Bhutan Backpacking Trip from Bangalore

Day 1: Bagdogra to Phuentsholing / Overnight at Phuentsholing

Take a Morning Flight from Kempegowda International Airport and Meet Travel Team Team at Bagdogra Airport and drive to Phuentsholing. Take a walk to nearby Zangto Pelri Lhakhang and spend the day at leisure and take a rest.

Day 2: Phuentsholing to Thimphu / Overnight at Thimphu

Process the Entry Permit, early morning and after the breakfast, we will drive to Kharbandi Goempa before proceeding to Thimphu. The drive to Thimphu is very scenic, once we climb up from the Indian plain to Bhutan foothills through beautiful forest, towns and roadside villages. Our drive will pass through Gedu, Chukha, and Chuzom before emerging ourselves into the only multicultural city in Bhutan. Check into the hotel. Overnight in Thimphu

Day 3: Thimphu Sightseeing / Overnight at Thimphu

After breakfast, first we will process the Inner Line Permit and visit Memorial Chorten which was built by Her majesty Ashi Phuntsho Choden in memory of her late son His majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk ("the father of modern Bhutan") the third king of Bhutan. Kuensel Phodrang where you can see largest Buddha statue in Bhutan which is about 169 feet tall. If time permits, we’ll explore Folk and Textile Heritage Museums, a fascinating testimony of Bhutan's living traditions and National Library where the history of Bhutan lies imprinted in archaic texts.

In the afternoon we’ll drive to the town for lunch and post lunch we will visit Trashichho Dzong, the beautiful fortress which houses most of the Government's office and King's Throne room. Dinner and night halt at Thimphu.

Day 4: Thimphu to Punakha / Overnight at Punakha

Today we will drive towards Punakha and on the way, we will make a brief halt at Dochula Pass. The pass is a popular location among tourists as it offers a stunning 360 degree panoramic view of Himalayan mountain range. The view is especially scenic on clear, winter days with snowcapped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the tranquility of the 108 chortens gracing the mountain pass After reaching Punakha and having lunch we’ll enjoy breathtaking view from Hanging Bridge and proceed to explore Puankha Dzong which is built on the confluence of Phochu (Male River) and Mochu (Female River) and considered as most beautiful dzong of Bhutan.  Then and on the way, will visit Chimi Lhakhang which was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley in 15th century (This monk is popularly known as the Devine madman for his philosophy, "Salvation through sex"). He subdued the demons with his Magical Thunder Bolt. The Temple is also known as The Temple of Fertility.

Day 5: Punakha to Paro / Overnight at Paro

After breakfast, we’ll drive towards Paro and in the afternoon,and after reaching Paro we will visit Ta Dzong, watch tower built to defend Rinpung Dozng during inter-valley wars of the 17th century, since 1967 it’s serving as the National Museum of the country. Then we’ll pay a visit to Rinpung Dzong which was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first National Museum spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan. The Dzong houses the monastic body of Paro, the office of the Dzongda (district administrative head) and Thrimpon (judge) of Paro district. Finally, we’ll end our day with Kyichu Lhakhang,one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom dating back to 7th century. In the evening stroll in Paro town. Dinner and overnight at Paro.

Day 6: Day Trip to Chele La Pass / Overnight at Paro

After breakfast will drive towards Chele La Pass, at an elevation 3,988 meters which happens to be one of the highest motorable passes in Bhutan. The pass provides stunning views of the sacred mountain Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. It is also marked by hundreds of prayer flags fluttering in the wind. Here, visitors can see cascades of wild roses; purple and yellow primulas; and swathes of deep blue iris covering the forest floor. The top of the pass bloom with rhododendrons in a variety of colours-pale pink, deep pink, burnt orange, mauve, white and scarlet. We’ll have our lunch at Paro after returning back. Rest of the day is free for you to explore the quaint town and shopping.

Day 7: Hike to Tiger’s Nest / Overnight at Paro

After early breakfast will hike to Paro Taktsang which is one of the most popular monastery visited by the tourist. It was first built in 1692, around the Taktsang Senge Samdup, a cave where Guru Padmasambhava is said to have meditated for three months in the 8th century. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche (Guru Padmasambhava) flew to this location from Khenpajong, Tibet on the back of a tigress and subdued a demon. He then performed meditation in one of the caves here and emerged in eight incarnated forms (manifestations) and blessed the place. Subsequently, the place came to be known as the Tiger's Nest. Guru Padmasambhava is known for introducing Buddhism to Bhutan. Today, Paro Taktsang is the best known of the thirteen caves in which he meditated.

