Bhutan, The Land of Thunder Dragon is the last Buddhist kingdom in the world. Located in the heart of mighty Himalayas, it is surrounded by the Chinese autonomous region of Tibet in the North and the Indian state of West Bengal and Assam in South, and Arunachal Pradesh in the East.
Bhutan is about the unspoiled natural beauty, picturesque landscape, colourful folklore and intact Buddhist culture. Bhutan houses 7000 species of plants, 50 species of Rhododendrons, 675 species of birds and 178 species of mammals. Bhutan has been identified as one of the 10 bio-diversity hot spots in the world.
Glimpse of Bhutan is short cultural experience in the magical kingdom of Bhutan. The trip explores the valleys of Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and Wangdue, with its amazing landscape, imposing architectures, ancient temples, humbling spiritual faith and lifestyle.
Most of all, the kingdom of living happiness and the strong spiritual ambiance. Essence of Bhutan will surely make an impression in your life. The trip will be a lifetime experience.
Today all tour members will board Druk Air, Bhutan’s national carrier. Druk Air. There is no seat reservation. If you want a seat of your preference, you have to reach the airport early. Ask for window seat on your left, while coming to Bhutan. If the weather is clear you can see the famous Mount Chomolhari, Bhutan's sacred mountain. Your guide will meet you outside the terminal. You will be taken for tea/coffee and your guide will give a brief on the programme of the day. After the break, we will start the sightseeing. Our first visit will be the impressive Ta Dzong - the ancient watchtower above the Paro Dzong which now houses the National Museum. (Museum is closed on Government holidays and on Mondays). The museum houses some of the ancient Buddhist status besides housing finest thanka, scrolls. It also houses Bhutan animals, birds and other interesting Bhutan way of life. After the museum, we will visit Paro Dzong, known as Rinpung Dzong, which means “heap of jewelsâ€. We will then drive to Thimphu, the capital city for the night halt. Overnight at Hotel.
After we will begin our full day sightseeing of the capital city of Bhutan, THIMPHU. Your guide will take you various places of interest based on your discussion from the previous night. The places of interest include the following: the impressive Memorial Chorten – build in memory by the Queen Mother for her late husband, the third King of Bhutan. Here, the faithful circumambulate the shrine dedicated to the late king, Takin, the national animal of Bhutan, School of Arts and Crafts, national library, handicrafts emporiums, weekend markets (if in weekend), temples and probably archery, the national sport, Semtokha Dzong and others. In the evening, we will drive to Punakha via Dochula pass at an altitude of 3100 metres. On a clear day, you can see the whole range Bhutanese Himalayas. Overnight at Hotel.
After early breakfast you will drive to visit the Punakha Dzong, the Old Capital of Bhutan. Punakha dzong, the ancient capital of Bhutan, was built at the confluence of the Po (male) and Mo (female) Rivers was built in 1647 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and is the winter home of the central monk body. The monk body moves from Thimphu to Punakha during the winter months. After that we will drive to Wangdiphodrang to see the Wangdi Phodrang Dzong. On the way to Wangdi Phodrang, you will stop at Metshina Village and take a 30-minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lakhang, a temple which is a famous for fertility blessing. This temple was built by famous Drukpa Kunley, popularly known to western world as the Divine Madman and lunch there. After lunch, we will proceed to Paro. Overnight Hotel.
After breakfast, you will drive the winding road beside the Pa Chu (chu means river or water) to Satsam Chorten. From this point, we begin the challenging hike to Taktsang – “The Tiger's Nest.†A vantage point directly across a gorge from the temple can be reached in about 2 hours. This magical monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff 2, 000’ above the valley floor. Legend says that Guru Padmasambhava flew to a cave on this cliff riding a tiger - hence the name - to meditate. The tiger was actually his favorite consort, Yeshe Tsogyel, whom he transformed to a flying tiger for the purposes of this journey. They meditated in the cave and when the Guru left he instructed that the monastery be built. Nothing like a day hike to finish your wonderful stay in Bhutan. This evening is at your leisure. If wanted to see anything more, your guide will take your around. Option for those who are not able to walk: In the event if you feel you are not able to take a hike to the Famous Tiger’s nest, please discuss with your guide for his suggestion to see some other places of interest, or you may choose to be on your own.
After breakfast we'll transfer you to the airport for our departure from the Land of the Thunder Dragon to your home country.
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A deposit of 25% of the total trip cost is payable at the time of booking and the final balance due 8 weeks before the start of the trip. The act of booking implies that you have accepted the ethos of the trip and any objective or subjective risks associated with it.
Should you wish to cancel your booking please inform us immediately in writing by e-mail or letter. The following charges will apply, as a percentage of the trip:
1) More than 42 days before departure 25% of total cost
2) 42 to 29 days 50% of total cost
3) 28 days to 15 days 75% of total cost and
4) 14 days or less 100% of total cost.
These cancellation charges go to paying, among other things, outside Guides that have been contracted in, hotel or airline deposits, staff wages, setting up costs etc.
