Bhutan - Dazzling Land of Thunder Dragon

Tour Highlights

FLIGHT & TRANSPORT

• Return Airfare Ex. Ahmedabad
• Return airport transfers & half day sightseeing in Kolkata by AC Coach as per Group size
• Return airport transfers & sightseeing by AC Coaster Bus (Note: the vehicles will run as per day to day plan i.e. not on disposal)

ACCOMMODATION

• 1 Night(s) in Calcutta at The Fern Residency Kolkata or similar
• 1 Night(s) in Thimphu at Tara Phendeyling Hotel or similar
• 2 Night(s) in Punakha at Drubchhu Resort or similar
• 3 Night(s) in Paro at Kichu Resorts or similar

*

Day Wise Itinerary

DAY 1: Arrival At Kolkata

Arrive Kolkata airport by flight. On arrival meet assistance at the airport & board your vehicle. The representative will detail you about your tour program for Kolkata. Check into the hotel. After quick freshen up - at around 1430hrs proceed to a Half Day City Tour covering Wax Museum, British Colonial Area (well known as Dalhousie Square where we see Raj Bhawan, General Post Office Building, Kolkata High Court, Kolkata Town Hall, Writers Building etc), then proceed to Victoria Memorial (The best building made by the British in India, Which was inaugurated on 1921 by Prince of Wales in memories of Quinn Victoria), at last come to River Side to experience the panoramic view of both the famous bridges of Kolkata. Dinner & over night at the Hotel.

DAY 2: Arrival At Paro Airport And Transfer To Thimphu Fly

Fly from Kolkata to Paro. On arrival at Paro Airport and after completing your Visa / Permit formalities you will be received by our Bhutan representative who will assist you in boarding your vehicle for transfer to Thimphu (2320Mts / 7656Fts, 65 Kms / 01½ to 02 Hrs), Thimphu is the capital town of Bhutan. Evening free at Leisure. Overnight at Hotel.  Dinner & Overnight in Thimphu.

•  Packed Breakfast  Packed Lunch  Dinner

DAY 3: Thimphu - Punakha / Wangdi

After breakfasts go for Thimphu sightseeing covering Memorial Chorten (Entrance Fee INR 500 per adult / Child), Sangaygang View Point (BBS Tower) which is located at an elevation of 2(,865 Mts / 9397Fts), which offers an exquisite view of the whole town of Thimphu, then after visit Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodong), Institute for Zorig Chusum (Entrance fee INR 100 person Adult / Child) (Traditional Art & Craft School) (Closed on Saturday , Sunday, National Holiday & During Summer & Winter Vacations), Textiles Museum (Entrance fee INR 100 person Adult / Child) (Handicrafts Shops) (Closed on Saturday,Sunday & National Holiday), Zangthopelri Lhakhang (Monastery), Simply Bhutan (Entrance fee INR 300 person Adult / Child)(Closed on National Holiday), Motithang Takin Preservation Centre (Entrance fee INR 300 person Adult / Child) (Closed on Every Monday). Afternoon drive to Wangdi (Wangdiphodrang) (1350Mts / 4430Fts, 70 Kms / 03 to 3½ Hrs). Wangdi is the last town on the highway before entering Central Bhutan. The drive is over Dochu La pass (3080Mts / 10102Fts) which is very scenic with fascinating view of mountains of Bhutan. On reaching Punakha, Check in to the Hotel. Dinner & Overnight in Punakha.

DAY 4: Punakha / Wangdi - Gangtey Excursion - Punakha / Wangdi

Today the day start early for full day excursion to Gangtey & Phobjikha Valley (3000Mts / 9845fts , 85Kms / 3 to 3½ Hrs One way ) The valley of Gangtey is one of the most beautiful spots in Bhutan. At Gangtey visit Black Necked Crane Information Centre ,Gangtey Goempa (Monastery),Back to the hotel. Dinner & Overnight in punakha. 

