22994 – Mr. H V Shidhaye – Bhutan

(Distance: 157 Kms. / Driving Time: 5 Hrs. / Altitude of Phuentsholing: 293 Mts.)

Meet & Greet on arrival at NJP Railway Station / IXB Airport and transfer to Phuentsholing (961 ft.) – The Gateway of Bhutan by Road from India. It is a thriving commercial centre on the northern edge of the Indian Plains. On arrival check in at the hotel. In the evening, you may choose to relax at the hotel or walk around the Phuentsholing town. Overnight stay at Phuentsholing.

(Distance: 150 Kms. / Driving Time: 5 Hrs. / Altitude of Thimphu: 2,350 Mts.)

After breakfast, complete the immigration formalities and transfer to Thimphu (7,710 ft.) the capital city of Bhutan. On the way, stop at places to view scenery and for Photography. On arrival check in at the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at Thimphu.

(Altitude of Thimphu: 2350 Mts.)

After breakfast visit the Kuenselphodrang (Buddha Dordenma). Located at a short drive from Thimphu City Centre, Kuenselphodrang offers a good overview of the Thimphu valley. The largest statue of Buddha in the country sits here which houses over one hundred thousand smaller Buddha statues. Then visit the National Memorial Chorten built in the memory of the Third King of Bhutan and visit the Folk Heritage Museum. Afternoon visit Sangaygang View Point. The Lookout point offers a stunning panoramic view of the entire Thimphu. On the way back visit the Takin Preserve Centre. Takin is the National animal of Bhutan. Then visit the Changangkha Lhakhang. This is a popular Buddhist temple and is especially visited by parents to receive blessings for their new-born. Its interiors are full of murals that depict different stories. In the evening, visit the Tashichho Dzong, first built in 1216 A.D. by Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa. The Dzong is the seat of the National Government and the Central Monastic Body, including the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan). Overnight stay at Thimphu.

(Distance: 78 Kms. / Driving Time: 3 Hrs. / Altitude of Punakha: 1,310 Mts.)

After breakfast drive to Punakha/Wangdue (4298 ft.), on the way Stop at Dochu-La-Pass (10334 ft.) to view the higher Himalayas. The pass is approximately 25 kms away from Thimphu and is the highest point between the Thimphu and Punakha/Wangdue Valley. Another attraction is the 108 chorten/stupas (Druk Wangyel Chortens) built close to each other surrounded by numerous colorful prayer flags. On arrival at Punakha, check in at the hotel. Afternoon, visit Punakha Dzong – built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. For many years until the time of the second king, it served as the seat of the Government. The Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo and King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck convened the first National Assembly here in 1952.  After that take a short and easy hike to visit the Chhimi Lhakhang – The Temple, also known as “The Temple of Fertility” was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, “The Devine Mad Man”. Evening free for leisure. Overnight stay at Punakha / Wangdue.

(Excursion to Gangtey – Distance: 78 kms. One way / Driving Time: 3 hrs.)

After breakfast, start for full day excursion trip to Gangtey Valley (9,842 ft.). On the way you shall come across different flora and fauna, monuments, villages and people. Stop at places for sightseeing and photography. While in Gangtey visit the Gangtey Goemba the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan, which was established in the 17th century. Then explore the Phobjikha valley, one of the most beautiful glacial valleys in the Himalayas and the winter roosting place for the endangered Black necked Cranes which migrates from the arid plains of Tibet in the north. You may choose to hike around the Valley. After visiting the valley drive back to Punakha. Overnight stay at Punakha / Wangdue.

OR

Alternatively, instead of going to Gangtey / Phobjikha, you also have an option of spending the day in Punakha Valley itself. After breakfast hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten which is about 45 Mins easy hike to the top of the hill. It offers a breath-taking view of the Punakha Valley. After that visit Punakha Suspension Bridge which is one of the longest in Bhutan. Later visit The Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery, a temple plus nunnery perched on a ridge overlooking Toebesa village, Punakha and Wangduephodrang valleys. Rest of the day free for leisure. Overnight stay at Punakha / Wangdue

(Distance: 125 Kms. / Driving Time: 5 Hrs. / Altitude of Paro: 2,280 Mts.)

