GLIMPSE OF BHUTAN

May 16, 2024, to : May 20, 2024
4 Days


USD1000

Description

Bhutan East-West tour is an extremely exciting tour covering both sides of Bhutan. Entering from Samdrupjongkhar in the East and exiting from Paro in the west gives you an amazing experience.  We will explore the eastern remote villages, monasteries, and famous weavings places and meet with the local people and visit their houses. Our journey begins towards gorgeous Bumthang in Central Bhutan, It is considered the spiritual heart of Bhutan and an area of great historical and cultural importance, and it contains numerous sacred sites. The most scared valleys hallowed 1200 years ago by the visit of Guru Rinpoche the great Buddhist. We will explore famous places, temples, and Dzongs.

  • Ages: 4-75

  • Duration: 5 Days

  • Tour Guide: English

Features

    • Ages: 4-75

    • Duration: 1- 5 Days

    • Tour Guide: English

    Explore the best and highlighted tours in Bhutan.

Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrival in Gauwahati-Samdrupjongkhar

    Our team will be there to receive you at Guwahati airport and transfer you to Samdrupjonkhar. You will be driving through small villages, bicycles, and buses overcrowded with passengers. You will pass through the famous Assam tea garden. Check-in the hotel in Samdrupjonkhar and your free time in the town. Overnight in hotel.

    Day 2: Samdrup Jongkhar-Trashigang

    After breakfast drive to Tashigang, passing through several villages. Leaving behind the plains and you will be climbing towards the foothills of the Himalayas; you will be rewarded with the stunning landscape, rich tropical forest, and possibilities of sighting some wild lives. En-route visit hand loom (weaving center) in Khaling and then visit blind School. Continue drive to Tashigang, Vividly colored handloom cloth and end silk spun from cocoons bred from castor oils plants are local specialties. The dominant language of the region is Sharchopkha instead of Dzongkha.  Trashigang is used as the market place for the hill people from Merak & Sakteng, who are known for their exceptional features and for their costume made of Sheepskin and Yak wool. The hat they wear is unusual but has a significance of its own. We might be able to meet a few of these people. Overnight in hotel.

    Day 03: Trashigang-Merak

    After breakfast drive up to Jigmeling for approximately 3 and a half hours. The hike up to Merak village takes 1 hour. Lunch at Merak. In the afternoon visit Merak village and mingle with the locals. Evening dines with the people of Merak followed by native dances of Merak and Sakteng – Achulamoa Cham and folk dances which is worth witnessing. Overnight at local guest house.

    Day 04: Merak-Rangjung-Phogmey

    On the way back visit Phongme village and drive to Radhi village and visit some houses to see women weaving. These villagers are known for the textile woven out of raw silks. Visit the nunnery in Radhi and take a short hike to Tshangkhar village known for its textiles and visit some houses to see women weaving. These villagers are known for the textile woven out of raw silks. After lunch drive to Rangjung and visit Rangjung Woesel Chholing Monastery-this was founded by Garab Rinpoche in 1990, the biggest Nyimapa School in the east. Later stroll around Rangjung town and Drive to Trashigang. Overnight Hotel in Trashigang.

    Day 05:Trashigang-Trashi Yangtse-Trashigang

    Early in the morning drive to Tashiyangtse and on the way we can visit GomKora temple and continue to drive to Yangtse. The main attraction in this valley is a great stupa, ChortenKora built in 1940 and modeled on the style of the Boudhanath stupa in Nepal. After lunch visit the Trashiyangtse town is small but very beautiful with traditional designs and colors of the houses. This place is also famous for wooden products like dapa (wooden plate), phob (cup), and others. One of the traditional painting schools is located in Tashiyangtse. Drive
    back to Tashigang. Overnight at the hotel.

    Day 06: Trashigang-Mongar

    After breakfast drive to Mongar. En route stop to visit Drametse monastery- founded by Ani Choten Zangmo, Pema Lingpa’s granddaughter, who fled from Bumthang to escape a proposal of marriage from the local king. She fled east and when she found a place ideally suited for meditation and practice she named it ‘Drametse’ which literally means ‘the peak where there are no enemies’. Ani ChoetenZangmo’s kudung (remains) is preserved to this day in the monastery as the most important relic. Continue drive to Monger. After lunch visit Mongardzong which is built in keeping with tradition by not using any drawings or nails and then visit yaggang Lhakhang. Overnight at the hotel.

