Bhutan

Bhutan The Last Shangrila

8N/9D

4.9

(150 Reviews)

(150 Reviews)

Thimphu, situated at an altitude of 2400m, is the center of government, religion and commerce. The capital has an interesting combination of tradition and modernity. It is home to civil servants, expatriates, politicians, business persons and monks. Enjoy this cultural mix based on livelihood. Enjoy one of the spectacular sites in Paro, the cliff -hanging temple of Taktsang monastery. Let your muscles baffle your spirits as you climb these rocky stairs to the temples.

Accomodation

5 Star Hotel

Language

English, Hindi

Admission Fee

No

Meals

Breakfasts, Dinners

Transport

Bus, Taxi

Guide

Guided

Mineral Water

Yes

Wifi

Yes

Best Season

Free Cancellation

Yes

Meeting Point

Hotel

Follow in the footsteps of ancient Balinese culture – wander through the lush rice terraces of Ubud, ascend the steps of the sacred Besakih Temple, and traverse the vibrant markets of Seminyak. Learn about traditional Balinese customs over a home-cooked lunch in a local village.

Introduction

Day 1 Bagdogra Airport/NJP Railway Station to Phuentsholing 156 km – 5 hrs drive
On arrival at Bagdogra Airport, transfer to Phuentsholing the border gate between Bhutan and Jaigoan,West Bengal meet and greet and day at leisure. O/n at Phuentsholing

Day 2 Phuentsholing – Thimphu capital city 150 km 5 hrs
Morning , complete all immigration formalities and we transfer to the capital city Thimphu, the drive is scenic as you will be passing through mountains. Check in the hotel and you could relax at the hotel or take a walk to the main town Norzin Lam. O/n at Thimphu

Day 3 Thimphu – capital city
When in Thimphu you got to prepare for surprises where this unique capital has no traffic lights but adopted its own version of the British – Indian colonial times traffic policemen who can startle you and memorize others with his elaborate hand gestures, sometimes he may be signaling stop when it looks like go but don’t worry you can observe the flow and notice his smile as you stare at him. Sightseeing includes visit to the National Memorial Chorten a stupa dedicated to the third king of Bhutan and Buddha statue, Takin Zoo where you will find national animal of Bhutan and drive downhill stop at the junction to take a glimpse of Trashichho Dzong. Proceed towards National Library and Folk Heritage Museum. Afternoon take a short walk to Handicraft Bazaar to view the traditional arts. Afternoon at leisure or take a walk to the main city from Clock tower square for shopping. O/n at Thimphu.

Day 4 Thimphu – Punakha via Dochula pass 77 km 2 hrs 45 min hrs drive
Morning take a leisure drive to the old capital, Punakha valley touching Dochula pass 10,000 ft and on the stop at Hongtsho village. Stop at the immigration check point to stamp in your permit. Next to the check point you will find small local stalls selling fresh juicy local apples available for sale in plastic bags you could try some. You will be driving through the first mountain pass in the western part of Bhutan. You will find the 108 Druk Wangyal chortens on the top of the pass where the ridges are draped in colorful prayer flags greet you. You could take three rounds and offer prayers, take some best photo shots. If the weather is clear you will be able to see the highest peaks towards the north, Gangar Punsum among others is the highest unclimbed peak (24,000 ft) in the world. Stop at Lamperi and visit the Royal Botanical Park for an hour and enjoy nature. If you are lucky you could see red pandas, different species of birds, you can take some photo shot close to the natural lake. Proceed down towards Punakha through Thinleygang village and upon reaching Lobesa turn left and enter Punakha valley. Later we visit majestic Punakha Dzong placed strategically at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, the dzong was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative seat of the region and your last stop for the day will be at the Suspension Bridge. O/n at Punakha.

Day 5 Punakha – Gangtey valley day excursion 72 km 2.5 hrs drive
Morning drive to beautiful Gangtey valley via Wangduephodrang Dzong strategically located on a ridge 4,430 ft that overlooks the highway that fork to the east and south of the country. This is an old town with Narrow Street with single storied shops and also the gateway to central and eastern Bhutan. The legend Mahakala, the protective deity of Bhutan appeared to tell Zhabdrung of prediction, saying “at top of rocky spur where two rivers meet, at the place where a flock of raven will fly off in four directions, you will build the Dzong”. The Zhabdrung built the Dzong in 1638 and Punakha/Wangdi valleys are also the winter home for many of the high altitude farmers who migrate with their cattle to the warm climate. The Gangtey valley is one of the most beautiful open valleys in Bhutan and is the winter home to the endangered black necked cranes (Grus Nigricllis) which migrate to this valley around mid-November from Tibet. These cranes have for centuries captured the human imagination with their intelligence, poise, sociality, beauty and freedom which have given rise to several myths, legends, folktales and songs. The birds fly back across the Himalayas to their summer home towards Tibet and China. The Gangtey village is small dominated by the yellow roofed Gangtey monastery.
Late noon return to Punakha. O/n at Punakha

Day 6 Punakha – Paro 145 km 4 hrs drive
Morning drive to Paro same road via Semtokha entering the Babesa express highway. Upon reaching Chunzom check post, stop for a while at the bridge, stretch your legs and walk through the bridge. Proceed towards Paro and check in the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. O/n at Paro.

Day 7 Paro sightseeing
Morning visit Paro Dzong, the National Museum housed in a round fortress called as the Ta Dzong considered to be one of the best natural history museums in Asia where it has a fine collection of natural and historic artifacts, Paro Penlop Heritage Farm house, Kyichu Lhakhang the monastery dates back to 7th century and is one of the oldest and most sacred. Afternoon visit ruins of Drukgyel Dzong and drive till the base of Tigers Nest. Evening at leisure. O/n at Paro.at leisure and evening visit the town for shopping. O/n at Paro.

Day 8 Paro – Phuentsholing 140 km 5 hrs
After breakfast transfer to Phuentsholing check in the hotel and day at leisure.O/n at Phuentsholing.

Day 9 Departure
Morning transfer to IXB/NJP with good memories of Bhutan.

✅ Accommodation in twin sharing,
✅ meals as per plan,
✅ all airport transfers,
✅ 1 English speaking guide,
✅ Govt. SDF (sustainable development fee),
✅ sightseeing & transportation within Bhutan,
✅ all internal permits, internal taxes,
✅ Complementary 1 liter mineral bottled water per day per person
❌ Air fare,
❌ personal travel insurance,
❌ entry fee to museums, laundry, tipping, personal shopping, telephone calls,
❌ Anything not specified in the “cost includes”.

4.9 / 5

Based on 150 reviews

My last trip to North east india and Darjeeling was super amazing i had a great time , all the arrangements were very well managed thank you safarnama holidays and team.

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Me and my friend recently went to Malaysia the package was given to us was best rate and best hotels

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I have nice experience with safarnama holidays they treat like a family ❤️

Anant K
Anant K

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Our vietnam trip was the best experience we had till today. All thanks to Anuj and pankaj for this experience. Would love to travel with safarnama again.

Vini K
Vini K

Traveller

Our Kerala trip was amazing, and we enjoyed it a lot. Thanks to Safarnama for providing seamless services. We will definitely recommend them to our friends and family.

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4.9

(150 Reviews)

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