Bhutan Tours

Bhutan Tours

Bhutan's early history is shrouded in the mists of Buddhist tradition and mythology. As most important events of the period involved saints and religious leaders, they were therefore chronicled only in scriptures. Unfortunately, due to natural calamities like earthquake and fire, most of these original documents were destroyed and much of this early history relies on reports from British explorers, and on legend and folklore. Archaeological evidence suggests Bhutan was inhabited as early as 1500 BC or possibly even 2000 BC. These early inhabitants were followers of Bon, an animistic tradition that was the main religion of the Himalayan region before the advent of Buddhism.

Tshechu Festival:
The Tshechu is a festival honouring Guru Padmasambhava, "one who was born from a lotus flower." This Indian saint contributed enormously to the diffusion of Tantric Buddhism in the Himalayan regions of Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan etc. around 800 AD. He is the founder of the Nyingmapa, the "old school" of Lamaism which still has numerous followers. The biography of Guru is highlighted by 12 episodes of the model of the Buddha Shakyamuni’s life. Each episode is commemorated around the year on the 10th day of the month by "the Tschechu". The dates and the duration of the festivals vary from one district to another but they always take place on or around the 10th day of the month according to the Bhutanese calendar. During Tshechus, the dances are performed by monks as well as by laymen. The Tshechu is a religious festival and by attending it, it is believed one gains merits. It is also a yearly social gathering where the people, dressed in all their finery, come together to rejoice.

Bhutan Highlights Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
Day 02: Sightseeing of Kathmandu valley. O/N in hotel.
Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Paro. O/N in hotel.
Day 04: Drive from Paro to Thimpu. O/N in hotel.
Day 05: Sightseeing of Thimpu. O/N in hotel.
Day 06: Drive from Thimpu to Punakha. O/N in hotel.
Day 07: Drive from Punakha to Tongsa. O/N in hotel.
Day 08: Drive from Tongsa to Bumthang. O/N in hotel.
Day 09: Sightseeing of Bumthang. O/N in hotel.
Day 10: Drive from Bumthang to Thimpu. O/N in hotel
Day 11: Drive back to Paro from Thimpu. O/N in hotel.
Day 12: Fly from Paro to Kathmandu. O/N in hotel.
Day 13: Kathmandu Sightseeing O/N hotel.
Day 14: Transfer to airport for final departure.

Request for More Information

Tshechu Festival Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Paro International Airport
Day 2: Thimphu - Sightseeing
Day 3: Thimphu Tshechu: the Tshechu which is held in the courtyard of Tashichho Dzong.
Day 4: Attend Tshechu
Day 5: Attend Thimphu Tshechu,Take a day excursion to Phajoding.
Day 6: Thimphu Tshechu: Attend Thimphu Tshechu, Visit the Tibetan settlement in Hontsho or the Indigenous Medicine Hospital in Thimphu.
Day 7: Thimphu - Punakha/Wangdiphodrang
Day 8: Thimphu - Paro In Paro, visit the following places of interest:
Day 9: Paro - International Airport

Bhutan, Sikkim, & Darjeeling Tour

Bhutan Highlights:

Protected by the mighty Himalayas, Bhutan is known as the last Shangri-La. Perhaps the most Mysterious and diverse of the entire Himalayan kingdom lying between the India and Tibetan region of China.  A traditional Buddhist culture has thrived the isolation from the rest of the world. The Bhutanese people protected this sacred heritage and unique identity for the centuries because of a deep traditional reverence.  The kingdom is one of the leading countries in environmental preservation as a result of their deep rooted traditional reverence for nature.  As a spiritual, cultural, and geographic experience, Bhutan is truly an unforgettable destination.

SIKKIM:

A state of India nestled between Bhutan and Nepal and a land of extraordinary beauty. Soaring mountains rise from forest covered hillsides dotted with meadows of colorful flowers.  Colorful monasteries built in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition adorn this beautiful landscape.

Darjeeling:

Darjeeling situated at a height of 7000 ft was developing as summer resort of the Brish Empire's civil servants. It’s a mixture of the grandeur of the British architecture and modern Indian resorts, surrounded by the famous Darjeeling tea plantations. Once a trade route to Tibet, Darjeeling and sedate pace and wonderful climate make it an enjoyable place to relax and enjoy the fresh air and Himalayan views. Flower nurseries dot this small bustling this Himalayan town.

Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival Kathmandu & transfer hotel
Day 02: Flight from KTM to Paro then transfer to hotel.

Day 03: Paro Morning drive to Drukgyel Dzong 18km from the hotel. Then visit Ta-Dzong that houses the National Museum of Bhutan followed by a short walk to Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong), Nyamai Zam, Ugyen Pelri Palace, Chhoeten Lhakhang, Druk Choeding and Dumtse Lhakhang.

Day 04: Drive from Paro to Thimphu in the morning visits Kyichu Lhakhang, Satsam Chorten and Drongja Goemba en-route to Taktshang Goemba. After lunch visit Drukgyel Dzong and drive 2 hrs to Thimphu and visit the weekend market in the evening.

Day 05: Drive from Thimphu to Wangdue Phodrang Take a 3-hr scenic drive to Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang and visit Punakha Dzong and Wangdue Phodrang Dzong.

Day 06: Drive from Wangdue Phodrang to Thimphu Travel to Phobjikha Valley including visit to Gangtey Gomba and drive back to Thimphu.

Day 07: Thimphu. A day visit to Thimphu City (Trashi Chhoe Dzong, Pangri Zampa Temple, Tango Goemba (half an hour trail), Changangkha Lhakhang, Zangto Pelri Lhakhang, Memorial Chorten & Simtokha Dzong). Having a evening cultural show with masked dances in the evening.

Day 08: Drive from Thimphu to Phuentsholing Visit Weekend Market in the early morning. Then travel to Phuentsholing and visit the remains of Dobji Dzong, Chapcha Bjha, Chapcha Dzong, Chhukha, Kharbandi Goemba en-route.

Day 09: Drive from Phuentsholing to Kalimpong A half-day drive to Kalimpong and visit Tharpa Choling Gompa, Thongsa Gompa, Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Gompa and a flower nursery.

Day 10: Drive from Kalimpong to Gangtok and visit Deer Park, Namgyal Instituton of Tibetology, the Orchidarium, Chorten & Gompa, Tsuk-La-Khang (Royal Chapel) and Enchey Gompa.

Day 11: Drive from Gangtok to Tsongo Lake about 38 km on the way to Tibet border in the morning. Visit Rumtek Gompa.

Day 12: Drive from Gangtok to Pelling to Pemayangtse Gompa, Sanga Choelling Gompa & Sangay Waterfalls.

Day 13: Drive from Pelling to Tashiding then to Khechupheri holy Lake.Take a 3-hr trek to Yuksam and visit Dubdu Monastery.

Day 14: Drive Tashiding to Darjeeling and have an uninterrupted views of Kanchenjunga at Bhanu Bhakta Sarani. Then visit Observatory Hill, Bhutia Busty Gompa, Ghoom Gompa, Akoobari Monastery and Thupten Sangachoeling Gompa.

Day 15: Drive Darjeeling to Badrapur via Kakravitta the flight to Kathmandu.

Day 16: Transfer to Airport for onward destination.