Bhutan Holiday: A land of Dragons
When you travel to Bhutan for a holiday you will see and feel the difference. Not only this you will also see fantastic views of the eastern Himalayas as you drive pass through a mountain pass or in the shadow of snow-covered peaks. You will feel the touch of Buddhist influence. This peaceful region, however, has seen a violent past. You will learn of some of those stories as you visit fortresses of the region.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Destination Covered
Thimphu , Paro
DAY BY DAY ITINERARY
Day 01: Arrive in Paro and drive to Thimphu
Fly into Himalayas with Druk Air, Bhutan's only National Air Carrier. The green walls of the hills in to Bhutan from the plains of India rise ever higher as the plane flies north towards the Tibetan border. Silvery rivers rush along the valleys, waterfalls plunge down the forested mountainsides, and to the north, the great snowcapped peaks of the inner Himalayas rise up to the heavens.
As the aircraft enters the Paro valley, look down and you will see the Paro Dzong on the hillside overlooking Paro Chu (river) with Ta Dzong, formerly a watchtower and now the National Museum, above it. You will be welcomed by our representative at the airport and transfer to Thimphu. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 02: Thimphu
After breakfast, the day will begin with sightseeing in Thimphu valley including visit to the following: the National Library, housing an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts; the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School) where students undergo a 6-year training course in Bhutan's 13 traditional arts and crafts. Later visit Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, a fascinating testimony of the Bhutanese material culture and living traditions.
After lunch, also visit King's Memorial Chorten continuously circumambulator 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.
Later, visit the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts shops, to browse through example of Bhutan's fine traditional arts. Here you can buy hand-woven textiles, thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewellery, interesting items made from local materials.
Evening visit Trashichhoedzong, "fortress of the glorious religion". This is the centre 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, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in 1960s in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans.
Day 03: Thimphu - Dochula Pass - Paro (98 km, approx 3½ Hrs drive)
After early breakfast, drive up to Dochu-la pass (3,088m/ 10,130 ft) to take in the view and admire the chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m ), Jejegangphugang (7,158 m ), Kangphugang (7,170 m ), Zongphugang (7, 060 m ), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana - finally Gangkar puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m.
Later drive to Paro en route visiting Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the country built in 1627. It now houses the School for Buddhist studies. Evening take a walk around Paro main street. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 04: Paro
After breakfast 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 artefact's.
Then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung 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..
After lunch, drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. The snowy dome of sacred Chomolhari, "mountain of goddess'' can be seen in all her glory from the approach road to the Dzong.
En route take a short stop at Satsam Chorten for a view of famous Taktsang Monastery.
Along the way, visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by 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 from Paro
After early breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination.
Testimonials
-
Lucille Fernandes
“ I must comment that we had Boris Pereira as our Memorable India Tour Manager and he really made our trip excellent in every way. Honestly, apart from the two of you I do not know about the memorab
-
Surendra, Canada
“ The whole trip, from beginning to end, was truly wonderful and memorable. We learned so much about India, and saw so many beautiful things, that it is difficult to put our amazement into words. Th
-
Alexandra, Colombia
“ I just wanted to drop you a note to thank you for all of your time and effort to plan this trip at the last minute. I know that the pressure was on, but you handled everything very professionally.
-
Petra Carlesi, Germany
“ Our trip was FABULOUS! I've been trying to decide what to tell you were the highlights, but I just can't narrow it down at all. We enjoyed everywhere we went. Each destination was unique and had s
-
William
“ India was great. In fact it was unbelievable. My wife said it was the best vacation we have ever had-and we have had many. The people of India are the kindest and nicest that we have ever meet. Th
-
Chelliah Selvanasan
“ Very reliable.gives excellent hotels.very homely understanding drivers.you can contact them at any time.our family has been in their tours 4 times.i cam recommend to any one.Very resonable rates.
