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Itinerary
Day 1: Tashi Delek and welcome to Bhutan!
Arrive at Paro Airport where you will be warmly welcomed by your private guide and driver. Banish your jet lag with a delicious buffet-style lunch, then drive 1 hour to Thimphu, the only capital in the world with no traffic lights.
Kick things off with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten, a white imposing stupa, with spires of gold dedicated to World Peace. Stop at the Buddha point to admire the largest Buddha structure in the world, 51.5 meters tall. Excite your senses at the Nado Poizokhang Incense Factory, Bhutan’s oldest and largest handmade incense maker. Please your eyes at the colorful Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre where a finely embroidered kira can take nine months to make and cost over US$1200.
As evening draws in, bond with your fellow travellers over dinner. Relax, you’re in the world’s happiest place.
Highlights of the day:
- Marvel at exquisite paintings /sculptures at the National Memorial Chorten
- Admire the largest Buddha structure in the world
- Learn about the intricate meanings and unique production techniques of Bhutanese textiles and other crafts
- Learn the history of incense and witness the process of making incense
Hotel:
- Hotel Namgay Heritage/Osel/Khang Residency or similar
Day 2: Explore Thimphu
Prepare to live like a local: learn archery using traditional bamboo bows and arrows.
Archery, the country’s national sport, is deeply entrenched within the fabric of Bhutanese culture. During the game, the players and their families drink, sing and dance. This is an activity perfect for all ages.
After, visit one of the most interesting facilities in Thimphu, the National Institute of Traditional Medicine. Listen to 1 hour lecture on traditional Bhutanese medicine, one of the oldest surviving medical traditions in the world. Those who wish to do so, we’ll have the option to ask for a private consultation. Sounds interesting? You bet.
Learn about thangka painting at Choki Traditional Art School, which trains disadvantaged youth in traditional Bhutanese arts. The thangka, a Tibetan painting using ground mineral pigment on cotton or silk, functions as one of the principle meditation tools in Buddhist practice. The school is located just north of the capital of Bhutan, in the beautiful mountain valley of Kabesa.
Next stop, Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory. The paper made here is based on unique materials of the Himalaya plus various flowers and leaves from the ubiquitous chili and hemp plants, to add textures and patterns.
In the afternoon, witness the hoisting of the national flag by the Royal Bhutan Police at Tashichho Dzong, the seat of the government since 1952. It presently houses the throne room and offices of the king and is surrounded by well-kept lawns and beautiful gardens.
If we still have enough time and energy, we continue to the National Textile Museum and to the National Library, stocked with priceless ancient Buddhist manuscripts.
Highlights of the day:
- Try your hand at archery
- Learn about the traditional Bhutanese medicine a unique and holistic health care system
- Watch the paper making process
- Witness the hoisting of the national flag
- Learn about the art and history of the Tibetan thangka painting
- Admire priceless ancient Buddhist manuscripts
Hotel:
- Hotel Namgay Heritage/Osel/Khang Residency or similar
Day 3: Meditate with monks and marvel at the beauty of Punakha Dzong
Start your day in a lovely, quiet way with a one to two hours meditation class at Dechen Phodrang Monastery.
Recharged, we hit the road out of Thimphu, travelling three hours to Punakha via Dochula. Prepare for some truly awe-inspiring landscapes as you zigzag up to the 3140m high Pass of Dochula. Once you get to the top, admire the sweeping view of the eastern Himalayas, including Bhutan's highest mountain, the majestic Gangkar Punsum (7,550m.)
Here, we stop for a cup of suja, the typical Bhutanese butter tea, then descend along a series of hairpin bends to the fertile valley of Punakha.
After lunch, we hike for 30 to 45 minutes to the unique Chhimi Lhakhang, a fertility temple built in 1499 by lama Drukpa Kunley, charmingly known as “The Divine Madman.”
On this site, The Divine Madman subdued the Demoness of the Dochula using his magic thunderbolt of wisdom, also known as his phallus.
Then, we drive to the Punakha Dzong, the palace of great happiness and the most beautiful of Bhutan’s 21 Dzongs.
Home to sacred relics of Tibetan Buddhism, it is the winter palace for the monastic body of Bhutan.
Photographers, you’re welcome!
Highlights of the day:
- Meditate with monks at Dechen Phodrang Monastery
- Visit Chimi Lhakhang, an unusual monastery dedicated to Buddhism's "Divine Madman."
