Explore the Hidden Kingdom of 6 Days 5 Nights Tour Program

This tour covers Paro, , Punakha, in Gangtey

Our itinerary is flexible This is a private journey with flexible itinerary which can be adjusted even while the tour is in progress depending your ability, interests and needs. A trip to Bhutan is often once-in-a-lifetime experience for many visitors. Our itinerary is prepared carefully keeping in mind what Bhutan has to offer as one of the most extraordinary destinations in the world. Rather than as a fixed schedule, it can be used as a guide. Your expert guide will discuss with you and prioritize the attractions as per your preference. If you think the programmes are too tight or you feel tired, you can go on your own pace or do more of what is interest to you.

Tour Details Tucked away deep in the eastern between the mighty neighbours – to the north and to the south, there lies a tiny independent country that remained isolated for centuries with the rest of the world until it opened its door to the outside world in 1960s. Bhutan is one of the most beautiful and least travelled countries in the world and the last living Buddhist Kingdom.

Lower Motithang, Thori Lam, Thimphu, P.O. Box – 2024, BHUTAN +975-77655137 (Bhutan) | +66-89-494-2064 (Thailand) | [email protected] | www.BhutanAcorn.com

Bhutan has both natural beauty and cultural wealth so carefully preserved and passed down from generation to generation, that visitors are not surprised to hear its nickname ‘Kingdom of Happiness’.

On this 6 Days 5 Nights adventure through the hearts of 4 western of Bhutan, you’ll go on nature hikes and appreciate pristine natural environment, explore and ramble through rural villages and gain firsthand experience on its culture and people. Come visit Bhutan with us and explore one of the most unique and extraordinary countries in the world.

Trip Highlights • Travel to 4 western – Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and (Phobjikha valley). • Immerse yourself into the mindful Buddhist way of life, away from the materialistic world, and discover why Bhutan is dubbed as ‘Kingdom of Happiness’. • Visit ancient temples and magnificent Dzongs (fortresses) and marvel at the fine wall paintings, exquisite architecture and craftsmanship that still continues to influence the Bhutanese architecture today. • Hike to 8th century sacred site where Bhutan’s iconic landmark, 17th century Paro Taktsang or Tiger’s Nest is located, perched on the face of a precarious 800m rock cliff. • Hike to the 13th century religious site and visit built in 1689 on the steep mountain side. • Visit Phobjikha, one of the pristine glacial valleys in Bhutan and venture out on an exhilarating nature hike through farmlands and traditional houses and understand the life of people in rural Bhutan. • Spend a night at a family farmhouse and get insights into the life of Bhutanese farmers and participate in preparing traditional cuisine for dinner. • Ramble through isolated farms, quaint villages and picturesque scenery along the way.

Day 01: Arrive Paro International Airport & Excursion / Transfer to Thimphu Day 02: Sightseeing in Thimphu / Transfer to Punakha Valley Day 03: Sightseeing in Punakha / Transfer to Phobjikha Valley in Gangtey Day 04: Gangtey Nature Hike / Transfer back to Paro Valley

Lower Motithang, Thori Lam, Thimphu, P.O. Box – 2024, BHUTAN +975-77655137 (Bhutan) | +66-89-494-2064 (Thailand) | [email protected] | www.BhutanAcorn.com

Day 05: Hike to the famous Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Day 06: Departure from Paro International Airport

Day 01: Arrive at the Paro International Airport / Transfer to Thimphu

Arrive Paro International Airport. After passing through the immigration and customs formalities, your guide and driver will receive you and then take you on first excursion in the Kindomg of Bhutan. After lunch you will be transferred to the captial city Thimhu.

Vsit the National Museum of Bhutan housed in the 17th century watch tower/fortress called Ta Dzong. The collection of artefacts at the museum displays a snap-shot of the rich cultural traditions of Bhutan. Visit Paro which literally translates to “Fortress of the heap of jewels”. Built in 1646, this Dzong serves as office of the governor and head of the monk body of Paro . From there walk to the beautiful traditional wooden cantilever bridge that runs over Paro river.

Lunch will be served either in Paro town or on arrival in Thimphu. This will depend on your flight arrival time.

Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan and it is 55km away from the main Paro town. The drive should not take more than 2 hours including stop overs on the way. Thimphu is home to approximately 115,000 residents. This bustling little city is the main centre of commerce, religion and government in the country. Arriving Thimphu, our guide will assist you to check into the hotel so that you can relax for a while and then have your first taste of for lunch. If you arrive early, lunch will be served after one or two sightseeings.

You begin the sightseeing by first visiting Distance to Thimphu 55 km National Memorial Chorten – A Buddhist Driving Time 1.5 hours Stupa built in 1974 in memory of the Late Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck who Thimphu Altitude 2,334m/7,655ft passed away in 1972, is an important Paro Altitude 2,195m/7,200ft landmark in Thimphu. You will see people from all walks of life circumambulating and offering prayers. Then visit the 169ft Buddha Dordhenma Statue located at Phodrang overlooking the Thimphu valley.

