Beautiful Bhutan

2019
2018

Bangkok to the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan; Paro, the sleepy capital Thimpu, Punakha, Trongsa, Bumthang, Unique Festivals & Taktsang Monastery

Overview

This package is currently unavailable.

Style	Small Group TourTravel with a small, intimate group of no more than 16 likeminded travelers (and often much fewer), escorted by an English speaking guide and/or tour manager for some or all of your journey. (Some exceptions, including special promotional packages, may accommodate up to 30.) More of these packages Dedicated tour escorts & guides throughout
Departures		Group Size	18 travelers max
Themes	Active, History & Culture, Festivals
What to Expect	This fast-paced, partially escorted tour involves a significant amount of walking or hiking, often on uneven terrain, and reaches high altitudes requiring a high level of physical fitness to fully enjoy the trip. This tour also includes long scenic drives between destinations and may have limited rest stops. Travel safely and confidently with our new health & safety protocols.
Already booked?	Find everything you need to know before you go, including information about passport & visa requirements, flights, luggage, and more.

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Come with us to experience a once-in-a-lifetime guided tour of Bhutan. This is one destination that even the most seasoned travelers consider a privilege to visit. Perched high atop the mighty Himalayan range, the Kingdom of Bhutan has defied globalization and remains a hidden paradise. Although it consistently ranks as one of the world's top destinations, its remote location and strong preservation efforts make it accessible to only a fortunate few. Our Beautiful Bhutan tour package makes it possible for you to not only visit this enchanting land, but also immerse yourself in its rich cultural traditions.

Experience the enchantment of Bhutan's ancient fortresses, monasteries, and temples, the richness of its artisan traditions, and the beauty of its pristine natural landscape as you traverse the country's mountainous terrain. This unique program also provides ample time to interact with the friendly people of Bhutan, including a very special opportunity to join hundreds of Bhutanese in their celebrations of the spiritual festivals. You're sure to leave with an enlightened understanding of the country's national philosophy of "Gross National Happiness." But, be sure to reserve your space quickly, as this once-in-a-lifetime trip is sure to sell out quickly!

Package includes

Flights
Coach
Transfers
Hotel
Meals
Guides

Round-trip airfare from Los Angeles via scheduled China Airlines and Druk Air flights, including fuel surcharges and taxes and fees
Flight from Bumthang to Paro
All transfers and intra-Bhutan ground transportation
Accommodations in Tourist and First Class hotels with private bath
29 meals: Breakfast daily plus 9 lunches & 9 dinners
Comprehensive guided touring program including all entrance fees to places visited, as described in our itinerary
Special opportunity to attend a traditional Bhutanese spiritual festival
Professional, English-speaking tour director
Group visa fees

Optional add-ons

2-night Bangkok post-tour optional extension
Flights from Chicago O'Hare (ORD), Houston (IAH), Seattle-Tacoma (SEA). Request pricing when making your reservation.

Why you'll love it

Visit the King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk Memorial Chorten
Explore the Punakha Dzong fortress
Learn about Yathra weavings in the Tsungney village
Experience a traditional Bhutanese Festival
Discover the Taktsang Monastery
Travel on an Optional 2 night Bangkok extension!

Detailed Itinerary

Sample Itinerary

The itinerary below is a sample. Your actual itinerary may vary based on the specific Bhutanese festival or mock festival scheduled for your departure, listed below. For more information about a specific departure, please contact us.

Sep 12, 2018: Tamshing Festival (Sep 20, 2018)
Sep 28, 2018: Bhutanese Festival Celebration
Nov 16, 2018: Choejam Festival (Nov 24, 2018)

On The Blog: Learn more about each of these fascinating Bhutanese celebrations!

Day 1: Depart USA

Your exotic journey to Bhutan begins this evening as you check in for your flight to Bangkok, via Taipei.

Day 2: En route

Cross the International Dateline and lose a day en route to Thailand. You will recover this day on the return portion of your trip

Day 3: Bangkok

1 night COMO Metropolitan or similar, Bangkok. Dinner.

