Bhutan Tour Package

Established in 1967, the National Library of Bhutan is mostly an attraction for tourists because of its majestic *Dzong* like architecture. It is located the capital of Thimpu with its verdant mist-clad valleys and quaint streets.

It was established to meet the crucial purpose of preserving ancient *Dzongkha*and Tibetian texts. The *Dzongkha* or "Royal language" is the indigenous name for Bhutanese whose dialects are spoken by nearly half a million people in Bhutan. The shelves of this library are full of unbound pages of scriptures, stacked between wooden plates and wrapped in cloth. On the top floor, you can find copies of colonial letters sent by Bhutanese officials to British surveyors. It houses several old records and around 7000 old photographs depicting Bhutanese people and the royal family. Two of its most precious displays include the "Seven Treasuries" and "The collected works of Padma Karpo". The Seven Treasuries is a complete set of printing blocks for the manuscript by the famed monk Longchegpa. The collected "Works of Padma Karpo" on the other hand is a  complete set of xylographic printing blocks by the Kunkhyen Padma Karpo.

These printing blocks are used to create religious texts. The library is home to nearly 9000 printing blocks of this kind. The 6100 books that it holds include the largest book in the world which weighs over 68 kg and is two meters tall. The library also has texts relevant to Mahayana Buddhism and a rich collection of lithographs from whence scriptures and prayer flags were printed in the old days. So if you are a culture enthusiast with a love for ancient books, make sure you give this library a visit. 

Timings: Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to 5 pm.

For many people who enter Bhutan via road, their first point of entry into the country will be the charming border town of Phuentsholing. The Land of the Thunder Dragon has many hidden gems to offer, this little town is undoubtedly one of those.

Phuentsholing is not like other more busy cities in Bhutan, for instance, Thimphu or Paro. Time moves here at a very slow pace. Yet it holds its own strange beauty.

There are several places in Phuentsholing that one must-see. There are nearly 8 spots in the town popular with tourists. Of these, some of the most prominent are Bhutan Gate, Zangto Pelri Lhakhang and the park adjacent to the Lhakhang. Another spectacular sightseeing spot in the town is the Torsa River Side. This river traces it commences in the Chumba valley in China. From China, it flows to Bhutan where it is known as the Amo Chhu river.

Are you looking for some peace and quiet far away from the noisy city crowds? Then a walk along the Torsa riverside is perfect for you.  The gently flowing river, trees framing its banks and a soft wind ruffling your hair are sure to leave you relaxed and rejuvenated. Located far from the crowds and chaos, Torsa provides you with the perfect opportunity to soak in the serenity of its riverside. It takes a maximum of 2 hours to enjoy the whole riverside to its fullest.

It is also an excellent spot for bird watching and nature photography. About 15-20 minutes further ahead are the Torsa tea gardens which also serve as an excellent photography spot. Lush green and majestic, make sure you drop in to visit the Tea Gardens if you visit the riverside.

For more information, visit our website at Special Holidays. We specialise in handcrafted holidays that cater to your every need. Just get in touch with us and we will provide you with a trip to Bhutan that is simply unforgettable!

Bhutan has no dearth of museums and galleries for culture enthusiasts. National Museum of Bhutan, National library of Bhutan, National Institute of Traditional Arts, these are just some of the popular culture hotspots of the country. However, the most incredible museum among these is undoubtedly the Folk Heritage Museum of Bhutan.

Located in the most shrouded capital of Thimphu, the folk heritage aims to connect visitors with the rich traditions, age-old lifestyles, folk heritage and rural history through exhibits, demonstrations,  educational programs and documentaries.

Bhutanese culture places a lot of emphasis on living with natural harmony. There is an alpine type of vegetation in Bhutan with the forest containing many species of trees such as oak, rhododendron, cypress, juniper, pine and for. Thus, timber is available in plentiful. This is why wood is a common construction material used in all most all types of Bhutanese architecture - from humble cottages to royal palaces. This has been reflected in the architecture of the museum as well. At the heart of the Museum itself are a restored three-storied, traditional rammed mud and timber house. It dates back to the mid-18th century house, the design and form of the house are those of an average household in the Wang (present-day Thimphu) area during that era. In the courtyard of the museum, you will find all the implements used in a traditional Bhutanese home. This includes plough, yoke, ox-drawn wooden plough, thrasher[korbji], rolled bamboo mat for drying grain and vegetables etc. The ground floor displays equipment used for storing manure, paddy and tending to sick animals. The second floor has exhibits that show how agricultural products are stored whereas the third floor is a model of a typical rural Bhutanese house. Finally, the backyard area has a display of a hot stone bath and through the final exit, you can visit the Folk Museum shop to buy souvenirs to take back home or lunch in the incredible Folk Museum restaurant. 

