Summary - bhutanthoritours.com · Arrive Bangkok International Airport and check-in to Hotel...

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Summary You will commence your Bhutan holiday experience from your local port of embarkation and travel to Bangkok and check-in to your hotel to start your journey. You will have the opportunity to meet others in the group that evening and get to know your companions before turning in for the evening ready for the adventure to begin the following morning. Day 0 17 Nov Arrival in Bangkok Day 1 18 Nov Bangkok to Paro Day 2 19 Nov Paro to Trashigang Day 3 20 Nov Trashigang (day trip to Radhi) Day 4 21 Nov Trashigang (day trip to Tashiyangtse) Day 5 22 Nov Trashigang (festival) Day 6 23 Nov Trashigang to Mongar Day 7 24 Nov Mongar (festival) Day 8 25 Nov Mongar (day trip to Lhuentse) Day 9 26 Nov Mongar to Bumthang Day 10 27 Nov Bumthang Day 11 28 Nov Bumthang (day trip to Tang Valley) Day 12 29 Nov Bumthang Day 13 30 Nov Bumthang to Phobjikha Day 14 1 Dec Phobjikha to Punakha Day 15 2 Dec Punakha Day 16 3 Dec Punakha to Thimphu Day 17 4 Dec Thimphu to Paro Day 18 5 Dec Paro (Tigers Nest) Day 19 6 Dec Depart

Transcript of Summary - bhutanthoritours.com · Arrive Bangkok International Airport and check-in to Hotel...

Page 1: Summary - bhutanthoritours.com · Arrive Bangkok International Airport and check-in to Hotel (Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport). Day 1 – 18 Nov 2020 Flight from Bangkok to Paro International

Summary You will commence your Bhutan holiday experience from your local port of embarkation and travel to Bangkok and check-in to your hotel to start your journey. You will have the opportunity to meet others in the group that evening and get to know your companions before turning in for the evening ready for the adventure to begin the following morning. Day 0 17 Nov Arrival in Bangkok Day 1 18 Nov Bangkok to Paro Day 2 19 Nov Paro to Trashigang Day 3 20 Nov Trashigang (day trip to Radhi) Day 4 21 Nov Trashigang (day trip to Tashiyangtse) Day 5 22 Nov Trashigang (festival) Day 6 23 Nov Trashigang to Mongar Day 7 24 Nov Mongar (festival) Day 8 25 Nov Mongar (day trip to Lhuentse) Day 9 26 Nov Mongar to Bumthang Day 10 27 Nov Bumthang Day 11 28 Nov Bumthang (day trip to Tang Valley) Day 12 29 Nov Bumthang Day 13 30 Nov Bumthang to Phobjikha Day 14 1 Dec Phobjikha to Punakha Day 15 2 Dec Punakha Day 16 3 Dec Punakha to Thimphu Day 17 4 Dec Thimphu to Paro Day 18 5 Dec Paro (Tigers Nest) Day 19 6 Dec Depart

Page 2: Summary - bhutanthoritours.com · Arrive Bangkok International Airport and check-in to Hotel (Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport). Day 1 – 18 Nov 2020 Flight from Bangkok to Paro International

Day 0 – 17 Nov 2020 Arrive Bangkok International Airport and check-in to Hotel (Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport). Day 1 – 18 Nov 2020 Flight from Bangkok to Paro International Airport. After clearing immigration and collecting your luggage, you will be greeted by your tour leader with a special welcome scarf and then whisked off to start your Bhutan journey with a visit to the National Museum and the wonderful Rinpung (Paro) Dzong followed by lunch at a local restaurant and then time to relax into your hotel for the evening. Day 2 – 19 Nov 2020 Today you will take a flight from Paro to Trashigang in Eastern Bhutan, enjoy a local lunch and visit the village before check-in to your hotel. Day 3 – 20 Nov 2020 Trashigang – Radhi Day Trip Visit Trashigang Dzong. Drive to Radhi town. Radhi village is famous for two things, its rice fields and the skill of its weavers. It is often known as the ‘Rice Bowl of the East’ because of its verdant rice fields that supply most of the grain to eastern parts of the country. All textiles produced in Radhi are made using the traditional back-strap loom and traditional dyes. As a result, Radhi village produces some of the most authentic high quality raw silk textiles to be found anywhere in Bhutan. (B/L/D). Overnight hotel Trashigang Day 4 – 21 Nov 2020 Trashigang – Trashiyangtse day excursion 5 hrs Drive with Picnic Lunch. Famous for its wooden containers & bowls. Situated in a small river valley with lovely walks. Highlights: Trashiyangtse Dzong, Chorten Kora (B/L/D). Overnight hotel Trashigang Day 5 – 22 Nov 2020 Trashigang Today you will visit your first festival experience. The Trashigang Tshechu is one of the biggest festivals in eastern Bhutan. People from all over eastern Bhutan come to the festival. The nomadic community of Merak and Sakteng, called the Brokpas, stand out of the crowd with their unique dress and appearance. Different sacred mask dances are performed during the festival apart from other traditional folk songs and dances. (B/L/D). Overnight hotel Trashigang

