Bhutan

                                           An Incredible journey of a lifetime to Bhutan! 

Bhutan is a tiny landlocked Himalayan kingdom. Its ancient Buddhist culture and breathtaking scenery make it a natural tourist attraction. When you visit Thimphu, Paro and Punakha, you can experience the stunning views of the Himalayas and its great culture.  At various intervals throughout the year, the flamboyant religious annual festivals known as Tsechus take place around the country. Tsechus are festivals extolling the great deeds of the famous Buddhist.

Tsechus are celebrated for several days and are the occasions for mask dances that are clearly defined in religious content. It is a yearly social gathering where the people come together to rejoice dressed in all their finery.

Picture credits – Blaine Harrington 

Paro Festival is one of the biggest and most important festivals in Bhutan. It has been held annually since the 17th century when Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel (the founder of the state of Bhutan) and  Ponpo Rigzin Nyingpo initiated Paro Tshechu festival together with the consecration of Paro Dzong (fortress) in 1644. People travel from all over Bhutan and the world to witness the spectacle that is The Paro Festival.  

Experience a colourful celebration of Bhutanese culture and faith and witness sacred dances and rituals performed by monks and laymen in elaborate costumes. On the last day of their mesmerising performance, the monks display a gigantic Thangkha (embroidered painting) inside the Dzong.

Picture credits – Ruk Norzoe Travels

Festival Tours in Bhutan offer Tourists a complete insight into the nation's vibrant religion & Culture. We will pack you off to one of the greatest long exhilarating trips of natural splendour.


The proposed Itinerary is as follows:- 
5 NIGHTS / 6 DAYS TOUR : 2 Nights Thimpu + 1 Night Wangdi/Punakha + 2 Nights Paro.

Day 01: Arrival Paro by Druk Air & transfer to Thimphu (55 km, approx. 1.1/2 hour drive) - Fly into the Himalayas with Druk Air, Bhutan's National Air Carrier. As the aircraft enters the Paro valley, look down and you will see the Paro Dzong on the hillside overlooking Paro Chu (river) with the Ta Dzong, formerly a watchtower and now the national Museum, above it. You will be received by our representative at the airport who will transfer you to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan. We will be staying overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Picture Credit – Mail Online (Reuters) PARO AIRPORT

Day 02: Thimphu- Sightseeing in Thimphu valley including a visit to the following places: The National Library, housing an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts; the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School). Later we visit Textile and Folk Heritage Museum. After lunch, we will visit King's Memorial Chorten and then, visit the Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts shops, to browse through an example of Bhutan's fine traditional arts. Here you can buy hand-woven textiles, Thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewellery, interesting items made from local materials. That evening we drive past Trashichhoedzong, “fortress of the glorious religion” and stay overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Picture Credit – Lonely Planet

Day 03: Thimphu/ Wangdiphodrang (95 Km, 3.5 hour’s drive) – After early morning breakfast, we drive up to Dochu-la pass (3,088m/ 10,130 ft.) stopping briefly. Later we visit the Punakha Dzong, built strategically at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu Rivers.  We also visit the ruins of the Wangduephodrang Dzong and local market. The district of Wangduephodrang is also famous for its bamboo products, slate and stone carvings. On the way, we visit Chimi Lakhang Temple. We shall then drive back to Punakha and enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel. 

Picture Credit – ShutterStock - DOCHU-LA PASS

Day 04: Punakha / Paro (125 km, approx 4 hour’s drive) – We drive to Paro en route visit Simtokha Dzong ('dzong' means "castle-monastery") also known as Sangak Zabdhon Phodrang. This dzong, was built in 1627 which is one of the oldest in Bhutan. It now houses the Institute for Language and Culture Studies. Later that afternoon in Paro, we visit Ta Dzong once a watchtower, built to defend Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars of the 17th century, which was inaugurated as Bhutan’s National Museum in 1968. 

Afterwards, we take a walk down a hillside trail to visit Rinpung Dzong. Built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan, the Dzong houses the monastic body of Paro, the office of the Dzongda (district administrative head) and Thrimpon (judge) of Paro district. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge called Nemi Zam. We will then stay overnight at the hotel in Paro.

                                                                                                 Picture Credit – Grand Asian Tours

Day 05: Paro - After breakfast drive up the valley to view the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong. We then take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery or Tiger’s Nest, the most famous of Bhutanese monasteries. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery hence it is called “Tiger’s Nest”. The excursion to monastery takes about 5 hours for round trip. While we return to Paro town visit en route Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom. We will stay overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Drukgyel Dzong

Picture Credit- Rao Online

Day 06: Depart Paro – This day we drive to the airport for our flight back to the destination. Our representative will help you with exit formalities and then bid you farewell.