- Get a marvelous view into Dzong architecture
Hotel:
- Hotel Meri Puensum/Zangtopelri/Zingkham or similar
Day 4: A gorgeous day of hiking in Punakha
Rise and shine this morning, ready for a day of exploring.
Hike for 1 hour through deep pine forest to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, one of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture. This chorten was built by the Queen Mother to ward off evil forces and bring peace and harmony for all living beings. Enjoy magnificent views up and down the lush Mo Chhu valley.
Walk back along the riverside, through fields of paddies, cabbages and rice following an ancient trail that goes through farmlands and village homes.
Ready for rapids? In the afternoon, for the more adventurous of you out there and for an extra fee ( around $20 pp), there is the option of white water rafting till the Dzong or beyond.
Highlights of the day:
- Cross Punakha suspension bridge
- Ward off evil forces at Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
- White water rafting ( optional )
Hotel:
- Hotel Meri Puensum/Zangtopelri/Zingkham or similar
Day 5: Black-necked cranes, 450 years old dzongs and glacial valleys
Today, we make our way to the quaint rural settlement of Gangtey. Remote villages, imposing dzongs, deep ravines with dizzying drops, this is what awaits for us on the road. Point your camera anywhere along the route and you have the perfect panorama.
Visit the striking Gangtey Goemba, a more than 450 years old monastery, founded in 1613 by Gyaltse Pema Thinley, the grandson and mind reincarnation of Pema Lingpa. The present Abbot, Kunzang Pema Namgyal is the ninth re-incarnation.
Then, head straight to the valley of Phobjikha. Travellers, be aware. You will not want to leave this place. Located at 3,000 metres above sea level, this broad glacial valley with its gently slope is a place of astonishing beauty. It has been described as “ the most beautiful valley in the most beautiful country of Himalayas.”
The valley of Phobjikha is the winter home to the endangered black-necked cranes. These graceful birds are a symbol of peace and longevity and the 5000 inhabitants of the Phobjikha Valley, monks included, revere the crane to such a degree that, to protect the birds, the government chose to bury cabling for the electricity underground rather than have cables on poles. It was an extravagant measure for what is a still developing nation. We visit the Black Necked Crane Information Centre and meet "Karma", an injured crane now well-cared for.
The Phobjikha Valley is a haven for hikers. So, why not go for a 45 minutes unforgettable hike around the Gangtey Nature trail.
Highlights of the day:
- Visit a more than 450 years old monastery, home to the ninth reincarnation of the Gangtey Tulku
- Meet Karma, an endangered black-necked crane
- Hike in the happiest valley of all, Phobjikha
Hotel:
- Hotel Dewachen/ABC Eco lodge or Farm House
Day 6: Hike in the Bhutanese countryside
Get set to dial back to nature today, as we take to the hills around Gangtey. After breakfast, we’ll be hiking through rice paddies and villages surrounded by the sights and smells of the Bhutanese countryside, with the green valley stretching out for miles onto the horizon.
Shasila pass is a beautiful, easy and enjoyable hike, a true soup for the soul. As you climb through hazy valleys and rhododendron forests, catch a glimpse of village life in the high-altitude countryside of Bhutan.
The trail is used by the people of Sha Ngawang and Chitokha to migrate between their summer and winter home in Gangtey. It is a bird lover's paradise.
Your driver will meet us at the road and drive us to Wangdue for the night. Wangdue was originally considered Bhutan’s secondary capital.
Highlights of the day:
- Hike to Shasila pass, a bird lover's paradise
Hotel:
- Hotel Dragon Nest Resort/Punatsangchhu/Hotel Lobeysa or similar
Day 7: From Wangdue to Paro
We will depart in the morning and make our way to Paro.
To stretch our legs, we stop at the beautiful Botanical Garden of Dochula to admire the different varieties of Rhododendrons, Magnolia, Cherry and other flowers in bloom.
We continue our journey, cross the Paro Chhu via Nyamai Zam, a traditional wooden covered bridge, and pass by Ugyen Pelri Palace, the residence of the Queen’s mother.
The evening is ours to relax, refresh or take a stroll around the streets of Paro.
We’ll have a big big day tomorrow.
Highlights of the day:
- Travel through a landscape in which prayers from prayer flags and wheels fly out across the mountain landscape to subjugate demons
- Journey through the scenic mountain pass of Dochula perched at an altitude of 10,200 feet
- See wild rhododendrons in their full glory at the Botanical Garden of Dochula
- Discover the meditation caves tucked into the hills just above the pass resembling Hobbit homes
- Cross a traditional wooden covered bridge
Hotel:
- Hotel Metta Resort and Spa/Hotel Olathang/Tenzingling or similar
Day 8: Tick the majestic Tiger’s Nest off your bucket list
Today we hike to one of Bhutan’s most sacred place: the legendary Taktsang monastery. Taksang (meaning Tiger’s Nest) is a magnificent, gravity-defying monastery clinging on a rock cliff 900 meters above the valley floor.
