Paro and Thimphu 7Nights/ 8Days

Beautiful Bhutan Tour

Paro (alt.2200m/7218ft) – The beautiful valley of paro encapsulates within itself a rich culture, scenic eauty ad hundreds of myths and legends, it is home to many of Bhutan’s oldest temples ad monasteries, National Museum and country’s only airport. Mount. Choolhari (7,314m) reigns from pa Chhu (paro river). Paro is also one of the most fertile valley I the kingdom producing a bulk of the locally famous red rice from its terraced fields.

Exploring the Bhutan begins and ends at Paro. This is so because you get off from your Druk Air flights and takes your first look of Bhutan and you will be amazed by the scene and tranquility of Paro valley. Suitable to close proximity of the airport and many historical and religious sites in the region there are large number of high ends hotels, resorts and luxurious hotels for tourist. There region is one of the widest valley in the kingdom and covered in fertile rice fields with distinctive situated in a flat valley and follows a grid-like pattern.

Let we hope from you to see you in Bhutan. We pray for your travel plan
“To be the ‘Bhutan’ your next travel Destination:

TASHI DELEK

The management of Bhutan Cap Care Tours and Travels is pleased to note the revised charges for the Travel Rate for High season and low season with NETT PRICE- USD per person (Based on Double/twin sharing).

Day 1. Arrive Paro by (Druk Air flight)

Arrive Paro by the Bhutanese national carrier over the world highest mountain and finally landing at the lush green Paro valley. A cool and clean fresh air greets the visitors as steeping down from the plane, the first gift of Bhutan. After clearing customs and visa formalities, meet the representatives and Bhutanese guide and short tour brief by the guide and then transfer to Paro town for lunch.

After lunch we will have a day sightseeing which include: Drugyal Dzong( The ruins of Bhutan Victory), Kyichu Lhakhang, Druk choeding Dungtse lhakhang, ugyen Pelri Palace, Jangsarbu Lhakhang, Ringpung Dzong, Ta DZong. Overnight at Paro.

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. A walk through the bridge, over a stone inlaid path, offers a good view of the architectural wonder of the Dzong as well as life around it. It is also the venue of Paro Tshechu, held once a year in the spring.

Ta Dzong

One time watch tower built to defend Rinpung Dozng during inter-valley wars of the 17th century, since 1967 Ta Dzong is serving as the National Museum of the country. It holds fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings and Bhutan's exquisite postage stamps. The museum circular shape augments its varied collection displayed over several floors.

Drukgyel Dzong

This Dzong, with a delightful village nestling at its foot, was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders. Historically and strategically this Dzong withstood all its glory and was featured in 1914 vide National Geographic magazine. The glory of Drukgyel Dzong remained even when its was destroyed by fire in 1951. On a clear day, one can see the commanding view of Mount. Chomolhari from the village, below the Dzong.

Kyichu Lhakhang

It is one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom dating back to 7th century (the other is Jambey Lhakahng in Bumthang). The lhakhang complex is composed of two temples. The first temple was built by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century and in 1968, H.M. Ashi Kesang, the Queen Mother of Bhutan, built the second temple in original pattern.

Farm House (traditional village house)

The beauty of Paro valley is embellished by cluster of quaint farm houses. Bhutanese farm houses are very colorful, decorative and traditionally built without the use of single nail. All houses follow the same architectural pattern. A visit to Farm House is very interesting and offers a good glimpse into the lifestyle of a farmer.

Druk Choeding

Built in 1525, this town temple was formed by Ngawang Chhogyel, one of the prince-abbots of Ralung in Tibet and an ancestor of the Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Dungtse Lhakhang To the west of the road is Dungtse Lhakhang, a chorten-like temple. This unusual building was built in 1433 by the iron bridge builder Thangtong Gyalpo. It has three floors representing hell, earth and heaven and the paintings inside are said to be some of the best in Bhutan. Beyond Dungtse Lhakhang, to the east of the road, the tiny Pana Lhakhang is quite old and is believed to have been built in the seventh century.

Ugyen Pelri Palace

Ugyen Pelri Palace is in a secluded wooded compound on the south side of the river just west of the Dzong. This Palace was built by the Paro Penlop, Tsering Penjor, in the early 1900s. It is designed after Guru Rinpoche's celestial paradise, Zangto Pelri, and is one of the most beautiful examples of Bhutanese architecture.