Late morning arrival in Bangkok, the bustling, captivating and fascinating capital of Thailand, situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River

After customs formalities, transfer to your centrally located hotel for check-in

Later, enjoy dinner at an authentic local restaurant

Full Day Itinerary: This morning arrive in Bangkok, the bustling capital of Thailand, situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. After customs formalities, transfer to your centrally located hotel for check-in. This evening take a short walk from the hotel to an authentic local restaurant.

Day 4: Bangkok, Paro & Thimphu

2 nights Osel Hotel or similar, Thimphu, Bhutan. Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Transfer to the airport to continue your journey to Paro, Bhutan via Druk Air

After customs formalities, board your vehicle for the scenic drive to Thimphu

Full Day Itinerary: Transfer to the airport to continue your journey to Paro, Bhutan via Druk Air. On a clear day, you may experience breathtaking aerial views of the Himalayas. A representative will greet you upon arrival at Paro International Airport.

After customs formalities, board your vehicle for the scenic drive to Thimphu, Bhutan's capital city, passing through a bucolic landscape dotted with rice paddy fields, apple orchards, and quaint villages. Time permitting, enjoy a panoramic tour of Thimphu Valley upon arrival. Thimphu is situated at an elevation of 8,200 feet.

On your way to Thimphu and if time permits, make a stop at the Tachogang Temple, built in the 15th century by Thangtong Gyalpo, builder of many iron bridges in Bhutan. After this visit, continue your drive to Thimphu.

Day 5: Thimphu

Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Visit to the National Memorial Chorten and Dupthop Lhakhang Monastery

Learn about ancient Bhutanese healing practices at the traditional Medicine Institute

Observe the traditional royal silversmiths and papermakers at work with a visit to Lungtenzampa

Full Day Itinerary: Your first full day in Bhutan begins with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten, built in honor of King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, and the Dupthop Lhakhang Monastery. Continue to the National Library, a fascinating repository of numerous ancient Buddhist manuscripts, and the city painting school where students are trained in the traditional art of painting Thangkhas (sacred Buddhist religious scrolls). Then, proceed to the traditional Medicine Institute to learn about ancient Bhutanese healing practices.

After lunch, visit Lungtenzampa, where you'll have the opportunity to observe the traditional royal silversmiths and papermakers at work.

Return to town to visit the handicraft stores and stroll around the tiny capital city. Overnight at Hotel.

*Itinerary may differ depending on the day of the week. Kindly refer to your final documents for the confirmed itinerary.

Day 6: Thimphu & Punakha

1 night Drubchhu Resort, Zhingkham Resort, or similar Punakha. Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Scenic journey to the town of Punakha

Hike up a small hill to the Chimi Lhakhang

Visit to the Punakha Dzong fortress

Full Day Itinerary: Today, drive to the town of Punakha, making scenic stops along the way. Take in sweeping, panoramic views of the snowcapped Himalayan mountain ranges at the Dochula Pass. Continue driving to Lobesa, where you'll hike up a small hill to the Chimi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to Drukpa Kunley, the great 14th century Yogi, commonly referred to as the "Divine Madman." Locals believe that this temple blesses women seeking fertility. Depending on time, lunch will be before or after the walk. Afterwards, proceed to the majestic Punakha Dzong. Situated between the Phochu and Mochu Rivers ("Male" and "Female" Rivers, respectively), this fortress is the most magnificent in all of Bhutan. In the 17th and 18th centuries, it served as the country's capital. Today, it houses the district administrative and judiciary offices as well as the winter home for Bhutan's spiritual leader, Je Khenpo, and the 600 monks of Thimphu and Punakha.

Day 7: Punakha & Trongsa

1 night Yangkhil Resort or similar, Trongsa. Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Scenic drive to Trongsa

Drive through semi-tropical vegetation to Pele Pass

View the Chendebji Chorten monument

Full Day Itinerary: After a hearty breakfast early this morning, set out on the fabulous drive to Trongsa. Take in the breathtaking beauty and serenity of Bhutan's diverse, untouched flora and fauna along the way.
Thanks to its isolation, small population, mountainous terrain, and the national religion of Buddhism, which stresses the sanctity of all life, Bhutan has protected virtually all of its forests and wildlife. As a result, this tiny kingdom, in contrast to all of its neighbors, possesses the last truly intact, large-scale ecosystem in the Himalayas.

