7 DAYS MAJESTIC BHUTAN TOUR (3 STAR) - EX PARO

DETAIL TOUR ITINERARY

DAY 01: ARRIVAL IN PARO TO THIMPHU (2 HRS DRIVE)

On arrival in Paro International Airport, complete the immigration formalities and exit. Our representative will welcome you with khaddar and proceed to Thimphu which will take 2 hrs approx. En-route to Thimphu, stopover at Tachongang Lhakhang for little leg stretch walk crossing Paro River or enjoy the views from the roadside depending your arrival time.

Chuzom- Meeting point of two rivers (Thimphu&Paro) this is tri junction of highway leading to Thimphu, Paro and Phuentsholing into three directions.

Upon reaching at Thimphu, check in hotel. Overnight stay in Thimphu.

DAY 02: THIMPHU SIGHTSEEING

This bustling little city is the main center of commerce, religion and government in the country. Thimphu is the most modern city with an abundance of restaurants, internet cafes, night clubs and shopping centers. However it still retains its cultural identity and values amidst the signs of modernization, often referred as world only city without traffic lights.

After breakfast at hotel, start the day for local sightseeing –

• Visit Buddha viewpoint: The Buddha Dordenma is located at a top of the hill in Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park and overlooks the southern entrance to Thimphu valley.
• Drive pass by Memorial: It is located close to the center of Thimphu city and is one of its most iconic monuments. Visitors will find elderly Bhutanese people circumambulating the Chorten throughout the day. The National Memorial Chorten was built in memory of Late Third King of Bhutan and dedicated to World Peace. Third King is regarded as father of modern Bhutan.
• Folk Heritage Museum- This museum was established in 2001 and provides visitors with fascinating insights into the Bhutanese material culture and way of life, especially the life of Bhutanese in remote parts of Bhutan. Authentic Bhutanese Crafts Bazaar- Bhutan’s first ever craft bazaar located behind Hotel TajTashi showcases wide range of authentic Bhutan-made arts and craft products with reasonable price range.
• Simply Bhutan - Flaunting the rich Bhutanese culture to the world, Simply Bhutan Museum displays the impressive traditions and gives a glimpse of the country's history. A one-of-its kind "living" museum, visitors get to enjoy the Bhutanese songs, folk dances and finger-licious cuisine. One can actually live the country's culture by trying on traditional clothes and archery. Apart from being a living museum, Simply Bhutan is also a photo studio, where the Bhutanese culture is promoted and preserved. Here, the main target is the youth since the future of the country is in their hands. Workshops and training programmes are organized from time to time which majorly involves young people and trains them in various skills. This also provides wonderful employment opportunities to the young population of the nation. From religious values to the rural lifestyle, one can get a peek into every little detail concerning Bhutan.
• Handicraft Emporium- Realizing the importance of socio-economic growth, handicraft emporium was set up with the command of His Majesty 3rd King, this was the first step to showcase the authentic Bhutanese handicraft products in Bhutan. You can still find some of the fine products available here at reasonable cost.
• Clock Tower Square- Situated in the heart of town, Clock Tower Square is a popular venue for open ground events such as cultural festivals, concerts, fund- raising events, live shows and trade fairs. The place is bounded by shops, cafes, souvenir shops and restaurants, making it one of the main attractions in the Thimphu town. Overnight in Thimphu.

DAY 03: THIMPHU TO PUNAKHA (2 HRS DRIVE) (ALTITUDE 1350M)

Breakfast at hotel. Start the most scenic drive to Punakha via dochula pass. En-route take a break at -

• Dochula Pass- The pass is at a popular location as it offers a stunning 180 degree panoramic view of the Great Himalayan mountain ranges. The view is especially scenic and very clear on winter days with snowcapped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the tranquility of the 108 chortens gracing the mountain pass.
• Lamperi Botanical Park- the Park has many varieties of plants, herbs, birds and animals. This park is one of the must visit place for birds and nature lovers. You may enjoy the hot packed lunch here if you had planned picnic.

