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 RUS$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 Paro (Bhutan) & From Guwahati (Assam India).
- Indian Visa – you will need to arrange this independently.
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, phone calls, tips etc.
- Travel Insurance which is mandatory to enter Bhutan.
Day 1
Paro Airport to Paro Town (20 mins)
After clearing immigration and customs you will be greeted by your BTCL guide and driver and transferred to Paro. All the houses and buildings in the Kingdom are painted and constructed in traditional Bhutanese style. 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.
Overnight Paro Valley – Bhutanese Style 3* Hotel
Day 2
Sightseeing in the Paro Valley or 1/2 trip to Cheli La.
Weather permitting enjoy a trip to Chele La (pass) on what is reportedly Bhutan’s highest motorable road and enjoy one of the ridge top hikes which can afford spectacular mountain vistas on a clear day or perhaps hike to Kila Nunnery, the oldest in Bhutan where about 30 nun’s reside.
Today 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. 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 3
Paro Valley to Thimphu. (1hr 30 mins)
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 transfer to Bhutan’s capital Thimphu. Enjoy the remainder of the day to explore Thimphu, both by vehicle and on foot. Your options this afternoon include a visit to the handicraft centre or just enjoy wandering through Thimphu’s city streets if time permits 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 4
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, chillies 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 5
Thimphu to Punakha Valley. (3hrs)
This morning you will be transferred by road eastwards to the Punakha Valley. 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.
Punakha holds the title as the winter capital because of it’s 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 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 Phobjikha Valley. (3hrs)
Departing Punakha this morning for the Phobjikha valley 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. 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 late 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.
Overnight Phobjikha Valley – Bhutanese Style 3* Hotel
Day 8
Phobjikha Valley to Trongsa (2hrs)
Enjoy a morning hike along the Gangtey nature trail this morning before departing to Trongsa, 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).
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. The Trongsa Dzong is the ancestral home of the Royal Family of Bhutan and has recently added an excellent museum into it’s ancient watchtower. Which you can visit, followed by an excursion to the Dzong itself.
Overnight Trongsa – Bhutanese Style 3* Hotel
Day 9
Trongsa to Choekhor Valley. (2 hrs 30 mins)
This morning depart Trongsa to the central Bumthang region comprising the 4 valleys Choekhor, Tang, Ura and Chhume. If you are interested in the opportunity to shop for excellent local handicrafts and textiles, stop in Chhume this region is renowned for its exceptionally high quality weavings.
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 Choekhor Valley – Bhutanese Style 3* Hotel.
Day 10
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 11
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 12
Choekhor Valley to Mongar (7 hours)
Early morning departure to Mongar, this is the first of your two longer day drives on your journey through the Kingdom. The route between the central Bumthang region & Mongar is one of the most spectacular drives in 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. When crossing the Thrumsing La (Bhutan’s highest pass at 12,467 feet) you are now officially departing western Bhutan & entering eastern Bhutan, albeit in the central region of the country.
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.
From Mongar onwards you will notice a more basic standard of accommodation due to the very limited infrastructure in eastern Bhutan.
Overnight Mongar - Bhutanese Style 2* Hotel
Day 13
Mongar to Trashigang. (4 hrs)
Early morning departure from Mongar there are no major points of interest here however it is essential to stop here en-route to Trashigang 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.
This afternoon spend time exploring Trashigang town 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. 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 14
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.
Overnight Trashigang – Bhutanese Style 2* Hotel
Day 15
Trashigang to Samdrup Jongkhar (7 hrs)
An early morning departure from Trashigang to Samdrup Jongkhar the second 7 hour drive on this journey. Enroute visit the university town of Kanglung with its clock tower and large Sherbtse College campus. 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 and if time permits visit the small and relatively undeveloped village of Womrong.
Overnight Samdrup Jongkhar – Bhutanese Style 2* Hotel.
Day 16
Samdrup Jongkhar to Guwahati Airport (3 hrs)
This morning farewell your Bhutanese guide & driver when you are collected by our Indian ground operator and transferred to the Bhutan-Indian border and onto to Guwahati airport in Assam for your onward flight.
