Bhutan

The Kingdom of Bhutan is known for its culture, architecture and archery, but in many ways, it has remained a mystery until half a century ago.

The serene country, which is about half the size of Indiana, is cradled between its husky neighbors China to the north and India to the south. Its lands include subtropical savannahs to forests to the unforgiving Himilayas that guard the country’s eastern border.

Its isolation, domestic policies and decision to limit tourism have helped to protect its culture and its natural beauty.  These are among the reasons it is referred to as the Last Shangri-la and the crown jewel of the Himalayas.

Bhutan is the Land of the Thunder Dragon – one of the most sought after travel destinations today.

The land of the thunder dragon kingdom is a trekker’s paradise and an environmentalist’s dream. With 72 percent of the country under forest cover, Bhutan’s pristine ecology is home to rare and endangered flora and fauna. This spiritual land is the last bastion of the Vajrayana school of Mahayana Buddhism which provides the essence of a unique identity for the 750,000 people.
Bhutan is a unique blend of the old and new. Here is a country that is slowly opening up to the modern world in a fine balance with its ancient traditions.
Those fortunate enough to visit Bhutan describe it as a unique, deeply spiritual and mystical experience. This kingdom is an adventure like no other.

We are tour operator in Bhutan and offer a wide range of holidays in Bhutan, like Bhutan cultural tours, Bhutan trekking, Bhutan Festival tours.

BHUTAN TOURS ITINERARIES

ITINERARY 01: 3 NIGHTS 4 DAYS

DAY 01.
Transfer from hotel to airport in time to connect Druk Air KB 203 at 10:30 flight to Paro. Arrive Paro International Airport at 11:40 . During the flight, one will experience breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Mount Chomolhari and Jitchu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International
Airport, meet and greet. Visit the National Museum (Ta-Dzong). Once the watchtower for the Rimpung Dzong, it was converted into the National Museum in 1968. The Museum stands on a promontory overlooking the Paro valley in all its glory. Visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong. A flagstone path rises gradually from a beautiful wooden bridge with shingle roofing an abutted by two guardhouses, to the dzong. Today, the Dzong is the seat of the district administration as well as the home for the monastic school. The central tower (Utse) of the Dzong, with the superb woodwork, is one of the most beautiful in the nation. The Dzong was built in 1645 A.D and overnight in hotel.

DAY 02.
Drive Paro -Thimphu and after noon Visit the Memorial Chorten, a huge stupa built in memory of the third King who reigned from 1952 - 1972. Visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved. Visit the Painting School where traditional art is still preserved. Artists are taught to paint Thankas here (sacred Buddhist scroll). Visit the Handicrafts Emporium where one can buy Bhutanese textiles and other arts and crafts. Lunch at a local
restaurant.

Day 03.
Morning Visit Pangri Zampa Monastery, situated just beyond Dechencholing Palace (5kms from Thimphu). This temple was the first residence of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal when he arrived in Bhutan in 1616 A.D. It was built during the first quarter of the 16th century by Ngawang Chogyel, the great ancestor of the Shabdrung. Afternoon drive to Paro and overnight in hotel.

DAY 04.
Transfer from Hotel to airport in time to connect Druk Air flight to Kathmandu.

ITINERARY 02: 04 NIGHT 05 DAYS

DAY 01:
Druk Air Flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular of all mountain flights. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or the foot hill, each flight is a mesmerizing feat and offers exciting descent into the kingdom. On arrival at the airport received by our representative and transfer to Thimpu, the morden capital town of Bhutan. Overnight at the hotel in Thimpu.

DAY 02:
After breakfast Thimpu Sight seeing. Visit to Trashichhodzong, the beautiful medieval fortress/ monastery which houses most of the Government's office and king's Throne room it is also the summer residence of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot. Then visit National Library which has vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscript. After that drive to painting school, famous for traditional thangkha paintings. Here you will sea, student at work producing intricate design on cloth. Also visit to Traditional Medicine

Institute is worthwhile where centuries old healing art still practiced. Later visit Textile and Folk Heritage Meseum, a fascinating testimony of the Bhutanese material culture and living traditions. After Lunch visit Handicraft Emporium which displays wide assortment of beautifully hand woven and crafted product. Then drive to Memorial Chorten, the stupa built in the memory of Bhutan's Third king who is popularlyregarded as Father of modern Bhutan. The
paintings and statues inside this monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy. Evening drive to Punakha across Dochula pass (3050m). Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

DAY 03:
After breakfast visit to Punakha Dzong, the 17th centure fortress which has played important role in building up of modern Bhutan followed by visit to local market. Also visit here, Khamsum Yuny Namgyal Chorten, the newly built stupa. Then drive to Wangdiphodrang visiting Dzong and local market. The district of Wandiphodrang is also famous for its bamboo products, slate and stone carvings.

