Bhutan Information

Bhutan lies in the eastern Himalayas, between Tibet to the north, the Indian territories of Assam and West Bengal

Where is Bhutan? Bhutan lies in the eastern Himalayas, between Tibetto the north, the Indian territories of Assam and West Bengal, to the south and east, and Sikkim to the west . Bhutan is a tiny country has a total area of about 47,00 square KM. Bhutan is loacted in the heart of the high Himalayan mountain range, Bhutan is a land-locked country like Nepal surrounded by mountains.The sparsely populated Greater Himalayas, bounded to the north by the Tibetan plateau, reach heights of over 7,300 meters (23,950ft.), and extend southward losing height, to form the fertile valleys of the Lesser Himalayas divided by the Wang, Sunkosh, Trongsa and Manas Rivers. Monsoon influences promote dense forestation in this region and alpine growth at higher altitudes. The cultivated central uplands and Himalayan foothills support the majority of the population. In the south, the Duars (the gates or doors; the traditional 18 points of access into Bhutan from the Indian plain.) drop sharply away from the Himalayas into the large tracts of semi-tropical forest, savannah grassland and bamboo jungles. Bhutan has remained a hidden Kingdom by choice for many years. Today, it has opened its door to visitors, and a small number of people are welcome to explore the Kingdom.

Bhutan - People and Culture:
Bhutan, often referred to as the Land of Thunder Dragon, is a land where the chief state religion is Mahayana Buddhism, meaning greater wheel. The locals are seen in their traditional costumes. Short cultural trips of one week to Bhutan can be added on to your holiday in Nepal.

Bhutan Cultural Tour:
Bhutan is locally known as Drukyul - the Land of Thunder Dragon. Trips in Bhutan includes visit to old forts, palaces, monasteries, farm house and National museum sightseeing of Satsam Chorten, Taktsang Monastery, Memorial Chorten, National Library, Handicrafts emporium and Tashichho Dzong. Drive to Punakha, across the Dochula Pass and visit. Punaka Dzong. Visit a typical farm house where traditional buttered tea with "Zaw" (puffed rice) will be served. See our sponsor's website for more details about Bhutan trip. They will give you a reason to get up early. Check out their programs to find out how.

How to get there?
Druk Air flies every Monday and Thursday between Kathmandu & Paro- Cost for one way trip is US$ 190 per person & US$ 380 for round trip.The national airline of Bhutan/Druk Air operates with connection from Calcutta, Delhi, Dacca and Bangkok. You may also enter/exit Bhutan by overland transportation, stopping in route at Silkkim & Darjeeling (India). (Air fare schedules & price are subject to change at short notice) Diplomats (holding passport) accredited to Bhutan shall be offered 25% discount in tour cost-minimum 2 Pax and above required. Visitors must book their passage through one of the 80 registered tour operators in Bhutan. They can either approach the operator directly or contact their counterparts abroad.

The minimum daily tariff is set by the Department of Tourism, Bhutan and can not be negotiated. (these rates can be higher, depending on the nature of services desired beyond the set entitlement). The rate is the same for both cultural tours and treks. Photography in some of the Monasteries & Djongs are not allowed. Don't take 16 mm film camera with you which is prohibited in Bhutan.

Our sponsors have different package tour programs to this unique land. They will give you a reason to get up early. Please check out their Programs to find out how. A trip not be missed in this lifetime!

Day 1: Bangkok /Delhi / Kathmandu /Kolkata – Paro
Fly into Paro Bhutan. As you start approaching Bhutan, you can see breathtaking views of the Great Himalayas on this flight. Arrive Paro where you will be greet by Nepal New Generation Team and transfer to hotel. Bhutan cultural tour briefing with officially arrangements. Overnight at Paro

