Bhutan Standard Tour
Duration
Tour Location
- Quality4.67
- Location5
- Amenities4.33
- Services5
- Price4
Overview
THE TOUR AT THE GLANCE
Bhutan is rightly known to the world today as the Last Shangri-La. The mighty Himalayas protected Bhutan from the rest of the world and left this Himalayan jewel blissfully untouched. The Drukpa Kagyupa sect of Mahayana Buddhism provided the essence of a rich culture and fascinating history. The Bhutanese people protected this sacred heritage and unique identity for centuries by choosing to remain in a jealously guarded isolation.
This country of rolling hills and towering crags certainly exudes charm. The mountains are magnificent, the forests are dense, the people are delightful, the air is pure, the architecture inspiring, the religion exciting and the art superb. Like timeless images from the past, the traveler encounters the full glory of this ancient land through its strategic fortresses known as Dzongs, numerous ancient temples, monasteries, and stupas that dot the countryside, prayer flags that flutter along the high ridges, wild animals that abound in dense forests, foamy white waterfalls which are the ethereal showers, and the warm smile of its friendly people. With its beautiful and largely unspoiled Himalayan setting, rich flora and fauna, and vibrant Buddhist culture, Bhutan has become an increasingly popular destination for international tourists.
Included
Exclude
- Accommodation for (total 04 nights) sharing double / twin room as per program.
- All Meals (Breakfast, lunch and Dinner)
- Transfers, sightseeing/excursions as per the program by air-conditioned vehicle.
- English speaking accompanying guide as per program.
- Monument entrance fees as per the itinerary.
- Bhutan, Government royalty and taxes.
- Visa fees for Bhutan visit.
- Company representative for assistance on all arrival and departure transfers.
- All presently applicable taxes .
- International / Domestic Airfare /any new fuel surcharge
- Meals not mentioned.
- Travel and medical insurance.
- All personal expenses such as beverages, laundry, trip cancellation and personal insurance, gratuities, excess baggage fees.
- Early check-in/late check-out (except as noted).
- Evacuation charges, damage of any nature.
- Any additional expenses due to unforeseen problems like natural disaster, war or strikes, cancellation or misconnection of flights or last-minute change of timings etc.
- Any other service, which has not been specified as "included".
Tour Plan
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 to you 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 styles of stupas; Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese adorn this confluence.
On arrival in Thimphu, check-into the hotel.In the evening visit King's Memorial Chorten . 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.Before returning to the hotel, take leisurely walk to local craft Bazar recently established under patronage of Department of cottage & small industry and in collaboration with the department of culture, tourism council and the department of agriculture marketing and cooperatives. This market offers genuine Bhutanese arts & crafts thus contributing to promotion, protection, and preservation of traditional arts.
After breakfast, short drive to the north of town to Buddha Dordenma, located atop a hill in Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park. Visitors can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley .Followed by city tour visiting National Library which houses an extensive collection of Buddhist literature, with some works dating back several hundred years as well as modern academic books mainly on Himalayan culture and religion. Also visit the Textile Museum, the living national art of weaving. The place introduces the major weaving techniques, styles of local dress and textiles made by women and men & Folk Heritage Museum encapsulating the cultural heritage of the Bhutanese people.
After lunch drive to Pangri Zampa, visit to Tashichhodzong, ‘fortress of the glorious religion’. Evening explore Centenary Farmers Market. Popularly known as Weekend market, this bustling, colourful market centre is the biggest where farmers from different part of the country gather to sell their farm products.
After breakfast, excursion to Taktsang Monastery or Tiger’s Nest (Approx. 5 hours round trip 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 recognized as a most sacred place and visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime.
Late afternoon, drive end of the Valley to newly restored Drukgyel Dzong. Built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 to commemorate an early military victory over Tibetan invaders, the dzong name means, indeed, ‘victorious Druk’. Historically and strategically, this Dzong withstood all its glory and was featured in 1914 vide National Geographic magazine. The glory of Drukgyel Dzong remained even when it was destroyed by fire in 1951. On a clear day, one can see the commanding view of Mount. Chomolhari (7,314m) from the village, below the Dzong. We will also visit a typical farmhouse. Bhutanese farmhouses are very colorful, decorative and traditionally built without the use of single nail. The majority of the population of Bhutan continues to live as it has for centuries – in small, isolated farms and hamlets, surrounded by terraced fields of rice, maize and buckwheat. Rest of the evening at leisure.
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.