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Bhutan |
The fabled 'Thunder Dragon Kingdom' of Bhutan, high in the Himalayan range is a country only just beginning to open up to Western
tourism. Bhutan is a beautiful, intriguing and fascinating country with a wide diversity of wild life, and its own unique version of Tibetan Buddhism. |
Please give us a call if you are intending to visit Bhutan and we can talk things
through with you and send you details of the packages we have available. (for some sample itineraries, please see below) |
Tourism to Bhutan is rigorously controlled and you must visit the country as part
of a confirmed package Bhutan's attractions, though more than make up for this limitation - from Paro Dzong,
to the Tiger's Nest monastery, perched precariously on the side of a mountain
are images which will live with you forever. |
All tours, wherever possible, will include a visit to Taktshang Monastery a visit to the weekend market in Thimphu (Fri-Sat-Sun) a “welcome” meal on the first day a “farewell” meal on the penultimate evening an optional evening visit to “down town Thimphu” a meal in a restaurant with traditional Bhutanese dancers and singers a lunch-time meal in a Bhutanese farmhouse |
Festivals (Tsechus) Festivals in the Land of the Thunder Dragon are rich and happy expressions of its ancient Buddhist culture. These festivals are held in all districts in honour of Guru Rinpoche, the saint who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century. There is simply no better way of experiencing the colour, passion and sheer vibrancy of Bhutan than by attending one of the numerous religious festivals that take place around the year. Tsechus are held on auspicious days and months in the Bhutanese calendar, and last up to four days in which a series of highly stylized masked dance rituals are performed. Festivals, held to celebrate various public holidays such as the King’s birthday and the winter solstice, are times for singing, playing and above all dancing. Attendees adorned in astounding colour gather from far and wide, sporting exotic masks and taking part in the myriad events that are on offer, from games of chance at the local fairs to elaborate mystic rituals. An experience that is not to be missed! Our tours are timed to coincide with significant festival dates. |
Paro This beautiful valley is home to many Bhutan’s oldest monasteries and temples. The country’s only airport is in Paro. The valley is also home to Mount Chomolhari (7,300 metres) situated at the northern end of the valley whose glacier water forms the Pachu River flowing through the valley. The ruined dzong is of historical importance. It was built in 1649 by Zhabdrung to commemorate the victory of the Drukpas over the Tibetan invasion in 1644. The Bhutanese still vividly recall and celebrate this victory which was tremendously important to the history of the area. On a clear day (7326m/ 24176ft), you have a fascinating view of the white domed peak of sacred Chomolhari (Mountain of the Goddess). |
Paro - Tiger’s Nest Monastery Generally regarded as Bhutan’s most recognizable cultural icon, the Taktshang Monastery, or Tiger’s Nest, is strikingly iconic of the country’s culture and traditions. |
Some other highlights of your tour in Bhutan The Bhutanese Dzongs are huge architectural structures constructed for a variety of functions throughout the country, from administrative buildings to monasteries and temples, yet they are carefully and thoughtfully designed and are strikingly beautiful. The Rimpung Dzong, known as the “fortress of the heap of jewels” in the picturesque setting of the Paro valley, is of course no exception, built in the time of the dynamic spiritual and political leader Zhabdrung in 1644. Once a year, as part of the Tsechu festival, one of the oldest Thongdol (gigantic scroll paintings) is ceremonially unfurled here. Gompas (Monasteries) There are 108 temples, built in the different regions of Tibet, Bhutan and in other Himalayan regions to control evil spirits, disease and droughts out of which two of them are in Bhutan.(Kichu Lhakhang in Paro and Jambay Lhakhang in Bumthang). Druk Wangyal Chortens at Dochu La: On the way to Punakha from Thimphu is the Dochu La (pass) from where there is a beautiful panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range, especially on clear winter days. The beauty of this place is further enhanced by the Druk Wangyal Chortens- a 108 stupas built by the eldest Queen, Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck. Punakha (altitude 4420 ft): Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955. It is the winter seat of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot). It has a temperate climate and its rich fertile valley is fed by Pho (male) Chu and Mo (female) Chu rivers. |
Gangtey Gompa/Phobjikha The valley of Phobjikha is well known as the winter home of the black necked cranes. Bhutan is home to around six hundred black necked cranes with Phobjikha being one of the popular places that the birds migrate to in the winter months from Tibetan plateau. These elegant and shy birds can be observed from early November to end of March. Bumthang (Altitude 8,530 – 13, 125 ft): This fascinating valley is the religious heartland of the nation and home to some of the oldest Buddhist temples and monasteries. Its gentle sloping hills offer plenty of walking opportunities to the many temples that dot this valley. The valley is also famous for its production of honey, cheese, apples and yathra - a woollen material that has multiple uses in Bhutan. |
all photographs on this page are courtesy and copyright of Mr. Ian Siragher, to whom
many thanks. No photograph may be reproduced in any form without prior
written permission. |
MONGAR FESTIVAL TOUR Nov / Dec Day 01 Arrive Paro – Check in to hotel PM – Visit Rimpung Dzong (fortress) and Drugyel dzong Evening – welcome meal in local restaurant Day 02 AM - to early PM Taktshang monastery Late PM – Sight seeing around Paro Evening – meal in hotel Day 03 Early drive to festival -Arrive late in day Evening – meal in local restaurant Day 04 Day enjoying the festival Evening – meal in hotel Day 05 Sightseeing around the area Day 06 Return trip – to Thimphu Evening – meal in hotel Optional “night on the town” in Thimphu Day 07 Thimphu –AM – visit to weekend market, archery competition and viewpoint over Thimphu PM – optional (no extra charge) visits to Memorial Chorten, Handicraft store and handmade paper factory store. "Last night" celebration - Bhutan style Day 08 Leisurely drive return to Paro Check in hotel PM – Visit National Museum and short hike to Paro Dzong. Meal in hotel Day 09 Return Flight Mongar Festival tour - from £999 per person (Land only) |
It is not possible to fly directly into Bhutan and most visitors fly via India.
