21060 – Mr. Prakash Sarode

Fly on the wings of the Dragon to Bhutan, on arrival in Paro International Airport, complete the immigration formalities and exit through only one arrival gate where our dedicated team will welcome you with khaddar and proceed to Thimphu which will take about an hour and half. The route will follow Paro River until Chuzom from where we will bend towards Thimphu river taking us to the heart of capital city Thimphu. The entire stretch of drives is very scenic and picturesque as we pass by some of the beautiful villages of Bondey, Shaba, Isuna etc. until we enter welcome gate in Thimphu. En-route we will stop over Tachogang Lhakhang: En-route to Thimphu, stopover for little leg stretch walk crossing Paro River or enjoy the views from the roadside depending your arrival time. We will explore the city by walk: If time permits, walking through the city gives you immense joys and understanding of modern city. Good option for imported garments and local souvenir, beside unique local handicrafts. Thimphu offers mixed style of personalities taking the street walk in Thimphu- only city in the world without traffic lights. Overnight in Thimphu, altitude 2400m

Thimphu- This bustling little city is the main center of commerce, religion and government in the country. Thimphu is the most modern city with an abundance of restaurants, internet cafes, nightclubs and shopping centers. However, it still retains its cultural identity and values amidst the signs of modernization, often referred as world only city without traffic lights. Visit Buddha viewpoint: The Buddha Dordenma is located at a top of the hill in Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park and overlooks the southern entrance to Thimphu valley. Simply Bhutan: Simply Bhutan is a living museum and photo studio that gives a good guided introduction to various aspects of Bhutanese traditional lives.  Visitors are greeted with a shot of local arra (rice spirit), before being guided through mocked-up village scenes. Along the way, you can dress up in traditional clothes, try out archery and hear songs sung by Bhutanese women as they build houses out of rammed earth. Zilukha Nunnery: Built more than half a century ago, Zilukha Nunnery is also known as Druthob Goemba. Housing around 60 nuns in its premises, a visit to the site energizes the soul because of its peaceful surroundings, which lures one’s mind to never leave the site. From here, the spectacular view of Tashichho Dzong can be captured in a camera to make for a beautiful photo album.  Kaja Throm: The riverside Farmer’s Market, one can get fresh farm produce, food & snack stalls, fun art installed by VAST Bhutan. A lively place to spend time. Overnight in Thimphu

Start the most scenic drive to Punakha from Thimphu over Dochula pass which takes about two hours. After the break at Dochula, the road descends into Wangdue and Punakha taking us to one of the warmest places of Bhutan. Dochula pass: The pass is at a popular location as it offers a stunning 180-degree panoramic view of the Great Himalayan mountain ranges. The view is especially scenic and very clear on winter days with snowcapped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the tranquility of the 108 Chorten gracing the mountain pass. Punakha Dzong: Built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo religious head of Bhutan. King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck convened the first National Assembly here in 1952. This is one of the finest and must see Dzong of Bhutan. The Dzong stands in between meeting point of two rivers, Phochu and Mochu making the most photogenic Dzong of Bhutan. Visit Punakha Suspension Bridge: Punakha suspension bridge is considered one of the longest of its kind in Bhutan. The bridge connects the Dzong with the villages Shengana, Samdingkha and Wangkha on the other bank of the Po Chhu river. In these small villages, locals sell their wares in tiny, traditional shops. Visitors can stop here for a quick and authentic view of true Bhutan.  In order to access the suspension bridge from the Dzong, one must walk past the King’s palace and the cremation ground. Overnight in Punakha, altitude 1350m from the Dzong, one must walk past the King’s palace and the cremation ground. Overnight in Punakha, altitude 1350m.

Punakha is often referred as second capital having best Dzongs of Bhutan. Punakha has the perfect place to awaken the nature lover, take in the splendid views of the Himalayas and listen to the sounds of the Mo Chhu and Po Chhu rivers that simply soak up the serene beauty of this gorgeous valley. Hike to Khamsum Yullay Namgyal Chorten: The temple stands majestically on a strategic ridge above the Punakha valley. It is a splendid example of Bhutan’s fine architectural and artistic talent. The hike to the temple is about 45 minutes one way uphill. It offers amazing views of Punakha valley and Mochu river. Visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup nunnery: Sangchen Dorji Lhendrub Choling is located above Wolakha on the way to Drolay Goemba which serves as a Shedra (Buddhist College) and meditation center scatter the grassy site, home to a small and friendly community of nuns. Overnight in Punakha.

The road to Phobjikha passes through old town of Wangdue taking us through the black mountain region into Gangtey. The drive also passes through some of the most beautiful forests, water fall, hills, river and villages and Pelela pass before stepping into Phobjikha. Enjoy the most scenic and adventurous drive today with HBT. Visit Gangtey Gompa: The temple built over hill top, headed by Gangtey Tulku the reincarnation of Pema Lingpa. Annual festival of Gangtey is performed in the temple courtyard every year. This is also the place for black necked crane’s festival held every year on 11-Nov, coinciding with His Majesty’s Fourth King’s Birthday. Gangtey Nature Trail: It is a short and relatively easy trek with several beautiful villages and monasteries en route. It offers beautiful views of the country with mostly gentle, forested slopes. The best time for this trek is between September-May, walk not recommended on rainy days. Crane Center: This place is run by the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) and has an observation room with high-power telescopes and good scope for spotting the famous Black Necked Cranes which migrates to the region during winter. It also displays information about the history of the region. Farmhouse visit with dinner with locals: This experience is a particularly fun and spontaneous way to connect with the local community and learn about Bhutanese culture and way of living. Overnight in Phobjikha, altitude 2900m.

