DEPTH OF BHUTAN

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DEPTH OF BHUTAN

HOLIDAY PACKAGES
14 Nights / 15 Days
includes:
  • transports
  • sight seeing
  • food
  • hotels

Get glimpses of Bhutan in 15 days as you journey across the country exploring places of interest and getting connected to its way of life. We start from the west towards central and eastwards and back, driving across spectacular scenery and views. It also exposes you to the traditional arts and crafts and textiles of Bhutan.

DAY 1: Arrive Paro (By Druk Air flight): (Paro Sightseeing)

Druk Airways flight to Bhutan is one of the most spectacular in entire Himalayas. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Kolkata, each flight is a mesmerizing aeronautical feat and offers an exciting descent into the Kingdom. On arrival at Paro airport, immigration and custom formalities and then received by our representative and transfer to the hotel. Evening take a stroll around town's main street. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

DAY 2: Explore Paro

After breakfast, visit to Ta Dzong (National Museum) and then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong which has a long and fascinating history. Afternoon visit to Drukgyel Dzong, the ruined fortress from where Bhutanese repelled several invasion by Tibetan armies. Then visit a traditional farm house which offers good insight into lifestyle of local people. In the evening, visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

DAY 3: Paro - Thimphu (60 km, 2 hours)

After breakfast proceed to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan. Enroute stop at Chuzom (confluence) where Paro river joins Thimphu river. Nearby Thimphu, visit to Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the Kingdom built in 1627. It now houses the School for Buddhist studies. Afternoon, in Thimphu, visit to King's Memorial Chhorten and Trashichhodzong, the beautiful medieval fortress/monastery. Then, visit Handicrafts Emporium & Textile and Folk Heritage Museum. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

DAY 4: Thimphu - Punakha (75 km, 2.1/2 hours)

Morning, Thimphu sightseeing, visiting National Library, Painting School and Traditional Medicine Institute. After lunch, drive to Punakha, the old capital town of Bhutan. Stop enroute at Dochula pass (3,050m) that heralds the most enchanting views of Bhutan. On arrival, check into the hotel. Evening visit Punakha Dzong, the fortress of 17th century and followed by visit to Khamsm Yulley Namgyal Chhorten. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

DAY 5: Punakha - Wangduephodrang - Gangtey (70 km, 3 hours

After breakfast drive to Gangtey via Wangduephodrang. Visit magnificent Wangdue Dzong and town's local market. Further ahead pass through dense forests and oak, rhododendron tress, reaching at Gangtey (Phobjikha). Evening take a walk around Gangtey village and visit Gangtey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in this region. Overnight at Camp / Guest House.

DAY 6: Gangtey - Trongsa (120 km, 4.1/2 hours)

Morning explore Phobjikha valley which is famous for Black Necked Cranes. These cranes migrate here from Central Asiatic plateau to escape the harsh winters. After lunch drive to Trongsa crossing 3,300m high Pele la pass. Evening visit to Trongsa market. Overnight at the lodge in Trongsa.

DAY 7: Trongsa – Bumthang (Sightseeing)

Morning visit to Trongsa Dzong, the master piece of Bhutanese architecture and see Ta Dzong, the watch tower, built to defend this Dzong and surrounding region. After lunch, proceed to Bumthang, the religious heartland of the nation. Evening at leisure. Dinner and overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.

DAY 8: Bumthang

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. It is home to many of prominent Buddhist temples and monasteries. Visit to Tamshing Lhakhang, the treasure house of interesting religious Buddhist paintings. Then visit, Jakar Dzong, the administrative centre of the valley. Afternoon visit Kurje Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places. Later visit Jambay Lhakhang, the ancient monastery dating from the introduction of Buddhism in the country. Evening visit to local market. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.

DAY 9: Bumthang - Mongar (198 km, 7 hours)

The journey continues eastwards winding through more rugged terrain. The drive with spectacular views will take about 7 hours. Pass through Ura village in Bumthang before climbing sharply to the highest motorable pass in the Kingdom, the Thrumshingla pass (4,000 m). Gradually drop down to Sengor, watching cascading water falls on the way. The descent stops at 700m, on a bridge over the Kurichu. Ascent again through pine forest, maize fields and eastern hamlets to Mongar town. Visit Mongar Dzong, built albeit quite recently, the dzong still maintains the architectural traditions of old dzongs. Overnight at the lodge in Mongar.