After lunch drive to Paro with a short stop at Dochula pass. Later enroute visit Simtokhoka Dzong, the oldest fortress of the kingdom built in 1672, it now housed the School for Buddish studies. Overnight in hotel at Paro.

DAY 04:
After breakfast visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum of the Kingdom. Originally built as Watch Tower, since 1967 it is acting as the National Museum of the country and holding fascination collection or art, artifacts, thangkha paintings and Bhutan's exquisite postage stamps. Then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong which has a long and fascinating history.

After lunch drive north of Paro valley to ruins of Drukgyel Dozng. From this fort Bhutanese repelled several invasion by Tibetan armies. Nearby visit traditional Bhutanese Farm House. Overnight in Hotel.

DAY 05:
Drive to airport and fly to Kathmandu.

ITINERARY 03: 5 NIGHTS 6 DAYS

DAY 01.
Transfer from hotel to airport in time to connect Druk Air KB 203 at 1355 flight to Paro. Arrive Paro International Airport at 1505 . During the flight, one will experience breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Mount Chomolhari and Jitchu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, meet and greet. Visit the National Museum (Ta-Dzong). Once the watchtower for the Rimpung Dzong, it was converted into the National Museum in 1968. The Museum stands on a promontory overlooking the Paro valley in all its glory. Visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong. A flagstone path rises gradually from a beautiful wooden bridge with shingle roofing aneabutted by two guardhouses, to the dzong. Today, the Dzong is the seat of the district administration as well as the home for the monastic school. The central tower (Utse) of the Dzong, with the superb woodwork, is one of the most beautiful in the nation. The Dzong was built in 1645 A.D
Later Drive to Thimphu . Overnight in hotel

DAY 02.
Thimphu – Sightseeing Morning; Visit the Memorial Chorten, a huge stupa built in memory of the third King who reigned from 1952 - 1972. Visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved. Visit the Painting School where traditional art is still preserved. Artists are taught to paint Thankas here (sacred Buddhist scroll). Visit the Handicrafts Emporium where one can buy Bhutanese textiles and other arts and crafts. Lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Visit Pangri Zampa Monastery, situated just beyond Dechencholing Palace (5kms from Thimphu). This temple was the first residence of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal when he arrived in Bhutan in 1616 A.D. It was built during the first quarter of the 16th century by Ngawang Chogyel, the great ancestor of the Shabdrung. Evening visit Tashichho Dzong - The main secretariat building. It is from here that the King and other prominent civil servants run the country. The Head Abbot and the central monastic body also reside here during the summer.
Overnight Thimphu in hotel.

DAY 03.
Drive Thimphu - Punakha/Wangdiphodrang (77kms / 3 hrs. drive) After an early breakfast, drive to Punakha and Wangdi. The drive will take you via the the Dochula Pass (3150 mtrs.altitude). On a clear day, the most spectacular view of the Eastern Himalayan mountain ranges are visible from here.

Lunch at the hotel/guest house. After lunch, visit the Punakha Dzong, the former winter capital and presently administrative seat of the district. It is also the winter residence of the central monastic body. The Dzong (fortress) lies between two rivers, the Pochu and Mochu, meaning male and female rivers. It was built in 1637 A.D. visit Wangdiphodrang Dzong, perched on a promontory 13 kms away from Punakha. The Dzong was built in 1638 A.D.
Overnight in hotel.

DAY 04.

Drive 5 Hours from Wangdi to Tongsa . After descent from Pele pass to Nakarchu you enter the district of Tonga and drive through a narrow gorge to Chendebji Chorten. Here are two stupas : the older in Nepalese Style which was constructed in 18th century by Lama Shida and the more recent in Bhutanese Style. . Visit Tongsa Dzong. Overnight in hotel

DAY 05.
Drive from Trongsa to Paro. Early morning drive from Trongsa which is about 8 hrs drive and 219km and over night in hotel.

