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.
The biggest cultural festival in Bhutan
20-30 September 2007
TRIP LENGTH: 11 Days / 10 Nights
COST: 1 person US $2200, 2 persons US $2100 each, 3 more US $1800
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 Thimphu , as the capital, is a unique blend of the modern and the ancient. The bustling modern town is surrounded by ancient temples and the Tashichhodzong, the seat of the government and the monastic order. The Thimphu Tshechu reenacts the teachings of Guru Rinpoche through mask dances and is attended by thousands of local people.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1, 20 Sept: Arrive Paro International Airport
During the journey, one will experience breath-taking view of Mount Everest , Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks including the sacred Jumolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan . On arrival at Paro International Airport , you will be received by your tour operator and take you to Thimphu which is 60 km from Paro Airport and about 2 hours drive. The drive to Thimphu takes you along the Paro Chu (Chu means water or river) down stream to the confluence with the Wang Chu , then turn upstream and travel along the Wang Chu to Thimphu . Check in at the hotel. Overnight hotel in Thimphu .
Day 2, 21 Sept: Thimphu
Visit the Memorial Chorten (a huge stupa) built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who ruled the Kingdom from 1952-1972. Visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved Visit the Wood Craft and Painting School where traditional arts and crafts are still kept alive. Visit the handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts and crafts are displayed and can be purchased. Evening: Relax.
Day 3, 22 Sept: Thimphu Tshechu
After an early breakfast attend Festival, which is held in the courtyard of Tashichhodzong. This is the main Secretariat Building , where the government ministries, the office of His Majesty the King, the Throne Room, the offices and living quarters of the monk body and its Chief Abbot are housed. Lunch at the hotel and watch Thimphu Tshechu. Evening: relax at the hotel or stroll through Thimphu Town .
Day 4, 23 Sept: Thimphu Tshechu
Attend full day festival.
Day 5, 24 Sept: Thimphu
Take a day excursion to Phajodhing, which lies on the west of Thimphu at an Alt. of 3,700m. It is about four hours walk from Thimphu and this is considered one of the most enjoyable hikes. From Phajodhing, you have a beautiful view of the Thimphu valley and the surrounding mountains. There are several monasteries and a state monastic school in Phajodhing. It is also a place of meditation for many devout Buddhists. Picnic lunch will be served at Phajodhing. Afternoon, hike back to Thimphu . Evening: Stroll freely in the town.
Day 6, 25 Sept: Thimphu - Punakha
IAfter 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 , and visit Punakha Dzong, which is noteworthy both for being one of the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan and also for having been built by the first Shabdrung in 1637. Check into the hotel. Overnight hotel in Punakha.
Day 7, 26 Sept: Punakha-Thimphu with excursion to Wangdiphodrang
After break fast drive to Wangdiphodrang. On the way, 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. Continue driving to Wangdiphodrang, and visit Wangdi Dzong, which is located on the spur overlooking the river below. After lunch drive to Thimphu across Dochula pass. Check into hotel on arrival. Overnight hotel in Thimphu .
Day 8, 27 Sept: Thimphu - Paro
After break fast, visit the famous weekend market, and mingle with locals who come here to sell their farm products. It is also good place to buy souvenirs. After lunch, drive to Paro for two hours. Check into hotel on arrival. Overnight hotel in Paro.
Day 9, 28 Sept: Paro sightseeing
In Paro, visit the following places of interest: The National Museum (Ta-Dzong). This was actually the Watch Tower of the Paro Rinpung Dzong. It was converted to the National Museum in l968. Visit the Rinpung Dzong, massive fortress which is located on a hilltop above the Pachu ( Paro River ) in the Paro Valley . It houses the District Administration Office and the District Monk Body. After lunch, visit the Drukgyal Dzong which is located 16 Km away from the Paro Town . The name Drukgyal means "Victorious". Although in ruins, this Dzong is of great historical importance. It was here that the Bhutanese finally defeated the invading Tibetans and drove them back. From here, the peak of Jumolhari "Mountain of the Goddess" can be seen on a clear day (Alt. 7329m/24,029ft.). Evening: Take a stroll through Paro town. Overnight hotel in Paro.
Day 10, 29 Sept: Paro Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery
After breakfast, hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, which is the most famous monastery in Bhutan . Guru Rinpoche, an Indian saint 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 . The hike to reach the viewpoint to the monastery makes for a nice half-day excursion. Hike back to Paro. In the evening you can explore Paro town. Overnight hotel in Paro.
Day 11, 30 Sept: Paro International Airport
Drive to the airport for departure.
