Trip To Bhutan – The Land of the Thunder Dragon

About The Trip

The Land Of  The Thunder Dragon” – as it is rightly called, Bhutan is a little Himalayan hamlet that has gained the title to be the “Happiest Country”. And you shall feel the vibes of happiness all around you – as soon as you’ll entire Bhutan. With lofty Himalayan mountains, gusty rivulets crossing the valleys, the aroma of Momos and Datshi in the air, colorful prayer flags, and huge Dzongs -A trip to Bhutan can never fail to mesmerize the visitors.

This 7 days road trip through the towns and countrysides of Bhutan will let to see the country’s diverse sides, visit the numerous old forts and hike up to one of the highest monasteries in the world – and you shall return back home, a lot happier! 

This would probably be the best budget trip to Bhutan that you can ever wish for, and we promise to unveil the hidden gems of the land for you.

Note: Just in case you are a group of 5 or more, we can offer you customized trips on your preferable dates. For more details, contact us!

Price

Brief Itinerary

Day 0: Reach Phuentsholing

Day 1: Begin at Phuentsholing, stop at Chuzom and Check-in at Thimphu

Day 2: Thimphu/Hike to Tango Goemba.

Day 3: Dochula Pass, Lobesa Village, and Punakha Dzong

Day 4: Explore Punakha

Day 5: Hiking in Gangtey Valley

Day 6: Paro Valley

Day 7: Trek to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest )

Day 8: Journey onwards

Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions

  • Transportation pick/drop and local sightseeing ( Phuentsholing - Phuentsholing )
  • Stay on Triple /Double sharing basis
  • Breakfast from Day 1- Day 8
  • Bhutanese Guide and Outdoor Leader from Plan The Unplanned
  • Trekking Permits
  • Visa Permits Fee
  • Experience that you gain

Exclusions

  • Any meals not included above
  • Any kind of personal expenses
  • Any kind of insurance (health, medical, life accidental,etc )
  • Anything not included above
  • Any Entry Fees
  • Any additional expenses arising out of unforeseen circumstances like cancellation/roadblocks/landslides/ strike or any other natural causes out of human control or any emergency evacuation expenses.

Detail Itinerary



Details

Make sure you reach Bagdogra Airport before 12 PM. The trip will start the next day at Phuentsholing – Immigration Office – 9:00 AM.

You could also reach a day prior to avoid a last-minute rush.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Phuentsholing. (Self Sponsored)




Details

Phuentsholing, the second largest town in Bhutan is where your adventure with us begins. We personally think of this town as the gateway to travel to heaven because every traveller stops here to enter this beautiful country. The clean air, greenery, and mountains serve as the first glimpse of your travel destination.

We begin by completing all immigration formalities and baggage checks and then set off on our journey to Thimphu. En-route we will stop at Chhuzom which is the confluence point of the Thimpu and Paro river. “Chhu” means river and “zom” means to join and the Bhutanese consider it as the confluence of the mother and father river.

The sight of clear blue waters combining while 3 different styles of “stupas” or shrines overlooking the river is a pleasurable start to the day.

As we arrive at Thimphu, you will check-in to the hotel, freshen up after all that travel and get ready for an evening walk.

As evening comes, we stroll through Thimphu Main street and the market area. As you walk around the city, you’ll notice that it comprises of a mix of modern and ancient tradition, making it special in its own way. We’ll stay the night at Thimpu with eager anticipation of the adventures that tomorrow holds.




Details

Today we travel towards the northern end of Thimphu valley to reach Tango Monastery.

The hike up to the Monastery follows a zig-zag trail through forests filled with oak and pine trees. Keep a lookout for the magnificent rhododendron flower trees as well which will be in full bloom during the spring season.

The Tango Monastery built-in 1689, is presently the center for higher studies for monks and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding regions and is guaranteed to help you find your inner peace.

In the latter half of the day, we shall take a tour of the capital city, Thimphu, visiting the Buddha Point that has the largest Buddha statue in the country followed by Tashicho Dzong and Simply Bhutan

We’ll also take a tour of the local markets and ‘craft bazaars’ where craftsmen and artisans from across the country display and sell their handicrafts.

This is a perfect place to get yourself some souvenirs such as wooden masks, thangkas, silverware, jewelry, and bamboo crafts.

Overnight stay at Thimphu.




