Travel to Bhutan | Budget friendly travel to Bhutan | How to reach Bhutan | Travel tips for Bhutan | December scheduled departures |Solo travel to Bhutan
Kuzo Zangpo La!
Greetings from Bhutan!
Like everyone, i too was planning and strategizing my visit to Bhutan from the time i shifted to Sikkim. I did my first road trip to Bhutan in 2016, with a couple of friends' to take part in a marathon, arranged by the country in collaboration with Olympics, to promote tourism. I was baffled by the hospitality of the people and the structured management of the organization. I also got a chance to meet their very humble sports minister.
The government designed a mesh of mandatory permits, taxes and guide system to create a certain conduct for tourism in their country, which, truth be told, can hold one back to create a smooth plan as we are used to in India. This guided scheduled departure is specially for solo or budget travelers where we have simplified these formalities to make it easy for you. The idea is to cut cost and save time so one can focus on their travel part in Bhutan and immerse themselves in its culture, history and cuisines. So, you just have to hop on the wagon with @travel.a.i.p !
Here, in this blog, is the Introduction, Detailed itinerary & Budget, lined one after the other. If you have any query or want to book, please leave a comment below or just reach out to us on Whatsapp / Call - 8172047843
Explore Bhutan, the Land of Thunder dragons!
6N7D - Ex Bagdogra
10 -16 Feb
A little bit about Bhutan –
Bhutan is popularly known as “Land of Thunder Dragon” and it is situated in the Eastern Himalayas. In Bhutan - the general prosperity of the country is measured by the ‘Gross National Happiness’ and is known as “Happiest Country / Kingdom in the World”. Bhutan attracts many travelers from across the globe because of its untouched mountains, serenity, and vibrancy.
Despite being a landlocked country with Tibet (now China) in the north, Sikkim (became a part of India in 1975) and Chumbi valley in the West, West Bengal (India) in the south and Arunachal Pradesh (India) in the east, this country was never colonized by any force. It earned its national and universal identity being a Buddhist country located at the Old Silk Trade route between Tibet and Indian Subcontinent. Its kings and rulers are respected like Gods and are revered personalities, globally.
The country under their religious leader Zhabdrung Rinpoche, is run on Buddhist Theocracy which indeed has proven their success in all fields -Economics, Spiritual, Religious and its position in the world.
Bhutan is a peaceful and is buzzing with tourists all round the year. Country’s clean environment, amazing people, unique culture and fresh air adds value to this trip.
So, without any further ado, lets get started!
Day 1 – TRANSFER FROM BAGDOGRA TO PUHUNSHOLING
134 kms | 4 hrs
Transfer from Bagdogra to Phunshuling ( Bhutan border by road)
· On reaching, meet our representative and check into the hotel.
· Phunshuling is a small town with major part of administration and services due to its location. Hence, the town buses with markets and shopping, café and restaurants.
· This town has a fascinating and peaceful mix of Indians and Bhutanese. This is reflected In their cordiality and culture.
· Choose to head out for a walk or rest at the stay.
o/n Phunshuling | Dinner at stay only
Day 2 – PHUNSHOLING TO THIMPHU & SIGHTSEEING
163 Kms | 5hrs
After an early breakfast head to the permit office to get your permits and leave for the
Administration head of Bhutan -Thimphu!
· On your drive, stop at Kharbandi Gompa to get a breath-taking view of Phunsholing and the Indian plains.
· Half way through, cross Chapcha (2800mts) said to be one of the highest points in Bhutan.
· Arrive Thimphu and check in followed by dinner.
o/n Thimphu | Breakfast & Dinner at stay only
Day 3 – DAY TRIP TO PUNAKHA
72 kms | 2 hrs
Punakha, was the 1st capital of Bhutan before the capital shifted to Thimphu. A beautiful, quaint settlement in the lap of nature hosts one of the most articulated Dzongs of the country.
