India – introduction
A country with a rich and colorful history, India is home to some of the world’s most fascinating cultures. India is a country located in South Asia and the capital of India is New Delhi. The Government of India, the Constitutional Republic represents a highly diverse population of thousands of ethnic groups and the many languages spoken in the country.
India is a country that attracts millions of tourists every year and is considered one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. These visitors are attracted to its natural beauty and cultural heritage. It has many historic sites as well like the Taj Mahal, Golden Temple, Red Fort, etc.
DAY WISE ITINERARY:
DAY 01 ARRIVE PARO -TRANSFER TO THIMPHU (55 KMS / 1½ HRS DRIVE)
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in the entire Himalayas. Flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu, the journey offers fascinating views and an exciting descent into the Kingdom. As you disembark from the aircraft, Bhutan’s first gift to you will be cool, clean, fresh mountain air. After immigration formalities, you will be welcomed by our representative with a “Tashi Khaddar” (white scarf offering to the guest which is an auspicious way to welcome guests). After the welcome ceremony, board the vehicle and drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan, the road leads through the Paro valley to the confluence of Paro and Thimphu rivers at Chuzom (confluence) The enroute visits Tamchog Lhakhang is a temple that is dedicated to the 13th-century
saint Thangtong Gyalpo, the bridge builder. This temple is located across the river from the Paro to Thimphu. To get to the temple one must cross an iron chain bridge, one of the few remaining of the many that Thangtong Gyalpo built. On arrival in Thimphu, check into the hotel. After lunch drive to visit Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). You can pay your obeisance and offer prayers to the Buddha, the largest statue in the country, and then walk around. The area also provides an excellent view of the Thimphu Valley from the west. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu (Altitude 2400m).
DAY 02 THIMPHU
Early morning takes a short drive to the northern end of town to perform the Tshewang ceremony (additional cost) at 12th century Changgangkha Lhakhang: It is a fortress like temple and monastic school perched on a ridge above Thimphu, south of Motithang. This is a special prayer ceremony held at the monastery by a team of monks for the peace, prosperity, and good health, guests are required to lit a butter lamp at the monastery altar. Later visit Takin Preserve: The Takin is the national animal of Bhutan, and looks like a cross between a cow and a goat. Legend has it that the animal was created by the great Buddhist yogi, Drupa Kunley, and it can be found only in Bhutan and nearby areas. Taxonomists place the animal in a category of its own as it is not similar enough to any other animal to fit established categories. Lunch is followed by a short city tour visiting the Textile Museum, the living national art of weaving. Continue on to Simply Bhutan Museum: The newly commissioned museum depicts the ancient Bhutanese architecture that is being lost to modernization. The uniqueness of the structure is in the composition of the materials used. The structure is built reusing old timber, window and door frames and other items from traditional and old demolished houses. The best part is the portrayal of the age-old life styles of the Bhutanese people.
Later visit to King’s Memorial Chorten continuously circumambulated by people, murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels. Construction of this landmark was the idea of Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (“the father of modern Bhutan”) who has wished to erect monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it serves both as a memorial to the Late King and as a monument to peace. Drive further up to visit Trashichhoedzong, “fortress of the glorious religion”. This is the center of government and religion, site of monarch’s throne room and seat of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Built in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in 1960s in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu
DAY 03 THIMPHU – PARO
After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive to Paro along scenic highway, enroute visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the country built in 1627 which now houses the School for Buddhist studies. On arrival in Paro, check into the hotel. After lunch, proceed to visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique Thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons &armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts. Ta Dzong visit immediately followed by a short walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong), meaning (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and other cosmic Mandala. Evening, enjoy the herbal traditional hot stone bath at farm house (additional cost). The traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath, known as Dotsho in the local language has been practiced in Bhutan for centuries as a medicinal soak. Many Bhutanese believe that the bath helps in curing joint pains, and helps in relaxing and other medical problems. River stones are heated and then put in water to heat the water; sometimes medicinal herbs are added to the water before it is ready for the soak. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
DAY 04 PARO
After breakfast excursion to Taktsang Monastery or Tiger’s Nest (approx. 5 hours walk): It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognised as a most sacred place and visited by ShabdrungNgawangNamgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of the building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendour.
Later, visit the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by the Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
DAY 05 DEPART PARO
After breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for a flight to your onward destination. Our representative will help you with exit formalities and then bid you farewell.
HOTELS OFFERED:
|
City |
Nights |
CATEGORY A |
CATEGORY B |
|
Thimphu |
2 |
Thimphu Central/ Amodhara/ similar |
The Capital/ Tashi Yidwong/ similar |
|
Paro |
2 |
Mandala /Metta resort/ Similar |
Tashi Namgay resort / Similar |
VALIDITY: 01st March – 21st Dec 2026
VEHICLE ENVISAGED
|
Group size |
Vehicle type |
Seating capacity Including Guide and Driver |
|
1 – 2 Pax |
SUV Car: Creeta, Breeza or Kia |
5 Including Guide and Driver |
|
3 – 4 Pax |
Hiace/ Highroof |
6 Including Guide and Driver |
PACKAGE INCLUSIONS:
PACKAGE EXCLUSIONS:
IMPORTANT NOTES
