Overview
This cultural tour through the mystical Western valleys of Bhutan is an ideal introduction to the Dragon Kingdom. Experience Bhu-tanese hospitality, admire the ever-changing landscapes, and immerse yourself in Bhutan’s rich buddhist culture. Highlights in-clude Ta Dzong Museum, Rimpong Dzong with its wooden cantilevered bridge and the infamous Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) in the beautiful Paro Valley, The National Memorial Chorten, 12th century Changangkha Temple and the National Library exhibiting ancient scriptures in Bhutan’s capital Thimphu, and after crossing the 3050m Dochula Pass with spectacular Himalayan views, a journey into the sub-tropical Punakha Valley featuring the incredible the Punakha Dzong and Chimi Lhakang, temple of the ‘Divine Madman’.
Highlights
- Discover some of the most sacred Buddhist monasteries and temples in the Himalaya.
- Visit many cultural attractions including medieval fortresses (Dzongs), markets and museums.
- Hike up to the famous Taktsang Monastery, perched on a cliff 900m above the valley floor.
- Marvel at the elaborate and ancient wall paintings and carvings in Dzongs and temples.
- Traverse beautiful landscapes from lush valleys to dense forests.
Itinerary
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world, with a constantly changing panorama of some of the highest mountains on earth. This beautiful valley is home to many of Bhutan’s oldest monasteries and temples, and the country’s only international airport. After being welcomed with “Khadar” (traditional scarf), BDA representative will provide you with the necessary assistance for completion of all immigration and customs formalities. You will enjoy an exquisite lunch experience before transfer by deluxe 4WD to Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu. Remainder of the day is at leisure to settle in, relax, enjoy the hotel facilities or if you wish undertake a small tour of downtown Thimphu.
After breakfast, you will commence your sightseeing, with visits to the impressive Memorial Chorten (built by the Queen Mother in memory of for her late husband, the third King of Bhutan), the School of Arts and Crafts. The National Library, Folk Heritage and Textile Museums and a handicraft emporium. There will also be an opportunity to view the locals at work and play, perhaps even an archery contest (this being the national sport).
Today we travel to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan until 1955, and will stop off at Dochula Pass along the way. This popular tourist spot provides stunning 360-degree views of the Himalayas on a clear day. Then drive down into the lush valley to Wangduephodrang visiting Chimi Lhakhang.
Khamsum Yuley Temple - There is no temple in Bhutan built elaborately as this. This fascinating temple was built by the Queen Mother of the 5th King to bring universal peace in this world. The best of the spiritual art works are painted on the inner walls. There are also paintings of Buddhist teachers and tutelary deities of the country. This is a great temple to study the symbolic meanings from frescoes and sculptures.
Afternoon visit Punakha Dzong Placed strategically at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, the Dzong was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative seat of the region.
Home Visit - Visit a Bhutanese family at their home and share dinner over conversations. Take a peek into their lives and experience dining in a traditional Bhutanese home embraced by the warm hospitality of the family.
After breakfast we drive back to Paro, visit Ta Dzong, now housing the National Museum which displays antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons and a rich assortment of historic artifacts. You then walk to Rinpung Dzong, which has a long and fascinating history.
This morning we drive the winding road beside the Pa Chu (chu means river or w at er) to Satsam Chorten. From this point, we begin the challenging hike to Taktsang - "The Tiger's Nest." A vantage point directly across a gorge from the temple can be reached in about 2 hours. This magical monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff 2,000' above the valley floor. Legend says that Guru Padmasambhava flew to a cave on this cliff riding a tiger - hence the name - to meditate. The tiger was actually his favorite consort, Yeshe Tsogyel, whom he transformed to a flying tiger for the purposes of this journey. They meditated in the cave and when the Guru left he instructed that the monastery be built. Nothing like a day hike to finish your wonderful stay in Bhutan.
This evening is at your leisure. If want to see anything more, your guide will take your around. Your guide and a car will be with you for the entire duration of your stay in Bhutan.
Our guide and driver will be there to drop you up to Paro International Airport., Paro, Bhutan In the morning, after breakfast our representative from Bhutan Druk Adventure, will see you off at the Paro international airport for your onward flight.
Inclusion and Exclusion
What is included
- Private guided tour
- Visas for Bhutan
- Airport transfers
- Daily 3 meals (B/L/D)
- Accommodation
- A qualified & licensed English-speaking guide
- An experienced driver
- A tour vehicle
- Entry fees & road permits
- Government fee, royalty, taxes & surcharges
- Mineral bottled water
- Laundry service on a daily basis
- Full service & assistance before, during and after your Bhutan trip
What's Excluded
- Flight into Bhutan (can be arranged with us)
- Flight on other airline to catch Drukair Flight
- Meals at 4-5 stars restaurants
- Hotel stay outside of Bhutan
- Expenditure of personal nature
- Travel Insurance (can be arranged with us)
- Tips for the guide and driver
- Alcoholic drink
- Special Offer :
- Do you have a group of 10 or more? You may qualify for a special group rate. Allow us to make sure your group travels happy and confidently.
FAQs
If you plan to travel to Bhutan, you must work with a local travel agent. Then, once you have chosen a local outfitter to handle your trip and selected a date, they will work with you to plan out a comprehensive itinerary of the things you want to do. There will be a guide along for the entire trip. There will be no problem adding anything not on your itinerary by your guide.
Visitors of all nationalities, except those from India, require a visa before entering Bhutan. For all visitors, except those from Bangladesh and the Maldives, this visa must be applied for and approved in advance of travel. Visitors from Bangladesh and the Maldives also require a visa, but this can be applied for and approved either in advance of travel or upon arrival in Bhutan.
Visitors from India are able to apply for a permit but are required to hold an Indian passport or an Indian voter ID card. For Indian nationals under the age of 18, a passport or a birth certificate can be used to enter and they must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
Nationals from Switzerland and Thailand holding diplomatic or government-official passports are eligible for a visa at their port of entry.
All 3 meals per day, all taxes and surcharges, entries into point of interest, daily mineral water, a guide, a driver and a car. Most aspects of your travel have been covered except for shopping and alcoholic drinks.
Yes, 3 stars hotels are included in the package. However you can upgrade to 4 and 5 star hotels
Bhutan’s currency is called ngultrum. It’s 1:1 with Indian rupees.
Three different electrical plugs are used throughout Bhutan: the British plug (three square pins, compatible with type G sockets), the European plug (two round pins, compatible with type C socket) and the Indian plug (three thick round pins, compatible with type D sockets). It’s a good idea to bring adaptors for all three.
For telephone calls, Bhutan’s country code is +975. Make sure you add this to the beginning of any number if calling Bhutan from abroad.
Yes. All visitors must have full, valid travel insurance for the duration of their visit. For all visitors except those from India, Bangladesh and the Maldives, it is required to be in place when you make your visa application.
Visitors from India, Bangladesh and the Maldives have the option to purchase domestic travel insurance at their port of entry.
Bhutan is a very safe place to visit, even if you’re travelling alone. There is very little crime experienced by locals or visitors, although we advise you to take care of yourself and your belongings. In some areas you may encounter stray dogs – please be cautious around them as they are not domesticated. They normally keep their distance, but please stay away from them as much as possible, especially if travelling with children. Please don’t feed or pat these or any other wild animals.
Bhutan’s physical environment presents occasional safety hazards, including flooding and landslides. From June to September the monsoons can affect transport and services. Check with your hotel or tour operator for possible disruptions.
