Bhutan-Paro

Eco-Adventure Safari to Bhutan (Ex. Paro)

The Last 'Shangri-La of Himalayas
One of the remotest places in Himalayas 
Spectacular mountain terrains
Varied Flora and Fauna
A Journey to the Land of Peaceful Dragon
A Journey to the Land of Happiness...

Best Season: September, November, February to May

Experiences:

Remote and Unspoiled Himalayan Safari

Rich and Happy Culture

Happy and Stress free Way of Life 

Country's Priority Gross National Happiness

Monasteries, Palaces etc.

Pretty Neat Townships and Villages

Varied Flora and Fauna

Bhutan Option 1 – Tour Code – YT Summer 2019 (File No - YT – 3138)

TENTATIVE PLAN

Brief  Particulars
File No	YT - 3138
No. of Nights	05 Nights
Date of Travel	MAY 2019
Nationality	INDIAN
No. of Pax	Minimum 4 pax
Hotel Category	F (Refer details below) - 3 Star
Meal Plan	MAPAI (Breakfast and Dinner)
Destination	BHUTAN

Day 1: Paro Airport - Thimphu
(Distance: 65 kms. / Driving Time: 2 hrs. / Altitude of Thimphu: 2,350 mts.)

After completion of immigration formalities at the Paro Airport exit door, you will be met by your Bhutanese Guide and get transferred to Capital City of Bhutan, Thimphu. Enroute stop at Chuzom, confluence of Thimphu (Wang Chhu) and Paro (Pa Chhu) rivers. Here you will see three Stupas, built in Bhutanese, Tibetan and Nepalese style. On arrival in Thimphu, check in at the hotel. Evening free for leisure. 

Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Welcome to Centrally Eco-Cooled Country

No need for AC Cars or Rooms here

Day 2 - Thimphu Sightseeing

(Distance: 176 kms. / Driving Time: 6 hrs. / Altitude of Thimphu: 2350 mts.)

After breakfast you would be taken for tour of Thimphu City. You would be visiting Kuensel Phodrang, the gigantic Buddha Dordenma Statue located atop a hill offering magnificent view of Thimphu Town; National Memorial Chorten, a Stupa built in 1974 to honor the third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck circumambulated by people offering prayers; Folk Heritage Museum, traditional house giving an insight to the Bhutanese lifestyle and artifacts from the rural households; Changangkha Lhakhang, one of the oldest temple in Thimphu and Motithang Takin Reserve, a wildlife reserve centre for Takin, the national animal of Bhutan. In the evening visit Tashichho Dzong, Fortress of the Glorious Religion. This impressive fortress houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body. 

Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 3 - Thimphu - Dochula Pass – Thimphu Sightseeing

(Distance: 70 kms. / Driving Time: 3 hrs. / Altitude of Dochula Pass: 3,050 mts.)

After breakfast, We will drive to The Dochula Pass (3100 mts) is a mountain pass. From here on a clear sunny day, you will get to see magnificent view of the snow covered Himalayas within Bhutan. Other two interesting monuments of interest at this location is 108 memorial chortens or stupas known as "Druk Wangyal Chortens" have been built by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk, the eldest Queen Mother.

Later you would be driven back to Thimphu. Evening free for leisure. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Overnight Stay at Thimphu

Day 4 – Thimpu - Paro Sightseeing

(Distance: 50 kms. / Driving Time: 2 hrs. / Altitude of Paro: 2,280 mts.)

Plus time and distance covered to site seeing as per plan

After breakfast, you would be driven to Paro. On the way, stop at Immigration Check Point in Hongtsho Village to return the permit which was stamped earlier. Enroute stop at Tamchog Lhakhang, situated between Thimphu and Paro built in the 13th century by Thangthong Gyalpo also known as the Iron bridge builder. Continue your drive to Paro. On arrival at Paro visit Ta Dzong, an ancient watch tower overlooking Rimpung Dzong built in 1951 now converted into national museum; Nemi Zam Bridge, also know as Nya Mey Zam Bridge is a traditional covered cantilever bridge connecting the Paro town to the Dzong and Kyichu Lakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred temples of Bhutan. Later check in at the hotel. Evening free for leisure. 

Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 5 - Excursion to Chele La Pass
(Distance: 40 kms. One way / Driving Time: 2 hrs., Altitude of Chele La Pass - 3,810 mts

(Distance: 77 kms. / Driving Time: 3 hrs. / Altitude of Punakha: 1310 mts.)

After breakfast, you would be taken for an excursion to Chele La Pass, the highest motorable pass in Bhutan and seperates Paro Valley and the Haa Valley. The ride passes through lush valleys, pine and rhododendron forest. On a clear day, the pass provides splendid view of mountains Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. Here you will see hundreds of colorful prayer flags fluttering in the winds. From here you can also see Paro Valley on side and Haa Valley on the other. The pass is also rich in Bhutanese Flora and birdlife. It also offers some beautiful short treks. Later return back to the hotel. Evening is free for leisure.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Paro.

Day 6 - Paro Airport

Day 07: Paro Sightseeing

After breakfast you would be dropped at the Paro Airport for your return journey. Tashi Delek!

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View of Paro Valley during Sunset as seen from Paro Museum Hill

  

Checklist for Bhutan travel click here
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Checkout this video - Bhutan Prime Minister's Speech on Gross National Happiness and Bhutan for Life 

Tour Budget: (Tentative - Summer 2019) 

Budget may change as per seasonal demand.

Particulars	Category F
Per Person on Twin Sharing basis	31,300
Extra Person with Extra Bed/Mattress	13,400
Per Child without Extra Bed (Applicable for 5 - 10 years)	7,200

GST @5% Extra

Notes:

·         GST 5 % extra (or any other rate as notified by the Government) on total bill amount.

·         Rates quoted above are on per person basis. Rates may vary with increase or decrease of persons.

·         The rates are valid for Indian nationals only holding valid Indian Passport or Voter I Card.

·         The above quote is valid for 7 days from the date of quotation. Kindly send your confirmation within the time limit or else the quoted rate will vary.

·         The above is just a quote on the basis of your requirement. We are not holding any rooms against this quotation.

·         Most of the rooms in all hotels at Bhutan are twin bedded rooms. Very limited rooms have king size bed. King size bedded rooms will be provided subject to availability only. If the same is unavailable the hotel shall provide twin bedded rooms only.

Hotels Envisaged:

Category	Category F
Thimphu (3N)	Hotel Migmar / Hotel Pedling / Thimphu Towers (Dlx) / Hotel Doji Elements / Namseyling Boutique / Gyelsa Boutique / Similar
Paro (2N)	Hotel Olathang / Hotel Drukchen / Bhutan Mandala Resort / Hotel Janka / Hotel Dewachen Resort / Hotel Khamsum (Veg) / Similar

Accommodation Details:

Double/Twin Bed Room	1
Extra Bed / Mattress	1
Child Without Bed	1

Hotel Category:

Category F - Denotes 3 Star Standard hotels

Vehicle Details:                                                                  

01 Hyundai H1 / Hiace (maximum capacity 4 + 2 Seats for Guide and Driver) as per itinerary basis.                                  

                                               

Tour Price Includes:

·         Accommodation on twin/triple sharing basis as mentioned above.

·         All the rooms are base category, unless indicated separately.

·         Meal Plan (as per mentioned above) – Breakfast and Dinner.

·         Hotel taxes applicable (as per itinerary).

·         Guide charges for Bhutan portion only.

·         Exclusive Non a/c vehicle for all transfers & sightseeing as per itinerary. The concept of disposal vehicles is not practiced in Bhutan. The guide and the vehicle shall be available with the guests from 9.00 AM to 5.00 PM. Supplemental charges for AC in the vehicle shall be applicable

Tour Price Excludes:

·         Air Fare/Train fare, insurance premium, any other activities like rafting, archery etc for which supplemental charges will be applicable to be paid by the guests directly.                                                                          

·         Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone bills, bar bills, tips & gratuity, bottled water etc.

·         Entrance Fees for museums and monuments, Upgradation Charges and Optional Tours to be paid by the guests directly on the spot.              

·         Any additional costs because of additional sightseeing; extra usage of vehicle; unforeseen events like landslides, blockades etc.; imposition of new taxes; increase in taxes or fuel price which impacts costs of surface transportation will be recovered directly from the guests.

