Description

Explore the enchanting kingdom of Bhutan on this remarkable itinerary that unveils its breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and commitment to Gross National Happiness. Begin your journey amidst the majestic Himalayan peaks, where lush forests and pristine rivers beckon adventurers. Immerse yourself in Bhutan’s unique culture, as you visit ancient monasteries adorned with vibrant prayer flags, witness traditional festivals, and savor the flavors of Bhutanese cuisine. Experience the warmth and hospitality of the Bhutanese people as they share their traditions and beliefs. This itinerary promises a harmonious blend of awe-inspiring landscapes, cultural authenticity, and the pursuit of happiness, offering an unforgettable exploration of this incredibly special destination.

DURATION

7 Nights, 8 Days

BATCHES

October

1st Oct 2023

November

12th Nov 2023

December

24th Dec 2023

PRICE

Reaching Bagdogra Airport on your own: 46,999/- per person ( Inclusive of 5% GST )

Mumbai to Mumbai by Air: 64,999/- per person ( Inclusive of 5% GST )

NOTE: Block your seat at just ₹20,000/- and pay the rest 25 days before the trip date.

BRIEF ITINERARY

Day 1: Bagdogra to Jaigaon / Overnight at Jaigaon

Arrive at Bagdogra and drive to Jaigaon. Take a walk to nearby Zangtog Pelri Lhakhang and spend the day at leisure and rest.

Day 2: Phuentsholing to Thimphu / Overnight at Thimphu

Process the Entry Permit, the early morning and after breakfast, we will drive to Thimphu. The drive to Thimphu is very scenic, once we climb up from the Indian plain to Bhutan foothills through beautiful forests, towns and roadside villages. Our drive will pass through Gedu, Chukha, and Chuzom before emerging into the only multicultural city in Bhutan. Check into the hotel. Overnight in Thimphu

Day 3: Thimphu Sightseeing / Overnight at Thimphu

After breakfast, first, we will process the Inner Line Permit and visit Memorial Chorten which was built by Her Majesty Ashi Phuntsho Choden in memory of her late son His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (“the father of modern Bhutan”) the third king of Bhutan. Kuensel Phodrang where you can see the largest Buddha statue in Bhutan which is about 169 feet tall. If time permits, we’ll explore Folk and Textile Heritage Museums, a fascinating testimony of Bhutan’s living traditions.

In the afternoon we’ll drive to the town for lunch and post lunch we will visit Trashichho Dzong, the beautiful fortress that houses most of the Government’s office and King’s Throne room. Dinner and night halt at Thimphu.

Day 4: Thimphu to Punakha / Overnight at Punakha

Today we will drive towards Punakha and on the way, we will make a brief halt at Dochula Pass. The pass is a popular location among tourists as it offers a stunning 360-degree panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range. The view is especially scenic on clear, winter days with snowcapped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the tranquillity of the 108 chortens gracing the mountain pass After reaching Punakha and having lunch we’ll enjoy the breathtaking view from Hanging Bridge and proceed to explore Puankha Dzong which is built on the confluence of Phochu (Male River) and Mochu (Female River) and considered as most beautiful dzong of Bhutan. Then and on the way, will visit Chimi Lhakhang which was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley in the 15th century (This monk is popularly known as the Devine madman for his philosophy, “Salvation through sex”). He subdued the demons with his Magical Thunder Bolt. The Temple is also known as The Temple of Fertility.

Day 5: Punakha to Paro / Overnight at Paro

After breakfast, we’ll drive towards Paro and in the afternoon, after reaching Paro we will visit Rinpung Dzong which was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first National Museum spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan. The Dzong houses the monastic body of Paro, the office of the Dzongda (district administrative head) and Thrimpon (judge) of the Paro district. Finally, we’ll end our day with Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom dating back to the 7th century. In the evening stroll in Paro town. Dinner and overnight at Paro.

Day 6: Hike to Tiger’s Nest / Overnight at Paro

After early breakfast will hike to Paro Taktsang which is one of the most popular monasteries visited by tourists. It was first built in 1692, around the Taktsang Senge Samdup, a cave where Guru Padmasambhava is said to have meditated for three months in the 8th century. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche (Guru Padmasambhava) flew to this location from Khenpajong, Tibet on the back of a tigress and subdued a demon. He then performed meditation in one of the caves here and emerged in eight incarnated forms (manifestations) and blessed the place. Subsequently, the place came to be known as the Tiger’s Nest. Guru Padmasambhava is known for introducing Buddhism to Bhutan. Today, Paro Taktsang is the best-known of the thirteen caves in which he meditated.

