Today, Bhutan or the land of the Thunder Dragon is one of the most highly acclaimed travel destinations. This is a land of remarkable natural beauty with a pristine and intact environment and a friendly, tradition-bound people. To the discerning international traveler, Bhutan has become an exotic and enticing final frontier.
Bhutan’s present travel status comes as no surprise given that this tiny kingdom, the size of Switzerland, was zealously sequestered from the world for centuries. The door to this mythical Buddhist kingdom was opened to limited tourism only three decades ago. Travel to Bhutan is still regulated through a policy of high value tourism.
At this time and age when tourism most often dictates national economics, travel to Bhutan is a refreshing experience. Here, a deeply ingrained sense of hospitality, a universally acknowledged ecosystem and a living culture ensures every traveler the best that any nation has on offer. Travel to Bhutan is really an exploration.
Explore a tradition and culture that has been preserved through the centuries. In Bhutan, it is not about seeing a display showcased for tourists but living and sharing an experience with the Bhutanese. From religious festivals to a celebration on a farm or a game of archery, become a part of it all. This is true interactive travel.
Bhutan Travelers is a product of the very evolution of tourism in the kingdom. From state-run tourism in the early years to privatization, Bhutan Travelers has always been there. Its strength lies in the deep understanding and insight of the nation and its people and the knowledge of clients acquired through years of experience.
Travel to Bhutan with Bhutan Travelers and we will accompany you through the most satisfying and memorable journey. We will unravel every myth and mystery and open the doors to untold adventures. Come and explore this bewitching land and leave knowing that you will return again, and again.
Bhutan Travelers packages are specially designed to suit the needs of every traveler. You can either travel to Bhutan as an individual or in large groups; we will be there every step of the way. Besides treks and tours, we also offer customized packages according to the wishes of the individual or group.
Glimpse the history of Bhutan retold in festivity
11 - 18 February 2008
TRIP LENGTH: 8 Days / 7 Nights
COST: 1 person US $1540, 2 persons US $1470 each, 3 more US $1260
COST INCLUDES: Government royalty, all meals, tea and snacks, accommodations, transport, entrance fees, guide services, mineral water and sightseeing.
Cost does not include: Druk Air fares, visa fee, airport tax, drinks and other personal bills.
Trip facts Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan where much of the history of the nation unfolded. Through the festival, get a visual display of the arrival of Bhutan 's founding saint, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal; battles with Tibetan invaders and the various British expeditions into Bhutan . The first king of the monarchy was also crowned here in 1907.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Paro
The flight to Paro crosses the Himalaya Mountains , affording spectacular views of the awesome peaks, including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan . Upon arrival in Paro, you will be greeted by our representative and transfer to hotel. After lunch, visit Paro Dzong, which was built in 1646, and visit Kyichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country and the National Museum . Overnight hotel in Paro.
Day 2: Paro - Punakha
After breakfast you will drive to Punakha, with a stop en route for tea at Dochu La (3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Himalayas . After lunch you will drive to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan . On the way to Punakha, you will stop at Metshina Village and take a 20-minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lakhang, which is a fertility temple, where you may receive a special fertility blessing if you wish. Overnight hotel in Punakha.
Day 3: Punakha - attend full day of festival
After breakfast, you will attend the festival in Punakha. Enjoy the celebration of the mask dances by the local people and by the monks. Overnight hotel in Punakha.
Day 4: Punakha - Thimphu (3-hour drive)
After breakfast, you will attend a half day of the Punakha festival. Later you will visit Wangdiphodrang Dzong and explore Wangdue town. In the late afternoon you will drive to Thimphu. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.
Day 5: Thimphu sightseeing
In the morning you can hike to Tango Monastery, which was built by the "Divine Madman" (Lama) in the 15th century. It's a center of study for monks. After lunch you will visit the King's Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), Changgangkha Monastery, the radio tower (for a great view of Thimphu Valley and the Thimphu Dzong), the National Library (which houses ancient manuscripts), and the zoo, which contains the national animal of Bhutan: the takin. In the evening you can explore Thimphu town. Overnight hotel in Thimphu .
Day 6: Thimphu - Paro (2-hour drive)
In the morning you can stroll through the weekend market with the local people. Later you will visit the School of Arts and Crafts (also known as the painting school), the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, a traditional paper factory, the majestic Tashichhodzong, and Simtokha Dzong (the oldest fortress in the kingdom. After lunch you will drive to Paro and you will visit the National Museum , formerly the watchtower for the Dzong. In the evening you can explore Paro town. Overnight hotel in Paro.
Day 7: Paro
After breakfast hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan 's most famous monastery. Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntse to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. It is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley . Overnight hotel in Paro.
Day 8: Depart Paro
Your guide and driver will see you off at the Paro airport.
