Hidden in the eastern Himalayas between India and China (Tibet), this tiny kingdom, practically unknown to the outside world, presents a most fascinating yet an untouched natural beauty, unique culture and ancient traditions. Bhutan is truly SHANGRILA, a mythical country hidden deep in the mountains. For centuries isolated, inaccessible and forbidden, this Himalayan Kingdom cautiously opened its borders to curious visitors. Travellers to Bhutan will experience the enchantment of a pure and exotic land, through its ancient fortresses, monasteries and temples, with their imposing architecture and superb art, that dot the country side. Bhutan is endowed with breathtaking natural beauty, surrounded by sacred mountains, virgin peaks and holy lakes. Bhutan is definitely one of the world's most exclusive tourist destinations.

Trip Informaton

Activities:

Tour

Departure:

Any day during season

Max Altitudes:

7570m

Trip Duration:

8 days

Trip Grade:

Moderate

Accommodation:

Hotel in city

Meals:

Full board on trek, breakfast in city

Transportation:

Private jeep

Best Season:

September-November & March-May

Driving hours:

4-6hrs per day

Day 01

Transfer to Airport in the morning fly to Parao . Meet our representative at the airport and drive to Thimpu. Overnight at hotel.

Day 02

Sightseeing of Thimpu: Morning visit to colorful vegetable market; the Memorial Chorten and the National Library. After lunch visit the Handmade Paper Factory & the School of Thangka Painting; stroll about town.

Day 03

Thimpu to Punakha and Wangdiphodrang. Early morning scenic drive on the mountain route towards the former capital of Bhutan passing through the Dochula pass (alt. 10,000 feet); stunning scenery of Himalayan ranges. Descend to Punakha & tour the town. After picnic lunch by the Wangdi River continue to Wangdiphodrang Dzong, the most picturesque in Bhutan.

Day 04

Punakha to Phubjika ( Gangtey) Excursion to serene Gangtey valley, home of the rare black-necked cranes that fly over Tibet in the winter; visit the Gangtey monastery.

Day 05

Gangtey to Paro via Thimpu. Retrace the way via the Simtokha Dzong the oldest one in Bhutan. After lunch visit hospital for Traditional Medicine; National Library. Continue to Paro. Overnight at hotel.

Day 06

Sightseeing of Paro. In the morning visit the fortified tower Ta Dzong, now a natural history museum- one of finest in Asia, the impressive Drukgyel Dzong ruins (monastery fortress) and Kyichu Temple of 7th century. Overnight at hotel.

Day 07

Takstang Retreat.Today you will hike up to Takstang monastery situated in a cliff overlooking the valley. This is the highlight of your trip. You will walk back to Paro. Overnight at hotel.

Day 08

After breakfast transfer to airport and fly to Kathmandu.

Service Includes:

• Twin sharing room in the best available accommodation mode (hotel or tourist cottage)
• All meals, overland transportation within Bhutan (Japanese vehicles)
• Sight seeing as per itinerary with English speaking guide
• Necessary airport/hotel/airport transfers, cultural shows.
• In TREKS, accommodation in the best available tents (MOSS), with all meals, air pillows, sheets, hot water bottles, dinning tents, kitchen tents, toilet tents backed by our skillfull and experienced crew.

Service Excludes:

• Airfare, air port taxes,
• BHUTAN VISA fee (USD 20 payable at airport upon arrival)
• NEPAL re-entry visa fee, drinks at hotels, lodges and expenses of personal nature such as laundry, tips, insurance, etc.

VISA

Foreign travellers must possess a visa for Bhutan which is granted initially for 14 days. While the actual visa is stamped on arrival in Bhutan upon payment of US $20, visitors need to obtain visa clearance from the Tourism Authority of Bhutan (TAB) in advance. The visa can be extended in Thimpu for up to six months. The operator making your travel arrangements will handle the official formalities.

GETTING THERE AND AROUND

Druk Air, Bhutan's airline, operates flights to Paro from Bangkok, Kolkata, Dhaka, Kathmandu and New Delhi. The overland entry/exit point is from the Indian state of West Bengal into Phuntsholing in southwest Bhutan. Phuntsholing is four hours’ drive from Bagdogra, the nearest Indian airport, and seven hours' drive from both Gangtok (Sikkim) and Darjeeling. The drive from Phuntsholing to Thimpu takes six hours.

Transport within the country is provided by tour operators who have their own fleet of luxury buses. All major places of interest are connected by paved roads.

GENERAL INFO

Bhutan has a strip of plain in the south, a network of valleys in the central parts and over 7,000-m high mountains in the north.

Tariff: The Department of Tourism has set minimum tariffs which are different for the high and low seasons. Individuals and groups of less than four persons must pay a surcharge. The rates are the same for both cultural tours and treks.

Season: March-May and September-November are the high season months, while June, July and December-February comprise the low season. Bring cotton or light woolen wear in summer (maximum temperature 30 degrees Celsius) and heavy woolens and down jacket in winter (minimum 1.1 degrees Celsius).

Adventure: Trekking and mountaineering.

Accommodation: Modern hotels are available in Thimpu. The outlying areas have comfortable resorts and lodges.

Religion/Culture

The State religion is Drukpa Kagyupa a branch of Mahayana Buddhism. It has been institutionalized in the Dratshang (Central Monk Body), headed by the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) who is chosen from among the most learned Lamas and enjoys an equal rank with the King. Bhutan is the only country in the world to have adopted Mahayana Buddhism in its Tantric form as its official religion. The Buddhist faith has played and continues to play a fundamental role in the cultural, ethical and sociological development of Bhutan and its people. It permeates all strands of secular life.

Climate

Summer (June-August) is pleasant but wet due to the monsoons .Winter (December-February) is cold with temperatures dropping below zero. The daytime is pleasant with clear blue skies. Spring (March-May) is the best time of the year-pleasant weather with plenty of greenery, Autumn (September-November) is similar to spring but warmer.

People

Bhutanese are of a Mongolian decent who originally migrated to the country in the 7th Century. A nomadic and pastoral society at first, they gradually turned to agriculture in the fertile valleys. There are three main ethnic groups - the Ngalongs in the western and central regions are the descendants of Tibetan immigrants who arrived in Bhutan from the 9th century. The Sharchops who live in the east of the country, are recognized as the original inhabitants of Bhutan. The third group is known as Lhotshampas. They represent the Nepali speaking ethnic group. The total population of Bhutan is about 600,000.

Dzongs:

These massive fortress-monasteries decorate most hill-tops and valleys. They serve as the administrative headquarters and are the focus of secular and religious authority in each district.

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From Our Client

Stuart Rawlings

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