BHUTAN
Druk Yul or the ‘Land of Thunder Dragon’, the country as called by Bhutanese is a land replete with myths and legends. This country of rolling hills and towering crags certainly exudes charm. The mountains are magnificent, the forest are dense, the people are delightful, the air is pure, the architecture inspiring, the religion exciting and the art superb. Like timeless images from the past, the traveler encounters 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 which flutter along the high ridges, wild animals which abound in dense forests, foamy white waterfalls which are the ethereal showers, and the warm smile of its friendly people. Each moment is special as one discovers a country which the people have chose to preserve in its magical purity.
For centuries, Bhutanese have treasured the natural environment and have looked upon it as the source of all life. This traditional reverence for nature has delivered Bhutan into the 21st century with an environment still richly intact. More than 72% of the land area is still under forest cover. The country has been identified as one of the ten bio-diversity hot spots in the world and as one of the 221 global endemic bird areas. Its Eco-system harbors some of the most exotic species of the eastern Himalayas with an estimated 770 species of birds and 50 species of rhododendrons, besides an astonishing variety of medicinal plants and orchids.
With an area of 46,500 square kilometers, Bhutan is comparable to Switzerland both in its size and topography, being largely mountainous. With a relatively small population of 700,000 people, Bhutan enjoys a sustainable lifestyle which they inherited from their forefathers. About 85% population of country still live in small villages sparsely scattered over rugged mountain land. Buddhism, prevalent in the country since the 7th century and continues to play important role in their peaceful lives
Day 1 : Arrive Kolkata by Flight
Meet upon arrival & transfer to the hotel.
Dinner and Overnight at hotel.
Day 2 : KOLKATA
After Breakfast proceed for a full day tour Visiting the mentioned places:-
# Dalhousie Square(Covering Raj Bhavan,St.John’s Church,High Court,GPO,Town Hall,Writer’s Buliding Etc.)
# Flower Market Near Howrah Bridge
# Belur Math
# Tagore House(Closed on Monday and National Holiday)
# Victoria Memorial(Closed on Mondays and National Holiday)
Dinner and Overnight at hotel.
Day 3 : KOLKATA
After Breakfast proceed for a full day city tour visitng the below mentioned places:-
# Jain Temple
# Kumartuli (The Potter Colony)
# Marble Palace(Closed Monday ,Thursday and National Holiday)
# Mother House(Closed on Thursday and National Holiday)
# South Park Street Cemetery.
Dinner and Overnight at hotel.
Day 4 : Kolkata-Paro by Flight.
Morning on time transfer to the airport to board the flight to Paro.
In clear weather, Druk Air’s flight to Bhutan provides a wonderful view of Himalayan scenery. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Kolkatta, it is a fascinating journey, culminating in an exciting descent past forested hills into the kingdom.
On arrival at Paro airport, you will be met by our representative. On completion of airport formalities, drive to Thimphu ( 55km, 2hrs drive ).
Upon Arrival In Thimpu Check-in Hotel.
After Lunch Visit National Library and Beautiful vegetable and fruits market.
National Library - which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts, some dating back several hundred years, as well as modern academic books mainly on Himalayan culture and religion;
Dinner and Overnight at the Htl in Thimphu.
Day 5 : Thimphu
After Breakfast in Thimphu – proceed for the sightseeing of the following places :
Textile (Closed on Sunday ) and Folk Heritage Museum: These museums, both of which opened in 2001, provide fascinating insights into Bhutanese material culture and way of life. (Time permitting )
Trashichhodzong: This impressive fortress/monastery houses Secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty, the King and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of Chief Abbot and central monk body.
National Memorial Chorten: The building of this landmark was envisaged by the third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, as a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it is both a memorial to the Late King (“the Father of modern Bhutan”) and a monument to world peace. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.
Visit Arts and Crafts.
Dinner and Overnight at Hotel.
Day 6 : Thimphu – Gangtey: (135km, 4hrs drive )
After Breakfast drive up to Dochu-la pass (3,088m/ 10,130 ft) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m ), Jejegangphugang (7,158 m ), Kangphugang (7,170 m ), Zongphugang (7, 060 m ), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana - finally Gangkar puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m
Lunch Enroute.
Visit the : Wangduephodrang Dzong
Sitting on top of the hill at the confluence of Punakha Chhu and Tang Chhu rivers, Wangduephodrang Dzong is town’s most visible features.
Note:Wangduephograng is under renovation please speak straight to local guide if visit is possible.
Visit the Gangtey Goemba (monastery) Perched on a small hill that rises from the valley floor, the Gangtey Monastery is the only Nyingmapa monastery on the western side of the Black Mountain’s and also the biggest Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan. The Monastery is surrounded by a large village inhabited mainly by the families of the 140 Gomchens who take care of the Monastery.
Later Check-in Hotel.
Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel .
