Bhutan at a Glance

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  • Accommodation on twin sharing (2 persons sharing room) as per above mentioned star rated hotels and board basis
  • Arrival/departure transfer & sightseeing with private air-conditioned vehicles
  • Tours as per programme
  • Escorted by a licensed English-speaking local tour guide
  • Traditional Bhutanese dinner
  • Bhutan Visa fee and travel Permit (excludes visa admin fee of USD$20 pp, payable on arrival
  • Entrance fees to monuments and sightseeing as per programme
  • Assistance at airport and hotels by our representatives
  • All presently applicable taxes

Not Included:

Above mentioned costs do not include any International Air fare, airport tax, Visa fee, unspecified meals, drinks, telephone calls, laundry, camera fees, grauity tips, insurance and any other expenses of personal nature, Single room supplements and any optional additional tours or activities during free time and not mentioned above.

Day 01: Arrive Paro and transfer to hotel. Overnight in Paro (Meals: Lunch & Dinner)

Day 2: Paro – Thimphu

This morning we set off for a guided tour of the National Museum, housed within the old watch tower Ta Dzong perched on a hilltop overlooking the city. We continue our journey to the impressive Rinphung Dzong, the backdrop for the Hollywood film “Little Buddha”, and later this afternoon, we drive to Thimphu to visit the weekend market. The weekend market starts on Friday through to Sunday. Vendors from all over the surrounding villages come to showcase their produce and products and of course make some sales. Overnight in Thimphu (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 3: Thimphu

Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital is a fascinating fusion of old traditions and modernity where you are drawn back in time and be part of an experience quite surreal. So it’s a full day of sightseeing to discover this intriguing culture, and of course the Memorial Chorten is on the menu! it’s a beautiful stupa built in the memory of Bhutan’s third King. We visit the Drubthob Nunnery, Folk Heritage Museum and the Takin Preserve where you can spot Bhutan’s national animal. We also visit the National Library with its vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts. And of course, we stop at the Handicrafts Emporium and at various workshops to see the local craftsmen at work where we observe their skills and creativity. Overnight in Thimphu (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 4: Thimphu – Punakha Valley

It’s an early start this morning and our journey takes us on the road to Punakha, and all uphill, driving through some spectacular scenery, through oak, pine and rhododendron forest and we finally reach Dochu La Pass. We have short break to enjoy this wonder of nature and continue our journey to the spectacular Punakha Valley, where we enjoy a picturesque walk, around 1.5-2hours, up to Chimi Lhakhang Temple which is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley, also known as the Divine Mad Monk. We then visit the imposing Punakha Dzong monastery, a colossal structural masterpiece, built on the merging point of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. And after this adventure we set off for our campsite for some time to relax or explore the natural surrounds. In the early evening, you can opt for a hot stone bath served with local drinks, followed by dinner. Overnight in Punakha Valley (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 5: Punakha Valley – Paro

Hikes, rice fields, rivers and temples are on the programme today, so after an early breakfast, we hike for around 2 – 2.5 hours, up through rice fields and along the banks of the Mo Chu river to reach Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a magnificent temple situated on a hill, with stunning views of the valley below. We continue our discovery journey and drive to some beautiful villages scattered along the Punakha Valley. We enjoy a picnic lunch before visiting Sangchen Dorji Lhendrup Nunnery, where nuns not only practice the religious training but are also taught some handicraft skills, all very practical skills such as tailoring and embroidery and statue making. We return to Paro in late afternoon. Overnight in Paro (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6: ParoTaktshang Pelphung Monastery

Taktshang Pelphung Monastery best known as “Tiger’s Nest Monastery”, is one of the most famous and revered of Bhutan’s monasteries. Precariously located on the face of a sheer 900m cliff above the base of Paro Valley, the monastery is only accessible on foot or you can ride a pony part of the way (to be arranged in advance by our guide). And so, we begin on a scenic hike (4 – 6 hours), to enjoy this spectacularly awesome sight.

