Bhutan: Path to Pure Happiness

Welcome to the Land of Thunder Dragon, a country where the wealth is measured not by Gross Domestic Product (GDP) but by Gross National Happiness (GNP) – This is Bhutan. This tiny strikingly beautiful Himalayan country, sandwiched between India and China still remains one of the Last Shangri-La with a charm and magic, like nowhere else in the world. Bhutan`s landscape consists of a lofty and rugged mountain ranges separated by deep fertile valleys, while 72 percent is under forest coverage. Through centuries of self-imposed isolation Bhutan has been able to preserve its spectacular environment and nurture its unique culture.

We take you on a lifetime journey to this tiny little country with ‘no traffic lights’ which has put happiness of its people before economic growth and set a world standard for environmental preservation.

Day 01 | Siliguri – Phuentsholing (160 Kms, 4-5 Hours)

On arrival at Bagdogra International Airport (IXB), WANDERING SARATHY will personally receive you. We start our road trip to the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan at 12PM. Transfer to the Bhutan’s border town – Phuentsholing which approximately takes about 4-5 hours. We’ll check in to the hotel and you’ll have free time to rest up or walk around Phuentsholing. 

MEAL INCLUDED: Dinner

Day 02 | Phuentsholing – Thimphu (150 Kms, 4½ Hours)

This morning, we carry on with the immigration formalities and take the road to Thimphu, the only capital in the world with ‘no traffic lights’. The drive to Thimphu is very scenic with many tiny villages on the way. Our drive will pass through Gedu, Chukha, and Chuzom before emerging ourselves into the only multi culture city in Bhutan. We reach Thimphu by evening and spend time strolling in the bustling market area. Then, check-in to our hotel, and relax rest of the day. 

MEAL INCLUDED: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 03 | Thimphu

Start the day by visiting the Buddha Dordenma (Buddha Point) where a giant golden Buddha statue overlooks the city of Thimphu. Marvel at the serene statue, enjoy panoramic views of Thimphu from this hilltop location and strike poses for some crazy pics. Next up is the hilltop Tashichho Dzong, or the ‘fortress of the glorious religion’ which was initially built in 1641, but rebuilt in its present form in 1965 in the traditional Bhutanese style, without nails or architectural plans. Admire the intricate woodwork, colorful murals, and the scenic setting along the Wang Chuu River.

Later visit, the Folk Heritage Museum which provides visitors with fascinating insights into the Bhutanese material culture and way of life and the Motithang Zoo where we can see the rare and elusive Takin, the National Animal of Bhutan. 

A philatelist's "dream come true" location is the Bhutan Postal Museum where we visit next. Discover the rich history of Bhutan's philately, view antique stamps, and even create your own custom stamps with your face printed on it.

In the evening, visit the Craft Bazaar, a half-kilometer-long street brimming with shops selling handcrafted goods made in Bhutan for a wide selection of traditional crafts, textiles, and souvenirs. We also try out local alcohol brewed from rice and wheat known as “ARA”.

MEAL INCLUDED: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 04 | Thimphu – Punakha via Dochu-La Pass (70 Kms / 2½ Hours)

Today we head to Punakha via Dochu-La Pass. The road climbs steeply through a scenic forest of pine and cedar trees, to Dochu-La pass (10,200 feet). The pass where 108 stupas known as "Druk Wangyal Chortens" have been built offers 360° panoramic views of the snow strewn Himalayan mountain ranges. It is also marked by hundreds of Buddhist prayer flags fluttering in the wind. From here we descend to the fertile valley of Punakha (4,430 feet). The drive through the countryside affords a glimpse of everyday life in this most remote of Himalayan kingdoms. 

First, we visit Bhutan's longest suspension bridge, the Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge. It swings gently in the wind, making the sensation of crossing it thrilling. Bright prayer flags adorning the bridge increase the excitement of crossing it. Later head to Punakha Dzong, the ‘Palace of Great Happiness’ built in 1637 situated at the confluence of 2 rivers. The dzong (fortress) has to be reached by foot and requires crossing an arched wooden bridge. 

After lunch take a short hike through the paddy fields to Chimi Lhakhang, a fertility temple situated on a hill-top, a temple dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley, known as the “Divine Madman” who lived in the 14th century. We have the option to do river rafting so you may experience the exhilaration of the water while taking in the gorgeous scenery. You will end up clicking hundreds of pictures here.

MEAL INCLUDED: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 05 | Punakha – Phobjikha Valley (80 Kms, 3 Hours)

We drive to Phobjikha Valley (9,845 feet), a paradise for nature lovers and hikers, so one can enjoy the hike around the remote valley of Phobjikha.

Phobjikha valley is one of the winter roosting grounds of the rare, Black-necked Cranes, where they come in hundreds after spending their summer in Tibet and then migrates to the Himalayas of Bhutan to spend their winter – they arrive in the months of September and October and remain here for 5-6 months before flying back to Tibet. While the cranes reside in the valley, the village folks are not allowed to make loud noises or fish in the river that runs through the valley. After check in the hotel, visit Black Necked Crane Information Centre which provides all the information about the birds. Then stroll in the streets of Gangtey to get the rural life of the people.

