Bhutan...a diamond on the crown of the Himalaya

Bhutan, a mountainous country is a hub of history, culture, food and tourism. The tourists are awed at the modernity and the tradition that Bhutan holds. The vibrant culture is radiated all over the place. It is bordered on the east and north by Tibet and located on the south-east of the Himalayas. The landscape comprises of deep valleys and mountains and it is the best tourist destination for more than 30 years.Ancient History of Bhutan has an array of diversification and rich culture emergence. In the 17th Century, the place was known as the “Land of Thunder Dragon while in the outside world it was recognized with the name “BHUTAN” commonly derived from the Sanskrit word called Bhu-Uttan meaning High Land.Bonism was the major religion in Bhutan till the time an Indian Glorified soul Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rimpoche got Buddhism to Bhutan. Power was consolidated to the first Hereditary Monarch “GongsarUgyenWangchuck” in 1907.

This monarchical system remained till 2008 before the democracy was introduced in Bhutan. Today Bhutan is a well-known Democratic Constitutional Monarchy.

Bhutan is a land of festivals... Each month has something special to offer and so you can travel to this mountain kingdom anytime you want...

Enjoy the Bhutanese festive seasons:Punakha: Feb 17-19Paro: March 19-23Thimphu: Oct 11-13 Contact our travel desk for other dates and refer to the festival chart in our office to make the right choice!

Travel Diaries believes in catering to the needs of all. Tours are customized based on our travellers’ profiles. We present to you:Family Fun, Seniors Special and Students Special....

Family Tour:Sole traveller (Single occupancy)- Rs. 66000 (Group/ Dormitory)- Rs. 60000

Adult on twin sharing- Rs. 63000*

3 Adults in a room (Child above 10 years to be considered as adult): Rs.610002 Children above the age of 10 years are required to avail separate room.* 10 % discount during Festive Season* Additional 2% for Women Groups

Bhutan with BumthangFamily: Preferable dates: Sept 26, Oct 24, March, FebTour duration: 9 days/8 nights

Day 01 : Arrival at Paro, proceed to Thimphu. (Dinner)

Day 02 : Thimphu- visit clock tower square, Motithang mini zoo, Buddha Dordenma statue,( subject to operations) Chang Gangkha, Tashichho Dzong, National library, Handicraft centre, King’s Memorial Chorten

Day 03 : Proceed to Punakha Valley. En route visit Dochula pass, Punakha Dzong, Pho Chu River and Mo Chu River.

Day 04 : Proceed to Bumthang, en route visit Trongsa Dzong and Chumey valley

Day 05 : Bumthang- visit Jambay Lhakhang, Kujey Lhakhang, Tamshing Lhakhang and Jakar Dzong

Day 06: Proceed to Punakha

Day 07: Proceed to Paro. Visit to Ta-Dzong ( watch tower), Kyichu Lhakhang

Day 08: Visit Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), shopping in evening (BLD)

Day 09: Departure from Paro (B)

Senior Citizen (above 65 years) Special:Single occupancy: Rs.66000- Rs.2000 (Senior Citizen discount) = Rs.64000

Duo (Male): Rs.65000- Rs.4000 = Rs.61000

Duo (Female): Rs.63500- Rs 5000 ^ =Rs.58500

^ Senior Citizen Females additional discount

Duo (Couple): Rs.62000-Rs 4500 = Rs57500

Triple Sharing- Rs. 57000

Senior Special:Preferred dates: Sept 26, Oct 24, Nov 14, Feb, March

Itinerary HighlightsDay 1   Arrival at Paro - Thimphu (2 nights) Guests will meet at Chattrapati Shivaji Domestic airport Mumbai as per the schedule flight departure time and proceed to Paro. On arrival at Paro, proceed to Thimphu. En - route visit Kings Chorten memorial. (D)