•  Breakfast  Packed Lunch  Dinner

DAY 5: Punakha / Wangdi - Paro

After breakfast transfer to Paro (2134Mts / 7000Fts, 135 Kms / 05 Hrs). Enroute Visit Punakha Dzong,(Entrance fee INR 500 person Adult / Child),  Suspension Bridge and then proceed to Chimi Lhakhang (Monastery) (Entrance Fees not yet decided) & at Lamperi to visit Royal Botanical Garden (Entrance fee INR 100 person Adult / Child).  On arrival Paro, check in to the hotel. Afternoon free at leisure. Dinner & Overnight in Paro

•  Breakfast  Packed Lunch  Dinner

DAY 6: Paro

After breakfast go for Paro Sightseeing visit Dungtse Lhakhang, then stop at Bird eye view point from these point picturesque Paro Valley can be seen from this point and the small Paro International airport in the middle of all of that looks stunning. Ideal time to go here would be between 10-11 AM, then visit Ta Dzon (National Museum-Closed on National Holiday), Rinpung Dzong  , Back to the hotel. Dinner & Overnight at Paro.Meal : Breakfast, Packed Lunch/Light snacks & Dinner 

OR 

Paro - Full Day Hike To Taktsang Lhakhang (Tiger`S Nest)(Optional)

Start the day early for a day hike to Taktsang Lhakhang (Tiger's Nest Monastery)  (Entrance fee INR 1000 person Adult / Child & Transpiration on additional cost). The hike which is all the way uphill takes about 2 /3 hours one way through pine forests. Afternoon at leisure for go for shopping in the market. Dinner & Overnight at Paro.

•  Breakfast  Packed Lunch  Dinner

DAY 7: Paro - Chele - La Pass - Excursion - Paro

Start the day early for a full day excursion to  Chele-la pass (3800Mts / 12465Fts, 50 Kms / 01 to 03Hrs – One way) with packed or early breakfast. Depending on the weather, Road conditions and could be either taken from Chele-la Pass or from Chozum side one can also opt for going from Chele-la Pass and returning from Chuzom side or vice versa. Evening you drive back to Paro. Dinner & Overnight at the hotel. 

•  Breakfast  Packed Lunch  Dinner

DAY 8: Paro - Onward Connection

After breakfast transfer to Paro Airport for taking onwards connection

•  Packed Breakfast

Tour Inclusions

• Return Airfare Ex : Ahmadabad/ Kolkata
• Return airport transfers & half day sightseeing in Kolkata by AC Coach as per Group size
• Return airport transfers & sightseeing by AC Coaster Bus (Note: the vehicles will run as per day to day plan i.e. not on disposal)
• Enroute arrangements of 8 packed lunch / Light Lunch during the Bhutan trip.
• Services of an Escort cum Guide as per the itinerary for Bhutan Portion only.
• Monuments Entrance Fees as mentioned below
• Hotel luxury taxes
• GST 5%

Tour Exclusions

• Any extra, extension and optional tour then the above.
• All items of personal nature
• Optional sightseeing’s : Taktsang Monastery,River Rafting at Punakha
• Extra cost for hotel and transfers in case of flight cancellation and road blocks.
• Liabilities due to medical emergencies and evacuation involved.
• Water sports activities
• Meals other than mentioned above
• Tips & portage

Date

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.

Hotel

• KOLKATA   1 Night(s) - The Fern Residency Kolkata or similar

• PUNAKHA   2 Night(s).  Drubchhu Resort or similar

• THIMPHU   1 Night(s).  Tara Phendeyling Hotel or similar

• PARO   3 Night(s) - Kichu Resorts or similar

Sightseeing

Thimphu, Bhutan

• Memorial Chorten
• Tashichho Dzong
• Kuenselphodrang ( Buddha Point )
• Motithang Takin Preservation Centre
• National Institute for Zorig Chusum
• Simply Bhutan

Punakha, Bhutan

• Punakha Dzong
• Punakha Suspension Bridge
• Chimi Lhakhang (Chime Monastery or Temple)
• Dochula Pass

Paro, Bhutan

• Ta Dzong, The National Museum
• Rinpung Dzong
• Chele-la Pass
• Taktsang Lhakhang ( Tigers Nest )

Calcutta, India

• Dalhousie Square
• Howrah Bridge
• Vidyasagar Setu
• Victoria Memorial
• Birla Temple
• Mother's Wax Museum
• Seven Wonders (Located inside Eco Tourism Park, opposite to Mother’s Wax museum)

