“Gross national happiness” is His Majesty’s description of the kingdom’s development goals, and an apt reflection of the vibrant combination of Bhutan’s medieval and modern histories. Although one of the most isolated and least developed nations in the world, Bhutan has been described as the happiest least developed country on Earth. Off-limits to visitors until 1974, the country has carefully preserved its traditional culture and lifestyle.
The privileged few who visit this Himalayan kingdom encounter a land of serene monasteries, robed monks, welcoming people and breathtaking natural beauty. The Bhutanese have treasured their natural environment, as it is viewed as the source of all life in accordance with Buddhist principles. This harmony with nature has ensured a pristine environment with an astonishing variety of plants and a rich wildlife. Our itinerary combines touring and walking to best appreciate the forts, monasteries, markets and mountains of the legendary Dragon Kingdom.
Tour Host: Sangay Wangchuk
Sangay has been leading trips for over 5 years and is a very popular leader. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree and is an expert on the history of Bhutan and Buddhism in particular. He takes great pride in introducing our clients to his native country and works hard to make every trip a memorable experience.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Fascinating Buddhist monasteries
• Stunning mountain scenery
• Dazzling Jakar or Ura festival
• Tiger's Nest Monastery
ITINERARY IN DETAIL
Day 01 Arrive Paro
We will be met on arrival in Paro and transferred to our hotel.
Overnight: Olathang Hotel
Meals: Dinner
Day 02 Paro
The great fortresses known as dzongs are among the most striking examples of Bhutanese architecture. Rising proudly at strategic places - at the entrance to a valley, at the summit of a hill or at the confluence of two rivers – dzongs are built on a grand scale without the help of any drawings, and are held together without a single nail. The dzongs symbolize the history and long independence of Bhutan.
Today we will visit the Paro Dzong and the even older Ta Dzong, which now houses the National Museum of Bhutan. While we are not permitted inside the monastery at the Dzong we can take a look around inside this impressive building, which is the monastic and administrative centre for southwest Bhutan. Ta Dzong is the original fort and has been carefully transformed into a museum, with excellent displays of all facets of Bhutan’s rich cultural history. Old costumes and battle dress, together with priceless jewellery and specimens of the kingdom’s unique flora and fauna, are included within the museum.
Overnight: Olathang Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 03 Paro
Today an exciting hike takes us to the remarkable Taktsang Monastery. Taktsang, meaning “Tiger’s Nest,” is built around a cave in which Guru Rimpoche (also known as Guru Padmasambhava) meditated. The monastery clings seemingly impossibly to a cliff or rock at 914 metres above the valley floor. For the local people it is a place of pilgrimage, but for a visitor a hike up to the viewpoint opposite the monastery is exhausting, thrilling and mystical. This afternoon is at leisure.
Overnight: Olathang Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 04 Paro-Punakha
Today's journey takes us deep into the heart of Bhutan. The drive will give you an insight into a medieval way of life that has changed little over the centuries. Modern development has brought better education, health care and electricity to these remote areas but the local small farm-based economy that has kept the local people self sufficient over the years is largely unchanged. Located at a relatively low altitude of 1300 m (4,265 feet) in a rain-shadow, the Punakha Valley produces most of the oranges and fruits grown commercially in Bhutan. Despite the warmer climate and the possibility of growing an endless variety of produce, the population of the valley remains remarkably low. Until very recently, Punakha remained the winter capital of Bhutan, and it is still the winter headquarters of the Head Abbott (Je Khempo) and his monks who move here every winter.
Overnight: Zangtho Peiri
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 05 Punakha
Today we will visit Punakha Dzong. This Dzong was built strategically at the junction of Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers in 1637 to serve as the religious and administrative centre of the region. It was damaged by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, however it has been fully restored by the present King (please note that the Dzong is frequently closed without notice. Depending on our timing for today, we may visit the Dzong tomorrow).
Overnight: Zangtho Peiri
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 06 Punakha
Depending on the circumstances, we will have the day at leisure or arrange a visit to Punakha Dzong.
Overnight: Zangtho Peiri
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 07 Drive Punakha-Thimpu
The most common structures in Bhutan are not the great fortresses but chortens, also known as stupas. There are numerous chortens all over the country, ranging in size from very small to huge. Witness to the profound faith of the Bhutanese, they can be found at crossroads, near a dzong or a monastery, or on high mountain passes. All of them have a certain presence, radiating serenity and peace.
