Golden Week in Bhutan

Trip Facts
Accommodation:	Standard to Deluxe Hotel's Option
Grade:	Easy
Max Altitude:	3,100 m/10,170 ft
Transportation:	Private Vehicle/Flight
Meals:	As Mentioned In The Itinerary
Group Size :	1 to 15 People
Duration:	9 Nights/ 10 Days

Highlights

Visit Paro, Thimphu and Punakha town and see some of the Sacred Buddhist Monasteries in Bhutan.
Hike to the Tiger Nest (Taktsang Monastery) at 3,048 m which is the source and inspiration for Bhutanese Culture and Religion.
Visit the Chimi Lakhang Temple of Divine Madman
Dochula Pass at 3,100 m which is famous for 108 Chortens and a great sight for Bhutanese Mountains
Witness Bhutan's National game, Archery and Takin, National Animal of Bhutan
Enjoy Bhutanese Authentic Foods, Culture, Visit Villages and markets in Bhutan
Visit World Renowned Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and other World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu
Pay Homage to Living Goddess, Kumari and visit Sacred Hindu and Buddhist Temples in Kathmandu
Scenic Kathmandu/Paro and witness Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Gaurishankar and Bhutanese Mountains

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival (1,350 m/4,430 ft)

Day 02: Visit Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and Kathmandu Durbar Square

Day 03: Fly to Paro (2,200 m/7,218 ft)- 50 Minutes and drive to Thimphu (2,334 m/7,657 ft)-1 Hour

Day 04: Sightseeing of Thimphu City

Day 05: Drive from Thimphu to Punakha (1,242 m /4,075 ft)- 4 Hours

Day 06: Drive back to Paro - 4 Hours

Day 07: Sightseeing of Paro Valley

Day 08: Hike to Tiger's Nest Taktsang Monastery (3,048 m/10,000 ft)-5/6 Hours

Day 09: Fly back to Kathmandu

Day 10: Departure from Kathmandu

Overview

Bhutan, with a population of only 750,000, this remote Kingdom is most famous for its invention of the “Gross National Happiness” index. Tucked between the foothills of eastern Himalaya, the entire region is covered with ancient sacred Buddhist temples and traditional architecture, some of which are built on steep cliffs that humbles modern engineering techniques!

Golden Week in Bhutan has been designed to visit the major cities of Paro, Thimphu and Punakha. Our journey covers the famous Paro Dzong, Museums, Drukyel Dzong, Tashiccho Dzong in Thimphu, Tiger Nest which is the most sacred Buddhist site in Bhutan in a hanging cliff. We continue our journey to Punakha by crossing Dochu-La Pass at 3,050 m which offers magnificent views of Bhutanese Mountains. We drive down to Punakha which is a winter palace and a place of great happiness. We also visit Chemi Lakhang, the temple of Divine Madman. We visit local villages, interact with local people and may see people working in the fields. We also see the local youth playing Archery, their National game.

There are directs flight to Paro from Singapore, Bangkok, Dhaka, Kathmandu, Delhi and other few cities of India. You may consider flying to Kathmandu to combine your Bhutan tour with Kathmandu which is famous as city of World Heritage Sites. 7 Days Bhutan tour begins to the ‘Land of Thunder Dragon’ by One hour scenic mountain flight which gives you opportunity to witness some of the world’s highest mountains including Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Kanchenjunga and Bhutanese Mountains including Mt. Jhomolari. We can travel to Bhutan and Kathmandu around the year however, Autumn and Spring are the best season for mountain visibility and pleasant weather. For accommodation in Bhutan, we have options of comfortable 3 Star Boutique hotels to international chain hotels and resorts with authentic feel of Bhutanese Culture and Architect.

Detail Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival (1,350 m/4,430 ft)

Upon arrival at Kathmandu International Airport,we will receive you and take to the hotel. Please look at signage on your name once you exit the terminal building. In the evening, we will host Nepalese dinner with cultural program to make you introduced with Nepalese Culture and food habits.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: D

Activity Duration:

Day 02: Visit Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and Kathmandu Durbar Square

After breakfast, our guide will take you for guided tour of Kathmandu city. We will begin with Pashupatinath Temple which is famous Hindu Temple of Lord Shiva at the bank of holy Bagmati River. After this, we continue to Boudhanath Stupa, which is giant Stupa in Asia and a focal point of Tibetan Buddhism in Kathmandu. Later on we proceed to Swayambhunath Stupa also know as Monkey Temple in a small hill in Kathmandu which gives you great view of Kathmandu valley and mountains on north. Further, we drive 10 minutes to Kathmandu Durbar Square where Nepalese Kings used to get throne. Interesting places to see here are Taleju Temple, Statue of Kal Bhairabh and Hanuman, Temple of Jagannath (Erotic Temple) and Kastamandap Temple from which Kathmandu got it name. We visit Kumari Temple and pay homage to the living goddess, Kumari and also walk around the Freak streets which was famous during Hippy era in 60's and 70's.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Day 03: Fly to Paro (2,200 m/7,218 ft)- 50 Minutes and drive to Thimphu (2,334 m/7,657 ft)-1 Hour

After breakfast, we fly to Paro. From the left seat, you can see mountain range including Mt. Everest (8848 m, highest peak in earth) and the spectacular view of Bhutan’s snow capped peaks as you approach Paro. From Paro, we will drive to Thimphu. On the way, we stop at Old bride and visit Tachogang Temple built by Thangtong Gyalpo in the 15th century, who built numerous iron bridges throughout Bhutan. In the evening, we visit Tashichho Dzong, a fortress of this glorious region. It was built in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel and was reconstructed into present structure by the late King, His majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the year 1962-1969. It houses the secretariat building, the throne room and the office of the King, and the Central Monk Body.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Thimphu.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 04: Sightseeing of Thimphu City

