ABOUT BHUTAN

The Kingdom of Bhutan is a landlocked nation in South Asia, located at the eastern end of the Himalaya Mountains and is bordered to the south, east and west by India and to the north by the Tibet Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China. Bhutan is separated from Nepal by the Indian state of Sikkim. The Bhutanese call their country Druk Yul that means "Land of the Thunder Dragon". Bhutan used to be one of the most isolated nations in the world, but developments including direct international flights, internet, mobile phone networks, and cable television have increasingly opened the doors. Yet, Bhutan has balanced modernization with its ancient culture and traditions under the guiding philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH). Rampant destruction of the environment has been avoided. The government takes great measures to preserve the nation's traditional culture, identity and the environment.

CLIMATE

Weather conditions are ideal for visiting Bhutan in all seasons except winter, which runs from December through February. Summer temperatures in the south are tropical with high monsoon rainfall. Rainfall in the higher central region is not so heavy. The days are clear and warm with cool nights.

Average Temperatures

Time Difference: ½ hour ahead of IST

TOUR ITINERARY

Day 01: ARRIVE PARO – THIMPHU (65 KMS / 02 HRS, 2134Mts / 7000Fts)
Arrive Paro by Druk air the only national carrier. The flight offers you beautiful view of mountains and landscapes. On arrival and after visa formalities you will be received by a local representative and transferred to Thimphu (65 KMS / 02 HRS, 2134Mts / 7000Fts), the capital of Bhutan. Visitors can enjoy relaxing walk in the valley at evening. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 02: THIMPHU CITY TOUR
After breakfast go for Thimphu sightseeing - visit the Memorial Chorten built in the memory of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, 15 century Changangkha monastery, View Point, Tashicho Dzong, Painting School. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 03: THIMPHU – PARO (65 KMS / 02 HRS, 2134Mts / 7000Fts)
After breakfast. Drive to Paro. Proceed through the beautiful valley to the watch tower or locally known as Ta-Dzong. Visit Ta Dzong (National Museum) Opening Hours - Tuesday to Saturday - 0900HRS TO 1600HRS & Closed On Sunday,Monday & National Holidays , which was built in 1651 as a watchtower. Since 1951 the Dzong has been re-established as the National Museum and holds fascinating collections of art and religious Thankha paintings. A short walk downhill to the Rinpung Dzong which serves as the administrative center and school for monks. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 04: PARO CITY TOUR
After breakfast proceed for a day hike to the view point of Taktsang monastery. The hike which is all the way uphill takes about 2 /3 hours through pine forests. The monastery clings to a huge granite cliff 800 meters from the Paro valley. It is believed that the great saint Padmasambhava came in the 7th century on a flying tigress and meditated in a cave for 3 months. The demons were subdued who were trying to stop the spread of Buddhism and converted the Paro valley into Buddhism. During the end of the 17 century a monastery was built on the spot where the saint mediated and it is a pilgrimage site for every Bhutanese to visit once in their life time. Visit the ruined fortress of Drugyel dzong which still attracts visitors due to the strategic location of the fort. The fort defended the Paro valley from the Tibetan invasion from the north in the early 17th century. On clear weather Mount Chomolhari 7320 meters can be seen towering over the dzong. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 05: PARO – ONWARD CONNECTION
After breakfast transfer to the airport for onward connection.