Oct

06

Bhutan Cultural Experience And Hiking Trip | Plan The Unplanned

Sunday 12:00 PM - Phuentsholing, Bhutan · Bhutan · Bangalore

“The Land Of  Thunder Dragon” – as it is rightly called, Bhutan is a little Himalayan hamlet that has gained the title to be the “Happiest Country”. And you shall feel the vibes of happiness all around you – as soon as you’ll entire Bhutan. With lofty Himalayan mountains, gusty rivulets crossing the valleys, the aroma of Momos and Datshi in the air, colorful prayer flags and huge Dzongs – Bhutan can never fail to mesmerize the visitors. This 7 – days road trip through the towns and countrysides of Bhutan will let to see the country’s diverse sides. Witness the popular Tsechu Festival, visit the numerous old forts and hike up to one of the highest monasteries in the world – and you shall return back home, being a lot happier!

Start & End Point : Phuentsholing

Inclusions : 

  • Accommodation in Rooms (Twin/Triple Sharing Basis) (7th Oct – 14th Oct )
  • Breakfast (7th to 14th Oct)
  • Transportation pick/drop and local sightseeing 
  • Guide Charges, Entry Permits,
  • Pick and drop is from Phuentsholing and to Phuentsholing only
  • Outdoor Leader

Exclusions :

  • Monuments fee
  • Beverages
  • Lunch & Dinner on all days
  • Anything not included in the inclusions above.
Schedule

Day 0/ 06th October 2019: Reach Phuntsholing

Make sure you reach Bagdogra Airport before 12 PM.  We would recommend you to reach by 5th October 2019 to avoid any delays.The trip will start the next day at Phuentsholing – Immigration Office – 9:00 am, 7th Oct 2019.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Phuentsholing. (Self Sponsored)


Day 1/ 07th October: Begin at Phuentsholing, stop at Chuzom and Checkin at Thimphu

Phuntsholing, the second largest town in Bhutan is where your adventure with us begins. We personally think of this town as the gateway to travel to heaven because every traveller stops here to enter this beautiful country. The clean air, greenery and mountain tops serve as a first glimpse of your travel destination. We begin by completing all immigration formalities and baggage checks and then set off on our journey to Thimphu. En-route we will stop at Chhuzom which is the confluence point of the Thimpu and Paro river. “Chhu” means river and “zom” means to join and the Bhutanese consider it as the confluence of the mother and father river. The sight of clear blue waters combining while 3 different styles of “stupas” or shrines overlook the river is a pleasurable start to the day.

As we arrive at Thimphu, you will check-in to the hotel, freshen up after all that travel and get ready for an evening walk.

As evening comes, we stroll through Thimphu Main street and the market area. As you walk around the city, you’ll notice that it comprises of a mix of modern and ancient tradition, making it special in its own way. We’ll stay the night at Thimpu with eager anticipation of the adventures that tomorrow holds.


Day 2/ 08th October: Thimphu Tshechu

One of the most important and largely celebrated festivals of Bhutan is called the Thimphu Tshechu and we will witness it live in all its greatness. Held in the capital city each year, this 3-day festival attracts thousands of people, many of whom travel from neighbouring “Dzongkhags” or districts to witness attend the festivities. Prior to the start of Thimphu Tshechu, many days and nights are spent praying and conducting rituals to invoke the gods.

The festival theme underwent a pleasant change in the 1950’s when the then king introduced diverse “Boed chhams” or masked performance by lay monks to the festive performances. These new additions brought with it more colour and diversity to the Tshechu. For example, the masked dances of Guru Tshengye (Eight Manifestations of the Guru) and Shaw Shachi (Dance of the Stags) were similar to stage theatre. Similarly, the dancing and jesting of the Atsaras who are referred to as the dupthobs (acharyas) are believed to entrance evil forces and prevent them from causing harm during the festival. Modern Atsaras also perform short skits to disseminate health and social awareness messages.

After a day full of culture, dance and diversity we head back to the hotel and get a good night’s sleep because tomorrow brings with it a new destination!


Day 3/ 09th October: Dochula Pass, Lobesa Village, and Punakha Dzong

After a good breakfast, we will move ahead on our journey by driving to Punakha through the Dochula Pass. Look out the window and witness perfect panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges that will take your breath away.

