Bhutan Sightseeing TourAttractionsOverviewWhy we love itItineraryDates & PricesWhat’s includedImportant notesAttractionsParo Taktsang, a prominent Himalayan Buddhist sacred site located in the cliffside of upper Paro valley .Incredible Panoramic view of Bhutanese Himalayas.Handicrafts Emporium where excellent variety of well woven Bhutanese textiles is found.Chimi Lhakhang , a holy place of Lama Drukpa Kuenley known as Divine Mad man.OVERVIEWA Mysterious KingdomLandlocked Bhutan is a Buddhist kingdom on the Himalayas’ eastern edge. It is bordered by China to the north and India to the south. Thimphu is its capital and largest city and Phuntsholing is its financial centre. It is known for its monasteries, fortresses & dramatic landscapes that range from subtropical plains to steep mountains and valleys. Bhutan has the region’s second lowest population and is known for its buckwheat and apple production. It features sturdy stone houses and many interesting monasteries. Its broad valleys and sloping mountains make it ideal for waking.We will visit the Trongsa Dzong one of the most picturesque examples of Bhutanese architecture and will also explore Bumthang, the cultural heartland of Bhutan. This is home to the some of the kingdom’s most precious and ancient Buddhist sites. The trip coincides with the famous Ura Yakchoe Festival in Ura Village.Why we love it ?Guest HouseTransportTemple visitActivitiesDiningItinerary Day 01 : Kathmandu ArrivalUpon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be warmly greeted by a representative from Apoorva tours. You will be meeting your guide on the same day. ACCOMMODATION3 star HotelLUNCH No HOURSSIGNALYes Day 02 : Kathmandu SightseeingVisting the places around Kathamndu like Religious Pashupatinath, Bouddha, SwayambhunathAfter breakfast you will be given a fascinating sightseeing tour where you will see many sites of interest, for example:The Boudhanath Stupa – which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the holiest Tibetan Buddhist Temple outside Tibet. It is over 328ft (100m) diameter and wall-to-wall length is about the size of football pitch. Boudhanath is among the largest Stupa in Nepal and one of the largest in the world. The Stupa has 4 eyes which represent the all-seeing ability of the Buddha; they face four prime directions constantly looking out for virtuous behaviour and human success. The Stupa’s nose symbolizes Nirvana.The Pashupatinath Temple – is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is an Elegant and highly decorative Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Temple sits on the banks of Bagmati River and is noteworthy for its pagoda style of architecture and its gilded roof. The rafters feature members of Shiva’s family and its silver plated entrance doors are bordered by statues of deities. Entrance is restricted to Hindus but its exterior is remarkable and well worth the visit. Outside you will see many holy men (Sadhus), and the river banks are a popular place for Hindu cremations. It is one of the most important Temples for Hindu devotees worldwide. During February or March, the day of Maha Shivaratri (an annual festival dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva) is celebrated here.The Swayambhunath – is an ancient religious site; it is an important Temple for Buddhists and Hindus and is home to many shrines. This Stupa is the oldest of its kind in Nepal and has numerous shrines and monasteries on its premises and may date back to 460 A.D. It is often simply referred to as the Monkey Temple as it is home to colonies of monkeys, and also perhaps because Swayambhunath is difficult to pronounce? ACCOMMODATION3 star.LUNCH No HOURSSIGNALYes Day 03 : Fly to ParoKathmandu – Paro. This morning we will transfer to the airport for your flight to Bhutan. Upon arrival at Bhutan/Paro airport you will be met by our local representative and transfered to your hotel. Check in to the hotel and freshen up. After lunch, enjoy a visit to the Paro Rinpung Dzong “the Fort of the heap of Jewels” which houses the Paro Monastic body, Paro District Civil Administration and the Paro District Court. A smaller Dzong was first built sometime in the 15th century and rebuilt by the Shabdrung in 1645. It caught fire in 1905 but was immediately rebuilt to its original splendor by the Paro Penlop Dawa Penjor. On way back to the hotel visit Kyichu Lhakhang, built in 638 AD under the order of the Tibetan King Songtsengampo, it is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. ACCOMMODATIONLUNCH HOURSSIGNAL Day 04 : Paro -ThimpuParo – Thimphu. After an early breakfast, drive for approx 1.5 hours to Thimphu, capital of Bhutan. Thimphu is one of the fastest growing cities in the world, located in a narrower valley than Paro and more crowded. It is a modern city but still preserves traditional architecture and traditions.This afternoon visit the Memorial Chorten built in memory of Late His Majesty, the 3rd King of Bhutan. Also visit a handmade paper unit. Bhutan boasts of some of the best handmade papers in the world. The Handicrafts Emporium is yet another interesting place to visit, where you will fine an excellent variety of well woven Bhutanese textiles. