BHUTAN JOURNEY

Welcome To Eastern Himalaya

DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF BHUTAN

Place covered: Thimphu, Phunakha & Paro

Duration
06 Nights / 07 Days

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

1. Unlock the splendid history and culture of Bhutan in the beautiful fortresses and temples hidden in a valley.
2. Tick "Tiger Temple" off on your bucket list.
3. Be welcomed and blessed by the warm and honest Bhutanese in a local home stay.
4. Experience evening prayer in a nunnery. Enter into the Bhutanese spirit world.
5. Enjoy whitewater rafting on a scenic river. Feel the vitality of its Himalayan valley.
6. Visit the Takin Preserve. Encounter these stocky goats living in Himalayas.
7. Appreciate exquisite Bhutanese craftsmanship in traditional workshops.
8. Relax in boutique or heritage hotels with local features hidden in quiet valleys.

ITINERARY OUTLINE

Thimphu Elevation: 2400 m

Paro Elevation: 2400 m

The flight into Paro on your national carrier, Druk Air is a befitting introduction to the eye catching view of our country. As you step out of plane to the Kingdom of thunder dragon you will feel the cool and clean fresh air. After clearing custom and visa control, you will be welcome by representative of company and brief by tour guide then immediately transfer to Thimphu.

Thimphu is the centre of government, religion and commerce. The capital has an interesting combination of tradition and modernity, and includes some of the most advanced and remotest parts of the kingdom. It is home to the Kings and the Royal family members, civil servants, expatriates, politicians, business persons and monks. Enjoy this cultural mix based on livelihood. Of culture we will take you through temples, dzongs, chortens, museums, handicraft stores, nunneries, parks and many more.

National Memorial Chorten - Meet the elderly generation in circumambulation at the National Memorial Chorten. Chorten means ‘Seat of Faith’ and Buddhists often call such monuments, the ‘Mind ofBuddha’. Treat yourself with the fantastic depiction of Buddhist teachings in the form of paintings and sculptures at this temple. As the name denotes this National Memorial Chorten was consecrated on July28, 1974, in memory of the Third King

Buddha Point - Located at Kuenselphodrang Nature Park, the 169 feet bronze statue of Buddha Dordenma, Vajra Throne Buddha makes it one of the largest Statue of Buddha in the world. The Buddha Dordenma symbolizes indestructibility, and it is said to emanate an aura of peace and happiness to the entire world. The Buddha statue will be completed soon. Currently a waiting for the completed paintings but visitors can drive up to the Buddha point and view the tallest statue of Lord Buddha. The view of Thimphu valley from the Buddha point is spectacular and beautiful, especially at night.

Thimphu Elevation: 2400 m

Wangditse Day Hike - The walk from the Radio Tower, Wangditse is a moderate hike with great views over Thimphu. The peace road finishes at broadcast tower, which further up is adorned by fluttering prayer flags. The view of south Thimphu from here is superb. WangditseGoemba was founded in 1750 by the attendants of Bhutan's 8th Desi, Yeshey Rabgye. It was renovated in 2002 after it suffered serious damage in a windstorm in 1995. The goemba housesthe statues of the guardian deitiesYeshey Gonpo (Mahakala), Palden Lhamo (Mahakali) and Tsheringma (the Goddess of Longevity)

Motithang Takin Preserve – Houses the rare national animal of Bhutan. Takin is listed by international conservation agencies as a vulnerable species and it is a rare animal found only inBhutan, Nepal and Burma.

Institute of Zorig Chusum - Commonly known as the Painting School, or the School of the Thirteen Arts, theInstitute offers you a glimpse of novices learning 13 traditional arts and craftsof Bhutan. It is a hands-on trip for you. Enjoy few moments with future artists of the country.

Simply Bhutan – A living museum and a photo studio with a mission to engage and empower youth entrepreneurs through preservation, promotion and showcasing of Bhutanese tradition and cultural diversity.

