ITINERARY OVERVIEW
DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO
DAY 02: PARO
DAY 03: PARO – PUNAKHA
DAY 04: PUNAKHA – THIMPHU
DAY 05: THIMPHU
DAY 06: THIMPHU – PHUENTSHOLING
DAY 07: PHUENTSHOLING – SILIGURI/DARJEELING
DAY 10: GANGTOK – KALIMPONG
DAY 11: KALIMPONG/BAGDOGRA AIRPORT
This cultural tour explores the hidden mystery & beauty of Bhutan and the Indian states of West Bengal and Sikkim. Immerse yourself in Bhutan's rich culture visiting the ancient fortresses, temples, monasteries, farm houses and schools of Paro, Punakha and Thimphu. Highlights include the Ta Dzong Museum, Taktsang Monastery, Punakha Dzong, the National Memorial Chorten and Changangkha Temple. Drive through lush tropical mountain jungle as you cross into India via the border town of Phuentsholing. Explore monasteries, craft houses and tea plantations as you wind your way toward Bagdogra airport via Darjeeling, Gangtok and Kalimpong.
BHUTAN TOUR DATES:
All of our Bhutan tours are private, tailor-made journeys for independent travel on dates of your choosing. We can easily customise your Bhutan tour to spend more in the places doing the activities that you are interested in. Please click on the 'Tailor-Design This Bhutan Tour' tab above to begin customising this tour to your requirements. This tour can be experienced all year around.
WHAT WE INCLUDE IN OUR TAILOR MADE BHUTAN TOURS:
• Airfare into Bhutan including taxes.
• Bhutan Tourist Tariff Royalty & Visa fees.
• All private excursions and transfers in superior air-conditioned vehicle.
• Local English speaking guide/tour leader.
• Experienced driver.
• Accommodation in carefully selected, highest standard goverment approved hotels & guesthouses.
• All meals in Bhutan.
• All entrance fees and permits.
NOT INCLUDED:
• All personal expenses such as bars, beverages, laundry, telephone and tips.
• Medical / Travel Insurance.
DETAILED ITINERARY
DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO
DAY 02: PARO
DAY 03: PARO – PUNAKHA
DAY 04: PUNAKHA – THIMPHU
DAY 05: THIMPHU
DAY 06: THIMPHU – PHUENTSHOLING
DAY 07: PHUENTSHOLING – SILIGURI/DARJEELING
DAY 10: GANGTOK – KALIMPONG
DAY 11: KALIMPONG/BAGDOGRA AIRPORT
DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world, with a constantly changing panorama of some of the highest mountains on earth. Our Bhutan Travel Bureau representative will meet you at Paro airport exit doors following customs formalities.
After lunch enjoy afternoon sightseeing around Paro, including a visit to the Ta Dzong Museum housing many religious relics, works of art and handicrafts offering a great orientation into Bhutan’s historical, cultural, and religious past. Next, visit the Rimpong Dzong to see the painting of the great saint Milarepa, considered as the master of meditation by the Bhutanese and believed to have attained enlightenment in a lifetime. Dzong’s are large monasteries and district administrative centres, which were once strategic forts. Before dinner at the hotel there will be an orientation on Bhutanese etiquette by your guide. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.
DAY 02: PARO
After breakfast hike to Taktsang Monastery. The walk of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours uphill takes you almost a kilometre above the Paro valley floor (for those who cannot hike we will arrange a horse for transfer up to cafeteria). The view of Taktsang Monastery built on a sheer cliff face 900 metres above the valley floor is a spectacular sight. The Monastery is also an important pilgrim site for the Buddhists. The great Guru Rimpoche is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. He then mediated in a cave there for three months where the monastery was later built. The cave is said to be the origin of Buddhism in Bhutan. Nearby there is a teahouse where you can stop for refreshments.
In the afternoon drive to the ruins of the 17th Century Drukgyel Dzong, built to commemorate the victory against invading Tibetans in 1644. In fine weather the towering peak of the sacred Mount Jomolhari (7314m) appears as a stunning backdrop. On the return drive to Paro, visit 7th Century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples constructed by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo.
