Nestled in the folds of the Eastern Himalayas, remaining in self-imposed isolation for centuries, Bhutan opened up to the world in a glacial pace. The population lived in close harmony with nature, evolving a unique identity, derived largely from a rich religious and cultural heritage. This country of 700,000 people, roughly the size of Switzerland, is the world’s only Mahayana Buddhist country. The Buddhist respect for all sentient beings helped Bhutan protect its pristine ecology and wildlife.
This self-sufficient population was never colonized and had limited contact to the outside world. Buddhism was established in the 8th century by the Indian saint Padmasambhava, popularly known in the Tantric tradition as Guru Rinpoche. Perhaps the most dynamic era in Bhutanese history came in the 17th century with the arrival, in 1616, of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the great leader of the Drukpa school of Mahayana Buddhism. He unified the country and established the foundations for national governance and the Bhutanese identity.
In 1907, a historic Assembly of the clergy, the official administration, and the people unanimously elected Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck as the first hereditary King of Bhutan thus beginning the glorious era of the Wangchuck dynasty. In 2006, the fourth king of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck announced that he would abdicate in favor of a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy. In 2008, the year that marked 100 years of the monarchy saw two important events; the first democratic elections and the coronation of the fifth king, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.
Facts and Figures
Land area : 38,394 square kilo metres
Forest area : 72.5 %
Altitude : between 240metres and 7541metres above sea level
Inhabitants : 700,000
Language : official language “Dzongkha”, English widely spoken
Religion : Vajrayana stream of Mahayana Buddhism (Also known as Tantric Buddhism)
Currency : Ngultrum (equal to Indian Rupee)
Capital : Thimphu
National Tree : Cypress
National Bird : Raven
National Flower : Blue Poppy
National Sport : Archery
National Animal : Takin
Local time : Six hours ahead of GMT and half an hour ahead of Indian Standard Time
Day 01: Arrive Paro by Air & Transfer to Thimphu (55 Kms / 1½ Hrs Drive)
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, 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 style of stupas; Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese adorn this confluence. Shortly before reaching Chuzom, you will see on your left Tschogang Lhakhang, “the temple of the excellent horse”. It is a private temple, built in 15th century, as the result of visitation from Balaha, the excellent horse, a manifestation of Chenrezig, the compassionate Buddha.
On arrival in Thimphu, check into the hotel. The capital town of Bhutan and the centre of Government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. With the population of about 90,000 it is perhaps still the world’s only capital city without a traffic light.
Evening an exploratory walk around Thimphu Main Street and market area. Also visit the Local Crafts Bazaar, to browse through example of Bhutan’s fine traditional arts. Here you can buy hand-woven textiles, Thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewellery, interesting items made from local materials.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu (Altitude 2400m).
Day 02: Thimphu
After breakfast, visit Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). Located at a short drive from Thimphu city centre, visitors can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from the Buddha point (KuenselPhodrang). You can pay your obeisance and offer prayers to the Buddha, the largest statue in the country and then walk around and take a glimpse of the valley.
Commence the “Buddha Nature Train” from Buddha point to Changangkha Lhakhang (02 hours easy hike). The hike from Buddhapoint to Changangkha Lhakhang is the most popular one to see the locals of Bhutan and at the same time take a forest bath. As you hit the trail you will be greeted by thousands of prayer flags and welcomed by a pristine forest of pines, birch, and rhododendron trees. If you are lucky, you can encounter few wild pheasant and bore. The trail is well maintained and at some places along the trails Gazebos are set up from where you can have a spectacular view of Thimphu valley and ends at Changangkha Lhakhang.
Continue visit the Changangkha Lhakhang, which is a fortress like temple and monastic school perched on a ridge above Thimphu, south of Motithang. The temple was established in 12th century on a site chosen by Lama PhajoDrugomShigpo, who came from Tibet. The central statue here is Chenrezig in a manifestation with 11 heads. From temple courtyard, there is fascinating view of Thimphu valley.
After lunch, take a short drive (15 km) to Pangri Zampa, 16th century one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan located just north of Thimphu. Here is a monastic school where Buddhist student’s monks learn Lamaism and astrology based on Buddhist philosophy.
Further visit to Bhutan Post Office, the Postal Service in Bhutan was first launched on 10th October 1962 with the opening of a post office in Phuentsholing. In the same year, post offices also opened in Paro and Thimphu.
Traditional Paper-making factory, which comprises of two enterprises; the unit in Thimphu produces traditional handmade paper from natural plants mainly from ‘Daphne’ plant species which is insect-resistant. The other unit in Jimina, 22 km from the centre Thimphu town, recycles waster papers. The traditional handmade papers are widely used for religious scripts, packing materials, hand-carry bags, lampshades, envelopes, calendars . The paper looks a lot like Japanese washi, and in fact a lot of Bhutanese paper is exported to Japan also.
Evening, visit Trashichhoedzong: This impressive fortress/monastery houses Secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty, the King and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of Chief Abbot and central monk body.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 03: Thimphu – Paro (55 kms / 1½ hrs drive)
After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive to Paro along scenic highway.
On arrival in Paro, check into the hotel. After lunch, proceed to visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique Thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons &armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.
