One can travel around the world, but miss out a place so close to home. Bhutan, the beautiful neighbour, of Indian is a perfect example. You can't help but fall in love with a country that measures its success in units of Happiness. Beauty and wisdom are revealed at each dzong, every gompa and, most incredibly, in the eyes of every smiling Buddhist monk you meet. "The land of thunder dragon", is the only country in the world to retain the Tantric form of 'Mahayana Buddhism' as its official religion.
On a gentle voyage through Paro, Thimphu and Punakha, uncover a purity of culture, traditions and kindness. Spend few days at the happiest place on earth with 50+ Voyagers Travel and Adventure Club, only for 50+ Aged and Senior Citizens.
Arrive at Bagdogra Airport by 11:30 AM to avail group pick up at 12:30 PM. From airport we shall embark on a beautiful drive to Phuentsholing (4 hours), crossing many rivers, verdant forests, sprawling tea gardens and jungles that doors in Himalayan foothills, of Northern West Bengal is famous for. On the way, we shall stop for lunch.
Upon reaching Phuentsholing, the border town between West Bengal and Bhutan, we shall clear entry immigration formalities and check in to the hotel. Don't miss to click some photos at huge wood-crafted ornate gate that marks the border between India and Bhutan, and welcomes you to Bhutan. Post delicious supper wrap yourself in your blankets for a good night sleep.
In the evening, enjoy your leisure time to shop at local markets for Lungta Handicraft, trinkets of turquoise and coral and winter clothes. Return back to hotel for dinner and good sleep.
Note: If you want to avoid road journey from Bagdogra( Siliguri) to Thimphu, you must arrive by international flight to Paro Airport today (Day 2). You can take direct flight from Delhi or Kolkata to Paro in Bhutan. We shall share flight schedule with you, would be happy to assist you for flight booking. Your pick up from Paro airport to Thimphu hotel shall be arranged.
Look out for a misty morning in Thimphu from the window of your room. See how the white foggy curtain draped over the valley slowly disappears, giving way to astonishing range of snow clad and ever green mountains. Enjoy delicious breakfast and then get ready for an exciting day ahead.
We shall visit Memorial Chorten which was constructed in 1974 as a memorial for the third King of the country, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who is widely regarded as the father of modern Bhutan and People from all walks of life come and worship for the sentient beings.
Proceed to Buddha Dordenma the largest sitting Buddha statue in the world and Changangkha lhakhang, an early medieval Buddhist temple situated on a ridge overlooking the city, near Mothithang on the outskirts of Thimphu. The temple is the oldest temple in Thimphu and was constructed by Lama Phajo Drukgom Zhigpo in the 12 century AD. The temple offers an excellent view of the city of Thimphu from its courtyard.
Enjoy a Bhutanese style lunch and in the afternoon drive through blue pine and poplars to Tashichho Dzong. It is a Buddhist monastery cum fortress at the northern edge of Thimphu valley and was built on the western bank of the river Wang Chu. It has historically served as the seat of the Druk Desi or the Dharma Raja of Bhutan's government.
After a delicious breakfast, our journey continues to Punakha through Dochu La, a mountain pass at 12,000 ft height offering 270 degree gorgeous view of snow capped mountains. At a small cafeteria there, enjoy a cup of hot coffee or tea admiring the spectacular view of the majestic eastern Himalayan Ranges. Admire the tranquillity of Druk Wangyal Chortens, 108 chortens gracing the mountain pass. Construction of these 108 chortens was commissioned by the eldest Queen Mother, Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk.
As we proceed to Kingdom's richest agricultural land and most dramatic river valley, stop over at Chimi Lhakhang, the auspicious fertility monastery dedicated to Divine Madman. This Temple was built by lam Drukpa Kuenley (The Divine Madman) in 1499. As dusk settles, check in to your hotel located next to the river Mo Chum, enjoy your dinner and spend the night at leisure.
Post breakfast, following the river Mo Chum, we shall reach north of Punakha Valley to visit Punakha Dzong which stands majestically at the junction of the two rivers- Pho Chu and Mo chu. The Dzong was constructed by Sahbdrung Ngwang Namgyal Wangchuck in 1638 on the exact spot as prophesized by the Guru Rinpoche some 800 years ago. The Dzong is said to be the most beautiful of dzong in Bhutan and an outstanding structure with intense artwork, and the winter residence of the Je khempo (chief abbot). Post delicious lunch, we shall visit
Longest Suspension Bridge - Just at the back side of the Fortress there is located the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan. It's about 10 minutes hike from the fortress. It connects a village to the paved road. The walk through the bridge will provide a scenic view of the river and the valley. It also gives you the excitement of shaking bridge when you walk on it.
Punakha Nunnery - Perched on a ridge amid pine trees and overlooking valleys of Punakha and Wangduephodrang, gleams the magnificent structures of Nunnery Temple. The temple complex also houses a permanent higher learning and meditation centre for nuns where, apart from religious trainings, it provides life skill training such as tailoring, embroidery, statue making and thangka painting.