Drive through the semi-tropical vegetation to Pele Pass (elevation of 10,989 feet), traditionally considered the boundary between West and East Bhutan. From here, continue through an alpine forest of rhododendrons and dwarf bamboo to the Chendebji Chorten, a large 18th century Buddhist monument constructed by a Lama to cover the remains of an evil spirit that was believed to terrorize inhabitants of the valley. As you approach Trongsa, gaze in wonder at its huge fortress, or Dzong, that sits on a narrow promontory that juts out over the gorge of the Mangde River. The view from this Dzong extends for many miles, and in former times nothing could escape the vigilance of its watchmen. Check in at your resort hotel, offering superb views of the soaring mountains and majestic Dzong.

Day 8: Trongsa & Bumthang

3 nights Yugharling Resort & Spa or similar, Bumthang. Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Visit the Trongsa Dzong

Drive to Taa Dzong

Learn about Yathra weavings in the Tsungney village

Full Day Itinerary: After breakfast, visit the majestic Trongsa Dzong, built in 1647 by Shubdrung Nawang Namgyal. This Dzong was the source of many important historical events in the making of Modern Bhutan. You will be dropped off at the junction in the road to the Bazaar and the Dzong, and walk from here to the Dzong. After the visit, drive to Taa Dzong, an ancient watchtower that is now a museum dedicated to the Kings of Bhutan. After lunch at the hotel, drive to Bumthang, crossing the Yotongla Pass into the first of four valleys of Bumthang known as Chumey. Stop at the Tsungney village to learn about Yathra weavings and continue to your hotel in the Chokhor Valley. Time permitting, stop at the Chamkhar Bazaar. From here, you can walk back to the hotel after browsing the market.

Day 9: Bumthang & Festival

Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Bhutanese Festival

Visit the Kurjey Lhakhang

Cross the suspension bridge to Padmasambhava Lhakhang

Hike to Tamshing Lhakhang and to the Konchogsum Lhakhang

Full Day Itinerary: The festivities begin today as you attend the ongoing Bhutanese Festival. Celebrated annually, these ancient religious festivals serve as a spiritual revival and reminder of the connection between past, present, and future. Accompanied by blowing horns, booming drums, and clashing cymbals, monks and laypersons alike dress in brilliant costumes to perform spiritual dances and re-enact legendary events and moral vignettes in the courtyard of the Dzong. Crowds of people gather in their finest hand-woven dress, made of the brightly patterned cloth for which Bhutan is renowned, creating an intensely colorful and exciting atmosphere that has remained unchanged for centuries. Locals believe that dressing in their finest clothing is another form of offering to the deities that will bring them merit, luck and prosperity.

After lunch, your vehicle will drop you at the Kurjey Lhakhang. It is believed that in the eighth century Guru Padmasambhava had meditated here and subdued the local deity known as Shelging Karpo. Begin your hike from here crossing the suspension bridge and visit Padmasambhava Lhakhang. This is another Meditation site of Guru Padmasambhava. It was founded by Pema Lingpa in 15th century and was restored by the Grand Queen Mother of present King. Continue your hike to Tamshing Lhakhang, founded in beginning of the 16th century by Saint Pema Lingpa. Next you will visit Konchogsum Lhakhang built in the 8th century. The Temple is famous for its bell, which bears an inscription from the eighth century. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 10: Bumthang

Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Scenic drive to Ura village

Visit the Ura Temple and then continue to the village of Ura

Lunch at a local village house with free time to explore

Full Day Itinerary: After breakfast set off on a scenic drive to Ura village, situated 10,000 feet above sea level. About 40-50 closely packed houses alongside cobblestone streets give the village a medieval atmosphere. En route, stop at Serthangla Pass for a view of the Ura Valley below. From here, hike downhill to visit the Ura Temple and then continue to the village of Ura making frequent stops to converse with the villagers and children. Enjoy lunch at a village house, then take time to explore the area. Afterwards, say goodbye to this beautiful village as you return to Bumthang.

