Mountains are blanketed with evergreen forests and dotted with Buddhist temples, valleys are sliced by glacial rivers and the piney air is delicious and clean. Bhutan’s luxury hotels and lodges are divine, but it is the Bhutanese people that make Bhutan Holidays so special – they are extremely quick to laugh, and they’ve even been ranked number one in the world for Gross National Happiness!
The first democratic elections were in 2008, and Bhutan travel has been growing steadily and carefully over the past three decades. The best time to visit Bhutan is from October to December, as the air is clear and fresh with sunny skies. January and February are cooler months, and until April the climate remains dry and pleasant. In late spring the famous rhododendrons bloom spectacularly, flooding the valleys with colour.
Bhutan is perhaps the most fascinating of the Himalayan kingdoms as travel entry was forbidden to visitors until 1974, and even after that numbers were still minimal. Landlocked by the mighty Himalayan peaks, Bhutan has been doubly protected from external influences, and as a result, the traditional way of life has survived largely intact. Deep rooted Bhutanese culture means that archery is still the national sport, and the gracious, gentle people continue to wear traditional dress: elegant wraparound skirts or “kira” for the women and checked, floor-length belted robes or “Gho” for the men. Bhutan’s scenery is magnificent; monasteries hang over precipitous drops, often wreathed in mist, and there are pristine pine forests, fertile valleys, and high rugged mountain passes – all of which make a varied and exhilarating destination for Bhutan trekking or an active holiday.
Inclusions
9-night accommodation
26 meals: 9 breakfasts, 8 lunches at local restaurants, 9 dinners
Private English-speaking local guide
Return transfers airport / hotel / airport
Visits as per itinerary with private vehicle
Visa and Tourism Fee
Two bottles of mineral water, per passenger, per day in the vehicle (500 ml each)
Exclusions
International airfare – Gratuities to hotel personnel, guides and drivers – Beverages – Optional excursions.
Additional Information
Note
Please note that some of the sights/itinerary may change due to season, weather, national holidays, and special events. We maintain the rights to alter the itinerary since tours are made in advance and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve your overall travel experience in Bhutan. The driving and hiking times mentioned are approximate times and do not include breaks in the journey for sightseeing, photo/tea/meal/rest stops. During the treks/hikes, there may be delays or diversion of hiking trails due to trail conditions, inclement weather and other unforeseen circumstances.
DAY 1 ARRIVAL - PARO -THIMPHU (56KM/1 ½ HOURS)
Welcome to Bhutan! On arrival at Paro airport and after completion of airport formalities, you will be met by your local guide. Drive from Paro to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan and an exciting blend of tradition and modernity.
Thimphu- Thimphu is the capital city of the Kingdom of Bhutan, and reflects a happy harmony of traditional and modern ways of life. It is the home of the Royal family and the nerve centre of Bhutan’s administrative, religious, and commercial activities. It is also the most modern city in the Kingdom and it is dotted with cafes, restaurants, nightclubs, and shopping centres.
Rest of the day at leisure or free time to explore the capital town.
Meals : Dinner
Accommodation : Thimphu for 2 nights
DAY 2 THIMPHU
Today’s full day of sightseeing in Thimphu valley includes visits to:
*Buddha Dordenma statue sitting on top of a hill overlooking Thimphu. The Statue of Sakyamuni Buddha is one of the tallest in Asia (51.5 m). The site offers unobstructed views over the capital town and the Thimphu valley below. (Closes Daily Nov-Feb at 4pm & Mar-Oct at 5pm)
*National Memorial Chorten- the building of this landmark was originally envisaged by Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who had wanted to erect a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it is both a memorial to the Late King (“the father of modern Bhutan”), and a monument to peace.
Stroll around Thimphu town. (Closes Daily Nov-Feb at 4pm & Mar-Oct at 5pm)
*Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre: Weaving is predominantly a woman’s domain but this private weaving center is different as it is owned and run by Mr. Kesang (a man - which is very rare in Bhutan). He weaves, creates new and unique patterns, comes up with unusual color combinations and is very involved. The center frequently produces ceremonial textiles for Bhutanese royals, including the traditional outfit for King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema’s highly publicized October 2011 marriage. (Closing based on owner’s discretion, in such an event we will replace with another site)
*Zorig Chosum, (also known as the painting school) offers a six year course in the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. The students follow a comprehensive course that starts with drawing and progresses through painting, woodcarving, embroidery and statue-making. This is a great opportunity to interact and photograph the students while they practice their skills in the classroom. (Closed on Sat 1pm, Sun, Govt. Holidays, School Break Jul, Jan-Feb).
* National Library, which holds a vast collection of Buddhist texts and manuscripts, some dating back several hundred years, as well as modern academic books mainly on Himalayan culture and religion. The library also displays the one of the biggest books in the world – “Bhutan” (a former Guinness Book of World’s Record holder). Besides its sheer size and weight, the continuously printed images (printed on a roll of paper longer than a football field and with a gallon of ink) are spectacular – vivid colors and human size portraits. (Closed on Sat / Sun / Govt. Holidays)
*Traditional Handmade Paper Factory, witness the process of paper making from start to finish. The paper is made from the bark of the black Daphne tree. The traditional use of the paper for scriptures is still practiced, and the paper is now also used for modern purposes from gift wrapping, to lamp shades, cards, and so on.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3 THIMPHU-PUNAKHA (75KM/3 HOURS)
In the afternoon, visit Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, has played prominent role in civil and religious life of the kingdom. Damaged by fire, flood and earthquake over the centuries, it has now been fully restored in its original splendor. (Open 11am-1pm & 3pm-5pm).
