Scenic Bhutan

Day 01: Arrive in Bagdogra Airport - Phuentsholing

On arrival at Bagdogra, pick-up and drive to Phuentsholing (170 km, 5 hours). Check-in at hotel. Visit Zangtho Pelri Lhakhang and take a downtown walk in the evening. Overnight at Phuentsholing.

• Zangtho Pelri Lhakhang: Situated in city centre, this small temple represents the heaven of Guru Rinpoche. Zhangtho Pelri Phuentsholing BhutanOn ground floor there are statues of eight manifestations of Guru Rinpoche and paintings on Buddha's life while the next floor contains eight Bodhisattavas and statues of Avalokiteshvara and Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. On top floor, there is a main statue of Amitabha.

Day 02: Phuentsholing to Thimphu

Immigration formalities at Indo-Bhutan Border and drive from Phuentsholing to Thimphu (180 km, 6 hours). After breakfast, drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan with en-route stop at Chuzom, the confluence of Thimphu and Paro rivers. Three different style of Stupas; Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese adorn this confluence. On arrival, in Thimphu check-into the hotel. The capital town of Bhutan and the centre of government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. With the population of about 90,000 it is perhaps still the world’s only capital city without a traffic light. After a little relaxation go for the following sightseeing for the day. Later, take a walk to the Coronation Park, located on the banks of the river (near the city stadium), this 5.6 acres of parkland offer a pleasant and relaxing environment to stroll or to sit and watch the river flow by. Take a downtown walk in the evening. Overnight at Thimphu.

Day 03: Thimphu Sightseeing

After breakfast, proceed for sightseeing in Thimpu. Return to hotel by night. Overnight at Thimpu.

• Largest Buddha Statue: Visit Buddha Dordenma Statue. It is a bronze statue gilded in gold. It is one of the largest Buddha Statue in the world, at a height of 51.5 metres (169 ft). The statue alone is being built at a cost of USD 47 million by Aero Sun Corporation of Nanjing, China, while the total cost of the Buddha Dordenma Project is well over USD 100 million.
• Takin Preserve: Houses the national animal the Takin that is only found in Bhutan. This is an extremely rare member of the goat family. Found in herds in the very high altitudes (13,125ft and over). They live on a diet of grass and bamboo. It can weigh as much as 550 pounds.
• Folk Heritage Museum: The Folk Heritage Museum is set inside a three storied, 19th century traditional house. The museum gives you a glimpse of the traditional Bhutanese lifestyle, in addition to artifacts from rural households; it also displays an impressive collection of typical household objects, tools and equipment. The museum also organizes regular demonstrations of rural traditions, skills, habits and customs as well as hosting educational programs for children. The activities of the museum follow a seasonal rhythm, just like the activities of a true rural household, offering you something new to see every time you visit the place. The museum does a remarkable job of recapturing the rural setting and ambiance of a traditional household by setting up paddy, wheat and millet fields,  a traditional water-mill with mill stones more than 150 years old, traditional style kitchen gardens with vegetables that were typically grown during the past 100 years and even one of the traditional hot stone baths that are famous throughout the country.
• Memorial Chorten: This stupa was built in 1974 by her Majesty Ashi Phuntsho Choden Wangchuck in the memory of her son Bhutan’s late third King His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who is popularly regarded as the Father of Modern Bhutan. After lunch we will drive to Punakha. On the way we will visit the following places:
• Druk Wangyal Lhakhang: On the way visit Druk Wangyal Lhakhang as well 108 stupa. The Druk Wangyal Lhakhang, a temple in Dochula, offers an interesting example of traditional Buddhist culture meeting the 21st century. The Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck completed construction of this temple in 2008, in commemoration of Bhutanese casualities in the 2003 conflict with Assamese Militants.
• Chime Lhakhang: Chime Lhakhang is a small 15th Century temple famous for its fertility endowments or rites due to the blessings of Lam Drukpa Kuenley. The temple sits on a hillock shaped, as only Drukpa Kuenley could describe it 'like a woman’s breast'. It’s widely believed that childless couples are usually blessed with a child very soon, if they pray at this temple.

