This tour grants privileged access to the holiest Buddhist sites in Bhutan. From the famous, majestic Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang) balanced among the clouds high above Paro, blessed by Guru Padmasambhava himself, to Jambay Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, built by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo, this tour provides a true insight to the rich religious culture of Bhutan.
During the flight, witness breath-taking views of the Himalayan mountain ranges. Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, representatives of Zopa Adventure Travel will welcome you to Bhutan. After lunch, the journey begins with a visit to one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan, Kyichu Lhakhang. After Kyichu Lhakhang, proceed to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, a scenic drive along the Paro and Thimphu rivers. The Druk Hotel provides comfortable accommodations in the heart Thimphu.
Visit Dechenphodrang Monastery (home to 200 monks), Changangkha Lhakhang (built in the 12th century), Zulikha Temple (the only nunnery in the capital), and the Folk Heritage Museum. After lunch, shop in Thimphu for Bhutanese handicrafts. Overnight at the Druk Hotel.
In the morning, visit the Memorial Chorten built in memory of the third King of Bhutan, ruler of the Kingdom from 1952-1972. Afterwards, drive towards the base camp of Tango Monastery and prepare to hike to monastery built by the "Divine Madman" himself in the 15th century. Today, the Tango Monastery is the center of advanced Buddhist studies for monks. The hike up will take approximately 45minutes, and will provide a birds-eye view of Thimphu’s majestic landscape. In the evening, relax or shop in town. Dinner at local restaurant will provide delicious Bhutanese cuisine. Overnight at Druk Hotel, Thimphu.
In the morning, drive to Wangdiphodrang across Dochu La (3,100 meters); on a clear day spectacular views of the Himalayan ranges are available. After a scenic 2-and-a-half-hour drive to Wangdi, check-in to the Dragon’s Nest Hotel. After lunch, drive to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan, and visit Punakha Dzong built by the first Shabdrung in 1637. Visit the famous shrine of the Buddhist saint Drupthop Nagi Rinchen. The riverside will serve a Bhutanese picnic lunch. In the evening, walk across the Metshina Village and take a 20-minute walk through the rice fields to the Divine Madman’s Temple, famous throughout Bhutan as the fertility shrine. Overnight at Dragon Nest, Wangdi.
In the morning, drive towards Gantey through dense forests of oak trees and rhododendrons to visit Gantey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan. From Gantey, the picturesque Black Mountain range peeks through the clouds towering above the Phobjika Valley, the winter habitat of the black-necked cranes. Attend Offering-to-the-Buddha’s ceremony exclusively arranged for your group at Gantey Goemba. Overnight in Phobjikha at Dewachen.
After breakfast, travel to Trongsa, the ancestral home of the royal family. Via the 3,300-meter-high Pele La, the route to Trongsa is along a spectacular winding road, where herds of yak are often sighted. After reaching Trongsa, check-in to the hotel and experience Trongsa Fortress. Formerly the main administration center during the second king’s reign, Trongsa Fortress is known as being a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture. In the evening, stroll around the town. Overnight in Trongsa at Yangkhil Resort.
In the morning, proceed to Bumthang, the religious heartland of the country with lush valleys and hilly forests. Bumthang is one of the most beautiful valleys in central Bhutan, with an altitude varying from 2,600 to 4,000 meters. After lunch, sightseeing will include a visit to Jambay Lakhang (one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan), Kurjey Lhakhang (home to the bodily imprint of Guru Rimpoche in stone), and Tamshing Lhakhang, built by the Treasure-Discoverer, Terton Pema Lingpa. In the evening, explore and stroll around Bumthang town. Overnight in Jakar, Bumthang at Samtenkhagsar.
After breakfast, visit Jakar Fortress, Karchu Dratsang, and Membertsho (Flaming Lake), the famous spot of discovery for Terton Pema Lingpa of treasures hidden by Guru Rimpoche. In the evening, enjoy the charming village. Overnight in Jakar, Bumthang at Samtenkhangsar.
Journey along a scenic forest trail on a 3-hour hike to Tharpaling Monastery, famously known as one of the most important monasteries built by Longchen Ramjamba, the famous saint in the Nyingmapa sect. The monastery has several temples and a small number of monks reside on retreat. From the monastery, you will have a privileged view of the Chumey Valley. A picnic lunch will be served outside the monastery for refreshment. In the evening, the town is the perfect place to relax, browse in local shops, and enjoy the nighttime beauty of the Bumthang valley. Overnight in Jakar, Bumthang at Samtenkhangsar.
In the morning, drive back to Wangduephodrang. Lunch at Chendebji Chorten, with a meditation session. In the evening, visit Wangdi Fortress. Overnight in Wangduephodrang at Kyichu Resort.
After breakfast, drive towards Paro via Thimphu. After lunch, visit a variety of handicraft shops around town and view several Thangkas and Bhutanese paintings.
Visit the ruins of Drugyel Dzong and Satsam Chorten. After lunch, visit the National Museum and Paro Rinpung Dzong.
After breakfast, hike up to the most famous monastery in the entire kingdom of Bhutan. Along the trail, lunch is available at a cafeteria along with a closer view of the monastery, ideal and appropriate for photographs. Perched on the edge of a steep cliff, Taktsang monastery resides approximately 900 meters above the Paro Valley. As per legend, Guru Rimpoche flew from eastern Bhutan on a tigress bringing Buddhist teachings to Bhutan. This is one of the most venerated and sacred sights for Buddhist pilgrims around the world, including local Bhutanese. Attend the grandest Tsechu ceremony at Taktsang and participate in a meditation session. Walk down hill and visit Drukgyel Dzong, the “Fortress of Victory,” built in the 17th century. Overnight in Paro at Olathhang Hotel.
Departure from Paro
INCLUSION
Included(Cultural tour).Bhutan Royalties, tourists fees and taxes.Accommodations in listed or similar hotels (pleasant hotels 4* star type).All meals, including evening tea/coffee etc through-out the tour in Bhutan.All land transfers, sightseeing with entrance fees.Experienced English Speaking Bhutanese Tour Guide.Bottled water in the vehicle and other comp. services.
EXCLUSION
Flights into and out of Bhutan.Optional Travel/Medical Insurance.Personal expenses such as bars, beverages in the hotel, telephone, laundry, trips, and others.Anything that is not mentioned in the INCLUSION.
Starts from US $ 3250/- per person
Visa fee (One Time)
USD $ 40/- per person for entire tour in Bhutan.
Passport: A valid passport is required for travel to Bhutan and the validity of the passport should be minimum 6 months.
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.
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 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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