·         Goods & Services Tax (GST)

·         Anything which is not included in the inclusion.

                                                                               

Child Policy:

Please note the following points for Child Policy:

• Child below 5 yrs complimentary
• Child 5 -10 yrs without extra bed as mentioned in the cost column (CWB = Child Without Bed)
• Above 10 years / Extra adult with an extra bed sharing room are charged as per (EPSR)

The above is the standard policy as followed by 3 star and below hotels. You are requested to produce documents in support of the child age to the hotels as and when asked by them.                    

Entry Formalities for Indian Nationals                                                           

Indian nationals do not require any visa for Nepal or Bhutan. A permit will be issued at the entry point on production of a passport (with a minimum validity of 6 months from the date of departure) or Original Voter ID. These are only valid document for issuing of Entry permit. The traveler should also carry photocopy of the travel documents and 04 passport size photographs. For Children, original Birth certificate in English and student ID which clearly reflect’s the traveler’s picture, school or college name, date of birth as well as the class in which the student is studying is required. ADHAR CARD/ PAN CARD / DRIVING LICENSE IS NOT A VALID DOCUMENT TO TRAVEL TO NEPAL or BHUTAN.

Special Permit for places other than Phuentsholing, Thimphu and Paro:

Special Permit is required to visit places beyond Thimphu and Paro (for example Punakha / Wangdue) from the Department of Immigrations, Thimphu. No charges will be applicable for this permit. Please bring photocopy of Voter ID card or Passport of each person including child (Birth Certificate and School I Card). This special permit is given only after guest has entered Bhutan. Permits are not issued on Saturday, Sunday & Bhutan Government holidays.

Only for guests travelling with valid passport can we apply for permits online in advance when they are travelling to these places on Saturday, Sunday & Bhutan Govt. holidays. For this we would need clear scanned copy of passport along with e-tickets. No photographs taken from mobile shall be accepted.

Hence please be careful when the guests travelling with Voter I Card (or for child birth certificate) are planning to arrive in Bhutan on days when the next few days till their travel to such places are days when immigration office is closed i.e. they are either Saturday, Sunday or Government Holidays. For example if the guests travelling with document other than valid passport arrive in Bhutan on Friday and are travelling to such places on Sunday, then they would have to alter their plans of arriving in Bhutan as their Special Permits would not be able to be processed next couple of days including the day on which they are planning to travel to such places immigration office is closed. Also if they are travelling on Monday to such places, than there would be a delay in transfers as first we would have to make the permits for such places, than only guests may leave.

                                                                               

Additional Services:

Following additional services could be arranged at a supplement costs                                                                  

• A private traditional Cultural Show for 1 Hour.                                                                             
• A traditional hot stone bath in a village house.                                                                             
• Archery experience and National Dress experience.     

Cancellation Policy:

Cancellation Request has to be sent to us by Email. Such cancellation charges shall also be applicable on reduction of rooms after initial confirmation. Cancellation charges shall also be applicable if the guests fail to show up for any flight or train cancellations.

A) High Season (March, April, May, September, October and Nov)

    Cancellation made within 31-60 days from the date of arrival: 50%

    Cancellation made within 30 days from the date of arrival: 100%

B) Low Season (Jan, Feb, Jun, Jul, Aug, Dec)

    Cancellation made within 11-30 days from the date of arrival: 50%

    Cancellation made within 10 days from the date of arrival: 100%

C) Cancellation against Premium and 5 * like – (Uma Paro, Zhiwa Ling, Nak-Sel, Aman Group, Taj Tashi, Le Meridien & Others as Mentioned case wise) have a very strict cancellation policy, which are as follows: 

     a)    No refunds on the advance/ prepayment made for holding the booking.

     b)   In case of confirmed bookings full payment has to be made 65 days prior otherwise the booking against advance / prepayment will be auto cancelled.

    c)     100% cancellation will be charged for all bookings falling under 65 days from the date of arrival.

    d)    No refunds will be extended for early departures or any king of amendments.