From Gangtey, one can closely view the picturesque Black Mountain ranges as well as the beautiful Phobjikha valley. 

MEAL INCLUDED: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 06 | Phobjikha – Paro

Today we visit Gangtey Gompa, the largest and the only monastery of the Nyingmapa sect in Western Bhutan. We start retracing the drive to Paro. We visit the 17th century Paro Dzong (Fortress) on foot and continue walking through the oldest wooden bridge still in use.

Also visit the ancient and holy Kichu Lhakhang, built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gompo in the 7th century. Evening stroll old Paro town and peep into some local handicraft's stores. Do some souvenir shopping! 

MEAL INCLUDED: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 07 | Into the Tiger’s Nest

We’ll get an early start for a hike to Taktsang Monastery commonly known as Tiger’s Nest, which is built around a cave in which Guru Padmasambhava (also known as Guru Rimpoche) meditated. This magnificent monastery literally hangs from the edge of the rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. Have lunch at the cafeteria, enjoying the amazing views of peaks and valleys while relishing your meal. The hike is quite a challenge and takes about 5 hours (both ways). Pony ride is available till the view point but not till the monastery. One can hike up to Cafeteria (exactly midway) for the sheer experience if not able to make it to the monastery. After return, you can either visit the town for some shopping or rest.

The best way to spend the evening is to take a hot stone bath—a traditional Bhutanese practice that involves resting sore muscles in warm, herb-scented private baths. 

If you're not into trekking, there are quite a lot of places to visit in Paro to spend the day. 

MEAL INCLUDED: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 08 | Paro – Siliguri (300 km / 8 hrs)

Today after early breakfast, we bid fond farewell to the amazing kingdom and take the road to Siliguri/Bagdogra. It’s time to bid goodbye to your new friends. Head back home with a bagful of sweet memories! Trip ends. 

MEAL INCLUDED: Breakfast

The itinerary is loosely drafted and allows you to do as little or as much as you like.

This itinerary is just to give you an idea on the tour structure but in no means final and is subject to change.

Start Date: Sunday, December 1, 2024

End Date: Sunday, December 8, 2024

Pick-up/Drop-off at Siliguri/Bagdogra. Please ensure that you arrive by 11AM (Airport Pick-up @ 12PM) on the Start Date and book your return ticket for your flight after 8PM (Airport Drop @ 6PM) on the End Date.

INR 46500 per person (Pay INR 20000 to Book Now!)

• These rates are for Indian Nationals only.
• Group Size: Minimum of 6 participants - Maximum of 18 participants (+) WANDERING SARATHY, as your Trip Captain
• Please make sure that the trip has reached the minimum number of participants before you reserve your flight ticket.
• Even a single member can join this trip. If you're a single-member traveling alone, you'll be assigned to a room with member/s of the same gender.
• Suitable for members between the age group of 18-50 yrs. Generally, we have participants between 20-35 yrs.
• Opt for Zero Cancellation Fee Protection Extension while booking your flight tickets so that you get a full refund in case of cancellation.

INCLUSIONS

• All accommodation in 3* hotels on double/twin sharing basis 
• Breakfast and Dinner (Set Menu) at our accommodation. 
• Airport transfers (Group transfer only)
• All sightseeing trips by SUV/Mini-Buses
• Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for Indians @ INR 1200 per day 
• An Exclusive English-Speaking Local Guide from start to end of the trip
• Services of WANDERING SARATHY who personally leads the group and doubles as a storyteller.
• Entry Permits, Special Area Permit
• Toll Taxes, Parking Charges

EXCLUSIONS

• Airfare/Train-fare
• Lunch/Beverages/other food expenses
• GST @ 5% of the trip cost
• Entry tickets to monuments and places of interest
• Activities like river rafting, archery, hot stone bath, etc.
• Additional requests, orders, and services availed in the hotel.
• Use of transport for personal use and beyond the designated trip route
• Additional costs arising due to mishaps, political unrest, natural calamities like – landslides, road blockage, etc. In such a case, extras will have to be paid on the spot by the participants directly.
• Personal expenses such as laundry, soft drinks, packaged drinking water, incidentals, porter charges, tips, medicines, etc.
• Any extra expenses due to delays arising from bad weather & circumstances beyond our control.
• Any item not specified in the ‘Inclusions’.

Please confirm your participation by paying Rs.20,000/- to book your seat. Rest to be paid 45 days before the trip start date. Booking amount is non-refundable.

Please write to us at unusualescapes@gmail.com for our Bank Account Details to transfer the Booking Fee (or) pay via UPI ID: unusualescapes@aubank. We also accept card payments.

Your spot will be confirmed as soon as we receive your Booking Fee.