11 Days / 10 Nights - $3,250
Travel to the ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’, the Kingdom of Bhutan, on this exciting tour of her wonders. Arrive in Paro and head to the Capital city, Thimphu. Cross the Doch-La Pass, gain commanding views of the country’s numerous valley landscapes, and tour the serene temples & monasteries dotting towns and villages. Visit Trongsa & Bumthang before your journey through stunning scenery on the way to Punakha. Hike along riverbanks and on mountain trails, see the famed ‘Tigers Nest’, stop at a traditional farmhouse to interact with a local family, and take some time to explore at your own pace
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Day 1
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Arrive Paro - Thimpu (D)
Your arrival in Bhutan is an unparalleled experience as the flight provides wonderful Himalayan scenery below. Upon arrival at Paro airport, you will be met by your representative. After a brief introduction, head out through the valley for about 1 hour towards Thimphu, the modern capital of Bhutan. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight at the Hotel Phuntso Pelri or Hotel Riverview in Thimphu.
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Day 2
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Thimpu (B/L/D)
Start the day with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten which 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. Proceed to the Folk Heritage Museum which was opened in 2001 and which provides fascinating insights into Bhutanese material culture and way of life. Also visit the nearby National Library, which houses an extensive collection of Buddhist literature, with some works dating back several hundred years. After lunch, visit the National Institute of Traditional Medicine (outside only), where the medicinal herbs abundant in the kingdom are compounded and dispensed. Then, visit Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School), where a six-year training course is given in the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. See the Dzong, the main secretariat building which houses the King’s throne room. Later in the day, visit the Tashichho Dzong, which is also the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and the central monk body. Later, if time permits, stroll the main street for some interesting Himalayan artifacts or textiles for which Bhutan is famous. Please note: National Library, Institute for Zorig Chusum, the National Institute of Traditional Medicine remain closed on Saturday, Sunday and Govt Holidays.
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Day 3
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Thimpu - Gangtey (B/L/D) An early departure brings you on a dramatic drive over the high mountain pass of Dochu-la (3,088m/10,130 ft) stopping here briefly to take on the view and then moving on towards the Punakha Valley. Sights on the way include one of Bhutan’s first fortress monasteries, the 17th century Simtokha Dzong, and ancient wall paintings at the Hongtsho Goemba monastery. The journey continues over the 3,050m mountain pass where on a clear day, towering Himalayan peaks are clearly visible. Continue onwards, reaching Wangduephodrang town in time for lunch. From here, it is a long, winding descent into the Wangduephodrang valley, which is about 1,700m below the pass. Pay a visit to the remarkable Wangduephodrang Dzong, stretched along a spur at the confluence of two rivers. Continuing on the highway, we follow the scenic Dang Chhu before climbing through forests of bamboo and oak just before crossing the Pele La pass and finally the hidden Phobjikha Valley. Overnight at the Hotel Dewachen or Hotel Valley View in Gangtey. |
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Day 4
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Gangtey - Trongsa (B/L/D)
After breakfast, visit the 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. After lunch, continue your journey towards central Bhutan. Overnight at the Yangkhil Resort or Puenzhi Guest House in Trongsa. |
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Day 5
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Trongsa - Bumthang (B/L/D)
After breakfast, visit the Trongsa Dzong, the ancestral home to Bhutan’s monarch where you will often find novice monks reciting mantras or practicing on sacred horns, flutes or drums. Also see Ta Dzong, the watchtower built to defend this dzong. Later drive to Bumthang taking you over the picturesque
Yotong La and down into the Chhume Valley, home of Bhutan’s famous Yatra weaving. Here you will have a chance to browse the traditional textiles and perhaps see the weavers create their intricate handiwork. Upon arrival, check in to the Hotel Peling or Mountain Lodge. |
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Day 6
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Bumthang (B/L/D)
Bumthang is the general name given to a group of four valleys – Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura, with altitudes varying from 2,600 to 4,000m (8,530-13,125ft). This area is home to many ancient Buddhist temples and monasteries. You will start with a visit to Choekhor valley, approximately a 1.5 hr drive from the lodge. You have the choice to further explore the neighbouring palace, Wangdichhoeling, home to the 2nd King, and the auspicious prayer wheels next door. Heading up the valley, you will take in
the grand Kurje Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places in the kingdom as Bhutan’s “patron saint”, Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) meditated here. From Kurje monastery, a tarmac road heads south along the right bank of the river to Jambey Lhakhang. This temple, erected by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century, is one of the two oldest in Bhutan. After lunch, we will visit Tamshing Lhakhang, founded in 1501 by Pema Lingpa. It contains interesting and ancient Buddhist wall paintings. Later on we will visit Jakar Dzong, “the castle of the white bird”, and then take a stroll through Bumthang’s
market area before returning to the lodge. |
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Day 7
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Bumthang - Punakha (B/L/D)
Journey back to Punakha, a lengthy but scenic journey. Drive on through the mountains and down to Punakha where we will check-in at the Hotel Zangtho Pelri or Hotel Punatsangchhu. |
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Day 8
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Punakha (B/L/D)