Day 11: Bumthang & Paro

2 nights Zhiwa Ling Hotel or similar, Paro. Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

This morning, transfer to the Bumthang airport for your short flight back to Paro

Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel, and if time permits, enjoy some afternoon sightseeing or shopping

Day 12: Paro

Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Taktsang Monastery

Remainder of the day at leisure

Full Day Itinerary: After an early breakfast, depart for the spectacular Taktsang Monastery, a site believed to be the birthplace of Buddhism in Bhutan. The Monastery's moniker, which translates as "Tiger's Lair", refers to the tale of Guru Padmasambhava, the Tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan and supposedly landed at this site on the back of a flying tiger. Completed in 1692, the monastery is perched on a cliff 2,300 feet above the Paro Valley. To view the monastery, enjoy a couple hour hike up along a trail that climbs through a dense pine forest, where you'll see trees festooned with Spanish moss and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. After light refreshments at a rest stop along the way, continue hiking until you clearly see the remains of this magnificent 17th century monastery that sits high atop a sheer rock cliff. Here you'll get a chance to view the interior of this great monastery. Descend the trail for lunch at the cafeteria. After lunch, continue your hike back to the Paro Valley to enjoy the balance of the day at leisure to explore the town.

Day 13: Paro & Bangkok

1 night COMO Metropolitan or similar, Bangkok. Breakfast.

This morning your amazing Bhutanese journey comes to a close as you transfer to Paro International Airport for your flight to Bangkok, Thailand

Upon arrival transfer to your centrally located hotel for overnight

Day 14: Bangkok/USA

Breakfast.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and transfer to the airport to board your return flight to the USA via Taipei, arriving later this evening

Or take advantage of your already included airfare and extend your stay in Bangkok

IMPORTANT NOTES:

The high altitudes reached on this trip (Pele Pass reaches 10,989 feet above sea level) and the amount of walking involved, often on uneven terrain, require that you be in good physical condition to fully enjoy the trip. As there are several included hikes, we strongly suggest that you consult your physician if you have any concerns regarding your ability to handle these conditions.

We recommend to bring more than one pair of hiking boots/shoes and extra socks for your comfort during your trip.

During the festivals, it is customary for the Bhutanese people to wear their finest brightly colored clothing. We suggest to bring a colorful article of clothing to match the festival’s fervor. Itineraries will vary slightly depending on the festival.

Travelers will be staying in well-rated and good quality 3, 4, and 5* hotels during their stay in Bhutan.

Some of the roads of the rugged Himalayan terrain are winding, bumpy, and can be muddy at times. The National Highway is currently under construction to be widened, and is scheduled to be completed by December 2018. It is suggested to carry motion sickness medication if needed.

Bangkok Post-Tour Optional Extension

Why not take advantage of your already-included international airfare to extend your stay in Bangkok, Thailand's exotic bustling capital city. You'll return to the U.S. 2 days after the return dates shown above.

Day 14: Bangkok

2 nights COMO Metropolitan or similar, Bangkok. Breakfast.

Day at leisure

Day 15: Bangkok

Breakfast.

Half day Bangkok sightseeing tour

Afternoon at leisure

Full Day Itinerary: After breakfast, enjoy a half day of sightseeing the major landmarks of Bangkok. Begin the day with a visit to the Grand Palace, which for 150 years functioned as the home of the King and his court as well as the entire administrative seat of government. Within its grounds, you'll also visit the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) built to house a large Buddha image carved from a solid piece of green jadite (jasper). Continue to Wat Pho, Bangkok’s oldest temple, which is home to the magnificent reclining Buddha as well as the first school of traditional medicine and Thai massage, and is also regarded as Thailand’s first University.

Day 16: Bangkok/USA

Breakfast.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before transferring to the airport to board your return flight to the USA via Taipei, arriving later this evening

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Trip Details

What should I know before I go? We've compiled a comprehensive checklist, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements? Travel visas are required for this package. Please review the visa & entry requirements.
Can I make changes to my trip? Want to upgrade your seats? Stay a few extra days? Something else? Just ask!
Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions? To book this package, you must be 18 or older. Your traveling companions must be 12 or older at time of travel.
Should I purchase travel insurance? Yes! We recommend you purchase travel insurance to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer a plan provided by Travelex Insurance Services.
What's the fine print? Review the terms & conditions for this package.
What should I know about Thailand? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
What should I know about Bhutan? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.