|
|
|
INTRODUCTION
The hitherto hidden Kingdom of Bhutan is a destination of great diversity and unparalleled beauty.
Our first glimpse of Bhutan as we fly in will be of countryside scattered with farmhouses and monasteries perched on hilltops. But particularly exciting is the approach through the Himalayan foothills with the opportunity to see some of the highest peaks of the world, including Mount Everest, Kanchen Junga and Lho Tse.
This beautiful tour around Bhutan introduces us to the country's most picturesque locations. It is the perfect trip to experience the delights of Bhutan's unique cultural heritage, crossing high hills as well as wide windswept meadows filled with wildflowers, sleepy hamlets, fragrance filled forests, golden rice fields and shady orchards.
The undoubted highlight is Takstang Pelphung. Literally meaning tiger's nest, it is one of the most venerated and famous of Bhutan's monasteries. Located on the face of a sheer 1000m cliff above Paro valley, it is an impressive sight and is accessible only on foot or by riding on a pony, whichever you prefer.
|
This holiday is by no means a treking holiday, as we aim to see as much of this fascinating Country as we can, returning to the comfort of a good hotel at the end of each day. The itinerary covers the regular tourist sites as well as some amazing, seldom visited and off the beaten track places. We walk out to visit ancient temples, monasteries perched on high hills, local villages, tea shops and farms from the towns of Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Wangdi and Phodrang and we travel into the interior Bumthang district.
On our return journey we have a free day in Delhi. Those feeling energetic can explore the city, or take an organised city tour, but we have included use of facilities in a luxury hotel, with a sun terrace, swimming pool, shops, restaurants etc, for those who would just like to relax at the end of a busy few days.
|
| Dates: |
17 - 29 October 2013 |
| Guide price excl. flights: |
£tbc |
| Price incl. flights: |
£3850 |
| Single supplement: |
£300 |
| Supplement for Manchester flights: |
£tbc |
| Grade: |
Easy/Moderate More info |
| Availability: |
Places available |
| Book this holiday now |
|
View in a larger window
|
|
«Top»
HIGHLIGHTS
|
Hotels
Bhutan is a recent newcomer to international tourism, & has learnt from the experience of others. Hotels are clean, attractive and welcoming. We are offered a range of local and international food, all beautifully prepared. Bhutan's strong cultural heritage is well preserved and an integral part of everyday life. The country's tourism organisation maintains strict control over tourism, thus ensuring all guests have the best possible experience. In the main centre (Thimpu and Paro) we stay in 4 star accomodation. Outside the city the hotels are comfortable, clean and family run with 3 stars.
Thimpu: Hotel Kisa - 3 nights (split)
4- family run hotel, the first designer boutique hotel in Bhutan. Kisa means "where peace prevails" and the hotel offers a high standard of personal care and attention in keeping with the area.
Punakha: Punatsangchu Cottages - 2 nights (split)
This resort is surrounded by 18 acres of garden spanning the river. All rooms are well furnished with private bath or shower.
Gangtey: Dewachen Hotel - 1 night
The hotel is in a pine forest with beautiful views of the valley and surrounding mountains. The valley has no electricity, but the hotel generator operates for 2 hours in the evening and 2 in the morning. Rooms are heated by wooden stoves and solar-powered light or candles are provided. The restaurant has magnificent views and meals are delicious.
Bumthong: Yugharling - 2 nights
Yugharling Hotel is in a superb location with breathtaking views of the winding Chamkhar River, temples, paddy fields and mountains. Yugharling ranks among the top hotels in Bumthang.
Paro: Tenzinling Resort - 2 nights
This is an intimate, family run resort. Located in a strategic position it gives a bird-eye view of the Paro valley with the spectacular Paro Dzong in the background.
All the 21 rooms have been oriented to give a view of the Dzong. Built on ancestral land, the resort is surrounded by a small village amidst apple orchards, and rice fields and prides itself on its Bhutanese hospitality.
HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS
- Guided walking tour of Delhi on return journey
- Takstang Pelphung Monastery clinging to the hillside
- Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan (note that Google spells it 'Timbu')
- The view of Mount Everest, Kanchen Junga and Lho Tse on the flight from Delhi
- Ugen Choling Palace, one of the least visited historical sites in Bhutan
- Trongsa Dzong, the largest and most impressively situated dzong in Bhutan, perched high on a cliff above the deep Mangde Chu river gorge
- Throughout the holiday we encounter spectacular scenery, magnificent monasteries, ancient temples and delightful people with a colourful and unspoilt culture, making this a very special journey of discovery in a previously hidden world.
|
|
«Top»
ITINERARY
|
Day 1 - Thursday 17th October 2013 - Depart UK
Depart UK flying British Airways and Druk Air via Delhi.
Day 2 - Friday 18th October 2013 - Paro/Thimphu
Our first glimpse of Bhutan will be of scattered farmhouses and monasteries on hilltops. The flight from Delhi through Himalayan foothills to Paro Airport gives us the opportunity to see some of the highest peaks of the world, including Everest, Kanchen Junga and Lho Tse. We are met by our Agent with the traditional welcome of a white scarf. Pausing briefly for refreshments, we drive east to Thimphu, where our English speaking guide will give an orientation tour of the City, so that we can explore for ourselves later in the evening. Overnight in Thimphu, Hotel 4- Kisa Hotel. Welcome reception and dinner in the hotel. D
Thimphu is Bhutan's capital and the centre of government, religion and commerce. It has a unique mixture of modern development alongside ancient tradition, maintaining a strong national character in its architectural style. The massive 700 year old Tashicho Dzong houses the royal family and main government offices. Even today the City, with an estimated population of 90,000, has few streets and no traffic lights.
Day 3 - Saturday 19th October 2013 - Tashichho Dzong, Tango and Chari
After breakfast in the Hotel, we drive through idyllic countryside via the villages of Dechencholing and Begana to the starting point for our walk to Chari and Tango Monasteries. Picnic lunch is provided.
Chari Monastery has been used as a meditation centre for the central monastic body since the first community was established here by Shabdrung Nagawang Namgyel, founder of Bhutan, in 1620.
Tango Monastery is a Buddhist Institute for monks to pursue higher studies in Buddhism. A magnificent three storied building with twelve corners, it is surrounded by an impressive semi-circular courtyard building.
After lunch we visit Tashichho Dzong, "The Fortress of excellent Religion". This fortress serves as the office of the King, ministers and various government organizations. It is also the headquarters for the central monastic body of Bhutan. Bhutan's spiritual leader and the monks of both Thimphu and Punakha reside here during summer.
Walking: Two one hour walks, both fairly easy but with some uphill sections.
Overnight in Thimphu, Hotel 4- Kisa Hotel. BLD
Day 4 - Sunday 20th October 2013 - Thimphu: Punakha with day hike to Lungchutse Lhakhang
Punakha is split into two separate districts, located in one valley, 20km (½ hr drive) apart. Cactuses, oranges, bananas and beautiful sub-tropical plants are found here, and farmers are able to grow more than one crop in a year.
Punakha was once the part time capital of Bhutan, a tradition that is still kept by the Central Monks who reside here during the winter, returning to Thimphu for summer.
At Dochula pass we stop to look at panoramic views of the eastern Himalayas, including Bhutan's highest mountain, Gangkar Punsum, (24,770ft/7,550m) - weather permitting! From the stupas we will hike through rhododendron forest to Lungchutse Lhakhang where we experience a spectacular view from the monastery, then proceed on to Punakha Dzong, which houses the local government office and is the residence of the central monastic body during the winter months, for a shorter walk around the main sites. Total walking three and a half hours easy/moderate. Lunch is at the Dochula tea house. Overnight in 3- Punatsangchu Cottages. BLD
Day 5 - Monday 21st October 2013 - Punakha - Gangtey
Phobjikha Valley : The drive to Gangtey valley will take about 3 hours through the valleys of Wangdi Phodrang and Chuzomsa, passing many little villages and gradually climbing through Jigme Singe Wangchuk National Park.
Gangtey Goenba: We visit the 15th century monastery of Gangtey Goenba, the largest Ningmapa monastery in the country. Built on a hill top, there are eight great pillars in the main prayer hall, signifying the noble eightfold path of Lord Buddha and making this monastery unique.
