Tourism Corporation LTD ITINERARY ITINERARY A WEEK IN WESTERN BHUTAN (8 DAYS) All Seasons all Year, 2021

HIS TRIP OFFERS a relaxed holiday to any hotel supplement levied by the and customs, you will meet with covering western Bhutan. Western hotel for that particular festival. your guide and driver. Drive about T Bhutan is known for its stunning Recommended for non-festival 1 hour 30 minutes to Thimphu scenery, with rice paddies, apple orchards, period: Thursday to Tuesday, or (2,286m), the capital of Bhutan. and rivers flowing down the mountain valleys. Friday to Wednesday program. After lunch at the hotel, visit the Most of the houses are painted with traditional • Paro Festival: March 23–28, 2021 Memorial Chorten, built in 1974 designs and offer the visitor the opportunity • Thimphu Festival: in loving memory of the Third to discover arts, architecture, and the day- September 16–21, 2021 King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji to-day activities of the Bhutanese. The trip Wangchuck, where a multi-storied covers spectacular dzongs (fortresses) and Western Bhutan and numerous paintings monasteries in Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha. Day One (Arrive Paro–Thimphu) are exhibited providing an insight Programs during a festival period must be Arriving at Paro International airport into Buddhist philosophy. confirmed 100 days prior to arrival and are subject and upon clearing immigration Visit Changangkha Lhakhang, T I B E T you could witness. The order of Bhutan’s most enchanting views. If weather T e r i Z o n g p h u G a n g M a s a n g G a n g ( 7 1 6 5 m )   G a n g ( T a b l e M o u n t a i n ) the sightseeing will be changed permits, from this pass, the breathtaking peaks G a n g c h h e n t a ( 6 8 4 0 m ) ( 7 3 0 0 m ) ( 7 5 5 4 m )  K u l h a   K a n g p h u G a n g r i T s e j a G a n g ( 6 8 3 3 m )  G a n g  G a n g h a r ( 7 5 5 4 m ) as government institutions will be of Bhutan’s northern border can be viewed. G i e u G a n g ( 7 2 0 0 m )  • Laya ( 7 2 1 2 m ) P u e n s u m  ( 7 5 4 1 m )  K u n g P h u ( 6 5 3 2 m ) G A S A  closed such as the National Library. At Dochula, you will also see a unique cluster T s e r i m K a n g ( 6 7 8 9 m )  K a n g r i ( 7 2 3 9 m )  M e l u n g h i J i c h u D r a k e  G a n g  Day Two (Thimphu Tour) Visit the of 108 Namgyel Khangzang Chortens that spiral ( 6 9 8 9 m ) K a n g Gasa W A N G D U E ( 7 0 0 0 m )  B u m • Gasa J h o m o l h a r i Tsachhu P H O D R A N G National Library, established in the up to the main Chorten known as the “Druk ( 7 3 1 4 m ) ( 6 5 2 6 m ) P A R O T r e m o Tango Goemba 1960s, which holds a vast collection Wangyal Khangzang Chortens”. Her Majesty The L a Chari Goemba P U N A K H A S I K K I M PUNAKHA Z e l e Drukgyel Dzong P e l e L a CHAMKHAR of ancient Buddhist manuscripts Queen Mother, Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, L a D o c h u L a (Jakar) Taktshang ( 3 3 0 0 m ) THIMPHU ( 3 0 5 0 m ) WANGDUE Nobding Y o t a n g L a Kyichu • and a small collection of books. dedicated these chortens as a tribute and PHODRANG ( 3 4 0 0 m ) G o m PARO TRONGSA L a C h e l i L a Gangte Goemba Kuenga monument to the selfless service and visionary Tanchhog Lhakhang Rabten Institute of Zorig Chusum H A A ( 3 9 8 8 m ) Isuna • HAA • Phobjikha • Chhuzom T H I M P H U Zhemgang (commonly known as the Painting leadership of our Fourth King, His Majesty S i n c h e • Genekha L a Dobji Dzong Tingtibi • School) where you can see young Jigme Singye Wangchuck. The Chortens are D o k a • Chapcha • Sankosh also a celebration of the stability and progress L a T S I R A N G children learning and practicing the S A M T S E • Bunakha Dagana Damphu ancient arts and crafts of Bhutan. that His Majesty the King brought to the Dungna • • Chimakha • Lamidranga Chhukha • Sibsu C H H U K H A Zorig Chusum literally means the nation. These chortens are a new landmark • Chengmari Gedu • Sarphang • • Gelephu • Jumja • Samtse • Tala D A G A N A thirteen traditional arts and crafts. for travelers as they cross Dochula, the first Phuentsholing • • Rinchending I N D I A Visit the Royal Textile Academy, mountain pass into the interior of the country. WESTERN BHUTAN Sinchula • • Kalikhola which provides an excellent Reaching the village of Sopsokha, you can introduction about the techniques, walk about 20 minutes across the rice fields up to the monastery, . It was built an ancient temple built in the thirteen style of various textiles woven in the by Lama Drukpa Kuenley (also known as the century by Lam Phajo Dugom Zhigpo, country along with exhibition of the national Divine Madman by the West). It is believed that situated on a ridge above the city. dress ‘gho’ for men and ‘kira’ for women. Visit the Handicraft Emporium which childless women who visit the monastery will Visit the Takin Preserve, where you can see conceive after receiving the ‘wang’ (blessing). the national animal of Bhutan (Takin). offers a wide range of colorful, hand woven textiles and other products. Blessed with a temperate climate and In the evening, you will visit If your visit falls from Friday till Sunday, drained by the Phochu and Mochu rivers, is (the fortress of the glorious religion). Tashichho the fertile valley of Punakha. The District has Dzong houses His Majesty’s Secretariat and then visit the weekend vegetable market held at the Centenary Farmers Market. The market hosted several historical events such as: It the Central Monk Body. You can see the was the Capital of Bhutan since 1651 till 1956. National Assembly building across the river. provides an opportunity to mingle with the local people and sample local organic produce. The First King, Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck Thimphu Festival: If you are traveling Local arts and crafts are also available. was enthroned in 1907 and the first session during the period of the Thimphu festival, our of the National Assembly was held in 1955. It compelling program showcases some of the (Thimphu Festival) is still the winter residence of His Holiness most sacred and spectacular dances performed Day Two (Thimphu–Punakha Sightseeing) the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan) and by monks and laity, invoking the deities of The first stop after leaving Thimphu isDochula Zhung Dratshang (the Central Monk Body). Tantric Buddhism. The the Black Hat Dance, pass at 10,007 ft. (23km from Thimphu–45 Day Four (Punakha Sightseeing) Drive towards Lord of Cremation Dance, and the Drametse minutes’ drive), where you can see one of Nezergang and hike about 1hour 30 minutes Drum Dance are just a few of the main dances where the Bhutanese the Paro festival with its sacred dances

T I B E T Z o n g p h u G a n g T I B E T enthroned the First King. performed by monks and laity, invoking the ( T a b l e M o u n t a i n ) M a s a n g G a n g ( 7 5 5 4 m ) ( 7 1 6 5 m ) Day Five (Punakha– deities of Tantric Buddhism. A popular one G i e u G a n g G a n g h a r C h i s a n g a n g R i ( 7 2 0 0 m ) P u e n s u m ( 6 0 5 0 m ) Paro) In Paro, visit Kyichu is the sacred Black Hat Dance, which re- • Laya ( 7 5 4 1 m ) M I K K I S G A S A C h u r a G a n g  enacts the death of the anti-Buddhist King, J i c h u D r a k e GASA ( 6 5 0 0 m ) Lhakhang. It is said to have ( 6 9 8 9 m ) BHUTAN L H U E N T S E J h o m o l h a r i been built by King Songtsen and symbolizes victory over the enemy. The ( 7 3 1 4 m ) DZONGKHAGS LHUENTSE  T H I M P H U TRASHI YANGTSE festival takes place in the Rinpung Dzong. T R O N G S A Chorten Gampo of Tibet. According THIMPHU B U M T H A N G Kora • Gangtok  P U N A K H A CHAMKHAR Gom I N D I A P A R O D o c h u L a  Kora P e l e L a (JAKAR) T R A S H I ( A R U N A C H A L to legend, it is believed that Drive to the end of the valley and visit the ( 3 0 5 0 m ) ( 3 3 0 0 m ) Y o t a n g L a C h e l i L a Simtokha PARO  PUNAKHA ( 3 4 0 0 m ) P R A D E S H ) ( 3 9 8 8 m )   S h e r t a n g L a Y A N G T S E Rhadi •  ( 3 5 7 3 m ) the lhakhang holds down ruins of Drugyel Dzong. It was built by Zhabdrung HAA  TRONGSA Rangjung • • MONGAR WANGDUE T h r u m s h i n g  Darjeeling  Drametse TRASHIGANG H A A PHODRANG L a ( 3 8 0 0 ) W Goemba the left foot of an ogress, so Ngawang Namgyel in 1649 to commemorate A N G D U E T R A S H I G A N G P H O D R A N G M O N G A R  ZHEMGANG • D A G A N A large that it covers Bhutan the victory over the Tibetan invaders. The Kalimpong Z H E M G A N G C H H U K H A S A M D R U P S A M T S E P E M A G A T S H E L J O N G K H A R and most of eastern Tibet. ruined fortress helped to defend Bhutan from T S I R A N G S A R P A N G SAMDRUP It is one of the 108 temples numerous invasions in the 17th century. Phuentsholing • JONGKHAR  •Manas W E S T A S S A M built by the Tibetan King (Dzongkhags–the 20 Day Seven (Paro Taktshang Excursion) B E N G A L I N D I A • • Adminstrative Areas Guwahati in one day throughout the Siliguri ‘States’ of Bhutan) Day hike to Taktsang Monastery. Taktsang region of the Himalayas; meaning “Tiger’s Nest”, is built around a according to legend. The to Khamsum Yueley Namgyel Chorten, built by cave in which Guru Rimpoche (also known temple also houses a museum dedicated to late The Queen Mother, Her Majesty Ashi Tshering as Guru ) meditated. The Dilgo Khyentse Rimpoche and hosts a range Yangdon Wangchuck, in 1999 for the protection monastery clings seemingly impossible to of