After lunch, visit National Library of Bhutan considered as national treasure of Bhutan and fundamental source of Bhutanese history, religion, medicine, arts and

Lower Motithang, Thori Lam, Thimphu, P.O. Box – 2024, BHUTAN +975-77655137 (Bhutan) | +66-89-494-2064 (Thailand) | [email protected] | www.BhutanAcorn.com

culture. Opens during working weekdays & on Saturdays 10am – noon. Just nearby is the National Institute of Zorig Chusum (Institute of Traditional Arts & Crafts) where 13 traditional arts & crafts of Bhutan are taught. If the class is in session, you can hop in and observe while the students gets hands-on training. Opens during working weekdays & on Saturdays 10am – noon.

Visit Royal Textile Museum which showcases collection of artifacts to impart understanding of Bhutan’s rich textile traditions and way of life

Leisure time around Thimphu town.

Note: The coverage of excursion on the first day depends on your flight arrival time. If you arrive in the morning, you should be able to visit all of the sites.

Dinner and overnight at Kuenphen Rabten Resort / City Hotel or Tashi Yoedling.

Day 02: Hike to Tango Monastery / Transfer to Punakha

Today, after early breakfast, we will do 2-3-hour return hike to Tango Monastery and then after lunch drive to Punakha valley via beautiful Dochu La Pass (3,150m/10,335ft).

Located at about 14km north of Thimphu on a pristine mountain side, Tango Monastery was founded in 13th century by the Tibetan saint Phajo Drugom Zhigpo who first established the Drukpa Kagyu School of in Bhutan and subsequently became the state religion.

Drive back to Thimphu town where a traditional lunch will be served at the Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant. After lunch, pass by the Changlimithang Archery ground to witness the game of archery if the match is in progress. You will see archers dancing and singing each time they hit the target which is 145m away. Archery is the national game of Bhutan.

Then you will be transferred to Punakha. Distance to Punakha 74 km En route stop briefly at Dochula – a Driving Time 3 hours sacred mountain pass at an elevation Punakha Altitude 1,200m/3,935ft of 3150m and enjoy a grand view of some of the highest on a clear day. From there continue driving towards Punakha and gradually descend to a subtropical valley within an hour.

Lower Motithang, Thori Lam, Thimphu, P.O. Box – 2024, BHUTAN +975-77655137 (Bhutan) | +66-89-494-2064 (Thailand) | [email protected] | www.BhutanAcorn.com

Just about 11km before reaching Punakha town, visit the famous 15th century popularly known among tourists as “Temple of Fertility”. A gentle walk through the terraced rice fields and traditional farmhouses painted with phalluses will give you a unique experience.

Dinner and overnight at Meri Puensum Resort or Hotel Lobesa.

Day 03: Sightseeing Punakha / Transfer to Phobjikha Valley in Gangtey

After breakfast, visit the two most popular places in Punakha valley – Khamsum Yuellay Namgyel Chorten and the most beautiful fortress in Bhutan, a 17th century . After lunch you will be transferred to Phobjikha valley.

Drive to the nearest roadhead and hike to the picturesque Khamsum Yuellay Namgyel Chorten located on a serene hilltop overlooking the fertile Punakha valley with glacial fed Mochu river meandering through the valley. The hike leads through the terraced rice fields and takes about 2.5-hours round trip for most visitors.

Retrace your footstep back to the roadhead and drive to visit the most beautiful 17th century Punakha Dzong which displays fine Bhutanese arts and craftsmanship which continues to influence the Bhutanese architecture to this day. You will spend sometime appreciating the intricate wood works and sacred wall paintings.

After lunch, transfer to Phobjikha Distance to Phobjikha 80 km valley in Gangtey. Phobjikha is a vast Time 3 hours U-shaped glacial valley at an elevation Phobjikha Altitude 3,000m/9,840ft of about 3,000m/9,840ft and it is a winter home for endangered Black Necked Crane from November to March and migrates back to Tibetan Plateau by the beginning of spring season. As part of the conservation effort, Phobjikha valley has been declared as a protected area.

Upon arrival in Phobjikha valley, check into the hotel and visit a beautiful farmhouse/homestay for an authentic home-cooked local cuisine. You can participate/learn how to prepare some of the popular Bhutanese dishes.

Dinner and overnight at Yue-Loki Guest House or Dewachen Hotel

Lower Motithang, Thori Lam, Thimphu, P.O. Box – 2024, BHUTAN +975-77655137 (Bhutan) | +66-89-494-2064 (Thailand) | [email protected] | www.BhutanAcorn.com

Day 04: Nature Hike in Phobjikha valley / Transfer back to Paro Valley

After breakfast, visit one of the largest monasteries in Bhutan – Gangtey Goenpa and then venture out on an exhilarating Nature Hike through the pristine valley. After lunch you will be transferred back to Paro.