Jangsarbu Lhakhang

Located behind Paro Dzong, this small temple is home to a magnificent statue of Sakyamuni Buddha that was carried all the way from Lhasa and also houses the protector deity of Paro. Legend has it that the statue of Sakyamuni was destined for Paro Dzong and merely placed in the temple for overnight safe keeping. However, when the time came to move the statue, it proved impossible to lift. As a result, it became a permanent feature of the lhakhang.

Paro – Thimphu (Distance coverage: 54 K.M./Driving Distance: 1 hour)

After breakfast we will visit the Taktsang Monastery a highlight of the trip. The visit requires a short walk. It is one of the most famous of Bhutan's monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called "Tiger's Nest". This site has been recognized as a most sacred place and visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April, 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendour.

After visiting Takshang, drive towards Thimphu (The capital city of Bhutan) for about 1 hand half hours drive. Enroute - thimphu, one can do a short hike to Tamchog Monastery, a private temple owned by the descendints of famous Tibetan bridge- builder Thangthong Gyalpo. Later on continue the drive to Thimphu. Sightseeing include on the way from Paro to Thimphu: The iron chain bridge might look frightening at first, but once you start crossing it, it becomes very fun. While crossing you will notice that it acts a lot like a trampoline, and while jumping is fun, be sure to be careful! When standing on the bridge and looking forward against the current of the river, it feels and looks as if you are flying on the bridge! There is a separate bridge next to this one that is specifically for cattle to use, as crossing over an iron chain bridge is very difficult and dangerous for them.

Thimphu (alt. 2400m/7875ft) - The capital town of Bhutan and the centre of government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. Although not what one expects from a capital city, Thimphu is still a fitting and lively place. Home to civil servants, expatriates and monk body, Thimphu maintains a strong national character in its architectural style.

After arrival in Thimphu, we will check you into the premium Hotel. We will serve lunch at on your Booked Hotel. After lunch, we do sightseeing which includes: Memorial Chorten, Mini Zoo, Buddha point, Tashicho dzong – the fortress of the glorious religion was initially constructed in 1641 and rebuilt by jigme Dorji wangchuk in 1960, (Overnight at Thimphu).

After arrival in Thimphu, we will check you into the premium Hotel. We will serve lunch at on your Booked Hotel. After lunch, we do sightseeing which includes: Memorial Chorten, Mini Zoo, Buddha point, Tashicho dzong – the fortress of the glorious religion was initially constructed in 1641 and rebuilt by jigme Dorji wangchuk in 1960, (Overnight at Thimphu). Memorial Chorten This stupa was built in 1974 in the memory of Bhutan's third King, His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.

Buddha Dordenma Statue

This massive statue of Shakyamuni measures in at a height of 51.5 meters, making it one of the largest statues of Buddha in the world. The statue is made of bronze and is gilded in gold. 125,000 smaller Buddha statues have been placed within the Buddha Dordenma statue, 100,000 8 inch tall and 25,000 12 inch tall statues respectively. Each of these thousands of Buddhas have also been cast in bronze and gilded. The throne that the Buddha Dordenma sits upon is a large meditation hall. The Buddha Dordenma is located atop a hill in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park and overlooks the Southern entrance to Thimphu Valley. The statue fulfills an ancient prophecy dating back to the 8th century A.D that was discovered by Terton Pema Lingpa (Religious Treasure Discoverer) and is said to emanate an aura of peace and happiness to the entire world.

Takin Preserve, Motithang
The Takin is the national animal of Bhutan, and looks like a cross between a cow and a goat. Legend has it that the animal was created by the great Buddhist yogi, Drupa Kunley, and it can be found only in Bhutan and nearby areas. Taxonomists place the animal in a category of its own as it is not similar enough to any other animal to fit established categories.

Trashichhoedzong

Also know as "fortress of the glorious religion", it was initially built in 1641 and later rebuilt in its present form by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk in 1965. The Dzong houses, main secretariat building which houses the throne room of His Majesty, the King of Bhutan. The National Assembly Hall is housed in a modern building on the other side of the river from the Dzong. During the warmer summer months, the monk body headed by His Holiness, the Je Khenpo, makes its home in the Dzong. Finishes the day off visiting TashiChodzong.

Day 3. Hike to Tango and Cheri (Distance coverage: 14 K.M. from Thimphu/ 30 Min Drive).

After breakfast we will hike to Tango and cheri moanstey( 2800 m), which it takes two hour and lunch will be provided lunch at Babesa village restaurant ( Traditional Bhutanese Resturant).

