THIMPU & PARO - DTN 16
HAPPINESS IS A PLACE

HIGHLIGHTED CORE LEARNING:

Buddhism arose in northeastern India sometime between the late 6th century and the early 4th century BCE, a period of great social change and intense religious activity. There is disagreement among scholars about the dates of the Buddha’s birth and death. Many modern scholars believe that the historical Buddha lived from about 563 to about 483 BCE. Many others believe that he lived about 100 years later (from about 448 to 368 BCE). At this time in India, there was much discontent with Brahmanic sacrifice and ritual.

VISION & MISSION:

• Children will perform better in situations where cultural diversity is a factor
• Children are actively engaged in a wide range of exciting learning opportunities, where they feel valued, empowered, happy and secure
• To provide kind, child-led experiences in nature, that support positive transformations in self, place, and culture.

ASSOCIATED PROJECTS

MIDDLE SCHOOL: What about the culture, food and lifestyle has inspired you. What is your view of the Buddhist influence on culture explain with pictures taken at the trip?

HIGH SCHOOL: The culture facilitates us with a holistic view of culture of India “Justify this statement from your personal experience of the trip.

LEARNING OBJECTIVE:

TACHOG LHAKHANG: It is situated between Thimphu and Paro and it was built in the 13th century by Thangthong Gyalpo. He is also known as the Iron bridge builder. Situated on a hill top, we have to cross an ancient style bridge to reach the temple.

DRUKGYEL DZONG: The dzong was probably built by Tenzin Drukdra in 1649 at the behest of Ngawang Namgyal, Zhabdrung Rinpoche, to commemorate victory over an invasion from Tibet. In the early 1950s, Drukgyal Dzong was almost completely destroyed by fire. It is listed as a tentative site in Bhutan's Tentative List for UNESCO inclusion.

TA DZONG: Paro Dzong is it’s ta dzong (watchtower), built in 1649 to protect the undefended dzong and renovated in 1968 to house the National Museum. The unusual round building is said to be in the shape of a conch shell, with 2.5m-thick walls. The ta dzong suffered damage in the 2011 earthquake but is due to reopen in 2016 as the nation's premier museum

TRASHICHHOE DZONG, situated on the banks of Wang Chhu. It is home of the National Assembly and the summer residence of capital's venerated monastic community. The Dzong is the impressive result of a redesign of the original medieval structure sanctioned by the Third King, HM Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, when he moved Bhutan's permanent capital to Thimphu.

BHUTAN'S NATIONAL LIBRARY is located close to the Thangkha painting school and contains arguably the best collection of religious and historic literature in the Himalayas. The Textile and Folk Heritage Museum opened in year 2001 is fascinating testimony of the Bhutanese material culture and living traditions. The Memorial Chhorten, a pious landmark for Thimphu's residents, was erected in 1974 by the mother of Third King, in memory of her son.

IN ADDITION, YOU WILL BE VISTING

HANDICRAFTS EMPORIUM, MEMORIAL CHORTEN, BUDDHA DORDENMA STATUE, SIMPLY BHUTAN, DECHENCHOLING PALACE 

WHY CRAZY HOLIDAYS?

* All our educational programs are designed in parallel with the syllabus focusing on global awareness, allowing students to address global issues like poverty, sustainability, development, health care, conservation and much more.

* Our 24/7 Tour Monitoring System assures that every program is a great success.

* Every tour is escorted by a medically trained professional.

* Track My Tour-helps to get live updates of videos, photos & announcements while the kids are on tours.

* A dedicated manager from our office for every tour will be coordinating with the concerned teacher during the tour.

IMPORTANT NOTE

1. As this is NOT THE FINAL ITINERARY at the time of confirmation, kindly ask the marketing executive to check the availability of all the services as specified in this itinerary ie (TRAIN/FLIGHT/COACHES/HOTELS/ENTRY TO MONUMENTS, FARMS, RESORTS ETC) based on the period of travel and to submit the FINAL ITINERARY.

