TVIN 003: 09 NIGHTS/10 DAYS CULTURAL BHUTAN WITH DARJEELING

Kolkata – Bagdogra – Darjeeling - Phuntsholing - Thimpu – Punakha - Paro - Kolkata

Day 01: Arrive Kolkata
Arrive Kolkata International Airport in the evening, welcome with fresh flower garlands and transfer to your hotel by Air-condition Deluxe Car/Coach. Your rooms are available for immediate occupancy. Overnight stay in Kolkata.

Day 02: Fly Kolkata / Bagdogra (9W617, 1220 / 1320 hrs) / Darjeeling
Morning flight takes us to Bagdogra from where we drive towards Darjeeling (95 km / 4 hrs), Once a holiday resort during the British Raj, this charming hill station retains its British flavor, its colonial buildings clinging to the slopes to take advantage of the awe-inspiring views. Overnight stay in Darjeeling. [B+L+D]

Day 03: Darjeeling
Early morning Travel to Tiger Hill (at around 4 am) to see the sun rise over Kanchenjunga (subject to clear weather), the third highest peak in the world. Visit Ghoom Monastery, home to the Gelukpa "Yellow Hat" Buddhist sect. Later, ride the narrow-gauge Toy Train in the emerald green valley’s in the shadow of Kanchenjunga. Overnight stay in Darjeeling. [B+L+D]

Day 04: Drive Darjeeling / Phuntsholing (180 km / 6 hrs)
We ride down from Darjeeling through tea plantations on an incredibly steep blacktop lane through villages balanced on sides of hills. We descend to the Teesta River and across the plains of West Bengal. Resembling southeast Asia more than northern India, this area has herds of wild elephant and leopards. Arriving in Phuntsholing, we clear the visa formalities to cross the border. Overnight stay in Phuntsholing. [B+L+D]

Day 05: Drive Phuntsholing / Thimpu (175 km / 6 hrs)
In the morning, we drive to Thimphu, the modern capital of Bhutan enroute visiting Kharbandhi Monastery. Thimpu located at an elevation of 2,300m in a valley traversed by the Wang Chu River and is one of the most favorite tourist destinations in the region. Overnight stay in Thimpu.
[B+L+D]
Day 06: Thimpu
Sightseeing in Thimphu includes the visit to the National Library, which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts, the School of Thanka Paintings, and the traditional Medicine Institute where centuries old healing arts are still practiced. Then, we visit the Handicrafts Emporium to see the exquisite artistry of traditional crafts and textiles and take a stroll through the streets for a little shopping. After lunch we visit the memorial Chorten to His late Majesty (King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk). Later, take a 15 minute drive to Dechenchohhling to witness the gold and silversmiths at work. Then, visit the Tashichho Dzong (fortress of the Glorious Region) built in 1641 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and reconstructed in 1961, using traditional methods, without the use of any nails or plans or paper, under the Late King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, regarded as the Father of Modern Bhutan. Overnight stay in Thimpu. [B+L+D]

Day 07: Drive Thimpu / Punakha & Tour (77 km / 3 hrs)
After breakfast we drive over the spectacular Dochula pass (3,100 mths.) to the warm and fertile valley of Punakha, The old capital of Bhutan stands at the confluence of Mo Chhu and Po Chhu rivers. The Punakha Dzong is Bhutan's second oldest, and is arguably the country's most beautiful. Construction of the dzong began in 1637, and was completed the following year. It is more properly called the Pungthang Dechen Phodrang or the Palace of Great Happiness. Overnight stay in Punakha. [B+L+D]

Day 08: Drive Punakha / Paro (130 km / 4.5 hrs)
We Re-cross Dochu La Pass and drive to Paro, One of the biggest and most fertile valleys, Paro is the location of Bhutan’s only airport. People here are mainly farmers, working terraced fields against the backdrop of the imposing Rimpung Dzong. Overnight stay in Paro. [B+L+D]

Day 09: Paro
We visit Ta Dzong, the national museum housed in an ancient watchtower, which has superb antiquities on display. We can see a fine collection of thankas, paintings, textiles, and artifacts. Hike to Taktsang viewpoint, a superb vantage point that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding granite cliffs and valley. On a clear day, the white dome of the sacred Chomolhari (Mountain of Goddess) can be seen. The Taktsang Monastery, also known as the Tiger's Nest monastery, clings to a sheer cliff. Severely damaged in a fire in 1998, the monastery has been completely restored. We tour Drukgyal Dzong, whose massive ruins offer insight into the unique construction of Bhutan's famous dzongs. The Dzong is also of great historical importance as it was from its ramparts that the Bhutanese repelled Tibetan invaders. Overnight stay in Paro.
[B+L+D]

Day 10: Fly Paro / Kolkata (KB124, 1140/1220)
After breakfast we transfer to the Paro airport to Board our flight to Kolkata. On arrival we check in to our hotel and have day use rooms. Evening after dinner transfer to Kolkata airport to connect homebound flight. [B+L+D]

“Please check the Summer/Winter flight schedule of Druk Air”

Note:
1. 01 Tour Leader will be FOC with minimum 15 paying Pax group (Single supplement cost will be charged).
2. Domestic Flight fares are subject to change.

Price Includes:
§ Meet and assist on arrival and departure at the airport.
§ Tour as per the itinerary.
§ Transport is by air-conditioned vehicle.
§ English Speaking guided tours.
§ Hotel accommodation based on full board.
§ Entrance fees as per itinerary.
§ Bhutan Visa Processing fees.
§ One Tour Leader free with minimum 15 paying pax group. (Single Supplement cost will be charged.
§ One bottle of mineral water per pax / per day.
§ Service charges and government tax.
§ Our Personal Care and Attention.
Price Excludes:
§ Porterage
§ International airfare
§ Travel insurance
§ Any camera fees
§ Any airport Tax
§ Tips to Drivers, Guides, at restaurants etc
§ Items of personal nature such as telephone calls, telegrams, table drinks and laundry etc
§ Anything not mentioned in “Price Includes” head.

HOTELS TO BE USED OR SIMILAR

CITY HOTELS HOTEL CATEGORY
Kolkata Hindustan Int’l 5*
Darjeeling Mayfair Hill Resort 4* Best Available
Phuntsholing Druk ‘A’
Thimpu Jhomolhari ‘A’
Punakha Zangdho Pelri ‘A’
Paro Olathang ‘A’

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