Day 2: ThimphuExplore the city of Thimphu, visit Clock Tower Square, Motithang mini zoo, Buddha Dordenma Statue, (subject to operations) Chang Gangkha, Tashichho Dzong, National Library, Handicraft Centre, (B,L,D,T)

Day 3   Thimphu – Punakha (2 nights) Proceed to low lands of Punakha valley, Punakha Dzong. En-route, we visit Dochula pass. (B, L, D, T)

Day 4   Punakha - Gangtey Valley – Punakha

Visit Gangtey valley which is the winter home to the endangered black necked cranes (Grus Nigricllis). (B, L, D)

Day 5   Punakha – Paro (2 Nights) Proceed to Paro. Visit to Drukgyel Dzong, Victory Fortress, Paro Dzong, Ta-Dzong, Kyichu Lhakhang one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in Bhutan. Evening enjoy Shopping at local market. (B, L, D)

Day 6   Paro Visit Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest). Evening enjoy shopping at local market. An exclusive gala dinner amidst thrill, rejuvenation and entertainment awaits you. Dress to impress!! Walk the fashion ramp on tour and flaunt your style and vie for the crown. (B, L, D)

Day 7   Departure from Paro (B) *** Itinerary is subject to change under any natural unavoidable circumstances. Rest will be provided each day and special care will be taken of the guests on board. The tour coordinator and paramedic with first aid will be present at all times to ensure travellers’ comfort and security.

Students Trek (Above 15 years) Special Bonanza:Camping with 4-5 students/camp- Rs. 58000(Additional 10% discount during festive season)

Students Special Trek:Day 01: Arrival at Paro, proceed to Thimphu (D)Day 02: Thimphu sightseeing (B, L, D) National Library, Institute of Zorig Chusum(The Painting School or Arts & Crafts School), Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, King's Memorial Chorten, Changangkha Lakhang,

Trashichhoedzong, government-run Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts shops.

Day 03: Thimphu – Gangtey, 135 km, 6 hours driveDrive to Gangtey across Dochu-la pass stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the chorten, Mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, the following peaks can be seen from this pass Masagang , Tsendagang, Terigang , Jejegangphugang , Kangphugang , Zongphugang, a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana - finally Gangkarpuensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m. Afternoon visit Gangtey monastery. Later explore beautiful Phobjikha valley. This is the winter home of rare Black-necked Cranes, endangered species. Overnight at the hotel in Gangtey.

Day 04 : Gangtey Gompa – Gogona, Distance 14 km, 5-6 hoursThe trek leaves the valley at 2830m and climbs through a mixed forest of juniper, bamboo, rhododendrons and magnolia. The trail is rough and rocky. After crossing Tsele La, the trail crosses several meadows, and then descends through forests to Gangak. It is then a short climb to the camp at Gogona, a beautiful hilltop site overlooking a long valley. Nearby is Gogona Lhakhang and dozens of poles with white prayer flags fluttering.A 30-minute walk beyond Gogona is a hamlet where you may find homemade arra to buy. The women here weave blankets and speak a different dialect called Bjop-kha. Overnight camp.

Day 05: Gogona – Khotokha, 15 km, 5 - 6 hoursThe trail winds gently up above Gogona village and climbs into a forest of firs, oak, spruce, dwarf rhododendron, miniature azaleas, cypress and juniper. Much of the undergrowth is daphne, the plant that is used for hand-made paper and may be identified by its yellow flowers. Then a long but gradual climbs leads to Shobju La pass. Eventually, at about 3000m, the trail meets a rough trek used by tractors to collect wood from the forest. Follow the road, to a

sawmill and woodcutters camp at Dolonaga. Still heading down, the trail overlooks the broad Khothangkha valley and eventually reaches a clearing, ChortenKarpo, where there are four Chortens dedicated to the four Je Khenpos who came from this area. Three of the Chortens are square, in Bhutanese style, and the fourth is Nepali style. The best camp is in this clearing at 2790m, beside a forest of a large blue pines overlooking the valley and the village of Khothangkha, comprising about 60 rustic houses. Overnight camp.