Day 7: Paro to Jaigaon

After our breakfast, we will retrace our scenic drive back to Jaigaon. Relax in the hotel and get prepared for your departure the next day.

Day 8: Jaigaon to Bagdogra

Time to fly back home! The trip concludes with happy memories!

INCLUSION

Accommodation in Twin / Triple rooms at all destinations as per the itinerary
Breakfast (Day 2 – Day 8) and dinner (Day 1 – Day 7 ) as per the itinerary
Comfortable Non-AC Hiace Bus / Winger vehicle, as per the itinerary
Pickup and drop from Bagdogra on Day 1 and Day 8, as per the itinerary
Sustainable Development Fee ( 1200 rs per person/day)
Entry Fees at the sightseeing points as mentioned below
- Taktsang Monastery, Paro ( Tiger Nest Trek )
- Memorial Chorten, Thimphu
- Punakha Dzong, Punakha
5% GST

EXCLUSION

Train / Flight Ticket till Bagdogra & Return
Lunch on all days, throughout the tour
Any miscellaneous expenditure incurred during the tour
Anything not mentioned in the inclusions

THINGS TO CARRY

Valid Identity Proof (Passport/voter Card), along with 5 Photocopies for each document.
If you do not have either of Passport or Voter ID Card, please carry an Aadhaar Card along with another supporting document such as a PAN Card / Driving License / Ration Card. In this case please inform the lead in advance.
5 Passport Size Color Photographs
Water Bottles
A lightweight Haversack or Backpack, and a smaller Day Sack
Good pair of trekking shoes, and a pair of flip-flops
Woollen Gloves, woollen socks, Monkey
Cap/Balaclava, Neck Scarf
Thermal Inners
Jackets
Waterproof gloves and windcheater/poncho
Personal clothing (Dressing Moderately is mandatory to visit Monasteries and Dzongs)
Cap, sunglasses, scarf Camera, Binoculars (Optional)
Toiletries – Sunscreen, Moisturizer, Light towel, Lip balm, Wet wipes, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Hand Sanitizer
Extra Polythene Bags (To segregate used/ unused garments and wet/ dry clothing)
Any medicines that you consume normally, after consulting a doctor Mosquito repellent
Snacks and biscuits to munch on (As some journeys are 6-7 hours long) Enerzyl Powder or Glucon D powder

IMAGES

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DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 1: Delhi to Shimla

Our soulful journey starts at Delhi bus station where you meet our team members and your fellow travelers. We get onto a Volvo bus and start our Spiti valley road trip and travel along the path of creating blissful memories and capturing nature.

DAY 2: Narkanda via Shimla and Kufri

As soon as we reach Shimla, we check into our accommodation to freshen up from a long bus journey. After having a delightful breakfast, we start our drive towards Narkanda via Shimla and Kufri. We reach Narkanda past noon and check-in at our accommodation in Narkanda and have an overnight stay there. Spectate the beauty of sceneries in the evening while enjoying your delicious dinner. We can arrange bonfires and game night as per request too.

DAY 3: Narkanda to Kalpa

Post breakfast, we start our journey from Narkanda early in the morning and head to Kalpa. We will be entering the beautiful Kinnaur Valley. On the way, witness the beautiful valleys of the Himalayas and capture those moments on your reels. The roads are so beautiful that they will keep you glued to the windows. We stop at Sarahan on our way to visit the famous Bhimakali temple set in the middle of gigantic mountains. This temple is dedicated to Bhimakali, the presiding deity of the rulers of the former Bushahr State.

We then set paths towards Kalpa and reach there by afternoon. Drop your bags and freshen up at our accommodation in Kapla and if time permits, we head to visit the suicide point in Kalpa. We then return to the hotel by evening and witness the beautiful sunset amidst the panoramic Kinnaur-Kailash mountain range, also known as the “white mountain range”. Have an overnight stay at Kapla while we have a delicious dinner.

