THE EPIQUE HAPPY BHUTAN DRIVE

Presented by:

EPIQUE ADVENTURES PVT LTD.,

Plot #03, Sind Hindu CHS Lulla Nagar, Pune – 411040

20^thFebruary to 1^st March2018

ITINERARY – DURATION: 10 NIGHTS –  DISTANCE TRAVELLED: 1194KMS (Approx.)

TOYOTA HILUX CAN BE SHARED BY 3 OR 4 PERSONS EXCLUDING DRIVER !

THOSE KEEN FOR BHUTAN SELF DRIVE EXPEDITION MUST GET THE VEHICLE INSURANCE ENDORSED/COVERED FOR BHUTAN. THE ENDORSEMENT WILL COST Rs.500/- (aprox.)

You land in Bagdogra International Airport, Bagdogra.Travel distance from the Airport to Hotel Royal Sarovar Premiere check-in, Siliguri is 17 Kms.

Thanking you for joining us for a Lifetime Journey. We believe in creating memories which will rejuvenate you from time to time in your Life span. We as Epique Team will ensure Epique Self Driving experience for you into the Land of Happiness – Bhutan.

In order to meet your fellow participants, please block your diary for the pre-event Cocktails on 20th Feb.2018 from 20:00 to 21:30 hrs. We look forward to seeing you there.  We will also arrange to affix the decals on your vehicles and hand over your kit bag and merchandise, etc. to you at the hotel.

We recommend the following items for inclusion in your packing list: 

                                1)   Suitable head gear (woollen cap / muffler)

                                2)   A wind cheater / jacket

                                3)   Other woollens to dress in layers (if possible a pair of thermals and a sweater)

                                4)   Comfortable walking shoes

                                5)   A pair of woollen gloves and socks

                                6)   Sunglasses

                                7)   Sunblock

                                8)   Lip balm

                                9)   An umbrella

                                10) Your prescribed medication. You are advised to carry some eye drops, nasal drops, throat lozenges with you.

Phuentsholing, known as they gateway to the South! The drive will be through lush green countryside and quaint Himalayan hamlets.

As we enter Phuentsholing, we will observe the change in the entire environment.

Entry to Bhutan-Immigration process once completed we cross International borders in our own vehicles and check-in Hotel.We can explore the local market in the evening.

Our very 1st drive in the “Land of the Thunder Dragon”, and a relatively relaxed one on what we will call good roads! Leave Phuentsholing after a hearty breakfast to make our way towards Thimphu the capital of Bhutan! The drive will be through lush green countryside and quaint Himalayan hamlets.

On arrival at Thimphu we take an orientation tour of the city’s major attractions – the national memorial, the takin preserve & the archery stadium.

 Spend the evening at leisure, wandering the streets of the capital city.

Wake up early in the morning to explore Thimphu City. A visit to the Takin Preserve to the post office where we will get stamps etched with our own faces. Those keens will then get an opportunity to visit Zorig Chusum – Institute for the thirteen arts and crafts of Bhutan, followed by a visit to the handmade paper factory.  In the evening, we walk around the local market, after which we head-out to a nearby farmhouse to experience a hot-stone bath and a traditional Bhutanese meal.

Today’s day is all about hiking to the majestic Takstang Monastery, also known as “Tigers Nest”. A temple complex was first built in 1692, around the Taksang Senge Samdup cave where Guru Padmasambhava is said to have meditated for 3 years, 3 months, 3 weeks, 3 days and 3 hours in the 8^th Century. Guru Padmasambhava is credited with introducing Buddhism to Bhutan and is the tutelary deity of the Country. A pilgrimage for all Bhutanese Buddhists, it is said that each step along the trail blesses them towards a bright future!

We can choose between and 1.5-2 Hour Hike to the Monastery view point or take on a strenuous 5-hour round trip to the monastery.

On our way, back we will visit the ruins of Drugyal Dzong – the site of the fort of the Drukpa Victory, where the Bhutanese effectively fought off attacks from Tibet.

 Evening at leisure exploring Paro Town. The road connecting east-west Paro drives through the airport, and we may want to experience driving through or just chilling at a stop waiting for a plane to go right above us during a landing or a take-off!

