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KOLKATA & ANCIENT KINGDOM OF BHUTAN 6 NIGHTS POST TOUR

Combine a Pandaw river expedition with a visit to the ancient Kingdom of Bhutan, one of the world’s most intriguing countries. Discover Bhutan’s famous cliff-top monasteries, soaring mountain peaks and unique way of life.

This is a private tour.

Note: medium fitness is required for a soft hike on day 6.

 

DAY 1

ARRIVE KOLKATA

Disembark from your Pandaw ship and transfer to the hotel for the last overnight in India. Rest of the day free to relax.

DAY 2

KOLKATA TO PARO

Welcome to Bhutan! Upon arrival you will be met by your local guide and offered a Tashi Khaddar – a traditional way to greet guests to Bhutan. We then drive to Thimpu, the capital city of Bhutan through the scenic Paro Valley, around 4 hours total. Upon arrival to Thimpu, check into your hotel before beginning your Bhutan adventure with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten. This prominent landmark serves as an ideal spot for engaging with locals who flock here to circumambulate the chorten, spin the large red prayer wheels, and offer their prayers at a small shrine within the complex. Before heading back to your hotel, take a leisurely stroll around Thimpu’s main street and markets soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.

DAY 3

THIMPU

Following breakfast, make a brief drive north of the town to reach Buddha Dordenma, situated atop a hill within the serene Kuenselphodrang Nature Park. This remarkable statue brings to life an ancient prophecy originating from the 8th century A.D., which was unearthed by Terton Pema Lingpa, a discoverer of religious treasures. It is believed that this statue emits an aura of tranquillity and joy, extending its influence to the entire world. Afterwards we take a short hike to Changangkha Lhakhang, an easy walk of around 1.5 hours where you will be greeted by a magnificent sight of hundreds of prayer flags waving in the breeze, creating a colourful and spiritual welcome. After visiting the temple at the end of the hike, we head towards The Postal Museum to see Bhutan’s collection of rare and unique stamps. After lunch we continue on the highlights tour of Thimpu with visits to the Textile Museum, Centenary Farmers Market and Zilkha Nunnery before ending the day at Trashichhoedzong, often referred to as the 'fortress of the glorious religion.' This remarkable edifice serves as the heart of both government and religion in Bhutan, housing the monarch's throne room and serving as the seat of the Je Khenpo, or Chief Abbot. Return to your hotel to unwind for the evening.

DAY 4

THIMPU - PUNAKHA

Following breakfast, we will journey up to the picturesque Dochu-la pass, standing at an elevation of 3,088 meters. Here, we'll pause briefly to relish the panoramic views and appreciate the adorned chorten, mani wall, and fluttering prayer flags that adorn this high-altitude vantage point. We will witness a traditional prayer flag hoisting ceremony at Dochula before continuing our journey towards Punakha.

After a delightful lunch, we will visit the majestic Punakha Dzong, often referred to as the 'Palace of Great Happiness.' Following the dzong visit, we'll embark on a short excursion to Chimi Lhakhang, perched on a hillock in the heart of the valley and widely known as the "temple of fertility." It's believed that couples seeking to conceive a child can receive blessings here, often resulting in the fulfilment of their wish. The trail takes you across rice fields to the charming settlement of Pana, which translates to 'field.' Exploring the village near the temple offers unique glimpses into the daily life and traditions of the local villagers.

In the evening, enjoy a leisurely stroll in and around Punakha town.

DAY 5

PHUNAKA – PARO

After breakfast drive along the scenic highway to Paro before checking into your hotel. In the afternoon we will visit Ta Dzong, initially constructed as a watchtower and now housing the National Museum. The museum boasts an extensive collection that includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weaponry and armor, household artifacts, and a diverse assortment of natural and historical treasures. The Ta Dzong visit will be immediately followed by a short walk along the trail leading to Rinpung Dzong, also known as Paro Dzong, which translates to the "fortress of the heap of jewels." This dzong boasts a long and captivating history. Along the wooden galleries that line the inner courtyard, you'll find exquisite wall paintings depicting Buddhist tales, such as the four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount Sumeru, and cosmic mandalas.

In the evening, we’ll head to Dema Farmhouse for a delightful dinner. At the farmhouse, you’ll have the opportunity to experience Bhutan’s national sport, archery, and immerse yourself in the local rural culture. Bhutanese farmhouses are renowned for their vibrant colors, intricate decorations, and their traditional construction methods, which eschew the use of a single nail. The majority of Bhutan's population still maintains a way of life that has endured for centuries, residing in modest, secluded farms and hamlets, enveloped by terraced fields of rice, maize, and buckwheat.

DAY 6

PARO TAKTSANG SOFT HIKE

Drive to Satsam Chorten for a soft hike to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest. The monastery is perched on a rocky ledge with a sheer drop of nearly 800m, overlooking the Paro Valley and the river. Recognized as one of the most hallowed places, it was visited by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and is a must-visit for all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. The hike takes 4-5 hours round trip. While en route back to Paro town, make a stop at the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples constructed in the Himalayas by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. The establishment of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.

