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Highlights of Bhutan

This is an excellent short tour to discover the treasures of Bhutan. Explore its ancient Dzongs (fortresses) and the majestic Monasteries and museums. Visit a traditional farmhouse, have a cookery class in local cuisine and try your skills art archery, the National sport! Above all experience the most outstanding scenery and the intense spirituality of the land, where fluttering prayer flags cling to the high ridges, sending the prayers of the devotees skyward.

Kolkata- Paro- Thimphu- Punakha- Paro- Kolkata

from £3,300 / Per Person

11 Days / 10 Nights

Tour Highlights:

Dinner with a local family
Cooking session on Bhutanese Cuisine
Visit to a traditional farmhouse
Visit to Taktshang Monastery also known as Tiger`s Nest
Blessing Ceremony at a village Monastery
Experience an Archery session: National Sport of Bhutan

What's included:

International & internal flights
9 nights hotel accommodation
Kolkata on bed & Breakfast. Bhutan on Full Board.
All transfers and internal transportation
English speaking guides
Entrance fees to all the monuments mentioned in the itinerary
Bhutan Visa Fees

What's not included:

India Visa Fees
Travel Insurance
Any meals other than mentioned in the itinerary
Expenses of personal nature such as tipping, telephone calls, laundry, camera fees still or videos etc

Itinerary

Fly from UK to Kolkata.

Arrive Kolkata in the morning. On arrival met by Novaturient's representative and transferred to hotel LalBari for an overnight stay. Afternoon Kolkata sightseeing includes St Paul's Cathedral, Victoria Memorial & Mother Theresa's House.

Morning fly to Paro. After immigration formalities you will be welcomed by our representatives with a 'tashi khaddar' (white scarf offering to the guest - an auspicious welcome) then driven to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Enroute visit Tamchog Lhakhang. Check in at The Lemon Tree Hotel for 2 nights stay. Later in the afternoon walk around the National Memorial Chorten. Dinner with a local family. This a great opportunity to experience local culture, traditions and way of life.

Today's full day sightseeing includes a short drive to the north of town to Buddha Dordenma to see the massive statue of Shakyamuni, made of bronze and gilded in gold. The stunning 51.5m statue is one of the tallest in Bhutan. Then visit the Institute for Zorig Chusum - commonly known as the Arts & Crafts School or Painting School, next, the fascinating Folk Heritage Museum with wonderful glimpses into the local life, followed by the Textile Museum, Pangri Zampa- 16th C. and one of the oldest Monasteries in Bhutan. See the Trashichhoedzong, 'Fortress of the Glorious Religion', before returning to the hotel, take leisurely walk to local craft Bazar.

After breakfast drive up to Dochu-la pass (3,088m) stopping briefly for the fabulous view and to see the chorten, mani wall and prayer flags decorating the highest point on the road. Prayer flag hoisting at Dochula pass. Drive to Punakha. Check in at The Meri Puensum Resort for 2 nights stay. After lunch, visit Punakha Dzong 'Palace of Great Happiness' situated at the junction of the Phochu and Mochu rivers in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Enjoy a short excursion to Chimi Lhakhang.

After breakfast visit Khamsum Yuelley Namgel Chorten, built to remove negative forces and promote peace, stability and harmony in this ever-changing world. Picnic lunch by the riverside surrounded by magnificent views and to simply absorb the peace and serenity of the valley. After lunch visit to Rinchengang Village. This small picturesque village is about 20-minute walk up a gentle gradient. The dwellings are delightful, traditional mud houses located on the hill oppisite Wangdue Dzong. Later in the afternoon a Cooking session on Bhutanese cuisine.

After breakfast drive to Paro along the scenic highway. On arrival check into the Paro Eco Lodge for 3 nights. After lunch visit Ta Dzong, originally built as a watchtower, and now houses the impressive National Museum. Next a short walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong), meaning 'Fortress of the Heap of Jewels', with its long and intriguing history. Evening visit a traditional farmhouse.

After breakfast go on a fascinating excursion to Taktshang Monastery or Tiger's Nest (approx. 5 hours round trip walk). Late afternoon attend a blessing ceremony at a village Monastery followed by the lighting of 108 butter lamps. This is a special prayer ceremony by monks for the peace, prosperity and happiness.

After breakfast, drive to the Chelela pass. The pass provides stunning views of the sacred mountains of Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. It's also marked by hundreds of prayer flags fluttering in the wind. From Chelela pass, walk to Kila Goemba, the serene home of Buddhist nuns who've dedicated their lives to spiritual fulfillment filled with religious studies, prayer and meditation. After lunch attend an Archery session. Late afternoon visit 7th C. Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by the Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo.

After breakfast transfer to the airport to board your flight to Kolkata. Meeting, assistance on arrival and transfer to hotel LalBari for an overnight stay. Afternoon at leisure or an optional boat ride on the Hooghly.

Transfer to the airport to fly home.

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