After breakfast, we visit Giant Buddha Statue, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk Memorial Chorten, Dupthop Lhakhang ( Monastery for the Nuns), National Library, the Painting School and the Medicine Institute where traditional medicines are prepared according to ancient practices.Also we see Takin, the national animal of Bhutan. After lunch, you will visit Lungtenzampa to observe the traditional silversmiths playing at their crafts and visit the Bhutanese traditional paper factory. Then we return back to town to visit the handicraft stores and stroll around the tiny capital city. Then in the evening, we visit Zangdopelri Temple, the Changlimithang where young Bhutanese practice Archery Game.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Thimphu.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 05: Drive from Thimphu to Punakha (1,242 m /4,075 ft)- 4 Hours

After breakfast, we leave Thimphu and drive steeply through a forest of pine and cedar and reach Dochula Pass (3,050 m). This pass offers panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges and hosts several chortens. Then we will continue to Lobesa where we visit Chimi Lhakhang Temple on a small hill. This Temple is dedicated to the Great Yogi of 14th century known as Drukpa Kuenley or popularly known as “Divine Madman” to the westerners. It is believed that this Temple blesses women who seek fertility. Then we will continue to Punakha and visit majestic Punakha Dzong, situated between Phochu and Mochu River, this Dzong is the most magnificent Dzong of Bhutan and had served as the Capital of the country in the 17th and 18th centuries. Presently the Dzong is the district administration and judiciary office as well as the winter home for Bhutan’s Spiritual Leader Je Khenpo and the 600 monks of Thimphu and Punakha.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Punakha.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 06: Drive back to Paro - 4 Hours

After breakfast, we drive back to Paro and may stop at the Dochula Pass for few minutes for a leg stretch and photographs. In the clear day, we see the view of Bhutan’s 200 mile snow-capped peaks in the north if you had missed the earlier day. Then we resume our journey to the oldest Simtokha Dzong built in 1629 by Shubdrung Nawang Namgyal. It now houses the institute of traditional studies for lay men and women. Then we continue to Paro.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Paro.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 07: Sightseeing of Paro Valley

After breakfast, we will visit Drukgyal Dzong built in 1647 by Shubdrung Nawang Namgyal. The Dzong was destroyed by fire and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate. On a clear day,you can get a magnificent view of the Mount Chomolhari, (7314 m / 23,990 ft). Then we drive back to Kyichu Lhakhang, built in 17th Century by a Tibetan King, Songtsen Gonpo. After lunch, we visit the National Museum of Bhutan, (Ta Dzong) which contains works of art, handicrafts, costumes, armor and rare stamps. Then we hike down to Paro (Rimpung) Dzong. After Paro Dzong,we will walk through a traditional covered bridge across the river and visit Paro town before we drive to hotel.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Paro.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 08: Hike to Tiger's Nest Taktsang Monastery (3,048 m/10,000 ft)-5/6 Hours

After breakfast, we drive to the base of Tiger’s Nest and hike to the Monastery which takes around 2 hours to reach the Cafeteria which gives the great view of Taktsang Monastery. Further 30 minutes hike takes us to magnificent Taktsang where we will be greeted by the in-house monks. This is the most important Monastery in Bhutan where Guru Rinpoche was flying on a Flaming Tigress from Singye Dzong in Eastern Bhutan and meditated for three months. He flourished Buddhism in Paro from 8th Century. After Lunch, we walk down to the car and drive to hotel. In the evening, you may walk around the Paro town.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Paro.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 09: Fly back to Kathmandu

After breakfast, we drive to airport and fly back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, drive to hotel and rest unless you want to go for sightseeing. In the evening, we will host farewell dinner to mark the success of your trip.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: B D

Activity Duration:

Day 10: Departure from Kathmandu

After breakfast, we will drop you to airport before 3 hours of your flight time.

Accomodation:

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Cost Info

Cost Includes:

Garland welcome, arrival and departure transfers in Kathmandu with office representative.
3 nights in Kathmandu with breakfast inclusive of taxes and service charges.
6 Nights in Bhutan at Standard Boutique lodges with all meals.
Bhutan Visa Fees, all paperwork for Bhutan tour, Bhutan Travel permit.
Kathmandu/Paro/Kathmandu Airfare.
All drives, sightseeing and transfer in Kathmandu and Bhutan as per the program.
Meals as indicated in the Itinerary.
Kathmandu sightseeing with English Speaking Tour Guide with all applicable entrance fees.
All sightseeing in Bhutan with English Speaking Guide with all applicable entrance fees.
English Speaking Tour Escort throughout the tour.
Welcome and Farewell dinners in Kathmandu.
Bottle Drinking water in vehicle for sightseeing drives and transfers.
All drives, sightseeing and transfers by Deluxe Vehicle as per the group size.
24/7 hours Assistance.

Cost Excludes:

International Airfare to/from Kathmandu.
Nepal Visa fees on Arrival at airport (USD 30/- for 15 Days).
Meals other than breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara except welcome and farewell dinners in Kathmandu.
Donation to the Monasteries.
Personal nature of expenses like tips, bar bills, laundry and personal expenses.
Cost may arise of natural calamities, flight cancellation, illness, hospitalization, tour cancellation, blockade etc.
Other than in our include section.