21/07/2015
YEADRALING BHUTAN TOURS & TRAVEL
Cultural Tour: Itinerary (9 nights / 10 days )
Email: [email protected]
Day 1 Your Arrival in Paro
The flight into the Himalayas reveals breathtaking views of the World highest peaks, taking you right into the Dragon Kingdom to its cloud-scraping airstrip in the lush green valley of Paro (alt.7000ft). You will be received at the exit gate by our representative who will es**rt you to the hotel where arrangements have been made.
After lunch there’s a visit to Ta-Dzong (Bhutan’s National Museum), considered to be one of the best natural and historical museums. Then a walk down the hill to visit Paro Dzong with its traditional cantilever bridge called Nyame Zam, which literally means ‘bridge with no fish’ over the Pa-chu (Paro River). Enjoy an evening at leisure in the Paro town to become accustomed to the place and the people.
Overnight at the Hotel/Resort in Paro.
Day 2 Excursion to Taktsang
Take a morning hike to Taktsang temple (one of the most sacred places in Bhutan, due to its association with Guru Rinpoche who reputedly, in 747 A.D., flew in the form of Guru Dorji Drolo, mounted on a flaming dakini-tigress, to Paro Taktsang cliff where he meditated and subdued evil spirits). A number of temples have now been built on the site, and these occupy precarious positions, clinging to a black cliff high above the Paro Valley. The visit involves a two-hour climb on a steep footpath through a beautiful pine forest, with many of the trees coated with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags.
Overnight hotel in paro
Day 3 drive to Thimphu
In the morning drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, passing through idyllic countryside with villages and paddy fields on either side of the road. Thimphu has a special charm and it is fascinating to sit in the town square and watch a gathering of local people wearing their traditional dress and going about their business in a typically unhurried Bhutanese way.and other sight seeing
Over night hotel Thimphu
Day 4 Thimphu sight seen
After breakfast driver toThimphu and visit Buddha Dordenma sited amidst the ruins of Kuensel Phodrang, the palace of Sherab Wangchuck, the 13th Desi Druk, overlooking the southern approach to Thimphu. It is one of the largest Buddha stupa , or statues, in the world, at a height of 169 feet (51.5 meters). You can also enjoy the view of the Thimphu city clearly from here.Thimphu city sightseeing, a visit to the Takin Zoo (the takin is the National Animal of Bhutan), and the Memorial Chorten of the Third King. Along the way there may be archery matches! The handmade paper factory and house of incense are Bhutanese handicraft specialties worth visiting.
Overnight same hotel in Thimphu
Day 5 Thimphu sightseeing
After breakfast, visit Bhutan National Bank for currency exchange and there’ll be an opportunity to purchase exquisite, collectable Bhutanese stamps. Then visit the National Library where ancient texts and manuscripts are preserved; the Indigenous Hospital where traditional medicines are still practiced; the Woodcraft and Painting School where traditional art and crafts are still kept alive; and the Handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles are displayed and can be purchased.
In the evening you can explore the busy Thimphu town with your guide or on your own. You can walk in the town and then take Dinner at Bhutan Orchard Restaurant to taste Bhutanese specialties.
Overnight – hotel base in Thimphu.
Day 6 Drive to Punakha
After early breakfast, proceed to Punakha across Dochu La pass (3,088m/10,130ft), the highest point on the road is marked by a large Bhutanese Chorten and prayer flags fluttering on the hill. On a clear day, from this spot there is a breathtaking view over the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas.
Visit Punakha Dzong, where there is the secret relic Rangjung Kharsapani which Zhanbdrung brought with him from his monastery at Ralung in Tibet. Legend says that a statue of Rangjung Kharsapani (Avalokiteshvara) appeared miraculously from the vertebra of Tsangpa Gyre, the founder of Drukpa Kagyu lineage of Mahayana Buddhism. 30 minutes for personal meditation in the largest congregational Hall in the dzong.
There’s an afternoon hike to Chimey Lhakhang, the fertility temple of Lama Drukpa Kuenley the Divine Madman, and then a drive to punakha for overnight.
Overnight hotel in Punakha
Day 7 Drive to Punakha to Gangtey
On the way to make the drive easier and to enjoy the scenary. The Phobjikha Valley is surely one of the loveliest high altitude valleys in Bhutan. Phobjikha is one of Bhutan’s few glacial valleys, and chosen winter home of black-necked cranes which migrate here, having flown across the mountains from the Tibetan plateau. Visit the 17th century Gangtey Gonpa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan and it houses about 200 monks. If time permits we will walk down the alpine meadow passing by the habitat of the black-necked cranes.
