Paro-Thimpu-Punakha Tour Package
Overview
Bhutan - The Land of the Thunder Dragon has been isolated from the outside world for centuries. Located between India and the Tibetan region of China, The giants of the world. With around 700,000 people, the small Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan has become the most sought-after travel destination for high-end travelers. Bhutan is one of the least densely populated countries in the world, with 79 percent of its people living in rural areas.
Tour Highlights: Explore the beautiful Buddhist Monasteries of Paro, Thimpu & Punakha along with the world-famous Tiger’s Next Monastery.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Paro – Transfer to Thimphu
Arrive at Paro International Airport in Bhutan. Welcome to the guests by our company representative & transfer to the capital of Bhutan, Thimphu (50 km/ 1 hour’s drive). On arrival check-in at hotel. Welcome drink followed by tour briefing. After lunch, visit the site of the world’s biggest Buddha statue and get acquainted with Thimphu city with some other attractions. Dinner & overnight stay at hotel in Thimphu.
Day 2: Thimphu Sightseeing
After breakfast, enjoy sightseeing of Thimphu, visiting Memorial Stupa, Takin Sanctuary, Zilukha Nunnery, Traditional Art School, Indigenous Hospital, Textile Museum, handicraft workshops, Zangdopelri Temple, markets and other sights, if time permits, visit to Tashicho Dzong in the evening. Later back to hotel. Dinner & overnight stay at hotel in Thimphu.
Day 3: Thimphu – Punakha/ Wangdue
After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive to Punakha (85 km/ 2-3 hour’s drive) via spectacular view of Dochula. From Thimphu, road climbs up to Dochula pass (3,050m), where you have the opportunity to view the peaks of the eastern Himalayas. Descend into Wangdue/Punakha valley. Punakha-Wangdue valley is lower (about 1450m above sea level) and it enjoys sub-tropical climate. On arrival check-in at hotel. In the afternoon, visit impressive Punakha Dzong at the confluence of the two rivers. Later drive short distance north through the idyllic countryside and walk short distance uphill to Khamsum Chorten on Nyenzangang hill. The views from here of the terraced rice fields, dotted with traditional houses, the river and the valley surrounded by mountains is amazing! On the way to the hotel, stop to visit the township of Punakha at Khuruthang. Dinner & overnight stay at hotel in Punakha/Wangdue.
Day 4: Punakha – Paro
In the morning after breakfast, take a short easy walk to see Chimi Lhakhang temple, which is through a small village. The temple, flanked by hundreds of prayers flags, sits edge of on picturesque plateau, at the periphery of fertile rice fields. Chimi Lhakhang is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley or Drukpa Kunleg (1455 - 1529) also known as ‘The Divine Madman’. Later check-out from the hotel and drive to Thimphu (130 km/ 3-4 hour’s drive). We spend some time below Dochula pass to explore the botanical park and nearby surrounding for birds for diverse flora. After descending into Thimphu, continue short drive to Paro (50 km/ 1 hour’s drive). Reach Paro and check-in at hotel. Later visit Rinphung Dzong, National Museum, temples of Kichu and Dungtse, visiting local home and the stroll around the township. Dinner & overnight stay at hotel in Paro.
Day 5: Paro Sightseeing
After breakfast, transfer to the trail-head north of Paro valley and hike to famous Taktsang (tiger’s nest) monastery (3120m/10,200ft). Visible from afar, this magical monastery is attached to a steep granite cliff 1,000 feet above the valley floor. It is one of the most amazing and important architecture in Bhutan. If for some reason, you are not able to hike, your guide can arrange for other interesting options. You can also hire ponies for the uphill part, up to the first view point and cafeteria, but you should be able to walk back downhill. Later back to Paro and enjoy free time to stroll around the town. Dinner & overnight stay at hotel in Paro.
Optional: Excursion to Chele la pass if you wish to skip the Takstang hike.
Day 6: Departure
After breakfast, transfer the guests to Paro airport to board the flight for onward journey and tour terminates here but sweet memories remain forever…...
End of the Tour
Price Includes
- Welcome drink on arrival (non-alcoholic).
- Accommodations on double room basis.
- Meals: Daily breakfast & Dinner at hotel.
- 02 night’s stay at hotel in Paro.
- 02 night’s stay at hotel in Thimphu.
- 01 night’s stay at hotel in Punakha.
- Bhutan Entry Permits.
- Airport/hotel transfers by air-conditioned vehicle.
- Air-conditioned vehicle for land travel.
- All interstate taxes, gasoline, parking, toll taxes and driver allowances.
- All luxury taxes and value added taxes.
Price Excludes
- Any International/ Domestic Air/Train fare.
- Departure taxes or VISA handling fee (If any).
- Any Monument fee & guide fee
- Any activity, extra meals & expenses.
- Tips and gratitude to drivers, representatives, guides etc.
- Any beverages (hard & soft)/Table Drinks, items of personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, travel or any kind of insurance etc.
- Applicable Government taxes (GST).
Tour Conditions
- Minimum of 02 persons required.
- All rates & bookings will be subject to availability.
- Tour confirmation only on receipt of 50% advance payment.
- Balance payment to be deposited 01 month prior to travel date.
- Ashoka India Tours carries no insurance whatsoever for the tour participants. Hence it is advisable to get travel insurance by your own.