Location: Thimphu, Bhutan

Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM

The Mist clad and blessed with the most verdant greenery, Bhutan is a slice of heaven on Earth. One of the last standing authentic Himalayan kingdoms, it has something to offer to all its guests. From culture vultures to adrenaline junkies, Bhutan has something for everyone. However, it's most precious offerings are in the form of its rich, intricate age-old traditions that have been carefully preserved till date. And no structure symbolises this heritage better than t              he one placed at the very entrance of Bhutan- the Bhutan gate.

Located at the Indo-Bhutan border town of Phuentsholing, the Bhutan gate welcomes all visitors with arms wide open. It is a magnificent specimen of Bhutanese architecture. There is an alpine type of vegetation in Bhutan with the forest containing many species of trees such as oak, rhododendron, cypress, juniper, pine and for. Thus, timber is available in plentiful. This is why wood is a common construction material used in all most all types of Bhutanese architecture - from humble cottages to royal palaces. This has been perfectly reflected in the construction of the gate as well. Immense wooden pillar rise with palms spread out to the sky as if in prayer while idols and natural motifs play out their intricate dance throughout the structure. You'll easily see it if you're coming by road. Even if you're not, then taking some time out to visit this magnificent structure is definitely worth it. The gate is open from  9:00 AM to 10:00 PM. It takes almost 2 to 3 hours to soak in the beauty of this structure in its entirety.

For visiting this magical market and for more information, visit our website at Special Holidays. We specialise in handcrafted holidays that cater to your every need. Just get in touch with us and we will provide you with a trip to Bhutan that is simply unforgettable!

Ice topped peaks. Most clad mountains that seem to roll on for infinity. Azure blue skies. Gushing rivers and waterfalls. Lush Rhodendron and Pine forests. Majestic terrace farms. Bhutan - the land of the Thunder Dragon - is one of the last standing Himalayan kingdoms. Nestled deep in the womb if these majestic mountains, it has much to offer to all its visitors, in terms of adventure, culture and nature. A magical country with deeply rooted ancient tradition, culture and beliefs; Bhutan is no less than a slice of paradise. The Bhutanese and their Buddhist beliefs are influenced by the concept of maintaining harmony between man and nature. Hence they put considerable effort in maintaining their pristine forests and it's rich biodiversity. This is what makes Bhutan the ultimate paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Bhutan is a specially brilliant location for bird watchers. Certain travel companies offer special trips that cater specifically to bird watchers, tours that are focused towards soaking in all the biodiversity. On a nine-day trip, you are likely to see over 250 species. These include rare and exquisite ones like Satyr Tragopan, Ward’s Trogon, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Himalayan Monal, Ibisbill, Wallcreeper and Beautiful Nuthatch, as well as, many mammals and unique flowers. Popular bird watching areas include the lowland forests that lie between Samdrup Jongkhar and Deothang, Trashigang in Eastern Bhutan, the Kori La forests which is rich in mosses and lichen. There is also the Limthang road and the Yongkala campsite which are counted among the top 8 bird watching spots in the world. If you are searching for high-altitude species you can add Pele la pass (4000 m), Thrumshing La (3800 m) or undertake the exhausting hike up to the Tiger's Nest Monastery in Paro. If you don't feel up for the hike, Paro riverside is also an incredible bird-watching spot.

Can find a perfect bird-watching trip to  Bhutan? Then contact us at Special Holidays. We have been presented with the National Tourism Award by the president of Indian for our top-notch services. We specialise in handcrafting trips to suit your every need. Just get in touch with us on our website and we will build your perfect Bhutan trip for you.

