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Bhutan Cultural Itineraries #8
Bhutan Tours main page

(Itinerary below.)

Even a journey of a thousand miles must start with a first step. While you may not intend to go far when you come to Bhutan for a walking holiday, every step you take will bring you closer to a vast richness of landscape and culture best experienced on foot.

Out in the wilds of nature, you will discover who you really are, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. You will have peace and quiet to listen to your inner calm, bringing out a side of your personality that you may have thought you had forgotten. Whether you are walking alone, with your loved ones or as a part of a group, sooner or later you will come to realize that these quite moments alone with nature are parts of what life is all about.

Fresh mountain air. A clean healthy environment. Imposing mountain ranges. Babbling rivers, crystal clear lakes and friendly local people. All these are to be savored on your walking tour in the Dragon Kingdom of Bhutan.

 

 

Itinerary:

Day 1
BANGKOK-PARO
The flight to Paro is a befitting introduction to Bhutan - an untouched pristine wilderness. Upon arrival our Bhutan representatives will meet you and transfer to your Bhutanese home - traditionally styled hotel. Afternoon lunch visit the National Museum of Bhutan and Paro Dzong. Dinner and overnight at hotel
Day 2
PARO
Day Excursion to Taktshang Monastery literally known as Tiger's Nest. Lunch at the Taktshang Cafeteria. Dinner and overnight at hotel. 
Day 3
PARO-THIMPHU
Morning you will hike to Kila Goenpa - a nunnery. There are superb view on all directions - the Haa Valley, Taktshang Goenpa and the Paro valley. Lunch at hotel and after lunch you will drive to Thimphu - the capital of Bhutan. Dinner and overnight at hotel. 
Day 4
THIMPHU
After breakfast, you will visit the National Library. Next you will visit the Institute for Zorig Chusum (Painting School), Traditional Paper Factory. Return to hotel for lunch. After lunch you will visit the Cheri Goenpa - a monastery built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1620. Evening at leisure. Dinner and overnight at hotel
Day 5
THIMPHU
Day excursion to the 13th century Phadoding Monastery built by Phajo Drugom Zhigpo. Lunch box will be served on route. Dinner and overnight at hotel.
Day 6
THIMPHU-PUNAKHA
After breakfast you will drive to Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan. On a clear day panoramic views of the eastern Himalayas can be had, including Bhutan's highest mountain, Mt. Gangkar Punsum (7550 m). Check in and lunch at hotel. After lunch you hike to Chimi Lhakhang. Return to hotel. Dinner and overnight at hotel.
Day 8
PUNAKHA-TRONGSA
Today  is a long day drive to Trongsa but it is a journey you are not likely to forget. Lunch box will be served near the Choeten. After lunch resume your journey to Trongsa. Evening explore the Trongsa town. Dinner and overnight at hotel.
Day 9
TRONGSA-BUMTHANG (JAKAR)
In the morning you will wander around the Trongsa Township and visit the watchtower above the main dzong. Lunch in Trongsa. After lunch you will drive to Bumthang. Dinner and overnight at lodge.
Day 10
BUMTHANG
You will start your day with the visit to Jambay Lhakhang. Then you will visit the Kurjey Lhakhang, Tamzhing Monastery - Kuenchosum Lhakhang - a temple of the Triple Gem. From here your transport will take you to the Swiss Farm. Lunch at a restaurant in town. After lunch you will visit the Thangbi Goenpa to the north of Kurjey Lhakhang. Evening you will visit the Jakar Dzong "Fortress of the white bird". Dinner and overnight at hotel.
Day 11
BUMTHANG
Day excursion to Ura. On route you will hike two kilometers each way to visit Membertsho, which literally means the "Burning Lake." Lunch box will be served in Ura. Dinner and overnight at hotel.
Day 12
BUMTHANG-WANGDIPHODRANG
After breakfast you will say good-bye to Jakar to go to Wangdiphodrang. On route visit the Ta Dzong (Watch Tower) in Trongsa Tea stop in Trongsa. Resume the journey to Wangdiphodrang. Lunch box will be served at Chendebji Choeten. Dinner and overnight at hotel.
Day 13
WANGDIPHODRANG-PARO VIA THIMPHU
Today you go to Paro for your final night in this country. You will stop in Thimphu for lunch and you do the final shopping you may have. Afternoon you drive to Paro. Farewell dinner and overnight at hotel.
Day 14
PARO-BANGKOK
After breakfast you will drive to Paro International Airport for your onward destination. Our Bhutan representative will assist you with check in formalities and bid you farewell.

What's included & What is not:

Included in Land Cost:

-Accommodation on twin sharing basis
-All meals
-Transfer as per itinerary
-The services of knowledgeable English speaking guide
-Monument fees
-35 % Royalty taxes to the Government 
      

Excluded from Land Cost:

-Druk Air airfare
-Tourism Development Fund (US$ 10 per visit)

-Visa Fees (US$ 20 for two weeks)
-Excess baggage & Airport Tax (Approximately US$ 10)
-Personal items like laundry & toiletries
-International airfare 

-Medical, Evacuation and Trip Cancellation Insurance. (The coverage is required to join our tours. It is for your protection, your health and travel investment, and it is available through underwriters we work with, for all nationalities, and well worth the nominal costs. Upon booking your tour we will provide you with a link to the underwriter’s website where you can select a policy and coverage that will best suit your needs and purchase the policy direct at their website.)

What to pack

Clothing: Down or fiber filled waterproof jacket and trousers, sweater or fleece jacket, underwear, warm and cotton trousers or jeans, shirts and T-shirts, shorts, wool hat, sun hat, gloves.

Footwear: Well broken-in walking shoes, thick socks, light socks.

Other Equipments: Daypack, water bottle, sun cream, sunglasses, flashlight with spare bulbs and batteries.

Other Items: Diary, personal medical kit, camera.

 

DATES

13 nights/14 days;
10th May - 23rd May, 2005  
20th Sept - 3rd Oct, 2005
Group Size 3 to11 Persons

Trip Costs
Price Per Person US$ 2740.-
Plus:
DRUK AIR  AIRFARE:
1.
Bangkok/Paro/Bangkok:
US$ 740 (Round Trip)
2.
Delhi/Paro/Delhi: US$ 650 (Round Trip)
3.
Kathmandu/Paro/Kath.(Round Trip): US$ 400
4.
Kolkata/Paro/Kolkata: US$ 400 (Round Trip)

***The airfares are inclusive of US$ 5 each sector (US$ 10 - round trip) charged by Druk Air as the fuel surcharge in effect as of  September 2004.

PLEASE REMEMBER THAT DURING THE HIGH SEASON MONTHS IT CAN BE DIFFICULT TO CONFIRM DRUK AIR SEATS. THEREFORE, WE RECOMMEND YOU BOOK THE TOUR WELL IN ADVANCE SO WE CAN  ENSURE CONFIRMED DRUK AIR SEATS FOR YOU!

 

The above prices are check-only prices; credit card payments - US banks plus 3%, foreign banks plus 4%

Difficulty Level

Easy

Single Room Supplement

US$ 390.-

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