After early morning breakfast, we will be driven to Paro via Thimphu. After lunch, visit a factory manufacturing traditional hand-made paper, produced from the bark of two species of trees and the method involves no chemicals. The time honored process is straight forward, stripping, drying, soaking and pulping dried by the sun.
Enjoy a visit to the Motithang Takin Preserve, which was once a mini zoo. The area was converted into a preserve for Bhutan's national animal, Takin, which is a cross between a goat and an antelope. In the evening we shall proceed to Paro and check in to the hotel.
In the evening, join a Bhutanese Cultural Show and if you like, taste local Rice wine 'Ara', followed by dinner.
After early morning breakfast, We will take you for a morning hike up to Taktsang Monastery, also known as 'Tiger's Nest'. Hanging precariously and magically from a rather steep cliff, the Taktshang monastery is a monument of genuine pride for the Bhutanese nation. It defies architectural principles to the core and amazes tourists from around the world.
It is a sight to behold. Taktsang or the Tigers lair as the monastery is called, it is widely regarded is one of the most important monuments of spiritual significance in Bhutan. Its history is deeply associated with the visit of Guru Padmasambhava, the revered Indian saint who came to Bhutan in the 8th century AD. The cave was named Taktsang after Guru Rinpoche flew into the cave from KurtoeSingyeDzong in eastern Bhutan while riding on a tigress. When he landed in the cave, he took the wrathful form of Guru DorjiDrolo who is regarded as one of the eight manifestations of Guru Rinpoche to decimate the demons.
From the road, the hike toward Taktsang follows an uphill route and takes approximately 3-4 hours at an average walking pace on a clear, sunny day. Horses are available and for those who unable to reach the monastery on foot; a Cafeteria half-way offers a magnificent view.
If you are not interested for Tiger Nest hike, an alternate program of Paro city sightseeing and shopping at Paro market will be arranged.
Visit Kharbandi/ Rinchending Gompa Monastery which was built by Royal Grandmother in 1967. It is located on a picturesque hill overlooking the whole Phuentsholing town and beyond Torsa River far into distant till the sight disappears into a mountain. Upon reaching Phuentsholing, check in to the hotel and enjoy your time at leisure till dinner.
Note: If you arrived on Day 2 to Paro by international flight, then today you will be dropped back to the Paro airport as per your international flight timing.
Post breakfast proceed to Siliguri through captivating Himalayan Foothills. Upon reaching check in to the hotel at Siliguri, spend rest of the day at your leisure by shopping at famous Hong Kong market at Siliguri. Enjoy your sumptuous dinner at hotel.
Today check out from the hotel after breakfast and proceed towards Bagdogra airport for flight back home. As we were to begin the journey back, some things stayed embedded in our hearts and minds forever - the extraordinary scenery, snowy summits magnified by the crystal-clear sunshine, arid plains interspersed with a moonscape of deep gorges, vibrant culture, wizened faces and rosy cheeks. With the aura of greatness, Bhutan will always stay close to the heart.
Sightseeing entry tickets to Tashi Chhoe Dzong, Memorial Chorten, Mini Zoo, Buddha Dordenma, Handmade Paper Factory, Punakha Dzong, Talo Nunnery, Chhimi Lhakhang.
Bhutanese cultural show.
English speaking Bhutanese national guide.
Bhutan e-permit for entry at Phuentsholing
Special area Pink permit and permission to travel within Bhutan.
Sustainable Development Fees Indians for the stay Bhutan.
AC Toyota Innova for Siliguri - Phuentsholing - Siliguri travel. AC won't run while driving in mountains.
Group Pick up/drop from Paro airport for travellers coming to Bhutan by flight ( as per flight suggested by 50+ Voyagers) on Day 2 and leaving on Day 8.
Group Pick up/drop from Bagdogra airport for travellers joining tour on Day 1 and leaving on day 10 as per flight suggested by 50+ Voyagers.
Services of a Tour Manager, experienced in taking care of 50+ aged elderly, from 50+ Voyagers Travel and Adventure Club.
GST payable to Govt. of India.
You can either click on 'Book Now' button on this page or call us (+91) 8095767595 or email us info@50plusvoyagers.com to request booking
Send us a copy of Identity, Address and Age proof - a copy of Indian Passport that needs to be valid for more than 6 months from the return date of the tour and is required to process necessary permit. You must carry same with during tour.
Pay Rs. 35,000 as 'tour booking fee' by on-line transfer or cheque to the current bank account of 50+ Voyagers Travel and Adventure Club Pvt. Ltd.
Pay balance amount 60 days before tour departure date.
If you want us to make flight booking, appx amount of same to be paid at time of booking. Remaining to be adjusted with balance payment.