12 DAYS
BHUTAN - Journey to the central valley
Trip code:
BH-DVA12
Departure: Daily |
Land of
the Thunder Dragon, one of the most mysterious and unknown of
all Himalayan Kingdoms, hidden in isolation behind the high
peaks of the Himalayas. For centuries forbidden to foreigners,
this timeless Buddhist Kingdom has succeeded in preserving its
enchanting traditions and ancestral way of life.
This is an
in-depth trip which brings you all the way to the central valley
at Bumthang. Besides the natural beauty, the valley is
bountifully blessed with numerous ancient temples and is the
revered birthplace of many saints. It was here that the
legendary saint Pema Lingpa was born, to whom the Bhutanese
Royalties trace their lineage. Bumthang is also distinguished in
history as the first place in Bhutan where Guru Rimpoche
introduced Buddhism to the kingdom. |
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Upon arrival, own
transfer to Amari Airport Hotel for the night (connected to the
airport by a bridge). |
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Day 02 |
BANGKOK / PARO / THIMPHU (B,L,D) |
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Fly |
Bangkok/Paro |
KB 121 |
0550/0900 - 1-stop in Calcutta |
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On a clear day the
panoramic view of the Himalayas are sensational including the
Mount Everest, but particularly exciting is the approach through
the Bhutanese foothills and the landing, including a few steep
turns to land at the tiny airstrip of Paro.
(NOTE: Try and get the left hand seat for better view of the
Himalayas)
Met upon arrival and leave for Thimphu, the capital city. The
drive takes about 2 hours and follows the Pa-Chu (river) down to
its confluence with the Wang-Chu. Check into your hotel and
after lunch, visit some of the interesting places like the
school of fine arts, National Memorial Stupa and the Handicrafts
emporium. |
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After breakfast, visit
the National Library, Zilukha Nunnery and the general post
office. After lunch, visit the handmade paper factory. Evening,
walk around the main square of Thimphu.
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Day 04 |
THIMPHU / PUNAKHA
(B,L,D)
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Leaving Thimphu,
drive up the mountains and over the 3500m Dochu-la (pass). On
clear day, you will be rewarded with a spectacular view of the
snowcapped eastern Himalayas and the magnificent 108 Druk
Wangyel Chorten (Stupa).
Gradually descend through varied forest finally emerging into
the highly cultivated valley of Punakha. Check into your hotel
and after lunch, visit the Punakha Dzong, the district civil and
religious centre for Punakha. This is one of the most impressive
Dzong in the country located at the confluence of the Pho-chu
(male-river) and Mo-chu (female-river). |
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Day 05 |
PUNAKHA / PHOBJIKHA
(B,L,D)
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In the morning,
drive to Phobjikha. This valley is well known as one of the last
winter grounds of the black necked cranes that migrate from the
Tibetan plateau. Arrive at Gangtey Gompa where you can see the
small Gangtey village and the Gangtey monastery.
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Day 06 |
PHOBJIKHA / BUMTHANG(B,L,D) |
After breakfast, take a
long but stunning scenic drive (about 7 hours) to Bumthang. This
is the road where the movie "Travelers and Magicians" was
filmed. The road winds its way up and cross two high passes at
Yotong-la and Pele-la pass and arrive at the famous Bumthang
Yathra weaving region.
* For the more adventurous, we can
arrange a 3 days trek in the splendid Bumthang Valley. This trek
passes through several villages on its meandering route through
the Bumthang countryside and provides an exceptional opportunity
to interact with the Bhutanese rural life.
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Today, you explore
the Tamshing valley by hiking. The hike starts from Kurjey and
ends at the Swiss Farm. On the way, visit the Tamshing
Monastery, founded in 15th century and the Konchogsum Temple.
The late evening is spent strolling around Bumthang.
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Day 08 |
BUMTHANG / PUNAKHA(B,L,D)
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Early breakfast,
drive back to Punakha re-crossing the Yotong-la and Pele-la
pass. The journey would take around 7-8 hours with picnic lunch
on the way. |
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Day 09 |
PUNAKHA / PARO
(B,L,D)
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Drive back to Paro
breaking at Thimphu for lunch. |
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In the morning visit
the Drugyel Dzong which is now in ruins after a fire in 1951.