DAY 06.
Drive to AIRPORT and service end.

ITINERARY 04: 06 NIGHT 07 DAYS

DAY 01:
Transfer from hotel to airport in time to connect Druk Air KB 203 at 1355 flight to Paro. Arrive Paro International Airport at 1505 . During the flight, one will experience breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Mount Chomolhari and Jitchu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International
Airport, meet and greet. Visit the National Museum (Ta-Dzong). Once the watchtower for the Rimpung Dzong, it was converted into the National Museum in 1968. The Museum stands on a promontory overlooking the Paro valley in all its glory. Visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong. A flagstone path rises gradually from a beautiful wooden bridge with shingle roofing aneabutted by two guardhouses, to the dzong. Today, the Dzong is the seat of the district administration as well as the home for the monastic school. The central tower (Utse) of the Dzong, with the superb woodwork, is one of the most beautiful in the nation. The Dzong was built in 1645 A.D .Later Drive to Thimphu . Hotel Wangchuk or similar in Thimpu.

DAY 02:
Thimphu – Sightseeing Morning; Visit the Memorial Chorten, a huge stupa built in memory of the
third King who reigned from 1952 - 1972. Visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved. Visit the Painting School where traditional art is still preserved. Artists are taught to paint Thankas here (sacred Buddhist scroll). Visit the Handicrafts Emporium where one can buy Bhutanese textiles and other arts and crafts. Lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Visit Pangri Zampa Monastery, situated just beyond Dechencholing Palace (5kms from Thimphu). This temple was the first residence of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal when he arrived in Bhutan in 1616 A.D. It was built during the first quarter of the 16th century by Ngawang Chogyel, the great ancestor of the Shabdrung.

Evening visit Tashichho Dzong - The main secretariat building. It is from here that the King and other prominent civil servants run the country. The Head Abbot and the central monastic body also reside here during the summer. Overnight in Hotel Wangchuk or similar in Thimpu.

DAY 03:
Drive Thimphu - Punakha/Wangdiphodrang (77kms / 3 hrs. drive) After an early breakfast, drive to Punakha and Wangdi. The drive will take you via the the Dochula Pass (3150 mtrs.altitude). On a clear day, the most spectacular view of the Eastern Himalayan mountain ranges are visible from here.

Lunch at the hotel/guest house. After lunch, visit the Punakha Dzong, the former winter capital and presently administrative seat of the district. It is also the winter residence of the central monastic body. The Dzong (fortress) lies between two rivers, the Pochu and Mochu, meaning male and female rivers. It was built in 1637 A.D. visit Wangdiphodrang Dzong, perched
on a promontory 13 kms away from Punakha. The Dzong was built in 1638 A.D. Overnight at Kitchu Wangdi.

DAY 04:
WANGDI TO TONGSA Drive 5 Hours from Wangdi to Tongsa . After descent from Pele pass to
Nakarchu you enter the district of Tonga and drive through a narrow gorge to Chendebji Chorten. Here are two stupas : the older in Nepalese Style which was constructed in 18th century by Lama Shida and the more recent in Bhutanese Style. . Visit Tongsa Dzong. Overnight at Hotel Norling or similar guest in Trongsa

DAY 05:
Drive from Tongsa – Punakha Drive 7 hours from Bumthang to Punakha. Overnight at Meri Puensum Resort or similar in Punakha.

DAY 06:
Drive from Punakha to Paro. Hike to Taktsang Monastery perched on a cliff 800 meters above Paro valley. Later visit Drugyal Dzong (a ruined fortress - 16 Kms away from Paro town). The Dzong, although in ruins, holds great historical significance. It was from this fortress that the Bhutanese repelled many Tibetan invasions. The name means the victorious Bhutanese. This spot offers a magnificent vista of Mount Chomolhari, "Mountain of Goddess" (Alt.7329 mtrs). Visit a typical Bhutanese farmhouse on the way back. Evening stroll Paro town., Tiger Nest ,
Hotel Holiday Home or similar in Paro.

DAY 07:
Transfer from Hotel to airport in time to connect Druk Air flight to
Kathmandu.

