Rather than using the GDP as an economic index, Bhutan measures its overall “health” through the four pillars: sustainable development, environmental protection, cultural preservation, and good governance, which together form the Gross National Happiness or GNH.
No animal is slaughtered in Bhutan despite the fact that Bhutanese are core non-vegetarians. They import meat and fish from India.
Bhutan is one of the last countries in the world to introduce television to its people. Only in 2001, the government lifted a ban on TV and on the internet.
One of perhaps the most famous images of Bhutan, along with the photos of beautiful Tiger’s Nest, are the phalluses painted on the facade of many homes. Bhutanese have a long tradition of painting phallus on their houses to serve as a symbol of fertility and good luck.
The first foreign tourists were allowed into Bhutan in 1974.
Nestled in the Eastern region of the Himalayas, Bhutan is a small country and fondly referred to as Druk Yul (Land of the Thunder Dragon) by the Bhutanese. Bhutan has remained a country where age old customs and traditions are still part of everyday lives of the people, even while modernization, development and the strains of global influence are felt more and more. Truly a land of happiness, a country which measures prosperity by gauging its citizens' happiness levels, not the GDP. A country where vehicles slow down near a zebra-crossing and let the pedestrians cross by unlike many other countries. The country isn't just carbon neutral ... It's Carbon Negative.
06 Nights 07 Days - Bhutan
Arrive at Phuentsholing - The Gateway of Bhutan by Road from India. Meet our local representative and transfer to hotel. Evening free for leisure/shopping.
Overnight stay at Phuentsholing
After breakfast complete the immigration formalities and transfer to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. On arrival check- in at the hotel. Evening exploratory walk around Thimphu main street and market area.
Overnight stay at Thimpu
After breakfast at the hotel, visit Kuensel Phodrang (Buddha Statue) a place for refreshing with a huge statue of Buddha on the top of the Kuensel Phodrang, National Memorial Chorten (Monument) & Folk Heritage Museum. Afternoon visit Sangaygang View Point, Changangkha Monastery. In the evening, visit the Tashichho Dzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion).
Overnight stay at Thimpu
After breakfast drive to Punakha. On the way stop at Dochu-La-Pass where 108 memorial chortens or stupas known as "Druk Wangyal Chortens" have been built. Arrival at Punakha , Check- in at hotel. After noon visit Punakha Dzong - built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. For many years until the time of the second king, it served as the seat of the Government. The Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). Take a short excursion trip to Chhimi Lhakhang - The Temple, also known as “The Temple of Fertility” was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley.
Overnight stay at Punakha.
After breakfast drive to Paro .On the way stop at Lamperi to visit Royal Botanical Park - The park contains a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna and features a huge species of plants and animals including endangered species. On arrival check- in at the hotel. Later visit Ta Dzong - National Museum with an excellent collection of arts, relics, religious thangkha, etc. Rinpung Dzong meaning "fortress of the heap of jewels". The dzong now serves as the administrative and judicial seat of Paro. Evening free for shopping. Overnight stay at Paro.
After breakfast excursion to Taktsang Monastery - called “Tiger's Nest” (appox 6 hrs walk from the base camp). It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff. Back to hotel in the evening & rest after a tiring hike.Overnight stay at Paro.
After breakfast check out from hotel and drive to Phuentsholing for heading back home.