SIMPLY BHUTAN
BHUTAN TOUR PACKAGE
Tour Duration /nights
Tour Itinerary
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DAY 1 : ARRIVAL AT PARO AIRPORT – TRANSFER TO THIMPHU
Meet & Greet on arrival at Paro Airport and transfer to Thimphu (7,710 ft.) the capital city of Bhutan. On arrival check in at the hotel. Afternoon start for half day Thimphu sightseeing consist of Kuensel Phodrang (Buddha Statue) a place for refreshing with a huge statue of Buddha on the top of the Kuensel Phodrang, King's (National) Memorial Chorten - This Chorten was built in 1974 in a typical Tibetan style. It is also a center of worship for the people living in Thimphu. Tashichho Dzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion) - The Dzong is the seat of the national government and the Central Monastic Body, including the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan) at present. & Folk Heritage Museum. Overnight stay at Thimphu.
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DAY 2 : THIMPHU CITY TOUR
After breakfast go for morning sightseeing- visit the Indigenous hospital where traditional old art of healing is still practiced, Art & craft School, National Library, royal goldsmith workshop and handicraft centers. Have a sumptuous lunch.In the afternoon visit the Memorial Chorten built in the memory of the late king Jigme Dorji Wang chuck, 15th century Changangkha monastery, Motithang mini zoo to see the rare “Takin” national animal of Bhutan and drive further down with good view of the Thimphu Valley. Visit the new Drupthob nunnery temple. Evening at your own leisure. Overnight in Thimphu.
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DAY 3 : TRANSFER TO PARO
After Breakfast, check out from Hotel & Transfer to Paro. Paro is Destination of Scenic beauty, the only International airport of Bhutan in Paro. It has a population of 39,800 (which is approx 1 and half hours/65 KM from Thimphu). – visit the historic ruins of the Drukgyal Dzong, built in 1647. Paro’s Main street features shops on both sides, all crammed with brasswares, silk and cotton scarves, incense sticks, silver filigree jewellery, gho (Bhutanese National Dress for Men) which can be matched with elaborately embroidered boots, kira (wrap-around sarong worn for Bhutanese Women) and prayer flags that one could string across any open space to seek blessings for loved ones and friends. Evening at your own leisure. Overnight in Paro.
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DAY 4 : PARO CITY TOUR
After Breakfast: Visit -1) View of Taktshang Monastery, 2) Kichulanka Monastery, 3) Ta Dzong, 4) Paro Rinpung Dzong (Museum), 5) Nya-mey Zam, 6) Dungtse Lhankhang, 7) Kila Gompa, 8) Druk Choeding. In Evening: Stroll Through the Market of Paro & Overnight Stay in Paro.
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DAY 5 : TRANSFER TO PARO AIRPORT
After breakfast check out from Hotel proceeds to Paro Airport for your onwards journey.
- 4 NIGHTS ACCOMODATION IN 5 STAR,4 STAR, 3 STAR, DELUX & STANDARD HOTELS
- TRANSFER ALL IN PRIVATE IN 4 SEATER (WAGONR/SANTRO),7 SEATER (INNOVA /XYLO), 8 SEATER (BOLERO/TAVERA/SCORPIO/TATA SUMO)
- SIGHT SEEN AS PER ITINERARY
- IMMIGRATION CHARGES
- DRIVER CUM GUIDE
- PICK UP AND DROP FROM PARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
- FOOD AS PER CP(BREAKFAST ONLY)
- VEHICLE WILL BE PROVIDEDPOINT TO POINT AND NOT AT DISPOSAL
- EXTRAS OF PERSONAL NATURE SUCH AS PERSONAL TIPS, LAUNDRY CHARGES, ADDITIONAL TOUR CHARGES.
- DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY LUNCH, EVENING TEA/SNACKS & DINNER
- INSURANCE, MEDICAL & EMERGENCY RESCUE COSTS.
- DOES NOT INCLUDE HARD DRINKS OR LIQUOR OR MINERAL WATER OR SOFT DRINKS/JUICES.
- DOES NOT INCLUDE ENTRANCE FEES AT MONASTERIES / MONUMENTS / MUSEUMS ETC.
