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Bhutan : A Journey between Heaven & Earth On this 11-day journey from Paro, immerse yourself in Bhutanese culture by visiting the massive dzongs, spectacular monasteries, as well as the small villages in the Phobjikha valley. The architecture of is one of the Kingdom's most visible distinctive features. The massive dzongs (fortresses) with their upward sloping walls, the ancient monasteries and the humble farm houses all stand out as important parts of the country's landscape. Each valley in Bhutan retains its own architectural character in terms of the type of building materials used, ranging from mud to stone, and the special ambience of its most famous monasteries and dzongs. Itinerary Day 1 - Welcome to Paro You are met upon arrival at the airport in Paro and driven to your hotel for check-in. After lunch, visit the National Museum of Bhutan to learn about the vibrant culture of this landlocked country. Move on to Paro Dzong, also known as Rinpung Dzong, a massive fortress/monastery which is also the administrative center of the dzonkhag.

This evening, relax and enjoy the experience of watching the locals play the traditional game of archery. Dinner is served at the hotel. Day 2 - Hike to the "Tiger’s Nest" This morning after breakfast, drive to the end of the road and begin your two-hour hike to Taktshang monastery, also known as the “Tiger’s Nest,” which received its name from the legend that (Guru Rinpoche) flew there on the back of a tiger. Taktshang is the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, hanging on a cliff at an elevation of 3,120 meters (10,200 feet), some 700 meters (2,300 feet) above the bottom of Paro valley. The monastery includes seven temples which may also be visited.

After your exhilarating hike, enjoy lunch at the cafeteria which faces the magnificent Tiger’s Nest itself. Descend the hill until you reach the road, where you are met by your driver and transferred to your next hotel in , approximately a one-hour drive away. Day 3 - The living traditions of Bhutan Start your day with a visit to the School of Arts and Crafts where students learn all 13 different kinds of traditional arts and craft work. Continue onwards to the National Memorial Chorten which dominates the skyline of Thimphu and the Textile Museum with its various Bhutanese textiles that are extensive and rich in traditional culture. The museum also exhibits colorful and rare kiras and ghos (traditional Bhutanese dress, kira for women and gho for men).

Move on to explore the Folk Heritage Museum which displays Bhutanese ways of life in a traditional Bhutanese house, an interesting way to gain cultural insight. Your next stop is the Handicrafts Emporium and National Library (1967), which was built in the style of a traditional temple. The library contains a large collection of religious books and manuscripts in Dzongkha and Classical Tibetan, as well as unique collection of English-language books. It also contains a copy of the largest published book in the world.

Later this afternoon, drive to the north end of the valley and hike up to the temple of Tango. Enjoy an evening visit to the Thimphu Dzong before returning to your hotel for an overnight stay. Day 4 - A scenic journey to Punakha

Bhutan : A Journey between Heaven & Earth(© www.palacetours.com) 1/8 Embark on a 3-hour drive to Punakha, crossing the scenic Dochula pass en route. If we are lucky with the weather, we can witness the entire Bhutanese Himalayas east of Chomolhari to Gangkhar Puensum.

After checking into your hotel, visit the magnificent which without a doubt showcases the finest example of Bhutanese arts and crafts. In the afternoon, enjoy an easy hike to a tantric hilltop temple. Day 5 - The treasure of the picturesque valley Spend your day at leisure in the warm valley of Punakha or enjoy a stroll in the forest or villages meeting the locals. Day 6 - The serene valley of Phobjikha Today another adventure awaits you at the valley of Phobjikha, the winter home of the endangered black necked crane which visits Bhutan from late October until February. Enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding area in the afternoon as you walk along the valley. To spice up this experience even more, you also have an opportunity to visit the locals’ farm houses and converse with the people. Day 7 - Relax and enjoy the surrounding nature Enjoy the beautiful wide valley of Phobjikha, with dwarf bamboo covering the entire valley floor. It’s definitely worth spending one more day here to fully relax. Day 8 - Return to Thimphu, the colorful capital Depart Phobjikha this morning and drive through the town of Wangdue, stopping for lunch en route. This return drive to Thimphu will take approximately 6 hours, but the serene atmosphere fills you with a calming sensation along the way. Day 9 - Your day your way Spend your day at leisure before proceeding to Paro. You can choose to enjoy a walk around the town, shop in the tourist market or even pay a second visit to any sight in the town. Day 10 - Your day your way Spend your day at leisure, or you may choose to stroll around the city and hunt for souvenirs. This evening, enjoy your dinner out. Day 11 - Departure day Early this morning, prepare for your departure flight out of Paro. Transfer to the airport, where your tour guide bids you a fond farewell. Destination Information Paro Paro is the name of a district, valley, river and town (population 20,000) in the Kingdom of Bhutan. It is one of the most historic valleys in Bhutan. Both trade goods and invading Tibetans came over the pass at the head of the valley, giving Paro the closest cultural connection with of any Bhutanese district. Paro contains the only active international airport in Bhutan the "Paro Airport", a beautiful small green-roofed facility in a valley. Important cultural sites include: Taktshang monastery, temple, Drukgyel Dzong, Paro Town, Rinpung Dzong monastery and The National Museum of Bhutan.

