Bhutan Tour with day hikes-6 days

View of Tashichhodzong, capital of Bhutan, Thimphu

Punakha Dzong, the ancient capital of Bhutan

Tiger's Nest Monastery

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Trip Introduction

Heartily welcome to the legendary mountain kingdom in the Himalayas, the last Shangri-La - Bhutan. Bhutan is wedged between two Asian giants - India and China, bestowed by nature with an incredible diversity in topography resulting in a wide range of flora and fauna. Bhutan's elevation from a few hundred meters above sea level to among the highest mountains, makes it one of the most diverse countries in terms of topography. Moreover, Bhutan is also recognized by UNESCO as one of 10 centers for bio-diversity, all within a distance of 150 kilometers resulting in sub-tropical climate to Arctic-like climate. Bhutan is the only last remaining country which follows the Vajrayana Buddhism as the state religion.

Our Bhutan Tour with Day Hikes-6-Days combines cultural and natural grandeur of Bhutan so that you would be able to make the most out of your Bhutan Tour in the shortest possible time. For this we have included both cultural tours to important Bhutan towns as well as day hikes to the monasteries. The tour begins in the scenic Paro Valley with a hike to the famous Tiger's Nest (Taktsang) monastery. After visiting Thimphu, a unique capital city that has a blend of traditional and modern touch, we drive across the picturesque Dochu La Pass into the subtropical valleys of Punakha. The tour also includes two more hike: to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel and to Lungchutse/Trashigang Goenpa. During the journey, you will experience breath-taking view of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks including the sacred Jumolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan.

Important Note and Optional Activities
Your safety is of paramount concern whilst traveling with Himalayan Glacier. Please note that your leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary; however, as this is adventure travel in remote mountain region, we cannot guarantee it! Weather conditions, health condition of a member, unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Paro - (2250m/7382ft)
Upon crossing over the Himalaya Mountains, our flight to Paro offers spectacular views of the awesome peaks, including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan. On arrival we will be greeted by the guide at the airport and escorted to the hotel. After lunch, we visit the Ta Dzong, once a fortified lookout tower that is now the National Museum. Then we walk down the trail to visit the Rinpung Dzong meaning "fortress of the heap of jewels". Our next visit includes Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country and the Drugyal Dzong (Bhutan Victory Fort) built in 1646 to commemorate Bhutan's victory over Tibetan invaders during the 1600s. On a clear day, we can see Mt. Jumolhari, Bhutan's second-highest mountain at 7,314m. Overnight at hotel in Paro.

Day 2: Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery, Drive: Paro-Thimphu (2320m/7610 ft): 54 km, 1 hr
After breakfast, we hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery - Bhutan's most famous monastery situated at 3180m. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. Our lunch will be served in the Cafeteria, located about halfway up on the mountain. The monastery is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900m above Paro Valley. After having explored the monastery, we hike down to the valley floor. In the evening, we drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu.

Day 3: Thimphu Sightseeing
At the morning we make our visit to the King's Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), 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. Then we visit the nunnery temple, the National Library (which houses ancient manuscripts) and the National Institute of Traditional Medicine. After a relaxing lunch, we visit the Textile Museum, the Handicraft Emporium, the traditional paper factory and the majestic Tashichhodzong. In the evening, we may even enjoy strolling through Thimphu downtown and absorb the life style of the people. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu.

Day 4: Hike to Lungchutse/Trashigang Goenpa, Drive to Punakha (1250m/4100 ft): 76 km, 2-3 hrs
Upon our morning scenic drive to Punakha with a stop for tea at Dochu La (3,100 meters), we will have spectacular views of the Himalayas. From 108 chortens the trail gradually climbs into red, white and pink rhododendron forest with some steep sections before branching left to Lungchutse Monastery. From the pass, we drive downhill through the forests of rhododendron, fir and hemlock. And, we further traverse through rice field and while driving along the bank of the Punakha River, we arrive at Punakha. On the way, we stop at Metshina Village and take a 20-minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, which is a fertility temple dedicated to the Divine Madman or Lama Drukpa Kuenley. Upon our choice we can receive the blessing from the Lama`s wooden phallus! Overnight at hotel in Punakha.

Day 5: Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel, drive to Paro: 140 km, 4 hrs
At the day break, we drive to north of Punakha around 12 km. From the road point we will hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, which is located on a beautiful hillock called Ngezergang. It contains elaborate paintings dedicated to old sect of Buddhism. We further hike back to Punakha. On the way back, we visit the Punakha Dzong, stunningly situated in between the male and female rivers like an anchored ship. In the afternoon, we drive back to Paro and check into our hotel on arrival. Overnight at hotel in Paro.

Day 6: Depart from Paro
Today we bid farewell to the tiny Himalayan Kingdom and her friendly people. Druk Air generally departs in the early morning to avoid adverse weather conditions. Therefore, after taking breakfast, we will be escorted to the airport in the morning depending on the flight schedule and our destination. Finally representative from Himalayan Glacier will bid us farewell.

What's Included

All meals, tea & snacks
Government approved A & B category hotels on twin sharing basis
All airport pick ups and drops
Ground transport in comfortable private vehicle
Experienced English speaking guides and local staff
All city tour with permits and entrance fees for museums and monuments
All government taxes
Bhutan Visa fee

What's Not Include

Airfare to/from Paro, Bhutan
Items of a personal nature (personal gear, telephone calls, beverages, internet , laundry etc.)
Trip cancellation and Medical/Evacuation Insurance
Tips for Staff ( guide and driver )

Tour Cost

1-2 people = USD 1850 per person
3-12 people = USD 1600 per person
( Note! above price valid until end of 2013 )

Accommodations

Hotels in Bhutan are approved and classified by the government as grade A, B and C. These government approved hotels are equivalent to 3-4 star hotels elsewhere. Based on availability at the time of your booking, we provide grade A hotels and B category hotels in Bhutan Tour-6 days. We use A category hotel in Paro and Thimpu. We use Hotel Tashi Namgay Resort or similar in Paro and Hotel Migmar or similar in Thimpu. We use Meri Puensum Resort or similar (B category) in Punaka. Since the Bhutan Tour is designed on twin sharing basis, you share room with your fellow traveler but in case you prefer single rooms we charge USD 250 as single supplement.

Meals

All your meals included during your stay in Bhutan. A variety of meals are available in most hotels – the most popular being Indian, Chinese, and the more common continental food. Non vegetarian dishes are generally available in most parts of Bhutan - pork, beef, chicken, and fish. The best advice is to ask the hotel and restaurant to recommend what is fresh and in season.

Equipments & Packing List

While packing for Bhutan Tour with day hikes certain equipments are essential. Please Click here for this trip's comprehensive checklist.

Trip Start Dates

We will organize this trip on the dates requested by you. Please contact us for your customized departure date. You can join our Bhutan Tour Programs as per your convenience throughout the year. Spring season (March to June) and in the autumn season (September to November) are the best time to visit Bhutan. The months of April and May offer the natural grandeur of rhododendron blooms. The spring season also observes the biggest festivals of Bhutan.

Additional Information

Our website contains as much information as possible about this trip. However, if you wish to discuss any aspect of this trip or your suitability for it please contact us.

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