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Bhutan : a Journey Between Heaven & Earth Itinerary Palace Tours 12000 Biscayne Blvd. #107 Miami FL 33181 USA 800-724-5120 / 786-408-0610 Call Us 1-800-724-5120 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 Bhutan 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 Padmasambhava (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 Thimphu, 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 Punakha Dzong 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 Tibet 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, Kyichu Lhakhang 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 Wangdue Phodrang. 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.
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