Phobjikha Phobjikha Valley is situated east of Punakha and northeast of . Phobjikha is a wide, beautiful alpine wetland valley where the Black Necked Cranes fly down from Tibet to spend the winter. These majestic birds are some of only 5000 left in the world today. The hill side vegetation is mostly pine forests, interspersed with Rhododendron trees, with thick brush-like bamboo carpeting the floor. East of Punakha, the road passes through the colorful village of Wangdue Phodrang and climbs past deep ravines with dizzying drops to the little visited, picturesque valley of Phobjikha, home to the quaint rural settlement of Gangtey.

Punakha Punakha is the administrative center of Punakha Dzongkhag, one of the 20 districts of Bhutan. Punakha was the capital of Bhutan and the seat of government until 1955, when the capital was moved to Thimphu. The town is located in the eastern Himalayas, west-central Bhutan. It lies at an elevation of about 5,000 feet (1,500 meters) above

Bhutan : A Journey between Heaven & Earth(© www.palacetours.com) 2/8 sea level at a point where several streams converge to form the Sankosh River.

Thimphu It is the capital of Bhutan, and also the name of the surrounding valley and the Thimphu District. Tashichoedzong, the fortress monastery on the northern edge of the city, built in the 17th century, has been the seat of Bhutan's government since 1952. Norzin Lam, the recently upgraded main thoroughfare, is lined with shops, restaurants, retail arcades and public buildings. By regulation, all buildings are required to be designed in traditional style with Buddhist paintings and motifs. A lively weekend market near the river supplies meat, vegetables and tourist items. The city is surrounded by forests which make the city look even greener. Dechenphu, Tango and Cheri monasteries, and Dechenchoeling Palace, the official residence of the King, are located to the north of the city. The winter season in Thimphu is very cold but dry, while the summers are wet and humid. The best times to visit are September and October and from March to May.

Price Chart

Please Note: Supplemental charges may be applicable during ALL Bhutan Festivals.

Your tour cost includes: 10 Nights accommodation in standard hotels or guest house on double room basis approved by the Tourism Council Board only All meals, local drinks and refreshment wherever possible Service of a full time English speaking guide, who will point you on your way, handle behind-the- scenes logistics and try to look after your every need Admission to events, historic sites, museums and parks as indicated on the itinerary All land transportation via SUV, minibus or bus, depending on the group size Taxes and royalties to the government Bhutan visa fee Tourism development fund

Your tour cost does not include: Domestic or international airfare Airport departure taxes Gratuities to guide, driver, trekking staff, hotel service, etc. Travel Insurance Any items not specifically mentioned as Included

Five star hotels can be provided in Paro and Thimphu at an additional cost. Please call or e-mail us for details. Accommodation Olathang Hotel , Paro (4 Star) Paro, Bhutan Olathang is one of the best hotels in the country. Built in 1974 for guests invited to the coronation of His Majesty King Jigme Singye Wangchuk, it is Bhutan's largest hotel. Sitting atop a hill overlooking the beautiful Paro Valley, it covers 45 acres of wooded land. There are 30 rooms and suites in the central building and 32 rooms in picturesque cottages spread over the pine-forested estate.

Facilities

Bhutan : A Journey between Heaven & Earth(© www.palacetours.com) 3/8 Restaurant • Bar • Laundry/ Dry Cleaning Service • Car Rental • Administrative Services • Currency Exchange • Gift Shop • Room Service • Activities: Jogging Track • Room Facilities: Private bath • Wall-to-wall carpet • Hot & cold water • IDD telephone • Free Newspaper • Refrigerator • Daily Maid Service.