The 17th century Gangtey Monastery popularly known as Gangtey Goenpa is one of the largest monasteries in Bhutan. Gangtey literally means “Hilltop” and Goenpa “remote place” and is usually a place of religious significance. You will meet peace- loving monks who studies Buddhist Philosophy.

From there you will go on an exciting Gangtey Nature Hike. The trail is about 5km and takes approximately 3 hours through the woods surrounded by splendid nature all around, wonderful meadows, beautiful traditional village houses, farm lands and crystalline streams. This short nature trail gives you a great feeling of the valley and understanding of the livelihood of the people living there. Lots of opportunities to take beautiful pictures!

After lunch, drive back to Paro valley. If time permits, visit one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, the 7th century which is believed to have been built overnight by the Tibetan Kind Songtsen Gampo.

Dinner and overnight at Khangkhu Resort or similar one.

Day 05: Hike to Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) & Visit farmhouse for homecooked local cuisine

Today, on the 5th day of your trip, you will hike to the famous 17th century Paro Taktsang Monastery popular known as the “Tiger’s Nest”. Originally built in 1692, the iconic sacred site Taktsang is perched on the 800m rock cliff and it is the most visited place in Bhutan. The round-trip hike takes about 4-5 Hours for most visitors.

After lunch at Taktsang Cafeteria, descend back to the base and drive to Paro town where you will spend some leisure time.

Lower Motithang, Thori Lam, Thimphu, P.O. Box – 2024, BHUTAN +975-77655137 (Bhutan) | +66-89-494-2064 (Thailand) | [email protected] | www.BhutanAcorn.com

Later in the afternoon, visit a beautiful traditional farmhouse for an authentic dinner comprised of homecooked local cuisine. You can also soad up in the therapeutic traditional hot stone bath for an additional fee of about US$15 per person.

Overnight at Khangkhu Resort or similar one.

Day 06: Departure from Paro International Airport After breakfast, you will be transferred to Paro International Airport depending on your flight departure time.

What is INCLUDED in the package: 1. One-time non-refundable Visa Fee ($40 per person) 2. Government Tax (Sustainable Development Fee) 3. All meals – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner at 3-Star equivalent restaurants 4. Accommodation on twin sharing basis at 3-Star hotels approved by the Tourism Council of Bhutan 5. FIT Surcharge for a single person & 2 person/couple travellers 6. Round trip airport transfers 7. Dedicate land transport as per itinerary for the entire duration of your stay. 8. Licensed and experienced English speaking private guide. 9. Entry Fees to parks, museums and other national monuments 10. All internal taxes

What is NOT INCLUDED in your package: 1. All Airfares – Both domestic and international. We try to make easy for our guests by handling booking of flights to/from at no added commission. 2. Travel insurance. Insurance is not mandatory for this type of cultural and nature tours. It is entirely up to the travellers. Bhutan Acorn Tours & Travel does not provide insurance service. 3. Emergency evacuation. 4. Alcoholic beverages, bar bills. 5. Laundry services, telephone call charges 6. Premium accommodation in a 4-Star and above hotel. 7. Cultural shows that require advance arrangement. 8. Tips to guides and drivers (optional). 9. Any other expense of personal nature.

Lower Motithang, Thori Lam, Thimphu, P.O. Box – 2024, BHUTAN +975-77655137 (Bhutan) | +66-89-494-2064 (Thailand) | [email protected] | www.BhutanAcorn.com

Complimentary: 1. Bottled mineral water on board 2. Lights snack between meals wherever necessary 3. Bhutanese traditional archery and dart throwing 4. A set of national costumes (Gho for men and Kira for women). The costumes should be returned to guide at the end of the tour. 5. Tourist SIM card. You must let us know in advance.

Making your travel to Bhutan seamless To make your journey to the Kingdom of Bhutan seamless and memorable, we at Bhutan Acorn Tours & Travel always try to take the hassle out of our guests by handling the whole process of bookings vis-à-vis accommodation, air tickets for flights operating in and out of Bhutan, visa application and all other logistics. There are only two international airlines flying in and out of Bhutan which gets fully booked months in advance particularly during the high season. It is always recommended to book well ahead of your planned departure date to secure hotel rooms and flights seats.

Hotel Accommodation We provide accommodations only at hotels we work so closely and that is where we love to stay ourselves. Our partner hotels are handpicked based on experiences of our past guests and they are all approved by Tourism Council of Bhutan.

If you have any preferred hotels, you should let us know so that we can check availability and make reservations. Some of your preferred hotels may levy additional charges on top of the standard rate included in our packages.

