Bhutan Odyssey Vacation

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Bhutan is the last unspoiled Himalayan kingdom often known to the world as Shangri-La. It is situated in the Eastern Himalayas of southern Central Asia and is bordered by Tibet in the North, Sikkim in the west, Indian states of Arunanchal Pradesh in the east and Bengal and Assam in the south. Bhutan is a landlocked mountain kingdom, sandwiched in the Himalayas between India and the Tibetan region of China. Many naturalized citizens came originally from Tibet and India. Bhutan’s indigenous population is the Drukpa. Three main ethnic groups, the Sharchops, Ngalops and the Lhotshampas (of Nepalese origin) make up today’s Drukpa.

Trip Itinerary
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Day 1: Arrival in Paro & drive to Thimphu (65 km / 1 Hr) | Altitude: 2300m

Fly to Paro from your suitable destination. Receive by your guide at the airport and transfer to Thimphu by private car. Check into hotel with warm welcome and refresh. Day rest in hotel for today with short tour briefing through guide for onward trips and you can also wander on your own to stroll Thimphu streets or relax in your hotel. Overnight at Hotel in Thimphu
Breakfast in the hotel and then we begin your sightseeing tour through our guide. Morning visit the Weekend Market. It is local market open on Thursday/Friday/Saturday/Sunday only so you can be lucky if your stay lies in any of these days in Thimpu. Hand Made Paper Mill which is also called Traditional Paper Factory, the paper made from the Danphe plant with cosmos flower petals and other plants using simple methods. School of Arts and crafts where students learn 13 different techniques of traditional paintings, sculptures, and other forms of traditional arts that used predominantly in Bhutan, Lunch in town at decent restaurant. Then continue our visit by Memorial Chorten (temple) built in 1974, in the memory of the late 3rd King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. The white building with four storey contains statues and iconography of deities from complex tantric teaching. Visit Changangkha Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the valley, Enclosure where national animal, Takin are kept, which is believed to be crafted by a Divine Madman – Drukpa Kinley with its animal’s appearance resemblance to goat by front and cow from behind and Zilukha Nunnery, which has been housed in Drubthob Goemba with about 70 nuns who live and pray in monastery. Overnight Hotel at Thimphu
Take early breakfast, and drive to Punakha and Wangdi through Dochula pass, the highest road pass in your trip at 3010m. On clear weather, one can enjoy a spectacular view of the highest mountains of Bhutan – Gangkar Punsum (7550m) along with other Eastern Himalayas that stretches almost 180 degrees. After a short tea break continue to sub tropical Punakha. Afternoon visit the Punakha Dzong (fortress), “Palace of Great Happiness”, which built in 1637 and houses the most elaborated temple in the country. Punakha was the former capital of Bhutan and it is still the winter residence of the Central Monastic Body. It lies between two rivers, the Pochu and Mochu which means Male River and Female River. Similarly, we visit Wangdiphodrang Dzong, situated 13 km from Punakha was built in 1638 by Shubdrung Nawang Namgyal. This massive fortress is sitting on a hilltop at the confluence of Punakha Chu and Tang Chu River. Overnight: Punakha
Retrace the drive back to Paro. En route visit Chimi Lhakang on foot about 30 min, the temple of fertility associated with religious art of phallus. The temple is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, a Tibetan Buddhist saint known popularly as “the divine madman” and considered a folk hero in Bhutan for his unconventional ways. Afternoon in Paro visit National Museum, the first of its kind which has a collection from natural history to religious paintings. Visit 17 century Paro Dzong (Fortress) on foot and continue walking through the oldest wooden bridge still in use. Evening stroll Old Paro town and peep into some local handicrafts stores. One can also venture to try local restaurant for dinner. Overnight: Paro
Today we visit two oldest temple of the country. Visit Kichu Lhakhang, built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gompo in the 7th century who miraculously built 108 temples, along with Jorkhang in Lhasa and Kichu is also considered to be one of them. And historic ruin Drukgyal Dzong (Fortress), built in 1644 to commemorate the victory of Bhutan over Tibet. Then after drive north of Paro town and begin trek to the famed Taktsang (Tiger’s lair) monastery, the most revered temple that literally hangs on a granite vertical cliff overlooking Paro. The trail begins near the Satsam (2650m) and climbs steeply uphill to the Cafeteria (2,940m), an area of exposed ridge with panoramic view of Takstang and after further an hour hike reach there. You will also find several other temples and sites within the vicinity. And return trek through steep downhill to the road where your driver will meet and transfer to Paro hotel. Overnight: Paro
Transfer to airport for your departure flight. Our tour guide will bid you farewell at the airport.

Inclusion

  • Visa process and arrangement
  • Royalty to the government and other taxes
  • Government surcharge for individual groups traveling as one or two pax
  • All accommodations in 3 star standard hotels approved by the Tourism Council of Bhutan
  • Twin sharing room on full board meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
  • Full time English speaking guide
  • Private transportation for airport pick up/ drop and all sightseeings
  • Entrance fees to events, historic sites, museums and parks as indicated in the itinerary
  • US$ 20 (visa fee for a single entry)
  • Mineral water bottle
  • Service Tax & Government Tax

Exclusion

  • Druk Air (Royal Bhutan Airline) fare for Paro flight from your convenient city like Kathmandu / Delhi / Bangkok 
  • Any alcoholic/non alcoholic beverages
  • Any other personal expenses
  • Gratuities to guide, driver, trekking staff, hotel service, etc
  • Travel Insurance
  • Luxury star hotels and resorts (5 star) available at an additional cost
  • Any additional expenses due to unforeseen circumstances or not mentioned above

Fixed Departure Dates

We will easily organize this trip on the dates requested by you. Please contact us for your customized departure date

Price On Request
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Trip Overview

  • Duration: 6 Days
  • Trip Grade: Easy
  • Trip Start & End Point: Paro
  • Group Size: 1 Person Or Above
  • Tour Type: Private Service
  • Transportation & Drive Hours: Private Vehicle (Approx. 2 - 3 Hrs)
  • Best Season: April Through November

Trip Info

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