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No. 219, Ground Floor, 3rd Cross, 1st A Main, Koramangala 1st Block, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560034

Email

info@50plusvoyagers.com

Phone

(+91) 8095767595

Bhutan - The Last Shangri-La Kingdom

Thimphu ● Paro ● Punakha ● Dochu La Pass ● Tiger Nest ● Phuentsholing
  9 November, 2024 onwards
  Starting Rs. 76500
  Early-bird Discount: Rs. 2000

Highlights

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.

  • Unveil the last Shangri-La, majestically framed by the Eastern Himalayas and inundated with Buddhist culture.
  • Visit ancient temples, mountain monasteries and meet the friendly Bhutanese people.
  • Experience the literature, religion, customs, the monastic practices of the monasteries in Thimphu.
  • Visit Chimmi Lhakhang, a fertility temple dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley, a Tibetan Buddhist saint known popularly as Divine Madman.
  • Witness religious mask dances during folklore show.
  • Shop at vibrant Thimphu Bazaar - Bhutanese Handicrafts displaying a wide range of beautifully hand-woven textiles and craft products.

Detail Itinerary

  • The Gateway to Bhutan

    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.


  • The Magical capital of Bhutan

    In the morning, post breakfast, proceed to a very scenic drive on meandering road, twisting and turning through spectacular landscapes of mountains, river valleys, picturesque villages, waterfalls, sacred monasteries to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. On the way visit Chuzom, Confluence of two rivers, Thimphu and Paro which is also the tri junction of highway leading to Thimphu, Paro and Phuentsholing into three directions. Enjoy the lovely picture of beautiful portrait of Bhutan's King and Queen placed at Chuzom to welcome you to visit Bhutan. We shall have lunch on the way, and upon reaching Thimphu, check in to the hotel.

    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.


  • Discover the tradition and heritage of Bhutanese Culture

    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.


  • The Treasure of Fertile Land

    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.


  • Wonders of Medieval Architecture

    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.


  • Explore Thimphu one more time.

    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.


  • Experience the Tiger Nest Hike

    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.


  • Goodbye Paro

    It's time to bid goodbye to enchanting Bhutan and take wonderful lifetime memories of breath-taking, fascinating and unforgettable journey to the 'Last Shangri-la'! Post breakfast, we shall check-out from hotel at Paro and drive to Phuentsholing.

    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.


  • An Enchanting drive Through Doors

    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.


  • Departure From Bagdogra

    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.

Tour Schedule(Option 1)

9 - 18 November, 2024(Joining at Bagdogra/Siliguri)

Tour Cost (10 Days/ 9 Nights)

Per Person

Rs. 96,500


Tour Schedule(Option 2)

10 - 16 November, 2024 (Joining at Paro)

Tour Cost (7 Days/ 6 Nights)

Per Person

Rs. 76,500

Member Benefits

  • Early Bird Discount(first few seats): Rs. 2,000
BOOK THIS TOUR


What is included

4* category hotels on twin sharing basis 2 nights each in Thimphu, Paro, Phuentsholing in Bhutan. 3* category hotel for 2 nights in Punakha, Bhutan and 1 Nights in Siliguri. Most hotels in Bhutan follow heritage architecture and do not have lift, therefore you may have to climb steps. Being in high Himalayan mountain region, hotels in Bhutan do not have AC. If you prefer single sharing room, contact us for supplemental cost.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (Veg/Non-veg Indian) as per the tour plan. Lunch will be Indian or Bhutanese cuisine as available during sightseeing tour. 1 Ltr Bottled drinking water and Tea/Coffee during sightseeing tours.

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.

Bhutan Local Sightseeing and Phuentsholing transfers by Toyota Coaster.

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.


What is excluded

  • Train/Airfare from your home-town to Bagdogra(Siliguri) Or Paro in Bhutan and return. Do not book your flight without consulting with 50+ Voyagers.
  • Extra night accommodation at Bagdogra(Siliguri) if you need to stay before/after tour. We can help you in booking a hotel near Bagdogra(Siliguri) airport on supplemental payment basis.
  • Entry tickets of Tiger Nest or Taktsang Lhakhang. If you want to go for hiking, you can pay entry fee directly at Tiger Nest. Entry tickets to any sightseeing places at Paro, since it may not be a group activity.
  • TCS - Tax Collected At Source on Foreign Tours as per Govt norms. As of now the TCS is 5%, however exact TCS amount will be collected as per TCS rate applicable during the tour date.
  • Additional cost of International Travel Insurance if required by the traveller.
  • If traveller is not an Indian passport holder - Additional Sustainable Development Fee, Visa Fee and supplement for sightseeing tickets.
  • Sightseeing and attraction tickets not mentioned in inclusions - Horse ride, trekking, river rafting. Coat/Jacket/Boot hire costs to visit snow points.
  • Extension of stay beyond standard check in time 2:00 PM and Check out time 11:00 AM and upgrade of room category in hotels.
  • Tips to driver and guides and other expense of personal nature like Porterage, laundry, telephone, beverages, room service charge, camera/video camera fee at monuments, medical expenses, airport departure tax, meals not part of group buffet menu, insurance, flight seat booking/web check in fee etc.
  • Meals and drinks not part of the group menu and not included as per service inclusions.
  • Any expenses due to penalty/reissue/cancellation fee on flight/train tickets due to flight/train disruption/ delay/ cancellation in any sector domestic/ International.
  • Any expenses caused due to personal illness, hospitalization or accident.
  • Any expenses caused by reasons beyond our control such as road blocks, landslide, accidents & any emergency evacuations.

