MAGICAL KINGDOM - BHUTAN

(10 DAYS / 9 NIGHTS)

31 August  - 30 September 2009

Day 01: Arrive Paro

During the journey, one can experience from the plane a spectacular view of Mt. Everest, and other famous Himalayan Mountains including Mt. Jhomolhari and Mt. Jichu drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport you will be received by your Bhutanese friend from Makalu Adventure. Lunch at the Hotel. Discuss the tour Guide. Afternoon free. Overnight: Hotel in Paro.

Day 02: Paro Sightseeing (Breakfast)

In the morning we visit Druhyal Dzong (a ruined fortress), 16km away from Paro town. Although it has been in ruin this Dzong has great historical importance for the people of Bhutan. This was the place where the Bhutanese finally defeated the Tibetan invasion and drove them back. On a clear day one can see Mt. Jhomolhari (Mountain of Goddess) - altitude of 7,329m. We then viisit Kyichu Lhakhang (Lhakhang means temple), built by Tibetan King Songten Gompo in 659AD, one of his 108 such monasteries. It is one of the holiest places in the country. We then  enjoy lunch in Paro town and go on to visit the National Museum which used to be a watch tower for Paaro Rimpong Dzong  It was later converted into a museum in 1646 AD. We finish off with a visit to a typical Bhutanese farm house and the Paro town. Overnight: Hotel in Paro.

Day 03: Paro – Day excursion to Taktshang

Today, we drive to Satsam Chorten (10 km from Paro town) and trek up to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest). The walk to the highest viewpoint takes about 2 hours. The Monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff with a drop of nearly 4000 ft. and overlooks the Paro valley and the river below. It is one of the most photographed temples in Bhutan. It is said that Bhuddism came to Bhutan in the second half of the 8th century when Guru Padma Sambhava flew over this spot during medication, on the back of a flying tigress. Picnic lunch at the Taktsang cafeteria. The round hike takes about 4 Hr. Overnight: Hotel in Paro.

Day 04: Paro – Day trip to Haa Valley and back via Chellela Pass

Today we drive out to Haa valley and visit the small town in Haa which was recently open for tourism. It is located in a remote part of the kingdom. We return via the Chellela Pass where you can see beautiful snow capped mountains ranges and rhododendron flowers in bloom. We will stop to enjoy a picnic lunch at Chellela passes. On the way back we will also walk to Chellela Nunnery. Overnight: Hotel in Paro.

Day 05: Paro – Thimphu

Today we visit the Simtokha Dzong, one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan. Built in 1629 AD it houses the monistic schools of the country. We visit Tashichho Dzong, the main secretariat building, the part of the Government Ministries, office of King and the Throne Room. It also houses the Central Monastic Body and the living quarters of the chief abbot and the senior monks.

After lunch we visit Memorial Chorten (a great stupa) built in memory of the Third King of Bhutan who reined the Kingdom from 1952-1972. We then drive to Sangeygang where you can have a spectacular view of Thimpu valley. Visit the wood craft and painting schools where traditional arts and crafts are still kept alive through the structure of painting and carving and also visit the Handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts and crafts are displayed and can be purchased. We then visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved. Overnight in Hotel in Thimphu.

Day 06: Thimpu - Wangdue Phodrang

We drive to about 3150m in altitude to Punakha through Dochula pass. On the way you can take lovely photos at Dochula Pass which is 26km away from Thimphu valley.
 

Our journey continues through various green hills and valleys all the way to Punakha which lies between two great rivers with wonderful view of Punkha Dzong. Phochu (Male river) Mochu (Female river). The Dzong serves as the winter residence for the Je Khenpo,Chief Abbot of the Central Monastic Body and also the office of the district Administration. Lunch at hotel in Punakha. Afternoon: drive to Wangdue Phodrang. Overnight: Hotel in Wangdue Phodrang.

Day 07: Wangdue Phodrang – Phubjikha

Today we visit Wangdue Phodrang Dzong and after lunch,drive to Phubjikha (Gangdue) valley, where you can see the endangered Black Necked Cranes. Overnight: Hotel in Phubjikha.

Day 09: Thimphu - Paro

In the morning we drive to Tango Monastery and enjoy a day hike in the area. We have a picnic lunch in the foothills of Tango Monastery and afternoon drive to Paro. Overnight: Hotel in Paro.

Day 10: Depart Paro

Early breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to onward destination.

End of Bhutan Services

Kathmandu add on:

This is applicable for all tours that start and end in Kathmandu

Day X-1: Arrive Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel.

Day X: Full day guided sightseeing around of the Kathmandu valley, taking in such sights as Swayambhunath,  Bouddhanth,  Guheshwari, and Pashupatinath.

Day 01 : Kathmandu - Paro (By Druk Air)

Bhutan itinerary starts here

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Kathmandu itinerary continues

Day 10: Paro – Kathmandu

Early breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to Kathmandu, meet and greet and transfer to your hotel.

Day 11: Depart Kathmandu

End of Kathmandu services

Prices are quoted per person sharing in USD and are subject to change until paid in full.

Magical Kingdom ex Bhutan                               

2 people per person sharing per night                    $                  2,170.00

3-4 people per person sharing per night                 $                  1,956.00

5-6 people per person sharing per night                 $                  1,742.00

7-10 people per person sharing per night                $                  1,635.00

11 or more people per person sharing per night      $                  1,528.00

Magical Kingdom ex Kathmandu

2 people per person sharing per night                    $          2,846.00

3-4 people per person sharing per night                 $          2,632.00

5-6 people per person sharing per night                 $          2,418.00

7-10 people per person sharing per night                $          2,311.00

11 or more people per person sharing per night      $          2,204.00

Services Included:

1. All ground transfers

2. Hotels on a Twin Share, Bed and breakfast basis

3. Bhutan visa fee

4. Bhutan Tourism Development Tax

5. Airport transfers

6. All meals in Bhutan

Extra Services Included if Kathmandu Joining:

1. All ground transfers

2. Hotels on a Twin Share, Bed and breakfast basis

3. Sightseeing and entrance fees

4. English guide

5. Cultural dinner with live music

6. Kathmandu - Paro - Kathmandu flight

Services Excluded:

1. International flights, departure taxes and any excess baggage charges.

2. Airport taxes.

3. Expenses of a personal nature such as bottled drinks, mineral water, laundry and etc.

4. Extra expenses and/of additional days caused due to unexpected events (delays, porterage because of land slides and other natural events.)

5. Rescue and evacuation

6. Personal medical and travel insurance

7. Tips and Gratitude.

8. Nepal Visa fee for Kathmandu starting

Special Conditions: 

* Tour must be booked and paid for in full  

* Price only applies for a minimum of two people per person sharing for travel 31 August and 30 September 2009

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