Beauty of Bhutan

Tour Highlights

•  Explore Thimpu on a city tour.
•  Visit the most popular spiritual heritage sites in Paro.
•  Enjoy a visit to Dochu La Pass.

Day Wise Itinerary

Day 1 : ARRIVE PARO * ON TO THIMPHU ( 65 KMS / APPROX. 1.5 HOUR DRIVE )

Welcome to your Beauty of Bhutan Tour! On arrival at the airport in Paro, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Thimpu, the modern capital city of Bhutan.The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the city. Overnight in Thimphu.
None (Meals on your own)

 
Day 2 : IN THIMPHU

After breakfast, proceed on a city tour of Thimpu visiting places like - The Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory, National Memorial Chorten and Buddha Dordenma Statue.
The Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory was established in 1990 to produce the authentic Bhutanese paper known as Deh-sho using traditional techniques that have been practiced for generations. The factory uses the bark of two tree species, the Daphne and Dhekap in the manufacture of the paper.
The large Tibetan-style National Memorial Chorten was built in 1974 to honour the memory of the third King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (the father of modern Bhutan). This whitewashed chorten with its golden spires, features elaborate mandalas, statues and a shrine dedicated to the popular third king. The religious paintings and complex tantric statues inside the monument reflect both peaceful and wrathful aspects of Buddhist deities.
Made of bronze and gilded in gold, the Buddha Dordenma is a gigantic Shakyamuni statue. It is the largest Buddha statue in the world at a height of 169 feet. Sitting upon a large meditation hall, there are 125,000 smaller Buddha statues, also cast in bronze and gilded in gold, that have been placed within the main statue.
The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the local markets.
Overnight in Thimphu (B)

 
Day 3 : ON TO PUNAKHA ( 77 KMS / APPROX. 2.5 HOURS DRIVE )

This morning, drive to the valleys of Punakha, en route visit the Dochu La Pass - a mountain pass in the snow covered mountains. This Pass on a clear day offers magnificent view of the snowcapped mountains of the Himalayas.
In the afternoon, visit the majestic Punakha Dzong, located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Punakha Dzong is the second oldest and second largest dzong in Bhutan. One of the most picturesque ancient fortresses, it was constructed in 1637-38 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and was the seat of Bhutan's government until Thimphu was established as the new capital in 1955.
Note: The Punakha Dzong is closed in winter months when the monk's body is in Punakha. All visits to Dzong and Monasteries are limited till the courtyard only.
Overnight in Punakha (B)

 
Day 4 : ON TO PARO ( 142 KMS / APPROX. 4 HOURS DRIVE )

After breakfast, drive to Paro. On arrival, check-in to your hotel in Paro.
The rest of the day is at leisure. One can visit the local markets.
Overnight in Paro (B)

 
Day 5 : IN PARO

After breakfast, visit National Museum, Paro Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang.
The National Museum of Bhutan is housed inside the revamped Ta Dzong, which was formerly a watchtower. It showcases an intriguing collection that illustrates the rich and unique cultural heritage and tradition of Bhutan, including ancient Bhutanese art and artifacts.
Paro Dzong is a fine example of Bhutanese historic architecture. From the Dzong, walk further down to Nyamai Zampa - a traditional cantilever bridge.
Kyichu Lhakhang is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, originally built in the 7th century. The temple complex is composed of two temples - the first was built to subdue a giant demoness and the second temple dedicated to Guru Rinpoche.
The rest of the day is at leisure for independent activities.
Overnight in Paro (B)

 
Day 6 : IN PARO

After breakfast, drive till the base of the world famous Taktsang Lhakhang. Taktsang Lhakhang or the Tiger's Nest is the most famous Buddhist pilgrimage site and temple complex in Bhutan. Visible from afar, this stunning and highly revered monastery is perched on a high granite cliff at an altitude of 10,236 ft., overlooking the northern Paro valley.
The rest of the day is at leisure for independent activities.
Overnight in Paro (B)

 
Day 7 : DEPART PARO

Today, bid farewell to your 'Best of Bhutan' tour, as you are transferred to the airport in Paro for your onward journey.
Please do give us your valuable suggestions on info@rivieratours.in. (B)

Tour Inclusions

 
1. Accommodation in the hotels listed or similar hotels.
2. All transfers and sightseeing as per the itinerary by 01 Non AC Santa Fe/Tucson/similar (for 01-04 pax )/ 01 Non AC Hiace/similar for 05-10 pax (Note: AC Vehicle is subject to availability . AC will work only in the plains and will be switched-off during hill drives, because if you use AC in hills then vehicle will stop functioning. Normal vehicle usage timing is from 9:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m.)
3. Meals - Daily buffet breakfast as per the itinerary.
4. All currently applicable taxes i.e. Hotel tax and Transportation tax.