MEALS

• 6 Breakfast
• 2 Packed Breakfast
• 7 Dinner
• 8 Packed Lunch

VISA & TAXES

• Hotel luxury taxes

Photo Gallery

How to Book

The booking procedure is as below;

1. Kindly fill our Booking Form and Submit Dully Signed.

2. Passport Copies of First and Last Page of All Passengers (All Passport Must be valid minimum 6 months valid from the date of your return and it’s solely passengers responsibility to check before submission. Any booking which has been action on nonvalid passport passengers are liable to pay any charges incurred due to the same.)

3. Deposit Amount: Rs.50000/- per person to secure your seat in the Tour and if booking is within 60 Days of Travel then deposit require as per the payment required on that particular date as per payment policy mentioned below.

4. Dully Signed Terms and Conditions of Booking.

ABOUT PURE VEGETARIAN & JAIN MEALS: 

The people in Kerala are mostly Non Vegetarian & majority of food is cooked in Coconut Oil. All good & best hotels, serves both Non-Vegetarian & Vegetarian food. It is difficult to get a hotel serving pure vegetarian only. We will put request at the hotels to provide Pure Vegetarian & Jain meals to the guests at the time of confirmation.

Note: The Jain food provided will not be of the standard, available in Mumbai & Gujarat. The food provided will be pure vegetarian meals which will not include onion, potato, garlic etc and things which are grown underground. Moreover, there will be very limited menu for Jain Meals.Kindly note this in advance to avoid any confusion and last minute crisis.

PLEASE READ BEFORE TRAVELLING:

• The proposed packages are valid for Indian nationals only

Indian Nationals:

1. Original Election’s ID card /Adhaar Card/License/Passport

2. School Photo ID Proof of the child below 12 yrs along with Original Date of Birth Certificate.

3. Copy of the flight tickets.

PAYMENTS AND OPTIONS FOR PAYMENTS :

Payments are accepted in Indian Rupees only. Payments can be made by Cheque, Bank Transfers, Demand Drafts, Cash and Credit Cards.

1. Copy of PAN Card is required if Payment is made by cash and is more than Rs.50,000/- per person.

2. If you are paying by Credit Card 1.70% of the amount paid by the card will be charged additionally on and above the tour cost.

PAYMENT POLICY PER PERSON:

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

Please note that all Travel Documents for the Tour will be released only on the receipt of full payment clearance in our accounts.

CANCELLATION CHARGES PER PERSON:

All services such as Airline seats / Hotel accommodation / ground transportation are pre-blocked well in advance. We are liable to pay penalties to all our suppliers / vendors if these services are released within the below mentioned time frame.

If circumstances make you cancel the tour, the cancellation must be intimated to us in Writing. Such cancellation will attract the following cancellation.

Cancellation Charges per person when a cancellation is made:

45 days or more prior to the departure Rs.25,000

45-30 days prior to the departure 50% of the tour cost

30-15 days prior to the departure Or a “No Show” on the tour 100% of the tour cost

Note: Once the Airline is Non Refundable the above cancellation & Airfare amount should be considered.

Terms & Conditions

• 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 will not be held responsible for them. Above rates are subject to change with our prior notice. 
• Revised tax rate under GST structure would be applicable if tax will be change for all travel after 1st of April 2017. The same may be higher than the existing tax structure. 
• 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 have 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, We are 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.  

NRI or Foreign Nationals travelling to Bhutan : 

• Visa procedure will be there for the NRI & Foreign Nationals.
• If the passengers are Foreign passport holders ( i.e. NRI ) or Foreigners than they have to carry their original passport ( 6 months valid ) .
• The tour cost for the NRI or Foreign Nationals will be different.

Important Update: 

1. TCB (Tourism Council of Bhutan), is considering of implementing, SDF (Sustainable Development Fees), on per night per head basis for regional tourist (Indian, Bangladesh & Myanmar National). The chances of SDF being implemented, from January 2020 is very high. At Present this is under discussion in Bhutan Parliament. This SDF charges is not included in the quoted, package cost. Once Implemented, this will have to be paid on & above the quoted package cos