Perched at an elevation of 3,100 metres, the Dochula Pass is a mountain pass that is surrounded by the snow-capped Himalayan mountains. Dochula Pass holds within it 108 memorial chortens or stupas build by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk, the eldest Queen Mother. The pass is also home to a monastery called the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang (temple) which was built in honour of the 4th king of Bhutan. The past and future appear to merge in the details of the temple that tells the story of a supreme warrior figure whose vision pierces the distant future.

Next Stop: Lobesa Village. What’s so special about this village is that it holds within it the Chimi Lhakhang Monastery also known as the Divine Madman’s Monastery. This monastery is famously known as the fertility shrine and women pilgrims come here seeking blessings to beget children. It derives its name based on the unorthodox teaching methods of a saint called Drukpa Kunley who built a chorten on the site.

We will then head to what is considered to be the most beautiful Dzongs amongst Bhutan’s 21 Dzongs ) – Punakha Dzong.

The Punakha Dzong is strategically located at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu Rivers and is one of the most majestic structures of Bhutan. All of Bhutan’s kings were crowned here and it is still the winter residence of the official monk body. In springtime, the lilac-coloured jacaranda trees that encompass the dzong make it a place of true scenic beauty.

We will stay overnight at Punakha.


Day 4/ 10th October: Explore Punakha

We would spend the day at leisure. As we will do a small hike to Khamsum Yulley Monastery and you could river raft down via the Mo chu river to Punakha. We would also visit the famous suspension bridge and end the evening by watching the Punakha Dzong lit in beautiful colors.

Overnight stay at Punakha


Day 5/ 11th October: Camp Amidst beautiful Gangtey Valley

Our next stop is the Phobjikha or Gangtey valley. From the small hilltop overlooking Gangtey Goemba, we will head downhill through flower meadows to Semchubara village and from here through beautiful forests and into the open valley. The trail ends with a community school and a 15th-century Buddhist temple called Khewa Lhakhang which features three two-storey statues of the past, present and future Buddhas.

At the valley, we will visit the Gangteng Monastery. The monastery is one of the main seats of the religious tradition based on Pema Lingpa’s revelations and one of the two main centres of the Nyingmapa school of Buddhism in the country. During winter, black-necked cranes visit central Bhutan to roost, circling the monastery three times on arrival and repeating the same when returning to Tibet.

We will stay the night at this culturally rich valley.


Day 6/ 12th October: Paro Valley

Apart from it being home to the sole international airport in Bhutan, Paro Airport, Paro is a historic town with about 155 temples and monasteries. Rinpung Dzong a fortress-monastery overlooking the valley houses within it a collection of sacred masks and costumes. The national museum, Ta Dzong, is also set in Paro. Hence, Paro preserves the rich cultural traditions of the country.


Day 7/ 13th October: Trek to Taktsang Monastery, the Tiger’s Nest

The last day of our wonderful Bhutanese backpacking trip starts with an early morning excursion to the most breathtaking spot in Bhutan. The Taktsang Monastery or the Tiger’s Nest perched majestically on a cliff which is 2,950m above sea level, defies all engineering logic. The energetic can take a two-hour hike up to the cliff or a pony ride can be arranged at an additional cost. We will also visit one of the oldest temples in Bhutan called Kyichu Lhakhang and interact with the locals at a farmhouse. The evening will be spent exploring the outskirts of the town of Paro together.

After a long and satisfying last day, we will spend our last night in Paro.


Day 08/ 14th October: Journey onwards

Wake up, get ready and grab some breakfast before we depart to Phuentsholing and make our way back home. Experience a soul-satisfying trek up to a rustic monastery perched on the edge of a cliff. Feel alive as you witness the traditional song and dance of Bhutan’s biggest cultural festival. Let nature’s brilliance astound you as you see two magnificent rivers converge into one. Admire the countless heritage spots that make Bhutan famous for its unique culture. Whether you love photography, want to embark on an exciting new trek or are drawn towards places that boast of rich cultural diversity, Bhutan is bound to mesmerize you with a perfect blend of scenic landscapes, majestic monasteries, and terrific trek locales.

If it isn’t already, a trip to Bhutan must be on your travel bucket list. What better way than through Plan The Unplanned – Sign Up for our early bird special offer!