- DOES NOT INCLUDE SPECIALIZED GUIDE
- AIR FARE / TRAIN FARE
- ANY OTHER ITEMS NOT MENTIONED IN COST INCLUDES
SIGHTSEEING PLACES IN BHUTAN
Thimphu is the capital of Bhutan and the largest town in Bhutan. It lies at an altitude of 2400 metres. All government headquarters and centre for trade are located here. The following are the places of tourist attraction in Thimphu.
Trashichho Dzong
Meaning “fortress of the glorious religion “was initially erected in 1641 and rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the 1960s. It is one of the largest Dzong in Bhutan. The Dzong houses the throne room and office of his majesty and is the seat of government and religious affairs in the kingdom. The northern portion of the Dzong has the summer residence of the central monastic body and his holiness the Je Khenpo (chief abot). It is open to visitors only during the Thimphu Tsechu (held in autumn) and during winter when the monk body moves to punakha.
National Memorial Chorten
This monument was built in 1974 in the memory of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. It was originally the idea of Bhutan’s third King, H.M. Jigme Dorji Wangchuck to erect a monument for world peace and prosperity, but could not be done due to his untimely death. So after his death, it was built to in his memory and to serve as a monument for world peace.
Simtokha Dzong
Built in 1627, it is the oldest Dzong in the country. The most noteworthy artistic feature of this Dzong is the series of over 300 finely worked slate carvins behind the prayer wheels in the courtyard which are centuries old the paintings inside this Dzong are believed to be some of the oldest and the most beautiful in the country.
National library
The National Library was established in the late 1960s and it houses an extensive collection of Buddhist literature mostly in block-printed format and some works are several hundred years old. There is also a small collection of books in English on the ground floor mainly on Buddhism, Bhutan, the Himalayan region and neighboring countries.
Institute for Zorig chusum
Commonly known as the painting School is an institute established primarily to preserve and promote Bhutan’s unique artistic tradition which played a vital role in moulding its distinct heritage. The Institute offers a six year course on the 13 tradition arts and crafts of Bhutan and on a visit one can see students learning the various skills taught at the school.
National Institute of Traditional medicine
The Institute was established in 1967 as a center for indigenous medicines and practice. In olden times. People primarily relied on the indigenous medicines to cure their illness. The Institute also serves as a training school for traditional medicine practitioners. The complex is closed to visitors due to considerations of hygiene, but one can still walk around and view it from outside.
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 (Kuensel Phodrang). 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.
Botanical Gardens, Serbithang
Located on lush hillside about 10km from the city, the gardens offer a peaceful and relaxing environment to spend a few hours. Botanists will find the wide selection of indigenous trees and plants of interest.
Coronation Park
Located on the banks of the river (near the city stadium), these 5.6 acres of parkland offer a pleasant and relaxing environment to stroll or to sit and watch the river flow by.
The Folk Heritage Museum (Phelchey Toenkhyim)
It is dedicated to connect people to the Bhutanese rural past through exhibits, demonstrations, educational programmes and documentation of rural life. The principal exhibit in the museum is a restored three storey traditional rammed mud and timber house, which dates back to the mid 19th century. The design and form of house is that of an average household in the Wang area during that era. The age of structure demonstrates the durability and performance of the building materials. From ground to top floor, household objects, typical domestic tools and equipments that would have been used by a family during that period are put on display. The museum is also developing some of the native trees and plants that were used for various domestic purposes in the rural households.
Weekend Market
Every Saturday and Sunday most of Thimphu's scant population and many valley dwellers congregate on the banks of the river where weekend market is held. It is an interesting place to visit and provides opportunity to mingle with the local people.
Paro (alt. 2200m/7218ft)
The beautiful valley of Paro encapsulates within itself a rich culture, scenic beauty and hundreds of myths and legends. It is home to many of Bhutan's oldest temples and monasteries, National Museum and country's only airport. Mount. Chomolhari (7,314m) reigns in white glory at the northern end of the valley and its glacial water plunge through deep gorges to form Pa Chhu (Paro River). Paro is also one of the most fertile valleys in the Kingdom producing a bulk of the locally famous red rice from its terraced fields. Places of interest in and around Paro:-
Rinpung Dzong
Built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan, the Dzong houses the monastic body of Paro, the office of the Dzongda (district administrative head) and Thrimpon (judge) of Paro district. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge called Nemi Zam. A walk through the bridge, over a stone inlaid path, offers a good view of the architectural wonder of the Dzong as well as life around it. It is also the venue of Paro Tshechu, held once a year in the spring.
