To Travel is to Live
-
One Week Bhutan
One Week Bhutan
Trip cost: $1899 USD
This piece of Heaven is blessed with varied climatic conditions ranging from subtropical to the frigid reaches of almost 25000 feet snow capped ranges of Tibetan border. Hence, Bhutan is blessed with a wealth of flora and fauna, magnificent mountains, dense forests and crystalline air. On top of that, this unspoiled country with majestic mountains has a unique cultural heritage preserved for many centuries, an architectural style like no other that make it a land full of warm hearted, self-sufficient and friendly people, superb art and eye-catching architecture, without beggars or crime. In fact, The Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan is truly a Paradise.
Bhutan was on a self imposed isolation up to 1974 becoming one of the world’s most exclusive tourists destinations as has managed to preserve the country’s pristine environment and its culture from the harmful effects of industrialisation and mass tourism on the environment and the traditional lifestyle of Bhutanese.
Definitely, this trip is compared to no other and will truly leave no one indifferent to Bhutan amazing architecture, monasteries and culture.
Itinerary
Hide All
1
Day 01:Arrival at Paro Airport, pick up & drive to the capital city Thimphu. Altitude: 2320m/ 7656ft.
The flight into the Himalayas reveals scenic and breathtaking views of Himalayan Mountains of the world. If the weather allows it you’ll be able to see Mt Everest (8848m, 29,198ft) and other Himalayan Mountain ranges.
Upon arrival at Paro you’ll meet with the guide who will greet you to the Kingdom and drive you to the capital city of Thimphu (1 hour 30 minutes drive).
On the way to Thimphu you’ll visit, Tamchhog Lhakhang. Located on the opposite side of the river, this temple was built by Thang Thong Gyalpo of Tibet, who built numerous iron bridges throughout Bhutan.
After checking into the hotel there’ll be a guided visit to,
Zorig Chusum Institute (Thirteen Crafts), It was established in 1971 by the Royal Government in order to preserve the invaluable heritage and promote the arts of Bhutan. The two main objectives of the institute are a) to preserve and promote the traditional arts and crafts and b) to create job opportunities for the underprivileged group of the society, school dropouts and unemployed youths.
Paper factory, the handmade paper making in Bhutan stemmed from the age old tradition originat-ed in 8th century of Bhutanese history. The handmade paper constitutes as valuable National herit-age of Bhutanese cultural identity and is preserved through all the ages. The Traditional paper is recognized and held high esteem both in home and outside world.
Mini zoo, home of the Takin, Bhutan’s national animal, an extremely rare member of the goat family which is found in herds at very high altitudes (4.000m and above) and live off grass and bamboo. It’s the only animal living at this zoo.
Sangaygang View Point, with truly breathtaking views of the entire city of Thimpu and beyond.
Kuenselcholing hilltop, is where the largest Buddha statue in the world is located.
Tashichho Dzong, or “Fortress of Glorious Religion” was built in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. It houses the secretariat building, the throne room and the office of the king, and the central monk body.
Overnight at Thimphu.
2
Day 02:Guided tour through Thimpu
The jouney starts with a short hike to Cheri Monastery, including Dodina and Jigme Dorji Wild life Sanctuary). Takes around an hour to do the entire walk that leds to Cheri Goemba (Cheri Dorji Dhen) and back while enjoying spoting all kind of beautiful and rare birds as Mrs Gould’s Sunbird, Yellow-browed Tit, Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, Long-billed Thrush, Ultramarine Flycatcher. The monastery was built in 1620 and established the first monk body here by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, a Tibetan Buddhist Lama and the unifier of Bhutan as a nation-state. The visit continues to the weekend market, held every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the people crowd and the stalls all dressed their colorful traditional costumes, gathered to meet and ready to barter, becomes a great opportunity to get involved in Bhutanese daily life.
Memorial Chorten, constructed in 1974 as a memorial for the third King of the country, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who is widely regarded as the father of modern Bhutan.
Thangtong Dewachen(Nunnery), was founded in 1976 by Rikey Jadrel, who is considered as emanation of Thangthong Gyalpo(1363 – 1485), the builder of numerous iron chain bridges across the Himalayas.
Later in the afternoon there’ll be free time to relax, stroll around the city and maybe do some shop-ping.
In the evening, dinner with cultural show of traditional and modern dance of Bhutan.
Overnight in Thimphu.