Important
  • Min number of travelers required for the event to happen is 5. Plan The Unplanned would be not responsible for any flight cancellation charges/any other cost.
  • It is mandatory to reach Bagdogra on/by 06th October before 12 PM.
  • You need to carry the Original Passport and 5 Passport size Photographs. Make sure your passport has a validity of min 6 months.
  • Personal expenses are to be borne by you.
  • Travel Insurance isn’t required for your trip to Bhutan.
  • Currencies of INR 10, 20, 50, 100, and 500 can only be used! 2000 INR notes will not work in Bhutan. You can also exchange currency while in the country.
  • Alternatively, one can take a Bus from Siliguri to Phuentsholing. The timing of the bus is 2 PM and it would cost about INR 150- 250/person.
  • If anyone is taking a flight directly to Paro, transport can be arranged at an additional cost. You should just inform us about your timing and plan so that we can arrange everything accordingly.
  • You can check the cancellation policy by clicking on the cancellation tab.
  • You may book your return ticket for 15th October 2019.
*Organizers/Venues are solely responsible for the service, availability and quality of the events including all or any cancellations/modifications/complaints.
Know about Location & Place
Address :

Phuentsholing, Bhutan

For Bulk Booking Discounts (10+ tickets) & Best Corporate Deals, Enquire here:
Terms & Conditions

  • HighApe does not take any responsibility for the activities going on inside or outside the event. The entire responsibility of it is of the organizer/venue.
  • Venues/Organizers are solely responsible for the service; availability and quality of the events.
  • Venue rules apply.

No refund (Partial or otherwise) will be made if you voluntarily leave or drop out of a trip for any season after the trip has begun. No refunds will be made for any accommodation, transportation, sightseeing, meals or services not utilized.

In case, PTU cancels the trip due to unforeseen circumstances, it would be happy to suggest you alternative trip/dates. You shall be notified of same. You may accept the alternate trip suggestion, voucher (with one-year redeemable limitation) or request another trip of your choice. The difference in cost, if applicable, will have to be borne by you. PTU shall, under no circumstances, be liable for any additional costs, credit card charges, TAC(s), travel arrangements and so on, Refunds in such a scenario will happen as per our cancellation policy.

Refunds are not possible for any missed or unused services including voluntary/involuntary termination of the tour on account of sickness,  death of a family member, late arrival on the tour etc.

PTU is also not liable to pay any compensation for any loss arising as a consequence of trip curtailment, alteration, extension or cancellation due to any reasons. However, you expressly agree that, in any event, the maximum liability of PTU will be limited to the trip cost paid to PTU.

Cancellation Policy:

Cancellations:

  • If you cancel 7 days before the date of event: 
    • 95% refund will be provided. (Payment gateway charges will be deducted)
  • If you cancel 3-6 days before the date of event:
    • 50 % of the actual amount of the trek. (Payment gateway charges will be deducted)
  • If you cancel 48 hours before the date of event:
    • No refund would be provided.
    • Last minute cancellations due to work, health issues etc. would not be entertained and no refund or transfer shall be allowed for the same.

Additional charges would be deducted (based on from where you booked) if you cancel the trek at any given date (along with the scenario described above), as payment gateway/event listing charges.

Transfer of Dates:

  • If you wish to shift your date of booking due to any unforeseen circumstances, the same should be intimated to us not less than 48 hours before the date of event.
  • Only one transfer per booking shall be permitted. Your booking shall stand cancelled if you fail to join the event on the transferred dates.
  • Once the option of date transfer is made, the booking amount shall be held as credits with us and in no case will a refund be made further on.

For all the above choices, you can transfer your tickets to your friends. We would be more than happy to have them on board and you could save your hard earned money.


*Organizer's contact details will be provided post-booking in your e-ticket confirmation.
Book new year events at lowest prices
Best prices catch now

Quick Look

dates Sunday, 06 Oct 12:00 PM - Monday, 14 Oct 10:00 PM
prices 34650 INR

organiser Organised by: Plan The Unplanned

details Special Details: Pick and drop is from Phuentsholing and to Phuentsholing only. Make sure you reach Bagdogra Airport before 12 PM on 6th of October.