Ta Dzong
One time watch tower built to defend Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars of the 17th century, since 1967 Ta Dzong is serving as the National Museum of the country. It holds fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings and Bhutan's exquisite postage stamps. The museum circular shape augments its varied collection displayed over several floors.
Drukgyel Dzong
This Dzong, with a delightful village nestling at its foot, was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders. Historically and strategically this Dzong withstood all its glory and was featured in 1914 vide National Geographic magazine. The glory of Drukgyel Dzong remained even when it was destroyed by fire in 1951. On a clear day, one can see the commanding view of Mount. Chomolhari from the village, below the Dzong.
Kyichu Lhakhang
It is one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom dating back to 7th century (the other is Jambey Lhakahng in Bumthang). The lhakhang complex is composed of two temples. The first temple was built by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century and in 1968, H.M. Ashi Kesang, the Queen Mother of Bhutan, built the second temple in original pattern.
Dungtse Lhakhang
To the west of the road is Dungtse Lhakhang, a chorten-like temple. This unusual building was built in 1433 by the iron bridge builder Thangtong Gyalpo. It has three floors representing hell, earth and heaven and the paintings inside are said to be some of the best in Bhutan.
Beyond Dungtse Lhakhang, to the east of the road, the tiny Pana Lhakhang is quite old and is believed to have been built in the seventh century.
Punakha (alt. 1300m/4265ft)
Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until and still it is the winter seat of Je Khenpo (the chief abbot). Blessed with temperate climate and owing to its natural drainage from Pho Chhu (male) and Mo Chhu (female) rivers, the Punakha valley produces abundant crops and fruits. There are splendid views of the distant Himalayas at Dochula pas (alt. 3,050m) on Thimphu – Punakha road. Places of interest in and around Punakha
Punakha Dzong
Built strategically at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in 1637, by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative centre of the region, Punakha Dzong has played an important role in Bhutan's history. Damaged by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has been fully restored by the present King. The Dzong is open for visitors during Punakha festival and in summer months when the monk body moves to Thimphu.
Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
A beautiful hike takes one to the regal Khamsum Yuelley Namgel Chorten, which was built to remove negative forces and promote peace, stability and harmony in the changing world. The Chorten dominates the upper Punakha Valley with commanding views across the Mo Chhu and up towards the mountainous peaks of Gasa and beyond.
Important Information
HOW TO BOOK
- JUST PAY 25 % OF THE PACKAGE COST INCLUSIVE OF TAXES AND FULL AMOUNT OF THE AIRLINES COST. YOU WILL GET A BOOKING CONFIRMATION VOUCHER WITHIN 240 MINUTES OF THE PAYMENT RECEIPT AND YOUR BOOKING STATUS WILL BE "BOOKING HOLD- CONFIRMED"
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BANK ACCOUNT DETAILS
- ACCOUNT HOLDER NAME :- R S TRAVELS
- BANK NAME:-UNION BANK OF INDIA
- ACCOUNT NO :- 702101010050095
- IFS CODE :-UBIN0570214
- ACCOUNT TYPE :- CURRENT A/C
- BRANCH NAME :- JAIGAON
- ACCOUNT HOLDER NAME :- R S TRAVELS
- BANK NAME:-STATE BANK OF INDIA
- ACCOUNT NO :- 35081943112
- IFS CODE :-SBIN0006278
- ACCOUNT TYPE :- CURRENT A/C
- BRANCH NAME :- JAIGAON
Documents required to enter in Bhutan are
- Indian nationals do not require any visa for Bhutan. A permit will be issued at the entry point on production of a Passport or Voter ID and 04 Passport size photographs. We can also arrange the permit ahead of travel provided all documents are submitted 15 days prior travel to our registered office.