Package and Hotel Information: 

5 Nights 6 Days Package: 2 Nights Paro + 2 Nights Thimpu + 1 Night Punakha: (2 adults pax travelling together holding a valid Indian passport / Voter's ID card )

Hotels Envisaged:

4 Star hotel package: (Using base category room)

Paro                 : Tashi Namgay Resort / Udumwara Resort / Drukchen similar  

Thimphu         : Osel / Namgay Heritage / Ariya / Khang Residency / similar

Punakha          : Khuru Resort / Drukchen / Zhingkham

4 Star Hotels  : 02 paying pax:  INR 61,449 per person on twin sharing + 9% GST 

5 Star hotel package:

Paro: Hotel Le Meridien Riverfront- Classic Room-

Thimphu: Hotel Le Meridien- Classic Room (we will be able to give you a deluxe room at Taj Tashi Thimphu at an additional supplement cost of INR 9300+ 9% GST per person for 2 nights stay including breakfast and 1 Dinner at Taj Tashi Thimpu)

Punakha: Hotel Dhensa Resort- Suite Room

5 Star Hotels: 02 paying pax:    INR 77,999 per person on twin sharing + 9% GST 

For Festival supplement between 4 to 14 April travelling dates:

Please note there is a Festival Supplement for travel between 4 April-14 April (both days inclusive)

Festival is in Paro and guest can attend if travelling during 4 – 14 April.

4 Star hotel package:

Paro: Tashi Namgay Resort / Udumwara Resort / Drukchen similar - INR 1500 per person, per night                                   on double occupancy.

Thimphu: Osel / Namgay Heritage / Ariya / Khang Residency / similar - INR 2000 per person, per night on double occupancy.

5 Star hotel package:

Paro: Le Meridien Riverfront - Classic Room - INR 2700 per person per night on double Occupancy

Thimphu: Le Meridien - Classic Room - INR 2800 per person per night on double Occupancy

Thimphu: Taj Tashi - Deluxe Room - INR 3400 per person per night on double Occupancy

The cost shall include:

We provide base category room accommodation in respective hotels for 5 nights 6days as per the itinerary.

• Daily breakfast at the respective hotel's restaurant.

• One fixed menu dinner at the respective hotel in Thimphu.

• One set lunch at the cafeteria during Tigers Nest Hike.

• Airport/Hotel/Airport Transfers.

• Intercity transfers.

• Sightseeing tours as per the itinerary with English speaking guide as per itinerary given (Day 2, Day3, Day 4 & day 5 only).

• Inner line permits. 

• Currently applicable taxes (Transportation by private non A/c Hyundai Santa Fe / Tucson / Creta / Toyota Innova - for 2 pax ; Toyota HiAce for 4 and 6 pax).

The cost shall exclude:

Economy class airfare to Paro and back to home city

• Services of an accompanying exclusive English speaking Bhutanese guide.

• Meals other than specified.

• Entrance fee to the monuments @ INR 600 per person.

• Expanses of personal nature viz. tips, porterage, laundry, beverages etc.

• Anything not specifically mentioned in the clause, “The cost shall include”.

 Seema S Jaising

Che Travels/ Chhe Experiences 

India

Mob: +9198450 77065(Blr)

email - cheindia2000@gmail.com

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                                                                  Bhutan

A visit to Bhutan had been a long standing dream. It came true last year when I visited the place with my husband. I never thought I could get so attached to a country and its people in just 1 week. We planned for a 5nights 6 days trip to Bhutan in Mid March last year  As I keep writing I reminisce how amazing and incredible my journey was when I last visited this lovely picturesque place Bhutan. Above all the places I have visited, I would love to list out the best among the lot and the must’s one cannot miss, including the cities to visit, the food diary and a general guide to the things you can do. There are innumerable reasons to visit the country.

It’s a place full of positivity and one can find so many things to learn here from the Bhutanese culture and people. I strongly feel that if you love nature and travelling and if you haven’t visited Bhutan, then you’re missing a lot in life. The things I saw when I visited this place is that the people are kind, gracious and welcoming. As Bhutan is also called the Land of Happiness and Smiles, I could feel a sense of seventh heaven there, amidst its natural beauty and happy people. It took me by surprise that the roads in Bhutan are good to average, it is amazing that throughout Bhutan there are no traffic lights and yet the traffic is managed beautifully.

This small country located in the lap of Himalayas hugged by the Tibetan Region of China on one side and India on the other, the enduring image of the country for most visitors is the strong sense of culture and tradition. It’s truly an adventure across the lost Himalayan Kingdom. The best time to explore the country is during March-May.

                           
                               
                                                Picture Credit- Wa and Far Away

The state religion of Bhutan is the Drukpa sect of Kargyupa, a branch of Mahayana Buddhism. Bhutanese language and literature, arts and crafts, drama, music, ceremonies and events, architecture and basic social and cultural values draw their essence from Buddhism. One of the best ways to explore Bhutan is by Foot. 

                               
                                                   Picture Credit- Explore Bhutan

                                                                Thimphu 

Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan and it takes about 54 km (34 miles) from the Paro to Thimphu by road. The culture of Bhutan is fully reflected in Thimphu in respect of literature, religion, customs, and national dress code, the monastic practices of the monasteries, music, dance and literature..

