Travel Buddies Talk

Bhutan: The land of happiness

Gaurav
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OVERVIEW: 8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS

Bhutan is no ordinary place. It is the last great Himalayan kingdom, shrouded in mystery and magic, where a traditional Buddhist culture carefully embraces global developments. Shrouded in mystery, the land of mountains, monasteries and magic, this Himalayan kingdom is a beautiful amalgamation of global developments and traditional Buddhist culture.

HIGHLIGHTS (Scroll for detail itinerary)

THE ITINERARY

DAY 01 (13 Oct): ARRIVAL AT BAGDOGRA/SILIGURI AND TRANSFER TO PHUENTSHOLING 170KM / 5H

Reach Bagdogra/Siliguri by any means in the morning. We will meet at the airport and will take you to the border town of India and Bhutan, Phuentsholing. We’ll wait till tomorrow to get permission and immigration papers.

DAY 02 (14 Oct): PHUENTSHOLING TO THIMPHU 150 KM / 6H

After breakfast and getting our paperwork done, we’ll proceed towards Thimpu via the wonderful mystic town Gedu, which is about 9000 ft above the sea and Chukha Dam. On the way, we’ll also visit Crocodile Park, Kharbondi Gumpha, Wankha waterfalls and will take a halt at Chojum to take photographs of the confluence of two rivers of Bhutan, Thimphu Chu and Paro Chu. We’ll reach Thimphu in the late afternoon & Check in Hotel. In Evening we can go and visit Tashi Chhoe Dzong or the Fortress of the Glorious Region is another ‘must visit’ site. Situated on the west bank of Wang Chu river, Tashi Chhoe Dzong is the formal coronation site of the fifth King. The Dzong also hosts the annual Tsechu festival. Built-in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in the 1960s in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans.

DAY 03 (15 Oct): THIMPHU SIGHTSEEING

The National Memorial Chorten or Thimpu Chorten is a site for evening prayer. The chorten or stupa was built in the memory of the third king, 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 a 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.

Sakyamuni Buddha – On the top of Kuensel Phodrang hill sits the statue of Sakyamuni Buddha. The 51.5-meter long bronze statue would surely attract you and the uninterrupted view of the valley would leave you spellbound. The site is also known as Buddha View Point.

Changangkha Lhakhang – At Thimphu, you will go across several monasteries and temples. Changangkha Lhakhang is among the most important religious structures in Thimphu. The structure dates back to the 15th century and is one of the oldest in the region. The structure is dedicated to Avalokiteshvara, the sign of compassion. You will also enjoy the grand view of Thimphu valley from here.

Takin Zoo – You will find the National animal of Bhutan “Takin” in this open zoo. Takin is one of the most endangered species of the World and it is available only in Bhutan.

The National Library has got a fabulous collection of Buddhist manuscripts which are priceless. It also houses the World’s largest published book which is about 130 pounds and 5X7 feet.

Zorig Chusum – 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.

DAY 04 (16 Oct): THIMPHU TO PUNAKHA 85KM / 2.5H

After having breakfast and checking out we’ll start for Punakha. On the way we’ll visit:

Dochula view point stop – The first stop after leaving Thimphu on the journey is Dochu La pass around 3100 m high and way above the clouds.  Only an hour’s drive from Thimphu, it offers visitors their first glimpse of the Eastern Himalayan range. From the pass, the road curls its way down into the relative lowlands of the Punakha Valley. Punakha was the ancient capital city of the Kingdom before Thimphu was made the permanent capital of Bhutan. Upon reaching Punakha and checking in at the hotel we’ll go visit:

Chimi Lhakhang – Situated at the top of a hillock in the heart of Punakha valley, the Chimi Lhakhang is a site dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley. Known as the ‘Divine Madman’, Lama Drukpa Kuenley is said to made use of songs, humour and his outrageous behaviour to preach his teachings. Chimi Lhathang is actually a temple and is believed to be the temple of fertility. Bhutanese hold a strong belief that Couples who do not have children get blessed by Lama Drukpa Kuenley if they visit the temple and pray for a child. A picturesque rural trail through a paddy field takes visitors to the temple from the road.  After crossing the paddy field you will find a tiny stream from where Chimi Lhakhang is a just a short climb away. 