Black Neck Crane Nature Trail: We take a hike along the nature trail surrounding the conservation area for black neck cranes. We explore the valley and visit the Crane Information Centre to watch rare black necked cranes that migrate from Tibet during the winter months only. Walking: 1 hour easy. Overnight in Hotel Dewachen 3-.
Day 6 - Tuesday 22nd October 2013 - Gangtey - Bumthang
The drive from Gangtey to Bumthang is about 6 ½ hrs including a stopover in Trongsa for lunch and plenty of pauses for sightseeing along the way. It is a long but beautiful drive crossing two high passes over 3000m. After lunch we enjoy the views of snow clad peaks, including that of Bhutan's sacred peak Mt. Chomolhari standing at 7314m. After crossing Pelela pass, the road descends and we pass through the villages of Rukubji, Chendebji, Sephu and several other villages, before ascending Youtongla pass and descending down towards the Chume valley of Bumthang. Overnight in Bumthang in Yugharling Hotel 3-.
Bumthang is justifiably regarded as the cultural heartland of the kingdom, with its many temples, holy sites, languages and traditions. It is here that most kings, rulers or priests were cremated.
Yathra Weaving at Zugney: Yathra is colourful wool weaving in a pattern that is native to central Bhutan. In the village of Zugney in Chumey valley we can see the weavers at work.
Jambay Lhakhang is a geomantic temple founded in 7th century by a Tibetan King, Songtsen Gompo. Later in the 8th century, Guru Rinpoche is said to have preached to the local king from the temple roof.
Kurjey Lhakhang Complex is named after the sacred power place where Guru Rinpoche (8th century) left the imprint of his body on the solid rocks, which can be seen from inside the shrine. There are three temples within the complex, surrounded by a perimeter of 108 stupas. BLD
Day 7 - Wednesday 23rd October 2013 - Hike to Tang Ugen Choling
Tang is one of the four valleys of Bumthang district. We drive to Mesithang, from where we continue on foot, crossing a suspension bridge and climbing gradually towards Ugen Choling Palace. We stop for a picnic lunch before continuing to Tang Ugen Choling. Later we have time to visit Kharchu Dratshang and Wangdichholing Palace before returning to our hotel. Walk: One hour easy, but with uphill sections. Overnight in Bumthang in Yugharling Hotel 3-.
Ugen Choling Palace: The palace's remote location makes it one of the least visited historical sites in Bhutan. Originally built in the 16th century, the present structure was rebuilt after collapsing in an earthquake in 1897. The palace houses a museum demonstrating the lifestyle of the palace household as it was a hundred years ago.
Kharchu Dratshang, one of the privately owned Buddhist Institutes headed by the renowned Ningmapa Rimpoche, Namkhai Nigpo. Hundreds of monks from all over the country enroll here to study Buddhism and metaphysics. Guests have the opportunity to participate with the monks in their afternoon ritual.
Wangdichholing Palace: The extensive palace of Wangdichholing was built in 1857 and was the first palace in Bhutan that was not designed as a fortress. Both the first and second king adopted Wangdicholing as their main summer residence. There are five large, water driven, prayer wheels on the approach to the gates of the palace. BLD
Day 8 - Thursday 24th October 2013 - Bumthang - Punakha
Today we start early for our drive back to Punakha via Trongsa over two mountain passes and through the fertile and tropical valleys of Wangdi Phodrang and Punakha. The drive is expected to take around 7 hrs, including stops at several places along the way for scenic photos, views, wildflowers and other interesting surprises. Lunch is at a restaurant near Chendebji village. Overnight in Wangdi Phodrang in 3- Punatsangchu Cottages.
Trongsa Dzong (also known as Choekhor Rabdentse) is the largest and most impressively situated dzong in Bhutan, perched high on a cliff above the deep Mangde Chu river gorge. It was built in 1648 on the site of an earlier temple. The huge, many-level fortress with its intricate wood carvings has a maze of courtyards and covered passages that follow the contour of the ridge.
Tower of Trongsa is a great place to visit. It houses a Museum as well as two temples. The museum showcases the historic and religious significance of Trongsa Dzong. Many important royal possessions, including clothing, rituals and everyday objects, serve to illustrate the lives of the royal family that has so uniquely shaped Bhutan.