artefacts belonging to the Rimpoche. of the country and universal peace in the world. a cliff at 914m above the valley floor. Day Six (Paro) Tour In Paro, visit Visit located strategically at the For the local people it is a place of Rinpung Dzong (the fortress on a heap junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, built pilgrimage, but for a tourist, a hike up to of jewels). The dzong was built by in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. The the viewpoint opposite the monastery is Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1646. Dzong served as the religious and administrative exhausting, thrilling and mystical. Legend has it that Guru Rimpoche is said to have center of Bhutan until the mid-1950s. It was (Paro Festival) here that the dual system of government flown to the site of the monastery on the back If you are traveling at the time of the Paro was introduced in the early 17th century and of a tigress and meditated in the cave. festival, our compelling program showcases ,

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T I B E T Z o n g p h u G a n g T I B E T handling your booking for Bhutan Tourism ( T a b l e M o u n t a i n ) • Bhutan tourist visa M a s a n g G a n g ( 7 5 5 4 m ) ( 7 1 6 5 m ) 3-Star hotels & resorts Corporation Ltd (BTCL): $325 per person. G i e u G a n g G a n g h a r C h i s a n g a n g R i ( 7 2 0 0 m ) P u e n s u m ( 6 0 5 0 m ) • Laya ( 7 5 4 1 m ) • All meals [B, L, D] Includes prepayments to BTCL, wire transfer G A S A C h u r a G a n g M I K K I S ( 6 5 0 0 m ) J i c h u D r a k e  GASA fees, visa and processing, coordinating your ( 6 9 8 9 m ) • Tax & tariff J h o m o l h a r i L H U E N T S E ( 7 3 1 4 m )  LHUENTSE  booking with BTCL including Druk Airlines and/ BHUTAN T H I M P H U TRASHI YANGTSE • All transportation T R O N G S A Chorten THIMPHU B U M T H A N G Kora or Bhutan Airlines, providing pre-trip support, • Gangtok  P U N A K H A CHAMKHAR Gom I N D I A P A R O  Kora D o c h u L a P e l e L a (JAKAR) ( A R U N A C H A L • Professional guide ( 3 0 5 0 m ) Y o t a n g L a T R A S H I C h e l i L a Simtokha ( 3 3 0 0 m ) and answering questions prior to your trip. Toll- PARO  PUNAKHA ( 3 4 0 0 m ) Y A N G T S E P R A D E S H ) ( 3 9 8 8 m )   S h e r t a n g L a Rhadi •  ( 3 5 7 3 m ) HAA  TRONGSA Rangjung • • MONGAR • All entrance fees free number for your convenience (USA only). WANGDUE T h r u m s h i n g  Darjeeling  Drametse TRASHIGANG H A A PHODRANG L a ( 3 8 0 0 ) W A N G D U E Goemba T R A S H I G A N G P H O D R A N G M O N G A R • Visa processing fee $4  ZHEMGANG • Cancellation charges: Tour program • D A G A N A Kalimpong Z H E M G A N G C H H U K H A S A M D R U P booked and subsequently canceled shall S A M T S E P E M A G A T S H E L J O N G K H A R NOT INCLUDED: T S I R A N G S A R P A N G SAMDRUP be subject to cancelation charges based on Phuentsholing • JONGKHAR  • Airfares •Manas total land/air program and service fee: W E S T A S S A M B E N G A L • • Insurance premiums • I N D I A Guwahati a. For cancelations received on or before Siliguri • Cost incurred due to 60 days prior to date of arrival: 50% weather, strikes, and so on… Day Eight Departure Transfer and b. For cancelation received less than departure from Paro International Airport. • Tips & bellboy charges 60 days from the date of arrival: 75% • The higher grade/luxury hotels are Taj Tashi, c. For cancelation received less than Land price $2000 per person, sharing a room. Zhiwa Ling, Uma (Paro & Punakha), Le Meridien 45 days/no shows/early departures Single room supplement: $200 per person. (Paro, Thimphu), Six Senses, DusitD2 (Thimphu), after arrival in Bhutan: 100% Minimum of two people to operate the trip. Dhensa Resort, Drupchhu Resort (Punakha), d. All cancelations have to be sent in written The package rate given above is the Amankora Lodges, and other deluxe properties. form (fax/e-mail) before the stipulated time. minimum rate applicable per tourist per • Except for Amankora Lodges, the hotels all are • Due to severe cancelation and interruption night in Bhutan. Any additional services or based on bed and breakfast only. Supplemental penalties, we highly recommend travel insurance. a higher grade room/hotel would contribute charge for lunch, dinner, and superior • Due to the ongoing Covid-19 to a higher cost for the package. category of room requested will be applicable situation, we also recommend Cancel Druk Airlines: from $1000 per person as per their rates for non-packaged tours. for Any Reason travel insurance. round-trip from Bangkok to Paro. Druk Airlines from other gateway cities: prices available upon request.

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