Details

After a good breakfast, we will move ahead on our journey by driving to Punakha through the Dochula Pass. Look out the window and witness perfect panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges that will take your breath away.

Perched at an elevation of 3,100 meters, the Dochula Pass is a mountain pass that is surrounded by the snow-capped Himalayan mountains. Dochula Pass holds within it 108 memorial chortens or stupas and is also home to a monastery called the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang (temple). 

Next Stop: Lobesa Village. What’s so special about this village is that it holds within it the Chimi Lhakhang Monastery also known as the Divine Madman’s Monastery. This monastery is famously known as the fertility shrine and women pilgrims come here seeking blessings to beget children. 

We will then head to what is considered to be the most beautiful Dzongs amongst Bhutan’s 21 Dzongs ) – Punakha Dzong.

The Punakha Dzong is strategically located at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu Rivers and is one of the most majestic structures of Bhutan. In springtime, the lilac-colored jacaranda trees that encompass the dzong make it a place of true scenic beauty.

We will stay overnight at Punakha.




Details

After breakfast, we will go on a short hike to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, which is a fine example of Bhutanese architecture and artistic traditions and stands out on a beautiful ridge above the Punakha valley.

This temple has been dedicated to the well being of the kingdom, its people and all sentient beings and offers a beautiful view of the Punakha Valley.

Once here, you have the option to raft back on the Mo Chhu River (On the spot reservation).

The latter half of the day will be spent visiting the Sangchchen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery which is a large temple complex located on a ridge amidst pine trees and offers one much opportunity to explore.

Overnight stay at Punakha.




Details

Our next stop is the Phobjikha or Gangtey valley. From the small hilltop overlooking Gangtey Goemba, we will head downhill through flower meadows to Semchubara village and from here through beautiful forests and into the open valley.

The trail ends with a community school and a 15th-century Buddhist temple called Khewa Lhakhang which features three two-story statues of the past, present, and future Buddhas.

In the valley, we will visit the Gangteng Monastery. During winter, black-necked cranes visit central Bhutan to roost, circling the monastery three times on arrival and repeating the same when returning to Tibet.

We will stay the night at this culturally rich valley.




Details

Apart from it being home to the sole international airport in Bhutan, Paro Airport, Paro is a historic town with about 155 temples and monasteries. Rinpung Dzong a fortress-monastery overlooking the valley houses within it a collection of sacred masks and costumes. The national museum, Ta Dzong, is also set in Paro. Hence, Paro preserves the rich cultural traditions of the country.




Details

The last day of our wonderful Bhutanese backpacking trip starts with an early morning excursion to the most breathtaking spot in Bhutan. The Taktsang Monastery or the Tiger’s Nest perched majestically on a cliff which is 2,950m above sea level, defies all engineering logic.

Feel the adrenaline rush and take a two-hour hike up to the cliff or a pony ride, which can be arranged at an additional cost. We will also visit one of the oldest temples in Bhutan called Kyichu Lhakhang and interact with the locals at a farmhouse. The evening will be spent exploring the outskirts of the town of Paro together.

After a long and satisfying last day, we will spend our last night in Paro.




Details

Wake up, get ready and grab some breakfast before we depart to Phuntsholinga and make our way back home. 

Experience a soul-satisfying trek up to a rustic monastery perched on the edge of a cliff. Feel alive as you witness the traditional song and dance of Bhutan’s biggest cultural festival.

Let nature’s brilliance astound you as you see two magnificent rivers converge into one. Admire the countless heritage spots that make Bhutan famous for its unique culture.

Whether you love photography, want to embark on an exciting new trek or are drawn towards places that boast of rich cultural diversity, the beauty of Bhutan is bound to mesmerize you with a perfect blend of scenic landscapes, majestic monasteries, and terrific trek locales.

If it isn’t already, a trip to Bhutan must be on your travel bucket list. What better way than through Plan The Unplanned – Sign Up for our early bird special offer!

Overnight stay at Bagdogra. ( Self Sponsored )


Things To Carry

We request you to kindly carry the following. It’s better to be prepared rather than not prepared.