Early this morning we will depart from Punakha and travel over the Dochu La at 3200 metres (10,500 ft). From the top of the pass we will have magnificent views of Himalayan peaks along Bhutan’s northern border. Along the way, we will visit the newly built Druk Wangyal Khangzang Chortens, a unique cluster of 108 Namgyal Khangzang chortens that spiral up to the main monument chorten. This is a tribute and monument to the selfless service and visionary leadership of the King. The chortens are also a celebration of the stability and progress brought to the nation. These chortens form a new landmark for travellers as they cross the Dochu La, the first mountain pass into the interior of the country.
Our destination is Thimpu, the Bhutanese capital, which is situated in a broad green valley surrounded by terraced rice fields. The town of 40,000 people is the administrative centre of the country. The main street, Norzim Lam, is lined with shops of all descriptions.
Overnight: Phuntsho Peiri
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 08 Thimpu
After breakfast, we will embark on a full day tour of Thimpu, Bhutan’s small but charming capital since it was moved from Punakha in 1960. The town is easily explored on foot. The Secretariat, the Tashichhodzong, is the most prominent building. It includes the main Secretariat, the National Assembly Hall, Office of the King and the Throne Room. Its remarkable construction is in traditional Bhutanese style, without the use of nails or metal of any kind. We will also visit the large stupa dedicated to the late King H.M. Jimge Dorji Wangchuk, regarded as the founder of modern day Bhutan. Then there is the Handicraft Emporium with famous weaving, wood-carving and paintings. A visit to the Post Office is a must for Bhutan’s exquisite world-renowned stamps.
Overnight: Phuntsho Peiri
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 09 Drive Thimpu-Paro
Today is at leisure in Thimpu, to explore this delightful town on your own. This afternoon we will drive to Paro.
Overnight: Olathang Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 Depart Paro
We will be taken to the airport for our international flights home.
Meals: Breakfast
Important Note:
Although we will try our utmost to confirm the hotels as listed in this itinerary, please be advised that they are subject to change, in which case hotels of similar quality will be substituted.
This trip itinerary represents the most current information available; however the price and itinerary are subject to change without prior notice.
FACT FILE
• Most meals, as listed
• Deluxe/first class hotels
• Air-conditioned vehicles
• English-speaking guides
• Flights Delhi-Paro-Delhi
COST INCLUSIONS
Tour cost includes:
Twin share accommodations in hotels as specified or similar
Meals as indicated in itinerary
Qualified English-speaking local guides
Airport transfers if arriving/departing as per the group itinerary
All domestic transportation by private vehicle
Entrance fees to monuments
Not included:
• International airfare
• Airport and departure taxes
• Airport transfers if arriving/departing separately from
group itinerary
• Items of a personal nature: laundry, drinks, phone
calls, etc.
• Excess baggage
• Gratuities
• Travel insurance
• Visa
• Additional transport required due to any emergency
situation
|
 |
|
click map for larger image |
 |
| Tour Itinerary |
| Day 1 |
Arrive Paro |
| Day 2 |
Paro |
| Day 3 |
Paro |
| Day 4 |
Paro-Punakha |
| Day 5 |
Punakha |
| Day 6 |
Punakha |
| Day 7 |
Drive Punakha-Thimpu |
| Day 8 |
Thimpu |
| Day 9 |
Drive Thimpu-Paro |
| Day 10 |
Depart Paro |
| Tour Information |
| Cost: |
Per person, double occupancy
2008
Oct 05-14 US$ 2495
2009
Apr 05-14 US$ 2695 (approx)
Single supplement: $ 450 |
| Length: |
10 days |
| Limit: |
18 |
| Start: |
Paro |
| End: |
Paro |
| Deposit: |
US $ 500/Can $ 500
|
| Note: |
If you are a single traveller who is willing to share, we can try to match you up with an appropriate roommate. However, if we are unsuccessful, please be advised that the single supplement will apply. |
| International Airfare: |
International airfare is not included in the cost of your trip. Please contact our office and speak to Neetu for a quote on airfare from your home city. |
|
|
| Departure Dates |
| 2008 Departures |
 Oct 5-14 |
| 2009 Departures |
| Apr 5-14 |
|
|
Talk
to an Expert call:
