All Inclusive Bhutan Land Package Price:
US$ 2919.00 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 and private small coach.
All touring & transfers throughout your journey.
Bhutanese style 3 star hotel accom with private bathrooms.
Luxury hotel stay in the Paro Valley – Zhiwa Ling Resort for 2 nts.
All meals.
All entrance fees and sightseeing.
Bhutan visa fees, Bhutan government royalties & local taxes
Witness the spectacle of the Haa Summer Festival.
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:
Upgrade to business class on Drukair.
Ex-Australia Airfares & Additional Stopover Arrangements
Saturday 30 June
Paro Airport to Thimphu (1 hr 30 mins)
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
Sunday 01 July
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 majestic 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, the weekend market and/or a visit to the Folk Heritage Museum.
Overnight Thimphu – Bhutanese Style 3* Hotel
Monday 02 July
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
Tuesday 03 July
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.
Wednesday 04 July
Phobjikha Valley to Punakha Valley (2 hrs 30 mins)
Depart 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 across 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.
Thursday 05 July
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.
Friday 06 July
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. This afternoon enjoy an orientation tour of the major features in Paro town including Paro Dzong with 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.
Saturday 07 July
Paro Valley to Haa Valley (3 hrs)
Transfer by road over Cheli La on reportedly Bhutan’s highest motorable road. This afternoon spend time at the Haa summer festival.
Overnight Haa Valley – Traditional Bhutanese Hotel.
Sunday 08 July
At lesiure in the Haa Valley today.
This morning time your options include visiting Namgyeling Dzong, Karpo & Nagpo Lhakhangs or hike to Yongto Goemba, afternoon at leisure to return to the festival.
Overnight Haa Valley – Traditional Bhutanese Hotel.
Monday 09 July
Haa Valley to Paro Valley. (3 hrs).
Enroute enjoy one of the ridge top hikes, weather permitting, spectacular mountain vistas can be seen here on a clear day or perhaps hike to Kila Nunnery the oldest in Bhutan. Check in to the Zhiwa Ling Resort this afternoon and remainder of the day is at leisure, perhaps enjoy a well deserved massage or hot stone bath.
Overnight Paro Valley – Zhiwa Ling Resort.
Tuesday 10 July
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 strenuous 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.
Important Note: Remember to tip your guide and driver this afternoon.
Overnight Paro Valley – Zhiwa Ling Resort.
Wednesday 11 July
Early morning departure from your hotel to Paro Airport for your onward flight.