Day 8: Paro to Phuentsholing

After our breakfast, we will retrace our scenic drive back to Phuentsholing. Relax in the hotel and get prepared for your departure the next day.

Day 9: Phuentsholing to Bagdogra

Time to fly back home! Trip concludes with happy memories! Catch flight back to Bangalore and bid goodbye to Bhutan

Things to Carry

• Valid Identity Proof (Passport / VoterID Card), along with 5 Photocopies for each document.
• If you do not have either of Passport or Voter ID Card, please carry Aadhaar Card along with another supporting document such as PAN Card / Driving License / Ration Card. In this case please inform the lead in advance.
• 5 Passport Size Color Photographs
• Water Bottles
• A lightweight Haversack or Backpack, and a smaller Day Sack
• Good pair of trekking shoes, and a pair of flip-flops
• Woolen Gloves, woolen socks, Monkey Cap/Balaclava, Neck Scarf
• Thermal Inners
• Jackets
• Waterproof gloves and windcheater/poncho
• Personal clothing (Dressing Moderately is mandatory to visit Monasteries and Dzongs)
• Cap, sunglasses, scarf
• Camera, Binoculars (Optional)
• Toiletries – Sunscreen, Moisturizer, Light towel, Lip balm, Wet wipes, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Hand Sanitizer
• Extra Polythene Bags (To segregate used/ unused garments, wet/ dry clothing)
• Any medicines that you consume normally, post consulting a doctor
• Mosquito repellent
• Snacks & Biscuits to munch on (As some journeys are 6-7 hours long)
• Enerzyl Powder or Glucon D powder

Disclaimers:

• Any customization in arrival and departures may lead to additional cost.
• Customization would not be adjusted with any inclusions such as missed sightseeing, stay, meals etc.
• Due to delay by participants if any destination gets missed same will not be covered.
• If any of the points remains closed without prior intimation, we will try to cover it up with another destination if feasible.

IMPORTANT:

• Please note that Bhutan is culturally very rich and have intentionally preserved their cultures by maintaining distances from western cultures. So please respect their culture and please refrain from commenting on bullying about Bhutanese and their culture.
• Bhutan still follows Monarchical System. Thus, please respect The King and The Queen and please refrain from commenting anything about the same. Please use “His Highness” or “Her Highness” if you need to refer The King and/or The Queen or anyone from Royal Family in public.
• Bhutanese on a regular basis chew “Doma” which is dried Areca Nut. The smell can be an issue for some days though until you get accustomed!!
• Bhutanese are very religious and follow Buddhism. Please refrain from touching holy items without permission and maintain discipline within Monasteries and Dzongs. Dzongs are also the administrative office of respective districts (Dzongkhags) and this is where the Royal Family is supposed to live. So please maintain extra caution while visiting Dzongs in particular.
• You must be dressed moderately while visiting Monasteries and Dzongs. You’ll not be allowed to enter in revealing dresses and thus please refrain from wearing such dresses.
• Participants must carry cash in order to survive and buy anything in Bhutan. Except high end luxury hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops, plastic money such as credit card and debit card are not accepted throughout Bhutan.
• Most Indian Debit Cards are not authorized to use in Bhutan even if International Transaction is enabled. So please carry cash from your home town.
• Avoid wearing precious Jewelry, as Trikon won’t be responsible for any losses for the same.
• Please make sure you report at the start location as per the itinerary. No refunds would be entertained by Trikon. Consult your Trikon buddy in advance in case of any changes.

Consuming liquor or any kind of Alcoholic substance is prohibited. Carrying any kind of substance that’s illegal is not allowed. Smoking is strictly not allowed. Anybody found smoking or consuming alcoholic drinks will be expelled from the event without refund.

Fitness & Health – Though trekking is a fun-filled activity, it demands good amount of physical fitness. If you are under medication, please carry your medicines. During the trek, leaders will have over the counter medication for temporary treatment, so do give a heads up to them if you need any medical assistance.