Centenary Farmers' Market - Most of the Thimphu population congregate on the banks of Wangchhu River where the weekend market is held. Villagers from the Valley and other nearbyplaces come to sell their wide range of agriculture products in the market. The market is by far the largest domestic market in Bhutan. A visit to the market provides great photo opportunities,as well as the chance to mingle with local people and perhaps buy souvenirs.

In the evening, we will visit Tashichho Dzong – The “fortress of the glorious religion” was initially erected in 1641 and rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the 1960s. Tashichho Dzong houses some ministries,His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body.

Thimphu Elevation: 2400 m

Phunakha Elevation: 13000 m

Punakha - The ancient capital of Bhutan, about two and half hour drive from Thimphu across Dochu-La Pass. Once you cross the pass, you wind down into a warm fertile valley and meander along a gently flowing aquamarine river that leads you to the Punakha Dzong, the second dzong to be built in Bhutan.

Dochula Pass - At 3,150 meter, this beautiful pass located on the way to Punakha from Thimphu offers a stunning 360-degree panoramic view of Himalaya’s mountain range with its 108 chortens that was built by Her Majesty the Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck. The pass is also a popular spiritual destination for both locals and tourists.

Druk Wangyal Chorten - The construction of 108 chortens was commissioned by Her Majesty the Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck to commemorate the victory over the Indian militants and to liberate the souls of the lives lost.

Chhimi Lhakhang - Chimi Lhakang also known as Fertility Temple located in the beautiful village of Sopsokha right before the junction in Lobesa. The monastery stands on a small hill close to the village of Lobesa and was constructed in 1499 by Ngawang Choegyel, the 14th Drukpaheirarch. This monastery is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley 'Divine Madman' known for his outrageous behavior. The existing footpath to Chimi Lhakhang passes through beautiful terraces of paddy fields. It is about 30 minute walk across field from the road to the temple.

The Divine Madman, Drukpa Kinley is a famous teacher with whom the phallic symbol is associated. Tales told by your guide would have excited you to visit Chhimi Lhakhang. The Divine Madman sits there thougha statue this time. Do not miss the master's deeds painted on the walls. Japanese and several American couples visited this temple and were blessed miraculously with children

Treat yourself with good lunch and prepare to visit most beautiful fortress in the country i.e, Punakha Dzong. Phunkha Dzong is placed well at the confluence of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, the Dzong was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative seat of the region. It was here that the dual system of government was introduced in the17th century and in 1907, enthroned the first King Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck. Do not miss the massive Kuenray, the Coronation Hall of all Bhutanese kings

Phunakha Elevation: 1300 m

Phunakha Elevation: 1300 m

Phobjikha Valley - Well known as the winter home of the Black-necked Crane (Grus Nigricollis). Bhutan is home to around six hundred black-necked cranes with Phobjikha being one of the popular places that the birds migrate to in the winter months from the Tibetan plateau.The elegant and shy birds can be observed from early November to an end of March.

Gangtey Goempa - Situated south of the road and east of Wangdue Phodrang, is Gangtey Gompa, an old monastery dating back to the 17th century. The largest Nyingma monastery in western Bhutan, it was founded in 1613 by Gyalse Pema Thinlay.

Phobjikha Valley - Well known as the winter home of the Black-necked Crane (Grus Nigricollis). Bhutan is home to around six hundred black-necked cranes with Phobjikha being one of the popular places that the birds migrate to in the winter months from the Tibetan plateau. The elegant and shy birds can be observed from early November to an end of March. Overlooking the Phobjikha valley is the Gangtey Goempa. This is an old monastery that datesback to17th century.
Phobjikha Nature Trail - A short trek of about 90 minutes known as Gangte Nature Trail startsfrom the Mani stone wall to the north of the Gangteng Gonpa and ends in Khewa Lhakhang.

Black-Necked Crane Information Centre - The valley of Phobjikha is known as the winter home of the Black-necked Crane (Grus Nigricollis). Bhutan is home to around six hundred black-necked cranes with Phobjikha being one of the popular places that the birds migrate to inthe winter months from the Tibetan plateau. The elegant and shy birds can be observed from early November to an end of March. BlackNecked Crane Information Centre, which has informative display about the cranes and the valley environment.

