Enriching Bhutan Tour 12 days/11 nights, 12-23OCT24
Page updated – 05 September 24
Introduction:
After the awesome flight into Paro experience 5 different valleys Thimphu, Phobjikha, Bumthang, Punakha, Paro along with Trongsa the location of Bhutan’s very best museum. Furthermore, it features the most important sights in Thimphu city; the remote beauty of the Phobjikha valley also features the most important temples & scenery of the central Bumthang region; the remote beauty of the Phobjikha Valley; the splendour of the magnificent Punakha Dzong and culminates with a pilgrimage hike to the majestic Taktsang Monastery (Tigers Nest) in Paro valley.
This tour combines the very best sites the Kingdom of Bhutan has to offer in the western & central Bhutan.
This tour caters for a minimum 2 persons & maximum 8 persons. BOOK NOW to avoid disappointment.
Tour Itinerary Overview.
- 2 nights Thimphu with exploring, hiking and shopping options.
- 2 nights Phobjikha valley for hiking and exploring.
- 2 nights Bumthang valleys, hiking, exploring.
- 1 night Trongsa with museum & Dzong visits.
- 2 nights Punakha valley with monastery & Dzong visits.
- 2 nights Paro valley with Taktsang Monastery hike, shopping & exploring.
Guaranteed departure – SOLD OUT!
OR CALL THE BHUTAN TRAVEL EXPERTS ON
AUS toll free, James – 0412 416 111, Nicola – 0413 598 669
Reasons To Book This Small Group Tour
- We only take a maximum of 8 persons on our tours.
- We guarantee our small group cultural tours will operate even if only 2 persons travel!
- Maximise your Bhutan experience with one of our top rated Bhutanese guides.
- Immerse yourself in the vibrant Buddhist culture of Bhutan.
- All hiking on this tour is optional though you must be able to climb a steep set of stairs to gain entry to the magnificent Punakha Dzong.
- We tailor our tours for less driving & more sightseeing!
- 20 years experience, service & knowledge.
- Competitive pricing & well constructed itineraries.
- We provide a comprehensive pre-departure planning kit.
- Experts at combining Bhutan with India & Nepal.
- ATAS Accredited via our parent company MTA Travel.
Your Bhutan Tour Inclusions:
- Professional guide, driver & private coach.
- All touring & transfers throughout your journey.
- Bhutanese style 3* hotels for 11 nights with private bathrooms.
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) & two 500 ml bottles of water daily.
- All monument, entrance fees and sightseeing & hiking as per your itinerary.
- Bhutan visa fees & processing.
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) & Bhutan local taxes.
- Bhutan & Beyond bank transfers for payments to Bhutan suppliers.
- Professionally operated by Bhutan Tourism Corp Ltd – BTCL.
- Comprehensive Bhutan visitor guide & full support from Bhutan & Beyond.
- ATAS Accredited via our parent company MTA Travel
- Access to our exclusive travel app COMPANION
Your Tour Exclusions:
- Flights to/from Paro are additional.
- Personal bank charges incurred making payments to Bhutan & Beyond.
- Personal items: phone calls, laundry, drinks, designer coffees, etc.
- Tips – Please refer to tipping guide in our Bhutan visitor guide.
- Travel Insurance – which is essential when travelling to Bhutan.
- Any COVID-19 PCR or RAT tests required.
Available On Request:
- Single Room Supplement – Please add US$ 440.00 pp
- Upgrade to Business Class to/from Paro.
- Ex-Australia Stopovers & Additional Asian Arrangements
Cancellation Conditions:
- Deposit date until 45 days prior arrival in Bhutan – Land tour deposit is refundable less B&B service fees.
- 45 days or less prior to arrival in Bhutan – No land tour refund permitted.
Please note: – These conditions cover land travel arrangements only, not airfares, which are subject to their own cancellation conditions.
Saturday 12 October 24:
Paro to Thimphu (1 hr 30 mins, drive time)
After clearing immigration and customs you will be greeted by your BTCL guide and driver and transferred to Bhutan’s capital Thimphu. Travelling through the spectacular countryside, en-route make a stop at the Tachogang Lhakhang (iron bridge). All the houses and buildings in the Kingdom are painted and constructed in traditional Bhutanese style.
On arrival in Thimphu take lunch at a local Bhutanese restaurant. This afternoon visit the celebrated Royal Textiles Museum, the National Memorial Chorten and the Takin Preserve, home to Bhutan’s most unusual national mammal.
Overnight Thimphu – Bhutanese Style 3* Hotel
Sunday 13 October:
Exploring in the Thimphu valley.
