BHUTAN

Known as the Land of the Thunder Dragon, the Kingdom of Bhutan exudes charm with its rolling hills and towering crags. Like timeless images from the past, encounter the full glory of this ancient land through its strategic fortresses known as Dzongs, numerous ancient temples, monasteries and stupas which dot the countryside, prayer flags that flutter along the high ridges, wild animals abounding the dense forests, foamy white waterfalls’ ethereal showers, and the warm smile of its friendly people.

Day 1: Arrive Paro – Thimpu
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in entire Himalayas. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Kolkata, the journey offers fascinating views and an exciting descent into the Kingdom. Bhutan’s first gift as you disembark from the aircraft will be cool, clean fresh mountain air. After airport exit, travel to Thimphu and check in to the hotel upon arrival. Lunch at the hotel and then have some rest in preparation for the exploratory walk around Thimphu’s main street and market area in the evening. Dinner will commence afterward.

Day 2: Thimpu
After breakfast, proceed for the guided tour of city’s main attractions. In the morning, visit Textile Museum to know the living national art of weaving, the National Library where the history of Bhutan lies imprinted in archaic texts, the Institute for Zorig Chusum commonly known as Arts & Crafts School or Painting School to witness students learning the various skills taught at the school, and the Simply Bhutan Museum. Enjoy lunch at a city restaurant. Then continue the tour to visit Memorial Chorten which is a stupa built in the memory of Bhutan’s third King, the Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang) where you can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley. Conclude the tour with a visit to Trashichhoedzong, “fortress of the glorious religion”, the center of government and religion. Dinner will follow.

Day 3: Thimpu – Paro
After breakfast drive to Paro. Enroute visit Simtokha Dzong, one of the oldest fortresses of the country and known as the place of profound tantric teaching. Upon arrival in Paro, check-in at hotel and have lunch. In the afternoon proceed to visit Ta Dzong originally built as Watchtower and now houses National Museum. Then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong meaning “fortress of the heap of jewels” which has a long and fascinating history. Later in the afternoon take a short drive to Lango Village to experience rural Bhutanese life. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 4: Paro
After breakfast excursion to Taktshang Monastery which is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. Lunch at the famous Taktsang cafeteria overlooking the Tiger’s nest hanging on to the Cliffside. On the way back to, town stop at Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. The snowy dome of sacred Chomolhari, “mountain of goddess” can be seen in all her glory from the approach road to the Dzong. In the evening, have an exploratory walk around Main Street and market area. Dinner afterwards.

Day 5: Depart Paro
After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and proceed to airport for flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. Proceed to Kathmandu city tour and visit Durbar Square which is of the three royal palaces. In the evening, enjoy dinner at Krishnarpan Restaurant in Dwarika’s hotel.

• Four (4) nights hotel accommodation
• Meals, tours, fees and transportation as mentioned in the itinerary
• Non-air-conditioned vehicle
• Services of a professional English-speaking local tour guide
• Bhutan visa fee

• Tour is valid for a minimum of two (2) persons per booking
• Tour itinerary is subject to change without prior notice
• All services are subject to availability