Gangtey Palace , Paro (5 Star) Gangtey, Paro, Bhutan Gangtey Palace is a majestic, traditional Bhutanese building which stands overlooking the town of Paro. It was built over a 100 years ago by His Highness Dawa Penjor, Uncle of the first King of Bhutan and Kusho / (Governor) of Paro Valley. The Palace belonged to the Royal Family until the 1930's when it was given to a member of a prominent aristocratic family, Raja S.T Dorji. Surrounded by the scenic beauty of Paro Valley, Gangtey Palace offers a unique place to stay and relax. In 1995 the building was converted into a hotel, yet has managed to maintain the charm and intimacy of a family home. Gangtey Palace featured in the 1914 (April) National Geographic "castles in the sky".

Facilities Altar Room • Lounge and bar • TV available in the lounge •International phone & internet facilities at the reception • Hot stone bath • Indian head massage • Room facilities: En-suite bathroom facilities • The rooms are Bhutanese in style and décor without any television or phone interference

Zhiwaling Hotel , Paro (5 -Star) Satsam Chorten, Paro Kingdom of Bhutan Five years in the making, Zhiwa Ling is a tribute to the ornate architectural arts of Bhutan. Every part of the hotel is handmade, from the massive hand-carved wooden beams to the seemingly endless designs of the colorful, hand-painted ceilings and walls. We are Bhutan's first locally owned, faithfully traditional luxury hotel that also happens to have all the modern conveniences that technology can provide. As a result, guests can experience an authentic Buddhist ceremony beside the 450-year-old timbers of our in-hotel temple while remaining comfortably warm thanks to an advanced Swedish in-floor heating system. Likewise, guests can snack on local favorites such as a bowl of traditional chillies and cheese, which the Bhutanese call "ema datsi," while checking their email or surfing the Internet, wirelessly, inside the privacy and comfort of their rooms. Zhiwa Ling is a unique cultural hybrid--an exuberant celebration of the best of a 1,000-year-old culture combined with 21st century innovations. Zhiwa Ling is definitely something to e-mail home about!"

Facilities Restaurant • Namey Samey night club • Mad Monk Bar • Tea House • Chele La and Pele La Conference Halls • Spa: sauna • steam room • gym • Bhutanese outdoor hot-stone bath • Samden Meditation House: Calming Meditation (Samatha) • Insight Meditation (Vipassana) • Buddhist meditation classes taught by Bhutanese monks, require advance bookings of a minimum of 1 week prior to your check in • Yutham Gift House • Room facilities: Superlative views over the blue pine forests and mountain • Oak floors • Hand-knotted rugs • Rich furnishings reflect the heritage of the country • Satellite television • Direct dial telephones • Wireless internet connectivity • In-room dining • Laundry • Recreation: Picnics and Bonfires • Biking in Paro • Archery • Khuru

Uma Paro , Paro (4 -Star) valley view driveParo, Bhutan Como Hotels and Resorts Uma Paro Offers Luxury in the heart of the rugged wilderness of Bhutan. Situated on the cusp of the Paro valley amid richly forested mountain roads enjoy the sweeping views of the pristine hinterland whilst enveloped in the cosseting comfort of Uma Paro. Uma also offers adventure explore the town of Paro Bhutan’s main cultural hub which lies nearby or sample hiking archery and mountain biking. Restore and indulge in vital holistic therapies at Como Shambhala retreat and dine in style at the Bukhari restaurant where local Bhutanese produce is blended with Indian cuisine to offer an exquisite and original gourmet fare.

Facilities

Air Conditioning • Gift Shop • Lounge • Bar Area • Laundry • Front Desk 24hr • Cardio equipment • Heated

Bhutan : A Journey between Heaven & Earth(© www.palacetours.com) 4/8 Outdoor Pool • Indoor Pool • Jacuzzi • Limited Health Club • Massage • Sauna • Weight Lifting • Whirlpool • Audio visual equipment • Airline Desk • Bell Man • Breakfast buffet • Business center • Business center services • Cell phone rental • Child care • Coffee • Concierge • Copy Service • Currency Exchange • Faxing incoming • Faxing outgoing • Laundry valet • Local calls • Local faxes • Long distance access • Parking • Tour desk • Wake Up calls • Room service.

