Bhutan 5 N / 6 D Tour

Thimphu is the capital of Bhutan and the largest town in Bhutan. It lies at an altitude of 2400 metres. All Government headquarters and centres for trade are located here. The following are the places of tourist attraction in Thimphu:

1. Trashichho Dzong: Meaning “fortress of the glorious religion” was initially erected in 1641 and rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the 1960s. It is one of the largest dzongs in Bhutan. The Dzong houses the throne room and office of His Majesty and is the seat of government and religious affairs in the kingdom. The northern portion of the dzong has the summer residence of the central monastic body and His Holiness the Je Khenpo (chief abot). It is open to visitors only during the Thimphu Tsechu (held in autumn) and during winter when the monk's body moves to Punakha.

2. National Memorial Chorten: This monument was built in 1974 in memory of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. It was originally the idea of Bhutan’s third king, H.M. Jigme Dorji Wangchuck to erect a monument for world peace and prosperity but could not be done due to his untimely death. So after his death, it was built to in his memory and to serve as a monument for world peace.

3. Simtokha Dzong: Built-in 1627, it is the oldest Dzong in the country. 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 which are centuries old. The paintings inside this dzong are believed to be some of the oldest and the most beautiful in the country.

4. National Library: The National Library was established in the late 1960s and it houses an extensive collection of Buddhist literature mostly in block-printed format and some works are several hundred years old. There is also a small collection of books in English on the ground floor mainly on Buddhism, Bhutan, the Himalayan region and neighbouring countries.

5. Institute for Zorig Chusum: Commonly known as the Painting School is an institute established primarily to preserve and promote Bhutan’s unique artistic tradition which played a vital role in moulding its distinct heritage. The Institute offers a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan and on a visit, one can see students learning the various skills taught at the school.

6. National Institute of Traditional Medicine: The Institute was established in 1967 as a centre for indigenous medicines and practice. In olden times, people primarily relied on indigenous medicines to cure their illnesses. The Institute also serves as 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 the outside.

7. Changangkha Lhakhang: This temple is one of the oldest in Thimphu and was built in the 12th century by Nyima the son of Phajo Drugom, the founder of the Drukpa school of Buddhism in Bhutan. The temple is highly revered by the Bhutanese especially because newborn babies are normally brought here to seek blessings from the deity.

8. Dechen-phodrang: This is the site of Thimphu’s original Tashicho Dzong until 1772 and was named “Do Ngon Dzong” meaning the fortress of the Blue Stone. Today, it houses the monastic school where novices are taught before they go for higher Buddhist studies. The monastery contains paintings of the 12th century which are being restored for preservation.

9. Wangdi-the Monastery: This monastery is located further uphill towards the west of Dechenphodrang. It was founded in 1750 by 8th Desi Tenzin Rabgye and houses some ancient stupas made of sandalwood. One can take the nature trail walk from the BBS tower at the hill overlooking Thimphu valley to this monastery.

10. Folk Heritage Museum & the Textile Museum: These museums, both of which opened in 2001, provide fascinating insights into Bhutanese material culture and way of life and are a ‘must see’ when in Thimphu.

11. Buddha Dordenma: The quaint town of Thimphu is home to a 51 metres tall gold-plated statue of Buddha Dordenma, which is entirely made up of steel. The night sees this statue beautifully illuminated which makes it an even better sight to behold. The statue houses around 125,000 spectacular smaller Buddha statues made of bronze and plated in gold, each of which looks like the Dordenma itself. Built amidst the ruins of Kuensel Phodrang, it marks your entry into Thimphu. The golden gilded statue is a marvel to behold, especially at night, when it shines against the dark sky. The base of the statue, which is 3 storeys tall, is a meditation hall. It is one of the largest Buddha Stupas in the world.

12. Simply Bhutan Museum: Flaunting the rich Bhutanese culture to the world, Simply Bhutan Museum displays impressive traditions and gives a glimpse of the country's history. A one-of-its-kind "living" museum, visitors get to enjoy Bhutanese songs, folk dances and finger-licious cuisine. One can actually live the country's culture by trying on traditional clothes and archery.