May we suggest a few days, or even longer, visiting India, too, as part of your holiday? There are many options for an extension tour in India, but, stopping over in Delhi will allow you to visit the Taj Mahal in Agra, or flying via Kolkata (Calcutta) will give you an opportunity of seeing much of this fascinating, vibrant city. How much the extension will cost depends on what you decide to do, but as a guide, a 3 day, two night stopover in Delhi (including a day trip, by train, to Agra and the Taj Mahal) will be in the region of GBP 225 per person and a 3 day, two night stopover in Kolkata will be about GBP 179 per person, based on two people sharing a room in a 3 star hotel on room & breakfast basis. |
TRONGSA FESTIVAL TOUR Dec / Jan Day 01 Arrive Paro – Check in to hotel PM – Visit Rimpung Dzong (fortress) and Drugyel dzong Evening – welcome meal in local restaurant Day 02 Early drive to festival site Stop at 'Divine madman' temple Evening – meal in local restaurant Day 03 Day enjoying the festival Evening – meal in hotel Day 04 Sightseeing around the area Day 05 Return trip – to Thimphu Stop at Punakha Dzong Evening – meal in hotel Optional “night on the town” in Thimphu Day 06 AM – visit to various sites in Thimphu, archery competition and viewpoint over Thimphu Lunch at local Bhutanese house - home cooked food. PM – optional (no extra charge) visits to Memorial Chorten, Handicraft store and Handmade paper factory store. Evening – meal in hotel, Bhutan style! Day 07 Early PM 'bus trip then short hike to Taktshang monastery PM - Visit Rimpung Dzong Meal in Hotel Day 08 Return Flight Trongsa Festival tour - from £899 per person (Land only) |
PUNAKHA FESTIVAL TOUR Feb Day 01 Arrive Paro – Check in to hotel PM – Visit Rimpung Dzong (fortress) and Drugyel dzong Evening – welcome meal in local restaurant Day 02 AM - Bus trip then short hike to Taktshang monastery PM – Sight seeing around Paro Evening – meal in hotel Day 03 Early drive to festival site Stop at "Divine madman" temple Evening – meal in local restaurant Day 04 Day enjoying the festival Evening – meal in hotel Day 05 Return trip – to Thimphu Visit to Traditional Medicines centre if time allows Evening – meal in hotel Optional “night on the town” in Thimphu Day 06 AM – visit to weekend market, archery competition and viewpoint over Thimphu PM – optional (no extra charge) visits to Memorial Chorten, Handicraft store and handmade paper factory store. Day 07 Leisurely drive return to Paro Check in hotel PM – Visit National Museum and short hike to Paro Dzong. Day 08 Return Flight Punakha Festival tour - from £899 per person (Land only) |
BLACK CRANE FESTIVAL TOUR Nov Day 01 Arrive Paro . Travel to Thimphu – check in to hotel. Evening – welcome meal in local restaurant Day 02 AM Visit weekend market - then, join celebration for birthday of King of Bhutan Visits around Thimphu - Paper factory, handicraft emporium, Tashichho Dzong Join evening celebrations for the King's birthday Day 03 Drive to the festival site Spending from lunchtime to the evening at the festival. Evening meal in local restaurant Day 04 Drive to Punakha. Visit to Punakha Dzong Visit temple of the "Divine Madman" Evening in Punakha Day 05 Drive to Thimphu AM – visit to weekend market, archery competition and viewpoint over Thimphu, and other sites, like the zoo PM – optional (no extra charge) visits to Memorial Chorten, handicraft store and handmade paper factory store. Farewell - last night meal. Optional “night on the town” in Thimphu Day 06 Leisurely drive return to Paro AM - Bus trip then short hike to Taktshang monastery. PM – Sight seeing around Paro Day 07 Return Flight |
