Bhutan is a remote independent kingdom in the eastern Himalaya
and the last bastion of the Tibetan Buddhist culture and
religion in its purest form. It was opened for tourism in the
late 70's and managed to minimize the effect of outside
influences. This country is untouched in terms of the
environment, religion, architecture and lifestyle. Cultural tour
of Bhutan will enable us to explore and experience the rich and
ancient traditions in Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan and Paro,
the
second largest town. |
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Day 01: New Delhi
Around midnight arrival in New Delhi. The cosmopolitan city and
capital Delhi is the main gateway for travellers. Upon arrival, you
will be met by an Indo Vacations representative and transferred to
the hotel.
Day 02: New Delhi - Paro (by air)
In the morning we drive to the airport for the flight to
Paro. Upon
arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel in Paro. This beautiful
valley with its rich terraced farmland, is home to some of the
Bhutan's oldest temples and monastries. In the afternoon we visit the
National Museum. After the visit of the National museum we go for an
excursion to Taktstang monastery. In April 1998 a fire destroyed the
main structure of Taktstang Monastery, perched on the side of a cliff
900 m above the valley floor. It is also known as 'tiger's den'
because Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown to the site on the back
of a tigress in the eighth century. It has been one of the kingdom's
most sacred sites and will be rebuilt in its original style once an
auspicious date has been chosen.
Day 03: Paro
In the morning we will visit the Rinpung Dzong. It was built in 1646
by Shabdrung Ngwang Namgyal, the first spiritual and temporal ruler
of Bhutan. Rinpung Dzong means the fortress on a heap of jewels. This
fortress now houses the Paro monastic school and the office of the
civil administration. We also visit the Ta Dzong. Looking down upon
the Rinpung Dzong is the Ta Dzong which was built in 1651 as a watch
tower. This dzong is round more like parts of an European castle. In
the evening we visit the Drugyal Dzong. It means the victorious
fortress which was built in 1647 by Shabdrung to celebrate his
victory over the Tibetan invaders. Strategically built over the only
passage into the Paro valley, the dzong helped to rebel various
invasions through the course of Bhutanese history. |
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Paro |
Rinpung Dzong Paro |
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Day 04: Paro - Thimphu (about 65 km)
Today after having breakfast we drive to
Thimphu. Thimphu is the
modern capital of Bhutan. It lies at an elevation of 2300 m in a
valley traversed by the Wang Chu river. This city maintains a strong
national character in its architectural style. This morning we set
out on a sightseeing tour of Thimphu. First of all we visit the
Tashichho Dzong on the bank of the river. It is the main Secretariat
building which houses the throne room of His Majesty, the King of
Bhutan and is also the summer residence of the central monk body.
After visiting the Secretariat building we visit the national library
to see the rare and precious collection of Buddhism. In the evening
we visit the Memorial Chorten. Memorial Chorten is a stupa and was
built in the year 1974 in the memory of the late third king Jigme
Dorji Wangchuk. The paintings and images inside the monument provide
a rare sight into the Buddhist philosophy.
Day 05: Thimphu
In the morning we visit the 17th century Simtokha Dzong. It is the
oldest Dzong in the country which stands on a lofty ridge at the end
of the valley. It was built in the year 1627 and now houses the
school for Buddhist studies. Today we also visit a painting school.
In this painting school the young children learn the ancient art of
paintings. After visiting the painting school we visit the centre of
traditional medicines. Bhutan has its own brand of Himalayan herbal
medicines.
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Thimphu View |
Tashichho Dzong Thimphu |
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Day 06: Thimphu - Punakha (about 75 km)
In the morning we drive to
Punakha. Punakha was built between two
rivers in the 17th century by Shabdrung and served as the winter
residence of the central monk body. Punakha served as the capital of
Bhutan until 1955. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel
in Punakha. In the evening visit the Punakha town.
Day 07: Punakha - Wangdiphodrang - Punakha
(about 17 km)
In the morning we will drive to Wangdiphodrang. It is the last town
on the central highway before entering central Bhutan. Wangdiphodrang
Dzong was built during the 17th century and it played a critical role
in unifying the western, central and southern Bhutanese districts.
After visiting the Wangdiphodrang Dzong and having lunch there we
return back to Punakha. In the evening we visit the Punakha Dzong.
This dzong houses sacred artifacts and embalmed body of Shabdrung.
Day 08: Punakha - Paro (about 10 km)
In the morning we drive to Paro. Upon arrival, you will be
transferred to the hotel in Paro. Rest of the day at leisure.
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Punakha Dzong |
Punakha Valley |
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Day 09: Paro - New
Delhi (by air)
In the morning we drive to the airport for the flight to New Delhi.
In the afternon arrive in New Delhi. Rooms are available to get
refresh before departing for the airport. The rest of the day at
leisure. After dinner we leave the hotel for the airport.
Day 10: New Delhi
Around midnight flight to home destination.
Tour Reservation
To get more
information or to book this tour please submit the
Query Form
or send us an
e-mail ! Your
booking will be activated only after we get a reconfirmation from
your side.
Our
Services Include:
Accommodation in double rooms on twin sharing basis with bath and WC
in the
chosen category.
Rooms
on the departure day.
American/continental Breakfast.
Services of qualified local guides (English speaking
or languages of your choice)
at every place of
sightseeing.
All
Transfers and departures on arrival and departure by Indo
Vacations
representative.
All Transfers and Sightseeing throughout the tour by an
air-conditioned Car with
driver. For groups an individual air-conditioned bus (Except
Standard Hotels) will be
provided.
Exclusions:
Any Kind of Personal Expenses such as Tips, Laundry, Telephone Bills
and Alcoholic
beverages.
Camera Fees (Still
or Movie).
Any Flight Charges.
Monument Entrances.
Unspecified Meals etc.
We always look
forward for any changes in the itinerary as wished by you for your
individual trip. |
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If you are willing to travel in a group - the
Group
Departure dates are available
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Visit
Bhutan Tours
for
more Tours & information on Bhutan ! |
If
you are interested in above tour please
E-Mail us
with the number of participants
and the wished
dates to enable us to workout the tour
cost ! |
Please have a
look at our
References
to read the testimonials of tourists & guests
who have traveled with us. |
Please
also check our
FAQ
page to get more information.
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