Optional: The adventurous ones can start the day a couple of hours before the others.  Head out for a short early-morning drive to Chele La Pass (3,700 M). For a high-altitude pass, the road is considerably good. Expect plenty of birds on the way and amazing views of Mt. Jholmalhri once on top. The drive to and fro will take around 2 hours with a half hour break at the top.

Leave Paro after a hearty breakfast to make our way towards Punakha, We come across Dochu La (3100 M). At the pass view the 108 stupas build in commemoration for those who lost their lives during the low intensity conflict when Bhutan evicted Indian Rebels on the Indo-Bhutan border.

Through-out the drive today you will get beautiful views of the eastern Himalayan ranges including the highest mountain in Bhutan, Mt. Gangar Punsum (7250M).

Before entering Punakha, the adventurous ones can go for a river-rafting session down the Mochu River, the others can stroll through Talo Village or just laze around at the hotel gardens.

As we arrive into Punakha we visit Chimi Lhakhang, The temple of the fertility god. The walk to Chimi Lhakhang is a short-one, through lush paddy fields.

Enroute our hotel, we first visit Punakha Dzong. Built on the confluence of the male & female rivers. This Dzong is considered to be one of the most beautiful in the country!

After the breakfast we start for a Beautiful, Scenic long drive to Bumthang which is known to be the cultural heartland of Bhutan. Its pristine beauty has also earned it the title of “Switzerland of Bhutan”.

Enroute we visit Phobjika, a glacial valley, is considered to be one of the most beautiful open valleys in Bhutan, as well as one of the most important wild-life preserves, serving as a winter home of the rare black neck crane. Until recently Phobjika derived all its electricity from solar or mini-hydel projects. Once in Phobjika, we visit the Black Crane Nature Information Centre and the sacred Gangety Goemba as we stroll through Gangety Village.

Making our journey to Bumthang we’re driving through the Black Mountains National Park and crossing High-altitude pass, Pele La, situated at an altitude of 3,420 M. Driving through the village of Rukubji, which is surrounded by extensive fields of Potatoes, Barley & Mustard we finally reach Bumthang District one of the 20 Dzongkhag comprising Bhutan. It is the most historic Dzongkhag if the number of ancient temples and sacred sites counted.

Mongar, apart from the Dzong has not much to do, but an extremely important stop to avoid exerting journey directly to Trashigang.

Definitely the beautiful and most adventurous drive of the trip, however, absolutely worth it. The drive between Bumthang& Mongar is considered to be one of the most spectacular in the country, passing over cliffs, green pastures and thick fir forests. The route is full of rhododendrons and we’ll definitely make a pitstop at a rhododendron garden. As we drive further, we cross Thrumsing La, Bhutans highest road at approximately 4,000 M ASL. We are now officially exiting Western Bhutan and entering Eastern Bhutan. You will be able to notice a stark difference between human establishments in the two regions. In the East, towns are located on hills and ridges, whereas on the west they are often located in Valleys!

As we head towards Mongar, we come across Ura Valley, believed to be home to Bhutan’s earliest inhabitants. The cobbled stone streets give Ura a Medieval vibe further reinstated by the sheepskin shawls still worn by the local women.

 We may visit Mebartsho, also known as the burning lake before reaching the Night halt at Mongar.

We start our journey after breakfast, and make our way to Trashigang Dzong. As we drive further we Ascend through the valley of Khurri Chhu, passing extensive corn-fields and tropical fruit plantations (mangoes & Pineapples). Our only major attraction for the day is Drametse Village – This largest and most exotic village in the region, will give you a deep insight into the life of eastern Bhutanese Farmers. Located in the village is the Drametse Gompa, known for its unique architecture, it is one of the most spectacular buildings in Eastern Bhutan.

Trashigang is a lively and interesting town. The bars and restaurants are definitely worth a visit in the evening, although they close by 8PM.

Our last drive in the “Land of the Thunder Dragon”.

Long drive today and Off-Road lovers will enjoy the route through scenic villages. Womrong, a relatively undeveloped village, giving us a sneak-peak into yesteryear-next stop will be Khaling, site of a historical battlefield, and home to the National Handloom Centre of Bhutan. En-route we will also come across the town of Kanglung, famous for its Clock-tower and Monastery.

As we exit the Land of Hapiness . Once in Guwahati, we relax!

Feel free call for any query:

DIJAY SAHI 92174 84000 / GAGAN SETHI 98230 41864 / UDAIBHAN SINGH 98990 94415

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