At Punakha visit –

• Punakha Dzong- Built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo religious head of Bhutan. King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck convened the first National Assembly here in 1952.  This is one of the finest and must see Dzongs of Bhutan. The Dzong stands in between meeting point of two rivers, Phochu and Mochu making the most photogenic Dzongs of Bhutan.
• Punakha Suspension Bridge- Punakha suspension bridge is considered one of the longest of its kind in Bhutan. The bridge connects the dzong with the villages Shengana, Samdingkha and Wangkha on the other bank of the Po Chhu River. In these small villages, locals sell their wares in tiny, traditional shops. Visitors can stop here for a quick and authentic view of true Bhutan.  The suspension bridge is only about 15 minutes’ walk from Punakha Dzong.

Later check in hotel. Overnight stay in Punakha.

DAY 04: DAY TRIP TO PHOBJIKHA (3 HRS DRIVE, ALTITUDE 2900M)

Get ready for Phobjikha the valley day trip, which is a famous of Black Necked Cranes and rhododendron.

• Gangtey Gompa – The temple built over hill top, headed by Gangtey Tulku the reincarnation of PemaLingpa. Annual festival of Gangtey is performed in the temple courtyard every year. This is also the place for black necked crane’s festival held every year on 11-Nov, coinciding with His Majesty’s Fourth King’s Birthday.
• Black Necked Crane Information Centre- This place is run by the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) and has an observation room with high-power telescopes and good scope for spotting the famous Black Necked Cranes which migrates to the region during winter. It also displays information about the history of the region. Later drive back to Punakha and overnight stay at Punakha.

DAY 05: PUNAKHA TO PARO (3 HRS DRIVE, ALTITUDE 2200M)

As we say good bye to Punakha, we will retrace the journey back to Thimphu crossing over Dochula, up until Chuzom and further to Paro. The entire stretch of drive will refresh your mind and give you second chance to enjoy the great snowcapped mountain views of the Himalayas.

• Riverside Visit- Visit to riverside to enjoy the crystal clear river and group video/photo is must in Paro. HBT guides will take you to the best place to enjoy at beautiful river banks of Paro.
• Paro Airport Bird’s Eye View Point- the Paro international airport is among the top 10 most stunning and challenging airports in the world. The view point offers an exquisite view of the Paro valley.
• Rinpung Dzong- ‘Fortress on a Heap of Jewels’, is ranked one of the best Bhutanese architecture. The massive buttressed walls that tower over the town are visible throughout the valley, particularly when landing at Paro Airport.  The Dzong also offers administrative seat of the district of Paro. The Dzong was built in 1644 under the order of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
• National Museum of Paro- Perched above Paro Dzong it was watch tower built in 1649 to protect the undefended Paro Dzong located below, renovated in 1968 to house the National Museum. Today this museum houses the best collections of all time historical items making worth for a visit.
• KyichuLha khang: Temple considered sacred Jewel of Bhutan was established by the Buddhist King SongstsenGampo of Tibet to overcome the giant ogress that laid across Tibet and Himalayas preventing the spread of Buddhism. The king is believed to have built the temple at the left foot of the enormous ogress. Kyichu Lhakhang was among 12 temples in Bhutan out of 108 temples said to have been constructed over single night. Kyichu Lhakhang was initially small in size however later, the temple expanded both in grandeur and size to its form that we see today.
• Paro Town- Tiny Paro town actually can offer lot more, there are many authentic handicraft shops, readily available Bhutan made products, grocery and imported garment shops beside having many small restaurants around.

Later check in hotel. Overnight in Paro.

DAY 06: PARO SIGHTSEEING

This picturesque region in the kingdom is covered in fertile rice fields and has a beautiful, crystalline river meandering down the valley. Paro has more of historical sites, high-end tourist resort and many souvenir shops for shopping including world famous Takstang.

