Introduction
Previously , roads through passes made Bhutan accessible only from the south and west, but since 1983 Dragon Airlines has made travel here relatively easier. The government of Bhutan, although limiting entry only to a few thousand visitors a year, has provided a unique opportunity to see first hand a rich and unique culture. View the Eastern Himalaya, explore historic Dzongs scattered throughout the kingdom, and visit colorful villages and farming communities, little changed over the centuries.
ITINERARY:
Day 1 Paro Arrive Paro by Druk Air. The flight offers you beautiful views of the Eastern Himalaya. On arrival transfer to hotel. Spend the day at leisure. Overnight at the Kichu Resort.
Day 2 Paro-Thimphu Paro Sightseeing-visit the ruined fortress of Drugyel dzong. Mount Chomolhari can be seen towering over the valley. Proceed later to the watch tower known as Ta-Dzong. A short walk downhill brings you to Rinpung Dzong which serves as the administrative center and school for monks. Later walk across a traditional bridge into Paro Town. Later drive 2 hrs to Thimphu.
Day 3 Thimphu Visit the Indigenous hospital where traditional medicine is still practiced, the Arts & Crafts school, the National library, the Royal goldsmithÕs workshop and Handicraft centers. PM visit the Memorial chorten. Also visit the 15 century Changangkha monastery, the Motithang mini zoo to see the rare "Takin" (national animal of Bhutan) and then take a short drive for grand views of the Thimphu valley. Enroute visit the new Drupthob nunnery. Evening spend at leisure or visit the local market.
Day 4 Wangduephodrang Drive 3 hrs to Wangduephodrang via Punakha crossing the Dochula pass. View the Eastern Himalaya including the highest mountain in Bhutan Mt.Gangar Punsum at 7520 m. You drop in elevation to the lower and warmer valleys of Lobesa. Visit Punakha Dzong which was the old capital. This remarkable fortress is built between two rivers. Proceed 45 minutes to Wangduepho- drang and view the Dzong from outside and stroll around the market area.
Day 5 Wangduephodrang Take a day excursion to Gangtey Gompa valley. The only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan is located here. This beautiful valley is also home to the rare Black Necked Cranes that migrate from the Tibetan plateau in the winter. Explore this fascinating glacial valley and then return to your hotel.
Day 6 Bumthang Drive 6 to 7 hours crossing 3 passes over 3000 meters. The route offers magnificent views of the Himalayas through scattered hamlets and forests of rhododendronÕs and pine. A picnic lunch will be served at Chendebji chorten. Arrive at a small town known as Trongsa and its impressive Trongsa Dzong. Proceed to Bumthang and visit Chume Weaving Center enroute.
Day 7 Bumthang Bumthang is situated at an altitude of 2600m and has an individuality that charms its visitors. The region of Bumthang is shrouded in religious legend but is also known for its woolen material (yathra) which can be seen displayed outside of houses for sale. The local sightseeing includes a visit to Jakar Dzong, Jambay Lhakhang, the Kurjey monastery, and the Tamshing and Kunchosum monasteries. This excursion is more interesting done on foot.
Day 8 Bumthang Take a 2 hr excursion to Ura village and visit the new Ura Monastery. Enroute visit Mebartso or the "burning lake". Stroll around the village before retiring to your hotel In the evening walk to the Swiss farm where apple juice, cider and cheese are made.
Day 9 Wangduephodrang Drive back to Wangduephodrang.
Day 10 Thimphu/Paro Drive 3-4 hrs to Paro via Lobesa. Take a short walk through farm houses and fields to Chimme Lhakhang dedicated to one of the most famous saints in Bhutan. Lunch at Thimphu and drive to Paro. visit the oldest building in Bhutan - Simtokha Dzong. It now serves as a Buddhist university.
Day 11 Paro Take a day hike to Taktsang monastery. The hike uphill takes about 2-3 hours through villages and pine forests. The monastery clings to a huge granite cliff 800 meters above the Paro valley. Stroll back to the Resort. Spend your evening at leisure. Overnight Kichu Resort.
Day 12 Departure Transfer to the airport where your guide will help you with final departure formalities before boarding your flight home.
Rates
Bhutan
4 or more person
Air Fare
Budget
$2088
$1680
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.