Continue to the National Museum, housed in an ancient watch
tower and visit the Paro Dzong, the district administration and
the religious centre for Paro. After the visit, walk down the
gentle slope and over the traditional cantilever bridge to
downtown Paro. |
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This morning, we make an
excursion to Taksang Monastery - this has to be the monastery
with the most outstanding setting in Bhutan. Set on a vertical
cliff face 800 m above the ground, it defies all engineering
logic. For the energetic, hike 2 hours up to get a more dramatic
view of the monastery. |
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Day 12 |
PARO
/ BANGKOK / DEPARTURE
(B) |
Transfer to the
airport for flight
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Fly |
Paro/Bangkok |
KB 120 |
1110/1610 - 1-stop in Calcutta |
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PRICE
These prices are
based on min. two persons traveling together sharing one room.
The prices
stated can only be indicative and may be adjusted once we know
your date of travel, number in your party and if you have any
other specific requirements.
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Tour price
per person |
Twin-share |
Single
supplement |
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standard hotels |
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Addition cost per person per night
if upgrade to the following hotels: |
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Uma Paro
(superior room) / Ziwaling
Amankora
in Paro, Thimphu, Punakha & Gangtey Phobjikha Valley
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COST INCLUDES
Airfare
Singapore/Bangkok/Singapore on Thai Airways;
Airfare Bangkok/Paro/Bangkok
on Druk Air;
Accommodation on
twin or double sharing basis;
All meals in
Bhutan;
All meals as
stated;
All tours &
transfers with English speaking guide in private air-con vehicle
and including all entrance fees
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COST EXCLUDES
Airport
taxes;
Visa - USD 20/-
for Bhutan;
Travel
insurance;
Per person per
day tip for guide and driver;
Personal and
other expenses not indicated
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HOTEL DESCRIPTION
In Paro
Pelri Cottages: located on a small
hill top, the hotel has 12 cottages with 2 rooms in each of
these cottages. Built in traditional design with the blend of
modern amenities.
Kichu
Resort: nestled in the valley, with
its 49 rooms of ethnic décor and modern amenities. It spreads
over 5 acre with manicured lawns, delightful flowers and an
adjoining 500m river bank.
Olathang Hotel: initially built to
host the state guests for the coronation of the current King in
1974, the hotel is spread over 23 acres of lovely pine forest.
Uma Paro:
Fashioned
by traditionally trained Bhutanese artisans, Uma Paro is a 29
room hotel offering 5-star comfort and sleek design, with all
rooms offering views of the forested valley. (www.uma.como.bz/paro)
Zhiwaling Hotel:
this is the first privately-owned
Bhutanese luxury hotel which has 42 rooms and 3 suites, built on
10 acres of land. The main building is fashioned after a dzong,
a traditional Bhutanese temple fortress. (www.zhiwaling.com)
Amankora Paro:
The epitome of luxury and service,
Amankora has a series of lodges throughout Bhutan. Amankora Paro
is Bhutan’s first luxury hotel. The resort’s spa and yoga
facilities make this the perfect place to relax after a long
journey. (www.amanresorts.com)
In Thimphu:
Hotel
Riverview : built in architecture of
traditional splendour, the 50 rooms with all modern amenities
come with a private balcony offering the view of the river and
the city.
Amankora Thimphu:
Dzong-like architecture, situated in a steep valley surrounded
by forested mountains. (www.amanresorts.com)
In Punakha:
Meri
Puensum Resort: the resort offers
basic modern amenities and the spacious en-suite rooms offer
views over the valley.
Zangdo
Pelri Hotel: all the rooms are
equipped with basic modern amenities with views looking out to
the valley.
Amankora Punakha:
fashioned after a traditional farm house and offers excellent
walking opportunities around its pristine setting. (www.amanresorts.com)
In Gangtey (Phobjikha Valley)
Dewachen
Hotel: encircled by pine forests in the hidden valley of
Phobjikha, the hotel features 16 rooms with en-suite bathroom
faculties. (www.hoteldewachen.com)
Amankora Gangtey:
Set in the rarely visited valley of Phobjikha and offers a
peaceful and rural getaway. (www.amanresorts.com)
In Bumthang:
Mepham
Guesthouse: located on a hill opposite the Chamkhar valley and
the impressive Jakar Dzong, the guesthouse has 18 basic wood
paneled rooms with attached bathroom.
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