BHUTAN

Day 01 : Arrive Paro and drive to Thimphu (55 kms/approx 1 ½ hrs) Your tour of Bhutan begins with an arrival at Paro airport (Bhutan’s only International Airport), where you will be met by our Representative for your transfer Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu. On arrival in Thimphu check in at the hotel. Overnight in Thimphu. Day-02 : In Thimphu Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a sightseeing tour of Thimphu, visiting the National Library housing an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts, the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School) which conducts training courses in Bhutan’s traditional arts and crafts, Textile and Folk Heritage Museum. After lunch, visit Trashichhoedzong, “fortress of the glorious religion”, the centre of Bhutan’s government and religion, King's Memorial Chorten and the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts shops, to browse through example of Bhutan's fine traditional arts. Overnight in Thimphu.

Day-03 : Drive Thimphu - Trongsa (200 kms/approx 6 hrs) An early breakfast followed by a drive to Dochula pass (3,080m), from where there are magnificent views of the high Himalayan peaks, including several, that are over 7000 mtrs hike. Continue to Wangduephodrang, arriving in time for lunch. Post lunch, continue towards Trongsa across Pelela pass (3,300 m ), the traditional boundary between eastern and western Bhutan, stopping enroute at the Chendbji Chorten, On arrival in Trongsa check in at the lodge. Overnight in Trongsa.

Day-04 : Drive Trongsa - Bumthang (68 kms/approx 3 hrs) After breakfast visit the Trongsa Dzong, which was the seat of power, from where the first and second King of Bhutan ruled the kingdom. Continue onwards to Bumthang, via the Yutong La pass (3400 mtrs.) and the Chumey Valley. On arrival, check in at the lodge. After lunch, sightseeing in Bumthang visiting the Kurje Lhakhang, the Jambey Lhakhang (7th century temple), Tamshing Monastery, the Jakar Dzong (administrative centre of the region) and the Swiss Farm House. Overnight in Bumthang. Day-05 : Drive Bumthang - Punakha (205 kms/approx 7 hrs) Breakfast the lodge followed by some time at the leisure to explore the valley of Bumthang. Later drive to Punakha, visiting the Wangduephodrang Dzong and town en route. On arrival in Punakha check in at the hotel. Overnight in Punakha.

Day-06 : Drive Punakha - Paro (125 kms/approx 4 hrs) After an early breakfast, visit the Punakha Dzong, built at the junction of two rivers, this was the capital of Bhutan till about 50 years ago, and still serving as the winter headquarters of the Buddhist monks. Later drive to Paro, stopping enroute at a traditional Bhutanese farm house, offering an insight into the lifestyle of Bhutanese people and their culture. On arrival in Paro check in at the hotel. Later sightseeing tour visiting the Ta Dzong, with it’s fascinating collection of arts, paintings, exquisite postage stamps, coins and handicrafts. Also visit the Rinpung Dzong, known as ‘fortress of the heap of jewel's. Overnight in Paro. Day-07 : In Paro Breakfast at the hotel, followed by an excursion to the Taktsang Monastery. Perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor, according to the legend, Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress, and meditated at this place, hence the monastery is also called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. After lunch drive to Drukgyel Dzong. This dzong, with a picturesque village nestling below its ramparts, was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders. Also visit the Kyichu Lhakhang, built in 7th century, it is one of the two oldest and most sacred shrines in Bhutan. Overnight in Paro. Day-08 : Depart Paro Your tour of Bhutan comes to an end with a transfer to Paro airport, in time to connect your flight home

Tour Cost : 

• Valid from 01st June until 31st December’2012 : USD 1941 per person
• Valid from 01st January till 31st August’2013 : USD 2249 per person

Inclusions:-

• Accommodation on twin sharing Full Board Basis in Category “A” hotels (which are good 3 star Deluxe hotels) as per the itinerary.
• Arrival-departure transfers and land transportation as per itinerary, using a non aircon Hyundai Tucson
• Sightseeing tours alongwith an English Speaking Guide and including entrance fee to monuments in Bhutan exactly as per the itinerary.
• Government Royalty & taxes and Bhutan Visa fee is also included.