Himalayan life simple but hard. And nothing displays this better than the straightforward but delicious cuisine of Bhutan. The land of the Thunder Dragon is famous for many things. Misty mountains, majestic valleys, spectacular panoramas, lush forests, gushing rivers-

yet, it's food remains a mystery to many.

Hardcore foodies and the most enthusiastic culture vultures will be hard-pressed to name popular Bhutanese dishes. Unravel this mystery of salts and spices by taking a culinary tour to Bhutan. Begin a love affair with spices through the table as vibrant with dishes as new year celebrations.

The Bhutanese people have a deep reverence for tradition and culture. This is displayed in their cuisine as well. Local ingredients, simple cooking techniques, generation-old recipes- all these are a major fixture of the Bhutanese culture.

Maybe because of its close connections to India or maybe because of the cold climate, Bhutanese food tends to use a lot of spices. However, tasting this food is not the only activity of a culinary tour. Culinary tours, especially one in Bhutan, will teach you how to make these recipes, source local ingredients, try traditional cooking methods and understand Bhutan's food history. With modernisation, Bhutanese food has also evolved. This means along with the conventional recipes you will also learn a fusion of Indo-Bhutanese food traditions. A Culinary tour is different than any other kind of tour. It is unique in the sense that it allows you to carry back home more than just memories. You carry back with yourself knowing that goes back to hundreds of years. You carry back a piece of tradition that has been carefully preserved across generations. If learning to cook dishes as em datshi, momos, phaksha paa, Jasha Maru, suja tea, and are doesn't appeal to you; consider the other experiences you will have. Living in warm rustic homestays, exploring quaint villages, interacting with locals, soaking in the panoramic valleys and forests - nothing will give you the opportunity to deep dive into the culture of Bhutan like this trip will. So what are you waiting for? Contact us at Special Holidays for Culinary Bhutan tour especially handcrafted for you.

Bright azure blue skies. The sounds of gushing waterfalls. Lush green valley. Punakha, located in western Bhutan is your postcard-perfect Himalayan paradise. It is very popular with campers, hikers and trekkers but these aren't the only activities you can do these. This valley is also famous for rafting in the milky-white Mo Chu river, along whose banks it is located. The sounds of the gushing Mo Chu, the high rapids and the sight of the seemingly frail raft might terrify a someone who is doing it for the first time. But fret not! One gets a hang of the sport quite easily and quickly. And once you understand it, it is the most satisfying recreational activity ever. The additional benefit of rafting in the Mo Chu is the panorama. With the verdant forests of the valley spread out on both your sides, Mo Chu soaks you not only into the waters of its rapids but also into the sights and sounds of its forests.

As you float downstream, making your way through the tumbling rapids, you can enjoy 360° views of the valley around you. Forget Jungle safaris, hiking and other tried and tested ways of exploring the valley. This is an exhilarating new method to explore the secrets that these mountains have to uncover. However, please note that this is a slightly difficult journey, hence not suitable for children under 5 or older adults. The cost of a raft for 6-8 adults is 200$. For Indians, it is around 1500INR to 2700INR. Other memorable sights of the valley include its various monasteries dating back at least to the 15th century. One of the more popular ones is the majestic Punakha Dzong, the old capital and royal residence. If you do not wish to miss out on the unbelievable beauty of Punakha, visit our website today to know more about special travel packages to Bhutan.

Built-in the memory of Bhutan's beloved king Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the National Memorial Chorten is easily Thimphu's most popular Buddhist site.

It is equally popular with tourists and locals, however, tourists are advised to refrain from visiting at night to provide the locals with some refrain. This is also an incredible location if you want to observe locals in their everyday activities, chat up with people, make some friends and soak in the serenity that comes with Buddhist places of worship.

The Chorten is whitewashed with a fine golden finial sparkling bright in the sun. Like most traditional Bhutanese architecture it features elaborately carved statues of mandalas on its roof and walls. It's richly painted annexes face in all the four directions. Within it's the inner sanctum lies a shrine dedicated to the ever popular king. The teachings if Vajrakilya is enshrined on the ground floor. There are two more floors each of which holds an immense centrally placed wooden carving. Behind these shrines, the walls depict a horde of wrathful looking deities. The second floor is dedicated to teachings of the Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyud school to subdue eight varieties of evil spirits and the top floor is dedicated to the teachings of Lama Gongdu. Combined, these three floors form the esoteric teachings of the Nyingmapa sect.

