08 DAYS
BHUTAN WANGDI FESTIVAL
Trip code:
BH-DBF8
Departure:
18
Sep - 25 Sep |
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. We have also
timed this trip to coincide with one of the biggest festival in
the country - Wangdi Festival. Not only are there brilliant
performances, the locals also turn up in the colorful best!
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Departure: 18
Sep - 25 Sep (Tue-Tue) |
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Number of people:
Max 16 |
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Closing date:
15 May 2008 |
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Tour price per person:
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Origin |
Twin |
Single Suppl |
Deposit |
| From
Singapore |
SGD 4150 |
SGD 650 |
SGD 1500 |
| From
Hongkong |
HKD
23950 |
HKD 3250 |
HKD 8000 |
| From
Shanghai |
RMB
24260 |
RMB 3250 |
RMB 8000 |
| From
Beijing |
RMB
24260 |
RMB 3250 |
RMB 8000 |
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Day 01 |
18
SEP (TUE) ARRIVE BANGKOK |
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Fly |
Singapore/Bangkok |
TG 412 |
1725/1845
(2h 20m) |
| OR |
Hong
Kong/Bangkok |
TG 607 |
2045/2230 (2h 45m) |
| OR |
Shanghai/Bangkok |
MU 541 |
1505/1830 (4h 25m) |
| OR |
Beijing/Bangkok |
MI 226 |
1525/1655 (2h 20m) |
| OR |
Beijing/Singapore |
TG 615 |
1750/2200 (5h 10m) |
Upon arrival, check
in at Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel for the night
(connected to the airport by underground link).
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Day 02 |
19
SEP (WED) BANGKOK / PARO (L,D) |
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Fly |
Bangkok/Paro |
KB 121 |
0550/0900 - via Calcutta (5h 10m) |
Upon arrival, met &
transfer to Hotel Olathang or similar for 1 night.
At 2200m, it’s advisable to take the rest of the day easily.
Visit Paro Museum, which used to be the Watch Tower of the Paro
Dzong. You will also walk around the Paro Dzong area including
the traditional wooden covered bridge of Nyamai Zam.
This evening, there will be a talk will be conducted by your
guide on the religion and custom of Bhutan. |
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Day 03 |
20
SEP (THU) PARO / PUNAKHA (B,L,D) |
Leaving Paro, we
drive about 5 hours to Wangdi. En route, we cross the 3050m
Dochu La Pass. The Pass commands a wonderful panorama of the
Eastern Himalayas and in spring, the blooming rhododendrons
cover the mountains with a riot of colors. Enjoy a tea break on
the pass which is about ½-way through the drive.
Wangdi is the short name for Wangdiphodrang, which mean "the
windy place" because of its location on a knoll between 2
valleys. After lunch in the hotel, spend the full afternoon in
Wangdi Dzong which is set on a ridge overlooking the surrounding
valleys. This is also the venue of the colorful festival. Not
only do you see brilliant performances and religious events,
this is also a time when the locals turn up at their colourful
best! Overnight in Meriphumsum or similar.
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Day 04 |
21 SEP (FRI) PUNAKHA
(B,L,D) |
Morning, we visit
Punakha Dzong set at the confluence of the 2 rivers. Then, spend
the rest of the day on a hike to the Buddhist Institute. A short
drive passing the Punakha
Dzong gives you a magnificent view of a Stupa (Khamsum Yuelly
Namgyel Chorten).
From here, a leisurely walk of about an hour crossing a
suspension bridge, through paddy fields and then up a gentle
slope brings you to the Buddhist Institute with a stupa, perched
high on a strategic ridge, with a magnificent view of the valley
through which the Mo-chu (Female river) flows. It is a splendid
example of the Bhutanese architectural and artistic tradition,
this sacred religious edifice was constructed to help remove the
negative forces and promote peace, stability and harmony in a
changing world. |
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Day 05 |
22 SEP (SAT) PUNAKHA /
THIMPU
(B,L,D)
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Rise early in the
morning to witness the revealing of the Tangka. The Tangka is
the second biggest in Bhutan and is several storeys high and
completely embroidered. Return to the hotel for breakfast.
Today, we re-cross the Dochu La Pass and return to Thimpu, the
capital of Bhutan. Check into Hotel Riverview. Though,
the biggest "city" in Bhutan, Thimpu is a village in most other
Asian countries. All buildings retain the traditional
architectural design and on the streets, men & women folks still
dressed in traditional gho (their national costume).
In the afternoon, we visit the national hospital, the national
library, and, Zulikha Nunnery the art & music school and enjoy
shopping along the streets of Thimpu. |
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Day 06 |
23 SEP (SUN) THIMPU / PARO
(B,L,D)
|
We have more time to
explore Thimpu as well as shopping! Visit the Choki Handicraft,
Mangala paper House (for high quality paper), Post office
(stamps are one of the best buys in Bhutan) and just shopping
along the streets of Thimpu.
Late afternoon, drive about 2 hours to Paro and check into Hotel
Olathang or similar. |
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Day 07 |
24 SEP (MON) PARO
(B,L,D)
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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 (otherwise, we can arrange for a pony ride up). Lunch
at Taksang restaurant and enjoy an excellent view of the
Monastery. You will then drive to Drukyel Dzong. From here, if
the day is clear, enjoy a spectacular view of Jhomolhari. Late
afternoon, we visit a traditional Bhutanese family. You will be
treated to a farewell dinner this evening. |
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Day 08 |
25 SEP (TUE) DEPART PARO
(B)
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Transfer to the
airport for flight
|
Fly |
Paro/Bangkok |
KB 120 |
0830/1335 -
via Calcutta (5h 20m) |
| |
Bangkok/Singapore |
TG 409 |
1635/1955 (2h 20m) |
| OR |
Bangkok/Hong Kong |
TG 606 |
1600/1945 (2h 45m) |
| OR |
Bangkok/Shanghai |
MU 542 |
1940/0020+1 (4h 20m) |
For those
from Beijing:
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Fly |
Paro/Bangkok
|
KB 120 |
0830/1335 -
via Calcutta (5h 10m) |
Own arrangement to
check into hotel. |
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Day 09 |
26 SEP (WED) BANGKOK/BEIJING
(B)
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Transfer to the
airport for flight
|
Fly |
Bangkok/Beijing |
TG 614 |
1040/1620
(4h 40m) |
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COST INCLUDES:
International
Airfare as stated;
Airfare Bangkok/Paro/Bangkok
by Druk Air;
Accommodation on
twin share basis;
All meals in
Bhutan;
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 &
cancellation insurance
Per person per
day tip for guide and driver recommended at USD 2/- to USD 4/-.
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