Bhutan

Bhutan Tour Over Land by Train and Bus

Bhutan is no ordinary place. It is the last great Himalayan kingdom, shrouded in mystery and magic, where a traditional Buddhist culture carefully embraces global developments.

Low Volume, High Value Tourism

The Bhutanese pride themselves on a sustainable approach to tourism in line with the philosophy of Gross National Happiness. Foreign visitors famously pay a minimum tariff of US$250 per day, making it seem one of the world's more expensive destinations. However, this fee is all-inclusive – accommodation, food, transport and an official guide are all provided, so it's not a bad deal. You don't have to travel in a large group and you can arrange your own itinerary. What you won't find is budget backpacker-style travel.

Surprising Bhutan

Bhutan holds many surprises. This is a country where the rice is red and where chillies aren't just a seasoning but the main dish. It's also a deeply Buddhist land, where monks check their smartphones after performing a divination, and where giant protective penises are painted beside the entrance to many houses. Yet while it visibly protects its Buddhist traditions, Bhutan is not a museum. You will find the Bhutanese well educated, fun loving and well informed about the world around them. It's this blending of the ancient and modern that makes Bhutan endlessly fascinating.

The Last Shangri La?

So why spend your money to come here? Firstly, there is the amazing Himalayan landscape, where snow-capped peaks rise above shadowy gorges cloaked in primeval forests. Taking up prime positions in this picture-book landscape are the majestic fortress-like dzongs and monasteries. This unique architecture sets the stage for spectacular tsechus (dance festivals) attended by an almost medieval-looking audience. Then there are the textiles and handicrafts, outrageous archery competitions, high-altitude trekking trails, and stunning flora and fauna. If it's not 'Shangri La', it's as close as it gets.

Environmental Credentials

Environmental protection goes hand in hand with cultural preservation in Bhutan. By law, at least 60% of the country must remain forested for all future generations; it currently stands above 70%. Not only is Bhutan carbon neutral, but it actually absorbs more carbon than it emits! For the visitor, this translates into lovely forest hikes and superb birding across a chain of national parks. Whether you are spotting takins or blue poppies, trekking beneath 7000m peaks or strolling across hillsides ablaze with spring rhododendron blooms, Bhutan offers one of the last pristine pockets in the entire Himalaya.

Itinerary:

Delhi to Bagdogra By Train

(Bagdogra –  Gangtok 3 NT + Darjeeling 2 NT  + Phuentsholling 1 NT + Thimphu 2 NT + Paro 1 NT + Phuentsholling 1 NT – Bagdogra)

Please be noted that the vehicles in this sector is not on disposal but is available on point to point basis as per the itinerary. Please advice the same to the guest also.

Bagdogra Airport / NJP Railway Station – Gangtok (Approx – 130 kms 4 hrs)

Day 01: Assistance on arrival at Bagdogra Airport and transfer to Gangtok “The Capital of Sikkim”. Check-in to your hotel on arrival. Over night in Gangtok.

Gangtok - Sight seeing (Approx – 52 kms)

Day 02: Post breakfast embark on an excursion trip to Tsomgo Lake (12,400 ft.), Nathula Pass (Extra Cost) & Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial (13200 ft) Overnight in Gangtok.

Please note visit to Nathula Pass is subject to Military Regulation and weather condition for an extra vehicle cost of Rs.5500/- per vehicle. Closed on Monday and Tuesday

Gangtok – Sightseeing

Day 03 : After breakfast embark on a local sightseeing tour of Gangtok covering Rumtek Monastary, Tashi View Point, Hanuman & Ganesh Tok,  Banjhakri Falls,  Enchey Monastery, Do-Drul Chorten, Institute of Tibetology, Handicraft Centre, and Flower Show.  Overnight in Gangtok.

Gangtok –  Darjeeling (Approx 110 kms 4 hrs):

Day 04: After breakfast take the transfer to Darjeeling ‘The Queen of the Hills’. Check-in to your hotel on arrival. Rest of the day free or can be spent at the Mall (Chowrastha). Overnight in Darjeeling.