Above the top floor, there is a gallery, which can be walked around the circumference of the chorten and which offers spectacular views of the city.

The origin story of the Chorten says that the king wanted to build "a chorten to represent the mind of the Buddha" and later after his death, the late majesty wish was fulfilled by her Queen mother Ashi Phuentsho Choden Wangchuk. A number of important Bhutanese festivals are held here. This includes the Moenlam Prayer Festival. This is when the religious head of Bhutan provides his blessings to all those assembled for the congregation. So make sure when you are in Thimphu you don't miss out on visiting this incredible memorial.

Chorten Lam

Hours:9am-5pm Mar-Oct,

to 4pm Nov-Feb.

The National Museum of Bhutan is nothing less than the culture-vultures

ultimate paradise. Located in the lighthouse shaped, vast circular Paro To Dzong (Dzong refers to the traditional style of Bhutanese architecture) it houses some of the finest specimens of the culture. The fantastic aspect of the Dzong itself is that it was built with stones and wood, without any nail. It was originally a fortress to protect Rinpung Dzong, above which it is located, from repeated assault from India and Tibet. It is so tough, that it has not only survived attacks but also two devastating earthquakes.

In 1968, under the command of His Majesty the King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, the third hereditary monarch of Bhutan. It houses artefacts surrounding the culture, history, military and handicraft heritage of the country. It displays Bhutanese artworks, masks, shields, armours, costumes, handicrafts, painting- some of these are nearly 1500 years old. It has six floors, each of which houses a particular aspect of Bhutanese culture. It is also an incredible place for those who are interested in knowing more about the culture of Bhutan. Bhutan has an incredibly abundant Biodiversity, which is on display in the Natural History Gallery of the museum. A rich collection of Bhutanese stamps is exhibited on the second floor whereas the third floor is mostly comprised of costumes, clothing and jewellery. Prehistoric items are displayed on the fourth floor. Finally the fifth and the sixth floor largely comprise a display of the synthetic religious culture of Bhutan. The entry fee is 50 INR and about 2$ for foreigners. On Tuesday to Saturday, the museum stays open from 9 am to 4 pm. On Sundays, it is open from 11 am to 4 pm. It is closed on Mondays. So if you are in Paro, make sure you don't miss out on this fantastic cultural powerhouse which blends the past with the present with such grace.

Misty mountains, majestic valleys, spectacular panoramas, lush forests, gushing rivers. Bhutan is nothing less than a slice of paradise. And it has something to offer to all kinds of travellers out there. If you a culture-vulture you have it's myriad numbers of *Dzongs* and monasteries; museums and galleries. If you are an adventure junkie you can go on a hike or a trek in its billowing mountain ranges, camp in its Rhodendron and pine forests,  raft in its milky white rivers or simply go rock climbing on special locations near the capital Thimphu. But, that's not it. There is one activity that you can do only in Himalayan Kingdoms like Bhutan. An activity that is sure to leave you thrilled no matter how risk-averse you are. Crossing suspension bridges.

Suspension bridges get their name from the fact that the road is suspended in the air from cables hanging from two tall towers. The high mountains and deep gorges of Bhutan make it a perfect place for suspension bridges. Yet you will have to be alert while trying to find them out. These suspension bridges are generally tucked away in corners far from the central roads. If you are likely to encounter more suspension bridges if you are out trekking or hiking. The most famous suspension bridge in Bhutan is undoubtedly the Punakha suspension bridge. Punakha Bridge is only about half a mile from Punakha Dzong, but it can also easily be missed, as it’s not on the main road. It is the longest and the most ancient suspension bridge in Bhutan. It is believed to be built by the Buddhist monk  Thangtong Gyalpo. Perched high above the gushing and powerful Mo Chuu river, it is a very important part of Bhutanese architectural history.  Originally built to connect the villages to the Punakha *Dzong* (the Dzong used to be the royal residence before the capital was shifted to Thimphu) and as a rescue for the royals in case of flash floods, it has had its share of refurbishment over the years.  Yet, it continues to stand strong.  The bridge offers a spectacular view of the river, valley and the east bank. It is a good starting point for multi-day treks in the nearby mountains. It also provides an incredible spot for bird watching and nature photography