Departure Dates: 11 Jun’20
Day 01| Arrival in Paro – Thimphu (1.5 Hr) L/D
Upon your arrival in Paro airport our guide will be there to welcome you and transfer to Thimphu. After Lunch visit the Memorial Chorten built in memory of the late 3rd King. This place now happens to be a get together point for the elderly people, who spend their whole day chanting prayers and meeting their friends. Visit Changangkha Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the valley offering a beautiful view of the valley. Enclosure where the national animal, Takins are kept and drive to visit the largest and the newly built statue of Buddha offering magnificent view of entire Thimphu valley, After 5 PM, visit the fortress of Thimphu, Tashichho Dzong, which houses the throne of the king. Evening walk around the happening town, the largest and the most crowded town in Bhutan
Overnight: Thimphu| Altitude: 2300m
Breakfast/Dinner in the hotel, lunch in local restaurant
Day 02| Thimphu Sightseeing B/L/D
Morning visit the traditional Hand Made Paper Mill. Visit the School of Arts and Crafts where students learn 13 different arts used predominantly in Bhutan. Visit Folk Heritage Museum which explains how a traditional house used to be like in the olden days, later visit the National Library which houses the collection of Bhutanese rich religious text and the contemporary Buddhism teachings from master all around the world. Drive further up to visit the Dechenphodrang monastic school and meet the young monks. Later continue to Zilukha nunnery to meet the nuns and interact with them. We will stop over in Thimphu, the happening weekend market (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) where the locals from the surrounding villages come to sell their produce. They sell their goods and in return they buy their basic necessities. In olden days, bata system was practiced by everyone.
Overnight: Thimphu| Altitude: 2300m
Breakfast/Dinner in the hotel, lunch in local restaurant
Day 03| Thimphu- Punakha (3 Hrs) B/L/D
Morning drive to Punakha, crossing over Dochula pass (3200 mts), If the weather permits one can enjoy a spectacular breath taking view of the highest mountain peaks of Bhutan at a site that stretches almost 180 degrees. Take a break and walk around the newly built 108 stupas and continue to the sub-tropical valley of Punakha offering a different vegetation. En route just before arriving the hotel, taka a nice hike through the paddy field and old village to visit Chimi Lakhang, the temple of fertility associated with religious art of phallus. Visit Punakha Dzong, which houses the most elaborated temple in the country, This is a must to see fortress in Bhutan and a fine example of Bhutanese rich Art and Architecture. After the visit if you are in mood for a nice half-day hike, you could start the hike right above the Dzong with a short steep climb offering a great view of the valley with houses spread all around and the never ending turquoise river and its sandy river bed. This trail is also popular for mountain biking. The hike ends through the farm field crossing the newly constructed bridge, where your car will be waiting at the other side of the river. If you choose the entire activity can be done on foot from your hotel. After lunch could relax in the balcony of the hotel to enjoy the view and the nature, or could go for an hour hike (uphill) to the temple of Khamsum Yuley Lakhang overlooking the paddy field and the snakelike river bends. Later back to the hotel.
Overnight: Punakha
Breakfast/Dinner in the hotel, lunch in local restaurant
Day 04| Punakha – Phobjikha (3Hrs) B/L/D
After breakfast drive to the remote isolated valley of Phobjikha. When reach, you could go for Phobjikha Nature trail hike (2.5 Hrs), which offers beautiful view of the valley. It starts from the valley and end with Gangtey Goempa temple at the hilltop overlooking the valley. Gangtey Goempa temple is a beautiful temple, richly renovated with many monks living. Could also visit the Crane Canter supported by the RSPN.
The endangered Black Necked Cranes migrating to Bhutan every end of Oct to end of Feb. This valley is a paradise for the nature lovers and hikers. Upon your arrival could go for a short walk in the valley. Or if you are too tired after the long drive, could relax in the hotel and enjoy the breathtaking view of the valley.
Overnight: Phobjikha| Altitude: 2900m
Breakfast/Dinner in the hotel, lunch in local restaurant
Day 05| Phobjikha -- Paro (6Hrs) B/L/D
Morning drive back to Paro, when reach Paro, will visit Paro Dzong on foot and continue walking through the oldest wooden bridge still in use. Continue further to stroll around the old Paro town and peep into some local handicrafts stores. Visit farm house.. Could get some opportunity to see the traditional game, Archery match going on, Evening back to the hotel
Overnight: Paro
Breakfast/Dinner in the hotel, lunch in local restaurant
Day 06| Paro Sightseeing B/L/D
Morning drive to the base for the hike (3 hrs uphill) to Tiger’s Nest, the most revered temple in the country that literally hangs on a granite cliff overlooking the Paro valley. Most of the day will go on the hike. On the way back, if you have the energy and time visit the Kichu Lakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan which marks the beginning of Buddhism in the country. Farewell dinner with your guide.
Overnight: Paro
Breakfast/Dinner in the hotel, lunch in local restaurant
Day 07| Departure B
Morning transfer (15 mins) to the airport for your departure flight, your guide will bid you farewell at the airport.
Breakfast in the hotel
Note:
CLOSING DAYS OF SOME OF MONUMENTS MENTIONED IN ITINERARY:
- Ta Dzong – Paro (national museum) : closed on Government Holidays
- Textile Museum – Thimphu: Closed on Government Holidays and on Sun and on Sat open from 9.00 am to 4 pm
- Institute of Zorig Chusum (Arts & Crafts School) - Thimphu: Closed on Sun & Government Holidays and on Sat open from 10 am to 12 o’clock (also closed on winter mid Dec till mid-March & summer early June till end June)
Flight Schedule:
|
SECTOR
|
FLIGHT
|
DEP/ARR
|
|
SIN-PBH
|
KB 541
|
1255/1655hrs
|
|
PBH-SIN
|
KB 540
|
0805/1610hrs
|
Departure Dates: 11 Jun’20
Terms & Conditions:
- Above rates are on twin sharing basis in Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) approved 3-star hotels valid for total group size of minimum 20 adult, if less than 20 adults’ price is subject to change
-
Above rate are inclusive of airfare for Singapore/Paro/Singapore sector
-
Itinerary - 2 nights in Thimphu, 1 night in Punakha, 1 night in Phobjikha and last 2 nights in Paro
-
1 Tour leader in each group shall be provided if group materialized
-
All meals, taxes, government fees and entrance charges to monuments in Bhutan included
-
Travel insurance, tips to guide and driver, etc. not included
-
Above rates are in USD
- Child with Bed is on sharing with 2 adults’ basis.
Trip Duration : 7 Days
Area : Thimphu, Paro, Phobjikha & Punakha
Group Size : 20 (Minimum)
Flight Options :
Yes