From the trail (2600m) we take a steep one hour walk up to a cafeteria where you can enjoy refreshments and rest for a while. The views from up here are just breaktaking, and for those who wish to continue and not stop, must travel on foot. The trail continues uphill for another 45 minutes to a high observation point (3140m) where we find a “Chorten” (stupa).This is a real “Indiana Jones” journey as we continuing down a some cliff-hanging steps on the narrow trail where we reach a beautiful waterfall that rushes down the deep ravine. And our final climb is up a flight of steep steps to the monastery. The journey up to the top of the monastery is an extraordinary experience and extremely rewarding, of course, anyone that finds this trek too difficult, they can turn back at any point they feel uncomfortable continuing.

As we reach the monastery, there is so much to see and explore, various temples and shines, and we will see a few monks around going about their daily duties. After our exploring of the monastery we head back to the cafeteria for lunch before repeating our steps to return and get back on the road to return to Paro.

This evening we have the chance to really discover local cultures as we are treated to a traditional and authentic Bhutanese dinner at a farm house where we can interact with the family and get to know their traditions and tips on their cuisine. Overnight in Paro (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7: Paro – Departure

After breakfast, transfer to airport for onward journey.

Negombo, Camelot Beach Hotel • 3 Star – Camelot is located on the golden belt of Sri Lanka’s west coast and a perfect choice to relax and unwind. With the Indian ocean glistening in the horizon, basking in the sun has never been so inviting and the hotel boasts an Ayurvedic spa for a truly relaxing and rejuvenating experience.

Habanara, Habanara Village by Cinnamon • 4 Star – Where serenity meets the lush forested land that borders the stunning lake. Experience rustic barefoot type elegance here, which is designed to reflect the rural environment and simplicity of village life. Clusters of homely chalets characteristic of the local architecture are dotted across the lush gardens. Wi-fi is available throughout the hotel.

Passikudah, Sunrise by Jetwing • 4 Star – Among the tropical splendour of Passikudah’s white sands and clear blue waters this hotel enjoys an enchanting spot. Whether you find yourself walking along a pristine beachfront that stretches over a spectacular 500 feet or into our shallow waters for nearly 100 metres, or lounge around the pool or even a soothing spa session, this hotel is simple a delight!

Bandarawela,  Bandarawela Hotel • 3 Star – Bandarawela Hotel is a colonial style mountain resort located along Welimada Road in Sri Lanka’s Uva Province. The hotel offers a restaurant, bar and a 24-hour front desk. Rooms come with air conditioning, a TV, radio and hairdryer. A variety of traditional and international dishes are served at main restaurant, while at the bar and lounge you can enjoy a drink and live music.

Tissamaharama, Oak Ray Wild Yala • 4 Star – A premier among Yala hotels, Oak Ray Wild Yala is situated at Tissamaharama, in close proximity to the Yala wildlife sanctuary. The hotel consists of 44 Superior Deluxe Rooms with modern amenities. The hotel features an outdoor pool and an elegant restaurant and bar overlooking the surrounding gardens.

Bentota, The Palms •4 Star – Situated on  Beruwala beach, The Palms enjoys a privileged position where every room overlooks the sea! A warm, welcoming atmosphere with exceptional service, the hotel offer the facilities of an excellent four-star hotel. All rooms feature a balcony, cable TV, safe, tea and coffee making facilities, minibar (surcharge).

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    At a Glance

    Bhutan at a Glance

    Small Group Guided Tours  · 7 Days / 6 Nights from £2249 pp

    • Starts: Paro       Ends: Kathmandu        
    • Departs: Saturday
    • Tour: Small group 4-8 persons
    • Hotel Rating:  3/4 star & Heritage hotels
    • Tour Guide: Yes – guided by local tour guide
    • Meals: Breakfast: 6, Lunch: 6, Dinner: 6
    • Visiting: Paro, Thimphu & Punakha
    • Countries: Bhutan

    Highlights

    Explore Bhutan’s capital and gaze in awe of the spectacular Himalayan peaks! Visit the beautiful Punakha Dzong, hike up to Chimi Lhakhand Temple and travel through oak, pine and rhododendron forest to reach the Dochu La Pass. Hike up to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery perched on the face of a sheer 900m cliff above the base of Paro Valley!

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