Your package includes:
- Accommodation and meals as per the itinerary
- Transfers and sightseeing by private air-conditioned motor coach
- Entrance fees to museums and sites mentioned in itinerary
- Activities and classes as mentioned in itinerary
- Group arrival and departure transfers
Price per person land only $3,999 based on two sharing and a minimum of 10 passengers. (Limited to a maximum of 12) Not included: personal expenses, airfare and taxes, meals not specified, tipping. Single supplement $799. Private transfers are available at an additional cost for those not arriving at the same time as the group. Hold your space with a $600 non-refundable deposit.
Itinerary:
Saturday, November 3 | Paro – Arrival – Thimphu
Welcome! “Tashi Delek!”
We begin our journey with a drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, with a stop in Chuzom. Shortly before reaching Chuzom, we will see the Tschogang Lhakhang, “the temple of the excellent horse”. Upon arrival in Thimphu, check into our hotel and enjoy a free evening to acclimatize and relax (D)
Sunday, November 4 | Thimphu
After breakfast, enjoy a visit the Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang) where one can offer prayers to the Buddha, the largest statue in the country. Next, we visit the King’s Memorial Chorten, continuously surrounded by people spinning prayer wheels. We then visit Changangkha Lhakhang, a fortress-like temple on a ridge above Thimphu. Later we participate in a special prayer ceremony called Tshewang, conducted by the Monks at the monastery. After the prayer ceremony, we have a chance to interact with the head priest and the monks. We end our day with a visit to an Orphanage to interact with local women at the Weaving Centre in Thimphu. In the evening, we explore Trashichhoedzong. This impressive fortress/monastery houses the Secretariat Building, the Throne Room of His Majesty, the King, and various government offices. (B,L,D)
Monday, November 5 | Thimphu-Punakha
This morning, we visit the Choki handicrafts school, established in 1999 to assist economically disadvantaged families. We continue our adventure with a drive to Punakha across Dochula Pass. In Bhutan, the passes are marked by large Bhutanese Chorten and prayer flags. On route to Punakha we will take a short walking tour to Chimi Lhakhang. The Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the temple of fertility, is situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley. The trail leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana. On arrival in Punakha, we check in at our hotel then continue on to visit Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the junction of two rivers. It was the capital of Bhutan until 1955, and still serves as the winter residence of the monk body. (B,L,D)
Tuesday, November 6 | Punakha
Today we stretch our legs with a hike through fields of chilies, cabbages and rice located along the Mo Chhu on our way to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten monument. Later we will visit the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang nunnery. Perched on a ridge amid pine trees overlooking the valleys of Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang. The temple houses a 14-foot bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara, one of the largest in the country. The statue was created entirely by local Bhutanese artisans (B,L,D)
Wednesday, November 7 | Punakha – Paro
Our adventure continues as we drive back to Paro descending from Dochu La. Our first stop along the way is a visit to Simtokha Dzong, the place of profound tantric teaching. We continue to Ta Dzong, originally built as a watchtower, it now houses the National Museum. Walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning “fortress of the heap of jewels”, which has a long and fascinating history. We end our day in Paro, one of the most spectacular towns in the Himalayas. (B,L,D)
Thursday, November 8 | Paro
Our excursion today takes us to Taktshang Monastery, one of the most famous Bhutan monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the valley floor. The ‘Tiger’s Nest’ is a sacred place and is visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On our way back to town, we stop at Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. The snowy dome of sacred Chomolhari “mountain of goddess” can be seen in all her glory from the approach road to the Dzong. Later we visit a Traditional Farm House. The beauty of Bhutan is embellished by clusters of quaint farm houses. Later this evening, dress up in traditional Bhutanese Dress and enjoy a Traditional Mask and Cultural show along with a local Bhutanese farewell dinner. (B,L,D)
Friday, November 9 | Paro- Excursion to Haa Valley (Day return trip)
The Haa Valley is one of the most picturesque places in the Kingdom, spread over an area of 1706 sq. km. During the pre-Buddhist era, the Haa Valley was known for its animist tradition. Inhabitants offered animal blood to their local deities. Such animism belief, however, was transformed into peaceful Buddhist tradition in 8th century by Guru Padmasambhava. Traces of this belief system are still visible in festivals and rituals. The valley is also a paradise for nature lovers and our journey to the valley is a incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience. (B,L,D)
Saturday, November 10 | Paro- Onward Destination
Say farewell to the land of happiness on our group transfer to the airport. (B)