Phobjikha Elevation: 3000 m

Paro Elevation: 2400 m

Paro Valley - The beautiful valley is home to many of Bhutan's old monasteries and temples. The valleyis also home to Mount Chomolhari (7,300 meters) situated at the northern end of the valley whose glacier water forms the Pachu flowing through the valley.

Paro Dzong (aka Ringpung Dzong) - Explore the Rinpung Dzong, which the locals call the ‘fortress ofa heap of jewels’. Built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the dzong stands on a hill above Paro Township. It is linked by the traditional cantilever bridge (called the Nemi Zam) over the Pa Chu where one may pose a photograph.

National Museum (Ta Dzong) - On a ridge immediately above Rinpung Dzong is Ta Dzong, originally built as a watch tower. In 1968, Ta Dzong was inaugurated as the first National Museum, and now holds a fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangka paintings, Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps, coins and handicrafts, together with a small natural history collection. Start or end your trip with a visit to this marvelous museum.

Kyichu Lhakhang - Also known as Kyichu Temple or Lho Kyichu, is the oldest temple in Bhutan. Just like Jambhay Lhakhang in Bumthang, it is one of the 108 temples built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo to subdue and pin down an ogress that was obstructing the spread of Buddhism. According to legend, all 108 temples were built in a single night. Go back in time and history and visit the 7th century Kyichhu temple. As the name suggests, the temple isa reservoir of peace, where you will feel at peace here. Next to the temple is the house that is turned into a museum dedicated to the late Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. One can come across photographs and other artifacts belonging to Rinpoche

Paro Elevation: 2400 m

Tiger Nest’s Monastery Elevation: 3000 m

Getting up in the fresh morning, we’ll start today’s trek to Taktshang aka Tiger's Nest Monastery, on the edge on the cliffs, has mesmerized many a visitors.“Trip to Bhutan is never complete without climbing to Taktsang”, says one guests. According to the legends, it is believed that Guru Rinpoche flew to this location from Eastern Bhutan ridding on the back of a Tigress (his consort Tahi Kheden) in form of Guru Dorji Drolo and meditated in one of the caves, thus gaining the name Tiger's Nest. If the time permits, drive further north to visit another symbolic ruined Dzong, which is now fully restored under command of His Majesty the King to celebrate the birth of His Royal Highness and to honor the 400th anniversary of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel arrival in Bhutan. you can explore the Paro Drukgyel Dzong, The ancient ruin of Drukgyel Dzong, considered as the most beautiful and famous archaeological sites in Bhutan, is situated on a ridge in the upper Paro valley. It was built in mid 16th century under the guidance of Zhabdrung to commemorate the victory over the external invasion.
Hot Stone Bath - You can go for a locally own Hot Stone Bath, which can take four people at one time. This bath will help loosen your joints, release muscle tension and invoke a profound sense of relaxation. The cost is approximately USD 25/- per person. (Not included in the packages)

Paro Elevation: 2400 m

After breakfast you will be transfer to air port and the representative of Bhutan Unshakable Tours and Treks will bid farewell and see off you in airport.

Inclusions

  • Guaranteed visa approval for Bhutan
  • Daily Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Carefully-handpicked 3 star luxury accommodations throughout your trip with twin sharing bed basis
  • Entry fees & road permits
  • All government fees, royalties, taxes & surcharges, including new SDF (Sustainable Development Fund) of USD100/night
  • Private guided tour across Bhutan
  • A qualified & licensed English-speaking guide
  • A tour vehicle
  • An experienced driver
  • Full service & assistance before, during and after your Bhutan trip
  • Mineral water bottle in the car through out the tour
  • Set of traditional costume (to be return at the end of your stay)

Exclusions

  • International Air fare
  • Travel Insurance
  • Tips for guide and driver
  • Personal Expenses
  • Any details not covered in the itinerary or package inclusions.