Day 04: Thimphu to Pobjhika Valley, Sightseeing in Phobjikha

After breakfast, drive to Pobjhika Valley (150 km, 4 hours), via Dochu La Pass and Wangdi. On arrival at Phobjikha Valley, check-in at hotel and proceed for sightseeing Gangte Valley. Return to hotel by evening. Overnight at Phobjikha.

Day 05: Pobjhika Valley to Punakha, Sightseeing in Punakha

After breakfast, check-out from hotel and drive to Punakha (80 km, 3 hours). On arrival, check-in at hotel and proceed for sightseeing in Punakha. Overnight at Punakha.

• Punakha Dzong: Visit Punakha Dzong (the Palace of Great Happiness) built in 1637 by the Zhabdrung. The Dzong is beautifully located in between the two rivers called Pho (male) and Mo (female) Chhu (river). It was the capital of Bhutan till 1955. The established of the Wangchuck Dynasty on 17th December, 1907 took place here and the first National Assembly was also held in the Dzong in 1953. Punakha Dzong continues to be the winter residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and the central monk body. Drive to Paro. On the way to Paro offers another chance to view the amazing Himalayan ranges. During lunch you can try Various Local Dishes found in the locality.

Day 06: Punakha to Paro, Paro City Tour

After breakfast, check-out from hotel and transfer to Paro (130 km, 4 hours). on arrival, check-in at hotel and proceed for sightseeing. Overnight at Paro.

• Paro Dzong: This is also known as the “fortress of the heap of jewels”. It was built during the time of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 after the small Hungrel fortress built by Lam Drung Drung was offered to Zhabdrung. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional cantilever bridge.
• National Museum: National Museum was built as a watch tower. Unlike the rectangular shape of the Dzongs, Ta Dzong is conical, more like that of a European castle. Since 1967 the Dzong was re-established as the National Museum and holds a fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps.

Day 07: Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest)

After breakfast, check-out from hotel and drive to the place where hike to Tiger's Nest starts. Later, proceed to Phuentsholing (160 km, 4 hours). On arrival, check-in at the hotel. Overnight at Phuentsholing.

• Taktsang Monastery, more famous as Paro Taktsang is a Buddhist temple complex which clings to a cliff, 3120 meters above the sea level on the side of the upper Paro valley. The Taktsang Palphug Monastery is one of the most famous touristic destinations of the country and the cultural icon of Bhutan. Visiting the Paro Taktsang Monastery is an unforgettable experience thanks to its unique location and the views of surrounding majestic mountains and emerald green valleys. It is believed that in 8th century Spiritual Master (Guru Rinpoche) known as the second Buddha in Bhutan, have arrived here flying on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntse and meditate in a cave for three month where Taktsang Monastery now stands.

Note: For those who are not willing to trek to Tatksang, pony service is available on direct payment basis.

ALTERNATE OPTION: Paro to Phuentsholing, via Chele La Pass (on extra payment basis)

Paro to Phuentsholing drive can be routed through Chele La Pass. On a clear day there is a superb view of Mt. Jhomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake. This tour will be on extra-payment basis of INR 3,000 per vehicle.

Day 08: Phuentsholing to Bagdogra, Departure

After breakfast, check-out from hotel and drive back to Bagdogra Airport (172 km, 4 hours). On the way from Phuentsholing, another chance to view the amazing Himalayan ranges. Stop along the way to take photos wherever you find the best spot for the photography. The tour ends here with amazing memories of Bhutan.