    Day 7: Mongar-Khoma – Lhuntse-Mongar
    Make your way through a spectacular landscape with cliffs and coniferous forests as you travel towards Khoma. The village can be reached on foot, and is famous for its weavers who make fine quality fabrics called Kushuthara. Drive to Lhuntse it is the district is one of the most rural and isolated districts in Bhutan. The landscape is spectacular with stark cliffs and gorges, beautiful conifer and pine forests, and remote villages. The Kurtoe region of Lhuntse is the ancestral home of Bhutan’s Royal family. And also consider being the best for Kishu Tharatestiles. Visit Lhuntse Dzong and weaving village. Drive back to Mongar. Overnight
    at the hotel.

    Day 08: Mongar-Bumthang

    After breakfast drive to Bumthang and you would notice a change in the weather condition and that the place becomes cooler. One of the most scenic drives in Bhutan. You will be driving through thick forest, waterfalls, remote villages, and high passes. Stop at Sengor where you would get to see the locals there. This area is a paradise for bird watchers. You can make numerous stops on the ways for pictures and to enjoy the beauty of nature. Stop at Ura village and stall around the village. Continue towards Bumthang for overnight.

    Day 09: Bumthang-Halt

    In the Morning drive to visit  Jampa Lhakhang, a ten-minute drive from Jakar town. Walk from Jampa Lhakhang through fields and meadows to Kurjey Lhakhang. On the way, you will pass a beautiful Chorten and the newly built temple, Zangdo Palri.   The trail continues past a water source, Kurjey  Drupchhu (Holy water).  After crossing a suspension bridge, will take it to Padmasambhava Lhakhang.  After lunch visit Tamshing Lhakhang – This temple is also known as Tamshing Lhendrup Chholing (Temple of the Good Message). Continue on to visit the lake of Mebartso (The Lake of Fire) later visit Khonchosum Lhakhang.Overnight in hotel.

    Day 10: Bumthang-Gangtey

    After Breakfast drive to Phobjikha via Pele la Pass at the altitude of 3,150 meters, a wonderful opportunity for photographs. En-route stops at Chummy
    village to visit Yathra weaving central. Yathra is made into colorful scarves, bags, blankets, and sweaters. Continue to drive to Phobjikha a bowl-shaped valley on the western slopes of Black Mountain, visit Gantey Goenpa as it is a major attraction with an old monastery date back to the 16 century. Later walk around the valley which is also the winter home to the rare black-necked cranes, which migrate, from remote parts of Tibet, China and Siberia during winter to this valley. Overnight will be at the hotel.

    Day 11: Gantey-Punakha

    After breakfast drive to Punakha. On the way visit Chhimi Lhakhang – this was founded in the 15 Century by Lama Dukpa Kinley also known as a divine mad man. It is half hour walk across a local village and rice field After lunch visit Punakha Dzong built in 1637 by Zhabdrung. It is one of the most beautiful Dzongs in the country. Later walk around Punakha and Khuruthang town. Overnight at the hotel.

     Day 12:Punakha-Thimphu

    After breakfast, drive to Thimphu-approximately 3-hour drive through picturesque valleys and mountain slopes dotted with typical Bhutanese
    villages. From the Dochula pass, at over 10,000ft, vast panoramic views of the high snowcapped peaks of the Bhutanese Himalaya can be enjoyed on a clear day. Lunch will be served at the Dochula cafeteria. And you even have an opportunity to take a picture of Dochula, 108 stupas. Continue drive to Thimphu. After reaching Thimphu, Visit Buddha Point and stroll freely at Thimphu town for shopping. Overnight at the hotel.

    Day 13:Thimphu Sightseeing

    After breakfast, you will visit the King’s Memorial Chorten (built-in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), Buddha Point, Changgangkha Monastery, the radio tower (for a great view of Thimphu Valley and the Thimphu Dzong), and the zoo, which contains the national animal of Bhutan: the takin. From there you will visit the nunnery temple, the National Library (which houses ancient manuscripts), and the School of Arts and Crafts (also known as the painting school). After a relaxing lunch, you will visit the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, a traditional paper factory, the majestic Tashichodzong.  Overnight in Thimphu

     Day 14: Thimphu-Paro

    After early breakfast drive to Paro and check-in at the hotel. Later drive up the Pa Chu to Drukgyel Dzong, the ruined Fort (destroyed by fire in 1950.) which once defended this valley from the Tibetan invasion. From here one can have the view of sacred Mt. Jhomolhari on clear days. Drive back to visit Ta Dzong former Watch Tower which now houses the National Museum and then visit Rinpung Dzong which houses the monastic school and the office of the civil administration walk down passing close by the Paro Dzong, crossing the Bhutanese typical wooden roofed bridge. Lunch will be served in the hotel. Later in the afternoon walk stroll around Paro town. Overnight at the hotel.

