Winter season is perhaps the best opportune
time to visit Bhutan and experience a tranquil
facade of the country not usually seen
by most visitors. Advent of winter brings
about peace and tranquility in the region,
as life in Bhutan settles down quietly
in preparation of the winter months. One
can truly appreciate the natural beauty
at this time of the season, with crystal
clear view of the snow-capped mountains
against the backdrop of bright azure sky.
The fields in the valleys are abounding
with the colors of poinsettias and green
banana plants. The rooftops of the villages
are covered in red with hot chilies drying
in the winter sun, as the villagers pass
the time leisurely. It's a time of rest
and nature's way of rejuvenating ones body
and the spirit, with every breath of fresh
air. It is indeed a unique experience not
to be missed.
This special program is a combination
of cultural tour, bird watching and trek
lasting 9 days in Bhutan . Tour begins
from Paro and continues through Thimphu
and Punakha. Then a short three days trek
which covers the lower valley regions with
elevation ranging from 4500 to 7350 feet.
It is designed as a moderate trek for anyone
in good physical condition to participate.
A leisurely four - five hours daily hike
passes through villages with plenty of
opportunity to enjoy the scenery, and to
experience the hospitality of the local
people. The trek ends at Wangiphodrang
followed by a drive to Phobijikha to witness
a rare glimpse of the black-necked cranes,
which migrate each winter to this beautiful
valley. Spend the night at a traditional
farm guesthouse, and early next morning
venture to a vantage point to see the roosting
grounds of the cranes.
Outline Itinerary:
Day
01:
Arrive Paro
airport and transfer to Thimpu/Over
night hotel (D)
Day 02:
Sightseeing in Thimphu, back to hotel for overnight. (B) (L)
(D)
Punakha - Limukha (trek),
overnight at camp. (B) (L) (D)
Day 05:
Sun Limukha - Chungsakha/
overnight camp (B) (L) (D)
Day 06:
Chungsakha - Wangdi - Phobjikha
- Overnight at a farm house, (B) (L)
(D)
Day 07:
Phobjikha - Thimphu - Paro
(B) (L) (D)
Day 08:
Paro - Sightseeing, overnight
at hotel (B) (L) (D)
Day 09:
Departure Paro - After
breakfast transfer airport and fly to
Kathmandu or Bangkok (B)
Legend:
(B)
Breakfast, (L) Lunch, (D) Dinner
Note:
Tour and Tour Information
are subject to change.
Tour Prices:
Single Person Price: $1760
Double Occupancy: Per Person Price: $1680
More than 2 persons: Per Person Price:
$1440
Notes: Airfare is not included in the
tour price.
COST INCLUDES:
Twin sharing accommodation with full board, all transfers as per the itinerary,
English speaking guide, All the monument entrance fees & govt. Taxes.
All camping equipments, except for sleeping bags, porters and trekking permits.
COST EXCLUDES:
Airfares, visa fee of $20 (cash) payable upon arrival at airport, beverage,
phone calls, laundry, medical, insurance and any other expenses that are not
specified above.