13. BBS Tower: Bhutan Broadcasting Service Tower or BBS Tower is at an elevation of 2,865 metres which offers an exquisite view of the whole town of Thimphu. Also known as Sangaygang Viewpoint, this is very popular among visitors because of the beautiful panorama of the lush valleys that it provides. The route to the Wangditse Goemba starting from this point is a hiker's and mountain biker's favourite trail. The Tower is a 10 mins drive from Motithang Takin Preserve -It has many photogenic spots, but make sure you don't click pictures of the telecommunication installations.

14. AARC BUILDING: Proudly housing the national assembly, SAARC Building in Thimphu was built in the 1990s to hold SAARC conferences and meetings. It is located near Trashi Chho Dzong across Wang Chhu. An architectural marvel, the building is colourful and vibrant. Since it is an important government site, entry is not allowed due to security reasons. But the building is a good view from the outside.

15. Weekend Market: Offering endless opportunities to peek into the culture of the country and to interact with locals, the Weekend Market of Thimphu is the city's star on Saturdays and Sundays. Located north of Changlimithang Stadium, on the west bank of the Wang Chhu, the market is bustling with traders and customers, it looks colourful and vivid and it is an ideal place to buy souvenirs. Everything, from vegetables to accessories to postal stamps, is sold here at unbelievably low prices.

It lies in Western Bhutan at an elevation of 2280 m. As the only airport located here, it is the gateway into this mystical kingdom. The main tourist attractions in Paro are:

1. Rinpung Dzong: or “the fortress of the heap of jewels” was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to defend the Paro valley from Tibetan invasion and presently it serves as the central monastic and administrative seat of the district of Paro. It is one of Bhutan’s most impressive and finest examples of Bhutanese architecture. It is different from other Dzongs in Bhutan as it is in a square and the “utse” (central tower) is surrounded by the outer structure. The dzong houses one of the most sacred “Thongdrol” (meaning religious banner) about 20 sq. metres and is displayed only once a year during the Paro Tshechu (annual festival). The third king of Bhutan was crowned in this dzong.

2. Nya-Mey Zam: or “the bridge with no fish” is the bridge that connects Paro town to the dzong. It is one of the finest specimens in Bhutan and locals believe that if one sees a fish in the river, it is an ill omen. The earlier bridge which could be folded during the war was washed away by flood in 1969.

3. Ta Dzong: Strategically located on a hill above the dzong and built-in 1649 is the Ta Dzong. “Ta” means to see/watch and “dzong” means fortress. This monument served as a watch tower to the Paro Dzong. There is said to be an underground tunnel that leads to the water supply below. The structure was converted into the National Museum in 1968. Ta Dzong holds a fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangka paintings, exquisite postage stamps, coins and handicrafts and a small natural history collection.

4. Dungtse Lhankhang: This temple was built by a famous Tibetan saint popularly known as Changzampa or the iron bridge builder in 1421. It is the only temple of this kind in Bhutan. It is in the form of a stupa and it contains some of the rarest and unique frescoes paintings in the region. The paintings are unique also because they depict the progressive stages of tantric Buddhist philosophy as well as the most important deities and figures of Drukpa Kagyu School of Buddhism.

5. Drukgyel Dzong: “fortress of the victorious Drukpas” was built in 1649 to celebrate Bhutanese victory over the Tibetan invasions. What stands as a mere tourist spot today was once western Bhutan’s most strategic fort from which many Tibetan invasions were repulsed. Under the leadership of Zhabdrung, the Bhutanese fought 12 battles with the Tibetans in different places with one being in this particular place. It was destroyed by fire in 1951, and the towering outer walls and central tower still remain an imposing sight. On a clear day, there is a splendid view of Mt. Chomolhari from the approach road to this place.

6. Kyichu Lhakhang: Consists of twin temples and the older one is one of the 108 temples built by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet in 659 AD. This temple is deeply venerated for its antiquity and the role it plays in Bhutan's History. The construction of this temple and Jampa Lhakhang in Bumthang marked Bhutan for the first time on the Buddhist map. The temple contains one of the most sacred statues of the country – the jowo which is the image of Buddha at 8 years and is similar to the one which is present in the Jokhang temple in the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet.

