2012 Costs:Traversing Bhutan.
Peak Season (P): MAR-MAY & SEP-NOV.
Regular Season (R): Remainder of year.
- 3+ persons tvlg together: P US$4187.00 pp R US$3430.00 pp
- 2 persons tvlg together: P US$4812.00 pp R US$4073.00 pp
- 1 person tvlg alone: P US$5020.00 pp R US$4287.00 pp
Your Bhutan Land Package Inclusions:
- Professional english speaking guide & driver with SUV/minibus.
- All touring & transfers throughout your journey.
- Additional Guwahati-Bhutan arrival transfer with India operator.
- Traditional 2-3 star hotel accom with private bathrooms.
- All meals.
- Entrance Fees and sightseeing.
- Visa fees, Government Royalties and Taxes.
- Professionally operated by Bhutan Tourism Corporation.
- If trekking tented campsites replace hotels
- When trekking additional support crew & ponies are included.
Your Bhutan land package excludes:
- Airfares to Guwahati (India) & from Paro (Bhutan)
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, phone calls, tips etc.
- Indian Visa – this you will need to arrange independently
- Travel Insurance which is mandatory to enter Bhutan.
Day 1
Guwahati (Assam India) Airport to Samdrup Jongkhar (3 – 4 hours)
Today you will be greeted at Guwahati airport by your Bhutanese guide & our Indian ground operator. Transfer to the India-Bhutan border and the bustling town of Samdrup Jongkhar where you will spend your first night in Bhutan. Samdrup Jongkhar is your typical border town with little of interest, being slightly chaotic and generally lacking in the charms the rest of Bhutan will unfold to you. The remainder of the day is at leisure to wander about the small bazaar area. So please prepare for a ‘hard’ start and your rewards will come as your travel into Bhutan’s heartland. Please also note that the hotels in eastern Bhutan are generally only a 2 star standard however from the Bumthang central region onwards you will notice a distinct improvement in hotel quality.
Overnight Samdrup Jongkhar – Bhutanese Style 2* Hotel
Day 2
Samdrup Jongkhar to Trashigang (7 hrs)
An early morning departure from Samdrup Jongkhar to Trashigang for your first of two long 7 hour drives on this journey. Enroute visit the small and relatively undeveloped village of Womrong which will offer your first view of a small Bhutanese Dzong and soon after the Zangto Pelri Lhakhang (temple). Next stop is Khaling, the site of an historic battlefield and location of the National Handloom Centre, where young girls from all over Bhutan are trained in traditional hand weaving and vegetable dyeing. Finally visit the university town of Kanglung with its clock tower and large Sherubtse College campus. Trashigang is a lively and interesting town and the bars are worth a visit this evening although they do close early at 8.00pm.
Overnight Trashigang – Bhutanese Style 2* Hotel
Day 3
Sightseeing in the Trashigang region.
Eastern Bhutan is the heartland of weaving in the Kingdom and Bhutanese weavings and textiles are generally acknowledged as amongst the finest in the world. You will have an excellent opportunity to both shop and interact with the weavers themselves on today’s excursion to the weaving village of Radi, approx 2.5 hours eastwards from Trashigang.
For those who wish to have the day at leisure you are welcome to spend time exploring Trashigang on your own or to take a short hike. The Dzong is worth visiting and offers excellent views from a high promontory overlooking the confluence of the Drangme Chhu (river) and Gamri Chhu. Up until the beginning of the 20th century all of eastern Bhutan was governed from this Dzong.
Overnight Trashigang – Bhutanese Style 2* Hotel
Day 4
Trashigang to Mongar (4 hrs.)
Enjoy a leisurely start for your journey westwards to Mongar today. There are no major points of interest in Mongar however it is essential to stop here en-route to the central Bumthang valleys and avoid a tortuous 11.5 hour road trip. When you descend into the valley of the Kuri Chhu you pass extensive cornfields and at the valley floor rice terraces, and tropical fruits such as mango and pineapples, flourish. When travelling though eastern Bhutan the dominant language is Sharchop which is different enough from Dzongkha (the national language of Bhutan) that eastern and western Bhutanese usually have to use English or Nepali to communicate. The towns between west and east Bhutan also differ as in western Bhutan most towns are situated in valleys whereas in eastern Bhutan most towns, including Mongar, are situated at the tops of hills or ridges.
Overnight Mongar – Traditional Style 2* Hotel.
Day 5
Mongar to Choekhor Valley, Bumthang Central Region. (7 hours)
Early morning departure to Jakar, in the Choekhor Valley, for this second and final longer drive on your journey through the Kingdom. The route between Mongar & Jakar is one of the most spectacular drives in the country. When crossing the Thrumsing La (Bhutan’s highest pass at 12,467 feet) you are now officially departing eastern Bhutan & entering western Bhutan, albeit in the central region of the country. Enroute visit the Ura valley, the highest valley in Bumthang, and believed by some to have been the home of Bhutan’s earliest inhabitants. The cobbled streets of the very traditional village of Ura give a medieval feel and the old women of this region still wear sheepskin shawls on their backs which double as a blanket and cushion. From this point onwards you will notice an improvement in the standard of your hotel each night.
Overnight Choekhor Valley - Bhutanese Style 3* Hotel
Day 6
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 being under 15 and from poorer families who cannot afford to send their children to state school; 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.