Taktsang is said to be the holiest site in Bhutan. The legend has it that the Great Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhawa), the father of Mahayana Buddhism, flew here from northeast Bhutan on the back of a tigress to subdue the demons of Paro Valley. Finding shelter in a series of caves, he meditated for three years and then set about converting the Bhutanese to Buddhism.
It’s a steep climb to Taktsang, but the going is fairly easy if taken slowly.
The entire area is wrapped in colorful prayer flags, while crevices in the rock are crammed with tsa-tsas, small stupa-shaped clay statues that sometimes have the ashes of loved ones embedded in them, meant to liberate their souls.
The feeling once you reach the Monastery cannot be described in words. It is not uncommon for people to have some kind of spiritual experience at Taktsang. Expect to come back changed.
In the evening there will be a unique demonstration of mandala painting by a well-known artist. If you’d like you can try too. Mandala is an elaborate ‘cosmic diagram’ – a spiritual tool used in Tantric Buddhism. Every pattern and shape within the mandala is deeply symbolic of Buddhism’s spiritual truths.The artists follows a set of iconography rules, prescribing the exact proportions and elements of each work.
Dinner will be arranged at a local farm house for us to enjoy a home-cooked traditional Bhutanese meal.
Optional: traditional Bhutanese Hot Stone Bath supposed to be very curative with numerous healing and medicinal properties.
Highlights of the day:
- The majestic Tiger’s Nest
- Mandala painting demonstration
- Dinner at a local farm house
- Bhutanese Hot Stone Bath ( optional )
Hotel:
- Hotel Metta Resort and Spa/Hotel Olathang/Tenzingling or similar
Day 9: Excursions in Haa Valley
This morning, make the journey to one of the most remote and sacred valleys in Bhutan – the Haa Valley. It’s a beautiful drive through dense spruce and larch forests with incredible mountain views. When you arrive, relax and take a walk around the little visited town of Haa, a place lost in time with traditional two storey wooden shops.
Visit the 7th century Lhakhang Karpo (White temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black temple), which sit at the foothills of a group of hills known as Meri Puensum. Legend has it that the Black Temple has been built in the 7th century by a pigeon emanation of the King Songtsen Gampo.
Travel back towards the Cheli La Pass, which is decorated with thousands of prayer flags.
Back to Paro, prepare for a memorable last evening.
Participate in an interactive sessions on Buddhism, Meditation and Spirituality with an English speaking monk.
After, enjoy an educational and cultural extravaganza program consisting of Bhutanese Mask Dances and Folk Songs with farewell drinks.
Highlights of the day:
- Explore the beauty of Haa Valley
- The White and Black temples of Haa Valley
- See thousands of prayer flags at Cheli La Pass
- Participate in an interactive sessions on Buddhism
- Educational and cultural extravaganza program
Hotel:
- Hotel Metta Resort and Spa/Hotel Olathang/Tenzingling or similar
Day 10: ‘Till next time, Bhutan
In the morning, after breakfast your Bhutanese guide and driver will bid you farewell at Paro airport.
Happy journey back home!
Tashi Delek!
Itineraries
Day 1
Date : January 9, 2019
Tashi Delek and welcome to Bhutan!
Day 2
Date : February 9, 2019
Explore Thimphu
Day 3
Date : March 9, 2019
Meditate with monks and marvel at the beauty of Punakha Dzong
Day 4
Date : April 9, 2019
A gorgeous day of hiking in Punakha
Day 5
Date : May 9, 2019
Black-necked cranes, 450 years old dzongs and glacial valleys
Day 6
Date : June 9, 2019
Hike in the Bhutanese countryside
Day 7
Date : July 9, 2019
From Wangdue to Paro
Day 8
Date : August 9, 2019
Tick the majestic Tiger’s Nest off your bucket list
Day 9
Date : September 9, 2019
Haa Valley & the White and Black temple
Day 10
Date : October 9, 2019
‘Till next time, Bhutan
Trip Includes
Accommodation (twin sharing basis). REST easy.
