BHUTAN WOMEN GROUP TOUR – 11th November to 17th November 2023

Bhutan- Land of Thunder Dragon

Bhutan is a tiny but a very peaceful kingdom hidden among the lofty mountains of the himalaya. The tiny himalayan kingdom is surrounded by mighty neighbours like: Tibet and China in the north, Nepal in the west and India in the east and south. Bhutan’s forest and nature are home to very rare 200 species of mammals, 778 species of birds and 5600 species of medicinal plants.

Bhutan is also known as Menjong; the land of medicinal plants. The people of Bhutan are very peaceful, religious and they live in great harmony with the nature. Several mountains, rivers and trees are considered as holy so, the people respect and love their environment. Approximately 700,000 people live in Bhutan. Bhutan is home to chains of mountains ranging upto 7500 meters but most of the people live in the fertile valleys. The people eat mostly rice with vegetable and drink butter tea. Chilly is added to every dish so the food they eat is very spicy.

Happiness is a place

It is no surprise that the main goal in life for Bhutanese people is happiness. Even the mandate of mandate of modern Bhutanese state is Gross National Happiness. In translation this means that economic development, goal for much of humanity, is only a means to the real goal of happiness. Bhutan’s Brand tagline ‘happiness is a place’ simply assure that happiness can be found in simple things and these simple things can be found anywhere and in anything.

An abode of gods

Bhutan is the last bastion of Mahayana Buddhism, a spiritual practice that is known to be one of the most profound schools of teaching in the Buddhist world. The sacred monasteries that sit precariously on sheer cliffs, the fluttering prayers flags that line the high ridges, the red robed monks who chant through the day and night give this kingdom an aura that comes from another time.

Bhutan is half an hour ahead of IST (Indian Standard Time).

ITINERARY

Day 01: Bagdora Airport (India) to Phuentsholing; Bhutan (170 kms/4.5 hours), Stay: Phuentsholing

On arrival at Bagdogra (IXB) airport at 11 am, meet & greet by our representative. Transfer from Bagdogra to Phuentsholing at Bhutan border. Check into hotel & overnight stay.

Day 02: Phuentsholing to Thimphu (148 kms/4 hours), Stay: Thimphu

After breakfast, check-out and start your journey to Thimphu. On the way visit Karbandi monastery. On arrival at Thimphu check into your hotel. Then, visit Handicrafts Emporium and local shops. Here you can buy textiles, thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewellery etc. Evening leisure time at clock Tower & Market Area. Overnight at Thimphu.

Day: 03 Thimphu Sightseeing and proceed to Punakha (80 kms/2.5 hours), Stay: Punakha

After breakfast, check-out and proceed for sightseeing of Thimphu valley includes, Buddha point- world largest sitting buddha, Bhutan Museum, view of Tashichhodzong, ‘fortress of the glorious dharma’. It is the centre of government and religion, site of King’s throne room, National assembly hall, and seat of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Built in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in 1961 in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans. Also visit King’s Memorial Chorten continuously circumbulated by his Majesty’s subjects, spinning prayer wheels and murmuring mantras.

After lunch proceed to Punakha- (Approx 75km/ 3 Hours from Thimphu). Punakha is the old capital of Bhutan and now its district of Punakha Dzongkhag. Punakha was the capital of Bhutan till 1955.

En-route visit Dochu la Pass which is popular among the tourists because of its 360 degree panoramic view of Himalayan range. The place is worth going in clear winter days with magnificent view of snow-capped mountains and mountain pass. Check-in hotel and overnight stay at Punakha.

Day: 04 Punakha to Paro (120 kms/3.5 hours), Stay: Paro

After breakfast, check-out and visit Punakha Dzong. The Punakha Dzong, also known as Pungthang Dewa Chhenbi Phodrang is the administrative centre of Punakha District in Punakha, Bhutan. Constructed by Ngawang Namgyal, 1st Zhabdrung Rinpoche, in 1637–38, it is the second oldest and second largest Dzong in Bhutan and one of its most majestic structures and visit longest suspension bridge in Bhutan.

Afternoon, proceed to Paro, stop near Chuzom- two river meeting point, visit iron bridge, stop near Paro river and enjoy the view of Paro airport. Evening spend your time in Paro Market. Overnight in Paro.

Day: 5 Paro sightseeing, Stay: Paro

After breakfast, take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery, the most famous of Bhutanese monasteries. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery hence it is called “Tiger’s Nest”. The excursion to monastery’s view point takes about 5 hours (round trip). While return to Paro town visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom. Overnight in Paro.

Day: 6 Paro to Phuntsholing (142 km/4 hours), Stay: Phuntsholing

After breakfast, check-out and visit Ta Dzong, Paro Rinpung Dzong (Museum), Nya-Mey Zam and proceed to Phuentsholing. Evening visit the market at Phuntsholing, Zangtopelri Temple located in the heart city of Phuntsholing. Overnight at Phuntsholing.

Day: 07 Phuntsholing to Bagdora (IXB) airport (170 km/4.5 hours) for departure

After breakfast, check-out and proceed from Phuentsholing to Bagdogra (IXB) for your onward journey with happy memories to cherish forever.

Note: Kindly book your flight after 4 PM.