Day 06: Khotokha– 12 km, 5 hoursA short, steep climb along a well-known path takes you to Tashi La. This is the upper terminus of the cable car” that transports wood down to Chhuzomsa, 1300m below. The walk down is through a beautiful forest. This stretch of trail is one of the finest bird-watching areas in Bhutan. Among the species found here are laughing thrush, shrike, magpie and woodpecker. The trail then plunges down past steep terraced wheat fields to a cluster of houses at Whachay. The trail eventually meets the road near TikkeZampa at 1500m. End of trek and then visit Wangduephodrang Dzong.Evening visit Punakha Dzong, also known as ‘Palace of Happiness’. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

Day 07: Punakha – Paro, 125 km, 4 hours driveMorning drive to Paro en route visiting Simtokha Dzong, Arrive at Paro. Afternoon visit Ta Dzong that was once the watch tower for the defense of Rinpung Dzong. Then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning ‘Fortress on a Heap of Jewels’. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 08: ParoMorning excursion to Taktsang Lhakhang is Bhutan’s most iconic landmark and religious site. The name Taktsang translates to “The Tiger’s Nest”. This temple is one of the most holy sites in the kingdom and clings impossibly to a sheer cliff face 900 hundred

meters above the Paro Valley. Along the way, visit the 7th century KyichuLhakhang, Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 09: Depart ParoAfter breakfast, transfer to the airport for flight to onward destination.

PLEASE NOTE:1. The tour price will include the trekking gear.2. A trained, experienced guide cum trekker will accompany the group in the ratio of 1:10.3. Paramedics will be on board 4. Food will be provided in packed containers during the hike.**All prices are subject to change; Terms and conditions apply. Flight fares may vary according to starting point. Tour price mentioned is for Indian nationals only. Prices will vary for foreign nationals. Price mentioned is for Mumbai-Mumbai.

#Visit us or contact us on our toll free number for further assistance or for customizing your tour. Special offers for Women also available.WHAT YOUR TOUR PRICE INCLUDES: 1. Visa Expense 6.Accomodation

2.Economic Class Flight Rates

7.Trekking Gear

3. Internal Transfers 8.Guide Payments*4. Daily Surcharge 9.Meals as

mentioned 5.Medical Insurance 10. Medical

Assistance Equipment

* Guides are educated, fluent in English, Hindi, French and Bhutanese

WHAT YOUR TOUR PRICE DOESN’T INCLUDE:

1. Meals other than those specifically mentioned in

package

2. Shopping

3. Service Tax 4. Entrance fees for tourist places( if needed)

5. Additional sightseeing or service

Paro- Pelri Cottage/Rema Resort/ SimilarThimphu- Khamsun Inn/Wangchuk Resort /similarPunakha- Kingaling /Hotel Shantideva Bhutan/similarBumthang-Hotel Home/similarGangtey- Gangtey Palace/similar

Bhutan is waiting for you.... Come experience the rich heritage and culture of the ‘Happiness Kingdom’ ... Make your trip the best and the most memorable one with Travel Diaries....

We are at your service 24*7:Address: C/O GG International School, S No. 174-77, Vallabhnagar, Pimpri Pune-411018Website---------------- Our Toll Free Number:--------------------------Email us at: isabc.ggis@gmail.com

Visit your nearest branch

“Beautiful, glorious Scotland has spoilt me for every other country.”-Mary Todd Lincoln

Scotland is a land rich in lore, scenery and culture. Although it has been part of the United Kingdom, Scotland was independent for centuries with its own monarchs and has a fascinating history of its own.Although Scotland’s attractions are spread throughout the country, its population is concentrated in two cities: Edinburgh, the capital, and Glasgow, to its west. Edinburgh was originally built atop a volcano as a means of fortifying the city. Today, it is still marked by Edinburgh Castle, one of Europe’s most famous and impressive castles. It is the second most-visited city in the UK after London, and it draws thousands each summer for a popular city-wide festival. Glasgow possesses a more urban, cosmopolitan identity that permits it to exist without being hidden in the capital city’s shadows. Visitors to Glasgow will be struck by the city’s effluent culture, and they should not leave without soaking it in at attractions such as the Hunterian Art Gallery, Glasgow Cathedral and the Glasgow School of Art.

