BHUTAN TOUR - for 9 Nights/ 10 days Journey - Thimphu/Gangtey/ Punakha/Paro:

Day 01: ARRIVE PARO, TRANSFER TO PARO (1 hr drive/54 kms):

On a clear day, the flight to Paro is breathtaking, with views of major Himalayan peaks such as Everest, Kanchenjunga and Makalu, and on the final approach Bhutan’s own snowy peaks, the sacred Jhomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tserimgang. On arrival at Paro airport and after completion of airport formalities, you will be met by your Etho Metho representative. Drive from Paro to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan and an exciting blend of tradition and modernity. 

 

On arrival, check-in at the hotel. Afternoon visit *Thangtong Dewachen Nunnery; the only nunnery in the Capital it is popularly known as Zilukha Anim Dratshang. Located few minutes’ drive from the town. It was built in 1976 by the 16th emanation of Thangtong Gyalpo, Drubthob Rikey Jadrel. You may interact with some 60 nuns or so that has devoted their life to spirituality and Buddhism.

free or program may be arranged, according to choice. Evening, you will drive to Mini Zoo where Takin, the national animal of Bhutan can be seen. This particular animal is found only in the Himalayan region and the head of this animal looks like that of a goat and body of a cow/yak and before sun set drive to Sangay gang view point (2685 meters) to have view of whole Thimphu valley and walk through hundreds of colorful prayer flags that dot the hill overlooking the Thimphu valley.

 

* Tashichho Dzong: The “fortress of the glorious religion” was initially erected in 1641 and rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the 1960s. Tashichho Dzong houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body. It is open to visitors during the Thimphu Tsechu (held in autumn) and while the monk body is resident in its winter quarters at Punakha Dzong.  (Overnight at Hotel in Thimphu)

Day 02: Explore Thimphu Valley:

Thimphu, perhaps the most unusual capital city in the world, is the seat of government. This bustling town is home to Bhutan’s royal family, the civil service, and foreign missions with representation in Bhutan. It is also the headquarters for a number of internationally funded development projects.

 

Today’s full day of sightseeing in Thimphu valley includes visits to:

 

Visit National Memorial Chorten– the building of this landmark was originally envisaged by Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who had wanted to erect a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it is both a memorial to the Late King (“the father of modern Bhutan”), and a monument to peace.

 

* Folk Heritage and Textile Museums: These museums, both of which opened in 2001, provide fascinating insights into Bhutanese material culture and way of life. 

 

* Handicrafts Emporium: This government-run enterprise displays a wide range of beautifully hand-woven textiles and craft products. It also carries a small collection of books on Bhutan, Buddhism and Himalayan culture.

 

* National Library, which holds a vast collection of Buddhist texts and manuscripts, some dating back several hundred years, as well as modern academic books mainly on Himalayan culture and religion. 

 

* Institute for Zorig Chusum: Commonly known as the Painting School, the Institute offers a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. On a visit one can see students learning the various skills taught at the school. 

 

*Changangkha Lhakhang, built in 12th century is the oldest temple in Thimphu. It is hovering over a ridge above Thimphu, near Motithang. Lama Phajo Drukgom Zhigpo who came to Bhutan from Ralung in Tibet chose this site to build this lhakhang. The Lhakhang houses Chenrizig: an 11-headed, thousand-armed manifestation of Avolokitesawara as the central statue. The prayer books in this Lhakhang are larger than the usual Buddhist texts. There are large prayer inside the Lhakhang and small on the walls outside the lhakhang.

 

In the evening walk around town’s main street.(Overnight at Hotel in Thimphu)

Day 3: Transfer to Phobjikha: 4hrs drive/135 kms

After early breakfast, proceed to Phobjikha, one of the most pleasant glacial valleys in Bhutan. 

Your first stop in Phobjikha will be the information centre of the Royal Society for Protection of Nature’s (RSPN), which has informative displays about the black-necked cranes and the valley environment. You can use the centre’s powerful spotting scopes and check what you see against its pamphlet. 

 

Rest of the day leisure.(Overnight at hotel in Gangtey)

Day 4: Explore Phobjikha valley:

After breakfast we will visit striking Gangtey Gompa (Monastery), the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan. Followed by a visit to the Black Neck Crane Center and dependent on the season, time spent in the Center’s nearby hide is a must to view the breeding cranes. Various walks can be arranged in this magnificent valley. 

 

Gangtey Natural Trail (Gangtey):The most beautiful and shortest of the existing nature trails in Bhutan. The trail hike starts from the mani (like Chhorten) stone wall to the north of the Ganagtey Gonpa and ends in Khewa Lhakhang. The hike takes about 1hr 30minutes through the pine forest and small bamboo plants. You can see the Phobjkha valley so beautifully from this hike. 

It is one of the best hike places for the Nature lovers. During the winter months, we can see the endangered species of birds – Black Neck Cranes.

 

In the evening walk along Phobjikha valley. (Overnight at hotel in Gangtey)

Day 5 and 6: Transfer to Punakha: 3 hrs drive/81 kms

Proceed to Punakha and enroute visit Trongsa Museum housed in a watchtower built to defend this dzong. The museum is dedicated to the Monarchs of Bhutan and showcases the history of our kings. We will then drive on through the mountains and down to Punakha. Rest of the day at leisure. 

Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, has played prominent role in civil and religious life of the kingdom. Damaged by fire, flood and earthquake over the centuries, it has now been fully restored in its original splendor.

(Overnight at hotel in Punakha)

Day 7: Transfer to Paro: 3.5 hrs drive/125 kms

Proceed to Paro once again crossing over Dochula Pass. 

 

In Paro visit the auspicious Kyichu Lhakhang, a sacred monument pinning down the left foot of a treacherous ogress. This is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan dating back to the 7th century (the other being Jambey Lhakhang in Bumthang. 

Ta Dzong, formerly a watchtower and now the National Museum. The museum collection includes ancient Bhutanese art and artifacts, weapons, coins, stamps and a small natural history collection. 

 

Then visit Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) situated at a commanding height overlooking Paro valley. Built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646, this Dzong now houses Paro’s monk body and the offices of the civil administration and is symbolic as the religious and secular center of all affairs of the valley. 

 

(Overnight at hotel in Paro)

Day 8: Hike Taktsang / Valley Exploration (Total Hike Time 4-5 hrs)

In the morning, take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche, founding father of the Bhutanese form of Mahayana Buddhism, arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery. The main structure was severely damaged by fire in 1998, but after many years of painstaking restoration work, the complex has now been fully restored to its former glory. 

 

Evening, stroll around the interesting Paro town in the evening.

 

(Overnight at Paro Hotel)

Day 9: (Thursday): Day excursion to Haa valley:

After an early breakfast drive towards Haa valley.

The high altitude Haa valley lies south of the Paro valley. The staple crops of this large, fertile valley are wheat, potatoes, barley and millet. Yaks are herded in the upper reaches of the valley, and yak meat from Haa is considered a great delicacy by the townspeople of Thimphu. A day trip to Haa with picnic lunch by the river near new Haa Dzong is very pleasant in the warmer months of the year, when one can drive from Paro to Haa over the Chele-la pass (3,810m/12,573ft). On a clear day there is a superb view of Mts. Jomolhari & Jichu Drake from the pass.

 

What to see & do in Haa

The principal attractions of a visit to Haa are the journey up and over the pass and the picturesque valley itself. Visits can be made to two famous monasteries, Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple). The central shrine in Lhakhang Nagpo is said to be almost identical to that of the Jowo temple in Lhasa. Legend has it that local deities assisted in the construction of Lhakhang Karpo.

 

In the evening drive back to Paro(Overnight hotel in Paro)

Day 10: International Departure

After an early breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination. 

Tour Cost

01 to 02 Person per Night USD  = $ 290 per Person per Night   

03 person & above per person per night USD = $280 per person per night 

Visa fee per person per entry extra on above rate $40.

AIRFARE for Entry Bhutan & Exist Bhutan

BKK/PBH/BKK Economic Class = $ 1045.00 Business Class $ 2210.00 

 DEL/PBH/DEL Economic Class  = $ 665.00   Business Class $805.00

 KTM/PBH/KTM Economic Class = $490.00     Business Class $ 565.00 

Note: Flight charges may vary as flight schedule at the time of booking your trip to Bhutan

Above Tour Cost Includes: Dbl/Twn sharing accommodation , English speaking guide, transfer, Standard Transportation (Toyota Hiace Van/Toyota Coaster Bus), sightseeing, entrance fees, govt. royalty, one mineral water/pax/day.

 

Not Included:  International flight cost, All beverages incl. water consumed at hotels/restaurants,   Travel Insurance, Hotels facilities (phone calls, laundry etc), Tips, others.

Cancellation Policies:

Tours/Treks:

  • If trip is cancelled 30 days or more during regular season (Jan, Feb, Jun, Jul, Aug, Dec) and  60 days or more  during peak season (Mar, Apr, May, Sept, Oct, Nov) prior to arrival date – No Charge
  • If trip is cancelled less than 30 days during regular season (Jan, Feb, Jun, Jul, Aug, Dec) and less than 60 days during peak season (Mar, Apr, May, Sept, Oct, Nov) to before 7 days to arrival date – 50% of tour cost
  • If cancelled after 7 days or less prior to arrival date – 100% of tour cost
  • No refund for No Shows or Early Departures
  • If guests do not complete the trek due to personal reasons, there will be no refund. For those nights not used for treks:

      -Standard Hotel room & meals will be extra US $ 80/person/night.

    Luxury Hotel room & meals will be on actual basis. Refer attached sheet for daily cost.

    Transfers/transportation and other miscellaneous expenses will be on actual basis.

  • If guests do not complete the trek due to weather conditions, there will be no refund. However, accommodation & meals at Standard Hotels & transfer/transportation will be provided free of charge by Way about Bhutan. 

       Luxury Hotel room & meals will be on actual basis.

 

Please note that some of the sights/itinerary may change due to season, weather, national holidays, and special events. We maintain the rights to alter the itinerary since tours are made in advance and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve your overall travel experience in Bhutan. 

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