Bhutan Tour

Package Overview

Little has changed over the centuries in the Kingdom of Bhutan, secluded among the pristine forests and protected by the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. Experience a sense of timelessness on this 15-day tour, visiting mountaintop monasteries, Buddhist temples and traditional villages, in which artists and artisans ply their ancestral crafts to sell at local markets. The tour also travels to Paro and Thimphu, whose museums preserve historic collections of Bhutanese arts and crafts, and up through Himalayan passes to remote valleys, such as Phobjikha, home to the rare black-necked crane.

Experience
The unique history and culture of a kingdom that only began opening its borders to foreigners in the 1970s
An intriguing national philosophy: where Gross National Happiness is more important than Gross National Product
Iconic landscapes: snow-covered peaks and serene forests of the Himalayas
Proud ancestral customs, sustained over centuries: traditional music, dance and weaving
Remarkable religious architecture, from monasteries and temples to fortresses and temples
Rare flora and fauna, in the secluded Phobjikha Valley and its rare wildlife
HIGHLIGHTS

Remarkable architecture and a dramatic cliffside location at Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Bronze sculpture, precious paintings, weaponry and historic textiles at the National Museum of Bhutan in Paro
Majestic mountain scenery of the eastern Himalaya
Explore Thimphu, the monastic and civil capital, and visit the Heritage and Textile museums
The remote Phobjikha Valley in central Bhutan, home of the famed black-necked cranes
Traverse the spectacular zigzag roadway over the 3000-metre-high Dochula Pass
The warmhearted people of Bhutan: archers, farmers and artists going about their daily livesReturn international/domestic air travel unless those flights take place during the tour
Special taxes and airport levies that can only be paid in cash at the destination. We will advise you of these charges (if any) before you depart
Costs involved in obtaining visas for countries visited, where required
Travel insurance. We require all participants to have comprehensive travel insurance. A typical policy for one of our tours will cost from $160 upwards, depending on your age, pre-existing medical conditions, the countries you are visiting and the overall length of your trip
Lunches and dinners not specifically mentioned as included in the itinerary
Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls
Costs associated with any activity mentioned as “optional” in the itinerary, or any suggested free time activity

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Day wise Itinerary

• Day 1 : Bangkok

  The tour commences in Bangkok at the Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel. Current Druk Air schedules make a pre-tour stay at Bangkok Airport impossible to avoid.

• Day 2 : Bangkok to Paro

  Our Druk Air flight departs for Paro early this morning. After some time to settle in and a hearty lunch we visit the imposing Paro Dzong also known as Rinpung Dzong which means ‘fortress on a heap of jewels’, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Nawang Namgyal. Housed in the Dzong’s ancient watchtower is the Paro Museum (Ta Dzong), which houses a wonderful collection of art, armoury and weaponry and textiles and is a beautifully maintained showcase of Bhutanese history. Dzongs are large monastery forts which dominate every major town in Bhutan. They are the administrative and religious centres of the district and were once the mainstay of each district’s defences against invading Tibetans and, often, rival Bhutanese clans. The evening, like most in Bhutan, is free to relax and enjoy some real Bhutanese hospitality with our welcome dinner. Overnight Paro

  • Meals & Drinks : Lunch, Dinner

• Day 3 : In Paro

  Today we visit the far reaches of the Paro valley and the ruined monastery/fortress of Drugyel Dzong. The dzong was destroyed by fire early in the 20th century. However, it is an interesting coincidence that the destruction of the fortress occurred around the time when the Governor of Paro was opposing the Tongsa Penlop, who eventually became installed as the first hereditary ruler of Bhutan. On a clear day views of the 7326m snow domed peaks of sacred Mt Chomolhari can be seen. On the way back from Drugyel we stop at the famous Tiger’s Nest, or Taktsang Monastery, which is perched some 600m up on a cliff overlooking the Paro valley and is said to be the spot where the legendary Indian saint, Guru Padmasambhawa, flew from Tibet on the back of a tiger to defeat five demons who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan. Tragically damaged by fire in 1998, it has now been restored to its former glory. Overnight Paro

  • Meals & Drinks : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Day 4 : In Paro

  Today we visit a textile weaving centre in Paro. There will also be time for some local walks as well as a visit to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most beautiful temples. This temple was originally constructed in the 7th century as a geomantic temple and is today one of the most sacred shrines in the kingdom. The orange tree outside is said to bear fruit all year round. Overnight Paro

  • Meals & Drinks : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Day 5 : To Thimphu

  After breakfast we take the 90-minute drive to the least-visited of all the Himalayan capitals, Thimphu. The road twists its way gradually up and into the broad Thimphu Valley. The first large monastery fortress we pass in the valley is Simtokha Dzong and like many of these large castles was built by the first ruler of Bhutan, Nawang Namgyal in1629. On arrival we have lunch then take an orientation walk through the bustling township. Overnight Thimphu

  • Meals & Drinks : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Day 6 : In Thimphu

  Our day begins with a visit to the Tashichho Dzong, the Monastic and civil centre of Bhutan. The dzong houses the Royal Chamber, the ministries of government and a school for young monks. It is also the summer headquarters of the Je Khempo, Bhutan’s Head Abbot and head of the religious Drukpa Kagyupa school. The original dzong was destroyed by fire in 1772. When the third King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorje Wangchuk made Thimphu his capital, he rebuilt the dzong using traditional methods. This became the seat of government and was completed in 1969. We also visit the Textile Museum, the Heritage Museum and, time permitting, the thangkha painting centre. Overnight Thimphu