Day 7 : Gantey / Bumthang (175km, 6 hours drive approx )
After breakfast proceed to Bumthang. In the mountains east of Wangduephodrang lies the beautiful Phobjikha valley, on the slopes of which is situated the great monastery of Gangtey, established in the 17th century. The village of Phobjikha lies a few km, down from the monastery, on the valley floor. This quite, remote valley is the winter home of black necked cranes, which migrate from the arid plains of Tibet in the north, to pass the winter months in a milder climate.
Drive further on to Bumthang , over the Yutong-la pass (3,400m/ 11,155 ft). The road winds steeply up to the pass, 28 km from Trongsa, then runs down through coniferous forest into a wide, open cultivated valley known as the Chumey valley.
Visit to Kurje Lhakhang, where the saint Padmasambhava subdued a local demon and left his body imprint on a rock., the Jambey Lhakhang (7th century temple), Tamshing Lhakhang (housing some of the oldest wall paintings in Bhutan) and Jakar Dzong (administrative center of the region). Stroll in the village, visit the little handicrafts shop at the entrance to the town, and perhaps take refreshments at a local restaurant.
On arrival in Bumthang, check in at your lodge.Dinner and Overnight at the lodge/Resort in Bumthang.
Day 8 : Bumthang
Bumthang is the general name given to combination of four valleys – Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura with altitude varying from 2,600m to 4,000m. It is home to many of prominent Buddhist temples and monasteries.
Enjoy Local Traditional Festival in URA LHAKHANG.
Dinner and Overnight at the Resort / Lodge in Bumthang.
Day 9 : Bumthang – Trongsa – Punakha ( 205km, 7hrs drive approx )
After breakfast drive to Trongsa ( 68km, 3hrs drive ) , visiting Trongsa Dzong : Built in 1648 it was the seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan. Both the first and second Kings of Bhutan ruled the country from this ancient seat. All four Kings were invested as Trongsa Penlop (‘governer’) prior to ascending the throne, and the present Crown Prince now holds the post. The Dzong is a massive structure with many levels, sloping down the contours of the ridge on which it is built.
After lunch in Trongsa drive further on to Punakha . Evening at leisure . Overnight at the Htl in Punakha .
20 April: Punakha – Semthoka Dzong - Paro ( 125km, 4 ½ hrs drive ) :
Morning visit the Punakha Dzong : Punakha Dzong , a massive structure built at the junction of two rivers. Punakha was Bhutan’s capital until 1955, and Punakha Dzong still serves as the winter residence of the central monk body. Bhutan’s first King, Ugyen Wangchuck, was crowned here in 1907. The fortress has withstood several damages from fire, earthquake and flood over the centuries. The latest flood, in October, 1994, caused great damages to the fortress but miraculously spared its most holy statue.
Also visit the Chimi Lakhang and Semthoka Dzong.
Upon arrival in Paro transfer to your Hotel .
Dinner and Overnight at the Htl .
Day 10 Paro :
Morning after breakfast Excursion to Taktashang Lakhang ( 5hrs Hike ) : It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognised as a most sacred place and visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April, 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendour.
Lunch at Taktashang Cafeteria .
On return from Taktashang , leisurely see the villages around .
Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel .
Day 11 Paro :
Morning Visit Ta Dzong, once a watchtower, built to defend Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars of the 17th century, Ta Dzong was inaugurated as Bhutan's National Museum in 1968. It holds fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings and Bhutan's exquisite postage stamps. The museum circular shape augments its varied collection displayed over several floors .
Afterwards, walk down a hillside trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, which has a long and fascinating history. Built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal , the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan, the Dzong houses the monastic body of Paro, the office of the Dzongda (district administrative head) and Thrimpon (judge) of Paro district. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge called Nemi Zam. A walk through the bridge, over a stone inlaid path, offers a good view of the architectural wonder of the Dzong as well as life around it. It is also the venue of Paro Tshechu, held once a year in the spring.
After lunch visit Drukgyel Dzong: This Dzong, with a delightful village nestling at its foot, was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders. Historically and strategically this Dzong withstood all its glory and was featured in 1914 vide National Geographic magazine. The glory of Drukgyel Dzong remained even when it was destroyed by fire in 1951. On a clear day, one can see the commanding view of Mount. Chomolhari from the village, below the Dzong.
Also visit Kyichu Lakhang: It is one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom dating back to 7th century (the other is Jambey Lhakahng in Bumthang). The lhakhang complex is composed of two temples. The first temple was built by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century and in 1968, H.M. Ashi Kesang, the Queen Mother of Bhutan, built the second temple in same original pattern.
Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel in Paro.
Day 12 Depart Paro
After breakfast transfer to the Airport for flight to Kolkata,
Meet upon arrival & Straight Proceed for a full day city sightseeing visitng mentioned places:-
# Kalighat Kali Temple
# Botanical Garden(Closed on Monday and national holiday)
# Indian Museum(Closed on Monday and national holiday)
# St.Paul’s Catheral Church
# College Street Book Market
# Indian Coffee House
In the Evening transfer to the hotel .
Day 13 Depart Italia
After Early Breakfast in time transfer to the airport to board the onward flight Italia.
**CHECK IN TIME 03 HOURS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE.
*Note:All flight details and timings are subject to change
