Dragon Kindgom Land Package Price:
US$ 4029.00 per person twin share.
Credit Cards accepted however a 1.5-2.5% surcharge applies.
Drukair airfares to from Paro are additional .
Please click here for Drukair schedules and costs
Your Bhutan Tour Inclusions:
Professional English speaking guide, driver & private small coach.
All touring & transfers throughout your journey.
Bhutanese style 3 star hotel accom with private bathrooms.
Luxury hotel upgrade in the Paro Valley – Zhiwa Ling Resort for 2 nights.
All meals.
All entrance fees and sightseeing.
Bhutan visa fees, Bhutan government royalties & taxes.
Witness the Ura Yakchoe (festival) in Bumthang.
Professionally Operated by Bhutan Tourism Corporation – BTCL
Tour Exclusions:
Items of a personal nature, phone calls, laundry, drinks etc
Tipping – pls refer to tipping guide on our general information sheet.
Travel Insurance – which is mandatory to enter Bhutan.
Available on Request:
Single Room Supplement – Please add US$ 508.00.
Upgrade to Business Class On Drukair
Ex-Australia Stopovers & Additional Asian Arrangements
Monday 30 April
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 vechicle 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
Tuesday 01 May
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 or perhaps a visit to the Folk Heritage Museum.
Overnight Thimphu – Bhutanese Style 3* Hotel
Wednesday 02 May
Thimphu to Phobjikha Valley (5hrs)
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 are 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
Thursday 03 May
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.
Friday 04 May
Phobjikha Valley to Choekhor Valley (4 hrs 30mins)
This morning depart Phobjikha to the central Bumthang region comprising the 4 valleys Choekhor, Tang, Ura and Chhume. Traverse the Pele La (Pass) which crosses through the Black Mountains National Park and divides western and central Bhutan and stop for lunch in Trongsa, where you will spand more time on your return journey. Keep a watchful eye out for Rhesus Macaques (Brown Monkeys) on the side of the road. The Trongsa Dzong is perched at the end of a ridge and seems to hang in space at the head of the valley. The Dzongs location afforded it great power over this part of the country as the only foot and mule trail between east and western Bhutan leads straight through Trongsa and through the Dzong itself.
On arrival in the Bumthang region notice the large fields of buckwheat that cover the valleys…..buckwheat noodles and pancakes are a Bumthang specialty. Enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. There are short walks and hikes to choose from and your guide will be happy to make recommendations.
Overnight Choehkor Valley - Bhutanese Style 3* Hotel.
Saturday 05 May
Sightseeing in the Bumthang Region.
Today your sightseeing includes visits to the Wangdicholing Palace and one or both of the Jambay & Kurjey Lhakhangs, these are the oldest two monasteries in the kingdom and all the Kings of Bhutan are cremated at Kurjey Lhakhang. Time permitting, other options include the Tamshing Monastery where about 95 Monks reside. Most are under 15 and from poorer families who cannot afford to send their children to state schoo, the Mebartsho (Burning Lake), a short walk from the roadside, and one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites and/or the Swiss Farm to taste sweet cheese, apple brandy and locally brewed wine and beer.
Alternatively enjoy one of the hikes available in this region or find a nice quiet spot at the hotel to catch up on some reading.
Overnight Choekhor Valley - Bhutanese Style 3* Hotel.
Sunday 06 May
Experience the Ura Yakchoe today. (1 hr 30 mins each way)
Transfer eastwards early this morning to the Ura Valley, the highest in the Kingdom, and believed by some to have been the home of the earliest inhabitants of Bhutan. The village of Ura will give you an insight into how the central Bhutanese live with its cobbled streets lending a medieval feel. The older women of this region still wear sheepskin shawls on their backs which double as a blanket and cushion.
Enjoy the spectacle of the Ura Yakchoe held at the Ura Lhakhang.
Overnight Choekhor Valley – Bhutanese Style 3* Hotel
Monday 07 May
Choekhor Valley to Trongsa (2hrs)
Today transfer back towards Trongsa via the Chhume valley for the opportunity to shop for excellent local handicrafts and textiles. This region is renowned for its exceptionally high quality weavings. The Trongsa Dzong is the ancestral home of the Royal Family of Bhutan adn has recently added an excellent museum into it’s ancient watchtower. Which you will visit this afternoon, followed by an excursion to the Dzong itself.
Overnight Trongsa – Bhutanese Style 3* Hotel
Tuesday 08 May
Trongsa to Punakha Valley (5 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 Wandgue 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.
Overnight Punakha Valley - Bhutanese Style 3* Hotel.
Wednesday 09 May
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.
Thursday 10 May
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 at the wonderful Zhiwa Ling Resort in time for a late lunch. This afternoon enjoy an orientation tour of the major features in Paro town including Paro Dzong with its cantilever bridge and Ta Dzong – the National Museum housed in an ancient watchtower and view the fine collection of ancient Thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons and other artifacts. While in Paro we recommend a wander along the main street which offers good shopping for jewellery and handicrafts.
Alternatively spend time enjoying the spa and facilities at the Zhiwa Ling.
Overnight Paro Valley – Zhiwa Ling Resort
Friday 11 May
Sightseeing in the Paro Valley.
- Paro Dzong
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 – Zhiwa Ling Resort.
Sunday 12 May
Early morning departure from you hotel to Paro Airport for your onward flight.