After Lunch Sightseeig includes: changangkha Lhakhang,,Zangthopelri Lhakhang ,Drubthob Goema / Zilukha Nunnery , Lungchuzekha Goemba,Takin Preserve, Motithang ,Botanical Gardens, Serbithang, Coronation Park,Tandin Nye and then continue to National Library,Institute for Zorig Chusum,Traditional Medicine Institute, The Folk Heritage Museum (Phelchey Toenkhyim)- 300 years old traditional house converted into museum, National Textile Museum, centenary market, the new authentic craft bazaar. Overnight at Thimphu.

Cheri Goemba

This monastery was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1620. A silver chorten inside the monastery holds the ashes of Shabdrung's father. The goemba is situated about half an hour walk from Dodena (alt. 2,600m). The trail commences by crossing a traditional wooden bridge that spans the Thimphu Chhu, then climbs steeply to the monastery. Being the place where the Shabdrung spent many years in meditation, Cheri today has numerous hermitages and small temples located on its slopes, commanding spectacular views. The one way walk to the monastery is approx 4.5 km, taking about 2

Tango Goemba

This monastery was founded by Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa in the 12th century and the present building was built in the 15th century by the "Divine Madman", Lama Drukpa Kunley. In 1616 Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal visited Tango and meditated in a cave near the monastery. His meditation helped ensure the defeat of an invading Tibetan army. The head Lama, a descendent of Lama Drukpa Kunley presented the goemba to Shabdrung, who carved a sandalwood statue of Chenrezig which he installed in the monastery. The picturesque three-storey tower and several surrounding buildings were built in the 18th century by the eighth Desi, Druk Rabgye and Shabdrung Jigme Chhogyel added the golden roof in the 19th century. Situated north of Thimphu, one way it takes about 30 minutes drive and one hour walk through shaded rhododendron forests to reach the monastery.

Drubthob Goema / Zilukha Nunnery

Perched on a promontory, overlooking picturesque Trashichhoedzong and Golf course, it is the only nunnery in capital known as Zilukha Anim Dratsang, once belonged to the Drubthob (Realized one) Thang Thong Gyalpo often referred to as The King of the open field (In the early 15th century with his multiple talents he popularly became the Leonardo da Vinci of the Great Himalayas). You may interact here with some of the nuns who have devoted their life to spirituality and Buddhism.

Traditional Medicine Institute

In Bhutan, equal emphasis is given to both allopathic and traditional medicines. The rich herbal medicines made up from medicinal plants abundant in the Kingdom are prepared and dispensed here. The Institute is also a training school for traditional medicine practitioners. The complex is closed to visitors due to considerations of hygiene, but one can still walk around and view it from outside. Institute for Zorig Chusum Commonly known as Arts & Crafts School or Painting.

Institute for Zorig Chusum Commonly known as Arts & Crafts School or Painting School, the Institute offers a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. On a visit, one can see students learning the various skills taught at the school.

The Folk Heritage Museum (Phelchey Toenkhyim) It is dedicated to connect people to the Bhutanese rural past through exhibits, demonstrations, educational programmes and documentation of rural life. The principal exhibit in the museum is a restored three storey traditional rammed mud and timber house, which dates back to the mid 19th century. The design and form of house is that of an average household in the Wang area during that era. The age of structure demonstrates the durability and performance of the building materials. From ground to top floor, household objects, typical domestic tools and equipments that would have been used by a family during that period are put on display. The museum is also developing some of the native trees and plants that were used for various domestic purposes in the rural households.

National Textile Museum With the opening of Textile Museum, under the patronage of Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Sangay Choden, Bhutanese textile have reached new heights as one of the most visible distinct art form. The textile museum has opened its exhibition on six major themes - warp pattern weaves, weft pattern weaves, role of textiles in religion, achievements in textile arts, textiles from indigenous fibers and the royal collection. The crowns of Bhutan's Kings, namzas (dresses), the first version of Royal Crown and other accessories used by members of Royal family can be found in the museum. The goal of the museum is to gradually become a center for textile studies that will carry out documentation, research and studies on Bhutanese textiles.

HANDICRAFTS Shop.

Handicrafts Shops A wide assortment of colorful, hand woven textiles and other craft products is available for purchase at the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and many smaller crafts shops around the town.

Junghi Handmade Paper Factory

Junghi Paper factory comprises of two enterprises ; the unit in Thimphu produces traditional handmade paper from natural plants mainly from ‘Daphne’ plant species which is insect-resistant. The other unit in Jimina, 22 km from the centre Thimphu town, recycles waster papers. The traditional handmade papers are widely used for religious scripts, packing materials, hand-carry bags, lampshades, envelopes, calendars . The paper looks a lot like Japanese washi, and in fact a lot of Bhutanese paper is exported to Japan also.

