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.
An idyllic village festival in central Bhutan
24 April - 4 May 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 Ura is a beautiful village set amidst a pristine highland meadow. The village has retained its traditional character and holds its own festival that offers an insight into lives of the rural Bhutanese.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1, 24 April: Arrive Paro
During the flight, on a clear day, you can see breathtaking views of the Himalaya Mountains , including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan . On arrival you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your Hotel Olathang (08 271305). In the evening you can stroll through the Paro market and town. Overnight in Paro.
Day 2, 25 April: Paro
Paro sightseeing, visit; Ta Dzong built in 17 th century as a watchtower for Paro Dzong. This Dzong was later converted into the national Museum in 1967 and is filled with antique thangka paintings, textiles, weapons and Armour. Also visit the Ringpung Dzong built in in 17 th century to defend this valley against Tibetan invaders. It is now used as an administrative centre and home of monastic community. Afternoon drive to Drukgyal Dzong situated at the end of Paro valley and built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over Tibetan invaders. Kyichu one of the oldest and most sacred monasteries of the Kingdom is another place of interest. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 3, 26 April: Paro- Thimphu
Drive to Thimphu , the modern capital of Bhutan . About 7 km before Thimphu , on a low hilltop rises Simtokha Dzong , Bhutan 's most ancient fortress. After lunch, visit the Memorial Chorten of Late King built in 1974, the Art School, which is particularly famous for thangka painting, the National Library that houses ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts. Also visit Tashichhodzong, 'fortress of the glorious religion". Overnight hotel in Thimphu .
Day 4, 27 April: Thimphu -Trongsa
Drive to Trongsa via Dochhula pass (alt.3, 100m). From this pass, on a clear day, one can see the superb views of the highest peaks in Bhutan such as Gangkar Puensum, Table Mountain , Jeje Gang, Masang Gang, Gangche Ta. Drive further to Wangdiphodrang town, which is also your lunch stop. Then proceed to Trongsa crossing 3,300m Pele La pass. Overnight at hotel in Trongsa.
Day 5, 28 April: Trongsa- Bumthang
Morning visit to striking Trongsa Dzong, ancestral abode of Bhutan 's Royal Family. Then visit the Ta Dzong, built as watchtower to guard Trongsa Dzong. Proceed to Bumthang and in afternoon visit here, the Jakar Dzong built in 17 th century during the time of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the unifier of Bhutan . Then visit the Kurje Lhakhang, where Guru Padmasambhava left his body imprint in the 8 th century. The temple was later built in 17 th century. Overnight hotel in Bumthang.
Day 6, 29 April: Bumthang
Attend full day Ura Yakcho.
Day 7, 30 April: Bumthang-Trongsa
Morning visit to Jambay Lhakhang, the monastery built in 7 th century by Tibetan King Songtshen Gampo, believed to be the reincarnation of the Bodhisattva of compassion. Tamshing Lhakhang, located on opposite side of the river is important place to visit, housing interesting religious paintings. Drive to Trongsa with lunch en route. Overnight in Trongsa.
Day 8, 1 May: Trongsa-Punakha
Drive to Punakha, en route stop at Wangdi to explore a unique Bhutanese town. Check into hotel. Overnight hotel in Punakha.
Day 9, 2 May: Punakha-Thimphu
Morning visit Punakha Dzong, which was built by Shabdrung in 17 th century. It was the ancient capital of Bhutan and now serves as the winter home of the monk bodies. After this, drive to north of Punakha for about 12 km and from the road point walk for about 30 minutes to visit Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, which is located on a beautiful hillock called Ngezergang. Drive back to Punakha for lunch. After lunch drive to Thimphu en route visit Chime Lhakhang, which is dedicated to the "Devine Madman". Continue driving to Thimphu across Dochula Pass. On arrival in Thimphu check into Hotel. Overnight hotel in Thimphu .
Day 10, 3 May: Thimphu with evening drive to Paro
Morning is the free time to stroll in the town and do some shopping in the town. In the evening drive to Paro. Check into hotel in Paro. After tea, stroll freely in the town and visit the farmhouses to experience the Bhutanese rural life. If you wish, have dinner in the farmhouse in a traditional Bhutanese way. Overnight hotel in Paro.
Day 11, 4 May: Paro Depart
Early breakfast in the hotel and drive to the airport for flight to onward destination.