Page 3: Summary - bhutanthoritours.com · Arrive Bangkok International Airport and check-in to Hotel (Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport). Day 1 – 18 Nov 2020 Flight from Bangkok to Paro International

Day 6 – 23 Nov 2020 Trashigang to Mongar. 4hrs Drive. Morning Drive to Dramitshe Monastery and after lunch drive to Mongar. A 3hr drive passes over sheer cliffs and through beautiful forests and pastures. Situated atop a hill it is a major hub for travellers and trade. Highlights: Rhododendron Gardens, Mongar Dzong, Dramitse Lhakhang, Yagang Lhakhang. (B/L/D). Overnight hotel Mongar. Day 7 – 24 Nov 2020 Mongar Tshechu People from all over the region as far as Trashigang and Lhuentse come to attend the festival. A lot of unique dances indigenous to the region are also performed. (B/L/D). Overnight hotel Mongar Day 8 – 25 Nov 2020 Lhuentse Day excursion 77km/3hr drive north of Mongar, Lhuentse has spectacular landscape of stark cliffs and gorges, surrounded by coniferous forest. Highlights: Textiles, Takila. (B/L/D). Overnight hotel Mongar Day 9 – 26 Nov 2020 Mongar to Bumthang 7 hrs drive Jakar Valley and passing through Ura Valley’s open countryside with views of Mt Gangkhar Puensum. Enjoy scenic views on route, passing through local villages. The region offers many wonderful sites and the town will capture your hearts. (B/L/D). Overnight hotel Bumthang. Day 10 – 27 Nov 2020 Bumthang Day halt at Bumthang. Today take a relaxing morning before visiting Jambay Lhakhang followed by a stop at the Red Panda Brewery (a local brew made by a swiss gentle who now lives in Bhutan). After lunch at our favourite local restaurant you will have some time to wander the town of Jakar and purchase some souvenirs if you wish. (B/L/D). Overnight hotel at Bumthang.

Page 4: Summary - bhutanthoritours.com · Arrive Bangkok International Airport and check-in to Hotel (Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport). Day 1 – 18 Nov 2020 Flight from Bangkok to Paro International

Day 11 – 28 Nov 2020 Bumthang Day excursion to Tang valley. On the way you will have the opportunity to stop at Burning Lake the trip takes one day to visit the valley and return. You will be delighted with a picnic lunch during the drive. (B/L/D). Overnight hotel at Bumthang. Day 12 – 29 Nov 2020 Bumthang Day halt at Bumthang. Visit Jakar Dzong, located on a ridge above the town in the Chamkhar. It is built on the site of an earlier temple established by the Ralung hierarch Yongzin Ngagi Wangchuk when he came to Bhutan. You will also visit Kurjey Lhakhang, a temple complex consisting of three beautiful temples. The oldest temple contains the rock which has the imprint of Guru Rinpoche's body and hence is considered to be the holiest. Another temple was constructed on the site where Guru Rinpoche had meditated. The Queen Mother Ashi Kesang built the third. A 108 chorten wall also surrounds the three temples from here you will take a short hike to Kenchosum Lhakhang, the temple dates back to the 8th century. The inscription on the large bell testifies to it being cast for the Tibetan Royal Family. The pillar erected next to the entrance gate could be a megalith from prehistoric times. (B/L/D). Overnight hotel at Bumthang. Day 13 – 30 Nov 2020 Bumthang to Gangtey/Phobjikha In the morning you will be able to enjoy the festival of Jambay Lhakhang Singye Cham before the drive via Trongsa (this area is the past political hub of Bhutan boasts spectacular landscape) to Gangtey Valley, one of the most beautiful valleys with wide open space, unusual in Bhutans’ landscape. Highlights: Gangtey Valley, Gangtey Monastery, Phobjikha Village, Black Necked Crane Information Centre (B/L/D). Overnight hotel Phobjikha. Day 14 – 1 Dec 2020 Phobjikha to Punakha Visit Gangtey Monastery. Hike Nature trail of Gangtey to Phobjikha to spot Black necked crane birds. Lunch at Farm house. After lunch the group will drive to Punakha region, with its temperate climate and abundant crops. Highlights: Chimi Lhakhang, Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery. (B/L/D). Overnight hotel Punakha. Day 15 – 2 Dec 2020 Day halt at Punakha. Morning hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal stupa. Enjoy the valley after lunch visit Punakha Dzong and walk over longest suspension bridge. In the afternoon you will visit Chimi Lhakhang, the famous temple of the Devine Madman. (B/L/D). Overnight hotel Punakha.

