BHUTAN
We suggest combining it with our North India OR South India or Nepal Gay group tours.
We can also tailor-make your perfect holiday to Bhutan.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Bhutan is also called "The land of Thunder Dragon" because of the violent and large thunderstorms that whip down through the valleys from the Himalayas. Bhutan, nestled in the Eastern Himalayas between China and India, the small Buddhist Kingdom of Bhutan opened itself to the world only in the 1960s. It had been largely mysterious even to its neighbors but abandoning its self-imposed policy of isolation had it grappling to find a precarious balance between modernization and the preservation of its culture and traditions. Explore the best of Bhutan.
PRICE INCLUDES:
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Sightseeing and local guides.
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All meals as per the itinerary. Hotels used are 3 and 4-star category mixture of boutique and heritage hotels.
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Transportation by car or coach depending on the size of the group.
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All the entrance fees to the monuments.
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Professionally guided tour of the King's Memorial Chorten, built to promote peace, prosperity, and harmony.
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Walking excursion to the Tiger's Nest (Taktsang Monastery), perched on the side of a cliff above Paro.
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Enjoy a cooking demonstration to learn about Bhutanese cuisine.
DAY TO DAY ITINERARY:
DAY1: ARRIVE PARO – THIMPHU (Approx. 65 km/ 2 hours)
Meals: Dinner
Arrive at Paro International Airport. After arrival, proceed to the immigration counter. Complete Immigration formalities and you will be met with your chauffeur/ guide outside of the airport terminal. You will be transferred to Thimphu.
Thimphu - is the capital and the largest city of the Kingdom of Bhutan. Thimphu is the political and economic hub of Bhutan. The city is located on the bank of River Wang Chuu. Thimphu contains most of the important political buildings in Bhutan, including the National Assembly of the newly formed parliamentary democracy and the residence of the King. Thimphu holds a fascinating four-day festival, held every year during autumn (September/October). Arrive at Thimphu and check in to your hotel. Later proceed for short sightseeing of Thimphu.
DAY 02: THIMPHU SIGHTSEEING
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
After breakfast visit Kuensel Phodrang (Buddha Statue) a place for refreshing with a huge statue of Buddha on the top of the Kuensel Phodrang, National Memorial Chorten (Monument) & Folk Heritage Museum. Afternoon visit Sangaygang View Point, Changangkha Monastery, Takin Preserve Centre, the national animal of Bhutan can be seen here, Tashichho Dzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion).
Overnight stay at Thimphu.
DAY 03: THIMPHU – PUNAKHA / WANGDUE SIGHTSEEING (Distance: 85 km. / Driving Time: 3 hrs. / Altitude of Punakha: 1310 mts.)
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch (at Punakha restaurant) / Dinner
After breakfast visit Afternoon transfer to Punakha / Wangdue Phodrang (4,300 ft.), via Dochu-La-Pass (10,170 ft.) to view the higher Himalayas. The pass also has 108 Druk Wangyal Khangzang Chorten which is believed to bring multi-fold merit to all sentient beings and which make the pass a must-visit place. After lunch visit Chime Lhakhang & Punakha Dzong. Check-in at Punakha / Wangdue Hotel or Resort.
Overnight Stay at Punakha / Wangdue.
DAY 04: PUNAKHA KHAMSUM YULLEY NAMGYAL CHOETEN HIKING OR DAY EXCURSION TO GANGTEY VALLEY
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
After breakfast, drive from Punakha to Phobjikha valley. Driving through the dense forests of the Phobjikha Valley you arrive at Gantey village where you see the Gangtey Monastery and visit the monastery. Phobjikha valley is part of the beautiful Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park (formerly known as Black Mountains National Park), one of Bhutan’s most important nature sanctuaries. Each winter it is home to a flock of 300 rare and endangered black-necked cranes. The surrounding hills and mountains are home to nomadic shepherds and yak-herders. This is one of the most remote and untouched regions in Bhutan and is only just opening its doors to the outside world. After lunch at Phobjikha valley and explore the valley and also visit the Black Necked Crane Center.
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After morning breakfast we will drive to a point where a hike starts to a Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten starts. We will have a pleasant walk to a Chorten from where you will have a beautiful view of Punakha valley. After returning back if interested will do some adventure like river rafting if not will do some shopping around town.
Overnight Stay at Punakha / Wangdue.
DAY 05: PUNAKHA - PARO SIGHTSEEING (Distance: 130 kms. / Driving Time: 4 hrs. / Altitude of Paro: 2280 mts.)
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
After breakfast check out from the hotel with a bag & baggage and transfer to Paro. On way visit Tachogang Lhakhang. After Lunch sightseeing in Paro covering- Ta Dzong - National Museum with an excellent collection of Bhutanese antiquities, Rinpung Dzong - the administrative seat of the district of Paro. After lunch, afternoon visit Kyichu Lhakhang - one of the oldest Buddist temples in Bhutan.
Overnight stay at Paro.
DAY 06: PARO SIGHTSEEING
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, proceed to visit one of the famous sites in Paro.
Tiger Nest - From a distance, Bhutan's most iconic building seems to float, weightless, halfway up a sheer cliff-face, 900 meters (3,000 feet) above the floor of the Paro Valley. As you wind your way breathlessly up the long, steep path towards Taktsang Lhakhang, the monastery periodically reveals itself, rising out of the forest, closer and more solid with each re-appearance.
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Chele La Pass: the highest point on Bhutan’s Dantak roads, crests at 3988 meters (roughly 13,000 feet) above sea level. The bright yellow sign marking its location stands next to a traditional stone fireplace and stove, a Buddhist prayer wheel marked with a quote advocating kindness, and a small hut and seating area. Return back to the hotel.
Overnight stay in Paro.
DAY 07: PARO - AIRPORT TRANSFER
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast check out from the hotel and transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Back home with beautiful memories.
Tour ends with sweet memories...