This morning visit the awesome Buddha Dordenma statue located at Kuenselphodrang. The statue is made of bronze and gilded in gold. It is considered the largest Buddha Shakyamuni statue in the world. There is also an excellent 3 km hike option through Kuenselphodrang Nature Park which offers sensational valley views.
Continue on to the majestic Trashichhoe Dzong and visit the beautiful Tara Lhaden Zhingkham lhakang (temple). Next visit the ‘Simply Bhutan’ traditional display village followed by a Bhutanese lunch. At ‘Simply Bhutan’ you can try ara tasting (local spirit); suja tasting (butter tea); try your hand at archery and much more.
This afternoon visit the colourful Centenary markets, where everyone goes to buy an array of fresh fruits & vegetables. Don’t forget to take a wander along Thimphu’s main street, Norzin Lam and visit the Craft Bazaar where you can purchase locally made goods.
Overnight Thimphu – Bhutanese Style 3* Hotel
Monday 14 October:
Thimphu to Phobjikha Valley (4-5 hrs)
This morning you will be transferred by road eastwards to the Phobjikha Valley. En-route passing the Semtokha Dzong, built in 1629 & the oldest fortress of its kind that guarded the Thimphu valley, which today it is a monastery. Continue ascending to Dochu La (pass) to view the 108 Stupas, commissioned by a former Queen as a memorial to those who lost their lives during the low intensity conflict in late 2002 when Bhutan evicted Indian rebels camped in the jungle on the Bhutan – Indian border. On a clear day you will witness a breathtaking view of the eastern Himalaya.
When the recently rebuilt Wangdue Phodrang Dzong comes into view, notice the large cacti that cover the hillside below which, were planted long ago to discourage invaders from climbing the steep slope to the Dzong. From the road view Rinchengang, one of Bhutan’s oldest villages, which did not have access to water, electricity or schooling until the early 1990’s.The craftsmen of Rinchengang are sought after for their skills in construction of Dzongs and Lhakhangs (temples).
Potatoes are Phobjikha’s primary cash crop and mainly exported to India. Phobjikha is a glacial valley on the western slopes of the Black Mountains and is one of the most beautiful open valleys in Bhutan. It is also one of the most important wildlife preserves in the country and the winter home (late October to early February) of the rare black necked crane, which annually flies in from Tibet. There are also muntjaks (barking deer), wild boar, sambar, Himalayan black bear, leopard and red foxes.
Time permitting walk the Gangtey Nature Trail on arrival this afternoon. Alternatively undertake this tomorrow morning. This is an easy, mainly flat, walk through forest and pastures.
Overnight Phobjikha – Bhutanese Style 3* Hotel
Tuesday 15 October:
Exploring & hiking in Phobjikha
Today you will visit the sacred Gangtey Goenpa (Monastery) plus enjoy time to wander through Gangtey village, and visit the Black Crane nature information centre and nearby hide to view the cranes should they be present in the valley. Take time this afternoon for some relaxation, an additional hike, or exploring on your own in this beautiful valley.
Overnight Phobjikha – Bhutanese Style 3* Hotel
Wednesday 16 October:
Phobjikha to Choekhor Valley (4 hrs)
This morning depart Phobjikha to the central Bumthang region comprising the 4 valleys of Chhume, Choekhor, Tang & Ura.
Traverse the Pele La (Pass) which crosses through the Black Mountains National Park and divides western and central Bhutan and stop for lunch near Trongsa, where you will spend more time on your return journey. Keep a watchful eye out for Rhesus Macaques (Brown Monkeys) on the side of the road.
The Trongsa Dzong is perched at the end of a ridge and seems to hang in space at the head of the valley. The Dzongs location afforded it great power over this part of the country as the only foot and mule trail between east and western Bhutan leads straight through Trongsa and through the Dzong itself.
On arrival in the Bumthang region notice the large fields of buckwheat that cover the valleys…..buckwheat noodles and pancakes are a Bumthang speciality. Enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. There are short walks and hikes to choose from and your guide will be happy to make recommendations.
Overnight Choekhor – Bhutanese Style 3* Hotel
Thursday 17 October:
Exploring & hiking in the Bumthang Valleys.
Today your recommended sightseeing includes visits to the Wangdicholing Palace (exterior access only) and one or both of the Jambay & Kurjey Lhakhangs. These are the oldest two monasteries in the kingdom and all the former Kings of Bhutan are cremated at Kurjey Lhakhang. You can enjoy a hike from these lhakhangs back to your hotel for lunch.
Other options include the Tamshing Monastery where about 95 Monks reside – most are under 15 and from poorer families who cannot afford to send their children to state school; then make a visit to the nearby ‘Burning Lake’ and learn its dark legend.