· Stop at Dochula pass ( 3,150M) to have hot tea or coffee. The pass is a popular location among tourists as it offers a stunning 360-degree panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain ranges. The view is especially scenic on clear, winter days with snowcapped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the tranquility of the 108 chortens ( stupa) gracing the mountain pass.
·Visit Punakha Dzong which is known as “ Temple of Happiness” and it was build at the confluence of two major rivers in Bhutan, Po chhu(Male river) and Mo chhu( Female river). It is not only the second oldest and second largest dzong but it also has one of the most majestic structures in the country.
·Punakha Suspension Bridge – Yet another architectural and engineering marvel of Bhutan, this bridge is one of the longest in Asia built over Po Chhu (River). The views are to die for!
· Enjoy River Side Picnic Lunch today.
· Head back to Thimphu and evening to leisure.
o/n Thimphu | Breakfast & Dinner at stay only
Day 4 – THIMPHU SIGHTSEEING & TRANSFER TO PARO
50 Kms | 1:15 Hrs
After breakfast, lets explore the capital city and move on towards Paro, the most beautiful settlement in Bhutan.
· BUDDHA DORDENMA STATUE – Starting the day with blessings of Budhdha, visit the magnificent statue on top of Kuensel Phodrang, the national Memorial Chorten Stupas. The stupas were built in the memory of the third king.
· CHANGANGKHA LHAKHANG - The temple is Situated on a small hill overlooking the Thimphu valley which was built in the 13th century by lam Phajo Dugom zhigpo. Children born in Thimphu are taken to this temple because it is considered the spiritual home of the children born in chang valley
· TRASHICHHOEDZONG – Or “ the fortress of the glorious religion”. This is one of the most impressive structures situated along the right flank of the Thimphu river built in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal who unified Bhutan and was alter reconstructed in 1962 by the third king His Majesty Dorji Wangchuk. This impressive fortress / monastery houses Secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty, the king and various government offices.
· THE TAKIN ZOO – A trip to the zoo always gets the child out of us. Checkout the national animal of Bhutan here.
· NATIONAL MEMORIAL CHORTEN - which is located at the heart of Thimphu city. It is continuously circumambulated by the devotees who are continuously murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels. Construction of this landmark was the idea of Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (“the father of modern Bhutan”) who had wished to erect a monument to world peace and prosperity. Here you can see different people from all walks of life..
· Check in Paro stay and relax or choose to head out for a walk in the market.
· Evening to leisure
o/n Paro | Breakfast & Dinner at stay only
Day 5 – PARO - TIGER'S NEST DAY HIKE
Paro is a beautiful settlement, formed due to its favorable location while trade with Tibet. One can see a lot of shops, small cafes and shopping arena down the market. Paro is relatively bigger and well settled than the other small villages. It also has an international airport along side the river.
· Drive for few minutes to start hike up to TIGERNEST TEMPLE. TAKSHANG LHAKHANG is located approximately 10Km north of paro town at an altitude of 3,120 M. In order to arrive at the temple visitors must trek for around 2-3 hours ascent through beautiful, shady pine forests. No trip to Bhutan would be complete without a visit to this remarkable heritage site. Takshang Lhakhang is Bhutan’s most iconic landmark and religious site. The name Takshnag translates to “ the Tiger’s Nest”. This temple is one of the most holy sites in the Kingdom and clings impossibly to a sheer cliff face 900m above the paro valley.
o/n Paro | Breakfast & Dinner at stay only
Day 6 – CHELE - LA (pass) DAY EXCURSION AND DRIVE TO PHUNSHULING
After breakfast, head to Chele-la (pass), the highest motorable pass of Bhutan at an altitude of 4000mts between Haa and Paro.
After enjoying the majestic views of Jholomori Ranges head to Phunshuling for a night stay before bidding your final byes to Bhutan.
o/n Phunshuling | Breakfast & Dinner at stay only
Day 7 – DROP TO BAGDOGRA AFTER BREAKFAST
As all good things come to an end, our representatives will bid you farewell.
Trip ends!
COST DETAILS – 35,000/- per person (Valid for Indian Tourists only)
Please note – The above cost is subjected to 5% gst.