Punakha Dzong: Beautiful Punakha Dzong(known as the  “the palace of great happiness”), located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (father) and Mo Chhu (mother) rivers in the Punakha–Wangdue valley. The city’s dzong is one of the most picturesque of all Bhutan’s ancient fortresses, the dzong is joined to the mainland by an arched wooden bridge, and contains many precious relics from the days when successive kings reined the kingdom from this valley.

Suspension Bridge – Visit the hidden treasure of Punakha Valley, the longest suspension bridge over River Mo.

Wangdue – After crossing the Fo-Chu-Mo-Chu river, drive along with the Wangdue phrasing and visit newly developed small beautiful town, Bazo Town in Wangdue.

DAY 05 (17 Oct): PUNAKHA TO PARO 130KM / 4H

We’ll start early today to reach Paro on time and after reaching and checking in at the hotel we’ll go visit:

Ta Dzong – Ta Dzong, once a watchtower, built to defend Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars of the 17th century, Ta Dzong was inaugurated as Bhutan’s National Museum in 1968.

National Museum of Bhutan: Situated right above Rinpung Dzong in Paro, the National Museum of Bhutan is a house that showcases Bhutan’s culture. Built-in 1968, the museum stands inside the ancient Ta-dzong building. The museum houses the collection of finest specimens of Bhutanese culture and art and its highlights are paintings and some bronze statues, which are simply masterpieces. The items are demonstrated in large galleries and you can get to know a lot about Bhutan’s art and culture from these objects.

Rinpung Dzong – Built-in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal , the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan, the Dzong houses the monastic body of Paro, the office of the Dzongda (district administrative head) and Thrimpon (judge) of Paro district. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge called Nemi Zam.

Nya Mey Zam Bridge – “The Bridge with No Fish ” is the bridge that connects Paro Town to Dzong.It is one of the finest specimens in Bhutan and local believes if one sees a fish in the river, it is an ill omen. The earlier bridge which could be folded during the war was washed away by the flood in 1969.

Paro Airport View Point – This is the finest valley viewpoint to look after Paro Valley and Paro Airport. This viewpoint overlooking the Paro river along with all the Dzongs and Monastery.

DAY 06 (18 Oct): PARO SIGHTSEEING – TAKTSANG MONASTERY (TIGER NEST)

Taktsang Monastery: If you can brave the risky cliffs on a high mountain, Paro will astonish you in the form of Taktsang Monastery. After covering 1200 metres on a fierce cliff you will reach this sacred site, also known as the Tiger’s Nest. Take a deep breath after reaching the spot and then comfort your eyes and soul with the stunning view of the scenic surroundings and the valley lying underneath. The Taktsang Monastery was established by Sain Guru Rinpoche who came to Bhutan in 747 CE. Construction of the complex was completed in 1694. Discovering the Tiger’s Nest after 3 hours of trekking is real adventure but you may also opt for a horse ride from the parking lot.

Kyichu Lhakhang – Kyichu Lhakhang, (also known as Kyerchu Temple or Lho Kyerchu) is an important Himalayan Buddhist temple situated in Lamgong Gewog of Paro District in Bhutan. The Jowo Temple of Kyichu is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, originally built in the 7th century by the Tibetan Emperor Songsten Gampo.

DAY 07 (19 Oct): PARO TO PHUENTSHOLING 150 KM / 5H

After having breakfast and checking out from hotel we’ll start for Phuentsholing.

DAY 08 (20 Oct): PHUENTSHOLING TO BAGDOGRA 170 KM / 5H

Have breakfast early in the morning and transfer to Bagdogra to catch our flights back home.

PRICING

Rs. 34500/- per person on twin sharing basis.

INCLUSIONS

Accommodation for 8 days & 7 nights.

Breakfast and Dinner on all days.

All transfers in deluxe AC coach throughout.

Professional Photographers with you throughout the trip to capture your Instagram worthy moments.

EXCLUSIONS

Ticket cost to and from Bagdogra Airport.

Lunch or any other beverages or meals.

Anything not mentioned above in inclusions.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

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