Bhutan the Happy Kingdom 7 nights / 8 days (Fly in Fly out)

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Detailed Itinerary  

Day 1: Arrive Paro. Drive to Thimphu. Stay overnight in Thimphu. (55 KM, 1 Hr)

Now that you’re all set for your Bhutan Tour arrive on time at the International Airport to check-in for the early morning flight. You’ll enter the magical world of Bhutan in just a couple of hours as you land at Paro International Airport. 

The flight is undoubtedly a treat for the eyes, what with mesmerizing views of the Himalayas and picturesque sights of the extensive Paro Valley! As you enter the Paro region, you’ll see the beautiful, crystalline Pa Chhu (Paro) river meandering down the valley, fertile rice fields, and exemplary pieces of architecture such as Bhutan dzong.

Kuzuzangpo La! Welcome to Bhutan, The Kingdom of Happiness

Our team will be eagerly waiting for you at the airport’s exit terminal. Just complete the immigration formalities and collect your baggage, and you’re in for a warm welcome. From Paro airport, we’ll start our drive towards Thimphu, the Happiness Kingdom’s capital city. Located at an approximate height of 2500 m in the Thimphu Valley, this vibrant city is an hour’s drive from the airport. 

We’ll take you on a scenic drive along the Paro River and the Wang Chu (Thimphu) River, passing timeless villages within the countryside. Get ready for the first glance of Thimphu as we approach Simtokha Dzong.

Upon arrival, check-in at one of our finest selections of Bhutan hotels. A memorable stay guaranteed! Don’t worry, we won’t keep your stomachs growling for long. Just freshen up at the hotel, and we drive you to a cozy restaurant for lunch. Along with other cuisines, you can try delicious Bhutanese foods right away! Have a good rest before we start our tour tomorrow. Overnight at the hotel. 

Day 2: Thimphu Tour. Stay overnight in Thimphu

We hope you had a good night s sleep in beautiful Bhutan! Enjoy the hotels satiating breakfast before we begin our Thimphu tour today.

· Memorial Chorten, dedicated to the founder of modern Bhutan. This tall, four-storeyed structure contains statues and symbols of several Tantric deities, undoubtedly ranking among the must-visit tourist places in  Bhutan. Experience the fantastic sight of locals circumambulating the Chorten, holding prayer beads and murmuring the divine prayers.

· National Library. This 20th-century building houses major historical evidence in the form of documents and photos. Also, you will find the world’s biggest published book here that weighs 68 kg and is 2 metres in height.

· Buddha Dordenma, made in line with increasing the Bhutan happiness index. This sitting statue of Buddha measures 169 feet in height and is filled with 1,25,000 shorter Buddha statues. One of the world’s most giant Buddha statues, Buddha Dordenma, with its peaceful and assuring appearance, draws innumerable tourists towards it. Also, this spot offers spectacular views of the Thimphu Valley.

Arts and crafts at the Institute of Zorig Chusum. Enjoy taking photographs of students learning top aintreligious pictures on canvas, carve masks and statues from wood, and embroider clothes and footwear. What’s more, you can even buy one of such artworks at a fair price!

· Folk Heritage Museum displays the impressive traditions and gives a glimpse of the country's history. A one-of-its kind "living" museum, visitors get to enjoy the Bhutanese songs, folk dances and finger-licious cuisine. One can actually live the country's culture by trying on traditional clothes and archery.

· Takin Reserve Centre. Takin are related to sheep and weigh up 650 kgs. According to the local folktale, the Devine Madman, Drukpa Kunley, created the Takin by joining the goat’s head in the body of the Cow. This interesting animal is an endangered species found only in few pockets of the Himalayas.

· TashichhoDzong, an impressive structure located just on the outskirts of Thimphu. One of Bhutan’s most iconic monuments, the Tashichho Dzong houses His Majesty’s throne room and several government offices. This massive fortress is also the summer residence of the central monastic body.

What a fulfilling day it’s been! We still have plenty in store for you to celebrate Bhutan. But it’s time to break at the hotel for a delicious dinner and a restful sleep before that.

Day 3: Thimphu – Punakha 

After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and head for Punakha. This 3-hour journey includes an ascending drive through the Dochula Pass. Immerse yourself in nature as you capture beautiful Bhutan in your camera from great photography spots here. 

