Introduction
From the heights of Taktsang overlooking fertile rice fields, to magical dance dramas played out in the great monasteries, observe Bhutan's many scenic and cultural landscapes. Its monastic and village life, colorful festivals and much more await us on this amazing eight day journey.
ITINERARY:
Day 1 Paro On arrival at Paro airport take a short scenic drive to your hotel. Paro at 2300 m is located in a beautiful wooded valley with terraced farmland nourished by the Paro Chu river.
Day 2 Thimpu AM visit the Ta Dzong Museum and Drukgyel Dzong - this famous 17th century fortress repelled many a Tibetan invasion. The ruins provide an interesting study into the unique construction of Dzongs. Later visit the monastery of Taktsang "tigers nest", sitting snugly among Himalayan cedars on a precipitious cliff face 800 m above the Paro valley. PM Drive two hrs to Thimpu, capital of Bhutan. Check into hotel on arrival.
Day 3 Thimphu Explore the Thimphu valley and its many monasteries and places of interest. Visit the Memorial Chorten, a three storied shrine built in memory of King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, the School of Painting where students receive formal training in the art of traditional painting, sculpture and woodcarving, and a goldsmiths workshop in nearby Dechencholing village 8 kms north of Thimphu. The Handicraft Emporium and Market square are the other places of interest especially for those seeking souvenirs.
Day 4 Punakha AM The tour begins with a visit to the indigenous hospital, the only one of its kind in the kingdom, and Dhurbthop Lhakhang nunnery where the reincarnation of the Goddess Dorji Phamo resides. Drive 2 1/2 hrs to Punakha, ancient capital of Bhutan. Once in its scenic environs visit Punakha Dzong, winter residence of the Je Khenpo and religious head of Bhutan. Spend night at Hotel Zangopelri or Dechen Cottage.
Day 5 Tongsa Enroute to Tongsa visit the Wangdiphodrang Dzong, gateway to central Bhutan. The massive Wangdiphodrang Dzong sits on a ridge overlooking the village and is the site of the annual Tsechu dance festival. The drive from Punakha to Tongsa takes a scenic and pleasurable 4 1/2 hours. Check into the BTCL Lodge.
Day 6 Bumthang From Tongsa drive 67 kms to Bumthang. Bumthang has an individuality that charms visitors and separates it from other regions. The small town of Jakar which is the administrative headquaters of this region is famous for its honey production, cheese, apples and apricots. Bhumthang is also the traditional home to the great Buddhist teacher Pema Lingpa to whose descendants the present dynasty traces its ancestry. Spend night at Hotel Wangdicholing.
Day 7 Phobjika A drive south through the mountains past golden fields of maize and yaks brings you to Phobjika. Begin the day touring 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. After lunch drive to Dechen Cottage at Mendegang and spend a leisurely afternoon hiking or enjoy a traditional herbal stone bath. Spend the night at the rustic Phuntsocholing Guest House.
Day 8 Paro After a 5 1/2 hour drive to Paro spend the afternoon at leisure. Overnight at Hotel Druk.
Day 9 Departure Transfer to airport for flight home on Druk Air
Rates
Tashi Deleg Tour
4 or more person
Air Fare
Budget
Pls
call
Pls
call
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
Punakha
Dechhen Cottage
Wangdi
Tongsa
Sherubling Lodge
same
Bumthang
Chenzom Lodge
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
Pls
call
Glimpses of the Himalayas ( Darjeeling/Sikkim )
4 nights/5 days
Pls
call
Chitwan Jungle Safari
3 nights/4 days
Pls
call
Mountain Flight ( closeup views of the Himalayas )
