EDTERRA EDVENTURES PRESENTS : The Mountain Kingdom (Pheuntsholing, & Paro)

(5N/6D) B-005 www.edterra.com

Bhutan, a country that has magic and mysteries, where stories of demons, God and Goddesses is not mere fiction but you see them coming alive with the preserved culture and creative traditions, where religion is infused in all levels of life-a place of fluttering prayer flags, red-robed monks scurrying along the streets, a mind-blowing number of deities and legends and monasteries and stupas on mountain tops and valleys are so mystical that just by the mere thought of being there is thrilling and exhilarating. Bhutan with its ages old culture “the last Buddhist Himalayan Kingdom” breaths unfolded adventure. EdTerra presents 5 night/ 6 day packed adventure to this land of mysticism that showcases this tiny Kingdom and its rich offerings like never before.

JOURNEY ITINERARY

DAY 1: DELHI – BAGDOGRA – PHUENTSHOLING  Fly from Delhi to Bagdogra  Lunch upon arrival  Drive from Bagdogra to Pheuntsholing (Approx 6-7hrs/165 kms)  Proceed for immigration on arrival  Dinner  Check-in to hotel  Overnight in Pheuntsholing

DAY 2: PHUENTSHOLING – THIMPU (Approx 7.5 hrs/ 170 kms)  Breakfast in the hotel and check out  Drive to Zangtog Pelri Lhakhang (located in the town of Kharbandi Gonpa)  Proceed to Thimphu (en-route pass through the towns of Gedu, Chukha, Chuzom)  Lunch en-route  Late evening arrival in Thimphu followed by dinner and hotel check-in  Overnight in Thimphu

DAY 3: THIMPHU – DOCHE LA PASS – THIMPHU  Breakfast in the hotel  Drive down to the scenic Dochu La Pass: Students get to view the beautiful Himalayan mountain range along with rows of prayer flags, prayer wheels and a memorial built in the memory of soldiers who lost their lives battling insurgent groups who had penetrated in into the country.  Buddha Dordenma: Buddha Dordenma is a gigantic Shakyamuni Buddha statue completed construction on September 25th 2015 in the mountains of Bhutan celebrating their 60th anniversary of fourth king . Whoever has set their foot on Thimphu can never leave the town without a visit to this beautiful monument.  Lunch  Proceed on a day of sightseeing in Thimphu. Locations include;  The National Library: Established in 1967 houses priceless Buddhist manuscripts and most of the books are Tibetan styled, printed or written on long strips of handmade paper stacked between pieces of wood and wrapped in silken cloth. There are a lot of other historic displays.  Zoring Chusum:Popularly known as the Painting School that provides courses in Bhutan's 13 traditional arts, that include painting (furniture, paintings – painted religious pictures, usually on canvas), woodcarving (masks, statues, bowls), embroidery (hangings, boots, clothes) or statue- making (clay).  Textile and Folk Heritage Museum: Thisbuilding displays and organizes fascinating demonstrations Bhutanese lifestyle, items and artifacts of Bhutanese villages and rural house-holds material culture and living traditions.  The Chorten Memorial: The monument is one of the iconic monuments in Bhutan literally meaning ‘Seat of Faith’. It is an extraordinary example of Bhutanese architecture and artwork. It is a monument to the third King of Bhutan and to World Peace. You can see elderly circumambulating the Chorten throughout the day. This place is the focus of their daily worship.  Bird’s eye View of the Royal Palace: Dechencholing Palace was built in 1953 after the coronation of the third King of Bhutan. The palace is a three-storied building set amidst willow trees, lawns and ponds. Except for the present King, other members of the Royal family reside here. Its architecture is entirely in Bhutanese traditional style including the furnishings inside.  Free time for shopping  Dinner  Overnight in Thimphu

DAY 4:THIMPHU – PARO(Approx. 3 hours/65 kms)  Breakfast in the hotel and check out  School visit in Thimphu: Visit to a school in Thimphu where students will have an interaction with the local students. This visit will allow them a glimpse onto the teaching system of Bhutan, the curriculum being followed and provide a general idea of the schooling system  Drive to Paro  Suspension Bridge of Tachog Lhakhang: Visit the enchanting suspension bridge at Tachog Lhakhang perched on the hillside overlooking the river ParoChhu.  En route viewing of the beautiful confluence of Paro and Thimphu rivers at Chuzom  Lunch upon arrival in Paro  Viewing of Rinpun Dzong: Buddhist monastery and fortress of the Drukpa lineage of the Kagyu school in Paro, this building houses the Monastic Body and government administrative offices of Paro Dzongkhag.  Evening bon fire (weather permitted) and a fun-filled evening of traditional games and fun activities; try wearing the national dress of Bhutan, gho and kira!

DAY 5: PARO – TAKTSANG MONASTERY TREK – PARO  Breakfast in the hotel and check-out  Trek to the Taktsang Monastery/Bird’s Nest: It is one of the most breathtaking monasteries in Bhutan and a traveller’s delight. It is nestled on the cliffside of the upper Paro valley, in Bhutan.  Trek back to motorhead to return to the city  Late lunch in Paro  Travel to Phuentsholing (approx. 7.5 hours)  Dinner and overnight in Phuentsholing

DAY 6: PHUENTSHOLING – BAGDOGRA – NEW DELHI  Breakfast in Hotel and check out  Travel to Bagdogra (approx. 4 hours)  Lunch in Bagdogra  Transfer to airport to catch a flight to Delhi

*Itinerary subject to changes based on venue, accommodation and transportation availability

IMPORTANT THINGS TO PACK/CARRY:

 Passport/Voter ID Card (Adhar Card was not accepted for teacher)/Original Birth Certificate (Any one, in order of preference)  4 passport size photographs  Warm clothes (1 sweat shirt for day time, 1 warm jacket/sweater for evenings, socks)  Good walking shoes (no heels and flip flops)  Rain poncho/rain jacket/umbrella  Sun screen lotion  Shades/hats  Insect repellent cream  Personal medication (students with any breathing problem and motion sickness must carry their inhalers and motion sickness medication respectively)  Personal toiletry and hygiene products  Personal clothing  Pocket money (INR, no 500 and 1000 rupee notes; please carry lose change; USD is also an accepted currency)  Water bottle/sipper  A knapsack or a day bag (will be required during treks and walking tours of the cities)

Trip Price : Rs. 51,000/-

Draft in the name of “Edterra Edventures Pvt. Ltd.”

If sending by speed post, kindly mention the name of the child and the class at the back of the draft.

Consent Form

The Principal, Convent of Jesus & Mary, Waverley, Mussoorie.

Respected Sister,

I have read the circular and I agree to send my ward on my responsibility for an Exciting tour to Bhutan. I understand that the school-teacher, escorts will take all possible care and precautions to safeguard my ward. However in case of any injury/mishap, I will not hold the school management, principal, teachers and organizer responsible. I am enclosing Rs.51,000/- draft in the name of “Edterra Edventures Pvt. Ltd.” .

Name of the Child______

Class & Sec.______

Fathers Name______

Address______

______

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