08 DAYS
BHUTAN INSIGHT
Trip code:
BH-DXE8
Departure: Daily |
Land of
the Thunder Dragon, one of the most mysterious and unknown of
all Himalayan Kingdoms, hidden in isolation behind the high
peaks of the Himalayas. For centuries forbidden to foreigners,
this timeless Buddhist Kingdom has succeeded in preserving its
enchanting traditions and ancestral way of life.
This trip
combines the best of what Bhutan offers. A three-hour winding
scenic mountain drive from Thimphu will land you in Punakha, the
former capital of Bhutan. Located at an altitude of 1350m above
sea level, Punakha had once served as the winter capital of
Bhutan. The main attraction in Punakha is the Punakha Dzong. It
is the winter residence of the chef abbot and monks, who migrate
there from Thimphu every winter. This dzong is ranked as one of
the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan. |
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Fly |
Singapore/Bangkok |
TG 410 |
2040/2200 |
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Upon arrival, own
transfer to Novotel Hotel for the night (connected to the
airport ). |
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DAY 02 |
BANGKOK/PARO (L,D) |
Own transfer to the
airport.
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Fly |
Bangkok/Paro |
KB 121 |
0550/0900 - 1-stop in Calcutta |
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On a clear day the
panoramic views of the Himalayas are sensational including the
Mount Everest, but particularly exciting is the approach through
the Bhutanese foothills and the landing, including a few steep
turns to land at the tiny airstrip of Paro.
(NOTE: Try and get the left hand seat for better view of the
Himalayas)
Met on arrival and transfer to your hotel. Paro is the only
international gateway into Bhutan and is a lovely valley, which
in spring is blessed lovely cherry blossoms. At 2200m, its
advisable to take the rest of the day easy. Take a stroll in
town and soak in the atmosphere of this mysterious dragon
kingdom. |
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DAY 03 |
PARO
/ THIMPHU (B,L,D) |
Leaving Paro, we drive about 2 hours to
Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan.. Though the biggest "city" in
Bhutan, Thimphu is a village in most other Asian countries. All
buildings retain the traditional architectural design and on the
streets, men and women are still dressed in traditional gho
(their national costume). We explore the capital today, visiting
the memorial chorten, the national hospital, the national
library and take a walk along the streets of Thimphu |
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DAY 04 |
THIMPHU / PUNAKHA(B,L,D)
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Leaving Thimphu, drive up the mountains
and over the 3500m Dochu-la (pass). On clear day, you will be
rewarded with a spectacular view of the snowcapped eastern
Himalayas and the magnificent 108 Druk Wangyel Chorten (Stupa).
Gradually descend through varied forest finally emerging into
the highly cultivated valley of Punakha. Check into your hotel
and after lunch, visit the Punakha Dzong, the district civil and
religious centre for Punakha. This is one of the most impressive
Dzong in the country located at the confluence of the Pho-chu
(male-river) and Mo-chu (female-river). |
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Basing ourselves in Punakha, we explore
the surrounding countryside. We make an excursion to Gangtey
Gompa hidden in the beautiful Phobjikha Valley, which is well
known as one of the last winter grounds of the black necked
cranes that migrate from the Tibetan plateau. |
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DAY 06 |
PUNAKHA / PARO
(B,L,D) |
Re-crossing the Dochu La Pass, we drive
back to Paro (about 5 hours). Spend the rest of the day
exploring Paro. |
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This morning, we make an excursion to
Taksang Monastery - this has to be the monastery with the most
outstanding setting in Bhutan. Set on a vertical cliff face 800
m above the ground, it defies all engineering logic. For the
energetic, hike 2 hours up to get a more dramatic view of the
monastery. In the afternoon, we tour the Paro Museum and the
Drukyel ruin. |
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DAY 08 |
PARO / BANGKOK / DEPARTURE
(B)
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Our memorable tour
concludes today with a transfer to the airport for your flight.
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Fly |
Paro/Bangkok |
KB 120 |
1110/1610 - 1-stop in Calcutta |
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PRICES PER PERSON:
These prices are
based on min. two persons traveling together sharing one room.
The prices
stated can only be indicative and may be adjusted once we know
your date of travel, number in your party and if you have any
other specific requirements.
| Tour
price per person |
Twin-share |
Single supplement |
| Based on
standard hotels |
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Addition
cost per person per night if upgrade to the following
hotels: |
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Uma Paro
(superior room) or Zhiwaling
Amankora
in Paro, Thimphu & Punakha
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COST INCLUDES:
Airfare on
Singapore/Bangkok/Singapore on Thai Airways;
Airfare
Bangkok/Paro/Bangkok on Druk Air;
Accommodation on
twin share basis with daily breakfast;
All meals as
stated;
All tours &
transfers with English speaking guide in private air-con vehicle
and including all entrance fees;
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COST EXCLUDES:
Airport taxes;
Visa - USD 20/-
for Bhutan;
Travel
insurance;
Personal
expenses such as tips, laundry, bar bills and telephone bills.
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HOTEL DESCRIPTION
In Paro
Pelri Cottages:
located on a small hill top, the hotel has 12 cottages with
2 rooms in each of these cottages. Built in traditional design
with the blend of modern amenities.
Kichu Resort:
nestled in the valley, with its 49 rooms of ethnic décor and
modern amenities. It spreads over 5 acre with manicured lawns,
delightful flowers and an adjoining 500m river bank.
Olathang
Hotel: initially built to host the state guests for the
coronation of the current King in 1974, the hotel is spread over
23 acres of lovely pine forest.
Uma
Paro: Fashioned by traditionally trained Bhutanese artisans,
Uma Paro is a 29 room hotel offering 5-star comfort and sleek
design, with all rooms offering views of the forested valley. (www.uma.como.bz/paro)
Zhiwaling Hotel: this is the first privately-owned Bhutanese
luxury hotel which has 42 rooms and 3 suites, built on 10 acres
of land. The main building is fashioned after a dzong, a
traditional Bhutanese temple fortress. (www.zhiwaling.com)
Amankora Paro: The epitome of luxury and service, Amankora
has a series of lodges throughout Bhutan. Amankora Paro is
Bhutan’s first luxury hotel. The resort’s spa and yoga
facilities make this the perfect place to relax after a long
journey. (www.amanresorts.com)
In Thimphu:
Hotel
Riverview: built in architecture of traditional splendour,
the 50 rooms with all modern amenities come with a private
balcony offering the view of the river and the city.
Amankora Thimphu: Dzong-like architecture, situated in a
steep valley surrounded by forested mountains. (www.amanresorts.com)
In Punakha:
Meri Puensum
Resort: the resort offers basic modern amenities and the
spacious en-suite rooms offer views over the valley.
Zangdo Pelri
Hotel: all the rooms are equipped with basic modern
amenities with views looking out to the valley.
Amankora Punakha: fashioned after a traditional farm house
and offers excellent walking opportunities around its pristine
setting. (www.amanresorts.com)
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