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ESSENTIAL BHUTAN Voyage to the Enigmatic Mountain Kingdom Now Is the Time to Explore This Magical Place, the Kingdom in the Clouds

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ESSENTIAL BHUTAN Voyage to the Enigmatic Mountain Kingdom Now Is the Time to Explore This Magical Place, the Kingdom in the Clouds ESSENTIAL BHUTAN Voyage to the Enigmatic Mountain Kingdom Now is the time to explore this magical place, the Kingdom in the Clouds. Famously the place where Gross National Happiness is measured, Bhutan offers an injection of spirituality, magic, and mystery delivered with unreserved warmth and kindness. This essential trip showcases the must-see sites in Thimphu, Punakha, and Paro. This is a place little changed over the last 500 years with spectacular fortresses and monasteries, a rich agricultural countryside, and techniques of craftsmanship meticulously preserved. And all of this against a background of unspoilt and breathtaking natural beauty. Combine this with India or Nepal for a fuller experience. Essential Bhutan | 2 DAY PLACE HIGHLIGHTS 01-02 Thimphu Experience Bhutan’s unique culture 03-04 Punakha Explore impressive monastery-fortresses 05-07 Paro Hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery 08 Thimphu Departure www.alaya-travels.com Essential Bhutan | 3 DETAILED ITINERARY Day 01-02 Bhutan’s Cultural Heart Thimphu You are welcomed at the airport on arrival, then set off immediately with your driver and host on the hour-long journey to Thimpu, the country’s capital. Offer a prayer at Kuenselphodrang (Buddha Point), then delve into the city in detail. Admire ancient manuscripts in the National Library and vibrant textiles at the Royal Academy. Visit the magnificent medieval fortress-monastery of Tashichho Dzong; the vast building was constructed entirely by hand and without a single nail. Meditate with the monks at Dechen Phodrung Monastery. Meals: Breakfast www.alaya-travels.com Essential Bhutan | 4 Day 03-04 Mountains, valleys, and rivers Punakha Drive the super-scenic Dochu-La pass at 3088 metres stopping frequently to take in the views of the Himalayas with the fluttering prayer flags in the foreground and admire the many stupas lining the route. Visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, at the confluence of the Mo and Po (‘female’ and ‘male’) Rivers. This huge fortress is one of the most important (and most beautiful) in the country and holds some of the country’s most sacred relics. Walk through rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang temple, the fertility temple constructed by the ‘Divine Madman’, an eccentric yogi and saint who blessed the grounds. Hike to Khamsum Yuley Monastery to see the elaborate stupa built to ward off evil spirits Meals: Breakfast www.alaya-travels.com Essential Bhutan | 5 Day 05-07 Fortress of a Mountain of Jewels and the magical Tiger’s Nest Paro Head back Paro by road, stopping to enjoy the scenery along the way. Visit the Paro Ta Dzong, a mid-17th century circular fortress that protected the area from Tibetan and Indian invasions and the Rinpung Dzong, Fortress of a Mountain of Jewels, one of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture, now the seat of the administration and an institute for monks. Explore the main street with its colourful wooden shopfronts and plunge into the weekend market. Take the two- to three-hour walk to the magical Taktsang Monastery, the Tiger’s Nest, the most spectacular monastery in Bhutan. Meals: Breakfast Day 08 International Departure Thimphu www.alaya-travels.com Essential Bhutan | 6 What’s Included: • All airport and hotel transfers • Accommodation based on double occupancy for 7 nights • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily • Services of your driver/host • Transportation by comfortable air-conditioned private vehicle with unlimited mileage • Complimentary bottled water and snacks in the vehicle • All activities with your private guide as listed: o Thimphu: Half day tour o Thimphu: Full day tour o Punakha: Full day tour with walk/trek o Paro: Half day tour o Paro: Full day tour • Entrance fees to sites mentioned in the itinerary • 24/7 Support Service • Trip kit with travel documents and itinerary information • All taxes and fees What’s not included: • International flights • Items of a personal nature, including telephone, laundry, taxis etc. • Video / Photography fees at monuments • Travel insurance • Visa fees • Domestic flights within the USA • Gratuities • Beverages (other than water) at meals • Meals and services not listed www.alaya-travels.com Essential Bhutan | 7 ACCOMMODATIONS City Stay Luxury Classic / Boutique Moderate Thimphu 2 N Druk Le Meridien Post Card Dewa Punakha 2 N Zangto Pelri Dhensa Uma Paro 3 N Tashi Nagmgay Zhiwaling Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary www.alaya-travels.com Essential Bhutan | 8.
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