Detail Itinerary:
Day 1:
ARRIVE BHUTAN The flight from Bangkok to
Paro on Druk Air is a befitting introduction
to Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan . From a window
seat on clear days you can experience a spectacular
view of Bhutan 's snow capped peaks as you
approach Paro. On arrival you will be received
by our representative, and then drive you
to Thimphu the capital city Thimphu . Overnight
at Druk Hotel or Similar. (D)
Day 2:
THIMPHU SIGHTSEEING A visit to the Memorial
Chorten built in honor of the late King Jigme
Dorji Wangchuk, Dupthop Lhakhang ( Monastery
for the nuns), National Library and the painting
school where traditional art is still kept
alive through instructions in the art of
painting Thangkhas ( sacred Buddhist religious
scrolls). Visit the traditional Medicine
institute where medicines are prepared according
to ancient practices and return to the town
for your lunch break. After lunch you will
visit Lungtenzampa to observe the Royal traditional
silver smiths and Bhutanese traditional paper
factory. Drive south and visit Simtokha Dzong,
the first Dzong built by Shubdrung Nawang
Namgyal. It is now used as the Institute
for study of traditional teachings for the
lay students. Return back to hotel for overnight.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 3:-
THIMPHU - PUNAKHA Leaving Thimphu the road
climbs steeply through a forest of pine and
cedar, festooned with hanging lichen high
up near Dochula pass (3,050 m). This pass
offers panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain
ranges, as we descend along a series of hairpin
bends to the fertile valley of Punakha (1,350
meters/ 4,430 feet). Before proceeding further
to Punakha town we will hike up to the Chimi
Lhakhang temple on a small hilltop. This
temple is dedicated to the great Yogi in
14th century known as Drukpa Kuenley or popularly
known as "Divine madman" to the
westerners. It is believed that this temple
blesses women who seek fertility. After lunch
we will proceed to Punakha town to view the
majestic Dzong ( fortress), situated between
the two rivers Pho Chu and Mochu (male and
Female River). This fortress is now used
as the winter seat of the Je Khenpo ( the
Spiritual head of Bhutan ). In the past this
Dzong was the capital seat of the Kingdom.
After strolling through the town of Punakha
drive to hotel Meri Puensum or similar for
overnight. (B) (L) (D)
Day 4:-
PUNAKHA - LIMUKHA (TREK) After breakfast
begin your trek with gradual climb through
chirpine forests. Visit to Dompala village
en route. Overnight at camp. Distance 9 miles,
takes about 4-5 hours. (B) (L) (D)
Day 5:
LIMUKHA - CHUNGSAKHA The trail takes you
through rhododendron and oak forested areas.
En route pass a famous Drukpa Kuenly Lhakhang.
Overnight at camp. Distance 9 miles about
4-5 hours of walk. (B) (L) (D)
Day 6:
CHUNGSAKHA - WANGDI - PHOBJIKHA The trail
now drops down until you arrive at the roadside.
Your car will pick you up and drive to Phobjikha
Valley situated at 9000 feet and is the winter
home to the endangered black-necked crane.
Overnight at a farm house. (B) (L) (D)
Day 7:
PHOBJIKHA - THIMPHU - PARO Early morning
visit the roosting ground of the black necked
crane from a vantage you will be able to
see hundreds of cranes preparing to depart
for hunt of food. Return to the guesst house.
After breakfast you will resume your drive
to Thimphu , You will have couple of hours
for shopping and will resume drive to Paro.
Overnight at hotel. (B) (L) (D)
Day 8:
PARO SIGHTSEEING After breakfast your car
will drop you at the starting point of the
excursion to view the spectacular Taktsang
monastery (Tiger's lair). The trail to the
monastery climbs through beautiful pine forest,
many of the trees festooned with Spanish
moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering
prayer flags. You stop at the cafeteria for
a rest and refreshments and continue the
hike (if not tired) for short while until
you see, clearly and seemingly within reach,
the remains of Taktsang monastery. Built
in 1600s, this incredible monastery clings
to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges
900 meters into the valley below. The history
states that Guru Padmasambhava, the Tantric
mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan , landed
here on the back of a flying tiger. Looking
at the monastery flying tigers doesn't seem
so impossible after all. Lunch will be served
at the cafeteria. Afternoon visit the National
Museum of Bhutan, (Ta Dzong) which contains
works of art, handicrafts, costumes, armor
and rare stamps. Take a leisurely hike down
to Rimpung Dzong. You will walk through a
traditional covered bridge across the river
to your waiting car at the valley floor and
take you to the Hotel. Overnight at hotel.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 9:-
DEPART PARO BHUTAN After breakfast drive
to the airport for your flight to Bangkok
or Kathmandu . (B)
Your senses will awake upon entering the
impressive courtyard of the Punakha Dzong; " Palace of Great
Happiness ". The Dzong lies between two rivers, the Pochu and
Mochu, male and female rivers.