Alternatively, day 2 could be spent on a day trip to the Haa Valley, one of the most picturesque districts in Bhutan. Reached via the beautiful Chelila Pass, Haa Valley is characterised by its surrounding rugged and mountainous terrain. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.
DAY 03: PARO – PUNAKHA
Morning departure for Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan (4.5 hrs drive). Drive over the Dochu-La pass (3,100 meters), which on a clear day offers an incredible view of Himalayan peaks before descending into balmy Punakha valley (about 3 hrs total driving time). The drive through the countryside affords a glimpse of everyday life in this most remote of Himalayan kingdoms. In the Dochu-La area there are vast Rhododendron forests that grow to tree size and bloom in late April/early May covering the mountains in a riot of glorious spring colour.
On arrival in Punakha, visit Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by the Shabdrung, the ‘Unifier of Bhutan’. It is the winter headquarters of the Je Khenpo and hundreds of monks who move en masse from Thimphu to this warmer location. The three story main temple of the Punakha Dzong is a breathtaking example of traditional architecture with four intricately embossed entrance pillars crafted from cypress and decorated in gold and silver. Overnight at your hotel in Punakha.
DAY 04: PUNAKHA – THIMPHU
In the morning drive to Yabesa village and hike to through ricefields and up to Khamsum Yueley Namgyal Chorten, built by her majesty the queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuk. Perched high on a hill on the bank of the river, the Chorten houses paintings belonging to Nyingmapa Traditions.
Take a picnic lunch before enjoying a visit to Chimi Lhakhang, temple of the Drukpa Kuenly. He inherited the title of Divine Madman since he revolted against the orthodox Buddhism in his time. He is considered a symbol of fertility and most childless couples go to his temple for blessing. Late afternoon drive to Thimphu. Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.
DAY 05: THIMPHU
Once a rustic village sitting in a broad, fertile river valley, Thimphu is today the nation's bustling capital. Enjoy a full day of sightseeing, including a visit to the National Memorial Chorten, first initiated by the Third King as a protection from the negative elements of modernisation, and as a monument to world peace. The Royal Queen Mother completed it as a memorial stupa for the Third King who passed away in 1972. Continue on to 12th century Changangkha Temple and Zilukha Nunnery. Other sites to visit include the School for Arts and Crafts, The National Library housing the collection of Bhutanese scriptures dating back to the 8th century, the Traditional Paper Factory and the Folk Heritage Museum. If there is time, you may visit the nursing pen for the Takin, the national animal of Bhutan, and Tashichhodzong, ‘the fortress of the glorious religion’ housing ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body. Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.
DAY 06: THIMPHU – PHUENTSHOLING
After breakfast, drive southward to Phuentsholing, passing through beautiful scenic landscapes as the road climbs up and down mountainous ranges of light mountain jungle and through small townships such as Chukha and Chimakothi. Just before arriving in Phuentsholing, we will stop to visit Kharbandi Gompa. This beautiful monastery was built by Royal Grandmother, Ashi Phuntsho Choedon in 1967. It houses large statues of Shakyamuni, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and Guru Rimpoche. There is a splendid view of Phuentsholing and the Indian plains from the splendid monastery gardens of tropical plants and flowers. Overnight at your hotel in Phuentsholing.
DAY 07: PHUENTSHOLING – SILIGURI/DARJEELING
Your tour with Bhutan Travel Bureau ends this morning as you are transferred to BTB’s Indian counterpart for travel to the Indian hill stations and Sikkim. After breakfast drive to Siliguri, passing through lush green tea gardens en route. Siliguri is the gateway to north-eastern India, and the main transit point for visits to Darjeeling, Sikkim, Bhutan, eastern Nepal and Assam. After lunch drive to Darjeeling via the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary. Overnight at your hotel in Darjeeling.