Our hand-picked Bhutanese style 3 and 4 stars hotels offer excellent service and are set in beautiful locations. We test the beds to assure you have the best holiday. Take a look at some of the hotels you'll be staying in.All meals. FEAST on local specialties.
We ensure the tastiest local treats are on the menu wherever you go. 9 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 9 dinners. Bhutanese style or Western style. Tea/Coffee with snacks as and when required. If you have any dietary requirements, allergies or intolerance, please let us know and we'll try our best to accommodate you.Guide, Driver and Transportation. Just RELAX!
The services of an Expert English-speaking guide and driver tending to your every need. Private airport transfer and private transportation in an AC deluxe vehicle throughout.Exclusive Insider Experience
A unique trip without the price tag. Meditate with a Buddhist monk, learn archery, discover the secrets of mandala painting, soak in a unique hot stone bath, listen to a traditional Bhutanese herbal medicine doctor and more.Peace of Mind
- We have an office in Melbourne, Australia, staffed by a professional and passionate team. With us your money and your holiday is safe.
- Each trip is managed by our wonderful Bhutanese team with whom you will have direct access.
- All our itineraries are designed by us, not bought 'off the shelf' from local companies.
- Our trips are all-inclusive. No hidden or extra costs.
- Our founder, Carol Vorvain is a travel writer and publishing speaker. A percentage of all income generated by our trips goes to projects supporting literacy in Bhutan.
Additional services
- All museum, entry fees and road permits
- All Bhutanese Government visa fees and royalties
- All 10% service charge and 10% sales tax
- Mineral bottled water throughout your tour
- There will be sweat, laughter and plenty of “aha” moments. But, most importantly there will be free WiFi.
Trip Excludes
International Flights
- There are direct flights from Bangkok, Singapore, Delhi, Kolkata, Dhaka, Kathmandu and Guwahati.
Optional Tours and Activities
- Whitewater rafting ( $20/pp extra)
- Hot Stone Bath ( $50 - $100/pp extra)
Personal Expenses
- Laundry, gifts, telephone calls, etc
Drinks
Travel Insurance
- Mandatory
Single accommodation supplement
- Available on request at extra cost
All nationalities require a visa for Bhutan. Travellers can only enter Bhutan as part of a group visa. Independent visas are not issued. The cost of the visa is included in your tour price.
To arrange the visa for you, please provide us with the following:
- scanned colour passport copy
- travelling email address
- Arrival and Departure flight details for Paro
These details need to be submitted to us 40 business days before departure.
Due to the nature of travel in Bhutan the group visa can only be submitted once we have ALL travellers details. Failure to advise any of the information as above can slow the visa issue process and delay the group visa. Generally visas are issued within 5 days of departure and as close as 48 hours prior to travel into the country. We will send your group visa to your travelling email address. Please print this visa and carry with you at time of boarding your Bhutan flight.
You must show the copy of your Bhutan Group visa at the check-in for your flight to Bhutan and on arrival at immigration in Bhutan where you will have your Bhutan visa stamped into your passport.
Travel insurance is compulsory for our trips.
When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that you must have medical coverage including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
We will need a copy of your policy showing the policy number and the emergency hotline phone number.
Please note: A reasonable level of fitness is required to enjoy all our Bhutan tours. When hiking to the Tiger's Nest, travellers will encounter steep flights of steps. For most of the trip you will be at altitudes of over 2500m, so be prepared to be a little breathless. When selecting your trip please carefully read the itinerary and assess your ability to cope with the included activities. We advise speaking to your doctor if you have any health concerns.
Please note: Inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.
We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that sometimes we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc.
We reserve the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group
You must be over 18 years to travel on our tours.
Sure you can. You will just need to pay the Single Supplement. Contact us.
Otherwise, single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin share room with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. If there is no one available of the same sex as you, we will arrange a single room for you at no extra cost.
Your flights into Paro, Bhutan, must be booked by you online. Please visit the following airline websites to do so:
Druk Air
http://www.drukair.com.bt/
Bhutan Airlines
http://www.bhutanairlines.bt/
Flights can be booked from: Singapore, Bangkok, Kathmandu, Delhi or Kolkata (please check Visa requirements if flying via India).
Please advise all international flight details at least 60 days prior to departure, including dates, time of departure/arrival and flight numbers.
Please be aware that Bhutan's airlines are renowned for last minute changes to flight timetables into and out of Bhutan.
Please allow a min of 24 hours transit time between your international flight and flight into Bhutan. Timetables are available on the Druk Airlines and Air Bhutan websites.
