Bhutan The Last Shangri-La Tour – 7 Days

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Description

Trip Introduction

Bhutan The Last Shangri-La Tour is our effort to introduce you to the rich cultural heritage of this tiny Himalayan kingdom also known as the last Shangri-La. Our week-long tour in Bhutan begins with sightseeing in the country’s capital, Thimphu, where we visit the Memorial Chhorten, mini- zoo, National Institute of Traditional Medicine, folk heritage museum and the majestic TashichhoDzong (fortress). Next, we travel to Punakha via Dochu La pass (3,100m) and tour the ChimiLhakhang temple on the way. We also visit the PunakhaDzong and explore the amazing Gangtey village before heading to Paro. In the beautiful Paro valley, we visit RinpungDzong and KichuLhakhang temple. Our tour ends with a hike to the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery which is a perfect way to end one’s journey in the last Shangri-La.

Included in the Cost

  • Bhutanese visa fee
  • Pickups and drops from hotels and airports
  • Government approved A and B category hotels on twin- shared basis
  • All meals, tea and snacks
  • Transportation in comfortable private vehicle(s)
  • English speaking, trained and experienced local guide and staff
  • All entrance and permit fees for visits to monuments and museums
  • Company services and all required Bhutanese government taxes/royalties

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Paro then transfer to Thimphu (2,320m/7,610ft): 54 km, 1 hour

Day 02: Sightseeing in Thimphu

Day 03: Thimphu to Punakha (1,250m/4,100ft): 76 km, 2 – 3 hours

Day 04: Excursion to Gangtey: 164 Km, 5-6 hours

Day 05: Punakha to Paro (2,250m/7,382ft): 130 km, 4 hours

Day 06: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery

Day 07: Final Departure

 

Outline Itinerary

1 Day 01: Arrival in Paro then transfer to Thimphu (2,320m/7,610ft): 54 km, 1 hour

As your flight nears Bhutan, you can enjoy amazing views of the Himalayas including the sacred Chomolhari and Jichu Drake peaks. At the airport, you will be greeted by a representative from Himalayan Glacier who will take you to your hotel in Thimphu for a good night's sleep. However, if your flight arrives early and you want to visit a few places in Thimphu then it can be arranged too. Overnight in Thimphu.

2 Day 02: Sightseeing in Thimphu

In the morning, we visit Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), nunnery temple, mini zoo to see Takin, the national animal of Bhutan. Today, we also visit other landmarks of Thimphu including the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Bhutanese traditional painting school, folk heritage museum, the majestic TashichhoDzong and the traditional paper factory. However, some of the landmarks are closed in the weekends (Saturdays and Sundays). Therefore, if we are in Thimphu during the weekends, we explore the Weekend Market instead. Overnight in Thimphu.

3 Day 03: Thimphu to Punakha (1,250m/4,100ft): 76 km, 2 - 3 hours

After breakfast, we drive to Punakha via Dochu La Pass (3,100m), where on a clear day we get spectacular views of the Himalayas. Next, we drive downhill through rhododendron, fir and hemlock forests.  On the way, we visit ChimiLhakhang, a fertility temple dedicated to the Divine Madman or Lama DrukpaKuenley. After reaching Punakha, we also visit PunakhaDzong which was built between 1637-1638 and is the second oldest and the second largest dzong in Bhutan. Overnight in Punakha.

 

4 Day 04: Excursion to Gangtey: 164 Km, 5-6 hours

In the morning, we explore Wangduephodrang. The nearby villages are known for their slate and stone carvings. We then drive through dense oak and rhododendron forests to Gangtey, a beautiful village surrounded by amazing snow-capped mountains. From here, we enjoy views of the picturesque Black Mountain ranges as well as the beautiful Phobjikha valley, the winter habitat of the black-necked cranes. Gangtey Monastery is perched atop a small hill that rises from the valley floor. We explore Phobjikha villages before driving back to Punakha for an overnight stay.

5 Day 05: Punakha to Paro (2,250m/7,382ft): 130 km, 4 hours

After breakfast, we begin our drive to the Paro valley. In Paro, we visit RinpungDzong which means “fortress made from a heap of jewels."We will also visit KichuLhakhang, the oldest temple in the country and DrugyalDzong, built in 1646 to commemorate Bhutan's victory over Tibetan invaders during the 1600s. Overnight in Paro.

6 Day 06: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery

After breakfast, we hike for 4 to 5 hours to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan's most famous monastery situated at 3,180 meters. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where the Taktsang Monastery now stands. Lunch will be served in the Cafeteria Restaurant, located about halfway up the mountain. After having explored the monastery, we hike down to the valley floor. Overnight in Paro.

7 Day 07: Final Departure

Today we bid farewell to the tiny Himalayan Kingdom and her friendly people. Druk Air generally departs in the early morning to avoid adverse weather conditions. Therefore, after breakfast, we will be taken to the airport in the morning for final departure.

Trip Facts

Cost Includes

  • Arrival in International Airport and Departure.
  • Hotel in Kathmandu
  • Entrance fee in National Park.
  • Climbing Peak Permit
  • Kathmandu to Lukla / Lukla to Kathmandu Flight
  • All camping Equipment, two men tents, Dining tent, Kitchen Tent and Mattresses during the Peak climbing.
  • Lodge and Camping Accommodation Breakfast, lunch, dinner in trekking and climbing period.
  • Climbing Sirdar, Sherpa, Cook, Kitchen staffs and porters.
  • Insurance for trekking & Climbing Staff.
  • Climbing equipments and Daily Salary for Staff.
  • Oxygen for Emergency Rescue.
  • Climbing Gears, Fix Rope, Main Rope, Snow Ball, Ice Crop, Rock Piton, High Tent, EPI Gas, EPI Head, Cooking Set etc.

Cost Excludes

  • Personal equipment for Climbing.
  • Personal travel Insurance.
  • Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu.
  • Emergency Rescue evacuation.
  • Personal expenses/Bar bills.
  • Tipping for Expeditions staff.
  • Alcoholic beverages and canned or bottled cold drinks.
  • Extra cost for air cargo, if more than 20 kgs.
  • Extra cost for bad weather or change flight with helicopter
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Trip Notes

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