Bhutan "The Land of The Happiness" Tours
Thimphu - Punakha - Paro
Bhutan, a holy and fictitious place set within the Himalaya. It's one amongst most spectacular in entire the Himalaya. The journey offers fascinating views associated an exciting descent into the Asian country Kingdom. Its 1st gift to you as you set down from the craft are cool, clean recent mountain air. Asian country has such a big amount of Buddhist monasteries, however besides that there's such a lot to witness like natural treasures and enumerable species of flora and fauna. This Itinerary is covering destination Paro a fashionable culture, scenic beauty and many myths and legends. Its home to several of Bhutan's oldest temples and monasteries, National deposit and country's solely landing field. Mount. Thimphu could be a distinctive town with uncommon mixture of recent development aboard ancient traditions.
Gangtey, one amongst the foremost lovely spots in Asian country. The surprise of finding such a good, flat depression with none trees once the exhausting climb through dense forests is increased by a bearing of Brobdingnagian area, and very rare expertise in Asian country wherever most of the valleys area unit tightly fogbound. Punakha, it's served because the capital of the country from 1637 to 1907 and also the 1st national assembly was hosted here in 1953 and to explore the attractive valleys and monasteries, etc.
Arrive Paro and clear immigration formalities and baggage collection, you will be met by our representative at Airport, and afterwards drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan. On arrival, in Thimphu check-into the hotel. The capital town of Bhutan and the center of government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. With the population of about 90,000 it is perhaps still the world's only capital city without a traffic light. Later in the day take an exploratory walk around local market place located a few minutes' walk from hotels. Or take a walk to local craft Bazar recently established under patronage of Department of cottage & small industry and in collaboration with the department of culture, tourism council and the department of agriculture marketing and cooperatives, this market offers genuine Bhutanese arts & crafts thus contributing in promotion, protection and preservation of traditional arts. (Unlike other typical Asian tourist marketplace, this is a unique place where you will not find pesky shopkeeper or hawker coxing you to buy their artefacts, you can wander around in peace admiring the artisanship and uniqueness of the Bhutanese local market) Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Hotel: Thimphu Lodge, Amankora - Bhutan Set in the upper reaches of the Motithang area, the 16-Suite Lodge of Amankora Thimphu is built in the style of a traditional dzong fortress. Within reach of the capital's shops and sights, the lodge remains a secluded retreat from which to explore both all the city has to offer and the wild Himalayan landscape. Amenities include king-size beds, traditional wood-burning stoves and banquette window-seats, while bathrooms feature terrazzo-clad bathtubs, twin vanities, a separate shower and toilet. Hiking and cycling are arguably the best ways to explore the incredible landscape, and every lodge offers an exhaustive list of options and routes. In addition, guests will be given a 'top ten' list of experiences to try in each locality.
After breakfast take a short drive towards northern end of town to visit Changangkha Lhakhang: It is a fortress like temple and monastic school perched on a ridge above Thimphu, south of Motithang. The temple was established in 12th century on a site chosen by Lama Phajo Drugom Shigpo, who came from Tibet. The central statue here is Chenrigzig in a manifestation with 11 heads. From temple courtyard, there is fascinating view of Thimphu valley. Continue drive on to Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang): Located at a short drive from Thimphu city centre, visitors can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from the Buddha point (Kuensel Phodrang). You can pay your obeisance and offer prayers to the Buddha, the largest statue in the country and then walk around and take a glimpse of the valley. On the way back into town visit Takin Preserve - the Takin is the national animal of Bhutan and looks like a cross between a cow and a goat. Legend has it that the animal was created by the great Buddhist yogi, Drupa Kunley, and it can be found only in Bhutan and nearby areas. Also visit Anim Dratshang (nunnery) at Drubthob Goemba.
Visit Zangthopelri Lhakhang: The present structure was built in 1960s and although lacking the charm of many of the older temples, Zangtho pelri still possesses some impressive murals and art treasures and is worthy of a visit. The site of the temple was a former battle ground, and the temple was constructed there in order to pacify energies. Later in the afternoon visit Trashichhoedzong: This impressive fortress/monastery houses Secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty, the King and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of Chief Abbot and central monk body. Evening stroll around weekend Market: Every Saturday and Sunday most of Thimphu's scant population and many valley dwellers congregate on the banks of the river where weekend market is held. It is an interesting place to visit and provides opportunity to mingle with the local people. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
After breakfast enjoy a dramatic drive over the high mountain pass of Dochu La (3,O8O m) and on to the Phobjikha Valley passing through dense forests and oak, rhododendron tress. The journey continues over the 3,050m mountain pass where on a clear day, the towering Himalayan peaks are clearly visible. The highway follows the scenic Dang Chhu before climbing through forests of bamboo and oak. Checking into hotel. Later evening free for own activities. Overnight at the hotel in Gangtey.
Hotel: Gangtey Lodge, Amankora - Bhutan In the little-visited Phobjikha Valley near the village of Gangtey, the eight-Suite Amankora Gangtey is set on a forested knoll with scenic views of the valley floor and the 16th-century Gangtey Goemba monastery. Part of the Black Mountains National Park wildlife reserve, the valley is home each winter to a flock of 300 endangered black-neck cranes. Suite interiors are identical to those of Amankora Thimphu, each enjoying a view across the valley. Amenities include king-size beds, traditional wood-burning stoves and banquette window-seats, while bathrooms feature terrazzo-clad bathtubs, twin vanities, a separate shower and toilet.