7. Kila Gompa: It is a nunnery about an hour’s walk from Chele-la, down a path through pine forest. The Gompa is nestled in a craggy patch of rock on the mountainside below Chele-la pass. Buddhist nuns spend their days in religious studies, prayer and meditation.

8. Druk Choeding: This is an ancient temple located right in Paro town. It was built in 1525 by Ngawang Chhogyel, one of the prince-abbots of Ralung in Tibet, and an ancestor of the Shabdrung, Ngawang Namgyal.

9. Paro Airport Bird's Eye Viewpoint: Paro Airport Bird's Eye Viewpoint offers an exquisite view of the entire city. With the Paro International airport being in the top ten stunning airports in the world, you can imagine what's in store for you. Amidst the mountains, the sight is so colourful and vivid that one remains awe-struck by the grandeur of the city.

10. Tachog Lhakhang Bridge: Popularly known as the Iron Chain Bridge, the Tachogang Lhakhang Bridge crosses the Paro Chhu to the Dzong. This 600-year-old bridge was built by Thangtong Gyalpo in the late 1300s, who is said to have built 108 bridges all over Tibet and Bhutan. Made of wood and Iron, this is the first bridge to have ever been built in Bhutan. Tachogang Lhakhang Bridge greets its guests with a fantastic view of the surroundings.

11. Chele La Pass: Located at approximately 13,000 feet between the valley of Paro and Haa, Chele La Pass is the highest motorable road pass in Bhutan. The pass is famous for the stunning Himalayan views it offers, especially Mt. Jhomolari which is Bhutan’s most sacred peak at 22,000 feet, Tsherimgang mountains, Jichu Drake as well as views of both the valleys, Paro and Haa. Just a two-hour drive from the valley floor in Paro, you will reach Chele La Pass, covered in untouched forests, home to thriving flora and fauna. The surrounding area of this pass has several ancient trails, perfect for hikers. The slopes of the mountains around are covered in White Poppy, which cannot be found anywhere else in the world. The drive to Chele La Pass is through dense spruce and larch forests where you can see many sightings such as yaks grazing, frozen rivers, waterfalls, rhododendron forests and roadside springs.

12. Taktshang: or “Tiger’s Nest”: Tiger’s Nest” is one of the most famous places to visit in Bhutan and one of the holiest sites in Bhutan. It is perched on a steep granite cliff at 2950 metres overlooking northern Paro valley. The place is especially venerated because of its association with Guru Rimpoche and is believed that more merit is gained if we meditate even for a minute in Tasktshang than many months in other places.

13. Ugyen Pelri Palace: Built in the early 1900s, the Ugyen Pelri Palace is an excellent display of Bhutanese architecture at its finest. It was modelled after the Zangto Pelri which was known as Guru Rinpoche's paradise. It currently serves as the residence of the queen mother of Bhutan. The palace is closed to the public. It is situated next to the iconic Five Chortens of Paro, and may be viewed in its entirety from the Paro Dzong.

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There are lots of travel agents who provide Bhutan Packages but why Meilleurholidays is the best are the following reasons:

• Meilleurholidays is the Most Trusted Brand for Bhutan Tour in India since 2003
• Bhutan is connected though only two Airlines Bhutan Air & Druk Air. Meilleurholidays is authorized selling agent of both Airlines
• Meilleurholidays is PSA of Bhutan Airlines [PSA stands for Passenger Service Agent] which enables to get special Airfare
• Meilleurholidays have above 5500 live room inventory which can help travelers to book rooms instantly
• Pre-purchased room inventory also helps travelers to get rooms even in super peak season
• Meilleurholidays is Tourism Council of Bhutan authorized travel house to process the online permit and foreign Visas
• Company is registered in India and Bhutan with its own employee on direct payroll
• Meilleurholidays offers complete customized itinerary including many unique and signature tour programmed with in-depth knowledge about Bhutan territory, Hotels, Local laws and regulations
• Get expert advice from Bhutan Super Specialist over phone / whatsapp / email