After breakfast drive to Paro (7,483 ft.). On the way stop at Lamperi to visit Royal Botanical Park. This park is a treat for nature lovers as the 36 species of exotic rhododendron and approximately 220 types of charming birds will make your day unforgettable. On arrival check in at the hotel. Afternoon visit Ta Dzong – National Museum with an excellent collection of arts, relics, religious thangkha, etc. Then visit the Rinpung Dzong – Meaning “fortress of the heap of jewels”. The dzong now serves as the administrative and judicial seat of Paro. Rest of the evening at leisure. Overnight stay at Paro.

(Distance: 40 Kms. / Driving Time: 1.5 Hrs.)

After breakfast, drive to the base of the abode of gods and monks, the Taktshang Monastery. The monastery is a 2 -3 hours hike uphill from here. One feels truly blessed reaching the monastery. The primary Lhakhang was built surrounding Guru Rinpoche’s Meditation cave in 1684 which clings to the edge of a sheer Rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche flew here on the back of a tigress which gives its name “Taktshang” meaning Tiger’s nest. Afternoon (If time permits), visit the Drukgyel Dzong. Built in 1647, the dzong was destroyed by accidental fire and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate. Explore the ramparts and experience an unforgettable view of Mt. Jhomolhari (7,314 m). On the way back, visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Bhutan. Overnight stay at Paro.

(Distance: 35 Kms. (One way) / Driving Time: 2 Hrs. (One way) / Altitude of Chele-La-Pass: 3,988 Mts.)

After breakfast, drive to Chele-La-Pass (13,088 ft.) – the highest motor-able Passes in Bhutan. It is approximately around 2 hrs. drive uphill along a densely-populated forest road and beautiful natural sights. Stop at places for photography and for bird watching (if a bird watcher). The Pass is beautifully marked by hundreds of prayers flags and provides stunning views of Mountain Jhomolhari and Jichu Drake. While returning, hike down to Kila Goemba which is a home to Buddhist nuns. The temple and numerous meditation huts dot a rocky cliff and is a serene, peaceful place. Drive back to Paro. In the evening, explore the Paro town shopping for souvenirs. Overnight Stay at Hotel.

After breakfast check out from hotel and drive to Paro Airport for your onward journey.

  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. – 01 Room

• 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 2024 to 31^st May 2024 (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 42,500 * 2 per person –85,000 ( Economy Fares )

  Package Rates are per person in INR and details as below

• Accommodation in above mentioned or similar hotels – 01 Room
• Meals as per above Table, Train Fares as per table
• Private Transfers and Sightseeing as per the itinerary by AC Vehicle
• Taxi cost includes Toll, Entry & Parking
• GST on total land cost
• Train fare

• Air and Rail fare
• Any meals other than specified in above table
• Any sightseeing other than specified above
• Entrance fees for any sightseeing and Guide charges
• Rafting/ Parasailing/ skiing
• Any items of personal nature like tips, laundry, telephone calls etc.

• Ac. of the cars and SUVs dose not work on hills
• Vehicle is not at disposal. Kindly note that the drive is not a guide
• If the above hotels are not available similar category hotels will be used
• Itinerary and price is subject to change. Additional charges will be applicable for extra sightseeing
• The quotation is based on Standard room. You can upgrade to a higher room category by paying an extra cost depending on availability
• The hotel rooms are subject to availability. The above given prices are subject to change without prior notice
• Hotel check in is 1400hrs. and checkout would be 1000hrs. Early check-in and late check-out subject to availability
• Vehicle will be provided for transfers and sightseeing as per above table. Ask us for other vehicle options

Presently available 24,900*2 – 49,800