India 2020-22 Brochure

55 -www.somak.co.uk Bhutan Landscape & Culture 1 night Kolkata – 2 nights Thimphu – 2 nights Punakha – 2 nights Paro 7 nights from: £3220 An amazing insight in to this land of traditions, mystery and beauty all woven in to one. Visit the capital city of Thimphu, as well as Punakha and Paro, an eclectic mix of Buddhist influences against a backdrop of Himalayan mountain scenery. This itinerary is based on a choice of hotels offering good quality accommodation and levels of service. Bhutan Landscape & Culture 1 Thimphu 2 What’s Included: ✯ Flights with all transfers ✯ Sightseeing and excursions based on use of exclusive vehicle ✯ Services of local English-speaking guide ✯ Bhutan Visa Fee ✯ 7 breakfasts, 6 lunch and 6 dinner ✯ Thimphu Sightseeing: Visit to Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang), the largest Buddha statue in the country, walk along the Thimphu main street. Visit the National Library, which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts, the Zorig Chusum (the painting school). Take a short drive to Pangri Zampa, one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan. Visit Trashi Chhoe Dzong, an impressive fortress which houses the Secretariat building and the throne room of His Majesty the King. Also visit King's Memorial Chorten, which is continuously circulated by people murmuring mantras and spinning prayer wheels. ✯ Punakha Sightseeing: Visit Punakha Dzong, a massive structure at the junction of two rivers, which serves as the winter residence of the monk body. Visit the temple of fertility (approx 1.5 hours walk). Evening take a leisurely walk around Punakha village, on the river bank. Visit Namgyal Chorten, a stunning monument built by the Queen and consecrated in 1999. Afternoon visit to Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang nunnery. The complex houses a permanent higher learning and meditation centre for nuns where, apart from religious trainings, it teaches life skills such as tailoring, embroidery, statue making and thangka painting. ✯ Paro Sightseeing: Visit Taktshang monastery (approx. 5 hours’ walk), one of Bhutan’s most famous monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900 metres above the valley floor. This site has been recognized as a most sacred place and visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On the way back, stop at Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. Also visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. In the evening, option to walk around the main street and the market area. Day 1 Overnight flight UK to Kolkata. Day 2 Kolkata Met and transferred to your hotel. Overnight: Peerless Inn Day 3 Paro – Thimphu Fly from Kolkata to Paro. On arrival drive to Thimphu, capital of Bhutan. En route stop at Chuzom, where Buddhist stupas adorn the confluence of the Thimphu and Paro rivers. On arrival at Thimpu enjoy local sightseeing. Overnight stay at a choice of hotels Day 4 Thimphu A further full day in Thimphu for more local sightseeing and exploration. Overnight stay at a choice of hotels Day 5 Punakha Drive to the former capital, Punakha via Dochula Pass (3,080 metres) boasting spectacular views of the eastern Himalayas on a clear day. Enjoy local sightseeing. Overnight stay at a choice of hotels Day 6 Punakha Full day in Punakha, with some hiking and local visits and time at leisure. Overnight stay at a choice of hotels Day 7 Paro Drive to Paro, en route visit Simtokha Dzong, the place of profound tantric teaching. Later, visit Ta Dzong, originally built as a watchtower, but now houses the National Museum. Then walk down to visit Rinpung Dzong (fortress of the heap of jewels). Overnight stay at a choice of hotels Day 8 Paro A full day of visiting ancient monasteries. Overnight stay at a choice of hotels Day 9 Depart Flight from Paro to Delhi, and connect for onward flight to UK. This is a private tour, based on 2 sharing. Price also includes entrance fees and all Bhutan Government royalty taxes. Upgrade to Amankora Lodges Amankora Lodges by Aman Hotels and Resorts is a collection of five luxury lodges, spread across Bhutan in Paro, Thimphu, Gangtey, Punakha and Bumthang. You can upgrade the above itinerary to any of the Amankora Lodges; alternatively, you may wish to build your own tailor-made itinerary. Please call our friendly team on 020 8423 3000 for help and advice or email india@somak.co.uk Prayer Wheel, Thimphu Kolkata Punakha 2 Paro 2