    Day 15: Paro – Hike to Taktsang Monastery ‘Tiger’s Nest’ (3120m)

    After breakfast drive towards the base camp of Taktsang for the hike up to the Taktsang Monastery-Tiger’s Nest. The trail is broad and the walk of approximately 2 hours uphill. From this point, enjoy the spectacular view of the monastery, The view of Taktsang Monastery built on a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley floor is a spectacular sight. The Monastery is also an important pilgrim site for the Buddhists. The great Guru Rimpoche is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. He then mediated in a cave there for three months where the monastery was later built. The cave is said to be the origin of Buddhism in Bhutan. In the afternoon drive to the almost fully reconstructed Drukgyel Dzong.  In fine weather, the towering peak of the sacred Mount Jomolhari (7314m) appears as a stunning backdrop. On the return drive to Paro, afternoon sightseeing around Paro, including a visit to the Ta Dzong Museum and Rimpung Dzong visit other sights in Paro valley. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.

    Day 16: Departure

    Breakfast in the hotel then drive to the airport for a flight to your onward destination. Tashi Delek!

Inclusions

  •  

    ✓ Accommodation: Comfortable hotels or lodges for the duration of the itinerary.

    ✓ Transportation: Ground transportation as per the itinerary.

    ✓ Meals: Specified meals, featuring local and international cuisine.

    ✓ Guided Tours: Experienced local guides throughout the journey.

    ✓ Entrance Fees and Permits: All fees for cultural sites and necessary travel permits.

    ✓ Cultural Activities: Engaging in cultural experiences outlined in the itinerary.

    ✓ Trekking and Hiking Arrangements: If applicable, including guides and permits.

    ✓ Airport Transfers: Transfers at the start and end of the tour.

     

Exclusion

  • ✗ Flights: International and domestic flights are not included.

    ✗ Travel Insurance: Personal travel insurance is not included.

    ✗ Personal Expenses: Expenses of a personal nature are not covered.

    ✗ Beverages: Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are not included.

    ✗ Tipping: Tips for guides, drivers, etc., are at the traveler’s discretion.

    ✗ Visa Fees: Bhutanese visa fees are not included.

    ✗ Additional Costs: Costs due to unforeseen circumstances or events beyond control.

     

Additional information

  • » Group Size: Our itineraries are designed for various group sizes. Check the details to ensure it aligns with your preferences.

     

    » Accommodation Standards: Accommodations are selected for comfort and local ambiance. Specific details can be provided upon request.

     

    » Health and Fitness: Some itineraries may involve trekking or physical activities. Please review the fitness requirements and consult with us if needed.

     

    » Climate and Clothing: Bhutan’s climate can vary. Check the weather conditions for your travel period and pack accordingly. Layers are often recommended.

     

    » Cultural Etiquette: Respect local customs and traditions. Guidelines will be provided to enhance your cultural experience.

     

    » Photography: Capture memories but be mindful of cultural sensitivities. Always ask for permission before photographing individuals.

     

    » Communication: While English is widely spoken, learning a few basic phrases in Dzongkha, the local language, can enhance your interactions.

     

    » Currency: Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN) is the official currency. Indian Rupees are widely accepted. Credit cards are not universally accepted, so carry sufficient cash.

     

    » Safety Measures: Follow safety guidelines provided by our guides. Emergency protocols are in place to ensure your well-being.

     

    » Travel Documents: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date. Bhutanese visas are arranged by the Bhutan Travel Center.

     

Cancellation policy

  • Cancellation Period:
    • Cancellations made more than 60 days before the start date: Full refund, minus any non-refundable fees.
    Between 30-60 Days:
    • 50% refund of the total tour cost.
    Between 15-29 Days:
    • 25% refund of the total tour cost.
    Within 15 Days:
    • No refund.
    Note:
    • Any non-refundable fees incurred by Bhutan Travel Center will be deducted from the refund.
    • Changes to the itinerary or departure dates are subject to availability and may incur additional charges.
    • In case of unforeseen circumstances leading to tour cancellation by Bhutan Travel Center, a full refund will be provided.
    • We highly recommend securing travel insurance to cover unexpected events that may lead to cancellations.
    • Refunds will be processed using the same method as the original payment. Please allow a reasonable processing time.
    • All cancellations must be communicated in writing to Bhutan Travel Center.