Morning after leisurely breakfast visit Gangtey Gompa. Perched on a small hill that rises from the valley floor, the Gangtey Monastery is the only Nyingmapa monastery on the western side of the Black Mountain's and also the biggest Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan. The Monastery is surrounded by a large village inhabited mainly by the families of the 140 Gomchens who take care of the Monastery. Later explore Gangtey village and Phobjikha valley on foot. The valley of Gangtey is one of the most beautiful spots in Bhutan. The surprise of finding such a wide, flat valley without any trees after the hard climb through dense forests is augmented by an impression of vast space, and extremely rare experience in Bhutan where most of the valleys are tightly enclosed. A few kilometers beyond the Gangtey Monastery, on the valley floor lies the village of Phobjikha. This place is the winter home of black necked cranes that migrate from the arid plains in the north to pass winter in milder and lower climate. Phobjikha, at an altitude of 2900 m, falls under the district of Wangduephodrang and lies on the periphery of the Black Mountain National Park. Explore Phobjikha valley for Black Necked Cranes. (In winter only, Oct to mid-March) Evening free for own activities. Overnight at the hotel in Gangtey.
After breakfast drive back to Punakha. It is served as the capital of the country from 1637 to 1907 and the first national assembly was hosted here in 1953. Punakha Dzong is not only the second oldest and second largest Dzong but it also has one of the most majestic structures in the country. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.
Hotel: Punakha Lodge, Amankora - Bhutan Reached by crossing a suspension bridge over the Mo Chhu River covered in prayer flags, Punakha Lodge incorporates a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse built by a former Je Khenpo (chief abbot of Bhutan). Located in a subtropical valley that produces most of the nation's vegetables, the area is where the Bhutanese royals spend their winters. Eight of the suites are identical in design to those of Amankora Paro, with views across an orange orchard and rice terraces. The four Mo Chhu Suites are situated in a new building, and two feature separate 40m2 living areas. The suites can be combined to offer two 2-bedroom units. All accommodations offer king-size beds, traditional wood-burning stones and banquette window-seats, while bathrooms feature terrazzo-clad bathtubs, twin vanities and a separate shower and toilet.
After breakfast at hotel, proceed to visit Gangtey Gompa, a massive structure built at the junction of two rivers. It was the capital of Bhutan until 1955, and still serves as the winter residence of the monk body. Late afternoon option Chimi Lakhang (from hotel it is about 15 minutes' drive till motorable road and then walk starts through paddy fields and villages. This is total about 1.1/2-hour walk, including both way) The Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the center of the valley, also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon. The trail leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, meaning 'field'. A walk through the village near the temple will give you rare glimpses into the daily life and lifestyle of the villagers Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.
Early morning and afternoon shared jeep safari at Kanha National Park. Stay overnight at hotel in Kanha.
Morning after breakfast travel to Pench National Park. Pench National park, nestling in the lower southern reaches of the Satpura hills is named after Pench River, meandering through the park from north to south. It is located on the southern boundary of Madhya Pradesh, bordering Maharashtra, in the districts of Seoni and Chhindwara. Pench National Park, comprising of 758 sq. kms, out of which a core area of 299 sq. km is the national park & remaining 464 sq. km is the buffer area. On arrival check in at hotel. Stay overnight at hotel in Pench.
Baghvan, A Taj Safari – Pench: Baghvan, which literally means the 'tiger forest'. Only a few minutes from the national park entrance these 12 charming stand-alone bungalows are built alongside a picturesque 'nullah' (dry riverbed), that demarcates the lodge premises from the national park. Each bungalow comes with its own rooftop machan, indoor and outdoor shower areas and a private sit-out surrounded by the woods. A colonial theme is nuanced in the guest areas with a vintage radio, crystal candelabras on the dining table and metal chandeliers. Delicate Parsi tiles on the live food counter, woven hyacinth furniture and giant ebony chests add to the elegance of the hall. The Taj Safari Lodge in Baghvan has a delightful infinity pool shaded by trees and overlooking the forest. A tiny cottage across the safari shop houses a small library, computer and a television for guests, with the adjacent room being a tasteful serene space for massage treatments.
Early morning and afternoon shared jeep safari at Pench National Park. Pench National Park is very rich in fauna – Some of these are:- Tiger, Leopard, Jungle Cats, Sloth Beer, Wild Dog, Jackle, Wolf, Hyena, Fox, Wild Boar, Langoor, Monkey, Indian Gaur (Bison), Sambhar, Barking Deer, Spotted Deer, Porcupine etc. Also there are many species of reptiles found at Pench national Park – Snakes, Monitor Lizard etc. More than 300 species of residential and migratory birds can be seen at Pench national Park. Stay overnight at hotel in Pench.
Early morning and afternoon shared jeep safari at Pench National Park. Stay overnight at hotel in Pench.
Morning after breakfast transfer to Nagpur airport to board your schedule flight to Delhi. On arrival at airport transfer to hotel. Rest of the day at your leisure to enjoy the hotel services or you can go for shopping in near local markets. Stay overnight at hotel in Delhi.
Morning after breakfast transfer to Delhi international airport to board your schedule flight to onward destination.
Tour Ends….
Thimphu - Punakha - Paro
Thimphu - Gangtey - Punakha - Paro