BLD
Day 9 - Friday 25th October 2013 - Punakha - Thimphu
After breakfast, we take a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang, a fertility temple and monastery dedicated to a Tibetan Buddhist saint known popularly as "the divine madman" and considered a folk hero in Bhutan for his unconventional ways of preaching Buddhism. The temple, surrounded by nearly 100 tall prayer flags, sits atop a picturesque hill. It has long been a pilgrimage site for childless couples. This easy walk takes about an hour.
We then set off for the drive to Thimpu arriving in time for lunch, after visiting Simtokha Dzong, en route. This is the oldest dzong in the Kingdom.
In Thimpu we see the Heritage Museum. Housed in a 19th century 3-storey traditional rammed mud and timber house, it exhibits the life and living styles of upper middle class Bhutanese families of that time. Household equipment and tools are on display, with a seasonal vegetable garden, a hot stone bath and a watermill. Overnight in Hotel Kisa 4-. BLD
Day 10 - Saturday 26th October 2013 - Thimphu - Paro
After breakfast we visit Paro, one of the most beautiful valleys in the country with terraced fields and elegant farm houses. Willow trees line many of the roads, contrasting with the bright colours of the fields. Paro town, locally called 'Tshongdu', is still small with just two main streets and less than a hundred small family-run shops. Here we find several places to explore.
The National Museum of Bhutan: Established in 1967, the museum is housed inside a circular Dzong, an ancient watchtower. It has a fascinating collection of arts, relics, religious thangkha paintings, household items, arms, handicrafts, stuffed animals and Bhutan's famous stamps, amongst others.
Paro Rinpung Dzong: Rinphung Dzong was consecrated in 1645 on the site of a smaller fort. Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries it served as a bastion against invasion from the north. It is regarded as one of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture - with intricate wood work and large beams slotted into each other, held together without nails. It houses the giant paintings of Guru Rimpoche.
Kichu Lhakhang: Kyichu is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, built in the 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. The story goes that a giant demoness lay across Tibet and the Himalayas, preventing the spread of Buddhism. To overcome her, in 659AD King Songtsen Gampo decided to build 108 temples in a single day to pin the ogress to the earth forever. Of these 108 temples, twelve were built in accordance with precise plans at key points. The temple of Jokhang in Lhasa was built over the very heart of the demoness and Kichu is said to have been built on the left foot.
In the evening there is time for leisure in the town, and preparation for tomorrow's hike.
Overnight in Paro in 4- Hotel Tenzinling.
BLD
Day 11 - Sunday 27th October 2013 - Excursion to Tigers Nest
After breakfast, we transfer to the trail nearby and head towards Takstang to begin the trek. Takstang - literally meaning Tiger's nest - is one of the most venerated and famous of Bhutan's monasteries and is undeniably one of the main highlights of any visit to Bhutan. It is located on the face of a sheer 1000m cliff above Paro valley.
The trek to the tea house is a steep one hour uphill climb (about 350m ascent), from where we get a close-up view of Takstang. After savoring the much deserved tea and some snacks, we can choose to trek further uphill for another 45 minutes or stay and enjoy the views from the tea house. The trail further uphill ascends steeply to a high observation point at 3140m, where there is a Chorten. We then descend a flight of cliff-hanging steps on the narrow trail to a beautiful waterfall beside a retreat hermitage.
Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, the great 8th century Buddhist master who spread Buddhism across the entire Himalayas, flew here on the back of a Tigress in order to subdue negative spiritual forces that were hostile to the spread of Buddhism. In 1692, Gyelse Tenzin Rabgye built a two storey temple here which was subsequently expanded and refurbished, until in April 1998, tragically, two of the three temples were completely burnt down. It has now been resorted to its original splendor.
Ponies or mules are provided on request if needed for the hike uphill. You can only ride as far as the Takstang Tea House but for hikes beyond that and even for the return downhill portion, you must be able to walk.
After lunch at the tea house, we retrace our trek downhill and meet up with the transport to drive back to the town. In the evening we take a leisure walk in the Paro streets and chat with the local people followed by a farewell dinner. Walking 3 hours total - moderate. Overnight in Paro at 4- Hotel Tenzinling.