DAY 08: DARJEELING
Early morning excursion to enjoy an unforgettable sunrise view from Tiger Hill. The early start to the day will be well worth it as the first rays of the sun touch the mountain peaks, and colors change from grey to pink to a luminous gold. On a clear day there is a striking view of Kanchenjunga and Everest. Afterwards, visit Ghoom monastery, built in 1850 by Lama Sherub Gyatsho, a monk from Mongolia. It is a Tibetan monastery where ancient birch bark manuscripts are carefully preserved. Other sites to visit include the Himalayan Mountain Institute, the house of the late Tenzing Norgay, the Sherpa who with Edmund Hillary made the first ascent of Mt. Everest in 1953.
In the evening, visit the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre housing and selling a wide range of Tibetan artefacts and curios. Here you can see Tibetan craftsman making traditional items such as carpets, woolen and leather boots, and woodcarvings. The centre was established in 1954 to rehabilitate refugees who had fled Tibet with the Dalai Lama in the wake of the Chinese invasion. Overnight at your hotel in Darjeeling.
DAY 09: DARJEELING – GANGTOK
After breakfast drive to Gangtok. On arrival, visit the beautiful Enchey Monastery, approached from an avenue lined by hundreds of multi-colored prayer flags. Then visit the Institute of Cottage Industries where you can watch young students being taught the traditional art of thangka painting as well as weaving, wood carving and carpet making. Also enjoy a visit to the Institute of Tibetology, housed in a beautiful building constructed in traditional Tibetan style featuringmurals and decorated pillars. Overnight at your hotel in Gangtok.
DAY 10: GANGTOK – KALIMPONG
Morning excursion to the famous Rumtek Monastery, rebuilt in the 1960’s as the headquarters of the Karma Kagyupa School of Buddhism. Afterwards drive to Kalimpong to visit Gelugpa Monastery, the Bhutanese Monastery and one of the flower nurseries for which Kalimpong is Famous. Overnight at your hotel in Kalimpong.
DAY 11: KALIMPONG/BAGDOGRA AIRPORT
After breakfast drive to Bagdogra airport for your flight to onward destination. Tashi delek.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS BHUTAN TOUR
The 'East Himalayan Discovery' cultural tour explores explores the hidden mystery & beauty of Bhutan and the Indian states of West Bengal and Sikkim.
• Journey through the beautiful Himalayan foothills in Southern Bhutan.
• Explore Indian states of Sikkim and West Bengal, including Hill Stations and Tea Plantations.
• Discover some of the most sacred Buddhist monasteries and temples in the Himalaya.
• Visit the Institute of Tibetology, a Tibetan Monastery and Arts centres in Darjeeling and Gangtok.
• Experience Bhutan's unique culture up-close with farmhouse visits and village excursions.
• Visit many cultural attractions including medieval fortresses (Dzongs), markets and museums.
• Hike up to the famous Taktsang Monastery, perched on a cliff 900m above the valley floor.
• Marvel at the elaborate and ancient wall paintings and carvings in Dzongs and temples.
• Incorporate a Value-Added Option such as a cooking lesson or meditation session with a monk.
For information on locations visited, please click on the tabs below.
Paro
Paro (2,250m), the site of Bhutan’s only airport, is set amongst the pastoral beauty of Paro Valley, a broad valley fertile with paddy, wheat, millet, potatoes, apple and seasonal vegetables grown as the main crops. Located close to downtown Paro is the imposing Paro Dzong, also known as Rinpung Dzong, built in 1645 by the Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel (Unifier of Bhutan). Located on a hill behind the Paro Dzong is Ta Dzong, the National Museum housed in an ancient 17th century watchtower and featuring a fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps. Another Paro Valley highlight includes the incredible monastery of Taktsang, also known as the Tiger's Nest perched on a sheer rock cliff 900m above the Paro Valley floor. The Tiger’s Nest owes its name to the 8th century saint Guru Rinpoche who, according to myth, visited here mounted on a flying tiger. Other interesting options are the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong with its magnificent views of Mount Jumolhari and 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang.
