Bhutan, a Buddhist kingdom on the Himalayas’ eastern edge, is known for its monasteries, fortresses (or dzongs) and dramatic landscapes that range from subtropical plains to steep mountains and valleys.
It has been a remote Himalayan kingdom with most of the population living in villages. Urbanization began here in the early 1960s, when Thimphu was proclaimed as a national capital. Thimphu is a small bustling city in the heart of the Himalayas. Thimphu’s charm comes not only from its wealth of museums or places of historic interest, but also from the strong national character of its architectural style.
Inclusions
4-night accommodation at 4* hotels
11 meals: 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches at local restaurants, 4 dinners at hotels
Transportation by car or minivan
Return transfers airport / hotel / airport
Private English-speaking local guide
Visits as per itinerary with private vehicle
Visa and Tourism Fee
Two bottles of mineral water, per passenger, per day in the vehicle (500 ml each)
Exclusions
International airfare – Gratuities to hotel personnel, guides and drivers – Beverages – Optional excursions.
Additional Information
Note
Please note that some of the sights/itinerary may change due to season, weather, national holidays, and special events. We maintain the rights to alter the itinerary since tours are made in advance and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve your overall travel experience in Bhutan.
The driving and hiking times mentioned are approximate times and do not include breaks in the journey for sightseeing, photo/tea/meal/rest stops. Due to the ongoing up-gradation of the only national highway (eastwest), there may be delays in transfer time/ arrival time due to poor road conditions, road closures, inclement weather and other unforeseen circumstances. During your journey, you may encounter areas of degraded roads, a bumpy ride, traffic jams and road closures – we do apologize for the inconveniences. During the treks/hikes, there may be delays or diversion of hiking trails due to trail conditions, inclement weather and other unforeseen circumstances.
DAY 1 ARRIVAL - PARO - THIMPHU (56Km/1 ½ Hours)
Welcome to Bhutan! On arrival at Paro airport and after completion of airport formalities, you will be met by your local guide. Drive from Paro to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan and an exciting blend of tradition and modernity.
Thimphu- Thimphu is the capital city of the Kingdom of Bhutan, and reflects a happy harmony of traditional and modern ways of life. It is the home of the Royal family and the nerve centre of Bhutan’s administrative, religious, and commercial activities. It is also the most modern city in the Kingdom and it is dotted with cafes, restaurants, nightclubs, and shopping centres.
Rest of the day at leisure or free time to explore the capital town.
Meals : Dinner
Accommodation : Thimphu for 2 nights
DAY 2 THIMPHU
Today’s full day of sightseeing in Thimphu valley includes visits to:
*Buddha Dordenma statue sitting on top of a hill overlooking Thimphu. The Statue of Sakyamuni Buddha is one of the tallest in Asia (51.5 m). The site offers unobstructed views over the capital town and the Thimphu valley below. (Closes Daily Nov-Feb at 4pm & Mar-Oct at 5pm)
*National Memorial Chorten- the building of this landmark was originally envisaged by Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who had wanted to erect a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it is both a memorial to the Late King (“the father of modern Bhutan”), and a monument to peace.
Stroll around Thimphu town. (Closes Daily Nov-Feb at 4pm & Mar-Oct at 5pm)
*Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre: Weaving is predominantly a woman’s domain but this private weaving center is different as it is owned and run by Mr. Kesang (a man - which is very rare in Bhutan). He weaves, creates new and unique patterns, comes up with unusual color combinations and is very involved. The center frequently produces ceremonial textiles for Bhutanese royals, including the traditional outfit for King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema’s highly publicized October 2011 marriage. (Closing based on owner’s discretion, in such an event we will replace with another site)
*Zorig Chosum, (also known as the painting school) offers a six year course in the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. The students follow a comprehensive course that starts with drawing and progresses through painting, woodcarving, embroidery and statue-making. This is a great opportunity to interact and photograph the students while they practice their skills in the classroom. (Closed on Sat 1pm, Sun, Govt. Holidays, School Break Jul, Jan-Feb).
* National Library, which holds a vast collection of Buddhist texts and manuscripts, some dating back several hundred years, as well as modern academic books mainly on Himalayan culture and religion. The library also displays the one of the biggest books in the world – “Bhutan” (a former Guinness Book of World’s Record holder). Besides its sheer size and weight, the continuously printed images (printed on a roll of paper longer than a football field and with a gallon of ink) are spectacular – vivid colors and human size portraits. (Closed on Sat / Sun / Govt. Holidays)
*Traditional Handmade Paper Factory, witness the process of paper making from start to finish. The paper is made from the bark of the black Daphne tree. The traditional use of the paper for scriptures is still practiced, and the paper is now also used for modern purposes from gift wrapping, to lamp shades, cards, and so on.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3 THIMPHU - PARO (56Km/1 ½ Hours)
In the afternoon, drive towards the north ends of the valley to visit the National Museum. The museum collection includes ancient Bhutanese art and artifacts, weapons, coins, stamps and a small natural history collection. (Closed Govt Holidays) Then walk down a hillside trail to visit Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) situated at a commanding height overlooking Paro valley. Built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646, this Dzong now houses Paro’s monk body and the offices of the civil administration and is symbolic as the religious and secular center of all affairs of the valley.
On arrival check in at the hotel of your stay.
Rest of the day at leisure or stroll around Paro town to check out browse through the numerous handicraft and textile shops.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation : Paro for 2 nights
DAY 4 PARO
Along the way, visit 7th Century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples constructed by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.
Later return to your hotel.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5 PARO - DEPARTURE
Meals : Breakfast
HOTEL OPTIONS OR SIMILAR
Thimphu
Druk Hotel 4*
Paro
Naksel Resort 4*
Rates in CA$, per person, starting from, in double occupancy |
Land Package |
||
Departures | 4* hotels | ||
2 people | 3-6 people | Single occ. supplement | |
June – August and December 2023 | 3639 | 3480 | +670 |
September – November 2023 | 3889 | 3729 | +775 |
January, February, June – August and December 2024 | 4185 | 4005 | +770 |
March – May and September – November 2024 | 4469 | 4289 | +895 |
Rate valid with min. 2 people traveling. Solo traveler’s rate on request. A solo traveler is a person who travels completely alone with services such as guides and drivers, on a private basis. A solo traveler rate should not be mistaken by a single occupancy rate.
Festival (22 – 28th September, 2023) – $65 CAD per person if staying in double room and $110 CAD per person if staying in a single room.
**Prices in this document are for information only; they were issued at press time, for the current year. Please note that due to exchange rates and temporary promotions, they can increase or decrease at any time. Contact your travel agent for the price and promotion of the moment. Prices include the contribution of customers to the Compensation Fund for clients of Quebec travel agents.