Taktsang Monastery (Tiger Nest Temple): This one is Bhutan’s most iconic landmark and religious Buddhist site in the world. The name Taktsang translates to “The Tiger’s Nest”. The temple is one of the holiest sites in Bhutan which clings impossibly to a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley. Although good trekkers can make it to the top in two hours, most of the guests take whole day to complete the hike.

Overnight in Paro.

DAY 07: PARO DEPARTURE

After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Paro Airport for departure.

IMPORTANT NOTES: 

• Hotel star rating in Bhutan is not up to the international standard. 
• The capacity of the vehicle is including a guide and driver.
• Rooms are subject to availability at the time of booking confirmation. 
• If in case these hotels are not available, We will provide similar hotels under the same category or twist the itinerary. 

• The rates quoted in the packages are on per person basis when 4 Pax travel together.

• Price will be less or more when number of person increase or decrease.

• Price is valid for Indian nationals only.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

1. 50% payment to be deposited to confirm the booking.

2. Carry warm clothes.

3. All Cost quoted is in INR (Indian Rupee).

4. Vehicle Provided as per mention tour plan (Point to Point Basis only), any additional

5. Sightseeing not mentioned in the Itinerary will be charged extra.

6. No Refund or Compensation for any unused services/transportation in any circumstance.

7. Visits to Museums/Parks/Monasteries/Forts in the program is subject to their remaining open on the day of the visit as per the rules of the competent authority.

8. We will not bear any cost for flights cancelled or delayed due to Bad weather or any other reason given by the airline. The cost of accommodation and transport in such cases will have to be borne by the passenger.

9. No changes in the date of travel once booked.

10. Room allotment will be as per the availability at the time of check-in, floor or view preferences are not guaranteed.

11. All expenses which are not included in the cost of the package shall be paid directly by tourist at the time of checkout.

12. All tourists are advised to take comprehensive Insurance on their own.

13. The timings given in itinerary and program may be changed without notice keeping in mind local development.

CANCELLATION POLICY:

1. 30% cancellation charges if cancelled before 30 days before the tour.

2. 50% cancellation charges if cancelled within a 10-29 days before the tour.

3. No refund for tour starting within 10 days, after the starting or middle of the tour.

4. The Process of Refund will take around 7 days to complete.

DOs:

• Follow proper dress code while visiting offices and religious sites. Entering religious monuments and offices with singlet and miniskirts are not our norm.
• Remove your hat while entering religious sites and kindly takes off your footwear while entering temple altar rooms.
• Maintain silence in heritage and religious sites and monuments.
• Always walk clockwise while passing heritage and religious monuments
• Proper permit is required to export religious artifacts or antiques
• Always carry valid travel documents and produce the same if required
• Ask and be informed at the cancelation policy of the tour operators or the hotels as every tour operator and hotels have their own cancelation and refund policy.
• Be fully insured again unforeseen medical emergencies.
• In case of loss of travel document, report to the nearest immigration, police or TCB office
• Use proper toilet facilities where available. Be as discreet as possible if open air toilet is to be practiced.
• Be responsible for your own waste and dispose them in designated areas.
• Follow traffic rules and use designated zebra crossing for your safety.
• Report to TCB on misbehaviour of guides, drivers and tour operators.

DON'Ts:

• Refrain from touching any murals, religious painting and objects in the temples as it is disrespectful as per local culture.
• Smoking in the public areas is strictly prohibited and liable to be fined, so please refrain from smoking in public areas.
• Carrying and use of drone is strictly prohibited.
• Spitting on the wall and other places is discouraged.
• Taking photographs and filming is restricted in some areas. So please refrain from filming and taking photograph in those areas. Please seek your guide advise.
• Refrain from feeding animals on highways, parks and in other places
• Washing, swimming or throwing objects into lakes and other water bodies are prohibited as it is considered sacred
• Do not sit straddle or legs stretched in front in the altar as it is culturally offensive, we expect you to cross your legs or kneel when sitting in religious places.