We aim to use quality, interesting and beautifully located accommodation – usually the best available – as we believe the right accommodation can enhance the overall experience.
They are all 3 stars and above and we hope you will love them as much as we do.
After all, you are on holiday!
However, perhaps they might not be exactly like what you are used to back home. Perhaps they might even be better.
Due to weather conditions, electricity, Wifi and water can be sporadic. Don't worry, this is rare.
All meals are included with the cost of your trip in Bhutan. Generally meals will be buffet style and taken in your hotel or guesthouse. Lunches and dinners will generally include a selection of western- style (often pasta), Chinese or Indian dishes, with some local specialties on occasion. Rice and vegetable dishes are always present for every meal. Usually at least one meat dish is available (on some occasions, there can be shortages, as all meat is imported from India).
Bottled and alcoholic drinks are not included with meals and are paid for separately.
If you have any dietary requirements, allergies or intolerance, kindly let us know.
Internet access is generally fast and very good in both Thimpu and Paro. There may be limited internet access in smaller towns and villages. WiFi is generally free in the lobby and restaurant section of a hotel but charges may apply for internet use within your room.
All meals, transport and accommodation are included on your Bhutan trip. You will only need extra spending money for souvenirs, drinks and tips. Best to bring cash, as it is easily exchanged into local currency. ATMs are available only in Thimphu and Paro. Credit cards are accepted only in larger tourist shops for large purchases.
The official currency of Bhutan is the Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN). You can exchange all major currencies at the airport on arrival. When leaving Bhutan, please remember it is not possible to exchange BTN outside of Bhutan so convert any remaining currency back before you leave.
Tipping is not expected in Bhutan and it is certainly not compulsory. But it does show an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. The amount is up to you; however as a guideline USD20-30 per person, per week can be used.
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure.
Bhutan is a notoriously peaceful country and so far, we did not have any incidents of any nature.
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safekeeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
Swimming and other water based activities are always at your own risk.
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land, but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana or the exploitation of prostitutes is not acceptable for our travellers. Our group leader or local representative has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.
Everyone has the right to feel safe and secure on their trip. We don’t tolerate any form of sexual harassment, either between passengers or involving our leaders or local operators. If you ever feel another person is behaving inappropriately please inform us immediately by contacting the emergency contact number detailed in these trip notes.
If, for any reason you are unable to commence your group trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact us, leaving a detailed message and contact information so that we could assist you as soon as possible.
Your airport arrival transfer has been arranged based on flight information provided to us. If you are advised of a flight schedule change within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, we will do our best to rearrange your arrival transfer however we cannot guarantee this.
Emergency Contact Number:
Mr Tshering Dhendup
During Office hours (Weekdays, 9am-5pm Bhutan Local Time): +97517110866
Small is good! Our group trips average 10 travellers per departure, depending on the adventure. The maximum is usually no more than 16.
EARPLUGS
Bhutan, being a Buddhist country believes in ahimsa so to some people the barking of dogs can be at times annoying. It's advisable to bring earplugs. Just in case.
CLOTHING
Bring comfortable clothing, appropriate to the weather conditions that you are likely to meet. Bring hiking boots/sturdy walking shoes.
During the winter months, for protection against cold, particularly at night, dress in layers.
Windproof jacket, a hat/bandana and sunscreen are essential. Thermal underclothes, being small and light, can also be very useful.
Bhutan is a conservative country and while it is not mandatory, shoulders and knees should be covered when possible. When entering buildings of a religious nature and family homes, please make sure your legs and shoulders are covered.
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge.
MEDICINE
The roads in the mountains can be bumpy. If you do suffer from motion sickness, we recommend you bring medication for the drives.
We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that sometimes we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. We reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our guide or tour leader they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.
BAG
You will need a day pack/bag to carry your water, cameras and other electronics like ipads and mobile phones. We suggest that you pack as lightly as possible as your are expected to carry your own luggage.
The tour may include hiking, rafting (optional) in addition to walking.
When selecting your trip please carefully read the itinerary and assess your ability to cope with the included activities.
Don’t be shy. Reach out. We are here for you! If you have any questions about the tours, then please don't hesitate to contact us and we will get back to you latest within 24 hours!
We can arrange a holiday based on any of our itineraries or create a bespoke itinerary for you according to your requirements.
You will have complete flexibility over dates of travelling, standard of accommodation and sightseeing.
You will use services of Qupido Travel' experienced Guides
Full Qupido Travel expertise and support, both before and during the trip. We'll help you plan your dream holiday to Bhutan.
Contact us.