                                                                               

FOR SMOOTH OPERATIONS PLEASE STUDY THE DETAILS BELOW

• About Hotels        
• IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE HOTELS USED:
•  The standards of hotels in Bhutan should be not be compared to standards of similar category of hotels in other developed destinations. The hotels have been selected, combined & graded in such a manner so that the Guests gets similar kind of experience at every place.  
•  Further due to less number of hotels in 4 star and 5 star category at Bhutan we have provided combination of hotels at times we have clubbed lower category of hotels with higher category of hotels.  Please note that most of the hotels except selected 5 star hotels in Bhutan do not have air-conditioned facility in the rooms. On request they can provide table fans based on their availability.  Please further note that again most of the hotels do not have lift. In case you have any health related issues due to which you cannot climb higher floors, please inform us immediately at the time of confirmations so that we can take necessary actions. 
•  Most of the rooms in all hotels at Bhutan are twin bedded rooms. Very limited rooms have king size bed. King size bedded rooms will be provided subject to availability only. If the same is unavailable the hotel shall provide twin bedded rooms only.
•  Categories of Rooms in the packages are based on base category of rooms, unless specified.
•  Hotels in other cities do not match the standards of hotels in Thimphu, Paro and Punakha as the places are remote areas. Please do not expect luxury facilities while travelling to these areas. If the guests are unable to compromise on comfort than such places of travel should not be a part of the itinerary. 
•  Normal check-in time at Hotel is 1400 Hrs & Check-out time is 1100 Hrs. All requests for early check in / late checkout / extending of stay, will be solely at the discretion of the hotels and shall be subjected to the rooms availability. A valid photo ID proof for all guests staying at the hotel is mandatory.
•   Most of the hotels in Bhutan serve both vegetarian and non-vegetarian foods. The quality of the foods will not match the quality of the foods as available in India. No regional specific foods will be available.  
•  For Extra Person Sharing the Room & Child with Extra Bed, almost all the hotels provides MATTRESS and ROLL AWAY BEDS as a supplement to Extra Bed.
•  In case of group or incentive travels, all the rooms provided may not be of same size and category. 
•  In the hills, scarcity of water & power-cut is a natural phenomenon. In case of power-cut, the hotels provides power backup to emergency & common areas. Under such situation, hot water will be provided to the guest in bucket. Request you to kindly bear with such situation. We strongly regret for such inconvenience.
•  We reserve the right to re-arrange itinerary to suit hotel availability without changing the total number of days in each destination and without compromising with any services.

                                                                

• About Vehicles & Guides        
• IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE VEHICLES PROVIDED & THE GUIDES ALLOTTED:
•  Vehicles in Bhutan are not on disposal basis. The vehicle and guide are generally with the guests from 0900 Hrs till 1700 Hrs. To make the full use of the day and to complete the itinerary within the scheduled time, the guests must follow the timings as given by the guide. Supplemental charges shall be applicable for usage of vehicles and guide beyond the normal scheduled time as follows:
•  INR 500 per hrs per Hiace / H1 / High Roof Hiace
•   INR 800 per hrs per Coaster Bus
•  INR 250 per hrs per SUV
•  INR 200 per hrs for Guide's service after normal time
•  In case of any operational or mechanical problems, we reserve the right to change the vehicle or the guide in between the tour.
•  In case any sightseeing is closed on any particular day, we shall make arrangements to provide alternate sightseeing on the same day.
•  It is requested that the guests are soft and gentle with the drivers. The driver are from remote places and some of them do not know how to speak as they are not educated in tourism etiquette. 
•  Cancellation – Since the Vehicles are limited in number, cancellation rules will be applicable on the complete tour package including the transport cost.
•  We provide exclusive Indian Vehicle in India Part and Bhutan vehicle in Bhutan part for all our packages.
•  Generally, in Bhutan because of its location & Altitude, AC are not required hence for the vehicles we write NAC. In the guests insists on AC, Supplement cost as per vehicle selection could be taken. The AC will be on when the Vehicle is on move only. In case of uphill drive, AC shall be switched off. The supplemental charges for AC shall be as follows:
•  INR 1000 per day per Hiace / H1 / High Roof Hiace
•  INR 1500 per day per Coaster Bus.
•  SUV INR 500 per day per SUV       
•   SUV INR 500 per day per SUV       

               

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