DAY 10: Mongar - Trashigang (96 km, 3 hours)

This trip of about 96 km takes 3 hours passing through Kori la pass (2,450m), the place marked by a pretty chhorten and a stone wall. The first part of the journey is through leafy forest filled with ferns. Later road descends rapidly through corn fields and banana groves arriving the famous ziazags of Yadi, which is a recent settlement. After that follows the Gamri river until the bifurcation to Dametsi, this temple perched on top of steep hill was founded by Choeden Zangmp and is the most important monastery of eastern Bhutan. This is the place from where famous Naga Chham, mask dance with drums originated. About 30 km onwards lies Trashigang at 1000m. Trashigang is the centre of the biggest and most populated district in the country. Visit Trashigang Dzong, standing at the extreme end of the spur, overhanging the Gamri river. It serves as the administrative seat for the district and part of the Dzong is occupied by the Drukpa monastic community. Overnight at the lodge in Trashigang.

DAY 11: Trahigang (Excursion to Trashiyangtse)

This trip of about 96 km takes 3 hours passing through Kori la pass (2,450m), the place marked by a pretty chhorten and a stone wall. The first part of the journey is through leafy forest filled with ferns. Later road descends rapidly through corn fields and banana groves arriving the famous ziazags of Yadi, which is a recent settlement. After that follows the Gamri river until the bifurcation to Dametsi, this temple perched on top of steep hill was founded by Choeden Zangmp and is the most important monastery of eastern Bhutan. This is the place from where famous Naga Chham, mask dance with drums originated. About 30 km onwards lies Trashigang at 1000m. Trashigang is the centre of the biggest and most populated district in the country. Visit Trashigang Dzong, standing at the extreme end of the spur, overhanging the Gamri river. It serves as the administrative seat for the district and part of the Dzong is occupied by the Drukpa monastic community. Overnight at the lodge in Trashigang.

DAY 12: Trashigang - Bumthang (289 km, 10 hours)

After breakfast drive back to Bumthang with lunch enroute. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.

DAY 13: Bumthang - Punakha (205 km, 6 hours)

Morning after visiting Bumthang market, drive to Punakha . Lunch would be served enroute at one of the famous restaurant in Trongsa town. Enroute at Wangduephodrang take a short break for tea / coffee and then proceed to Punakha hotel for overnight stay.

DAY 14: Punakha - Paro (125 km, 4.1/2 hours)

Morning free time in Punakha. After lunch drive to Paro for overnight stay.

DAY 15: Paro Depart

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

INCLUSION

  • Double room on twin sharing basis in government approved 3 star hotels
  • Single room supplement is additional cost on per night per room
  • All three meals (does not cover water and other beverages ordered in hotels/restaurants)
  • Bottled mineral water for the entire trip (except water ordered in the hotels and restaurants)
  • Afternoon tea and snacks
  • English speaking and knowledgeable guide
  • Comfortable SUV and a reliable driver
  • Museum entrance fees
  • Visa fee and processing charges
  • Tourism Development Fund
  • Government taxes
  • All administrative cost
  • Full service & assistance before, during and after your Bhutan trip

EXCLUSION

  • Airfare to and from Bhutan (we can arrange you tickets for you if you wish)
  • Any other beverages (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) including water ordered in restaurants and hotels
  • Travel or health insurance
  • Wire transfer
  • Laundry
  • Gratuity/Tip for guides and drivers
  • Anything that is not mentioned in the INCLUSION.

Starts from US $ 3500/- per person

Visa fee (One Time)

USD $ 40/- per person for entire tour in Bhutan.

Passport: A valid passport is required to travel to Bhutan and the validity of the passport should be minimum 6 months.

Terms & Conditions


Booking

Your contract is with Mountain Adventure Tours & Travels. A contract exists between us when we have confirmed you on our tour / hotel booking / or any other travel related services of your choice and we have received your booking request and deposits. All correspondence/s in respect of Tours / Travel Service bookings should be addressed to Mountain Adventure Tours & Travels.