We also arrange unusual yet very enriching opportunity to stay at a village homestay / farmstay at few destinations to get insights into the typical life of a Bhutanese people and feast on delicious local cuisine and take part in preparing some of the popular Bhutanese dishes.

Transport Vehicles The type of transport throughout your journey will depend on the size of your group. We provide luxury SUV for small group of up to 3 person, luxury Minivan for group of 4-6 person and luxury bus for 7 person and above. Our fleet of transport vehicles are highly maintained and chauffeured by specially licensed professionals to drive tourists.

Lower Motithang, Thori Lam, Thimphu, P.O. Box – 2024, BHUTAN +975-77655137 (Bhutan) | +66-89-494-2064 (Thailand) | [email protected] | www.BhutanAcorn.com

Guide(s) & Driver(s) Our guides and drivers are all qualified and experienced. They’ll accompany you throughout your trip in Bhutan from the time you step out of the arrival gate up until you enter the departure hall.

At Bhutan Acorn Tours & Travel, we believe that tour guides are also one of the most important part of a trip. Our guides are experienced professionals with immense knowledge on local tradition and history. They are always ready to serve you and take care of you every step of your journey so that you go back home satisfied and happy with good memories that will last you a lifetime.

And the driver’s responsibility is no less. No matter how luxury the transport is, your safety and comfort are in the hands of a driver. Therefore, we employ only experienced drivers specifically licensed to drive tourists.

If for some reason you are not satisfied with either of our guide or driver, let us know immediately. We never had such issues in the past but we’ll always try to have them replaced as soon as possible.

Cancellation & Refund Policy: Our cancellation policy if one of the friendliest among the Bhutanese Tour Operators.

1. Flat administrative fee of US$100 per person will be charged if cancellation notice is received more than 30 days prior to date of arrival.

2. 20% of the total cost will be charged if the cancellation notice is received within 16-29 days before the date of arrival.

3. 50% of the total cost will be charged if the cancellation notice is received within 8-15 days before the date of arrival.

4. No refund is available if the cancellation notice is received within 0-7 days before the date of arrival.

5. Hotels and airlines have their own cancellation policies. 3-Star hotels which are included in the package usually do not charge if the cancellation notice is received within 45 days of arrival date. If you opt to stay at higher end hotels of 4 & 5-Star hotels, we will share their policies with you.

6. In the case of trekking adventure, no refund is permitted if the trek could not be completed due to weather conditions or illness. However, accommodation

Lower Motithang, Thori Lam, Thimphu, P.O. Box – 2024, BHUTAN +975-77655137 (Bhutan) | +66-89-494-2064 (Thailand) | [email protected] | www.BhutanAcorn.com

and meals will be provided as required under the Minimum Daily Package Rate

Air Tickets There are only two airlines operating in and out of Bhutan – Drukair (www.drukair.com.bt), the national flag carrier of Bhutan and the other is Bhutan Airlines (www.bhutanairlines.bt), a private airline introduced in 2011. The air fares are subject to change.

Bhutan at a Glance Geographical Area 38,394 sq. km

Capital City Thimphu, 2334m/7,660ft elevation

Population 779,666 (2017)

Currency Ngultrum (Nu.) pegged to the Indian Rupee at par

Form of Government Constitutional Monarchy with King as Head of State and democratically elected Prime Minister as Head of Government. National Language

Time Zone GMT +6 (Bhutan and the neighbouring countries do not observe daylight saving)

Electricity 220V/240V, 50Hz Frequency. Wall sockets with multi round pins or 2 pins are used for outlets. Highly recommended to carry universal travel plug.

Tourist Arrivals 274,097 (2018) including regional tourists

Airlines Drukair (National flag carrier) and Bhutan Airlines (Private)

International Airport Paro International Airport

Domestic Airports Bathpalathang Airport, Yonphula Airport, Airport

Country Dialing Code +975

Religion Mahayana Buddhism

National Bird Raven

National Tree Cypress

National Flower Blue Boppy

National Sports Archery

National Animal Takin (Budorcas Taxicolor)

Lower Motithang, Thori Lam, Thimphu, P.O. Box – 2024, BHUTAN +975-77655137 (Bhutan) | +66-89-494-2064 (Thailand) | [email protected] | www.BhutanAcorn.com

National Day 17 December

Usefull Information: Original Itinerary: https://www.bhutanacorn.com/tour/6-days-explore-hidden- kingdom-bhutan/ Passports & Visa Requirement: https://www.bhutanacorn.com/passport-visa- requirements-visit-bhutan/ How much does it cost to visit Bhutan: https://www.bhutanacorn.com/passport- visa-requirements-visit-bhutan/

Lower Motithang, Thori Lam, Thimphu, P.O. Box – 2024, BHUTAN +975-77655137 (Bhutan) | +66-89-494-2064 (Thailand) | [email protected] | www.BhutanAcorn.com