Page 5: Summary - bhutanthoritours.com · Arrive Bangkok International Airport and check-in to Hotel (Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport). Day 1 – 18 Nov 2020 Flight from Bangkok to Paro International

Day 16 – 3 Dec 2020 Punakha to Thimphu The Capital of Bhutan and centre of government, Thimphu is a combination of modern and tradition. Highlights: after lunch visit places around Thimphu such as Simply Bhutan, Memorial Chorten, Tashichho Dzong (B/L/D). Overnight hotel Thimphu. Day 17 – 4 Dec 2020 Thimphu to Paro. Visit Paro Dzong, national museum, Kyichu monastery. After lunch visit local farm house. (B/L/D). Overnight hotel Paro. Day 18 – 5 Dec 2020 Day hike to Tiger nest. After lunch explore around Paro town. (B/L/D). Overnight hotel Paro. You may wish to book a Hot Stone Bath to soothe tired muscles after the day’s activities, just ask your tour leader to assist you to book this optional extra. Day 19 – 6 Dec 2020 Depart Final Breakfast with your group, depending on time of departure, you will be able to do some last minute gift shopping and possibly lunch at a local restaurant. You will be dropped at the airport by your tour team to begin your return journey. (B/*L) B-breakfast / *L-lunch will be included depending on timing of departure flight

Page 6: Summary - bhutanthoritours.com · Arrive Bangkok International Airport and check-in to Hotel (Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport). Day 1 – 18 Nov 2020 Flight from Bangkok to Paro International

Inclusions:

• Accommodation quality 3 Star hotels, Farmstay (or best possible in regional locations)

• Breakfast/lunch/dinner (on 3 Star package)

• Government Sustainable Tourism Royalty Fee

• Tourism Council Fees and Surcharges

• Quality Transport and Experienced Driver/s

• Expert English Speaking Guides & Tour Leader

• Bottled water daily per person

• All Road Permits, Park & Entry Fees

• Our 5 Star Personalised Service

• Accommodation in Bangkok on Arrival 1st night

• Internal flights Paro to Trashigang Exclusion:

• Bank Transaction fees and Rate Conversion Fees (USD $75 per transaction) if applicable

• Airfares from your home port to Bangkok

• Single Supplement (USD 850 pp)

• Any Fees & Charges resulting from any changes to Bhutan or other flights

• Travel/Cancellation/Rescue Insurance

• Equipment Insurance

• 4star/5star accommodation & 4/5star dinners

• Other specialised Tour Guide (such as Birding, Trekking, other languages) unless specified otherwise in the quote

• Optional Extras (noted below)

• Personal or tourist gift items

• Alcoholic Beverages & Snacks not specified in the itinerary

• Tips & Gratuities

• Monastery offering/donations

Optional Extras (pricing on request):

• Rafting in Punakha

• Horse to Tigers Nest Café (half way point, one way only)

• Special Blessing Ceremonies unless specified in the itinerary

• Hot Stone Bathes / Massages / Spas

Page 7: Summary - bhutanthoritours.com · Arrive Bangkok International Airport and check-in to Hotel (Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport). Day 1 – 18 Nov 2020 Flight from Bangkok to Paro International

Estimated Cost based on 8 pax for 19 Day Tour: Bhutan Land Package inclusive: USD 5740 per person (excl single supp USD$850 per person) Bhutan Intl Return Flight: USD 1050 per person (estimate as prices can fluctuate) Bhutan Internal Flight option: USD 300 per person (estimate as prices can fluctuate) Bangkok Accommodation estimate: USD 200 per person 1 night for Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Total Estimate: USD 7290 per person / twin share EXCLUDES: Home port to Bangkok return flights and accommodation post tour

Page 8: Summary - bhutanthoritours.com · Arrive Bangkok International Airport and check-in to Hotel (Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport). Day 1 – 18 Nov 2020 Flight from Bangkok to Paro International