Why once in a lifetime you must go for Bhutan Trip, here are the reasons:

• Bhutan is the only Carbon Negative Country in the world where you can rejuvenate your mind and body with pollution free pure nature.
• Indians do not need Visa to Travel Bhutan, only required things is a entry permit available at Phuentsholing permit office.
• Travelling Bhutan is less expensive compared to other international destinations.
• Bhutan is the only country to measure peoples index as Gross National Happiness.
• 72% of the country's total land area is covered by forests.
• It is the only country where you can find Red Rice and Chilies as staple food.
• Bhutanese people are some of the friendliest and always welcome you with good smile and "Kuzo Zangpo La" means Hello.

• Value Bhutanese Culture - although Bhutan welcomes foreigners but the people is extremely conscious regarding its culture
• Always greet with "Kuzu Zangpo la" for "Hello" and "Tashi Delek" for "Good Bye" or "Good Luck"
• Visitors need proper VISA to enter into Bhutan expept citizens from Indian and Bangladesh
• VISA should be applied minimum 30 days before you plan to visit Bhutan
• One needs Route Permits to travel in Bhutan and this is provided by the Immigration office at Thimpu
• Either carry Nu (Bhutan's currency) or INR (Indian Rupees INR 50 and INR 100). Both are accepted in Bhutan
• Use right hand while giving or receiving something. Pass the holy sites keeping them on your right side
• US dollars are pretty widely accepted in Bhutan, but it is advised to exchange some of your currency to Bhutan's currency i.e ngultrum (Nu) or Indian Rupee
• Do bring MasterCard - NOT Visa or other credit cards. Banks, ATM's will NOT give cash on a Visa credit card in Thimpu or Paro
• If visitors want to tip to the Hotel Staff / Tour Guide / Driver, always should be given in envelop
• Though Bhutan is safe, but extra care should be taken for luggage, wallet, camera, mobile phone and other valuables
• Please follow proper instruction / permission before taking pictures and videos
• Visitors should take off hats and shoes while visiting Dzongs, Monasteries etc

Thimphu and Paro are the major shopping hubs in Bhutan. One can buy lovely handicrafts made of wood, bamboo, cane etc. Handwoven textiles made of silk and cotton are very popular. Gold and silver jewellery are also popular. Overall, there are various trinkets that one can carry back home.

How many airports are in Bhutan?

Bhutan has a total number of 4 airports Namely: Paro International Airport (Paro), Bathpalathang Airport (Jakar), Gelepu Airport (Gelepu), Yongphulla Airport (Trashigang).

Do Indians need visa for Bhutan Tour?

Visa is not required for Indians. An entry permit is required for tourists travelling by road which is available at the Phuentsholing permit office. For tourists travelling by flight, the visa is on arrival.

What should I wear during Bhutan Package Tour?

The kind of attires you should be carrying depends on the time that you want to travel. During the summer months, light to moderate warm clothes should do the trick while heavy jackets and woollens should be carried during the winters. Comfortable footwear is a must as you would be walking down rough terrains.

What amount of snowfall to expect during Bhutan Trip?

It snows heavily in Bhutan during the winter months (December – February). Despite the snowfall, the landscapes of Bhutan cater well to its tourists during this time. You are sure to enjoy the white paradise as it is a vision not to forget!

Is smoking legal in Bhutan?

Bhutan remains the only country in the world that restricts its citizens from smoking. It has banned the production and sale of tobacco and thus smoking is banned in public places. However, there are certain smoking zones in some hotels and restaurants where tourists are allowed to smoke.

How safe is Bhutan for Indian tourists?

Along with its stunning beauty, Bhutan is a safe destination to choose for your next vacation. Crimes are kept at bay and you are sure to feel secure wherever you stay in Bhutan.

What is the best time for Bhutan  Tour from Kolkata?