Simply Bhutan Museum

Simply Bhutan is an exclusive project under theBhutan Youth Development Fund (YDF), built to offer a unique experience to its visitors. It is a living museum and studio encapsulating the cultural heritage of the Bhutanese people. A distinctive feature of Simply Bhutan is that it fully operated by young people and job seekers, who receive here on the job training in basic business & management skills, customer care and other spheres of life. The fund generated through Simply Bhutan is utilized to run many of the youth development programmes for vulnerable and disadvantaged youth under YDF. Hence as a visitor, while you get to experience and enjoy this special place, you are also helping to ‘make a better today’, ‘a brighter tomorrow’, for the youth of Bhutan.

Weekend Market, Every Saturday and Sunday most of Thimphu's scant population and many valley dwellers congregate on the banks of the river where weekend market is held. It is an interesting place to visit and provides opportunity to mingle with the local people.

The Dechenphu Monastery is one of the holiest places in the Thimphu valley.The Monastery s dedicated to Gyenyen Jagpa Milen, the protector diety of the Thimphu valley, Dechenphu or the cave of consummate bliss Monastery is located at the northern end of the Thimphu valley...It is not permitted for non Bhutanese visitors to enter this site as it is a Gyenkhang or house of a protective diety. Better way to start off by offering prayers at the mighty Dechenphu Lhakhang and to offer homage to Ap Gyenyen. Dechenphu is a very special temple for us Bhutanese, and specially to the ones born in Thimphu. We have all asked for Ap Gyenyen’s help – for passing exams, for basketball finals, for business deals, for long travels and for job interviews. (Restricted for the Visitors)

Coronation Park

Located on the banks of the river (near the city stadium), this 5.6 acres of parkland offer a pleasant and relaxing environment to stroll or to sit and watch the river flow by.

Simtokha Dzong This dzong, built in 1627 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, stands on a low ridge 8 km down the valley from Thimphu. The Institute for Language and Cultural Studies is located here. The most noteworthy artistic feature of this dzong is the series of over 300 finely worked slate carvings behind the prayer wheels in the courtyard. National Library The history of Bhutan lies imprinted in archaic texts, which are preserved at the National Library. Besides thousands of manuscripts and ancient texts, the library also has modern academic books and printing blocks for prayer flags. Finish the Day off visiting Simtokha Dzong.

We had registered the Travel Rate for high/Low season Travel Rate for 7 Nights/ 8 Days.

NETT PRICE – US Dollars per person (Based on Double/ Twin share for the month of (MARCH, APRIL, MAY,SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER)

 
Travel Rate for low season for the month of (JUNE, JULY, AUGUST, DECEMBER, JANUARY, FEBRUARY)

ADDITIONAL INCLUDED – Visa Fee: US 40. TDF (Tourism Development Fund)-$ 10 per person.
Surcharge $ 40 per day for 1 Person and $ 30 per day for 2 Person. No surcharge above 3 Person.

ADDITIONAL AIRFARES

Please Note

The quoted fare is in economy class fare
All airfares are subject to change by the airlines during the time of purchase

Price Includes

• Accommodation in Government Approved Hotels on twin sharing, (3 star Hotel).
• All meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) at the Government approved standard hotel or Local restaurant.
• Experienced English Speaking Tour Guide licensed by Tourism Council of Bhutan.
• Standard comfortable transportation/transfer within Bhutan for the duration of the tour by (Toyota coach /
• Tucson / Santafe / Land cruiser / Prado) as per itinerary).
• Sightseeing , entrance fees to museums/monuments, all permits.
• Private transport within Bhutan (Museum & Monuments entrance fee.
• Bottled water during the tour.
• 35% Government Royalty and all taxes.
• Tourism Development Fund/ Visa fee.
• Bhutan Cap Care Tours and Treks Personal Care and Attention.

Service not included in the above mentioned costs

• Air ticket(flight fare)
• Rescue operating by helicopter.
• Wire transfer fee for transferring tour payment from your bank to Bhutan. (Bank fee of US$30 only).
• Travel Insurance, Excess baggage charges.
• Gratuities, bar bills, telephone bills, personal expenses, and laundry and tipping.

IMPORTANT TO NOTE

In case of non-availability of accommodation in any of the above mentioned hotels during the required date’s similar category of hotels will be provided.

Government Offer

Government Provide 50% off for one person in a group above 10 Person.
100% off (Free for one person in A group above 16).