BLD
Day 12 - Monday 28th October 2013 - Return flight to Delhi
After breakfast our guide will drive us to the airport and help us with our luggage before for the journey back to Delhi, where we have a day at leisure. We are met by our agents, Cox & Kings, then transfer by private coach to the Ramada Plaza Dwarka Hotel, part of the Wyndham Group. After lunch in a local restaurant we take a guided heritage walk in the Mehrauli Archaeological Park with a specialist from the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) providing an insight into the history and culture of the ancient city of Delhi from the early Hindu settlements to the more recent British times. The walk is through 100 acres of lush green area, with stone minarets, situated near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Qutub Minar. We also visit the famous tombs of poetic singers Jamali and Kamali, lofty gateways (Alai Darwaza) and an unfinished minaret called Alai Minar, amongst the many other sites to be seen. We return to the hotel for free time to relax or use the hotel's leisure facilities, followed by a buffet dinner in the hotel. Rooms are available up to the time of departure for the airport for the return flight to the UK, departing on BA142 at 03.25 (29 October).
NOTE: As rooms are only required for changing and baths, they will be allocated on the basis of four guests per room. BLD
Day 13 - Tuesday 29th October 2013 - Fly from Delhi to UK
Our British Airways flight leaves Delhi at 03.25hrs, arriving in Heathrow at 07.10. Connecting flights are available to Manchester or other regional airports. In flight meals
B = breakfast L = lunch D = dinner
|
|
«Top»
ACCOMODATION
|
|
| Date |
Nights |
Hotel |
Location |
| 18/19thOctober |
2 |
Hotel Kisa 4- |
Thimpu |
| 20th October |
1 |
Punatsangchu Cottages 3- |
Punakha |
| 21stOctober |
1 |
Hotel Dewachen 3- |
Gangtey |
| 22/23rdOctober |
2 |
Hotel Yugharling 3- |
Bumthang |
| 24thOctober |
1 |
Punatsangchu Cottages 3- |
Punakha |
| 25thOctober |
1 |
Hotel Kisa 4- |
Thimpu |
| 26/27thOctober |
2 |
Hotel Tenzinling 4- |
Paro |
|
|
«Top»
FLIGHTS
|
|
Please note that the following flight times, flight numbers and routings are the latest known and are subject to change and confirmation by the airlines. All times are local.
|
Outbound - Thursday 17th October 2013
|
Depart Manchester (T3)
Arrive Heathrow
|
BA1395
|
1255
1400
|
Depart Heathrow
Arrive Delhi
|
BA0257
|
1525
0500 (18th)
|
|
Outbound - Friday 18th October 2013
|
Depart Delhi
Arrive Paro
|
KB205
|
1145
1430
|
| Inbound - Monday 28th October 2013 |
Depart Paro
Arrive Delhi |
KB204 |
0900
1100 |
| Inbound - Tuesday 29th October 2013 |
Depart Delhi
Arrive Heathrow |
BA0254 |
0325
0710 |
Depart Heathrow
Arrive Manchester |
BA1386 |
0855
0955 |
|
|
«Top» PRICES
|
|
| Price per person, sharing a twin or double room excluding flights |
£tbc |
| Guide price per person, sharing a twin or double room including flights |
£3800 |
| Supplement for departure from Manchester |
£tbc |
| Supplement for a single person occupying a double room |
£300 |
WHAT THE FULL PRICE INCLUDES
- International economy flights to Bhutan via Delhi
- Airport transfers
- Hotel accomodation with full facilities
- Welcome reception
- Full programme of visits to places of interest
- Entrance fees and permits
- Drivers and minibuses throughout the tour
- English speaking guides
- Gratuities for the guides
- Accompanying tour leader
- Meals as shown in the Itinerary
- One litre of mineral water per person per day in Bhutan
- Airport taxes, Tourism Development charge and visa fees in UK and Bhutan
- Services of our Agents in Bhutan
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
- Holiday/Travel Insurance
- Beverages other than the litre of water provided each day in Bhutan
- Gratuities (other than for the Guides), which are optional
- Any Government taxes or compulsory charges that may be introduced after the publication of this web page
Please Note:
For reasons of safety, weather conditions and unforeseen circumstances, it may be necessary to make changes to the programme without advance notice. Every effort will be made to avoid this if at all possible.
|
E&OE
|
|