The autumn to spring span is proposed as the best time to visit "The land of Dragon". September to May is the time where you get clear weather and blue skies throughout. December can be a bit harsh due to snowfall, but if that is what you enjoy, then go ahead and visit the fairy tale land of Bhutan!

 Always wear a Mask if your visiting the public place.
 Owing to the zigzagging hilly roads, motion sickness is another challenge. Keep the necessary medication along with you.
 Carry back all non-degradable litter such as empty bottles, tins, plastic bags etc. These must not litter the environment or be buried. They must be disposed in municipal dustbins only.
 Keep all pollutants away from streams and lakes.
 Do respect people's privacy while taking photographs. Ask for prior permission before taking a photograph. Dress modestly. Be aware of the customs and manners and culture of the local people.
 It is customary to leave a donation at a monastery and to circle shrines in clockwise direction.
 Avoid loud music and noise.
 Always keep your Identity Card / Passport Copies to avoid hasslement in hotels.
 Do Use dustbin in public places as you are also responsible for clean environment.
 Don't take a lot of cash with you, there are many ATM's of almost all major banks in the major towns of the region.
 Do not encourage beggars and always beware of strangers.
 Observe the sanctity of holy sites, temples and local cultures.
 In case temporary toilets are set-up near campsites, after defecation, cover with mud or sand. Make sure that the spot is at least 30 meters away from the water source.
 Vegetation is fragile; follow designated trails.
 While traveling to high Hills always carry Camera, Goggles, Sun screen lotion and Sports Shoes in case you like nature walks (Binoculars are optional).
 If you’re planning to visit the market please visit in between 1000am- 1900pm only as most of the place will get closed by 2000hrs –
 Make sure you are well aware of Restricted Area Permit and Protected Area Permit before visiting Sikkim.
 Drink sufficient amount of water to avoid dehydration while trekking.
 Remember to register at the forest or wildlife check posts before entering for your safety.
 While hiking, wear comfortable shoes since the trails can get rough at places.
 Always travel with a local guide ( Trekking trip ). Look for genuine travel guides who knows everything about the state.
 While trekking, always follow the designed path, do not interrupt the fragile vegetation.
 Applying of sunscreen is a necessity to avoid sunburns and always carry sunglasses and hats while touring.

 Don’t disturb wildlife or its habitat.
 Don't play loud music inside the forested areas.
 Don’t buy endangered species or antiques.
 Don’t smoke, drink alcohol or talk loudly near sacred places.
 Don’t pluck plants or flowers.
 Don’t use Plastic Bags or Plastic Bottles in the forest area as plastic does NOT decay itself & harms the natural environment. If you do use plastic kindly don't throw in the forest and carry back.
 Don’t throw cigarette buts on leaf litter as they are an important cause for forest fires
 Do not leave any non-biodegradable items.
 Do not scribble on trees, rocks and buildings.
 Do not destroy any type of vegetation or plants during your visit here.
 Do not take away flora and fauna in the forms of cuttings, seeds or roots. It is illegal, especially in the Himalayas. The environment is really delicate in this region and the bio-diversity of the region has to be protected at all costs.
 Do not use pollutants such as detergent, in streams or springs while washing and bathing.
 Do not use wood as fuel to cook food at the campsite.
 Do not consume aerated drinks, alcohol, drugs or any other intoxicant and throw bottles in the wild.
 Do not tempt the locals, especially children by offering them foodstuff or sweets. Respect local traditions.
 Polythene and plastics are non biodegradable and unhealthy for the environment and must not be used and littered.
 Avoid entering the temple premises if you are on your menstrual cycle. It is followed by all locals and expected from tourists as well.
 The left hand is considered to be somewhat polluted. Avoid handing money or tapping anyone with the left hand.
 In hills - locals are conservative and do not appreciate the public display of affection. Keep a check on your body language and choice of words as well.
 It is not allowed to swim in the rivers, lakes or glaciers in the protected areas.
 Buying or dealing in products made from the skins of endangered species or of any another animal is strictly prohibited. Buying and selling of antiques are also illegal as per the government norms in Sikkim.