2012 Costs: Bhutan Mini-Explorer.
Peak Season (P): MAR-MAY & SEP-NOV.
Regular Season (R): Remainder of year.
- 3+ persons tvlg together: P US$2626.00 pp R US$2172.00 pp
- 2 persons tvlg together: P US$3001.00 pp R US$2557.00 pp
- 1 person tvlg alone: P US$3126.00 pp R US$2686.00 pp
Your Bhutan Land Package Inclusions:
- Professional english speaking guide & driver with SUV/minibus.
- All touring & transfers throughout your journey.
- Traditional 3 star hotel (or Farm Stay) accom with private bathrooms.
- All meals.
- Entrance Fees and sightseeing.
- Visa fees, Government Royalties and Taxes.
- Professionally operated by Bhutan Tourism Corporation – BTCL.
- If trekking tented campsites replace hotels
- When trekking additional support crew and ponies are included.
Your Bhutan land package excludes:
- Airfares to/from Bhutan.
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, phone calls. medications, tips etc.
- Travel Insurance which is mandatory to be granted a visa to enter Bhutan.
Day 1
Paro Airport to Thimphu City (1 hrs 30mins)
After clearing immigration and customs you will be greeted by your BTCL guide and driver and transferred to Bhutan’s capital Thimphu, travelling through the spectacular countryside enroute. All the houses and buildings in the Kingdom are painted and constructed in traditional Bhutanese style. Enjoy the remainder of the day to explore Thimphu, both by vehicle and on foot. Your options this afternoon include a visit to the national textile museum, handicraft centre or just enjoy wandering through Thimphu’s city streets .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.
Overnight Thimphu – Bhutanese Style 3* Hotel
Day 2
Sightseeing in the Thimphu Valley today.
This morning travel north up the Thimphu valley and hike through the forest to either picturesque Cheri or Tango Goemba, En route view the magestic Trashi Chhoe Dzong, the seat of Bhutan’s government and royal offices and, time permitting, pay a visit to Pangri Zampa – two 16th century buildings that now house a monastic training school for astrologers. Other options for places of interest to visit are the national library, which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts, Zorig Chusum – the Institute of the 13 arts and crafts of Bhutan & where you can interact with the students, the National Textiles Museum and perhaps a visit to the Folk Heritage Museum or the weekend market (Fri-Sun) where everyone goes to buy an array of fresh fruits and vegetables, rice, chilies and many colourful local items such as yak tail duster, cups of butter tea, turquoise from Tibet, and musical instruments etc.
Overnight Thimphu – Bhutanese Style 3* Hotel
Day 3
Thimphu to Phobjikha Valley (5 hours)
This morning you will be transferred by road eastwards to the Phobjikha Valley via the town of Wangdue. En route pass the Semtokha Dzong built in 1629, the oldest fortress of its kind that guarded the Thimphu valley, and which today it is a Theological university. Continue ascending to Dochu La (pass) to view the 108 Stupas, commissioned by a former Queen as a memorial to those who lost their lives during the low intensity conflict in late 2002 when Bhutan evicted Indian rebels camped in the jungle on the Bhutan – Indian border. On a clear day you will witness a breathtaking view of the eastern Himalaya and depending on the time of the year the vista can vary from alpine snow (November – March) to a profusion of blossoms (March – May) splashed among the soft green of the wild herbs and forest trees.
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. From the road view Rinchengang, one of Bhutan’s oldest villages, which did not have access to water, electricity or schooling until the early 1990’s.The craftsmen of Rinchengang are sought after for their skills in construction of Dzongs and Lhakhangs (temples).
Until recently the Phobjikha valley’s only electricity came from solar or mini hydro plants. In 2011 underground cabled electricity is gradually connecting the valley to the national grid. Potatoes are this region’s primary cash crop once 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 (late October to early February) of the rare black necked crane, which annually flies in from Tibet. There are also muntjaks (barking deer), wild boars, sambars, Himalayan black bears, leopards and red foxes. While you are in Phobjikha you will visit the Black Crane nature information centre, the carpet factory and the sacred Gangtey Monastery plus enjoy time to wander through Gangtey village and hike the Gangtey Nature Trail.