Overnight – hotel/Guest House base in Gangtey.
Day 8
Driver from Gangtay to paro
After Breakfast Drive to Paro and then visit Drukgyel Dzong (a ruined fortress 16km away from Paro). On a clear day the peaks of Mt. Chomolhari (Alt 7329 m), ‘Mountain of the Goddess’ can be seen. Then visit Kichu Lhakhan (one of the oldest temples of Bhutan built in 659 AD by a Tibetan King) and visit local shops. Enjoy dinner in the quaint Paro Town.
Overnight- hotel base in Paro
Day 9
Day excursion to Haa
Day excursion to Haa Valley situated in the north-west of Bhutan bordering Tibet. It was closed to tourism until 2001. Pass the highest pass of Bhutan Chelela pass On arrival in the picturesque Haa Valley, stroll through the quaint town. Then return back to Paro.
Over night same hotel
Day 10
Departure from Paro International Airport
After breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport in good time to catch your flight. Your es**rt for your tour will bid you farewell and soon you will see the remote and legendary Dragon Kingdom disappear again behind its guardian mountains
Thank you for visiting Bhutan. Hope to see you all again
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is Bhutan?
Bhutan is a small, landlocked nation located in the eastern Himalayas between India and China. Its landscape ranges from subtropical plains and forests in the South to subalpine forests and snowy mountains in the North. Bhutan is a predominantly Buddhist country and is known as the last stronghold of Mahayana Buddhism.
2. Do I need to use a tour operator to book my travel?
It is a government regulation that you must use a licensed Bhutanese Tour Operator to book your travel to Bhutan or one of their international partners.
3. Do I need a visa to enter Bhutan?
All international tourists wishing to enter Bhutan require a visa which must be pre-arranged through a licensed Bhutanese Tour Operator or one of their international partners. Visa clearance must be obtained through your tour operator prior to travel. Indian passport (or VIC) holders, Bangladeshi nationals and persons from the Maldives may obtain a visa on entry.
4. How much does the visa cost?
International tourist visas cost US$40. This can be paid in advance to your tour operator or travel agent. For Indian passport (or VIC) holders, Bangladeshi nationals and persons from the Maldives there is no cost incurred.
5. How do I get to Bhutan?
There are a number of airports where you can fly into Bhutan (from Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Bodh Gaya, Dhaka, Kathmandu, Guwahati, Singapore and Mumbai). At present two carriers operate to Bhutan, Drukair and Bhutan Airlines. Also, there are three land border crossings through which you can travel into the kingdom overland. All crossings are along the Indian border only – Phuentsholing, Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar. All travel arrangements to Bhutan must be made through a local tour operator. A list of tour companies operating in Bhutan is available on the Tourism Council of Bhutan website. Your selected tour operator will make all the necessary arrangements.
6. What does the US$200/$250 per day minimum daily package include?
The US$200 per day (low season) and US$250 per day (high season) package includes a minimum of 3 star accommodations, costs for food, an experienced guide and transportation (with driver) within the country. Also included in the price is a US$65 per day royalty that goes towards free education, free healthcare and poverty alleviation. All of these services will be arranged by your tour operator.
7. What currency is used in Bhutan?
Bhutanese currency is known as the Ngultrum. Its value is tied to the Indian Rupee which is also accepted as legal tender. However Indian notes in 500 and 1000 denominations are not acceptable.
8. Is there a limit on the number of tourists that can enter Bhutan each year?
There is no limit on the number of tourists admitted into the country each year. In order to protect our culture, traditions and natural environment the government has adopted a strict policy of “High Value, Low Impact Tourism”. This policy is aimed at attracting discerning tourists who will respect the unique culture and values of the Bhutanese people whilst also providing the visitors with an unforgettable ‘one of a kind’ experience.
9. What’s the food like in Bhutan?
The most distinctive characteristic of Bhutanese cuisine is its spiciness. Chillis are an essential part of nearly every dish and are considered so important that most Bhutanese people would not enjoy a meal that was not spicy.
Rice forms the main body of most Bhutanese meals. It is accompanied by one or two side dishes consisting of meat or vegetables. Pork, beef and chicken are the meats that are eaten most often. A wide selection of western and Indian food is also available in many of the restaurants around the country.