ITINERARY 05: 7 NIGHTS 8 DAYS TOUR

DAY 01.
Transfer from hotel to airport in time to connect Druk Air KB 203 at 1355 flight to Paro. Arrive Paro International Airport at 1505 . During the flight, one will experience breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Mount Chomolhari and Jitchu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International
Airport, meet and greet. Visit the National Museum (Ta-Dzong). Once the watchtower for the Rimpung Dzong, it was converted into the National Museum in 1968. The Museum stands on a promontory overlooking the Paro valley in all its glory. Visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong. A flagstone path rises gradually from a beautiful wooden bridge with shingle roofing aneabutted by two guardhouses, to the dzong. Today, the Dzong is the seat of the district administration as well as the home for the monastic school. The central tower (Utse) of the Dzong, with the superb woodwork, is one of the most beautiful in the nation. The Dzong was built in 1645 A.D
Later Drive to Thimphu . Overnight at Hotel Druk or River View.

DAY 02.
Thimphu – Sightseeing Morning; Visit the Memorial Chorten, a huge stupa built in memory of the
third King who reigned from 1952 - 1972. Visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved. Visit the Painting School where traditional art is still preserved. Artists are taught to paint Thankas here (sacred Buddhist scroll). Visit the Handicrafts Emporium where one can buy Bhutanese textiles and other arts and crafts. Lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Visit Pangri Zampa Monastery, situated just beyond Dechencholing Palace (5kms from Thimphu). This temple was the first residence of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal when he arrived in Bhutan in 1616 A.D. It was built during the first quarter of the 16th century by Ngawang Chogyel, the great ancestor of the Shabdrung.

Evening visit Tashichho Dzong - The main secretariat building. It is from here that the King and other prominent civil servants run the country. The Head Abbot and the central monastic body also reside here during the summer. Overnight Thimphu:, Hotel Druk or River View.

DAY 03.
Drive Thimphu - Punakha/Wangdiphodrang (77kms / 3 hrs. drive) After an early breakfast, drive to Punakha and Wangdi. The drive will take you via the the Dochula Pass (3150 mtrs.altitude). On a clear day, the most spectacular view of the Eastern Himalayan mountain ranges are visible from here.

Lunch at the hotel/guest house. After lunch, visit the Punakha Dzong, the former winter capital and presently administrative seat of the district. It is also the winter residence of the central monastic body. The Dzong (fortress) lies between two rivers, the Pochu and Mochu, meaning male and female rivers. It was built in 1637 A.D. visit Wangdiphodrang Dzong, perched on a promontory 13 kms away from Punakha. The Dzong was built in 1638 A.D. Overnight at Kitchu Wangdi.

DAY 04.
Drive 5 Hours from Wangdi to Tongsa . After descent from Pele pass to Nakarchu you enter the district of Tonga and drive through a narrow gorge to Chendebji Chorten. Here are two stupas : the older in Nepalese Style which was constructed in 18th century by Lama Shida and the more recent in Bhutanese Style. . Visit Tongsa Dzong. Overnight at Sherubling Lodge or Yangkhyil.

DAY 05.
Drive from Tongsa - Jakar - Bumthang Ura Drive from Tongsa via Jakar visiting Jakar Dzong to Bumthang Ura Valley. Visit Bumthang Monastery. Overnight at Wangdu Choling Lodge or Swiss Guest House. Electric supply in Bumthang is erratic.

DAY 06.
Drive from Bumthang to Punakha Drive 7 hours from Bumthang to Punakha. Overnight at Zanthopelri hotel

DAY 07.
Drive from Punakha to Paro. Hike to Taktsang Monastery perched on a cliff 800 meters above Paro valley. Later visit Drugyal Dzong (a ruined fortress - 16 Kms away from Paro town). The Dzong, although in ruins, holds great historical significance. It was from this fortress that the Bhutanese repelled many Tibetan invasions. The name means the victorious Bhutanese. This spot offers a magnificent vista of Mount Chomolhari, "Mountain of Goddess" (Alt.7329 mtrs). Visit a typical Bhutanese farmhouse on the way back. Evening stroll Paro town. Overnight at Kitch Resort , Tiger Nest , Hotel Olathang or similar.

DAY 08.
Transfer from Hotel to airport in time to connect Druk Air flight to Kathmandu.