Tour Exclusions

• Any transport to / from Paro. Your tour price starts Ex Paro.
• Air, Train or Bus fare from / to your originating city of stay, unless specified.
• Any meals / en route meals unless specified.
• Any additional sightseeing tours other than the mentioned in the inclusions.
• Items of personal nature viz, tips, porterage, room service, laundry, mineral water, alcoholic or non alcoholic beverages, phone calls, additional sightseeing tours and excursions not included in the itinerary, still or video camera fees etc.
• Any increase in fuel cost, government taxes, entrance fees, intra and interstate taxes etc, the tour price will be amended in accordance.
• Entrance fees and guide charges wherever applicable.
• Any items / services not specifically mentioned in the 'Tour Price Includes' column.
• Supplement charges applicable for Long weekends and festivals.
• 05 % Govt. Service Tax.

Price

Ex - Paro    

Economy
Per Person on Twin Sharing Basis   31500
Cost per person on twin sharing basis ( 04 Pax)  29500
Cost per person on twin sharing basis (06 Pax)  28200
On Triple Sharing    30000
Child Between (5 - 12 Yrs) with extra bed (or mattress) 17000
Child Between (5 - 12 Yrs) with no bed (or mattress) 10000
 
Standard
Per Person on Twin Sharing Basis   38800
Cost per person on twin sharing basis ( 04 Pax)  36800
Cost per person on twin sharing basis (06 Pax)  35000
On Triple Sharing    37200
Child Between (5 - 12 Yrs) with extra bed (or mattress) 16700
Child Between (5 - 12 Yrs) with no bed (or mattress) 11500
 

Hotel

Economy

City Hotel                                                          No of Nights

Thimphu Wangchuk Hotel Or Similar                            02
Punakha Kingaling Hotel And Spa Or Similar                 01
Paro Pelri Cottage / Reema Resort Or Similar                03

Standard

City Hotel                                             No of Nights

Thimphu Hotel Migmar Or Similar                    02
Punakha Khuru Resort Or Similar                     01
Paro Tashi Namgay Resort Or Similar               03

Sightseeing

BEST TIME TO VISIT BHUTAN

September to November: The month of September marks the beginning of autumn in Paro and is considered one of the best times to visit the city. Visitors are greeted with clear skies and pleasant weather. The maximum temperature during this time of the year rarely crosses 20 degrees Celsius and the minimum temperature is usually around 4 degrees Celsius. This is also a great time to enjoy adventure activities such as trekking. Rain showers are common during this time of the year, so it is advised to carry an umbrella along.

December to February: Winters in Paro are also a great time to visit the city as most tourists have left by this time. It is also easier to secure a great deal on hotels during this time of the year. Day are sunny, though evenings and nights can be very cold and so do remember to carry thick woollens along. This is a great time to adventure activities like white-water rafting and bird watching. The maximum temperature during this time of the year is 9 degrees Celsius and the minimum temperature drops down to -10 degrees Celsius.

March to May: Spring in Paro is another great time to visit the city. This time of the year is perfect to enjoy nature, since flowers are in full bloom. Bird watchers will also be able to spot the abundant bird life in the region. Enjoy an unobstructed view of the peaks and also the famous Paro Tsechu, a popular festival. Don’t forget to carry woollens along, as it can be pretty cold.

June to August: The beginning of summer in Paro brings with it heavy rains. The mountains are cloaked in clouds and look absolutely surreal! The maximum temperature goes up to 21 degrees Celsius and the minimum temperature drops to 7 degrees Celsius. Since this is the wettest time of the year in Paro, make sure you carry an umbrella along.

Photo Gallery

Tour FAQs

Note
• Riviera Tours And Travel Terms and Conditions apply.
• Arrival into and departure from Paro would be on your own arrangements.
• Please contact our sales staff to give you best flight deals.
• Please do not touch any religious artifact or antique.
• Purchase of religious items especially antiques is prohibited.
• Please take off hats while entering Dzong, temples or monastery. Shorts / half pants are not permitted while entering a Dzong, temple or monastery.
• Before entering a Dzong, temple, monastery, please switch off all mobile phones or keep in the silent/vibrating mode.
• Please speak softly within the religious premises.
• Please remember not to point with a single finger but use an upturned flat extended hand especially to indicate a sacred object or place.
• Please refrain from touching any ritual objects or mural paintings.
• Please do not walk over any clothes, books, hearth or materials left open in religious sites.
• Please refrain from smoking or drinking while visiting religious places.
• Water supply in the hills during the peak season is restricted due to shortage and water is supplied area wise at specific times. Please co-operate with the hotel on same.
• Do carry comfortable walking shoes.
• The hotel confirmed will be as per the brochure or an alternate hotel of similar category will be provided.

• Visas are not required for Indian Nationals.
• INR (Indian Rupees) denominations of 500 and 1000 are not accepted in Bhutan.
• All the prices are for Indian Nationals only, unless specified.
• It is mandatory to carry a valid photo identity card (Passport / Voter ID card - passport should have a validity of minimum 6 months).