Instructions, Terms & Conditions

• All passengers have to report 03 hrs prior to the departure due to security checking at the Airport.
• The passengers must ensure that the check-in baggage does not have storage elements such as power banks, laptops, batteries or any other electronic gadget. In case of issues at the airport relevant to the baggage or delay in departure or missing a flight or a baggage, the company is not responsible in any manner. However, the company attempts to provide the best assistance to the clients in such situations, but does not take the monetary responsibilities in any kind.
• Any change in the itinerary (due to client's request) at the destination will be subject to additional payment as per the market value.
• Clients are requested to follow the timings in the program. In case any services are missed due to delay in departure, the operator will not be responsible for any refunds. Also, it may lead to skipping some of the places planned for the day and guests have to cooperate with the tour operator.
• Clients are requested to review travel warnings, announcements, advisories and prohibitions issued by the relevant authorities and governments at the destinations. By offering travel products for particular destinations, the company does not warrant that travel to such areas is advisable or without risk. The company is not liable for damages or losses that may result from travel to such destinations.
• Car usage for full day tour is 10 hours and for half day tour is 6 hours.
• The maximum time for driver to wait is 30 min before schedule.
• Overtime fee for car usage will charged directly to the guest.
• Please follow the schedule. The timing of car usage is following the itinerary above.
• Date or time of departure, pickup or drop-off or the content of a tour itinerary, are subject to change or cancellation should unforeseen circumstances occur, at the discretion of the tour operator changes to the itinerary
• Tourists are obliged to stay with tour at all times.
• Tour Operator accepts no liability for direct or consequential loss of personal belongings and recommends that valuable belongings be left at home.
• In case of SIC tours, the clients must cooperate with the other tourists and consider their comfort levels during the tour.
• In case of accommodations in small towns (mostly less explored places), the hotels may not have the facilities the way it is available in the hotels located at urban areas. In such a case, the guests are requested to cooperate with the hotel management and adjust with the available resources and cooperate.
• We will not have further liability for the carriage any offensive or annoyance behavior to other passenger.
• Operator reserves the right to implement alternate locations or make other significant changes to the itinerary, including cancellation, due to force majeure, weather conditions, operational considerations, or imposed security limitations.
• Operator will, in case of changes, delay or cancellation in service provided by third parties such as airlines, border agencies, government bodies, or others, attempt to provide solutions to ensure the minimal impact to the schedule, experience, and cost.
• During the tour, drivers will not wait more than 30 minutes for late passengers.
• During the tour, drivers or other members of our team might take pictures for marketing purposes. If passengers do not agree with this, please inform a member of our team.
• Ensure all immigration documents are clear.
• Ensure your ID proof is valid atleast 6 months from the date of arrival at the destination. Also, carry 5 copies of the ID proof along with 5 passport sized photographs (recent).
• There will be certain regulations of custom that you will receive on board flight.
• We suggest you take the opportunity to change to the currency accepted at the destination, atleast 72 hours before your date of departure from your hometown.
• At the end of the exit, there is a convenience place named Flight Information Center. Our guide/representative will be holding a board with your name.

Cancellation Policy

• The company is not responsible in case the airline reschedules the flights or cancels a flight and re-books in an alternative flight by itself.
• If circumstances make you cancel your holiday, the cancellation must be intimated to us in writing.
• In case of flight and train booking, the cancellation fee would be as per the airline or railway norms. Airline cancellation is generally a heavy loss, irrespective of the mentioning of the word 'Refundable' in the ticket. 
• For the holiday package, we will be constrained to levy the following cancellation charges per person.
  • 45 to 30 days or more prior to the departure: 30% of the Holiday Cost.
  • 29 To 15 days prior to the departure: 40% of the Holiday Cost.
  • 14 To 07 days prior to the departure: 60% of the Holiday Cost.
  • 06 To 03 days prior to the departure: 80% of the Holiday Cost.
  • 02 To 01 day prior to the departure: 90% of the Holiday Cost.
  • In case of no show: 100% of the Holiday Cost.
• Note: The cancellation charges mentioned above are applicable only for the package. The cancellation charges for flights is separate and is as per the flight cancellation (or rescheduling) policy of the airline.