Your day in Punakha Valley begins with a hike up through the paddy fields along the banks of the Mo Chhu to the upper end of the valley to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a stunning monument recently built by the Queens and consecrated in 1999. Returning through the valley, you will have plenty of time to take in the impressive Punakha Dzong, home to the remains of Bhutan’s first ruler, Shabdrung Nawang Namgyal, and the winter residence of the monastic order’s leader and his entourage of monks. Following lunch, a quick drive will take you to the village of Talo where you will walk the stunning, quiet grounds of the village temple and perhaps visit the home village of the Kingdom’s four Queens. |
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Day 9
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Punakha - Paro (B/L/D)
After breakfast, drive towards Paro. After descending from Dochu-la Pass, you will follow your way back up the dramatic Wang Chu and Paro Chu river valleys before crossing through Paro Town towards the north end of the valley. In the afternoon, view the 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 walk down a hillside trail to visit Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) situated at a commanding height overlooking Paro valley. In the evening, visit a traditional farmhouse to interact with a local family and learn of their culture. Overnight at the Olathang Hotel or Tenzinling Resort for two nights. |
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Day 10
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Paro (B/L/D) This morning, begin with a hike (approx. 2 hours) to view one of Bhutan’s most revered monuments, the Taktshang (Tiger nest). It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is more commonly referred to as the ‘Tiger’s Nest’. The four to five hour return trek offers spectacular views of this sacred monastery perched on a cliff face 900m above the valley floor. On the way back into town visit Drukgyel Dzong. This Dzong, with a delightful village nestling at its foot, was built in 17th century by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders. On a clear day, one can see a commanding view of Mt. Chomolhari from the village, below the Dzong. Along the way, see Kyichu Lakhang, one of the oldest of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. The balance of the day can be spent exploring at your leisure. |
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Day 11
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Depart Paro (B)
Head to the airport. |
| Bhutan Discovery |
| Land Only*2012 |
March - November |
| Twin Occupancy |
3,250 |
| Single Occupancy |
3,700 |
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*Taxes are included. Price includes 7 nights hotel accommodation, full board basis, private car transportation, comprehensive sightseeing and admissions with English-speaking guide daily, and Bhutan visa fee.
Airport departure tax not included, to be paid locally. Price per person.
Entry Regulations:
All Canadian citizens require a Canadian passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of your entry into the country. An entry visa is necessary to enter India. Visas must be acquired from the nearest Indian Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate.
Please check with your country’s Foreign Affairs office to find out about entry requirements for non-Canadians and Americans.
Climate:
Hot tropical weather with variations from region to region. Coolest weather lasts from December to February, with cool, fresh mornings and evenings and dry, sunny days. Really hot weather when it is dry, dusty and unpleasant is between March and May. Monsoon rains occur in most regions in summer between late June to September.
Currency:
The Indian Rupee is the basic unit of currency. At present, the exchange rate is INR44.31 for CAD$1 and INR44.50 for US$1. As exchange rates fluctuate each day, please check the current exchange rate near your date of travel.
Electricity:
The current used in India is the 220V, 50-cycle system.
Tip: This system may differ from the one you use at home. If it is different, please purchase an adaptor from a travel store near you, to take advantage of the power ports in your hotel room.
Language:
India has 22 officially recognized languages, however 33 different languages and 2000 dialects have been identified in India. Hindi, in the Devanagari script is the official language of the Federal government of India. English is an associate official language.
Health Requirement:
Vaccination certificates are not required of Canadian or American tourists unless they have visited a country where Yellow Fever is endemic. If you are from another part of the world, please check with a travel medicine professional for more information on possible requirements.
Many travel illnesses are prevalent in India. Please visit a travel medicine professional wherever you are departing from.
Airport Facilities and Tax:
There are main international airports in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Calcutta. There is a departure tax of 500 Rupees, which is formulated into the price of your airline ticket.
Shopping:
Each region has its own specialties, each town its own local craftspeople and its own particular skills. For fabrics, silverware, carpets, leatherwork and antiques, India is a shopper’s paradise. Bargaining is expected. You can check for reasonable prices at state-run emporia. One of India’s main industries is textiles. Of the silks, the brocades from Varanasi are among the most famous. Rajasthan cotton with its distinctive ‘tie and dye’ design is usually brilliantly colorful, while Chennai cotton is known for its attractive ‘bleeding’ effect after a few washes.
Cuisine:
The cuisine of India is characterized by its sophisticated and subtle use of many spices and herbs. Considered by some to be one of the world's most diverse cuisines, each family of this cuisine is characterized by a wide assortment of dishes and cooking techniques. Diversity is a defining feature of India's geography, culture, and food. Indian cuisine varies from region to region.
For more information please visit:
http://travel.indiamart.com/places/index.html
http://www.voyage.gc.ca/dest/report-en.asp?country=128000
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- Tour Bhutan’s many highlights & scenic wonders
- Travel the Dochu-La Pass, where you can see the Himalayan peaks
- Enjoy hikes to explore the stunning scenery
- Stroll the towns to explore the unique architecture
- View the Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest)
- See the National Library’s extensive collection
- Thimphu: Hotel Phuntso Pelri or Hotel Riverview
- Gangtey: Hotel Dewachen or Hotel Valley View
- Trongsa: Yangkhil Resort or Puenzhi Guest House
- Bumthang: Hotel Peling or Mountain Lodge
- Punakha: Hotel Zangtho Pelri or Hotel Punatsangchhu
- Paro: Olathang Hotel or Tenzinling Resort
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