Bhutan often revered as the “Land of the Thunder Dragon” or ‘Druk Yul’, is still regarded as one of the last “Shangri-La’s” in the Himalayan region because of its remoteness, its spectacular mountain terrain, varied flora and fauna and its unique ancient Buddhist monasteries. It is in the relatively unexplored pockets of Asia, which allows only a limited number of discerning travelers in order to preserve its fragile environment and culture in its magical purity.

Highlights

·        Blend the profound and rich culture of Bhutan

·        Experience the unique architecture of buildings

·        Experience the largest statue of the country at Kuensel Phodrang

·        Visit the most beautiful and oldest Dzong at the old capital, Punakha.

·        Experience the 108 memorial stupas at Dochula

·        Drive through Bhutan’s highest motorable pass at Chele La

·        Trek to Tiger’s Nest, a Monastery hanging in the cliff.

Detailed Itenary

Day 1: Bagdogra to Phuentsholing / Overnight at Phuentsholing

Arrive at Bagdogra and drive to Phuentsholing. Take a walk to nearby Zangtog Pelri Lhakhang nd spend the day at leisure and take rest.

Day 2: Phuentsholing to Thimphu / Overnight at Thimphu

Process the Entry Permit, early morning and after the breakfast, we will drive to Kharbandi Goempa before proceeding to Thimphu. The drive to Thimphu is very scenic, once we climb up from the Indian plain to Bhutan foothills through beautiful forest, towns and roadside villages. Our drive will pass through Gedu, Chukha, and Chuzom before emerging ourselves into the only multicultural city in Bhutan. Check into the hotel. Overnight in Thimphu

Day 3: Thimphu Sightseeing / Overnight at Thimphu

After breakfast, first we will process the Inner Line Permit and visit Memorial Chorten which was built by Her majesty Ashi Phuntsho Choden in memory of her late son His majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk ("the father of modern Bhutan") the third king of Bhutan. Kuensel Phodrang where you can see largest Buddha statue in Bhutan which is about 169 feet tall. If time permits, we’ll explore Folk and Textile Heritage Museums, a fascinating testimony of Bhutan's living traditions and National Library where the history of Bhutan lies imprinted in archaic texts.

In the afternoon we’ll drive to the town for lunch and post lunch we will visit Trashichho Dzong, the beautiful fortress which houses most of the Government's office and King's Throne room. Dinner and night halt at Thimphu.

Day 4: Thimphu to Punakha / Overnight at Punakha

Today we will drive towards Punakha and on the way, we will make a brief halt at Dochula Pass. The pass is a popular location among tourists as it offers a stunning 360 degree panoramic view of Himalayan mountain range. The view is especially scenic on clear, winter days with snowcapped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the tranquility of the 108 chortens gracing the mountain pass After reaching Punakha and having lunch we’ll enjoy breathtaking view from Hanging Bridge and proceed to explore Puankha Dzong which is built on the confluence of Phochu (Male River) and Mochu (Female River) and considered as most beautiful dzong of Bhutan. Then and on the way, will visit Chimi Lhakhang which was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley in 15th century (This monk is popularly known as the Devine madman for his philosophy, "Salvation through sex"). He subdued the demons with his Magical Thunder Bolt. The Temple is also known as The Temple of Fertility.

Day 5: Punakha to Paro / Overnight at Paro

After breakfast, we’ll drive towards Paro and in the afternoon,and after reaching Paro we will visit Ta Dzong, watch tower built to defend Rinpung Dozng during inter-valley wars of the 17th century, since 1967 it’s serving as the National Museum of the country. Then we’ll pay a visit to Rinpung Dzong which was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first National Museum 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. Finally, we’ll end our day with Kyichu Lhakhang,one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom dating back to 7th century. In the evening stroll in Paro town. Dinner and overnight at Paro.

Day 6: Hike to Tiger’s Nest / Overnight at Paro

After early breakfast will hike to Paro Taktsang which is one of the most popular monastery visited by the tourist. It was first built in 1692, around the Taktsang Senge Samdup, a cave where Guru Padmasambhava is said to have meditated for three months in the 8th century. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche (Guru Padmasambhava) flew to this location from Khenpajong, Tibet on the back of a tigress and subdued a demon. He then performed meditation in one of the caves here and emerged in eight incarnated forms (manifestations) and blessed the place. Subsequently, the place came to be known as the Tiger's Nest. Guru Padmasambhava is known for introducing Buddhism to Bhutan. Today, Paro Taktsang is the best known of the thirteen caves in which he meditated.

Day 7: Paro to Phuentsholing

After our breakfast, we will retrace our scenic drive back to Phuentsholing. Relax in the hotel and get prepared for your departure the next day.

Day 8: Phuentsholing to Bagdogra

Time to fly back home! Trip concludes with happy memories!

Inclusions

·        Accommodation in triple sharing rooms at all destinations as per the itinerary

·        Breakfast (Day 2 – Day 8) & Dinner (Day 1 – Day 7)as per the itinerary

·        Comfortable Non-AC Hiace Bus / Winger vehicle, as per the itinerary

·        Pickup & Drop from Bagdogra on Day 1 and Day 8, as per the itinerary

·        Entry Fees at the sightseeing points as per the itinerary

·        SIM Card Charges (with Talktime of Rs. 200/-)

Exclusions

·        Train / Flight Ticket till Bagdogra & Return

·        Lunch on all days, throughout the tour

·        Any miscellaneous expenditure incurred during the tour

·        Anything not mentioned in the inclusions

·        5% GST

Things to Carry

·Valid Identity Proof (Passport / VoterID Card), along with 5 Photocopies for each document.

·If you do not have either of Passport or Voter ID Card, please carry Aadhaar Card along with another supporting document such as PAN Card / Driving License / Ration Card. In this case please inform the lead in advance.

·5 Passport Size Color Photographs

·Water Bottles

·A lightweight Haversack or Backpack, and a smaller Day Sack

·Good pair of trekking shoes, and a pair of flip-flops

·Woolen Gloves, woolen socks, Monkey Cap/Balaclava, Neck Scarf

·Thermal Inners

·Jackets

·Waterproof gloves and windcheater/poncho

·Personal clothing (Dressing Moderately is mandatory to visit Monasteries and Dzongs)

·Cap, sunglasses, scarf

·Camera, Binoculars (Optional)

·Toiletries – Sunscreen, Moisturizer, Light towel, Lip balm, Wet wipes, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Hand Sanitizer

·Extra Polythene Bags (To segregate used/ unused garments, wet/ dry clothing)

·Any medicines that you consume normally, post consulting a doctor

·Mosquito repellent

·Snacks & Biscuits to munch on (As some journeys are 6-7 hours long)

·Enerzyl Powder or Glucon D powder

Disclaimers:

·Any customization in arrival and departures may lead to additional cost.

·Customization would not be adjusted with any inclusions such as missed sightseeing, stay, meals etc.

·Due to delay by participants if any destination gets missed same will not be covered.

·If any of the points remains closed without prior intimation, we will try to cover it up with another destination if feasible.