2. As the availability and pricing keeps on changing for flights/train dynamically we request your good self to make sure to collect the full amount of train fare and 25% of the airfare within 24 hours as soon as a trip is confirmed from the students which is nonrefundable and handover the same amount to Crazy Holidays marketing executive so that we can go ahead with the booking of flight/train on immediate hours.

ENTRY PERMIT FOR BHUTAN:

• Indian nationals do not require any visa for Bhutan. A permit will be issued at the entry point on production of a passport (with a minimum validity of 6 months from the date of departure) or Voter ID (only valid document for issuing the Bhutan Entry permit). The raveller also has to carry photocopy of the travel documents and 04 passport size photographs. For Children, original Birth certificate in English and student ID is required.
• If you are entering Bhutan via land, it is to be noted that the permits are issued only during working days and hours. (Monday to Friday between 9 am to 4 pm during winter and 5 pm during summer). It is suggested that the ravellers arriving in Phuentsholing on Friday should arrive latest by 10 AM in order to complete the entry formalities. No permits are issued on Saturday, Sunday and Bhutan government holidays. However, during high season depending upon the rush immigration may take long time to issue the permit. We shall not be responsible for any delay during processing of permit by the immigration authority. Please keep your client informed they may have to stand on long queue during high season to obtain the permit if traveling via Phuentsholing. 

SPECIAL PERMIT FOR PLACES OTHER THAN THIMPHU AND PARO:

Special Permit is required to visit places beyond Thimphu and Paro from, the Department of Immigrations, Thimphu. No charges will be applicable for this permit. Please bring 02 passport size photographs and Voter ID card or Passport of each person including child. This special permit is given only after guest has entered Bhutan. Permits are not issued on Saturday, Sunday & Bhutan Govt. holidays.

We need following to process your booking Guest Name & Contact Number. Naming List with gender & age

Entry Formalities for travellers other than Indian, Bangladeshi and Maldivian Nationals:

Bhutan Visa: Please be informed that no foreign embassies/ Missions/ Agencies can issue Visa for Bhutan except the Department of immigration, Thimphu Bhutan. The visa approval letter can be processed only after the deposit of full tour payment in USD to our Bhutan National Bank a/c as required by the Tourism Council of Bhutan. It takes a week to process the Visa. The Visa approval letter issued by the Department of immigration; Thimphu Bhutan will be mailed to you. You have to carry this document when you board the flight to Bhutan. The actual visa will be stamped in your passport upon arrival in Bhutan. A valid passport is required for travel to Bhutan and the validity of the passport should be minimum 6 months from the date of departure. Scanned copy of the original passports of each passenger in color in JPEG format and information as may be asked for shall be required to process the visa.

Other Travel Information

• It is important that you follow the suggestions and instructions of your guide in order to have a memorable holiday in Bhutan. All the guides provided are trained and certified by the Tourism Council of Bhutan.
• Adults must carry original & valid Passport or original Voter ID card. Children must carry original & valid Passport or original birth certificate & school photo ID card. 
• Indian travellers can carry Indian Currency in INR 100 denominations or smaller notes into Bhutan.
• Tobacco & Tobacco products are banned in Bhutan. However, travellers may carry limited quantity for their personal consumption in payment of taxes as may be applicable the entry points. Please do not use tobacco products in Public places.
• Remember to carry clothing as per the season and temperature in Bhutan during the time of travel.
• It is not recommended to hike to Tiger’s Nest (Takstang Monastery) when you are traveling with small kids. Roads are not like normal hiking as you have to pass through stiff stairs ups and downs.
• Please check with your mobile service provider for charges related to Bhutan.
• Do not bring any plant or agricultural product out of Bhutan. It is illegal.
• Credit cards are accepted in selected establishments in Bhutan. However, it is recommended that you speak with your service provider to find out about the acceptability of credit card in Bhutan.
• Please take off your hats while visiting Dzongs, monasteries and in front of the National Flag. And also ensure that you are properly dressed (such as long sleeves shirts and T Shirts, full pants) while visiting Dzongs, temples and other government offices.
• Taking pictures of some parts and items in the Temples and Dzongs are prohibited. Please follow the instructions from your guide.
• If you buy antiques from Bhutan, please ensure that you have valid bills and cash memo for the same. Bhutan has strict regulations for the same.
• Please be informed that the condition of the road to Bumthang is bad as widening works are going on. It is taking more than 12 Hours to reach Bumthang from Punakha. If there is any bookings for Bumthang, Please inform the travellers beforehand on mandatory basis about the same so that the travellers come prepared.
• Camping facilities in Bhutan are very basic with simple Bhutanese food. Please do not expect international quality of camps in Bhutan.