ADDITIONAL NOTES: Flexibility: Our tour itineraries can be somewhat flexible in regards to the activities each day, in particular if weather conditions impose safety concerns, we will change the program to ensure guest safety at all times. These changes may not be within our control. Festival dates are set by the Tourism Council of Bhutan as per the tentative dates set by the central monk body depending on the lunar Bhutanese calendar and can change without notice. Hotels Singapore or Bangkok Airport: There are a number of options of hotels at or nearby both International Airports. The most convenient in Singapore is Crowne Plaza at Changi Airport and in Bangkok is Novotel. Both have easy access back to the international terminal for check-in. Highlights: There are so many places in Bhutan that are wonderful. The culture of Bhutan is essentially the biggest drawcard, the culture is what makes Bhutan the amazing travel destination it has become. Guests will be able to enjoy all sorts of cultural experiences and opportunities and learn the history of this mystic and magical place along way while they capture it all through their photographical journey across Bhutan. Some of our favourite areas are in Central Bhutan in Bumthang and Wangdue Phodrang for the landscape, Punakha, Thimphu & Paro for architecture/culture and Eastern Bhutan for the traditional way of life and people. Western and Central Bhutan are much more developed and continuing to grow, with good roads, hotels and those usual things like internet and shops. Black Mountain is quite amazing to see and the hikes in this region (central Bhutan) are some of the most beautiful. In the east, you will find things to be more ‘rustic’ and traditional than central & western Bhutan. Eastern Bhutan is less developed, accommodation is more basic and the food a little less developed for the western palate. But that’s part of the adventure, and don’t worry, we will work with local suppliers to ensure they can provide for any dietary needs (although lactose intolerance would be the most challenging but not impossible to overcome so long as we know well in advance and can seek to include the necessary food essentials for the tour). Throughout Bhutan we will include easy to moderate hikes (depending on your group’s abilities), often these hikes will either commence or end at a temple, monastery or village. Sunset or Sunrise photo opportunities are limited but if the chance arises during the tour, our guides will be able to facilitate a location along the route. There is so much to offer in this diverse destination, we are excited to offer this special destination to you & your guests.

Page 9: Summary - bhutanthoritours.com · Arrive Bangkok International Airport and check-in to Hotel (Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport). Day 1 – 18 Nov 2020 Flight from Bangkok to Paro International

Meals/Food: Most hotels are now quite use to catering to western palates. Most meals in hotels are based on buffet style. Different areas may have some specialty meals on offer on their buffet menu and if guests are up for tasting the local cuisine, the Bhutanese are more than happy to provide this, a guest just has to talk with their tour leader and we will discuss with the hotels. Most meals will be enjoyed at the hotels, while lunches will be a variety of picnics and local restaurants. Flight info: International flights to Paro, Bhutan during peak season, fly from Bangkok daily, which is why this is one of our suggested starting locations. Domestic flights are also possible, Bhutan’s domestic ports are located in central Bhutan (Bumthang) and eastern Bhutan (Trashigang). Flights Cancellations or Changes: We take no responsibility for any costs related to flight changes made by any airlines which impact your travel to or from your home port or flights in or out of Bhutan. We will do our best to assist in travel plans affected by changes to any flights in or out of Bhutan. Health and Safety: A booking confirmation is required for each guest, which would include emergency contact details. Any guest that may have breathing or heart conditions are recommended to obtain medical clearance before booking any tour, as some of the mountain passes can reach up to 4000m. We also recommend full travel insurance to cover medical evacuation and of course all personal and photographic equipment. We take no responsibility for damage to any equipment, although all care is taken to avoid any issues. Payment Info: All tour payments must be received prior to guest arrival. All payments must be made in USD. A deposit is required to secure a place on the tour and then final payment is required 10 weeks prior to tour commencement date, to ensure we have ample time to arrange the necessary visa’s for your guests and plenty of time for any queries. Other info: Driving distances can be challenging at times but one can always stop along the way to get photo and make short walks to ensure guests are not in the vehicles for long periods and have time to stretch their legs. Rooming would be double or twin share, single room is possible for a surcharge. Tipping: We note that Tour Leaders, Guide & Driver tips are not included in tour costs. Although tipping is not compulsory in Bhutan but has become a tradition of Bhutanese culture they accept, we provide a guide here for your consideration. If you have been provided with excellent service by your tour leader, guides and drivers then below is a suggested range; Tour Leader USD 15-20 per day, Guide USD 10-15 per day and for other supporting staff USD 5-10 per day.