  • Meals & Drinks : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Day 7 : In Thimphu

  Today is free to see more of the local sights or wander the street stalls and get a real feel for daily life in the bustling Himalayan capital. Overnight Thimphu

  • Meals & Drinks : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Day 8 : To Punakha

  After breakfast today, we depart Punakha, the old winter capital of the Bhutanese monarchs and clergy. Leaving Thimphu the road climbs via a series of zigzags over the spectacular Dochu La Pass at 3,000m. On a clear day panoramic views can be had of the eastern Himalaya, including Bhutan’s highest mountain, Gangkar Punsum (7,550m). The road drops down through varied forests, finally emerging into the highly-cultivated Punakha valley. The main monastery/fortress was the power base for the old system of re-incarnating rulers. The remains of the original ruler of Bhutan, Nawang Namgyal, are kept in a small room at the top of the highest tower and only the king and the head of the monastic order, the Je Khempo, are allowed to enter this room. We have lunch on arrival before a visit to the dzong and a short walk through the paddy fields to Chimi Lhakhang, a monastery built by Lama Drukpa Kunley (also known as the Divine Madman) with a most colourful history, which is a short walk through the paddy fields. Overnight Punakha

  • Meals & Drinks : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Day 9 : In Punakha

  Today is at leisure to take in more of the local sights, enjoy a picnic lunch on the banks of the river and enjoy this pristine and beautiful valley. Overnight Gangtey

  • Meals & Drinks : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Day 10 : To Gangtey

  Today we drive for four to five hours to the beautiful Phobjikha Valley, a stunning glacial valley on the western slopes of the Black Mountains. It is also one of the most important wildlife reserves in the country and the seasonal home of the rare black-necked crane, which spends winters in this serene valley. We may also be lucky enough to see muntjaks (barking deer), wild boars, sambars, Himalayan black bears, leopards and red foxes – all native to this region. Gangtey Gompa sits on top of a conical hill in the middle of the valley with the small township nestling at its feet. Overnight Gangtey

  • Meals & Drinks : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Day 11 : In Gangtey

  Today we visit the Black Crane Information Centre and take a short nature walk in the valley. Then there will be time to simply relax and wander the village and soak up this special time in this exquisite and remote Himalayan valley. Overnight Gangtey

  • Meals & Drinks : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Day 12 : Return to Punakha

  We retrace our steps to Punakha where we will have an overnight stay. Overnight Paro

  • Meals & Drinks : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Day 13 : Drive to Paro

  This morning we head back to Paro and spend a leisurely evening in this beautiful valley. Overnight Paro

  • Meals & Drinks : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Day 14 : At Leisure in Paro

  A day free today to wander into Paro town, take a walk along the river and just take time out to soak up the magic of this extraordinary place. For those who wish to try a traditional hot stone bath we can arrange this on this afternoon in Paro. Our last evening in Bhutan will feature some local dancers and musicians who will offer us songs which are centuries old and reflect the rich artistic traditions still very much alive in Bhutan. Overnight Punakha

  • Meals & Drinks : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Day 15 : Departure

  This morning we transfer to Paro airport for the Druk Air flight to Bangkok, departing mid-morning.

  • Meals & Drinks : Breakfast

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Inclusions

• Hotel
• Sightseeing
• Any flights mentioned in the itinerary that take place during a tour
• Land travel by private air-conditioned coach. Where appropriate public transport is also used for short distance travel on some tours
• All accommodation in hotels or apartments as stated in the itinerary
• Breakfasts, lunches and dinners specifically stated as included in the itinerary
• Drinks at welcome and farewell meals. Other meals may not have drinks included
• Background talks on tour, site notes and online resources
• Services of tour leader throughout tour
• All entrance fees to sites mentioned in the itinerary
• Local guides at some sites
• Tips for drivers, local guides and restaurants for included meals
• Airport Transfers
• Tours begin either at the arrival airport or the first hotel, depending on the itinerary. If you have booked your international flights with Academy Travel and arrive before the tour commences, we will provide airport to hotel transfers to the closest main city on your arrival, and to the closest airport at the end of the tour. These may be either individual or group transfers.

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Exclusions

• Return international/domestic air travel unless those flights take place during the tour
• Special taxes and airport levies that can only be paid in cash at the destination. We will advise you of these charges (if any) before you depart
• Costs involved in obtaining visas for countries visited, where required
• Travel insurance. We require all participants to have comprehensive travel insurance. A typical policy for one of our tours will cost from $160 upwards, depending on your age, pre-existing medical conditions, the countries you are visiting and the overall length of your trip
• Lunches and dinners not specifically mentioned as included in the itinerary
• Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls
• Costs associated with any activity mentioned as “optional” in the itinerary, or any suggested free time activity

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Terms & Conditions

Payment Terms & Methods :
* Some Advance Percentage of total booking amount
* Airfare/Transport fare to be paid full at one time in advance.

Cancellation & Refund Policy :
* Upon cancellation, refund will be made after deducting the Retention Amount.
* Retention Amount varies as per the number of days left before your package start date.

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This Tour is Offered by

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