How to Book

Important Notes

• Please Read Before Travelling: The proposed packages are valid for Indian nationals only ( Not valid for OCI) Indian Nationals:
• Please Read Before Travelling: Original Valid Passport (valid at least for 06 months from the date of exiting Bhutan) or Election’s ID card and its photo copy. 
• Please Read Before Travelling: School Photo ID Proof of the child below 12 yrs along with Original Date of Birth Certificate. 
• Please Read Before Travelling: 2 Passport size photograph for all the passengers travelling Copy of the flight tickets.
• Please Read Before Travelling : NRI or Foreign Nationals travelling to Bhutan : Visa procedure will be there for the NRI & Foreign Nationals
• Please Read Before Travelling : NRI or Foreign Nationals travelling to Bhutan : If the passengers are Foreign passport holders ( i.e. NRI ) or Foreigners than they have to carry their original passport ( 6 months valid )
• Please Read Before Travelling : NRI or Foreign Nationals travelling to Bhutan : The tour cost for the NRI or Foreign Nationals will be different
• Please Read Before Travelling : NRI or Foreign Nationals travelling to Bhutan : The meal plan during the tour for the NRI or Foreign Nationals will be All meals.
• As this is an Air Departure package, the airline seats are pre-purchased for the whole group.So any change in the sector or dates or names (once given)is not allowed. If in special case the airline allows than a penalty will be charged for the same. 
• As this is an Air Departure package, the airline seats are pre-purchased for the whole group.So any change in the sector or dates or names(once given)is not allowed. If in special case the airline allows than a penalty will be charged for the same. 
• If on tour you find any difficulties or change in service than please inform us on the given contact numbers during you tour only. As after coming back we will not be able to solve your on tour problems.
• Given cost is estimated, based on lowest airfare and hotel rates existing as of now. We Don’t Hold Any Confirmation For Hotels/Airline. Its Subject To availability at the time of booking. Any difference In cost shall be borne by Passenger.
• Any further increase in airfare due to increase in the fuel price, change in government regulations, taxes, etc., charged by the airline will have to be borne by the passengers. Riviera Tours and Travel will not be held responsible for them. Above rates are subject to change with our prior notice.
• Your tours and transfers are based on tour itinerary & not at disposal basis.  
• Your Itinerary will be strictly on timings. 
• Room Rates based on Standard Rooms. Supplement cost will be applicable for Valley Facing / higher category rooms.
• Breakfast will start from Day 2 of the itinerary.
• Services will be given in exchange of Original vouchers/Itinerary only. 
• Portages and  Driver Tips  are extra
• Optional sightseeing has to be booked in advance on your own by paying an additional cost.  
• There is No Refund for un utilized Service 
• All cost are per person based on twin sharing 
• Car cost is counted as per children & adults sharing a car On hilly areas the CAR AC will not work.
• The airline used for package is also LCC so no food will be served on board. 
• We will not be held responsible for any delays in airline leading to misconnecting of onward flights.
• During sightseeing the vehicle will go up to permissible point only, from that point any arrangement to be made all extra expenses shall have to be borne by the passengers.
• Extra bed in the room means only extra mattress.( no cot )
• Any govt.tax levied must be borne by the passengers only.
• Pre ponement of journey is not allowed. It will be treated as cancellation & accordingly the cancellation charges will be applicable.
• If accommodation is not available in the identified / specific hotel for the particular package tour due to reason beyond our control, we shall make our best efforts to shift the clients to hotel 
• maintaining / having more or less the same standard. No complaint or claim shall be made by the client in this respect.
• If any airline is delayed or cancelled, . is not responsible for any compensation for hotels, meals, sightseeing or any other claim. 
• All tourists visiting Monastery and temples must be dressed appropriately. No half pant, sleeve less shirts, floaters, etc are allowed.

The Following Points Are To Be Noted For Child Rate  (for Hotel in Deluxe Package in Bhutan)

• Children above 10+ years will be charged 100% as per EPSR
• Children of 5+ to 10 sharing parent’s room with bed / rollaway or mattress will be charged as per CWB
• Children of 5+ to 10 sharing parent’s room without bed / rollaway or mattress will be charged as per CNB
• Children below 5 years Complimentary without bed (Sharing the parent’s room)
• (Hotels are very strict with the child policy. Please carry the age proof so that it can be produced when asked for)

The Following Points Are To Be Noted For Child Rate (for Hotel in Premium & Luxury Package in Bhutan)

• Children above 10+ years will be charged 100% as per EPSR
• Children of 3+ to 10 sharing parent’s room with bed / rollaway or mattress will be charged as per CWB
• Children of 3+ to 10 sharing parent’s room without bed / rollaway or mattress will be charged as per CNB
• Children below 3 years Complimentary without bed (Sharing the parent’s room)
• (Hotels are very strict with the child policy. Please carry the age proof so that it can be produced when asked for)

Payment Policy

• Initial deposit - Rs.15, 000/- per person to confirm you’re booking with us.
• 100% payment to be made at least 30 days before departure.

Cancellation Policy

• 45 days or more prior to the departure Rs.10000
• 45-30 days prior to the departure 25% of the tour cost
• 30-15 days prior to the departure 50% of the tour cost
• 15-07 days prior to the departure 100% of the tour cost Or a “No Show” on the tour 100% of the tour cost