OTHER TRAVEL INFORMATION

• Adults must carry original & valid Passport or original Voter ID card. Children must carry original & valid Passport or original birth certificate & school photo ID card. 
• Tobacco & Tobacco products are banned in Sikkim. However, travelers may carry limited quantity for their personal consumption in payment of taxes as may be applicable the entry points. Please do not use tobacco products in Public places.
• Remember to carry clothing as per the season and temperature in Sikkim during the time of travel.
• It is not recommended to hike to Tiger’s Nest (Takstang Monastery) when you are traveling with small kids. Roads are not like normal hiking as you have to pass through stiff stairs ups and downs
• Please check with your mobile service provider for charges related to Bhutan.
• Do not bring any plant or agricultural product out of Bhutan. It is illegal.
• Credit cards are accepted in selected establishments in Bhutan. However, it is recommended that you speak with your service provider to find out about the acceptability of credit card in Bhutan.
• Please take off your hats while visiting Dzongs, monasteries and in front of the National Flag. And also ensure that you are properly dressed (such as long sleeves shirts and T Shirts, full pants) while visiting Dzongs, temples and other government offices.
• Taking pictures of some parts and items in the Temples and Dzongs are prohibited. Please follow the instructions from your guide.

BOOKING PROCEDURE

• A circular will be forwarded to the students
• Kindly follow the instructions to access the detailed itinerary, Project specifications, payment details, booking procedure and to make the payments through our payment gateway
• After making the payment, handover the invoice to the class teacher

PAYMENT MODE - 100% payment should be done 15 days prior to the departure

PAYMENT POLICY - Crazy Holidays Payment Gateway or Demand Draft in Favor of Crazy Holidays

For the Registration process, Payment gateway, Tour plan & To Access Photos, Videos, and Announcements regarding this   Tour Follow the Step Give Below:

1. Log On To www.crazyholidays.in  &  Sign Up With Relevant Information
2. Click On  TRACK MY TOUR & PAYMENTS
3. Enter The  TRACK MY TOUR CODE CHXXXXX

CANCELLATION POLICY:

Cancellations are effective on the date written intimation is received by the Tour In charge / School Office. Cancellation will not be received orally or over the phone. Refund if any will be settled within 21 days of the arrival of the Tour.

1) 25 days or more prior to departure date: 25% of the tour cost will be non-refundable

2) 20 days to 24 days prior to departure date: 40% of the tour cost will be non-refundable

3) 15 days to 19 days prior to departure date: 50% of the tour cost will be non-refundable

4) 10 days to 14 days prior to departure date: 75% of the tour cost will be non-refundable

5) 9 days or lesser prior to departure date: 100% of the tour cost will be non-refundable

*In case of flight journey, Air ticket amount will be non-refundable (100% cancellation charges) once the tickets booked

POSTPONEMENT POLICY:

If due to any reason the group tour is postponed to the next/forthcoming vacation, an additional postponement charges over and above the tour cost will be applicable

CHECK IN/OUT POLICY: 

Standard check-in and checkout time of most of the hotels are 12:00 noon. Early check-in and late checkout will be subject to availability. We will try to give as many rooms as possible for early check-in or late checkout but we don’t promise to give all the rooms for the same. For guaranteed early check-in or late check-out, the hotel(s) should be booked at the time of package booking by paying an additional amount charged by the hotel.