As we say good bye to the Asian Switzerland, we will retrace the journey back to Thimphu crossing over Pelela, Wangdue, Dochula, up until Chuzom and further to Paro. The entire stretch of drive will refresh your mind and give you second chance to enjoy the great snowcapped mountain views of the Himalayas. En route stop at Lamperi Botanical Park, it is a paradise for nature lover. The visitors can view 38 out of Bhutan’s 46 species of rhododendron or spot some of the 220 species of birds. There are 21 animal species known in the park which has deer, tiger, leopard, red panda and also the wildcat. Paro Airport View Point: It is located on the Hill overlooking the airport, this viewpoint offers the best view of the whole airport. Explore the tiny town: Tiny Paro town actually can offer lot more, there are many authentic handicraft shops, readily available Bhutan made products, grocery and imported garment shops beside having many small restaurants around. Overnight in Paro, altitude 2200m

After our leisure breakfast, drive towards Chele La Pass. Chele La Pass: The height of Chele La is 13084 ft (3988m) making one of the highest vantage points in Bhutan from which you can marvel at commanding spectacular views of the snowcapped Mountain Jomolhari (7326 meters) from the Chelela Pass. Ta Dzong unique (National Museum): Perched above Paro Dzong it was watchtower built in 1649 to protect the undefended Paro Dzong located below, renovated in 1968 to house the National Museum. Today this museum houses the best collections of all-time historical items making worth for a visit. Visit 17th century Paro Dzong:  ‘Fortress on a Heap of Jewels’, is ranked one of the best Bhutanese architecture. The massive buttressed walls that tower over the town are visible throughout the valley, particularly when landing at Paro Airport.  The Dzong also offers administrative seat of the district of Paro. The Dzong was built in 1644 under the order of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Overnight in Paro

This picturesque region in the kingdom is covered in fertile rice fields and has a beautiful, crystalline river meandering down the valley. Paro has more of historical sites, high-end tourist resort and many souvenir shops for shopping including world famous Taktsang. Taktsang Monastery (Tiger Nest Temple): is Bhutan’s most iconic landmark and religious Buddhist site in the world. The name Taktsang translates to “The Tiger’s Nest”. The temple is one of the holiest sites in Bhutan which clings impossibly to a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley. Although good trekkers can make it to the top in two hours, most of the guests take whole day to complete the hike. Overnight in Paro

  Package Rates are per person in INR and details as below

About Vehicle:

All the vehicles provided, unless otherwise specified will be Non-A/C Vehicles. Supplement Charges will be applicable for A/C vehicles.

  Inclusions

• Accommodation on twin Sharing Basis. – 05 Rooms

• Meal Plan (as per mentioned above).

•  Exclusive Non-a/c vehicle for transfers & sightseeing as per itinerary.

•  All permit fees & hotel taxes (as per itinerary).

•  Guide charges (Only Bhutan Portion).

•  Sustainable Development fee” (SDF)

• Rates are valid for INDIAN NATIONALS only.

  Excludes

•   Air Fare/ Train fare.

•  Personal Expenses such as Laundry, telephone calls, tips & gratuity, mineral water, soft & hard drinks, rafting, rock climbing, paragliding, porterage.

•  Additional sightseeing or extra usage of vehicle, other than mentioned in the itinerary.

• Entrance Fees

•  Any cost arising due to natural calamities like, landslides, road blockage, political disturbances (strikes), etc (to be borne by the client, which is directly payable on the spot)

•   Any increase in taxes or fuel price, leading to increase in cost on surface transportation & land arrangements, which may come into effect prior to departure.

• GST, TCS & Travel Insurance.

•  Anything which is not include in the inclusion.

Permit for Bhutan:

Indian nationals do not require visa to travel in Bhutan. Only a valid passport or Voter Id card are the valid documents for obtaining entry permit.

Advance Online Permits

If you are traveling with an Indian Passport (with a minimum validity of 6 months from the date of departure from Bhutan), you can avail advance online permits by sending us clear colour scanned passport copy. It should reach us before 10 working days. We shall not be responsible for any rejections or similar issues in regards to the permits due to improper documents or delay in arrival of documents.  

NOTE:

Ø The above-mentioned hotels will be confirmed as per the room availability. Otherwise we will confirm similar category.

Ø The rates quoted in the packages are on per person basis & valid for Indian nationals from 01^st Mar 2023 to 31^st May 2023 (High seasons surcharge will be applicable during the Festivals & Peak season).

Ø We believe in giving value for money and we believe that quality comes with a price tag. We at Neptune promise to provide the best of our services and keep by our commitments towards quality and the sensitivity of the services.

Presently Available airfare is 35,100 * 10 per person – 3,51,000-  ( Economy Fares )

Presently Available airfare is 49,000 * 10 per person – 4,90,000-  ( Economy Fares )