How to make booking

  • 1

    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

  • 2

    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.

  • 3

    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.

  • 4

    Pay balance amount 60 days before tour departure date.

  • 5

    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.


  • Special Travel and Health Guidelines for 50+ Aged

    • Indian nationals wishing to visit Bhutan must carry (a)Passport having validity of minimum 6 months from return date of the tour; or (b) Voter Identity Card, issued by the Election Commission of India.
    • March-May - Spring and Sep - Nov - Autumn are the magnificent season and known for pleasant weather and clear blue sky to visit Bhutan. Average temperature ranges between 18-24 degree C.
    • Paro (7700 ft), Thimphu (7600 ft) and Punakha (4500 ft) are valleys therefore do not need any trekking or hiking to visit sightseeing monuments. Some of the monasteries and monuments at Bhutan need climbing 10-50 steps to enter the premise.
    • Dochu La Pass on the way to Punakha is at 10,334 ft height. Tiger Nest is almost 2 hours climb ( elevation gain 3000 ft from Paro valley). There are ponies available for hire to climb till 2000 ft height.
    • Bhutan follows a different time zone than India. It is GMT + 6 hours, which is 30 minutes ahead of Indian standard time.
    • Bhutan has a very strict policy about smoking. Smoking or sale of tobacco products is completely prohibited inside Bhutan. The fine is pretty high and it also includes jail time if you are caught.

    What do our members say

    • SHASHI NANGIA Just got back from my very first trip of Bhutan with 50+ Voyagers from 15th May to 24th May 2023. Everything was fantastic and beyond expectation. Our tour Manager was very caring and took personal care of each one of us. I highly recommend 50+ Voyagers for travelling to any destination for a vacation as they make the travel exciting, adventurous and comfortable.
    • SHABBIR KALVERTS Our recent trip to Bhutan became an unforgettable experience. It was well organised by 50+ Voyagers Travel and Adventure Club. We appreciate our tour manager's enthusiasm and consideration for the entire group, which made the journey truly enjoyable. Kudos to 50+ Voyagers who not only made the trip memorable but also demonstrated unwavering support during a critical moment. Highly recommend them to everyone.
    • RITA CHAKROBORTY Thoroughly enjoyed the Bhutan Tour with 50+ Voyagers which was both thrilling and memorable. The virgin beauty of the nature kept me mesmerised. I am yet to overcome its effects. Here I have to specially mention our tour manager, who took care of us individually and managed the tour efficiently.
    • VIJAY LADHA The Bhutan tour, which I did early this month was well planned and executed. The tour manager is a caring, proactive and positive person to ba able to take the tour of senior citizens. She is exemplary in her work, discipline and commitment. I look forward to do more tours with the company 50+ Voyagers and her. Best wishes.
    • ROOPA DHAWAN Bhutan - A dream come true! 6 days of sheer exhilarating excitement. And at 60 it made you feel rejuvenated and recharged. You pushed to limits you thought long gone and discovered latent potential and strength of body and mind. To boost us were motivating people like Sangita, Umiesh and Tej. Thanks for a well organised trip. The hotels were in strategic places where we soaked in the fresh mountain air and had panoramic views of God's creation. Lovely food and comfortable rooms. The Land of The Thunder Dragon is etched deep in my heart and will be a story to tell over and over again.
    • Jayachandran Menon We had the pleasure of travelling in the goup travel organised by 50+ Voyagers. It was to Hampi,Badami,Pattadakkal,Aihole etcThe travel to and fro was very comfortable. Similarly the accommodation at Hospet was excellent,so also the food.The sight seeing, the vehicles, the guides etc were of the best nature. The guides were well versed in the subject,well informed .We fully enjoyed the trip. The very personal care taken by these very young leaders is noteworthy.We never felt any deficiency during the entire travel period,thanks to Ms.Sangitha and her organisational skills.
    • Anjana Nair My mom went on the recent trip to Bhutan in Oct and hasn't been able to stop raving about it.. we were all sceptical if she'd be able to enjoy with a group of unknown strangers and also travel much since she has knee trouble but the end experience was wonderful to say the least! She has come back with child like glee on the fun she had with the group and of exploring beautiful Bhutan.. I would strongly recommend this to all those above 50 who have a passion for travelling and believe there is no age limit to having fun and discovering the world! Great going team 50+ voyagers .. I'm sure my mum is looking forward to her next trip already!

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