Haa Valley
The Haa Valley is one of the most picturesque districts in Bhutan. An ideal day trip from Paro beyond the beautiful Chelila Pass, Haa is the ancestral home of the Royal Grandmother and the Dorji family, and is characterised by its rugged and mountainous terrain. Legend says that the Haa valley was previously dominated by animist traditions before the tantric master Padmasambhava visited the valley in the 8th century and transformed their beliefs into peaceful Buddhist traditions. In addition to its natural beauty, Haa also features a number of interesting sites including Chhundu Lhkhang, dedicated to the valley's protecting deity, 7th century Lhakhang Karpo (white) and Lhakhang Karpo (black) and Haa Dzong. Haa's annual summer festival provides a fantastic opportunity to participate in the nomadic lifestyle of the Haaps, including savouring their delicious delicacies. You may also compete in the traditional game of khuru, archery and soksum and try hitting the bull’s eye.
Thimphu
Bhutan’s capital city of Thimphu (2,350m) is a fascinating blend of the old and the new. Zoning regulations have retained the forms and motifs of Bhutan’s traditional architecture giving the city a wonderful structural harmony. The capital’s most striking visual landmark is Tashichhodzong, the seat of the Royal Government and Central Monastic Body. Semtokha Dzong is the kingdom’s oldest Dzong, whilst The National Memorial Chorten is an important temple completed by The Royal Queen Mother as a memorial stupa for the Third King who passed away in 1972. The Royal School of the Performing Arts, the School of Traditional Painting and the Institute of Traditional Medicine offer visitors an amazing insight into Bhutanese culture. Other attractions include 12th century Changangkha Temple, Drubthob Monastery housing the Zilukha Nunnery, the National Library housing a rare collection of Buddhist scriptures, the lively weekend market and the 169 foot bronze statue of Buddha overlooking the city. Nearby sites include Tango and Cheri Monasteries.
Phuentsholing
The bustling frontier trading town of Phuentsholing in the south is the gateway to Bhutan for overland travellers from India and Sikkim. It is Bhutan's second largest town, and is located next to the Indian town of Jaigon. Karbandi Monastery is a popular temple for those wishing to have children after an Indian pilgrim became pregnant after praying at there. It also provides wonderful views over Phuentsholing and the Bengal Plain. From Phuentsholing, the road winds north over the southern foothills, through lush forested valleys and around the rugged north-south ridges of the inner Himalayas to the western valleys of Thimphu and Paro. Hairpin corners on this breathtaking six hour drive are, to reassure the traveler, marked with tall, colourful sculptures of the Tashi Tagye, the eight auspicious signs of Buddhism.
Punakha
Punakha (1,310m) is Bhutan’s ancient capital, and remains the winter seat of the Central Monastic Body due to its sub-tropical climate. The drive to Punakha from Thimphu travels over Dochu-La Pass, marked by a beautiful scene of 108 Chortens, wind-blown prayer flags and the recently built Druk Wangyal Lhakhang. In clear weather the view of the Himalayas is stunning. The Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel is situated on a triangular spit of land at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu rivers. The three story main temple of the Punakha Dzong is a breathtaking example of traditional architecture with four intricately embossed entrance pillars crafted from cypress and decorated in gold and silver. It was here in 1907 that Bhutan's first king was crowned. Other highlights include Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten with its complex Nyingmapa iconography and Chimi Lhakhang, dedicated to Bhutan’s popular saint Drukpa Kuenley, otherwise known as the “divine madman” due to his unorthodox religious teaching.
Wangduephodrang
Wangduephodrang (1,800m), or Wangdue, is a bustling market town located half an hour away from Punakha. Buffeted by afternoon winds, Wangdue is an important gateway to the far flung districts of Eastern Bhutan. The formidable Wangduephodrang Dzong stands strategically perched on a precipitous cliff above the Dang Chhu. Built in 1639, the Dzong held a powerful position during the pre-monarcy days.
Legend has it that Wangdue was once a desert, hence the cacti grown in profusion. But some believe the cacti were planted with a reason to discourage invaders from climbing the steep slope. The Jigme Dorji National Park extends into the northern part while a major portion of the dzongkhag falls under Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park.
