Exploring The Kingdom of Bhutan
Paro/Thimphu, Trongsa, Bhumtang, Punakha, Paro(brochure)
Day 1: Paro to Thimphu (D)
Arrival in Paro, your entry port to Bhutan. After clearing airport formalities, drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. Enjoy an evening at leisure in Thimphu.
Day 2: Day in Thimphu (B /L / D)
Thimphu is home to Bhutan’s royal family, government offices, and various foreign missions. It is also the headquarters for a number of internationally funded development projects in Bhutan.
Today, visit the government-run handicrafts emporium and privately owned crafts shops. Also visit the Folk Heritage and National Textile Museum. After lunch, visit the National Library and the National Institute of traditional medicine (from outside). Also visit Tashichho Dzong, the beautiful medieval fortress which houses most of the Government offices and the King’s throne room.
Day 3: Thimphu to Trongsa (B / L / D)
This morning, drive to Trongsa, in the heart of central Bhutan. The scenic drive includes en-route stop overs to Gangtey valley and nearby villages. Also drive through Pele-la pass (3420m) to arrive at Trongsa. Enjoy an evening at leisure in Trongsa.
Day 4: Trongsa to Bhumtang (B / L / D)
This morning visit Trongsa Dzong, built in 17th century. Then drive further east through Yutong-la pass (3400m) and dense forests to arrive at Bhumtang valley. Enjoy an evening at leisure in Bhumtang.
Day 5: Day in Bhumtang (B / L / D)
Today, visit Kurje Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places in the kingdom of Bhutan. Also visit Jambey Lhakhang and Tamshing Lhakhang, to appreciate ancient wall art. Then visit Jakar Dzong, followed by an evening at leisure wandering through Bumthang’s market area.
Day 6: Day in Bhumtang (B / L / D)
Today visit Tang valley, one of the most beautiful of all Bhumtang valleys and also the highest with an average altitude of about 3100m. Visit the Ogyencholing Dzong, an old fortress of the lord of Tang in the olden days. The central tower of the Dzong is now converted into a museum that has a wonderful collection of artifacts
Day 7: Bhumtang to Punakha (B / L / D)
Early this morning, drive back towards western Bhutan to Punakha, the erstwhile winter capital of the Kingdom. En-route stop at local Bhutanese towns and villages for short tea and lunch break. Upon arrival at the town of Wangdi, visit the Wangduephodrang Dzong and local market. Continue drive to Punakha and upon arrival, enjoy an evening at leisure.
Day 8: Punakha to Paro (B / L / D)
This morning, visit Punakha Dzong dating back to the 17th Century and the newly built Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten. Then, drive to Paro, en-route driving through Dochu-la pass (3140m) and viewing Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress in the Kingdom. This afternoon, visit the National Museum and Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong), built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Enjoy evening tea at a local farmhouse.
Day 9: Day in Paro (B / L / D)
After breakfast hike to Taktsang Gompa (Tiger’s Nest) - a small monastery clinging on a rock cliff 900 metres above the valley floor. It is said that a great guru flew from Tibet on the back of a tigress and meditated here, hence the monastery is also called ‘Tiger’s Nest’.
Later, drive up the valley to view the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong. It was from here that the Bhutanese repelled several invading Tibetan armies during the 17th century. Whilst returning to Paro this afternoon we visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred temples of the Kingdom built in the 7th century.
Day 10: Paro to Australia (B)
This morning, you will be transferred to the airport to catch your flight back home.
| Traveling period | Twin share price | Single room supplement |
| 01 Oct 2009 - 15 Sep 2010 | AU$ 3,250 | AU$ 560 |
| 01 Nov 2010 - 30 Apr 2011 | AU$ 3,570 | AU$ 610 |
Price includes:
Accommodation on twin sharing basis at 4*/ heritage hotels or best available hotel in the region.
All meals included (i.e. breakfast, lunch and dinner).
All monument entrance fees included.
Meeting and assistance on arrival and departures.
Local English Speaking Guide for sightseeing tours. English speaking escort to accompany the group for minimum group size of 8 passengers.
Chauffeured air-conditioned vehicles for all transfers, excursions and sightseeing tours.
All currently applicable taxes.
Bhutan visa fees, tourism development fees, government royalty and taxes.
Price excludes:
Expenses of personal nature like laundry, telephone, fax, internet, beverages, camera / video camera fee at monuments, medical expenses, airport departure tax etc.
Local payments in domestic currency, such as tips and gratuities.
Domestic / International air fare.
Any other services not mentioned in Price Inclusions above.
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