Eclipse Bhutan - 18 July - 26 July 2009
8 night Package (From/To Bangkok)

Bhutan Land Arrangements & Package Inclusions:

 

All Inclusive Package Price US$2707.00  (per person twin share)

 

Saturday 18 July:

Early morning departure from your hotel for your Drukair flight to Bhutan.

Paro Valley to Thimphu Valley. (1 hr 30 mins)
 After clearing immigration and customs you will be greeted by your BTCL guide and driver and transferred by car to Thimphu, travelling through the spectacular countryside enroute to Bhutan’s capital. All the houses and buildings are painted and constructed in traditional Bhutanese style. Remainder of the day is at leisure to explore Thimphu, both by car and on foot. Visit the weekend market where everyone goes to buy an array of fresh fruits and vegetables, rice, chillies and many colourful local items such as yak tail duster, cups of butter tea, turquoise from Tibet, and musical instruments etc. For the more energetic take a hike (or travel by road) up to the telecom tower via the Takin Preserve to enjoy a stunning view of the valley, or why not enjoy a round of golf at one of the worlds highest courses.  
Overnight Thimphu– Traditional Bhutanese Hotel

 

Sunday 19 July:

At leisure in the Thimphu Valley today.
 This morning travel up the Thimphu valley and hike to the picturesque Cheri & Tango Goemba's.  Spend this afternoon sightseeing and walking in Thimphu and environs. Visit the national textile museum, handicraft centre or the national library that holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts.
Overnight Thimphu - Traditional Bhutanese Hotel

 

Monday 20 July:

Thimphu Valley to Punakha Valley. (3hrs 15mins)
 This morning you will be transferred by road eastwards across the Dochu La (Pass) to the Punakha Valley. Pass the Semtokha Dzong built in 1629 and once the oldest fortress of its kind that guarded the Thimphu valley. Today it is a Theological university.  Stop at Dochu La to view 108 Stupas and on a clear day you will witness a breathtaking view of the eastern Himalaya depending on the time of the year that you are visiting the vista can vary from alpine snow to a profusion of rhododendron blossoms splashed among the soft green of the wild herbs and forest trees. This afternoon visit Chimi Lhakhang, a monastery built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley (also known as the Divine Madman), is a 20 minute walk from the road at Sepsokha to the temple. It is believed that childless women who visit the temple will conceive after receiving a “wang” (blessing). Watch out for Great Black Cormorants fishing beside the river.
Overnight Punakha Valley – Traditional Bhutanese Hotel

 

Tuesday 21 July:

Punakha Valley to Phobjikha Valley. (3hrs)
This morning travel eastwards to Phobjikha via Wangdue Phodrang. When the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong comes into view, notice the large cacti that cover the hillside below. These were planted long ago to discourage invaders from climbing the steep slope to the Dzong. On your journey you can also view Rinchengang one of Bhutan’s oldest villages. This small village did not have access to water, electricity or schooling until the early 1990’s. The craftsmen of Rinchengang are sort after for their skills in construction of Dzongs and Lhakhangs (temples). Continue on to the Phobjikha valley, around the valley the only electricity is from solar or mini hydro plants. The valley is snowbound during the winter months. Potatoes are this regions primary cash crop and are exported to India. Phobjikha is a glacial valley on the western slopes of the Black Mountains and is one of the most beautiful open valleys in Bhutan.  It is also one of the most important wildlife preserves in the country and the winter home of the rare black necked crane.  There are also muntjaks (barking deer), wild boars, sambars, himalayan black bears, leopards and red foxes. While you are here why not stop and visit the Black Crane nature information centre, carpet factory and the sacred Gangtey Monastery.  Between late October and early February you can view the roosting place of the black cranes from a hide about 15 minute walk from the road.
Overnight Phobjikha Valley –Traditional Bhutanese Hotel

 

Wednesday 22 July:

At leisure in Phobjikha Valley.
Today’s the day to witness the solar eclipse. Exact location to view eclipse and timing to follow. Remainder of the day at leisure as per the above suggestions. There are numerous walks and short hikes to choose from in this region.
Overnight Phobjikha Valley –Traditional Bhutanese Hotel



 

 

Thursday 23 July:

Phobjikha Valley to Punakha Valley. (3hrs)
 At leisurely morning transfer to Punakha Valley. This afternoon visit the Punakha Dzong, the second of Bhutan’s Dzongs which previously served as the seat of the government. Punakha Dzong is still the winter residence of the Dratsheng (Central Monk Body) and holds the title as the winter capital because of its more temperate climate.
Overnight Punakha Valley – Traditional Bhutanese Hotel

 

 

Friday 24 July:

Punakha Valley to Paro Valley. (4 hrs 45 mins)
 This morning transfer westwards to the Paro Valley. Enjoy an orientation tour of the major features in the afternoon why not take a stroll up the Paro main street for some handicrafts and visit the Paro Dzong with its cantilever bridge.  If time permits visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum housed in an ancient watchtower and view the fine collection of ancient Thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons and other artifacts.
Overnight Paro Valley – Traditional Bhutanese Hotel

 

Saturday 25 July:

At leisure in the Paro Valley.
This morning hike to the Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) viewpoint. The round trip to the viewpoint takes about 2 hours, or right up and enter the monastery 5 hours. The monastery clings impossibly to a cliff of rock at 3000 ft above the valley floor and perhaps tour the old ruined fortress of the Drugyel Dzong, the historical site of the Fort of Drukpa Victory (14km from Paro) from which the Bhutanese used to repel the Tibetan invaders again and again. On a clear day views of the 24,000 ft snow domed peaks of sacred Mt Jhomolhari can be seen.
Overnight Paro Valley – Traditional Bhutanese Hotel

 

 

Special Note: Tonight is the time to tip your guide and driver



Sunday 26 July:

Early morning departure to Paro for your onward flight to Bangkok.
 
 

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