Bhutan, the “Land of the Thunder Dragon” is located in the mighty Himalayas, between two giant countries, China in the North and India in the south. The history on Bhutan belongs to the 17th century, when Buddhism reached the land and the Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel started construction of largest Bhutanese architecture Dzongs (fortress), this fortress served as religious and districts administration now.
Buddhism is deeply rooted in the culture heritage and tradition, can be witnessed in the daily life and activities of the Bhutanese people. Bhutan is a deeply spiritual land and blessed with green valleys, dense forests, rolling hills, and towering crags, picturesque ceremonies; the people of Bhutan are warm, hospitable and always smiling, they love to meet and entertain foreign visitors. Bhutan is hidden paradise and an environmentalist’s dream. Bhutan is voted as one of the world’s top travel destinations.
Bhutan holds many surprises. This is a country where the rice is red and where chillies aren’t just a seasoning but the main dish. It’s also a deeply Buddhist land, where monks check their smart phones after performing a divination. Yet while it visibly protects its Buddhist traditions, Bhutan is not a museum. You will find the Bhutanese well educated, fun loving and well informed about the world around them. It’s this blending of the ancient and modern that makes Bhutan endlessly fascinating.
FACT FILE
| Location | Landlocked between India & China (880 45’ & 920 10’ E Longitude & 260 42’ & 280 15’ N Latitude) |
| Total Area | 38,394 Square kilometers |
| Altitude | 100m in south to 7500 m in the north above sea level |
| Political System | Democratic Constitutional Monarchy |
| Inhabitants | Approximately 1million |
| Language | Dzongkha (official) |
| Religion | “Drukpa Kadju” (Mahayana Buddhism) |
| Local Time | 6 hours ahead of GMT |
| Currency | Ngultrum (Nu) |
| Capital | Thimphu (Western Bhutan) |
| National Dress | Gho (man) Kira (Women) |
| National Animal | Takin (Budorcas taxicolor) |
| National Sports | Archery (Bamboo made) |
| National Bird | Raven (Corvus corax Tibetanus) |
| National Flower | Blue Poppy (Mecanopsis grandis) |
| National Tree | Cypress (Cupresses torulosa) |
| National Day | Yearly celebrated on 17th December |
<p>Meet & Greet on arrival at NJP / IXB & transfer to Pheuntsholing – The Gateway of Bhutan by Road from India , Pheuntsholing (also sometimes spelled Phuntsholing) is the second largest town in Bhutan (population around 40,000) and is located on the Indian border, next to the town of Jaigaon . Evening free . Overnight stay at hotel.</p>
<p>Breakfast at the hotel. On 09 a.m onwards permit has to be obtained at Department of Immigration ( Permit procedure may take times ). After Permit , drive to Thimphu. On arrival at Thimphu check in at the hotel. Overnight in Thimphu.</p>
<p>After breakfast proceed for sightseeing ( 9:00 a.m to 1:00 p.m) includes </p><p></p><p>National Memorial Chorten- This stupa was built in 1974 in the memory of Bhutan's third King, His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan </p><p></p><p>The Jungshi handmade paper factory (Closed on Saturday, Sunday & Govt. Holiday), that uses traditional methods to produce the authentic Bhutanese paper known as Deh-sho; </p><p></p><p>The National Library and Archives of Bhutan (Closed on Saturday, Sunday & Govt. Holiday), a treasure trove of priceless Buddhist manuscripts</p><p></p><p>Institute for Zorig Chusum Commonly known as 13 Arts & Crafts School or Painting School ( Closed on Saturday, Sunday & Govt. Holiday and in winter season –December to February month),where students learn 13 different arts used predominantly in Bhutan and local crafts shops. Overnight in Thimphu.</p><p></p><p>Afternoon proceed for sightseeing ( 2:00 p.m to 5:00 p.m) includes </p><p></p><p>Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang), visitors can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from here; </p><p></p><p>Chang Gangkha Monastery, the oldest temple in the valley;</p><p></p><p>Motithang Takin Preserve , preserve center of Takin - National Animal of Bhutan. </p><p></p><p>Anim Dratsang (Nunnery) ; also called Thakcho Kunzang Choden Nunnery nunnery is located in Zilukha</p><p></p><p>The Institute of Traditional Medicine (Closed on Saturday, Sunday & Govt. Holiday), is worthwhile where centuries old healing arts still practiced.</p><p></p><p>NOTE: If any of the above sightseeing places is closed on Saturday/Sunday/Govt Holiday we will arrange alternative sightseeing ( Instead of the closed places) like BBS Tower & Sangaygang Hill view point, provides a vantage point view of the Thimphu Valley; Changlimthang Stadium & Archery ground; The Clock Tower Square; Centenary and Coronation Park.</p>
<p>After permit ( Permit is not issued on Saturdays, Sundays & Govt holidays) drive to Punakha/Wangdue, with a stop en route at Dochu La Pass ( 3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the highest mountains of Bhutan. After a photo break, drive to warm valley of Punakha. Visit Punakha Dzong ( Timing from 11:00 a.m to 1: 00 p.m and 3:00 p.m to 5:00 p.m) built at the confluence of the Po and Mo Chu Rivers in the 17th Century by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel and served as capital of Bhutan until 1955. (Note: The Punakha Dzong is closed in winter months when the monk's body is in Punakha) . Overnight in Punakha/Wangdue.</p>
<p>Morning transfer (150 kms / 6 hrs to Trongsa crossing 3,300m high Pele la pass en route visit Trongsa Dzong ,Chendbji Chorten. Drive to Bumthang (70 kms / 2.30 hrs) . Reach at evening. Check in at the hotel. Overnight in Bumthang.</p>
<p>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.Visit Tamshing Lhakhang, the treasure house of interesting religious Buddhist paintings. Then visit Jakar Dzong, the administrative centre of the valley.</p><p>Afternoon visit Kurje Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places. Later visit Jambay Lhakhang, the ancient monastery dating from the introduction of Buddhism in the country. Overnight in Bumthang.</p>
<p>After breakfast drive to Punakha/Wangdue ( 220 km/8 hrs. Reach at Punakha/Wangdue by evening. Check in at the hotel. Overnight at Punakha/Wangdue.</p>
<p>After breakfast drive to Paro ( Alt. 2200 m/7,300 ft ). On the way enjoy the view of Shaba River Point and Paro airport view. </p><p>Visit Ta Dzong (National Museum) ( open throughout the week except Govt. Holiday . Timing: from 9:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m ) - the first of its kind which has a collection from natural history to religious paintings and then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong (also known as Paro Dzong) which has a long and fascinating history. </p><p></p><p>Check in at the hotel.. Overnight in Paro.</p><p></p><p>Optional: On additional cost basis/Have to book on prior basis</p><p>1. Traditional Farm house visit with dinner.</p><p>2. Hot stone bath: The traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath, known as Dotsho in local language has been practiced in Bhutan for centuries as a medicinal soak. Many Bhutanese believe that the bath helps in curing joint pains, helps in relaxing and other medical problems. River stones are heated and then put in water to heat the water. </p><p>3. Photo session with Bhutanese dress </p><p>4. Traditional game session - Khuru.</p>
<p>After breakfast take the transfer to Phuentshilloing. Check-in to your hotel on arrival. Evening is free for individual activities. Over night halt at hotel.</p>
<p>After breakfast drop to Bagdogra airport/NJP Station.</p>
