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GETTING INTO BHUTAN
WHEN TO COME
BHUTAN TOUR COST
BHUTAN VISA FORMALITIES
BHUTAN TOUR GUIDE
HOTELS USED FOR TOURS
TRANSPORT FOR BHUTAN TOUR
 

Travel to Bhutan



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.

 

Contact Information

Bhutan Travelers
Thimphu, Kingdom of Bhutan
P.O. Box: 1298
Phone: +975 2 328868,
Fax +975 2 328869
Email: bt@druknet.bt

 

Trekking in Bhutan: Punakha Winter Trek

 

PUNAKHA WINTER TREK

TRIP LENGTH:12 Days
LEVEL: Easy
SEASONS: March to May & September to December

Day 1: Arrive at Paro International Airport
During the journey to Paro, 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, the representative of Bhutan Travellers will receive you and escort to the Hotel.


Day 2: Paro Sightseeing
Drive to Drukgyal Dzong (a ruined fortress - 16 km away from Paro Town). Although now in ruins this Dzong is of historical importance. It was here that the Bhutanese finally defeated the Tibetans and drove them back. From here too the Peak of Jumolhari (Alt. 7,329m/24029ft) can be viewed on a clear day. On the way back you visit a typical Bhutanese farmhouse. After lunch, at the hotel, take a leisurely stroll around the compound.


Day 3: Paro - Thimphu
Drive to Thimphu takes about 2 hours with a distance of 65Km. Check in at Hotel. After some rest, visit the following places: Memorial Chorten (a huge stupa) built in memory of the third King who reigned the Kingdom from 1952 - 1972. The National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved. Visit Tashichho Dzong. This is the main secretariat building. This massive structure houses part of the government ministries, office of the King and the Throne Room. It also houses the State Monastic Body and the living quarters of the Chief Abbot and senior monks.


Day 4: Thimphu Sightseeing
Visit Simtokha Dzong. This is one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan, which was built in 1629 A.D by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Visit the woodcraft and painting school where traditional art and crafts are still kept alive. Visit the handicrafts emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts are displayed and can be purchased. After lunch drive 14 km to north of Thimphu to visit Tango Cheri Monastery. Early evening will be left free to stroll around Thimphu valley and its town.


Day 5: Thimphu - Shong Pang
Drive north up the valley towards Dechencholing (the residence of the Queen Mother) Palace, following the Thimchu. The transport will reach you up to Pangrizam, the last motor point. From here, the trek starts towards Shong Pang, which takes about 4/5 hours through villages. The camp will be just above Chamina village.


Day 6: Shong Pang - Dopshing Pang
The trek trail ascends gradually up till you reach the pass called Sinchula which is about 3,490m. From this point, if the weather is clear, one can see Phajodhing Monastery, which is just above Thimphu. After 2 Km walk, you can view Thinly Gang village, Talo Monastery and the motor highway towards the ancient capital of Bhutan. The trek from the pass is more or less downhill till you reach the campsite.


Day 7: Dopshing Pang - Chorten Ningpo
The trek to Chorten Ningpo is rather gradual and will be walking through thick forests, villages and rice fields. The campsite is at an alt. of 2,700 m.


Day 8: Chorten Ningpo - Zomlingthang
For about 2-3 hours, the trek trail will be through several villages until you reach a motor road. From the motor road, you will follow the road towards Punakha, which is the ancient capital of Bhutan.


Day 9: Zomlingthang - Limukha
Follow the motor road till Punakha Dzong and then cross the Pochu River (Male River), the river that drains the remote Lunana region. You will have a steady half-day climb into a forest of scattered long needle Chir Pines. Make sure to fill your water bottle before leaving Punakha, as there is no water on the way for a couple of hours. You will have a wonderful view of Punakha valley and the Dzong. If the weather is clear, you can see some snow peaked mountains to the north. The campsite is near Limukha village, alt. 2,250m.


Day 10: Limukha - Chungsakha/Wangdiphodrang
The trek trail ascends gradually up through the thick forest of oak species and rhododendrons till you reach a pass called Dochula. Then descend through the thick forest leading to a small monastery dedicated to a lama called Drukpa Kuenlay (popularly known as the Divine Madman). From Chungsakha you can look across the valley to Samtengang on the ridge to the south. Walk down hill till you reach the motor road and then drive for about half an hour to Wangdiphodrang. Overnight in Wangdiphodrang Guest House.


Day 11: Wangdiphodrang - Thimphu
After breakfast, drive to Punakha Dzong viewpoint at the north end of the Punakha Valley. The Punakha Dzong lies between two rivers known as Pochu and Mochu, which mean ‘Male River and Female River’. It houses the District Administration office and the winter residence of the State Monastic Body and its Chief Abbot. Drive up to Dochula pass and stop for a hot cup of tea and some snacks. Continue to drive down to Thimphu. Evening: guests can either rest in the hotel or stroll in the town.


Day 12: Thimphu - Paro International Airport
Be seen off by a representative of Bhutan Travellers.


For more details Please contact us at:

Bhutan Travelers
Thimphu, Kingdom of Bhutan
P.O. Box: 1298
Phone: +975 2 328868,
Fax +975 2 328869
Email: bt@druknet.bt



 
Festival & Dates



Punaka Festival
11-Feb

Chorten Kora Festival
21 Feb-7 March

Gomkora Festival
14 Feb-16 March
Chukha Tshechu Festival
19 – 21 March
Paro Tshechu Festival
17 – 21 March
Ura Yakchoe Festival
16 – 20 April
Nimalung Tshechu Festival
10 – 12 July
Kurjey Tshechu Festival
12 July

Thimphu Drupchen Festival
4 – 8 Oct
Wangdi Tshechu Festival
7 – 9 Oct
Thimphu Tshechu Festival
9 – 11 Oct
Tamshingphala Festival
8 – 10 Oct
Tangbi Mani Festival
13 – 15 Oct
Jambay Lakhang Festival
12 – 16 Nov
Prakar Duchhoed Festival
13 – 15 Nov
Mongar Tshechu Festival
4 – 7 Dec
Pemagatshel Tshechu
4 – 7 Dec
Trashigang Tshechu
5 – 8 Dec
Nalakhar Tshechu Festival
12 – 14 Dec
Trongsa Tshechu Festival
5 – 7 Jan (2009)
Lhuntse Tshechu Festival
5 – 7 Jan (2009)
 
 
       
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