INCLUSIONS –
1. All stays in 3* category hotels and properties on Double Sharing basis.
Thimphu – Pemaling Villa / Similar
Phunshuling – Central Hotel / Similar
Paro – Tsherim Resort / Similar
Siliguri – Central Courtyard / Similar
2. All private transport from pick up to drop
3. Breakfast & Dinner as mentioned in the itinerary
4. SDF/Tax per night 1200/-
5. Bhutan / E permits
6. Assistance for Tourist permit to Travel to Thimphu, Paro & Punakha
7. Licensed Bhutanese Trip Coordinator and Guide for the entire trip
8. Driver allowances, toll tax, parking charges and state taxes
EXCLUSIONS –
1. Any airfare or train fare (Airfare Deals Available)
2. Travel Insurance
3. Entry fees at monuments
4. Any meals / beverages / snacks not mentioned in the itinerary
5. Additional sightseeing or extra usage of vehicle, other than the itinerary
6. Any expenses caused by reasons beyond our control such as natural calamities, rescheduling or cancellations.
7. Any other thing not mentioned in inclusions
8. Personal expenses and shopping, tipping or donations
9. Accommodation upgrading
CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES
Comfortable clothing and sturdy, soft-soled shoes are essential for travel in Bhutan. In summer, heavy cottons and lightweight woolens will be acceptable while for winter months, warm clothing is necessary. Altitudinal differences account for a wide range of temperatures from day to night the year round. It is, therefore, suggested that clothing be layered so that you can adapt to the changing conditions. While visiting temples and other religious institutions, dress modestly and respectfully. Please keep in mind that shoes must be removed when entering temples. It is, therefore, suggested that you carry a pair of socks to wear inside religious buildings. The following is fairly exhaustive list of what you should pack for the trip; clothes as per season, sunglasses / spare glasses, pair of casual shoes, knife, hat, umbrella, insect repellent, hand cream, small sewing kit & safety pins, torch or flash light with spare batteries, mirror, sun cream, lip salve, soluble aspirin, antiseptic cream, anti istame cream, anti-diarrhea pills, a preparation for the relief of sunburn and any medication you take regularly.
DRESS CODE & ETIQUETTE
Bhutanese by and large are conservative in their approach. Please avoid body hugging, sleeveless Tops or short skirts while walking around public areas. Shorts and Tank Tops are strictly not recommended inside the temples, monasteries and Dzongs. Hats need to be takeoff while entering religious site. Always walk in a clockwise direction while visiting religious places or objects like temples, monasteries, Stupas (Chorten), prayer flags etc. Please do not point a finger at a sacred object or place as it is considered being disrespectful.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
1. To book your trip with us please have 50% of the trip cost+ 5 % gst i.e.18,375/- as advance in the given account details.
Kanupriya Raniwala
S.B.I. Bank
Current Acc. 32844391790
Chavni Branch, Kota
IFSC - SBIN0001534
Upi - travel.a.i.p@oksbi
Gpay - 8172047843
2. Balance payment of 50% + 5% gst i.e. 18,375/- to be done 7 days before the trip commencement date positively.
3. In case of covid state isolation (only) we will have your payment retained with us as a credit note which could be used anytime with 1 year from your trip date.
4. Incase you choose to cancel from your side for any reason than above, then -
A. The booking is transferable to another name 15 days before the commencement of the trip
B. 50% Refund will be generated 30days before the trip date.
C. 25% Refund will be generated 20 days before the trip date.
D. No refund 7 days before the trip date.
5. Booking will be initiated after we receive a receipt of the Payment. Please note that no rooms or properties are blocked without payment.
6. Trip cost might get updated basis availability at the time of confirmation.
CONTACT DETAILS-
Team Travel AIP - Google Link
Sikkim | Spiti Valley & Himachal Pradesh | Zanskar | Ladakh | Kashmir | Rajasthan | Golden Triangle Circuit | Bhutan | Meghalaya
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