LOW ALTITUDE, EARLY SEASON TREKS Tour dates: during March, April, May and June Day 01 Arrive Paro – Check in at Hotel PM – Visit Rimpung Dzong (fortress) and Drugyel dzong Evening – welcome meal in local restaurant Day 02 Drive to Thimphu Visit to Traditional Medicines centre Evening – meal in hotel. Optional “night on the town” in Thimphu Day 03 START TREK 4 Hours Drive from Thimphu. The maximum elevation is about 1500m and the mode of trek is easy. Khuruthang to Limukha. The trek begins with a gradual climb through Chir Pine forests. Visit Dompa La village en route. Total walking distance is around 4 hrs and is 880m/2904ft ascent. Day 04 Limukha to Chungsakha. Today’s trail will take you through rhododendron and oak forests, and past the famous Drukpa Kuenlay's Lhakhang temple. Total walking time is 5 to 6 hours. We camp at Chungsakha. (430m/1419ft above sea level) Day 05 Chungsakha to Samtengang. The trail now leads through the village of Sha (5 hrs walk).We camp by the lake at Samtengang. (270m/891ft above sea level) Day 06 Samtengang to Wangdiphodrang. The trail descends gently to the road head over 3-4 hours and we come to the end of our time in the Bhutan hills. After lunch in Wangdue we drive to Thimphu. END OF TREK Day 07 AM – visit to weekend market, archery competition and viewpoint over Thimphu PM – optional (no extra charge) visits to Memorial Chorten, Handicraft store and Handmade paper factory store. "Last night" celebration - Bhutan style Day 08 AM - Bus trip then short hike to Taktshang monastery PM – Sight seeing around Paro. Evening – meal in hotel Day 09 Catch flights out of Paro Low altitude, early season trek - from £999 per person (Land only) |
HOT SPRING , EARLY SEASON TREKS Tour dates: during March to July Day 01 Arrive Paro – Check in at Hotel PM – Visit Rimpung Dzong (fortress) and Drugyel dzong Evening – welcome meal in local restaurant Day 02 Drive to Thimphu Visit to Traditional Medicines centre Evening – meal in hotel Optional “night on the town” in Thimphu Day 03 START TREK near the Temple of the Divine Madman - start trek after 0.5 day travel and overnight hotel stop. The maximum elevation is about 2400m and the mode of trek is easy. Tashithang to Geon Damji. The first day’s trail leads through the high agricultural terraces above the Mo Chu (the female river) into a lush semi-tropical gorge filled with banana trees. (5 to 6 hrs walk, distance 16km) .We camp at 2280m/7524ft. Day 04 Geon Damji to Gasa Hot Spring . We walk through agricultural areas, villages, and oak and pine forest. (5 to 6 hrs walk, distance 16km) Camp is at 2350m/7755ft.. Day 05 Rest day at Gasa Hot Spring. A relaxing day visiting the Gasa Hot Spring ( tsachu ). Bhutan’s national animal, the takin, inhabit the forests in the vicinity. Day 06 Gasa Hot Spring to Geon Damji. After a short climb from Gasa Hot Spring the path winds through hillsides and villages. (5 to 6 hrs walk, distance 16km).We camp at 2280m/7524ft. Day 07 Geon Damji to Punakha . The trail descends from the high agricultural terraces above the river into a gorge filled with semi-tropical vegetation. Banana trees, creepers and an occasional takin can be seen. A vehicle will be awaiting us at Tashithang to take us to Punakha where you will be staying. . (6 to 7 hrs walk, distance 18km) END OF TREK Day 08 AM – visit to weekend market, archery competition and viewpoint over Thimphu PM – optional (no extra charge) visits to Memorial Chorten, Handicraft store and Handmade paper factory store. "Last night" celebration - Simply Bhutan style Day 09 AM - Bus trip then short hike to Taktshang monastery. PM – Sight seeing around Paro Evening – meal in hotel Day 10 Catch flights out of Paro Hot spring, early season trek - from £1099 per person (Land only) |
Prices Our tour prices include your visa for entrance to Bhutan, three meals a day, transport around Bhutan, standard hotel accommodation, entrance to museums and other places of interest, porters during treks and camping equipment where applicable. Please bear in mind they do not include flights to and from Paro, airport taxes outside Bhutan, tips, gratuities, alcoholic beverages and use of telephones We will be happy to book your flights into Bhutan for you, via either Delhi or Kolkata in India. We will give you a specific quote, which will be dependent on departure date, for flights for your tour. |
