Tage: 7 / Schwierigkeit: 2 of 5 (Moderat)
BHUTAN ITINERARY
MAY 2012
PRIVATE TOUR ITINERARY
TRIP FACTS:
Trip length: 6 Nights /7 Days
Starts in: Paro(Bhutan)
Ends in: Paro(Bhutan)
Activities- Cultural sightseeing and day hikes. Maximum Altitude: 2320m/ 7656ft above sea level
OUTLINE ITINERARY:
Day 01: Arrive Paro. Drive to Thimphu, half day sightseeing in Thimphu. Overnight in Thimhu.
Day 02: Sightseeing in Thimphu. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 03: Half day sightseeing in Thimphu and drive to Gangtey. Overnight in Gangtey
Day 04: Half day Sightseeing in Gangtey and drive to Punakha / Wangdue over Night in Punakha / Wangdue
Day 05: Half day sightseeing in Punakha / wangdue and drive to Paro and overnight in Paro
Day 06: Sightseeing in Paro. Overnight in Paro.
Day 07: Depart from Paro Airport.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Ø Hike to Tiger’s Nest in Paro
Ø Visit Farm House
Ø Visit Monastery and some Museums
Ø Stroll around the city shopping
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrive at Paro Airport and then drive to the capital city Thimphu. Altitude: 2320m/ 7656ft above sea level.(1 hour 30 minutes drive)
The flight into the Himalayas reveals scenic and breathtaking views of Himalayan Mountains of the world. If weather permits you will be able to see Mt Everest (8848m, 29,198ft) and other Himalayan mountain ranges. After checking into the hotel later visit, Your representative will greet you on arrival and drive you to the capital city, Thimphu.
Paper factory: The handmade paper making in Bhutan stemmed from the age old tradition originated in 8th century of Bhutanese history. The handmade paper constitutes as valuable National heritage of Bhutanese cultural identity and is preserved through all the ages. The Traditional paper is recognized and held high esteem both in home and outside world.
Tashichho Dzong : The names means - Means Fortress of Glorious Religion. It was built in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. It houses the secretariat building, the throne room and the office of the king, and the central monk body.
Later you can just stroll around the city and see how locals live
Overnight in Thimphu
Day 2: IN THIMPHU
Morning take a hike to Cheri Monastery (Includes Dodina and Jigme Dorji Wild life Sanctuary):
Hike about 1hrs(to and fro) leds to Cheri Goemba (Cheri Dorji Dhen). Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal built this monastery in 1620 and established the first monk body here. A chance to spot birds such as Mrs Gould's Sunbird, Yellow-browed Tit, Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, Long-billed Thrush, Ultramarine Flycatcher.
Memorial Chorten: This particular chorten was constructed in 1974 as a memorial for the third King of the country, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who is widely regarded as the father of modern Bhutan.
Mini zoo: Here you can see just one animal - Bhutan’s national animal- the Takin. This is an extremely rare member of the goat family. Found in herds in the very high altitudes (13,125ft and over). They live on a diet of grass and bamboo.
Sangaygang View Point: The view point is also the perfect place to take in some truly breathtaking views of the entire city of Thimpu and also later visit Kuenselcholing hilltop where the largest Buddha in the world is being built.
Later visit the weekend market: Held every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the people crowd the stalls every day, dressed in full colour and gathered to meet and to barter, much like the street markets in London!
Later just stroll around the city and see how local live and do some shopping.
Overnight in Thimphu
Day 3: THIMPHU TO GANGTEY Gangtey Goenpa/Phobjikha: Altitude: 2800m/ 9240ft above sea level
Morning driving towards Punakha/Wangdue, we come across a pass known as Dochula (3140m, 10362ft) from where a beautiful panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range can be seen, especially in clear winter days. The beauty of this place is further enhanced by the Druk Wangyal Chortens- a 108 stupas built by the eldest Queen, Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck.
