Bhutan Overland Tour

Tour Duration : 08 Days 07 Nights

Bhutan Cultural Tour

Bhutan is a remote & independent kingdom in the eastern Himalayas and the last bastion of Tibetan Buddhist culture and religion in its purest form. Bhutan is the only country in the world that has retained the Vajrayana form of Mahayana Buddhism as its national religion. Throughout all of Bhutan there are Buddhist stupas , believed to be a form of protection for tourists and residents. Hinduism is practiced by the southern Bhutanese.

While Bhutan is one of the smallest countries in the world, its cultural diversity and richness are profound. As such, strong emphasis is laid on the promotion and preservation of its unique culture. By protecting and nurturing Bhutan’s living culture it is believed that it will help guard the sovereignty of the nation.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive Phuentsholing
On arrival in Phuentsholing, meet our representative followed by check-in hotel. Evening, as the time permits take a stroll around Phuentsholing market. Overnight at the hotel

Day 02: Phuentsholing – Thimphu (180km 6hrs)
Morning proceed to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan. 4 km ahead of Phuentsholing, visit Kharbandi Gompa, beautiful monastery situated in garden of tropical plants and flowers. Nearby Thimphu, visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the Kingdom which now houses the School for religious and cultural studies.
Overnight at the hotel

Day 03: Thimphu
Today enjoy the full day sightseeing of Thimphu, visiting the National Library (ancient Buddhist manuscripts); School of Art and Crafts (Thangka painting and other traditional arts); Textile & Folk Heritage Museum; and a scenic drive above the valley to see the small Takin zoo. (National animal of Bhutan.
Overnight at the hotel

Day 04: Thimphu – Punakha (75km 3hrs)
Morning drive to Punakha taking a short stop at Dochula pass (3100m) that heralds the most enchanting views of Bhutan. Afternoon visit Punakha Dozng and Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. Evening free in fascinating Punakha valley. Overnight at the hotel

Day 05: Punakha – Wangduephodrang – Paro (145km 4hrs)
Morning drive to Wangduephodrang town visiting Dzong and local market. Later drive to Paro. Overnight at the hotel

Day 06: Paro
After early breakfast we will take a hike to TAKTSANG (Tiger’s Nest). It is about 3 hrs walk uphill to reach the TAKTSANG MONASTERY. Return downhill on foot. Afternoon sightseeing in Paro visit the valley to Drukgyel Dzong ruins (Monastery Fortress) that once was a strategic post to with hold invading Tibetan forces from the north; visit the famous Kyichu Lhakhang – one of 108 sacred Lhakhangs built by the Buddhist King Srongtsen Gompa of Tibet. Visit the district Dzong called Rinpung Dzong – Fortress of a Mountain of Jewels, which is now the seat of administration and an institute to the monks. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 07: Paro – Phuentsholing (175km 6hrs)
Morning transfer to Phuentsholing. Overnight at the hotel

Day 08: Phuentsholing – Bagdogra /NJP Railway Station
After breakfast depart for Bagdogra or NJP Railway station onward destination.

Travel Information

Visa/Entry Permit

With the exception of visitors from India, Bangladesh and Maldives, all other visitors traveling to Bhutan need a visa.

Indian, Bangladeshis and Maldivian nationals can obtain a permit at the port of entry on producing a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity (Indian nationals may also use their Voters Identity Card (VIC)). 

All other tourists must obtain a visa clearance prior the travel to Bhutan.  Visas are processed through an online system by your licensed Bhutanese tour operator directly or through a foreign travel agent.

Accommodation

A wide variety of accommodation is available ranging from luxurious 5-star hotels to cozy little hotels and homestays in traditional Bhutanese homes and settings. Visitors can be assured of their warmth and comfort of the hotels. Similarly, the ambiance and hospitality offered by the hotels are incredible.

The types of accommodations can be divided into:

Hotels
Resorts
Farm-stays
Home-stays

Additionally visitors embarking on long treks will be provided with tents and whatever other camping equipment is deemed necessary. Regardless of where they stay, visitors can be assured of their comfort and traditional Bhutanese hospitality.

Guides

There are over 1000 licensed and active tour guides working in the country.

In order to ensure that visitors receive high quality professional service, every guide must complete a training course. Guides are trained to specialize in either cultural or adventure tours. Many guides complete language courses in German, Japanese, Thai and other languages so that they can easily communicate with guests and all are proficient in English. All tour operators must employ only registered and certified guides.