Wangchuk Hotels and Resort , Thimphu (.) Thimphu, Bhutan The hotel overlooks the Changlimethang stadium and the mountains form its backdrop. The hotel has been in operation since 1996 and is considered one of the best hotels in Thimphu. The hotel accommodate 20 room.

Facilities Multi-cuisine restaurant • Bar shopping • Money exchange • Room facilities: Cable Television • Room heating • International Direct Dial telephones • Attached bath • Running hot & cold water.

Hotel Jumolhari , Thimphu (5 Star) Post Box 308 Chang Lam "Redefining excellence in Bhutanese hospitability". The newly renovated Hotel Jumolhari has firmly established herself as the leading hotel in Thimphu. The charm of her traditional Bhutanese hospitability combined with a distinctive boutique style décor makes Hotel Jumolhari one of the most distinguished addresses in Thimphu.

Facilities Bar • Multi Cuisine Restaurant • Business centre • Internet Access in rooms • Express Laundry Service • Mail / Courier service • Foreign currency exchange • Maid turn down service • Cable / Satellite television • Shoe shine • Recreational Facilities: Beauty salon • Aroma therapy Massage • Steam & Sauna • Mini Library • Golf at request with equipment hire • Room facilities: Electronic personal safes • High Speed Internet access • Mini Bar • International Direct Dialing • Cable / Satellite TV (30+ channels) • Tea/Coffee electric pots • Hair dryer.

River View , Thimphu (.) Thimphu One of the finest properties in Thimphu, elegantly situated on the east bank of Thimpu River. It presents commanding view of town and the valley. An interesting feature of the place is the fact that all the rooms overlook Thimphu River and have private balconies offering panoramic vistas. The hotel is one of the best in Thimphu and quite good in all respects, with all the necessary amenities. The hotel staffs are very pleasant, simple and friendly.

Facilities Bar • Restaurant • IDD telephone • Money Exchange • Conference room • TV • Disco • Multilingual concierge • Full-service business center • Dry-cleaning/laundry service • Gift shop • Jewelry store • Clothing store • Credit card facility in hotel lobby • Beauty parlor • Internet café • Air tickets booking & reconfirmation • Car rental • Room facilities: Balcony • Sundeck • Attached bathroom • Radiator Heater • Running hot & cold water • Recreations: Fitness center • Dry sauna • Jogging trails • Golf courses • Massages • Facials • Pedicures & manicures available.

** The above accommodations are for reference and all efforts will be made to give these accommodations. In some circumstances if they are not available, alternate arrangements will be made in similar hotels Travel Tips & FAQ's What are the visa requirements for visiting Bhutan? Visas are required for entry into Bhutan. After booking your tour, you will be sent our Visa Application Form, and two weeks prior to your arrival into Bhutan, you will be sent a visa clearance letter which will let you board your flight to Bhutan. The actual visa is approved upon your arrival at the airport.

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I am flying to Bhutan from India. Do I need a re-entry permit for India? If you are planning to enter India multiple times within a 2-month period, recent updates to Indian visa regulations may impact your travel. Further clarification was issued stating that if the visa holder is traveling to multiple countries on the same itinerary, no permit is needed, as long as the trip follows the itinerary exactly. The visa holder must carry a copy of their itinerary to show the Immigration Officer upon their first entry to India.

What is the best time of year to visit Bhutan? Peak seasons are from mid-February to mid-June and August to mid-November. The weather is a bit cooler from November to February, but the views of the snow-capped peaks during this time are stunning. Mid-June to mid- August is monsoon season, where the landscape changes dramatically with greener trees and paddy fields everywhere. Our tours run year-round.

Are there any particular monuments or sights that are closed on specific days? Yes, the National Museum in Paro is closed on Sundays and Mondays. The Painting School and National Library in Thimphu are both closed on Sundays.

What is your policy on children taking the tour? Children ages 5 and under may travel free of charge with their parents. Children between the ages of 6 and 12 enjoy a 50% fare.

Is there a timed itinerary available? There is no timed itinerary currently available, which means that you can vary the time spent at a particular monument/sight.

How strenuous are the hiking excursions? The hiking excursions, specifically to the "Tiger's Nest" are quite strenuous, and are not recommended for guests in poor health. For an average hiker, this steep uphill hike will take approximately 2 hours.