The Months during summer especially June, July and August are very busy and Scotland’s peak season for tourism, so you won’t feel alone with the busiest period during the School summer holidays. You can experience lovely sunny days, however you can’t always guarantee the weather at this time and can expect varied weather patterns, but the days are often generally mild and enjoyableDuring winter if Snow falls on the Scottish mountains the Ski season will start, Other highlights of a Scottish winter will be the chance to see the Northern Lights (aurora borealis) whilst snow falling on the Scottish mountains and forest will give you a Christmas card vista, a sight everyone should witness one time in their life.Scotland Itinerary:Package Cost (per person): Rs. 1, 75,000*ItineraryDay 1 Arrival at ScotlandDay 2 Visit Loch Ness »Sterling Castle »Find the Holy Grail »Harry Potter Castle »St Andrews »Oban & the West »Day 3-Steam Trains and the Scottish HighlandsDay4-Castles and the Isle of Skye AND SHOPPINGDay 5 6 :Enjoy the warm hospitality of Scotland's people: Ancient History »Highlands and islands »Ultimate ScotlandDay 7 Departure from Edinburgh Airport* All prices are subject to change. Terms and Conditions Apply

WHAT YOUR TOUR PRICE INCLUDES:

1. Visa Expense and Taxes

5. Internal Transfers

2.Economy Class Flight Rates

6.Guide Payments*

3.Medical Insurance 7.Meals 4.Accomodation 8. Medical

Assistance Equipment

* All guides are fluent in Scottish, English, French and Spanish.

WHAT YOUR TOUR PRICE DOESN’T INCLUDE:

** Contact us or visit your nearest branch office for details regarding Students ‘Special and Senior Citizen Special tours.

1. Meals other than those specifically mentioned in

package

2. Shopping

3. Entrance fees for tourist places (if needed)

4. Additional sightseeing or service

Old Course Hotel St.Andrews The Scotsman Hotel Mar Hall Golf and Spa Resort

Cathedral House Hotel The Boathouse The Hawthorns

The Highlands of Scotland await you…. come discover a European paradise……Make Travel

Diaries your travel partner and extract the best from this lovely country…..

We are at your service 24*7:Address: C/O GG International School, S No. 174-77, Vallabhnagar, Pimpri Pune-411018Website---------------- Our Toll Free Number:--------------------------Email us at: isabc.ggis@gmail.com

Visit your nearest branch office for details......

“Kenya...God's resting place”Kenya, a country in East Africa offers a unique combination of exceptional game viewing and a vibrant mix of colourful ancient cultures with over 40 different tribes. The country is home to some of the best national parks and game reserves in Africa with diverse ecosystems, from snow-capped mountains, semi-arid desert regions and rainforests, to acacia-studded savannahs, flamingo lakes, white palm-fringed ocean beaches and coral reefs. Sitting astride the equator, Kenya enjoys a good year round climate and has a sophisticated infrastructure with a variety of excellent accommodation options in hotels, lodges, luxury camps, tree hotels and even private luxury mobile camps in prime wildlife locations. Kenya is also host to the annual wildebeest migration which only happens in East Africa. One of nature's most impressive displays of wildlife, the migration can be seen in the Mara-Serengeti where it is estimated that over two million animals migrate in a year-round pattern, following the rain and greener pastures.

The best wildlife viewing months in Kenya are during the dry season from late June to October. The wildebeest migration reaches the Masai Mara in July and remains until October when they move back to the Serengeti in Tanzania. Wildlife viewing is good year-round, but this can differ for some parks.