It is a place with great architecture and the must see places here are the Tashichho Dzong (Buddhist Monastery) The other one I really wanted to see here was Bhudha Point, which is the world’s largest sitting Buddha and from this point I enjoyed a stunning view of Thimphu city. When I visited the Textile Museum I witnessed the art of traditional weaving. The Weekend Market here is exciting for all ages. I saw the vendors from throughout the region start arriving on Thursday and remain until Saturday night. I wandered around the stalls and found a pungent collection of dried fish, strips of fatty pork and discs of datse (soft cheese), as well as bottles of wild honey from southern Bhutan. Here the Handicraft stalls etc are packed, thus, giving me an idea of the authentic cultural essence of this city.

                                                   


                                   
                                                        Weekend Market - Thimphu


                                   
                                                         Picture Credit- Wind Horse

                                                                   
                                                                          Paro

Paro is a small beautiful town in Bhutan. It is also the home to the only international airport in the country. The flight to Paro is considered one of the most spectacular flight experiences in the world. While flying in and out of Bhutan, one can see Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makula, and other high peaks such as Jumolhari, Jichu Drakey, and Tsrim Gang. The crisp winter breeze carries the whiff of fresh air when you land in Paro

                                  

The first thing I noticed when I stepped out of the aircraft is the crystalline purity of the air. As I took the first breath of the air in Bhutan, I noticed that Bhutan is unlike any other country I have visited. This is especially true if you hail from the urban city life where the air tends to be polluted. So I took a moment to enjoy the fresh air Bhutan could offer.

As I have visited the place, I must say that Paro Taktsang (also known as the Tiger’s nest) is a must place to do a trek to early in the morning. It was a long trek which took me to the top of the Cliff where the nest is located from where we can experience a sense of purity and beauty of Paro. The hike up to Tiger’s Nest takes a couple of hours and the views are more breathtaking in more ways than one. 

Ringpung Dzong or Paro Dzong is a house of Buddhists monks. A visit to this Dzong is a must if only to view the marvellous woodwork in the central tower. There are a lot of things to see and do in Paro so never waste any amount of time doing anything when there is a sunset outside that you should be sitting under :) I saw the most amazing sunset view of Paro town which was from the Paro museum. It was best view of Paro town, the river passing through it, the golden rice fields and the entire valley can be seen from Paro museum. Either you drive up to the top or take the more scenic winding route from the cantilever bridge over the river through Paro Dzong and to the Paro Museum. The view from here gets great after a couple of hours after lunch and is best just before sunset.


                                                   

                                  
                                                    Picture Credit- Sharath Satish

                                                                    
                                                                   Punakha 

Punakha is a beautiful valley at the junction of Mo Chhu (Mother River) and Pho Chhu (Father River).  This place offers a 360 degree view of the Himalayan mountain ranges. I started my journey from Thimphu to Punakha (3-4 hour’s drive), it was a bright warm day and the sunshine flooded the mountain valleys. It was a scenic view just like how I imagined but much more amazing and beautiful. The first place I visited there was the Punakha Dzong which is Bhutan’s most impressive building. One it is beautifully located alongside a river, so the views are really amazing. Two the Architecture is very intricate and beautiful. I totally enjoyed the scenic view throughout and visited the market place there. It was totally worth it as I spent most of my time feeling the sense of nature around me.

                                                    Picture credit-   Thousand Wonders

                                                   

                                                               Food 

Now the most favourite part about Bhutan for the all food lovers (Includes me)- The most distinctive characteristic of Bhutanese cuisine is its spiciness. Chillies are an essential part of nearly every dish and are considered so important that most Bhutanese people would not enjoy a meal that was not spicy and if you’re looking for an Indian mix Bhutanese restaurant I would suggest Sonam Trophel Restaurant in Paro. The food here is delicious and mouth-watering. All you food lovers must try this restaurant. 

The most popular Bhutanese dish is Ema Datshi. This is the National Dish of Bhutan which is a spicy mix of chillies and the delicious local cheese known as Datshi. This dish is a staple of nearly every meal and can be found throughout the country. Variations on Ema Datshi include adding green beans, ferns, potatoes, mushrooms or swapping the regular cheese for yak cheese. The food here is spicy. The red rice we get here is similar to brown rice and is extremely nutritious and filling, another dish is Jasha Maru, it is Spicy minced chicken, tomatoes and other ingredients that are usually served with rice and also the momo’s here are simply amazing.

                                 

                                             Picture Credit- White Lotus (tours and treks)

I have such vivid memories of why I love Bhutan that definitely remind me why I love to be in the hills so much!

The reason you pay so much money to visit Bhutan isn’t for the world’s most delicious food or the best hotels of your life. It’s to explore a place unlike any other, from the architecture to the locals still sporting their tradition and to the many things that make the destination quite quirky. It’s a place where people love their king, where leaders go into battle with their troops when necessary and where the traditions of the good old days are still present, from the capital of Thimphu to even more so... I’ve been to many countries, and to me this was unlike any place I’ve been to before.

                                                         Seema S Jaising

                                              Che Travels/ Chhe Experiences
                                                                   India
                                                 Mob: +9198450 77065(Blr)
                                            email - cheindia2000@gmail.com

                              FB Pg - https://www.facebook.com/CheExperiences

                                  'The Answer to all your Hospitality Solutions'
        "Your Future Exists First in your Imagination, Then in Will and Finally in Reality"