3
Day 03:Thimpu to Punakha / Wangdue (1350m/4455ft) 3 hours drive
The day starts with a beautiful morning drive towards Punakha going across the Dochula Pass (3140m, 10362ft) from where a panoramic view of the Himalayan Mountain range astonishes the travellers with its magnificence, especially in clear winter days. Its beauty is further enhanced by the Druk Wangyal Chortens, a 108 stupas built by the eldest Queen, Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck. On our way we’ll do a short and easy hike to Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of fertility) built by lama Drukpa Kuenley (The Divine Madman) in 1499. This is a thirty minutes walk across fields from the road. Wooden phalluses are often found hanging in the four corners of the houses and painted on their walls in order to drive away evil spirits.
Overnight in Punakha.
4
Day 04:Punakha to Paro (Altitude: 2280m/ 7524ft.)
This morning we’ll hike to Kham Sum Yule Lhakhang Monastey, built by HRH Azhi (Queen) Tshering Pem Wangchuck for a successful rule during the reign of the present King, His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck. It took 8 years to build and was consecrated in December 1999. It’s around 45 minutes hike from the road point. The visit continues with
Punakha Dzong (fortress), built in 1637 by Zhabdrung which is remarkably located between the rivers of Mo (Female) Chu (river) and Pho (Male) Chu. Until the time of second king it served as a seat of the king. The journey follows with a scenic 4 hours drive to Paro. Upon arrival visit Rimpung Dzong, fortress of the heap of jewels. It was built in 1644 during the time of Zhabdrung, a deeply revered dynamic political and spiritual leader. The fortress houses administrative and monastic bodies. It is also the venue for the Paro festival (Tsechu), held during spring season (March/April). The main highlight of Paro festival is that it has the unfurling of the one of the oldest Thongdol, a gigantic scroll painting.
Kichu Lhakhang Monastery, is one of the two most sacred and the oldest temples in Bhutan, built in 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. It is believed that he took the responsibility to built 108 temples in the different regions of Tibet, Bhutan and in other Himalayan regions to control evil spirits, disease and droughts out of which two of them are in Bhutan, Kichu Lhakhang in Paro and Jambay Lhakhang in Bumthang.
Overnight in Paro.
5
Day 05:Guided tour at Paro
Best for last, the day stars with a visit to Bhutan’s most recognizable cultural icon perched 800m/2640ft up a seemingly sheer cliff. That is Taktshang Monastery or Tiger’s nest and Alt-hough Tiger’s nest was tragically and mysteriously consumed by fire in April 1998 it was restored to its former glory. It is believed that in the 8th century, the great tantric master Guru Rimopche/ Pad-masambhava (2nd Buddha) flew on the back of a tigress to the site where the monastery now stands. Due to its location the only way to get there is through a beautiful short hike of 3h(to and fro). A complimentary horse ride will be provided to you.
Later visit, Ta Dzong (Nationam Museum). The building served as a watch tower during the 17th century to guard the region from the Tibetan invasion and converted to National Museum in 1968.
Follows a visit to a Farmhouse where to experience a typical Bhutanese meal, taking hot stone bath getting a different variation, and a chance to see the inside of such a home, rather than just the brightly decorated exteriors. (A complimentary visit with hot stone bath will be provided)
At late afternoon there will be free time to walk around town and get involved in Bhutanese life.
Overnight in Paro
6
Day 06:Departure from Paro
Early breakfast at the hotel and then drive to the airport. Your escort will assist you with exit formali-ties and bid you farewell.
Cost Includes:
Cities:
- Arrival & Departure with private transfers on both international and domestic flights,
- Hotel Accommodation using 4* hotel, in a double/ Twin-sharing Basis with breakfast. (Check single supplementary cost)
- Guided tour of the city with Private tours to the cultural, historical and heritage sites as per mentioned on the itinerary.
- Assistance for the trekking gears and the shopping for the trekking equipment if required.
- Private internal transportation as per mentioned in itinerary.
- Welcome and farewell dinner in Kathmandu (one of then dinner with cultural Dance)
Cost Excludes:
- Meals on the cities except Farewell and Welcome Dinner.
- Nepal entry visa fee US$45 for one month which you will get it in to Kathmandu airport on upon arrival,Personal trekking equipment
- Items of a personal nature expenses such as alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry, mineral water, hot shower, battery charge, Telephone, etc..
- Tips for trekking/ tour guide & porters (expected, not mandatory)
- International airfare and airport taxes, excess baggage charges.
- Valid Travel Insurance with Medical evacuation in case of emergency
- Expenses incurred due to accidents, landslide, strikes, political unrest, etc
You May Also Like
Associate Certifications
Associated with:
Nepal for Natural Conservation