Ta Dzong visit immediately followed by a short walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong (ParoDzong), meaning (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and other cosmic Mandala.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 04: Paro
After breakfast excursion to Taktshang Monastery or Tiger’s Nest (approx. 5 hours 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 recognised as a most sacred place and visited by ShabdrungNgawangNamgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April, 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendour.
Rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 05: Depart Paro by Air
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.
Proposal
3* Hotel package cost valid from January until December 2023
02 Pax travelling together: US$ 1324 per person
03 Pax travelling together: US$ 1284 per person
04 – 06 Pax travelling together: US$ 1256 per person
07 – 08 Pax travelling together: US$ 1232 per person
09 – 12 Pax travelling together: US$ 1220 per person
13 – 15 Pax travelling together: US$ 1212 per person
16 – 18 Pax travelling together: US$ 1196 per person
19 – 20 Pax travelling together: US$ 1188 per person
Single room supplement: US$ 140 Nett
4* Hotel package cost from January until December 2023
02 Pax travelling together: US$ 1344 per person
03 Pax travelling together: US$ 1304 per person
04 – 06 Pax travelling together: US$ 1276 per person
07 – 08 Pax travelling together: US$ 1252 per person
09 – 12 Pax travelling together: US$ 1240 per person
13 – 15 Pax travelling together: US$ 1232 per person
16 – 18 Pax travelling together: US$ 1216 per person
19 – 20 Pax travelling together: US$ 1208 per person
Single room supplement: US$ 148 Nett
5* Hotel package cost valid for January, February, July, August & December 2023
02 Pax travelling together: US$ 1678 per person
03 Pax travelling together: US$ 1638 per person
04 – 06 Pax travelling together: US$ 1610 per person
07 – 08 Pax travelling together: US$ 1586 per person
09 – 12 Pax travelling together: US$ 1574 per person
13 – 15 Pax travelling together: US$ 1566 per person
16 – 18 Pax travelling together: US$ 1550 per person
19 – 20 Pax travelling together: US$ 1542 per person
Single room supplement: US$ 572 Nett
5* Hotel package cost valid for March, April, May, June, September, October & November 2023
02 Pax travelling together: US$ 1846 per person
03 Pax travelling together: US$ 1806 per person
04 – 06 Pax travelling together: US$ 1778 per person
07 – 08 Pax travelling together: US$ 1754 per person
09 – 12 Pax travelling together: US$ 1742 per person
13 – 15 Pax travelling together: US$ 1734 per person
16 – 18 Pax travelling together: US$ 1718 per person
19 – 20 Pax travelling together: US$ 1710 per person
Single room supplement: US$ 690 Nett
Mandatory supplements:
– Mandatory Festival charges during Paro Tshechu from 2nd to 6th April 2023 at Le Meridien, Paro: USD 94 per room per night
– Thimphu Tshechu supplement at Dusit D2 Yarkay, Thimphu from 22 – 28 Sep’24: US$ 40 per room per night
– Thimphu Tshechu Festival at Hotel Druk, Thimphu from 24 – 26 Sep’23: US$ 40 per room per night
– New Year Supplement on 31st December 2023 at Hotel Druk, Thimphu: US$ 40 per person
– New Year Supplement on 31st December 2023 at Le Meridien, Paro: US$ 94 per person, which includes Gala Dinner and Themed Party (To Be Advised)
The above prices are net payable to us and inclusive of following services:
– Accommodation on twin sharing as per below mentioned hotels
– Breakfast & dinner at the hotel and lunch at the local restaurant.
– All transfers and sightseeing as per the itinerary
– English speaking accompanying guide
– Governmental royalty and taxes
– Entrances
– Bhutan visa fee
The following are NOT included in above mentioned quote:
– Insurance of any kind / medical expenses
– Beverages (alcoholic / non – alcoholic)
– Expenses of personal nature (like tipping, laundry, Telephone/fax calls, camera/video fees etc)
– Airfare & airport taxes
Vehicle Envisaged:
– 01 – 02 Pax: SUV Hyundai Tucson / Santa Fe (05 Seater)
– 03 – 06 Pax: Toyota Hiace Bus (07 Seater)
– 07 – 08 Pax: Toyota Hiace High Roof Bus (10 Seater)
– 09 – 15 Pax: Toyota Coaster Bus (19 Seater)
– 16 – 20 Pax: Toyota Coaster Bus (23 Seater)
3* Hotel Envisaged:
– Thimphu (02 Nts) – Thimphu Tower / Hotel Phuentsho Pelri / Similar
– Paro (02 Nts) – Bhutan Mandala Resort / Tshang Tshang Villa / Similar
4* Hotel Envisaged:
– Thimphu (02 Nts) – Hotel Druk (Deluxe Room)
– Paro (02 Nts) – Tenzinling Resort (Deluxe Room)
5* Hotel Envisaged:
– Thimphu (02 Nts) – Dusit D2 Yarkay (D’Light Room)
– Paro (02 Nts) – Le Meridien (Classic Room)
Documents require for visa:
– Valid passport copies
– Recent passport sized photos one each guest
– Copy of Travel Insurance