- Restricted Area Permit for Punakha / Wangdue: Restricted Area Permit is required to visit Punakha / Wangdue from Home Ministry of Bhutan. Please bring 02 passport size photographs and Voter ID card or Passport of each person including child. This special permit is given only after guest has entered Thimphu. Permit are not issued on Saturday and Sunday and Govt Holidays. NOTE:
- Above rates are for Indian National and Bangladesh National only
- For Bangladesh National double entry visa is Mandatory
- The rates quoted in the packages are on per person basis till 31st December 2015 (High seasons surcharge will be applicable during the Festivals & Peak season)
- The above mentioned hotels will be confirmed as per the room availability. Otherwise similar category hotel will be provided
- Bhutan is a smoke free country, Smoking and tobacco is strictly prohibited in Bhutan.
- The booking will be confirmed only after we receive 25% of the tour cost as advance
- Additional sightseeing or extra usage of vehicle, other than mentioned in the itinerary will be charged extra
- Children below the age of 18 can carry school/college Id card for the Permit
PAYMENTS TERM
- 25 % at the time of booking and balance 10 days prior travel date.
- No booking are guaranteed without advance payment and rates are subject to availability.
CANCELLATION POLICY
- Less than 7 days prior to Date of Travel: 100% of the package cost as cancellation charge.
- 7-15 days prior to Date of Travel: 75% of the package cost as cancellation charge.
- 16-30 days prior to Date of Travel: 50 % of package cost as cancellation charge.
- More than 30 days: Full refund of package cost excluding processing fees.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
- R.S travels reserves the right to re- arrange itinerary to suit hotel availability without changing the hotel number of days in each destination and without compromising any services.
- The vehicle used is Ac or Non Ac and is available for point to point services only and is not at disposal. Clients are requested to follow the itinerary.
DO’S IN BHUTAN
- Although Bhutan welcomes foreigners these days especially for those on their last minute all inclusive holidays, the country is extremely conscious regarding its culture.
- The greeting in the Bhutanese language Dzongkha for hello is Kuzu Zangpola, and says Tashi Delek for good bye or good luck.
- All the citizens, except India and Bangladesh, need VISA to enter into Bhutan.
- VISA should be applied minimum 30 days before you plan to visit Bhutan
- One need is route permits to travel in Bhutan and this is provided by the Immigration Office at Thimphu.
- Either carries Nu (Bhutan’s Currency) or INR (Indian Rupees). Both is accepted in Bhutan, though 500 and 1000 Indian rupee notes might not be as easily accepted.
- Use right hand while giving or receiving something. Pass the holy sites keeping them on your right side.
- US dollars are pretty widely accepted in Bhutan, but you are still advice to exchange some of your currency to Bhutan’s currency i.e. ngultrum (Nu) or Indian rupee for buying small items and for the really remote places. There are not many ATM machines nearby except major cities like Thimphu, where also international ATM/credit cards might or might not work.
- Do bring MasterCard- not Visa or other credit cards. Banks, ATM’s will not give cash on a Visa credit card in Thimphu or Paro and other areas as well and only a few merchants will take credit cards.
DONT'S IN BHUTAN
- TOBACCO IS ABSOLUTELY PROHIBITED IN Bhutan. The tourists might use it, but extra care should be taken. Selling or giving tobacco to the locals is also a crime.
- Make sure you take off your footwear before you enter into any religious place.
- You are advised to dress discretely and modestly in Bhutan. If you’re visiting any Bhutanese temple (Tsechu), they’d admire you if you wear their national dress gho & kira. Also make some donation to Tsechu.
- Foreign nationals are not permitted to carry Indian rupees across the border to and from India.
- Buying and selling of antiques is strictly forbidden in Bhutan. Don’t jump to give toys or treats to children in exchange for photo offers. Locals are careful not to breed a generation of children who beg tourist, as happens-but adults likely will not object out loud out of politeness.
The following points are to be noted for Child rate:-
- Children above 10+ years will be charged 100% as per adult rate.
- Children of 5+ to 10 sharing parent’s room will be charged as per CWB or CNB
- Children below 5 years complimentary.