DAY 4: Kalpa to Tabo | via Nako

We reboot ourselves and continue our journey towards Tabo right after having our breakfasts. On our way, we witness the architectural wonders of the famous Nako Monastery and explore the cultural dynamics of the area which is influenced by the Tibetan cultures. It is one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries and famous for its year-old ancient paintings, still safeguarded by the monks there. We also visit the Nako lake which is located right beside the monastery. Here you can experience the pristine view and click some really good photos.

We then continue towards our destination alongside the mesmerizing Spiti River and witness the beautiful mountain roads of Himachal. We stop at the “Khab Sangam” where the Spiti River meets the Sutlej River. Upon reaching Tabo by late afternoon/evening, we drop our bags in the hotel and call it a day! A delicious dinner will be awaiting us along with an overnight stay in Tabo. Post dinner, head to a secret spot for stargazing, where you might get to see the shooting stars, a clear view of the Milkyway, and constellations with naked eyes.

DAY 5: Tabo to Kaza

Right after an early breakfast, we head towards our next destination, Kaza. Along the way, we surrender ourselves to the calmness of the Tabo monastery. Experience the beauty of the snow-capped mountains here and meditate your minds into a sense of peace. Thereafter, we head to another monastery called the Dhankar Monastery which is locked between the rocky spurs at the top of a cliff in Dhankar village. Here you can learn about the Buddhists traditions.

After letting ourselves witness the colors of the Tibetan culture, we set back on our paths to a 2-days stay at Kaza. We reach there by late afternoon and upon dropping our luggage at the hotel, you can spend the evening in Kaza’s local market and witness the local lives of the people living here. Head back to the hotel after your shopping is done for an overnight stay in Kaza along with a delicious dinner.

Day 6: Kaza - Langza - Kaza

Post breakfast, we head towards today’s divine destination, the very famous Key monastery where Spend time with the young monks studying in the Gompa. Trek for about 30-40 minutes from Key Monastery for a spectacular view of the monastery and the valley during sunset. Along the road, we also witness the most renowned Chicham Bridge, the highest bridge in Asia. This architectural masterpiece will astound your brains!

Explore the nearby villages and some remote hamlets of Spiti Valley such as:

Kibber - where you can witness the local lives of the people living in this remote village and capture some moments on your camera.
Hikkim - where you can visit the world’s highest post office and buy various kinds of postcards and start an authentic postcards collection of your own.
Komik - where you can visit the famous Komik Monastery while walking around the world’s highest motorable village.
Langza - which is the most “instagrammable” location of the Spiti Valley and witness the huge golden-colored Langza Buddha statue which appears to be overlooking the entire valley and especially the small Langza village. And if you are lucky enough, you might as well spot a snow leopard in the winters!

After such an eventful day, we head back to our hotel in Kaza and relieve ourselves from all the tiredness while having a mouth-watering dinner and an overnight stay in Kaza. We end our 2-days Kaza trip with a bonfire and a whole bunch of photographs and memories.

Day 7: Kaza to Sangla

After a wholesome breakfast, we head back to Sangla. On the way, we take a slight diversion from the highway to enter the Gue Village (if the roads are open), where a 500 years old mummy awaits your visit. Sounds spooky, isn’t it? It is said that the mummy is of a Lama who was meditating and hence, various tourists come here to spectate the wonder.

Thereafter, we will continue along our route to Sangla. A pitstop to Chitkul to witness the frozen Baspa river. Head back to the hotels afterward for a delicious dinner and overnight stay at Sangla.

DAY 8: Sangla to Shimla

Post breakfast, we head back to Shimla and end our 8-days Spiti valley tour here with loads of happy memories, smiling faces, and an overflowing camera roll! You can explore the local sightseeing in Shimla such as the Mall Road, Shimla Refugee Market, and The Ridge. You can also explore nearby places as per your choice and we can assist you with your Volvo booking from Shimla to Delhi or any other location as per your convenience.

Disclaimer: Numerous factors such as weather, road conditions, state/district covid guidelines, the physical ability of participants, etc may cause a change in itinerary. Hikerwolf reserves the right to change any schedule in the interest of safety, comfort, and general well-being.

Terms of Service
While booking this trip you acknowledge that this trip is an adventure trip and like all adventure has a risk of physical injury and also death; you fully accept the responsibility for all such risks as a condition of participation and accept that the organizers on behalf of HikerWolf or HikerWolf as the firm cannot be held/ made liable for the same. We are just responsible for Hotel, Travel and Guide bookings for all the trips.