Later you will hike across Gangtey Nature Trail: (Duration: Half day: two hours at a quicker pace): This is one of the most beautiful and shortest of the existing nature trail. In this trail you have the opportunity to visit the magnificent Goemba(Monastery), it also leads to sloping area of green grass, flanked by pine trees on either side. You will even come across some villages, rivers, crane roosting ground.
Overnight in Gangtey
Day 4: GANGTEY TO PUNAKHA / WANGDUE Altitude: 1350m/4455ft above sea level.
Morning visit Gangtey Monastery and visit the Black Necked Crane Observation center.
Later Drive to Punakha / Wangdue Valley
Later visit Punakha Dzong (fortress): Built in 1637 by Zhabdrung which is remarkably located between the rivers of Mo (Female) Chu (river) and Pho (Male) Chu. Until the time of second king it served as a seat of the king.
Overnight in Punakha / Wangdue.
Day 5: PUNAKHA/WANGDUE TO PARO. Altitude: 2280m/7524ft (4 hours drive)
Hike to Chimi Lhakhang(Temple of fertility): This Temple was built by lam Drukpa Kuenley (The Divine Madman) in 1499. It is about thirty minutes hike across fields from the road —Wooden phalluses are often found hanging in the four corners of the houses and also phalluses are painted on the walls of houses. It is the common belief that this helps in driving away evil spirits. Later drive to Paro and visit, Kichu Lhakhang(Monastery): It is one of the two most sacred and the oldest temples in Bhutan. It was built in 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo.
Rimpung Dzong: Means fortress of the heap of jewels. It was built during the time of Zhabdrung (deeply revered to this day as dynamic political and spiritual leader) in 1644. It houses both administrative and monastic bodies.
Overnight in Paro.
Day 6: IN PARO.
Morning hike to Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s nest): This is Bhutan’s most recognizable cultural icon perched 800m/2640ft up a seemingly sheer cliff. Although it was tragically and mysteriously consumed by fire in April 1998 it has now been restored to its former glory. It is believed that in the 8th century, the great tantric master Guru Rimopche/ Padmasambhava (2nd Buddha) flew on the back of a tigress to the site where the monastery now stands. Three hours hike(to and fro). (Please note that if you need a horse ride which is upward only it will cost extra US$ 20 per person)
Ta Dzong: This means - watch tower, which it served as during the 17th century to guard the region from the Tibetan invasion. It was converted to the National Museum in 1968
Visit Farmhouse: Experience the eating, taking hot stone bath and staying for a night at a local farmhouse gives a different variation, and a chance to see the inside of such a home, rather than just the brightly decorated exteriors. Please note that if you take hot stone bath and eat in the farm house it will cost you extra US$ 25 per person) Later stroll around the town and see how locals live.
Overnight in Paro.
Day 7: DEPART FROM PARO
Early breakfast at the hotel and then drive to the airport. Your escort will assist you with exit formalities and bid you farewell.
SPECIAL GROUP PRICES
4 to 10 participant USD 250 p.night per person
10 to 15 participants USD 245 p.night per person
16 and above USD 235 p.night per person
Our Tour Package Cost Include:
*Accommodation in 3 star or similar hotels
*3 meals a day(BLD)
*Private transport within Bhutan throughout the trip
*English speaking guide throughout the trip
*Museum and monument fees
*Permit Fees
Our Tour Package Cost doesnt Include:
*Visa fee(USD 20)
*Airfare
*personal nature expences
*Fees for Tourism development Fund(USD 10)
*Air fare(to and fro from Bhutan)
Customize Your Tour: This is a general itinerary, which can always individually be “tailormade”. The trek package can be redesigned or redeveloped as per your taste, For more information please e-mail us at snftnepal@yahoo.de
Important: In case of emergency during the trip, Helicopter will be arranged by Swiss Family Treks & Expedition (P) Ltd. The charges must be paid by the clients themselves.
