Introduction
The fascinating region of central Bhutan is the focus of this trip. Not exceeding altitudes above 3400 metres, discover villages and monasteries with their age old traditions and colorful festivals. Bumthang with its individuality and charm boasts a rich past and their Nyingmapa religious masters have contributed to its fame. From the exquisite early 16th century paintings of Tamshing to the cloister at Tharpaling, from the holy shrine of Kurje to the atmosphere of Ugencholing palace, this is a walk through an open air museum.
ITINERARY:
Day 1 Paro On arrival at Paro you will be met by our representative. Check into Hotel Druk. Paro at 2300 m is located in a beautiful wooded valley with terraced farmland nourished by the Paro Chu river.
Day 2 Thimpu Drive 2 1/2 hrs to Thimpu, capital of Bhutan. Enroute visit Simtokha Dzong. On arrival check into Hotel. PM Visit Memorial Chorten, Dhurbthop nunnery and the School of Thanka Painting.
Day 3 Thimphu A full day tour includes the Goldsmith workshop, the National Library, Chamlimithang bazaar and the Handicraft Emporium.
Day 4 Tongsa An 8 hr drive brings you to Tongsa. Traversing two high passes, stop at Wangdiphodrang Dzong, gateway to Central Bhutan, and Chendebji Chorten. Overnight at BTCL Lodge.
Day 5 Bumthang Tour Ta Dzong and the local bazaar then drive 2 1/2 hrs to Bumthang. Enroute visit the Yak wool weaving centre at Chume Valley. PM Visit Jambay Lhakhang, Kurje Lhakhang and the Jakar Lam Monastery. Spend overnight at the Swiss Guest House, or similar.
Day 6 Camping Jakar to Ngang (2740 m) After short drive from Kurje Lhakhang, the trek begins with short walk to the village of Thangbi up a fertile valley onto Ngang. Enroute visit the temple at Thangbi. Camp near village.
Day 7 Camping Ngang to Meadow Camp (2990 m) The longest day of trekking starts with a gradual climb through the valley into a mixed forest of maple, pine and rhododendron. The trek gets steeper near Phe Phe La pass at 3550m. The summit is marked by prayer flags and a stone chorten. The trail then descends to the Tang Valley. A two hr walk from the pass brings you to camp situated in an open field near a stream. Camp overnight.
Day 8 Bumthang Meadow Camp to Ugyenchoeling (2820 m) Begin an easy gentle walk downhill for 2 hrs. Temporary camp will be set up in the valley between two villages. The ancestral palace of Ugyenchoeling stands above camp from where their are excellent views. The trail follows the river past farm houses and fields before crossing a bridge over the trout filled Tang Chu river. Located on the west bank is the Tang Rimochen Lhakhang. The trail continues down a short distance to a village school. Board vehicles for 1 1/2 hr drive to Bumthang. Overnight at Hotel Druk or similar.
Day 9 Phobjika Valley Drive 4 1/2 hrs from Bumthang to the Phobjika valley, past golden fields of maize and grazing yaks. Tour this farming community with a visit to the resplendant 17th century Gangtey Gompa, an active school for novice monks. This area is also the home of the endangered black necked crane that migrate from the arid plains in the north to pass the winter in its milder and lower climes.
Day 10 Paro Take 5 hr drive to Paro. Overnight at Hotel Druk or similar.
Day 11 Paro A full day tour includes Taktsang monastery or "Tigers Nest" situated 800 m above the Paro valley, Kyichu Lhakhang - one of the holiest shrines in Bhutan, Ta Dzong museum and Drukgyel Dzong, a famous 17th century fortress that repelled many a Tibetan invasion. Later visit a typical farmhouse little changed over the centuries.
Day 12 Departure Transfer to airport for departure flight with Druk Air.
Hotels In order to make the travel experience more convenient and confortable, we have selected the following hotels in the various stops.
Cities
First Class
Tourists
Paro
Hotal Pemaling
Gantey Palace
Thimphu
Hotel Peling
Druk Sherig
Tongsa
Sherubling Lodge
same
Bumthang
Chenzom Lodge
same
Mongar
BTCL Lodge
same
Tashigang
BTCL Lodge
same
Samdrup Jongkar
Hotel Jigten
same
Cost includes: All accommodation in Bhutan, transfers, meals on trek and one escort throughout the trip.
Cost does not include: Visa fees ($20 payable on arrival), expenses of a private nature, ie; laundry, drinks, telephone calls, meals (unless specified), insurance, airport taxes, excess baggage charges and all manner of gratuities.
Special Intructions: The Royal Government of Bhutan permits independent travel (not in an organized group), but with added surcharges for groups of less than four participants. The surcharges are:
» For one person traveling alone $40 per day
» For each of two people traveling together $30 per day
» For each of three people traveling together $20 per day
Himalayan Treasures & Travels will be required to add these surcharges to all tours, either group or independent less than four people. Group tour members who add an extra night at the beginning or end of their tour will also be required to pay these surcharges for the additional nights. Your trip deposit is an acknowledgement of your acceptance of these surcharges should they apply. With the addition of these surcharges, it remains possible for visitors to tour Bhutan independently without joining a group; and we are able to guarantee all our group tour departures even if there are less then four participants.
Optional Tours Based on minimum of two persons- Costs are per person
Tibet
4 nights/5 days
$895
Glimpses of the Himalayas ( Darjeeling/Sikkim )
4 nights/5 days
$995
Chitwan Jungle Safari
3 nights/4 days
$385
Mountain Flight ( closeup views of the Himalayas )
$135
NOTE: Airfares quoted are estimates only and are based on West Coast departures (Los Angeles or San Francisco). A High season surcharge of $200 will be charched for departure during the following months:
June-July-August & December 1- January 15.
