24414 – Mr. Saurabh Joshi

(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.)

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 chortens 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 Dzongs of Bhutan. The Dzong stands in between meeting point of two rivers, Phochu and Mochu making the most photogenic Dzongs 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.

(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.

  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. – 02 Rooms + 1 Extra bed

• 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.

16 May: NJP Rly Station / IXB Airport – Darjeeling (75 Kms. / 3 Hrs.)

Meet and Greet on arrival at New Jalpaiguri Railway Station / Bagdogra International Airport and transfer to Darjeeling (6,950 Ft.). On arrival check-in to the hotel and rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at Darjeeling.

17 May: Darjeeling Full Day Sightseeing with Tiger Hill

Early morning (4:00 AM) visit Tiger Hill (Subject to availability of Permit / Token) and then back to hotel. After breakfast, starting at 8.30 AM, visit Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, P.N. Zoological Park (Thursday closed), Tenzing Rock, Ropeway, Tibetan Refugee self-help Centre (Sunday closed), Tea Garden (outer view), Japanese Temple. Evening free for shopping or leisure. Overnight stay at Darjeeling.

18 May: Darjeeling – Pelling (80 Kms. / 4 Hrs.)

After breakfast, transfer to Pelling (6,300 Ft.). On arrival check-in to hotel and rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at Pelling.

19 May : Pelling Full Day Sightseeing with Skywalk

After breakfast, start for a full day sightseeing tour. In first half, cover Darap village, Rimbi waterfalls, Khecheopalri Lake (Wishfulling Lake) and Khangchendzongha waterfalls. In the second half cover the Pemayangtse monastery, Rabdantse ruins (2nd capital of Sikkim), Sang-Ngag Choling (Skywalk), New helipad ground.  Evening free for leisure. Overnight stay at Pelling.

20 May: Pelling – Gangtok via Namchi (150 Kms. / 7 Hrs.)

After breakfast, transfer to Gangtok (5,500 Ft.). Via Namchi (5,500 Ft.) visit Siddheshwar Dham (Chardham) and Sai Temple. On arrival, check-in to the hotel and rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at Gangtok.

21 May : Excursion to Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir (53 Kms. / 3 Hrs. one-way)

After breakfast, start for an excursion to Tsomgo Lake (12,400 ft. / 37 Kms. / 02 Hrs. from Gangtok) and further drive to Baba Mandir (13,200 ft. / 16 Kms. / 01 Hrs. from Tsomgo Lake). Evening back to Gangtok. Overnight stay at Gangtok.

Note:

• Documents for Tsomgo Lake & New Baba Mandir – 02 Passport Size Photo along with Photo Copy of Photo ID Proof (Passport or Driving License or Voter ID (Pan Card & Adhaar Card is not accepted). For Children below 18 years, Birth Certificate / School Id / College Id are must. Original needs to carry while travelling.
• In case of Land slide or any other reason, if Tsomgo Lake is closed we will provide alternate sightseeing.

22 May: Gangtok Full Day Local Sightseeing

Start for a Full day city tour covering Tashi view point, Ganesh Tok, Hanuman Tok, Flower show, Cottage Industry and Handicraft Centre (Closed on Sunday and 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month), Institute of Tibetology (Closed on Sunday), Dro-dul Chorten, Gonjang Monastery and Banjakhri Falls (maximum 6 hours). Overnight stay at Gangtok.

23 May: Gangtok – NJP Rly Station / IXB Airport (128 Kms. / 5 Hrs.)

After breakfast, checkout from the hotel and take the departure transfers to New Jalpaiguri Railway Station / Bagdogra International Airport for your onward journey.

  Package Rates are per person in INR and details as below

• Accommodation on twin Sharing Basis. – 02 Rooms + 1 Extra bed
• Meal Plan (as per mentioned above).
• Exclusive Non-a/c vehicle for transfers & sightseeing. Please brief to guest that vehicle will not be at disposal it will be available to guest as per itinerary only (point to point basis).
• All permit fees & hotel taxes (as per itinerary).
• Rates are valid for INDIAN NATIONALS GST inclusive*.

• Air Fare / Train fare.
• Personal Expenses such as Laundry, telephone calls, tips & gratuity, mineral water, soft & hard drinks, rafting, rock climbing, paragliding, joy ride (Toy Train), porterage.
• Additional sightseeing or extra usage of vehicle, other than mentioned in the itinerary.
• Entrance Fees & Guide charges.
• 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.
• Room Heater Charges.
• Anything which is not included in the inclusion.