· Dochula Pass at 3100 m amidst pines and junipers is a mesmerizing mountain pass with 108 stupas and bright-coloured prayer flags is indeed a visitor’s delight. If you’re lucky to spend time here on a clear day, you’ll get guaranteed superb views of the region’s highest peaks. Stroll around the stupas dedicated to 108 brave soldiers who lost their lives in warfare.

· Punakha Dzong, a majestic structure inextricably associated with the momentous historical events of unforgettable Bhutan, such as the crowning of all the Kings of Bhutan. Punakha Dzong is also the central monastic body’s winter residence. This six-storied architectural marvel with towering, whitewashed walls is Bhutan’s most beautiful dzong. Built on the banks of two rivers, the dzong turns into a spectacle in sunny weather, what with its whitewashed walls splashed in sunlight that bounces off the waters. Hope you can catch this extraordinary sight!

· Longest suspension bridge in Bhutan, spanning 350m and perched high above the very swift river of Po Chhu. Draped with prayer flags, the bridge connects the town of Punakha and the Punakha Dzong, mainly used by locals from the other side of the town as a shortcut to Punakha Dzongs. 

· Chimi Lhakhang Temple which is a must-visit. You’ll enjoy the leisurely walk-through scenic paddy fields to this temple. this is the perfect place to seek blessings for begetting children! 

That’s it for today. Relax at the hotel. Enjoy your dinner.

Day 4: Punakha (Excursion to Gangtey/Phobjika Valley) 

Today after breakfast we will take you to an excursion to Gangtey. Gangtey is a beautiful place of rolling hills and green meadows surrounded by snowcapped mountains. It is at an altitude of 3000m. From Gangtey, one can closely view the picturesque Black Mountain ranges as well as the beautiful Phobjikha valley. 

· Gangtey Nature Hike Trail: This pleasurable walk will give you a nice feel of Phobjikha valley. The hike is about 2 hours and it takes you through the pine forest and small bamboo plants provide a spectacular view of the Phobjikha Valley.

· Gangtey Gonpa is perched atop a small hill that rises from the valley floor. The Monastery is surrounded by a large village inhabited mainly by the families of the 140 Gomchens (Lay Monks). The GangteyGonpa is the only Nyingmapa Monastery on the western side of the Black mountains and is also the biggest of its kind. 

· Black Necked Crane center. Gangtey is also the winter home for the famous Black Necked Cranes who migrate here from Tibet during the winter months. Traditional stories tell the tale of a pair of cranes that choose to stay behind each year, offering themselves to the Valley for their thanks and wellbeing. The Crane Centre, which displays material on the cranes and their environment.

Retrace back to Punakha and overnight stay at the hotel. 

Day 5: Punakha – Paro. Overnight stay in Paro

This morning we start our journey towards Paro via the picturesque Dochula Pass. Remember, on day 1 of your Bhutan Tour, you get a glimpse of Paro Valley while entering the Kingdom of Happiness. But today, after about 4 hours, you’ll get to stay in one of the most excellent Bhutan hotels located right in the spectacular valley!

· Chuzom, the meeting point of rivers Thimphu and Paro. You’ll enjoy walking on the Chuzom bridge. Also, at this fascinating spot, you’ll find three stunning chortens of Tibetan, Nepali, and Bhutanese styles. We’re going to have a tough job interrupting your photography and reminding you to get inside the waiting vehicle!

· Photo stop at Thamchok Lhakhang which is just a short drive from Chuzom, It’s a private temple under the ownership of a renowned iron chain bridge builder’s scion. You can see the great man’s creation even here - a fantastic chain bridge that leads to the temple.

· National Museum (Ta Dzong). This hill-perched museum preserves the rich Bhutanese culture in the form of countless collections. Fine arts, bronze sculptures, jewelry, stuffed animals, stamps, and the list goes on. Another plus point of your museum visit is the spectacular view of Paro Valley from its viewpoint.

· Paro (Rinpung) Dzong. This 17th century, square-shaped citadel with a central tower and motifed buildings is indeed an exemplary piece of Bhutan architecture. Paro Dzong is the administrative centre of the town. It houses courtyards, administrative offices, and a monastic area. Take the experience of crossing the traditional cantilever bridge with a shingle roof and a couple of watch houses on each end to our waiting vehicle.

Finally, we return to the hotel for a delicious dinner and a peaceful sleep.