  • A Rucksack to stuff your clothes and all the necessities
  • Passport and Passport size photos
  • Tupperware Water bottle, avoid the use of plastic disposable water bottle
  • A small daypack to carry your trek essentials
  • Hiking shoes and Floaters
  • Warm Layers, socks, gloves, woolen caps, thermals
  • Undergarments as required
  • Raincoat
  • Sunscreen, Suncap, and Sunglasses
  • Toiletry kit
  • Medical kit with your basic medicines
  • Dry bags to stuff used clothes or wet clothes
  • Biodegradable waste bags to not litter around
  • Snacks, dry fruits

Policy and Terms

Here’s the cancellation policy for Himalayan Treks/Backpacking Trips/Road Trips

  • If you cancel before 30 days – 90% of amount will be refunded
  • If you cancel between 20 -30 days – 75% % of amount will be refunded
  • If you cancel between 15-19 days – 50%  will be refunded
  • If you cancel between 7-14 days – 25 % amount will be refunded
  • If you cancel between 0- 7 days before the departure date – No amount would be refunded.

Note: For All The Above Refund Cases Transaction Fees/Internet Handling Charges will be dedcuted from the overall amount and balance amount shall be refunded. You can transfer your ticket to anyone so that you could save your hard earned money

For other trips and travels with us, and detailed terms and conditions check the      following link : https://www.plantheunplanned.com/refund-cancellation-policy

How to Reach

Meeting Point: Phuentsholing/Jaigaon – Immigration Office – 8:00 am

Option 1 – There are a lot of ways to reach Bhutan. But the best way that we would recommend is, take a flight till Bagdogra(Nearest airport) and from there take a cab/bus till Phuentsholing/Jaigaon.

Option 2 – Also, you can take a flight directly to Paro. The permits can be taken care in Paro itself.

Option 3 – From Kolkata to Phuentsholing by bus: Kolkata Bus Terminal, Esplanade[ 0091 3322487734/9830723944/9831720574 ), there is a bus which goes every day(except Sunday) at 7:00 PM. The booking needs to be done offline for the same. You can find the phone number and other details here: http://www.bhutanpost.bt/plingkolkata.php

Train

There are direct trains plying from Kolkata to Hasimara although these are very few. Journey duration takes around 13 hours to 15 hours. Only the following three trains run from Kolkata to Hasimara.

 

Kanchankanya Express Train No. 13149, Sealdah – 20:30, Hasimara – 10:46, Daily

Karmabhoomi Express Train No. 22511, Howrah Junction – 21:55, Hasimara – 12:15, Thursday

Kolkata Alipur Duar Special Fare Train No. 03129, Kolkata – 22:45, Hasimara – 12:20, Sunday

From Hasimara Railway Station, the Jaigaon/ Phuentsholing Border is hardly 15 kilometers and takes only 30 minutes. At Hasimara you will get several options like auto-rickshaw, shared jeep or taxi to get to the border. Auto-Rickshaw costs around Rs. 120, a shared jeep costs around Rs. 50 per person and lastly, private taxi costs around Rs. 400.

For more detailed info you can also visit

https://www.indiatravelforum.in/threads/how-to-reach-bhutan-from-kolkata.3222/

For any other queries, you can give us  a call on 9035182699, 9428909952

Additional Information

  • Min number of travelers required for the event to happen is 5. Plan The Unplanned would be not responsible for any flight cancellation charges/any other cost. You can book tickets by Make My Trip Double Black which gives free cancellation
  • At Plan The Unplanned, we expect travellers to be flexible with the itinerary as there could be few minor changes depending on the situations and the tour leader decision shall hold final.
  • We expect the fellow travellers will be friendly and be accommodating the other fellow travelers and avoid any issues as regards accommodation or for any reasons whatsoever.
  • Let’s understand that we are a group that prefers travellers and not tourists.
  • It is mandatory to reach Bagdogra on/by 9th Jan before 12 PM. For other mentioned tour dates kindly contact us.
  • You need to carry the Original Passport and 3 Passport size Photographs. Make sure your passport has a validity of min 6 months.
  • Personal expenses are to be borne by you.
  • Travel Insurance isn’t required for your trip to Bhutan. If you require travel insurance please call us or email to [email protected]
  • Currencies of INR 10, 20, 50, 100, and 500 can only be used! 2000 INR notes will not work in Bhutan. You can also exchange currency while in the country.
  • You can check the cancellation policy by clicking on the cancellation tab.
cover pic

INR 15999/-

per person



*Prices will vary for Long Weekend
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Trip To Bhutan – The Land of the Thunder Dragon
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