Darjeeling - Sightseeing

Day 05: Early Morning (at 04:00 am) visit to Tiger hill to watch the spectacular sunrise over Mt. Khangchendzonga (28,208 ft. Worlds third highest peak), on your way back we see  Ghoom Monastery and Batasia Loop. After breakfast embark on a sightseeing tour of Darjeeling covering - Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (closed on Thursday), Tenzing Rock, Tibetan Refugee selfhelp Centre (closed on Sunday), Tea Garden (outer view). Return to hotel.  Overnight In Darjeeling.

Darjeeling – Phuentsholling

Day 06: Post breakfast take the departure transfer Phuentsholling. Check-in to your hotel on arrival. Evening see the local market around. Overnight in Phuentsholling.

Phuentsholling – Thimpu (Approx – 180 kms 6 hrs)

Day 07: Post breakfast process the permit and take the transfer to Thimpu. Check-in to your hotel on arrival. Afternoon visit the local market around the Clock Tower. Overnight stay in Thimpu.

Please note it might take time to process the permits depending on the rush at the permit office. It is likely to take 3 to 4 hrs for the process and formalities to be completed.

Please Note: Only valid Passport or Voter ID Card along with 04 copies of Passport size Photograph will be accepted for Immigration and permits of the passengers in Bhutan. No other documents will be honoured by the authorities.

Thimpu - Sightseeing

Day 08: After breakfast embark on a full day sightseeing tour of Thimpu including visit to BBS Tower or the view point, SAARC Building, India House, Handicraft School, Memorial Chorten, Simtokha Dzong. Afternoon process the permits for Punakha. Evening free or at own. Overnight stay in Thimpu.

Please Note: Only valid Passport or Voter ID Card along with 04 copies of Passport size Photograph will be accepted for Immigration and permits of the passengers in Bhutan. No other documents will be honoured by the authorities.

Thimphu - Paro - Sightseeing

Day 09: After breakfast take the transfer to Paro. Check-in to your hotel on arrival. Later embark on a full day local sightseeing tour of Paro covering Drugyel Dzong, Ta Dzong (Museum a must place to visit), Paro Dzong, Taksthang Monastery (also known as Tiger Nest) view point. Evening free or at own. Overnight stay in Paro.

Paro – Phuentsholling (Approx - 180 kms 6 hrs)

Day 10: After breakfast take the transfer to Phuentsholling. Check-in to your hotel on arrival. Overnight in Phuentsholling.

Phuentsholling – Bagdogra Airport / NJP Railway Station (Approx – 165 kms 4 hrs)

Day 11: Post breakfast take the departure transfer to Bagdogra Airport / NJP Railway Station for your onward journey.

  

Hotels Used:

Gangtok – Sidlon Residency (Executive Rooms) / Hotel Alpine Hills (Deluxe Rooms) / Sikkim Continental (Deluxe Rooms) / Royal Residency (Delyuxe Rooms) / Fortuna Gangtok (Deluxe Rooms)  or similar – MAP

Darjeeling – Hotel Mohit (Deluxe Rooms) / Krishna Residency (SGL Suite Rooms) / Omega Residency (Deluxe Rooms) or similar – MAP

Phuentsholling – Hotel Orchid or similar – MAP

Thimphu – Hotel Wangchuk or similar – MAP

Paro – Pelri Cottages or similar- MAP

Transport:

Sikkim - 01 NAC Sumo and Gangtok local city tour in 01 Wagon R .

Bhutan – 01 Santa Fe / Tucson

 Include:

Accommodation in 01 Dbl (02 pax) , Meals (Breakfast & Dinner), All transfers & sightseeing by dedicated vehicle – (As per itinerary).

Exclude:

Air Fare / Train Fare, Camera fees, Portarage, Insurance, Tips & Gratuity, Any personal expenses, Mineral/soft/hard drinks, Extra usage of vehicle, Guide, and anything which is not include in the inclusion. Cost incidental to any change in the itinerary / stay on account of flight cancellation due to bad weather, ill health, and roadblocks and / or any factors beyond control.