Day 6: Paro – Hike to Taktsang “Tiger’s Nest” Monastery 

Today, Post breakfast, we take a short drive on a blacktop road of green Bhutan to the end of Paro Valley. 

· Drukgyel Dzong. This 17th Century dzong is a symbol of victory over the Tibetan aggression, Drukgyel Dzong served as an excellent barrier for several years against further attacks. 

· Taktsang Lhakhang, more popularly called “The Tiger’s Nest”. This iconic monastery is so- called owing to the myth that the medieval Buddhist saint Padmasambhava visited it, riding a flying tiger. The legend also says that he meditated in a cave that is now the Nest’s lower storey. The monastery houses a wrathful emanation of Padmasambhava on top of a tiger. You can reach this sacred place only through an uphill hike as it’s perched on a precipitous rock face. It’s a 5-hour trek through scenic pine forests, with the eluding view of the Nest beckoning you the whole time.

We return to the hotel and have a relaxed night.

Day 7: Paro-Excursion to Chelela Pass

Post Breakfast, we’ll drive around 40 kilometres through the Paro Valley to the surreal Chelela Pass with an altitude of 13,000 feet is the highest travelable road of unforgettable Bhutan. Experience an adventurous journey to Chelela, entirely through lush, dense forests. In clear weather, Chelela Pass offers stunning views of Mt. Jomolhari and the Paro Valley. Between May and July, you’ll see countless alpine flowers, particularly the blue poppy, which is the national flower of beautiful Bhutan. Chelela, with its numerous ancient trails and untouched forests, is undoubtedly a hiker’s paradise. Explore the picturesque landscape and capture priceless memories in your camera before we descend to Paro.

· At Paro visit Kyichu Lhakhang, the 7th-century temple built to stop a giant demoness from intercepting the propagation of Buddhism here. It’s one of Bhutan’s exceptionally great places of worship. The sights of fruit trees and monks spinning the prayer wheels in the temple arcades are sure to fascinate you. 

· Visit to Heritage Farmhouse, where you can interact with the locals over a warm cuppa. An unforgettable experience of Bhutanese people as you sip on the steaming Himalayan tea!You can also try your hand at archery game using traditional bow and arrow made out of bamboo.

· Traditional hot stone bath. You can relax your muscles and rejuvenate your soul with the traditional bath at farmhouse. While preparing a Bhutanese hot stone bath, the locals collect specific river stones and heat them up in an open fire till they get a blood- red colour. After filling cold water inside the conventional wooden tub, the natives dip these red-hot stones in the water until it warms up. While adding herbs to the warm water, each Bhutanese family has their own secret recipe, followed across generations. 

We return to the hotel. Enjoy the last dinner together before we all part ways tomorrow.

Day 8: Paro – Drop Paro Airport for Onward Destination 

Transfer to the airport for your flight to onward destination.

Tour Cost Includes

¨ Accommodation

¨ Breakfast and Dinner at the listed hotels

¨ Mineral water bottle daily

¨ 01 Certified English-speaking guide throughout the tour (Bhutan Part) [01-12 Pax]

¨ Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee (Mandatory) 

¨ Transportation and sightseeing on private as per the itinerary only (Vehicle, NOT at disposal)

Bhutan permit application and procurement in advance 

Tour Cost Deos not include

 ¨ 5% GST as per the Govt. Notification

¨ Entry ticket & Entrance fees to museums and monuments 

¨ Flight Tickets

¨ Lunch 

¨ Travel insurance (recommended)  

¨ Personal Insurance, evacuation and medical expenses of any kind

¨ Expenses of personal nature like bar bills, telephone calls, laundry, extra mileage and any extra costs incurred due to natural calamities, flight delays etc.

¨ Gratuity / Tips to guide and driver

IMPORTANT NOTE

- Indian Nationals travelling to Bhutan need a VALID PASSPORT or ORIGINAL VOTER/ELECTION CARD. The passport must be valid for more than six months from the intended date of departure from the Kingdom. The election card must be original and updated on the ECI portal of India.

- Children below 18 years without the Passport need an ORIGINAL BIRTH CERTIFICATE [in English, computerized format] issued by the office of the Government of India. 

- Aadhar Card, Driving Licence and PAN card are NOT accepted by the Bhutan Immigration as the valid documents to enter Bhutan.

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