-
Chandra & Saroj Akhil, Melbourne, Australia
“ Dear Raj, Thank you very much for your email. We arrived home safely with a lot of immortal memories of Great India. From the very beginning to the end of our Tour with your Company we enjo
-
Deb Grazel, Virginia
“ Dear Raj, We had a wonderful time on our trip. Now I realize that with the Christmas season you had to change some of the hotels around since some were not available. So with the being said here
-
Elmira Galimova
“ Memorable India provided an excellent service!!! I would definitely recommend this company because they are honest, reliable and pretty decent service rates. Well done guys!!! ”
-
Kim Barcardi
“ I just returned from the India and Nepal trip and wanted to let you know what a great experience it was to have the tour guides Friendly Planet choose on both legs of our trip. Vishwakarma, our gu
-
Jeannie Shu
“ We had the time of our lives on your oct. Taj Mahal + Mumbai Trip. No other place in the world can you see such a combination of beauty, history & diversity! From the elephant ride up to the Jaipu
-
John Schwab, West Hollywood, CA
“ Though I could never expect perfection in any experience, I can say that for the price, the Taj Mahal Express was an excellent value. The experience in "Incredible India" exceeded my expectations
-
Dennis Setlock
“ This was our first tour with Friendly Planet Travel, and we were very nervous because the price was SO low! Well, we are extremely impressed with the service, the quality of the hotels, the tours,
-
Philip Thomas
“ INCREDIBLE INDIA it was! We sincerely congratulate you on the immense depth you went to make sure we had a lovely maiden trip of India. Your staffs' punctuality, client relationship, guidance, war
-
Walker Theresa
“ Tour with Memorable India I walker and my family planned a tour for Delhi, Agra and Rajasthan. This was booked through Mr.Raj of memorable india. The booking was done on a short notice yet every
-
Robort Lee
“ Hi raj I reach home safely. Thank you for arranging a very good trip for me this time. It was indeed a good experience for me. During my stay in hotel Rambagh, I received free upgrade of 2 rank
-
Piyasiri Maddugoda
“ The organization of the trip was excellent. Staff was very friendly and courteous, specially the drivers; Rakesh and Dev Raj. Guide Orm Prakash was exceptional and Raju was good. Cars were comfort
-
The Stevenson family
“ Hi Raj, We are safely back from our Indian adventure and just wanted to say a huge thank you for our fantastic holiday. In particular, Anand was excellent - not only did he safely drive us round
-
Jenny CEO, Orbis International
“ Hi Raj, First of all, let me thank you for the travel arrangements in India. Everything was just superb. Our driver, Jagdish, was wonderful. He is a great driver (the traffic really is incredible
-
David Thomson
“ As always, we had an amazing time in India and Alex and I were greatly impressed with Memorable India from beginning to end. We were particularly taken with the new Taj property, the Nadesar Pa
-
Ravi Malla
“ I just wanted to thank you for the fabulous holiday you put together for us. It could not have been better, your representatives and our driver were just great. It took some time to get used to bu
-
“ We would like to thank you once again for a remarkable and memorable experience in incredible India. We had an amazing time and this was thanks to the Memorable India team, which was constantly by
-
Michael Loos MAN Truck & Bus AG (Germany)
“ A big thank you to the team at Memorable India. I am presently at the last leg of my South India trip. I must say everything was very well organized and went perfectly as planned. The best part of
-
USA / Canada 16 Nov 2012
“ We have just returned from our tour to southern India and would like to express our appreciation to all of those involved in the planning (Khan in delhi) and those who guided and helped with detai
-
Ismial Daya 23 Dec.2012
“ Yes, our tour of Rajasthan Goa was absolutely magical and far exceeded our expectations. Although we have widely travelled throughout the world, this was our first time in India and we will def
-
Altaj Ramani , UK
“ We had a wonderful time in India last month. You were very helpful and efficient in all the planning and booking stages - thank you very much. We were also impressed by the efficiency of Memora
- Srilal Parera
-
Sobhi G.M.Luxury Sales, Good Travel,Egypt (September 2012)
“ During my trip in India, I would stress that it's the genuine warmth and care that each guide exhibited partnered with and their personal pride in their beautiful country is something special and
-
Taksen, Singapore
“ Yes, our tour of Rajasthan was absolutely magical and far exceeded our expectations. Although we have widely travelled throughout the world, this was our first time in India and we will definit
-
T.Walker , Freelance Journalist for The Financial Times (Aug. 2012)
“ Got back this morning after just about the best trip we've ever been on and don't know how to begin to thank you both for making it all possible. All the hotels were wonderful. Memorable India,
-
Fiona
“ our tour of Rajasthan from 12-21 Dec 2011 was absolutely magical and far exceeded our expectations. Although we have widely travelled throughout the world, this was our first time in India and
-
Jonathan and Liz Rawes
“ We had a wonderful time in India last month. You were very helpful and efficient in all the planning and booking stages - thank you very much. We were also impressed by the efficiency of Memorabl
-
Allah Hafiz, Imran, (Canada)
“ Dear Mr. Raj First of all please accept my deepest, humblest apology for not writing you earlier. Actually I had gone to US and have just returned. Mr.Raj...Thank you so much for everything you
HOLIDAY PLANNING & AMAZING DEALS
Get the Best Holiday Planned by Experts!
Enter your contact details and we will plan the best holiday suiting all your requirements.
