Indian Rupee)
- Capital: Thimphu
- National Symbols: Cypress (Tree), Raven (Bird), Blue Poppy (Flower), Archery (Sport), Takin (Animal)
- Local Time: GMT +6 hours; IST +30 minutes
Day 1: Arrive in Paro & transfer to Thimphu
Day 2: Thimphu sightseeing
Day 3: Thimphu to Punakha via Dochula Pass
Day 4: Punakha to Paro
Day 5: Excursion to Taktshang Monastery
Day 6: Depart Paro
Please feel free to contact us for detailed itinerary or customized itinerary.
DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO BY AIR & TRANSFER TO THIMPHU (55 KMS / 1½ HRS DRIVE)
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in entire Himalayas. Flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu, the journey offers fascinating views and an exciting descent into the Kingdom. Bhutan’s first gift, as you disembark from the aircraft will be cool, clean fresh mountain air. After immigration formalities and baggage collection, you will be met by our representative, and afterwards drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan with enroute stop at Chuzom, the confluence of Thimphu and Paro rivers. Three different style of stupas; Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese adorn this confluence. Shortly before reaching Chuzom, you will see on your left TschogangLhakhang, “the temple of the excellent horse”. It is a private temple, built in 15th century, as the result of visitation from Balaha, the excellent horse, a manifestation of Chenrezig, the compassionate Buddha.
On arrival in Thimphu, check into the hotel. The capital town of Bhutan and the centre of Government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. With the population of about 90,000 it is perhaps still the world’s only capital city without a traffic light.
Evening an exploratory walk around Thimphu Main Street and market area. Also visit the Local Crafts Bazaar, to browse through example of Bhutan’s fine traditional arts. Here you can buy hand-woven textiles, Thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewellery, interesting items made from local materials.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu (Altitude 2400m).
DAY 02: THIMPHU
After breakfast, sightseeing in Thimphu valley including visit to the following: The National Library, housing an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts; the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School) where students undergo a 6-year training course in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts. Later visit Textile Museum, which provides insight into Bhutan’s one of the most distinct art form. Also visit Simply Bhutan, a living museum and studio encapsulating the cultural heritage of the Bhutanese people.
After lunch take a short drive (15 km) to Pangri Zampa, 16th century one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan located just north of Thimphu. Here is a monastic school where Buddhist student’s monks learn Lamaism and astrology based on Buddhist philosophy.
Afterwards visit to Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). Located at a short drive from Thimphu city centre, visitors can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from the Buddha point (KuenselPhodrang). 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.
King’s Memorial Chorten continuously circumambulated by people, murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels. Construction of this landmark was the idea of Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (“the father of modern Bhutan”) who has wished to erect monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it serves both as a memorial to the Late King and as a monument to peace.
Later visit to Trashichhoedzong: This impressive fortress/monastery houses Secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty, the King and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of Chief Abbot and central monk body.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
DAY 03: THIMPHU – PUNAKHA (75 KMS / 03 HRS DRIVE)
After breakfast at hotel, Drive to Punakha across 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.
After checking into 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.
Later in the day excursion to Chimi Lhakhang (from hotel it is about 15 minutes’ drive till motorable road and then walk starts through paddy fields and villages. This is total about 1½ hour walk, including both way). The Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they 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
Evening can be spent exploring Punakha village located right on the bank of river.
Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.
DAY 04: PUNAKHA – PARO (120 KMS / 4½ HRS DRIVE APPROX)
After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive to Paro along scenic highway.
On arrival in Paro, check into the hotel. After lunch, proceed to visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique Thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons &armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.
Ta Dzong visit 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, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and other cosmic Mandala.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
DAY 05: PARO
After breakfast excursion to Taktshang Monastery or Tiger’s Nest (approx. 5 hours walk): 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 visited by ShabdrungNgawangNamgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April, 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendour.
Evening, visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
DAY 06: DEPART PARO BY AIR
After early breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination. Our representative will help you with exit formalities and then bid you farewell.
BHUTAN VISA
In order to process a Bhutan visa, we require a clear readable color copy of the passport (page containing passport no and face picture in JPEG or PDF format) at least 30 days prior to the date of entry into Bhutan. The remaining validity of the passport should be minimum of 6 months from the date of entry into Bhutan (excluding the traveling month).
* Guests are required to have multiple entry visas for India if they are traveling to Bhutan from India and again re-entering India from Bhutan. Please also check if your Indian visa has a ‘2 months re-entry restriction’. If a restriction has been stamped on your Indian visa, then you will have to get it endorsed by the Indian embassy in Thimphu for a nominal charge. For this, however, you will need to be in Thimphu on working days, Mon – Fri during office hours excluding Govt holidays. You will be asked to provide you’re traveling documents like passports, Air tickets, etc.). Our Bhutan Office will assist the clients.
Monument Closing Days:
- Paro National Museum (Ta Dzong): Closed on Government Holidays
- National Library (Thimphu): Closed on Saturdays, Sundays & Government Holidays
- Textile Museum (Thimphu): Closed on Government Holidays & Sundays (Open on Saturdays from 9 AM – 4 PM)
- Institute of Zorig Chusum (Thimphu): Closed on Sundays & Government Holidays; Winter closure (Dec – early March)
- Simply Bhutan (Thimphu): Closed on Sundays & Government Holidays
- Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro): Closed on all Tuesdays
- Folk Heritage Museum: Closed on Sundays & Government Holidays