Bhutan – Myths & Legends Tailor-made
Day 1 : To Delhi
Please contact us for flight options. International flight not included in the tour cost.
Day 2 : Delhi
Arrive Delhi. Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to Oberoi Madiens for overnight stay. In the afternoon take rickshaw ride through old Delhi and a guided tour of the Qutab Minar. Overnight at the hotel.
Accommodation: Shangri-La’s Eros
Day 3 : To Thimphu
Enjoy one of the world’s most spectacular descents as your early-morning flight arrives into Paro amid breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks. Lunch at the Paro Namjo or Heritage restaurant of your choice. On the way to the capital, we make a stop at the Tachog Lhakhang Dzong, a truly unique monastery across one of ‘Drupthob Thangtong Gyalpo’s iron chain bridges. A 1 ½ hours’ drive away you arrive at Thimphu, Bhutan's capital for a welcome dinner where you will be able to experience the traditional Bhutanese cuisine for the first time!
Overnight in Thimphu at Lemongrass Hotel or similar.
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Day 4 : Thimphu
Visit the Memorial Stupa, Bhutan’s most iconic monuments surrounded by Bhutanese locals, located in the heart of Thimphu city. Drive to Kuensel Phodrang: ‘The Big Buddha’ located atop a hill overlooking Thimphu Valley. We conclude our morning with a visit to the Textile Museum. Visit the National Library along with a visit to Thimphu’s famous Visit Post Office where you will be able to admire the traditional Dzong architecture and the small museum. You can even get a stamp made with your own picture! We conclude the day heading to the Trashi Chhoe Dzong, the seat of Bhutan's government, royal offices and presently houses the throne room of the king. You will then be given the option to walk around Thimphu city and explore the capital's cottage industries, from traditional paper making to hand rolled incense and browse through Himalayan artefacts along the main street. At weekends you can visit the Craft Bazaar or Vegetable markets.
End the day with a delicious dinner at the hotel.
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Day 5 : Drive to Punakha
Drive to Punakha across Do Chula pass (3, O8Om). Do Chula pass offers the most spectacular view over the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas on a clear day where you can enjoy a walkround the Druk Wangyel 108 stupas. Sights on the way include one of Bhutan's first fortress monasteries, the 17th-century Simtokha Dzong. After a stop for a picnic lunch continue driving to Punakha. On the way you can visit Chimi Lhakhang, the auspicious fertility monastery. You are then guided to the hotel where you can check in and freshen up just in time to get ready and dressed in Bhutan’s colorful traditional dress; The Kira and The Gho. A fully local experience with a visit to the impressive Punakha Dzong.
Overnight in Punakha at Zhingkham resort or similar.
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Day 6 : To Gangtey
Drive to Gangtey, the Central Valley inhabited by the magnificent Black-necked Cranes heighten the breathtaking scenery of Phobjikha in winter. We stop by the famous Gangtey Monastery located on a hillock amidst the Gangtey village with a striking view of the Phobjika valley below. This monastery was established by Gyalse Rigdzin Pema Thinley in 1613. It is headed by the ninth Gangtey Trulku and is the largest Nyingmapa monastery in Western Bhutan. The extensive complex comprises the central gonpa, quarters for the monk and meditation centres. Should the Gangtey Trulku be in residence, an audience for a revered blessing may be arranged on special request. Upon arrival you will notice the hotel is actually large tents placed in the scenic valley where you will be introduced to the way of ‘glamping’ (glamourous camping) in Bhutan. The Valley Camp is a one of a kind retreat that offers cozy rooms and amenities comparable to those found in a boutique hotel. The Evening is tied together with a roaring bonfire, traditional Bhutanese dances, dinner and drinks.
Overnight in Gangtey at Dewachen resort or similar.
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Day 7 : To Bumthang
After breakfast embark on the five-hour drive to Bumthang - a journey filled with memorable and dramatic landscapes of terraced farmland, deep river gorges and precariously perched farmhouses, viewed from the country’s only east-west highway. Following a brief stop at Chendebji Chorten, which according to legend was built to cover the remains of a demon spirit, you will carry on to Trongsa, the original home of the royal family. Here, you can stroll the village, and perhaps visit the large Trongsa Dzong. The drive onward to Bumthang takes you over the picturesque Yotong La pass and down into the Chhume Valley, home of Bhutan's famous Yathra weaving. Here you will have a chance to browse the traditional textiles and perhaps see the weavers creating their intricate handiwork. Bumthang is the general name given to combination of four valleys - Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura with altitude varying from 2,600m to 4,000m. The fascinating valley is the heartland of the nation and home to some of the oldest Buddhist temples and monasteries. Valley is covered with fields of buckwheat, millet and potato, with apple orchards climbing up the slopes to mix with the deep pine forest. Across the valley lie many of the Kingdom’s most auspicious and revered houses of worship and ancient monasteries, many still decorated with vibrant wall paintings and richly adorned altars, all suffused with a mystical history. Upon arrival at the hotel, you will have time to explore the Wangdichhoeling palace, previously home to the second King, and the auspicious prayer wheels.