This evening, take part in a traditional blessing & butter lamp ceremony at a village monastery. This is a sacred and deeply spiritual practice that holds significant importance in the country's Buddhist culture. Such ceremonies are often conducted in monasteries, temples, and sacred sites, attracting devotees seeking blessings, protection, and spiritual guidance. During the blessing ceremony, Buddhist monks, adorned in their vibrant robes, recite powerful prayers and mantras, invoking the blessings of Buddha and other enlightened beings. While lighting of butter lamps is a symbolic act representing the illumination of wisdom and dispelling darkness or ignorance.

DAY 7

DEPARTURE

After breakfast transfer Paro International Airport.

Vivanta Guwahati

Located on the Guwahati-Shillong highway in the commercial and cultural heart of the capital of Assam, Vivanta Guwahati is an urban retreat designed for global business travellers, adventurers and connoisseurs of the good life. Offering world-class comforts in an environment with a strong local character, our 5 star hotel in Guwahati is uniquely positioned as a gateway to the Seven Sisters.

613, Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva Road, Khanapara, Guwahati, Assam, 781022, Assam

Tel: +91 361-7106710

Visit Hotel Website

Le Meridien, Thimpu

Located in the heart of the capital city, Thimphu, the Le Méridien Thimphu invites the discerning guest to engage and discover the legendary 'Land of the Thunder Dragon', Bhutan. The 78 spaciously appointed guest rooms & suites are culturally inspired, yet decidedly chic and contemporary. With cosmopolitan surroundings amidst the bustling commercial streets of the city-centre, and a convenient location to many of the city's myriad attractions, the Le Méridien Thimphu is the perfect jumpstart to that long awaited leisurely holiday.

Classic Room

Chorten Lam, P.O. Box 01286, Thimphu, Kingdom of Bhutan

Tel: +975 2 337788

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Dhensa Resort, Punakha

Dhensa Boutique Resorts sits in the heart of the verdant and lush Punakha Valley. Flanked by thick pine forests, it overlooks the Punakha river and hundreds of paddy fields that stair-step down to the valley floor. It is surrounded by plentiful walking and trekking trails. From Dhensa Punakha, it is just a five-minute trek up the mountain to the magnificent Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery, which houses one of the biggest bronze statues of Chenrigzig (Avalokiteshvara) in the country. Dhensa Punakha marries contemporary design with this Himalayan Kingdom’s ancient and alluring ways. At the core of the Dhensa Punakha philosophy lies the sense of innocence and peace that permeates everything about Bhutan.

Suite Room

Wolakha, Punakha, Bhutan

Tel: +975 2 584434

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Zhiwaling Heritage, Paro

Escape the ordinary and immerse yourself in the genuine warmth and comfort of Zhiwaling Heritage, a 5-star hotel seamlessly integrated with nature, culture, and tradition. Nestled in the charming valley of Paro, Zhiwaling Heritage offers a truly exceptional experience, enhancing every aspect of your trip.

Satsam Chorten, Paro, Kingdom of Bhutan

Tel: +975 2 336486

Visit Hotel Website

Rates include

Bhutan tourism visa, Bhutan Sustainable Development Tax, Six nights accommodation at advertised hotels (or similar based on availability), including breakfast and meals as advertised, excursion and entrance fees as per itinerary, one flight Kolkata – Paro including check-in luggage of 20kg, entrance fees and taxes. Transportation by 7 seat Hyundai Sante Fe or similar.

Meals included

Land tour includes meals as follows; Day 1: Breakfast on ship, Day 2: Breakfast & Dinner at your hotel, Day 3: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Day 4: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Day 5: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Day 6: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Day 7: Breakfast at hotel.

Price per traveller in USD

Accommodation Type Price per Traveller
Sharing (2 Pax) US$4,056.75
Single (1 Pax) US$5,933.25

Extension Code: LTID-KOL-BH-POST

Note

  • Please advise departure flight details in order to arrange the transfer accordingly
  • The Bhutan visa is included in the price, please send us your passport scan for the application
  • If you are staying in India after Bhutan then a multiple entry visa is required for India
  • Check in time 14.00 / Check out time 11.00

* Please note that your hotel will be confirmed after we have received your deposit payment. Prices are subject to change. Hotel subject to availability. We will try to offer you an alternate accommodation if the requested hotel would not be available.

Passport Information

Please ensure you send Pandaw a copy of your passport at least 50 days prior to your travel date. Your passport must be:

  • Ensure that it is the same passport that was used for the Bhutan visa application
  • The passport validity can't be less than six months
  • All passport will require at least 2 blank pages in their passport for Bhutan entry and exit stamp

Supplements

  • Le Meridien, Thimpu - Festive Supplement - 31DEC USD110.00 per person

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