What type of vehicle transport is utilized? For 1-2 passengers, we use a new Toyota Prado, Hyundai Tuscon or Santa Fe SUV. For 3-7 passengers, we use a Toyota Hiace minibus. For groups larger than 7 passengers, a Toyota Coaster bus is utilized. As Bhutan is a mountainous country with cooler temperatures, air-conditioning is not necessary; however, all of our vehicles are equipped with heaters.

What type of cuisine is served on the tour? During the peak touring season, the hotels we will stop at have buffet meals consisting of at least five dishes with dessert. During dinner, soup is also served. If you have special dietary requirements, please inform Palace Tours at the time of booking so that we may ensure that your requests (ie: vegetarian) can be accommodated. The food served throughout the tours is mostly continental mixed with Chinese, Indian or Bhutanese.

Is the water safe for drinking? We recommend that you do not drink the tap water. Bottled water will be provided in all of the hotel rooms and in the sightseeing/touring vehicles.

Is there internet or telephone access? Internet facilities are available at most of the hotels, and you may make international calls at the hotels as well (on your own account). Cell phone service may be limited in Bhutan.

What is the recommended gratuity? Gratuities are at your discretion and should be extended based on your enjoyment of the journey and quality of service provided. As a general guideline, you might expect to tip approximately $50-$100 per week, per couple.

What is the recommended currency? Are there currency exchange facilities available? International currency can be exchanged at Bhutan Bank to the local currency, however, the US dollar bill ($) is accepted everywhere, including the small shops. The exchange rate for smaller USD bills ($1-$20) has less value than larger bills. Unfortunately, there are no ATM's. The only credit card that is accepted is Visa, and this is at only very few of the larger stores.

Is there a dress code or recommended clothing for the tour?

Bhutan : A Journey between Heaven & Earth(© www.palacetours.com) 6/8 There is no dress code; however, you must wear clothes that fully cover your body when visiting the temples. Please dress according to the weather conditions for your time of travel.

Are there any customs to be aware of? Yes. Shoes are not permitted inside temples and photography is not permitted inside the temples. It is considered highly disrespectful to point fingers at others. Your guide will inform you of other customs as you are taking the tour.

What types of electrical outlets are there? The electric outlets are mainly 220v and use round pin. You will be required to bring your own converter, as they are not provided at the hotels.

Is travel insurance required? It is not required for the cultural tours, but is absolutely ESSENTIAL if undertaking a tour that involves trekking.

What is the level of safety that passengers can expect? We have a very clean history with no robberies, etc. Your baggage is safe in the hotels and in the vehicles, however we do advise that you carry your passports and wallets with you at all times. 1 . Do I need a Visa for India? All visitors to India need a Visa

2 . Do you help with getting a Visa

Unfortunately, we don't offer Visa assistance but we can provide you with all the information that you need for getting a visa to India

Terms & Conditions PAYMENT TERMS: (i) 25% of total tour cost due at the time of booking (ii) 75% or balance no later than 65 days prior to date of the first service sold by TRAVBUZZ / PALACE TOURS

CANCELLATION FEES: (i) 20% of the total tour value if cancelled more than 65 days prior to date of first service sold by TRAVBUZZ / PALACE TOURS (ii) 50% of the total tour value if cancelled 64-30 days prior to date of first service sold by TRAVBUZZ / PALACE TOURS (iii) 100% of the total tour value if cancelled 29-0 days prior to date of first service sold by TRAVBUZZ / PALACE TOURS

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover the losses incurred in case of cancellation. For information on available plans or to purchase travel insurance, please visit www.palacetours.com/insurance.

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Our Corporate Offices are located in Miami, FL. Click here to schedule a phone call or visit to our Miami Office You can contact us by Phone or live chat on the website or feel free to walk in to our office where our Luxury Travel Experts are available to assist you during business hours. Office: Palace Tours 12000 Biscayne Blvd. Suite #107 Miami, FL 33181 WEB: www.palacetours.com EMAIL: [email protected] PHONE: 1-800-724-5120 USA: Miami, FL: 786-408-0610 Princeton, NJ: 1-609-580-1372 New York, NY: 1-212-920-2543 Houston, TX: 1-832-446-2709 INTERNATIONAL: United Kingdom: 0330 808 4654 Australia: 1-800-156-671 New Zealand: 0800-442-510 FAX: 1-609-683-9772

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