Overnight stay in Bumthang at The Village Lodge/Jakar view/ River Lodge or similar
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Day 8 : Bumthang
Today you will further explore the Bumthang district with an excursion to the incredible Tang Valley, a seldom-visited area of temples and monasteries that are truly off the beaten path. En-route, stop off at the Burning Lake (Membartsho), where the legend says that Pema Lingpa who was considered an incarnated disciple of Padmasambhava, had a vision of the sacred treasures that Guru Rimpoche had hidden within the lake centuries earlier. In order to prove his claims, Pema Lingpa held a butter lamp in his hand as he jumped into the lake and after remaining under water for a long time he re-emerged holding a chest and a scroll of paper with the butter lamp held in his hand still burning bright. Thereafter, the lake came to be known as Mebartsho (the burning Lake) and is considered one of the most sacred sites in the region. Today, this small fresh water lake is a sacred pilgrimage site for the Bhutanese with bright multicolored prayer flags surrounding it and a small altar dedicated to Terton Pema Lingpa has also been set up. On auspicious days people offer butter lamps at the lake. Many tourists visit the site to observe spectacular beauty of this important historical and religious site. Our journey continues throughout Tang Valley. Tang is one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan and is located in the north eastern part of Bumthang Dzongkhag and has an area of about 511 square kilometres. The altitudes of the valley ranges from approximately 2800-3000 meters above sea level and is a great home to agriculture where the soil is fertile and deep and the Arcadian scenes are picture perfect. The beautiful valley of Tang is one of the must see valleys of Bumthang where you can enjoy the experience of horse riding in the scenic valley (arranged with prior notice).
Overnight stay in Bumthang
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Day 9 : To Paro
Today you will take the domestic flight from Bumthang to Paro. After the scenic 45-minute flight, you will land in Paro, where they will be driven through the town towards the north end of the valley. Upon arrival, you be will checked into the hotel , given time to freshen up and have lunch.
After lunch we continue with a visit to the National Museum. Here, an intriguing collection of artefacts provides a wonderful introduction to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom. Just a short walk downhill lies the imposing Paro Dzong, a fine example of historic Bhutanese architecture where the Bhutanese famously repelled several invading Tibetan armies during the 17th century. From the Dzong, the tour crosses Nyamai Zampa, a traditional cantilever bridge, from where you will be driven to the town temple, built in 1525, to view ancient wall paintings. Perhaps, a visit to a traditional farmhouse depicting the lifestyle of the local people. As we return to Paro town, we visit en route Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the first Buddhist temples built in the country where you can spend time lighting 108 butter lamps (chargeable activity) and learn about the ancient Buddhist traditions that are still practised today. Concluding with an early night in at the hotel and a good nights rest for the next day.
Overnight stay in Paro Eco Lodge/The Village Lodge or Similar
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Day 10 : Paro
In the morning, hike up to view one of Bhutan's most dramatic monuments, the Taktsang Goemba, more commonly referred to as the Tiger's Nest, built on a sheer cliff face at a height of 2,950m (9,678ft). The four-hour trek offers spectacular views of this sacred monastery perched on the rocks, 900m above the valley floor. The magnificent Taksang Monastery, the most well known of Bhutanese monasteries. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery hence it is called "Tiger's Nest". The hiking excursion to the monastery approximates about 5 hours for round trip. Accommodating mules and donkeys will be on hand to lessen the exertion for the climb up, if so desired. Visit Kyichu Lhakang – the ancient temple built to subdue demons; where legends meet mythology. Explore Paro town. The trip is concluded and tied up by a Farewell Dinner with fun, laughter and cultural show especially prepared for the guests. B, L, D
Day 11 : To Delhi
Transfer from hotel to airport for your flight to Delhi with Druk Air. Meeting, assistance on
arrival in Delhi and transfer to Hotel Oberoi Maidens. Overnight stay in Delhi.
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Day 12 : To London
Fly to London Heathrow with Emirates via Dubai.
Looking to extend your holiday? Contact our consultants today for your options.
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Itinerary map
Prices
| Price per person (Double/Twin share) |
|---|
| £3,780.00 |
- Regional flights between Delhi-Paro-Delhi with Drukair or similar
- Accommodation with en-suite facilities.
- Full Board (Delhi on bed & breakfast).
- Services of English speaking guide during sightseeing.
- Transfers as per the itinerary by air-conditioned vehicles.
- Excursions, sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary.
- Bhutan Visa & Royalty Fees & Sustainable Tourism Fee
- Full ATOL Bonding.
- International flights to and from Delhi
- Visa Fee for India.
- Any optional Excursions.
- Any expenses of a personal nature.
- Travel Insurance.
*Travel Insurance
It is essential to have adequate insurance in place before your departure. This should be appropriate for your age, health and destination you are visiting.
• Make sure it includes comprehensive medical and repatriation cover.
• Make sure it provides cover for your whole trip (whether one day or over a year).
• Make sure it covers you for all activities.
• Disclose pre-existing medical conditions.
• Take your policy number and the 24-hour emergency contact numbers with you.
If you have any doubts about your cover, check with your insurer. Please note Covid-19 cover is now available.
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