Enter the peaceful Dragon
How to reach Bhutan? There are choices to pick from. If you wish to come by road then start from Alipurduwar or New Jalpaiguri and come to Phuntsoling. Beautiful Phuntsoling is the border town and known as a commercial & trading hub of the region. From here a176 K.M. journey of 6 hours will take you to Thimpu – the capital of Bhutan. You can avail a flight to Paro from Delhi, Kolkata, Kathmandu, Bangkok and Dhaka.

The Panorama of Paro
Paro a 2 hr drive from Thimpu offers unlimited scope of exploration to its visitors. Paro Dzong (fort), presently the national museum of Bhutan situated at the altitude of 7000 ft. is a glimpse into the ancient Bhutan. Drugyel Dzong another fort was well ablaze in fire in 1954, now it is in ruins but its historic significance makes it an enticing tourist spot.

Take a break at the exotic Kichu resort, which is situated beside the oldest & the most sacred Kichu Lhakhang monestary of Bhutan. There is another monastery called Taktsang, the breathtaking sight of this is an unforgettable memory for the tourists. Taktsang, known as the "tiger’s nest’, is the gravity-defying cluster of a building hanging on to a sheer 3000 ft. rock, an allusion to the popular legend that Guru Padma Sambhava flew here from Tibet on the back of a tiger. Tourists enjoy the one & half hour trek all the way up to the Taktsang. Horse ride is available too.

A two-night stay at Paro is advisable. Ganety Palace, a heritage property turned into luxury hotel can be a comfortable resting place also.

Heading towards the capital
Situated at 7,600 ft altitude in the broad, fertile valley of Wang Chu River, is Thimpu, the capital of Bhutan. It has a very coluorful & vibrant character. Indulge in your shopping spree or revitalize the energy level at welcoming pubs like ‘Dzoma’ or ‘Dragon’s Nest’. Go for a stroll at the mall, or enjoy a game of golf, the city offers plenty of choices which can lighten up your holiday. If you are in Thimpu on a Sunday donot forget to visit the Archery competition organized by the locales. Give in to the temptation of Swiss confectioneries or collect the original Bhutanese art, craft & curios at the handicraft centre, you get good value for your money. Cherish the cleanliness of Thimpu.

Phajoding monastery is a place to visit to the west of the city at 10,000 ft. A short trip on the back of a yak to Dontsho la pass will be exciting, sparkling lakes, snow peaks, alpine flowers drive away all tiredness. Bhutan’s international fame for its varieties of stamps is well known, the post office here should be visited if you want see an entire collection of them.

Dechencholing, the royal palace and Tashichhodzong, the administrative headquaters, are examples of marvelous stone architecture.

Trek Freaks? Go for an enchanting four-hour trek to Cheri and Tangu monasteries. This is where the monks come to practice the ancient disciplines of meditation and levitation.

Hotels like River View, Druk & Jumolahri are excellent in terms comfort and facilities.

The Resourceful Punakha
A three-hour drive form Thimpu to Dochula pass(10,218ft) through the pine forest is mind-blowing. Punakha, the abode of central monk body in Bhutan is two-hour drive from Drochula pass. The Punakha Dzong, ancient capital of Bhutan, is perched on a piece of land just above the junction of Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers.

Move on to Wangdiphodrang
After one night stay at Punakha come to the last town on the central highway, before entering central Bhutan. Wangduephdorang is like a village with few shops. Wangdiphodrang Dzong is the most visible feature here. Down the south high way there is Gantey Gompa, a monastery of 17th century and very much similar to temples in its styling. The district is known for its fine bamboo work and for its slate and stone carvings.

Tongsa, A taste of royalty
Tourists heading towards Bhumthang take refreshment break in Tongsa. It is the ancestral home of Bhutanese Royal family.

Bhumthang- A blend of Adventure, legend & religion
A two-hour drive to Yotungla pass & a few hair-raising bends takes one to Bhumthang. Situated at an altitude of 11,500 this is the religious and spiritual capital of Bhutan. Listen to the legend of the ‘castle of the white bird’ and enjoy. Cheese, apple, apricots are all the production of Jakar valley. Here, at the Jampa Lakhang and the Kurjey monastery one gets to view the bodily marks of ‘Padma Sambhaba’ impressed till date on the solid rock face.

Finance:
Credit Cards are not accepted in Bhutan. Monetary transactions are to be done through bank.

Tour Plan:
Visitors must book through one of the 58 registered tour operators in Bhutan. They can either approach the minimum tariff set by the Tourism Authority of Bhutan is US$ 200 per day ( the rates can be higher, depending upon the nature of services desired beyond
The entitlement for US$ 200). The rate is same for both cultural tours and treks. High season tariff -US$ 200 per person per night half (March, April, May, September, October & November).Low season tariff-US$ 165 per person per night half (January, February, June, July, August & December).

Minimum Tariff Set Entitlements
Accommodation / Meads: All guests are put up in government approved hotels, guest houses and lodges. While the Quality of service , infrastructure and facilities differ in these hotels, tourists are kept in all the hotels during peak seasons because of the limited number of hotel in the country. The hotels accept bookings on a first come, first serve basis.
Transportation:
All operators either have their own fleet of luxury buses or have access to them. Both, vehicles and drivers, are provided by the operator.
Guides:
All guides are licensed by the Tourism Authority of Bhutan and undergo periodical examination to upgrade their knowledge and services.
Surcharges:
There are surcharges on individuals and groups of less than four :
a) Single person - US$ 40 per night
b) Two persons - US$ 30 per night



Visa:
Except Indians holding a valid ID all foreign nationals require a visa to enter and tour in Bhutan.
All information (including tour details/entry point/exit point) should be sent to the authority 03 weeks prior to the arrival. Approval will be sent to you before you start for Bhutan.
Two passport size photos must be submitted on arrival at the Paro airport.

VISA FEE US$ 20/ Person. On paying that on the entry point Visa stamp will be issued.

VISA EXTENSION initially Visa is granted for 15 days. It can be extended for another 15 days on paying the extension fee of NU.510.

AIRPORT DEPARTURE tax is US$ 10/person (apprx.), i.e. RS.400/-. Mimimum Tari