Day 7
At leisure in the Bumthang Valleys today.
A free day to take some suggestions above or enjoy one of the many hikes available in this region.
Overnight Choekhor Valley – Bhutanese Style 3* Hotel
Day 8
Choekhor Valley to Trongsa (2 hrs 30 mins)
Today transfer to 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. Traverse the Yotu La (pass) and continue on to Trongsa where the Dzong is the ancestral home of the Royal Family of Bhutan. The Dzong has recently added the excellent Tower Of Trongsa Museum into its ancient watchtower which you will visit this afternoon, followed by an excursion to the Dzong itself.
There are excellent hikes in this region too. One worth considering traverses the valley below the Dzong and takes approx 2.5 hours.
Overnight Trongsa – Bhutanese Style 3* Hotel
Day 9
Trongsa to Phobjikha Valley (2 hrs)
Continue westwards via the Pele La (Pass) which crosses through the Black Mountains National Park and divides western and central Bhutan. This is the best place in Bhutan to see yaks from the road. You will pass the village of Rukubji surrounded by extensive fields of mustard, potatoes, barley and wheat and keep a watchful eye out for Rhesus Macaques (Brown Monkeys).
While you are in Phobjikha you can visit the Black Crane nature information centre, the carpet factory (time permitting), the sacred Gangtey Goemba (Monastery) and take a wander through the quaint village of Gangtey.
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.
Overnight Phobjikha Valley – Bhutanese Style 3* Hotel
Day 10
Phobjikha Valley to Punakha Valley (3 hrs)
Enjoy a morning hike along the Gangtey nature trail before departing to Punakha. Stop enroute and wander the traditional shopping strip of Wangdue (soon to be demolished). As you pass the dramatic Wangdue Phodrang Dzong 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 this point you can also 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 stonemasons, originally from India, and sought after for their skills in construction of Dzongs and Lhakhangs (temples).
Punakha holds the title as the winter capital because of its more temperate climate. Arriving into the 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.
Overnight Punakha Valley – Bhutanese Style 3* Hotel.
Day 11
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. This afternoon travel up the valley & hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten along the river bank and through tiny villages surrounded by vegetable fields and rice paddies. This Chorten holds 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, by his mother who was one of the 4 former Queens.
Overnight Punakha Valley – Bhutanese Style 3* Hotel.
Day 12
Punakha Valley to Thimphu (3 hrs)
This morning transfer by road to Thimphu, Bhutan’s quirky capital, via Dochu La (Pass). At the pass view the 108 Stupas, commissioned by a former Queen, and 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. Pass the Semtokha Dzong built in 1629, the oldest fortress of its kind that guarded the Thimphu valley and today it is a Theological university.
After lunch enjoy an orientation tour of Thimphu city area including the main street Norzin Lam, Memorial Stupa, Golden Buddha and Takin Preserve followed by great Thimphu views from the BBS tower. For those keen on arts and crafts a visit to Zorig Chusum – Institute of the 13 Arts & Crafts of Bhutan is recommended along with visits to the National Textiles Museum, Folk Museum, National Library and Handicrafts Centre.
Overnight Thimphu - Bhutanese Style 3* Hotel
Day 13
Sightseeing in Thimphu.
If you are in Thimphu on a Saturday or Sunday a morning stroll through the nearby weekend markets is recommended. Here the locals go to buy an array of fresh fruits and vegetables, rice, chillies and may colourful local items such as a yak tail duster, cups of butter tea (suja) turquoise from Tibet and musical instruments etc.
Continue north up the Thimphu valley and hike for 90 minutes (round trip plus stops) through the forest to either picturesque Cheri or Tango Goemba’s. You can often interact with with the resident monks who attend a special college at the Goemba. Enroute view the majestic Trashi Chhoe Dzong, the seat of Bhutan’s government & Royal offices and time permitting pay a visit to Pangri Zampa; two 16th century buildings which now house a monastic training school for astrologers. After lunch at a local restaurant your other options for places of interest are as detailed on Day 12 or alternatively take time on your own to wander about Thimphu. It is safe and the locals generally very welcoming and the bars worth a look.
Overnight Thimphu – Bhutanese Style 3* Hotel
Day 14
Thimphu to Paro Valley (1 hr 30 mins)
This morning transfer to the Paro valley and a visit to the Paro Dzong (optional) with its cantilever bridge followed by a wander along Paro main street which offers excellent shopping for local, inexpensive, jewellery and handicrafts. Enjoy lunch in a local Paro restaurant.
This afternoon your options include a visit to Kichyu Lhakhang, Bhutan’s oldest monastery and now a temple, famous for the orange tree in its courtyard that perpetually bears fruit. Follow that with a tour the old ruined fortress of the Drugyel Dzong, 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 – Bhutanese Style 3* Hotel.
Day 15
Hiking & Sightseeing in the Paro Valley.
This morning end your Bhutan adventure on a high with a hike to 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 is where the Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress to subdue the local demons followed by 3 months meditation in a cave which is 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 some of the sightseeing or shopping options for 07NOV or spend time relaxing at your hotel.
Overnight Paro Valley - Bhutanese Style 3* Hotel.
Day 16
An early morning departure from your hotel to Paro Airport for your onwards flight.