Payments

For the services contracted, 40 % advance payment should be made to hold the booking on a confirmed basis and the balance amount should be paid before commencement of your tour. We hold the right to decide upon the amount to be paid as an advance payment, based on the nature of services and the time left for the commencement of the services.

Payment Options

Payment can be made by Bank Transfer, Cash payment to our office or by Demand Draft / Cheque. All payments should be free and clear of any withholding tax and deduction. Bank charges, if any, for remittance (by remitting bank or by intermediary bank) would be strictly borne by payer.

Rights to amend the itinerary if required

Tour once commenced will strictly go as per the itinerary finalised. In case of events and circumstances beyond our control, we reserve the right to change all or parts of the contents of the itinerary for safety and well being of our esteemed passengers.

Policy Regarding Cancellation / No Show / Early Departure

In case of cancellation of tour/travel services due to any avoidable/unavoidable reason/s we must be informed in writing. Cancellation charges would be effective from the date we receive letter in writing and cancellation charges would be as follows:

  • 30 days & prior to arrival – 10% of the tour/service cost.
  • 20 days to 18 days prior to arrival – 20% of the tour/service cost.
  • 14 days to 16 days prior to arrival – 25% of the tour/service cost.
  • 10 days to 08 days prior to arrival – 50% of the tour/service cost.
  • 07 days & less, prior to arrival or no show – NO REFUND.

Please note – Irrespective of above mentioned cancellations slabs – in case of cancellation of tour services after the booking is made with us – a minimum 10% service charges would be applicable.

Refund

In case you cancel the trip after commencement refund would be restricted to a limited amount that too would depend on the amount that we would be able to recover from the hoteliers we patronize. For unused hotel accommodation, chartered transportation and missed meals etc. we do not bear any responsibility to refund.

Where as in case of Cancellation before the commencement, it will take atleast two weeks time to refund the said amount.

Our Liabilities & Limitations

Please note that after the finalization of the tour/service cost, if there are any hikes in entrance fees of monuments/museums, taxes, fuel cost or guide charges by the Govt. of India, the same would be charged as extra.

Mountain Adventure Tours & Travels act only in the capacity of agent for the hotels, airlines, transporters, railways & contractors providing other services & all exchange orders, receipts, contracts & tickets issued by us are issued subject to terms & conditions under which these services are provided by them.

All itineraries are sample itineraries, intended to give you a general idea of the likely trip schedule. Numerous factors such as weather, road conditions, the physical ability of the participants etc. may dictate itinerary changes either before the tour or while on the trail. We reserve the right to change any schedule in the interest of the trip participants’ safety, comfort & general well being.

Our rates are based on the prevailing rates as negotiated by us with the hotels, airlines etc. Hotels and Airlines retain the right to modify the rates without notice. In case of such changes the rates quoted before the modification, can be changed by us according to the modifications by hotels or airlines. All hotel bookings are based on usual check in and checkout time of the hotels until unless indicated in the itinerary.

We shall not be responsible for any delays & alterations in the programme or expenses incurred – directly or indirectly – due to natural hazards, flight cancellations, accident, breakdown of machinery or equipments, breakdown of transport, weather, sickness, landslides, political closures or any untoward incidents.

We shall not be responsible for any loss, injury or damage to person, property, or otherwise in connection with any accommodation, transportation or other services, resulting – directly or indirectly – from any act of GOD, dangers, fire, accident, breakdown in machinery or equipment, breakdown of transport, wars, civil disturbances, strikes, riots, thefts, pilferages, epidemics, medical or custom department regulations, defaults, or any other causes beyond our control.

We do not have any insurance policy covering the expenses for accident, sickness, loss due to theft, or any other reasons. Visitors are advised to seek such insurance arrangements in their home country. All baggage & personal property/s at all times are at the client’s risk.

Passports & Visas

To travel to India from overseas countries except for the citizen of Nepal & Bhutan, one needs a 06 months valid passport and a valid Visa. And processing of Passport and Visa are not included in the tour cost.

Health

Any person who has a contagious disease is forbidden to travel, any person found during the tour with such a disease will be asked to leave the tour and will have to make their own arrangements to return home.