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the Thimphu market. ACCOMMODATIONLUNCH HOURSSIGNAL Day 05 : Thimph - PunakhauThimphu – Punakha. After breakfast walk around Thimphu city and then drive on to Punakha. Stop for lunch at Docho la, where if the weather permits you’ll be treated to an incredible panoramic view of the Bhutanese Himalayas. Punakha is a 2.5 hour drive from Thimphu. After crossing Docho la the vegetation changes from predominantly Blue Pine forest to a greater variety of plants and trees. In spring, it is colorful with all the Rhododendrons and Magnolias in bloom. Upon arrival in Punakha check into hotel, refresh and then drive up the valley to visit the Dzong in all its splendor. ACCOMMODATIONLUNCH HOURSSIGNAL Day 06 : Punakha -Chimi -LhakhangPunakha – Chimi Lhakhang – Paro. After an early breakfast visit Wangde Dzong en route to Chimi Lhakhang. A beautiful temple standing all alone on a small hill overlooking the Puna Tshangchu river belt, Chimi Lhakhang is the Holy place of Lama Drukpa Kuenley, also known as Divine Mad man. The temple is very sacred for the Bhutanese and thousands of people who visit Chimi Lhakhang do so to pray for children – either people with no children seeking fertility or those who have children, seek protection for them. Return to your hotel for lunch before driving back to Paro. ACCOMMODATIONLUNCH HOURSSIGNAL Day 07: Evening tea with a local familyAfter breakfast, tour Ta Dzong (watch tower) which was built between 1656-1667 and now houses the National Museum. The Museum is considered one of the best of its kind in Asia. It boasts an exhaustive collection of Bhutanese Textiles, Armoury, Earth & Stone Wares, Buddhist Scriptures and Manuscripts. After lunch visit a local farm house and Paro market. Enjoy evening tea with a Bhutanese family in the farm house. ACCOMMODATIONLUNCH HOURSSIGNAL Day 08 : Fly back to Kathmandu and free timeWe will fly back to Kathmandu from ParoWhen we arrive at Kathmandu you will check into your hotel after which you will have some free time to wander and explore the streets, shops and sights of Thamel and maybe visit one of the many restaurants in the vicinity. ACCOMMODATIONLUNCH HOURSSIGNAL Day 10 : DepartureIt is sadly now time to say goodbye to Nepal and Bhutan so we will drive you to the airport in sufficient time (3 hours) to make your flight home and we will wish you a “bon voyage” but we sincerely hope to see you again in the not too distant future. ACCOMMODATIONLUNCH HOURSSIGNALOur PriceAt Apoorva tours we recognise that not all of our visitors require a set and rigid experience, and there are many options based on the potential tours we have identified. We hope that these have whetted your appetite. Also we realise cost is a prime factor in choosing a tour so we wish to give you the best overall package to suit your needs. Please contact us with your requirements and we will tailor a package for you. No need to hesitate, it costs you nothing and you can always say no.Our overriding aim is to give you the best, and your satisfaction is our rewardWhat’s includedThings to see & doDiscover the amazing sights and experiences in this mysterious and once forbidden kingdom.Take time to take in the amazing architecture.Explore architectureVisiting some of Buddhism’s most holy place will give a sense of serenity.Find peace and solitudeBack in Kathmandu eat in one of its many restaurants serving international cuisine.Treat yourselfVisit Kathmandu’s many fun bars for culture or Karaoke whichever you prefer, or maybe both?Great nights outHaggle with the street vendors or store owners in this popular tourist area of Kathmandu.Shopping in ThamelVisit Chimi Lhakhang,the Holy place of Lama Drukpa Kuenley, also known as Divine Mad man and seek protection.The Sacred TempleImportant notesTour itinerary can be customised as per your requirements and timeframe.Tour package included 3-star category hotel during the whole tour , if you would like to stay at high-end hotel (5-star hotels or so) or hotel as your own choice that is possible, please send us a request.Whatever You SeekTop Reasons to VisitGreat WalkingBhutan is a Buddhist kingdom on the Himalayas’ eastern edge and is known for its monasteries, fortresses & dramatic landscapes which range from subtropical plains to steep mountains and valleys which make it the ideal place for walking.Great Place to VisitBhutan is shrouded in mystery and magic and was almost completely cut off for centuries. It is home to the many ancient Buddhist sites. The Bhutanese pride themselves on a sustainable approach to tourism in line with the philosophy of Gross National Happiness.HighlightsWe will visit the Trongsa Dzong one of the most picturesque examples of Bhutanese architecture and will also explore Bumthang, the cultural heartland of Bhutan. The trip coincides with the famous Ura Yakchoe Festival in Ura Village.