Time permitting, drop in at the Swiss Farm to taste local produce including sweet cheese, apple brandy and locally brewed wine and beer. Alternatively enjoy one of the other hikes available in this region or find a nice quiet spot at the hotel to catch up on some reading.
Overnight Choekhor – Bhutanese Style 3* Hotel
Friday 18 October:
Choekhor Valley to Trongsa (2 hrs)
Today transfer back westwards towards Trongsa, via the Chhume valley, for the opportunity to shop for excellent local handicrafts and textiles. This region is renowned for its exceptionally high quality weavings.
The Trongsa Dzong is the ancestral home of the Royal Family of Bhutan and has added the excellent Tower of Trongsa museum into its ancient watchtower, which you will visit this afternoon, followed by an optional excursion to the Dzong itself.
Alternatively there is a good 2 hour valley hike below the Dzong that your guide will advise you on.
Overnight Trongsa – Bhutanese Style 3* Hotel
Saturday 19 October:
Trongsa to Punakha Valley (4 + hours)
Depart early this morning on a very scenic drive to the Punakha Valley, which holds the title as the winter capital because of its more temperate climate, taking lunch on arrival in Punakha.
This afternoon, on arrival into Punakha, take an orientation tour of the valley including the markets at Lobesa and the nearby Chimi Lhakhang, a monastery built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley (also known as the Divine Madman or Mad Monk) with a very colourful history. It is believed childless women who visit the temple will conceive after receiving a ‘wang’ (blessing) from the resident monk. The walk across rice paddy fields takes about 20 minutes each way.
Overnight Punakha – Bhutanese Style 3* Hotel
Sunday 20 October:
Exploring & hiking in the Punakha Valley.
This morning perhaps enjoy a walk over the Punakha suspension bridge which offers excellent valley & river views, before a visit to the dramatic Punakha Dzong, which formally served as the seat of the government and is still the winter residence of the Dratsheng (Central Monk Body). This is Bhutan’s most spectacular Dzong and an excellent example of how a medieval fortress and a centre of both monastic and administrative functions, has adapted and evolved for modern day use.
Continue on and visit the Sangchen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang & Nunnery followed by an excursion along a delightful country lane the very traditional village of Talo where you can wander the beautiful & serene gardens of the local monastery.
Choose to enjoy a relaxing afternoon at leisure or travel up the valley & take a fascinating hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten through fields of vegetables, rice paddies and tiny hamlets. This Chorten hold very special significance being consecrated in 1999 and dedicated to the protection of the former Crown Prince – today’s current King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.
Overnight Punakha – Bhutanese Style 3* Hotel
Monday 21 October:
Punakha Valley to Paro Valley (4+ hrs)
Depart Punakha early morning for your transfer westwards to the Paro Valley, once again traversing Dochu La, and arriving in Paro town in time for a late lunch at one of the local restaurants.
This afternoon enjoy an orientation tour of the major features in Paro town including Paro Dzong with its cantilever bridge and the National Museum in Paro to view the fine collection of ancient Thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons and other artefacts, before a visit to the CSI daily market which offers locally produced goods from cottage and small industries in Bhutan. Finally we recommend a wander along the main streets which offers good shopping for jewellery and handicrafts.
Overnight Paro – Bhutanese Style 3* Hotel.
Tuesday 22 October:
Exploring and hiking in Paro.
This morning hike to the Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tigers Nest. This is Bhutan’s most revered monastery and all Bhutanese strive to make the pilgrimage here at least once in their lives. This visit is much more than ‘just a hike’ and each step gains merit points for the next part of life’s journey. Choose between a 2 hour round trip hike to the Monastery viewpoint or a longer 5 hour and more strenuous hike into the Monastery itself. Tigers Nest clings impossibly to a cliff of rock at 800 m above the valley floor and where Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress to subdue the local demons followed by 3 months meditation in a cave still visible in the monastery. In 1998 the monastery was seriously damaged by fire and has since been painstakingly reconstructed to its original condition and consecrated by the 4th King in 2005.
Take lunch at the Viewpoint Cafe on the hiking trail and this afternoon continue down the valley to view the recently restored Drugyel Dzong (14km from Paro). This is the historical site of the Fort of Drukpa Victory, from which the Bhutanese used to repel the Tibetan invaders again and again. Followed by a visit to Kyichu Lhakhang – one of Bhutan’s oldest and most beautiful temples boasting an orange tree that perpetually bears fruit. Take the remainder of the day at leisure or return to Paro town for some last minute shopping.
Overnight Paro -Bhutanese Style 3* Hotel
Wednesday 23 October:
Day of departure.
Early morning departure from your hotel to Paro Airport for your onward flight.