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation : Punakha for 1 night
DAY 4 PUNAKHA-BUMTHANG (222KM/8 HOURS)
Stop en route at Chendebji Chorten, patterned on Kathmandu’s Swayambhunath Stupa, with eyes painted at the four cardinal points. It was built in the 18th century by Lama Shida from Tibet, to cover the remains of an evil spirit that was subdued at this spot.
The impressive Trongsa dzong (fortress) stretched along a ridge above a ravine first comes into view about an hour before the winding road suddenly leads you into the town. From here it is about a 3 hour drive to Bumthang over the picturesque Yotong-la Pass (3,400m). The road winds steeply up to the pass, then runs down through coniferous forest into a wide, open, cultivated valley known as the Chumey valley and down into the Chhume Valley, home of Bhutan’s famous Yatra weaving. Here you will have a chance to browse the traditional textiles and perhaps see the weavers create their intricate handiwork. There will be occasional breaks along the journey to stretch your legs and take pictures. Rest of the day at leisure.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation : Bumthang for 3 nights
DAY 5 BUMTHANG
Three Temples-Valley Walk: Start at Jambay Lhakhang which was built in the 7th century by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. It is one of 108 monasteries which he built to subdue evil spirits in the Himalayan region. Then continue to Kurjey Lhakhang, heading further into the valley through farmlands for half an hour. Kurjey Lhakhang comprises three temples. The one on the right was built in 1652 against the rock face where Guru Padmasambhava meditated in the 8th century. The middle temple is built on the site of a cave containing a rock with the imprint of the Guru’s body, and is therefore considered to be the most holy. Both Jambay and Kurjey Lhakhang are located on the left banks of Chamkhar Chhu (river). Continue the valley walk from Kurjey Lhakhang across a suspension bridge through small villages and farmlands.
Enjoy a traditional lunch at a farmhouse. You will be served a combination of the local Bumthap cuisine consisting of items made from buck wheat (which is widely grown in this region) and other Bhutanese dishes.
Continue walking towards Tamshing Lhakhang located across the river from Kurjey Lhakhang. This temple was founded in 1501 by Terton Pema Lingpa, a re-incarnation of Guru Padmasambhava. There are very old religious paintings around the inner walls of the temple, which was restored at the end of the 19th century.
End the day with a visit to the Red Panda Beer Brewery and the Cheese Factory (Closed Sun & Govt. Holidays).
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6 BUMTHANG
On the way back, just below the main road junction visit Mebartsho (Burning lake), where the Terton Pema Lingpa, the reincarnation of Padmasambhava, is supposed to have discovered religious treasure in the 12th century. This lake is very sacred and is visited by many Bhutanese during auspicious days to offer butter lamps. The important of the site is indicated by the extensive array of prayer flags and is considered as one of the most holy places for Buddhist pilgrimage. Return to the hotel.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7 BUMTHANG- PUNAKHA (222KM/8 HOURS)
Continue to Punakha. There will be occasional breaks along the journey to stretch your legs and take pictures. On arrival, to stretch your legs from the long journey, we will take a walk to Chimi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to the “Divine Madman”, an eccentric monk from the 16th century famous for many his many amusing, Rabelaisian folklore stories. Check-in at the hotel.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation : Punakha for 1 night
DAY 8 PUNAKHA-PARO (130KM/4 HOURS)
Upon reaching Paro, visit the National Museum which showcases ancient Bhutanese art and artifacts, weapons, coins, stamps and a small natural history collection. (Closed on Govt. Holidays).
Rest of the day at leisure or stroll around Paro town to check out browse through the numerous handicraft and textile shops.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation : Paro for 2 nights
DAY 9 PARO
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 10 DEPARTURE
Meals : Breakfast
HOTEL OPTIONS OR SIMILAR
Price based on one of the following accommodation or similar. Hotels will be confirmed at time of booking.
Thimphu
Tiger Nest Resort 3*
Peaceful residency 3*
Gakyil 3*
Punakha
River Valley 3*
Zangtopelri 3*
Damchen 4*
YT 3*
Punatsangchu 4*
Bumthang
Zangtopelri 3*
Mountain Lodge (rustic mountain resort comparable to a 3*)
Samyae resort (Guest house)
Tsela Lodge (Guest house)
Paro
Rema Resort 3*
Olathang 3*
Udumwara, 4*
Kichu 3*
Rates in CA$, per person, starting from, in double occupancy |
Land Package |
||
Departures | 4* hotels | ||
2 people | 3-6 people | Single occ. supplement | |
January, February, June – August and December 2024 | 6245 | 5789 | +650 |
March – May and September – November 2024 | 6605 | 6245 | +650 |
Rate valid with min. 2 people traveling. Solo traveler’s rate on request.
**Prices in this document are for information only; they were issued at press time, for the current year. Please note that due to exchange rates and temporary promotions, they can increase or decrease at any time. Contact your travel agent for the price and promotion of the moment. Prices include the contribution of customers to the Compensation Fund for clients of Quebec travel agents.