Day 2: Paro
Full Day visits to the sites in and around Paro.
The people of Paro are known for their hard work which is displayed in their large traditional country houses. If you marry a girl from Paro, be prepared to put metal roofing over the traditional shingle roof in your wife's house and purchase farming machineries, to show that you are a capable and well-to-do husband. (So we joke among ourselves.)
Paro's sightseeing is full of gems such as the 200 year old Watch Tower which was renovated and converted into National Museum in 1968. It houses a fine collection of national costumes and fabrics, gallery of thangkas, an impressive stamp gallery with three dimensional and CD stamps issued as early as 1960 that are remarkable and other galleries showcasing armor and silverware with the handsome Royal tea pots. On the top floor there is a four sided temple complex depicting the history of Buddhism and its propagation. Visit Drugyel Dzong, although mostly now in ruins. Built in 1647 by Shabdrung Nawang Namgyel to commemorate the victory over Tibetan Invaders, which indicates by the name of the Dzong meaning Victorious Bhutanese Fort. Overnight at Paro

Day 3 Excursion to Taktsang Monastery
Day hike to Taktsang Monastery view point. Taktsang, meaning "Tiger's nest," is built around a cave in which Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhawa) mediated, clings seemingly impossible to a cliff of rock at 3,000 feet above the valley floor. For the local people it is a place of pilgrimage, but for a tourist, a hike up to the view point opposite the monastery is exhausting, thrilling and mystical. The legend has it that Guru Rimpoche is said to have flown to the site of the monastery on the back of a tigress from Tibet and meditated in the cave there for three months. Drive to Thimphu.
The drive from Paro to Thimphu is spectacularly scenic. Magnificent monasteries and stupas in the valleys and mountain tops. Experience the "Last Buddhist Himalayan Kingdom" on Earth and take precious memories back home.

Day 4 Thimpu
Full day sightseeing in and around Thimphu Valley, The largest and Capital City of Bhutan.
Some of the attractions include;

Purchase world's most beautiful postage stamps, collector's items and postcards at face value from general post office which is right next to Bhutan National Bank.
Visit Arts and crafts school where one can see young children at work.
Visit Traditional Medicine Institute where the ancient healing arts are still practiced.
Visit Memorial Chorten built in 1974 to honour memory of Late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, popularly known as the Father of Modern Bhutan. A multi-storied stupa that will introduce you to the vitality of Tantric Buddhism.
Observe traditional paper making from Daphnia and Edgeworthia shrub to the finished product and purchase some beau,tiful writing sets from the factory.
Visit Botanical garden (Zoo) where one can see Yak and Takin, the National wild animal of Bhutan.
Drive up to view point and take a hike beyond to see the clear picture of Thimphu Valley.
Downtown Thimphu on foot visiting Handicrafts Emporium and other Arts & Crafts stores. Buy stunning kiras which can be used as bed covers or wall decoration, jewelleries and many more. Overnight at Thimphu.

Day 5: Thimpur Thimpu Punakha – Wangdi - Thimpu
Full Day Sightseeing trip to Punakha and Wangdi Towns. Punakha was the old capital of Bhutan and it is still the winter residence of Central Monastic Body. Punakha Dzong is the most Magnificent and Largest Dzong in Bhutan. Return to Thimphu for Overnight.

Day 6: Thimphu - Paro
Morning, time at leisure to explore around Thimphu town on your own or relax in the hotel. Afternoon, transfer to Paro for Overnight at Zshiwaling Resort.

Day 7: Departure Paro
After breakfast, relaxing or shopping then three hours before departure , Himalaya Journey Treks & Expedition’s airport representative will drop to you Paro airport for onward journey.

No of Guests	Price ( With GSG )	Price ( With ESG)

* All Price is Per Person Price

What is included in the price?

KTM-PARO-KTM Airfare by Druk Air (Economy class)
Bhutan visa fee,Tourism development fee
Bhutan airport tax
Airport pickup and drop-off
Hotel accommodation as per above itinerary
Service of licensed and trained guide
All meals and hot beverages
Local transportation as per above itinerary
National park/conservation area entry permits
All necessary documents permit (where applicable)
Coordination quick rescue service in case of emergency (cost covered by your insurance plan

What is not included in the price?

Airfare to/from Paro, Bhutan (Tickets are arranged upon request).
Items of a personal nature (personal gear, telephone calls, beverages, internet, laundry etc.).
Trip cancellation and Medical/Evacuation Insurance.
Travel Insurance
Excess baggage charge if more than 20Kg and hand bag more then 5kg
Rescue charge (In case of emergency)
Expenses of personal nature
Tipping for guide and driver