Overnight Phobjikha Valley – Bhutanese Style 3* Hotel
Day 4
Sightseeing in the Phobjikha Valley today.
Explore the Phobjikha valley today as per the above suggestions & perhaps enjoy one of the many additional hikes available in this beautiful valley.
Overnight Phobjikha Valley - BhutaneseStyle 3* Hotel.
Day 5
Phobjikha Valley to Punakha Valley. (3 hrs)
Depart early this morning to the Punakha Valley which holds the title as the winter capital because of its more temperate climate. En route stop in Wangdue and wander the old shopping strip, soon to be demolished. Arriving into the Punakha valley visit Chimi Lhakhang, a monastery built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley (also known as the Divine Madman), which is a pleasant, easy 20 minute walk accross paddy fields. It is believed that childless women who visit the temple will conceive after receiving a “wang” (blessing) from the resident monk. This afternoon enjoy an orientation tour of the Punakha valley.
Overnight Punakha Valley - Bhutanese Style 3* Hotel.
Day 6
Sightseeing and hiking in Punakha today.
This morning visit the dramatic Punakha Dzong, which formally served as the seat of the government and is still the winter residence of the Dratsheng (Central Monk Body). This is Bhutan’s most spectacular Dzong and an excellent example of how a medieval fortress and a centre of both monastic and administrative functions, has adapted and evolved for modern day use. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon or travel to the end of the valley & hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten. This Chorten hold very special significance being consecrated in 1999 and dedicated to the protection of the former Crown Prince – today’s current King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.
Overnight Punakha Valley – Bhutanese Style 3* Hotel.
Day 7
Punakha Valley to Paro Valley (4hr 45 mins)
Depart Punakha early morning for your transfer westwards to the Paro Valley, once again traversing Dochu La, and arriving in Paro town in time for a late lunch at one of it’s local restaurants. This afternoon enjoy an orientation tour of the major features in Paro town including Paro Dzong and its cantilever bridge. While in Paro we recommend a wander along the main street which offers good shopping for jewellery and handicrafts.
Overnight Paro Valley – Bhutanese Style 3* Hotel
Day 8
Sightseeing in the Paro Valley.
This morning hike to the Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tigers Nest. Choose between a 2 hour round trip hike to the Monastery viewpoint or a longer 5 hour and more strenous hike into the Monastery itself. Tigers Nest clings impossibly to a cliff of rock at 3000 ft above the valley floor and where Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress to subdue the local demons followed by 3 months meditation in a cave still visible in the monastery. In 1998 the monastery was seriously damaged by fire and has since been painstakingly reconstructed to its original condition and consecrated by the 4th King in 2005.
This afternoon, time permitting, take a quick visit to Kyichu Lhakhang – one of Bhutan’s oldest and most beautiful temples boasting an orange tree that perpetually bears fruit followed by a visit to the old ruined fortress of the Drugyel Dzong (14km from Paro). This is the historical site of the Fort of Drukpa Victory, 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 Chomolhari can be seen.
Overnight Paro Valley – Bhutanese Style 3*Hotel.
Day 9
1/2 day trip to Chele La or full day trip to Haa Valley today.
Weather permitting enjoy a trip to Chele La (pass) on what is reportedly Bhutan’s highest motorable road. You can take the option of continuing down into the remote valley of Haa, a very beautiful valley that only opened up to tourist visitors in recent years or perhaps enjoy one of the ridge top hikes which can afford spectacular mountian vistas on a clear day or perhaps hike to Kila Nunnery, the oldest in Bhutan where you can easily interact with the 30 odd resident nuns.
Overnight Paro Valley - Bhutanese Style 3* Hotel.
Day 10
Early morning departure from your hotel to Paro Airport for your onward flight.