Kenya Itinerary

Package cost: Rs. 128817 per person*Kenya Special

Day 01:Arrival at Nairobi. On arrival proceed to Aberdares(D)Day 02: Proceed to Lake Nakuru. Visit Thomson Falls, Rhino Sanctuary (BLD)-coffee Day 03: Proceed to Masai Mara, visit Masai Mara Game reserve(BLDT)Day 04: Enjoy game drives and have closer encounter with the Big Five and the other animals(BLD)Day 05:Drive back to Nairobi. On arrival, enjoy city orientation tour(BLDT)-soft drinkDay 06: Departure from Nairobi(B)

*All prices are subject to change. Terms and Conditions Apply

WHAT YOUR TOUR PRICE INCLUDES: 1. Visa Expense and Taxes

5. Internal Transfers

2.Economy Class Flight Rates

6.Guide Payments*

3.Medical Insurance 7.Meals

4.Accomodation 8. Medical Assistance Equipment

* All guides are fluent in Swahili, English, French and Spanish.

WHAT YOUR TOUR PRICE DOESN’T INCLUDE:

** Contact us or visit your nearest branch office for details regarding Students ‘Special and Senior Citizen Special tours.

La Maison Royale Hotel Hillcourt Resort and Spa The Ark

1. Meals other than those specifically mentioned in

package

2. Shopping

3. Entrance fees for tourist places (if needed)

4. Additional sightseeing or service

Kenya and its rich fauna are waiting for you…..come explore nature and lose yourself in the beauty of East Africa with Travel Diaries……

We are at your service 24*7:Address: C/O GG International School, S No. 174-77, Vallabhnagar, Pimpri Pune-411018Website---------------- Our Toll Free Number: --------------------------Email us at: isabc.ggis@gmail.com

Visit your nearest branch office for details......

Maldives...soft white sands, a blue lagoonParadise awaits you... If your idea of paradise is a pristine tropical island with   swaying palm trees and pure white beaches surrounded by crystalline lagoons of   varying shades of blue – then the Maldives Islands will definitely fit the bill.Indeed, it is not without reason that the Maldives Islands has been described as ‘(the) flower of the Indies’ by Marco Polo and ‘one of the wonders of the world’ by Ibn Batuta.Maldives Islands is an archipelago comprising 1,190 low-lying coral islands scattered across the equator, in groups of 26 naturally occurring atolls which are divided into 20 for administrative purposes.

December - April: These months constitute summers in Maldives and is also the peak tourist season. Between December and April, the island boasts of dry weather. There will be little or no rain showers during this time, hence, making it ideal for tourists to travel.

Tour Price : Rs.1,04,517

DAY 1 : Arrive at Malé Internatioal Airport. -Relax on the beach or visit the turtle pools at the Marine Discovery Centre. -Start your evening with sundowners at Sunset Lounge, then savour a fine Indian meal at Baraabaru. DAY 2: Head to the PADI 5-Star IDC Centre to take a beginners’ scuba diving course or join a diving excursion. -Savour an authentic Italian lunch at the Reef Club. -Sail across the lagoon to the Island Spa for an all-natural, over-water treatment. -Embark on a sunset dolphin cruise surrounded by hundreds of spinner dolphins. -For dinner, schedule a private barbecue on the beach.

DAY 3 : Set out on a one-hour kayaking excursion as the sun rises over Kuda Huraa. -Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, ordered through In-Bungalow Dining, on your private deck. -Join the Surf School for a class in the lagoon or an excursion to nearby breaks. -Visit the Water Sports Centre to arrange paragliding, jet-skiing and wakeboarding. -Embark on a Shark Safari to snorkel with blacktip and whitetip reef sharks.

DAY 4 : Start the day with an optional sunrise dive. -Choose a morning two-tank dive to explore a vibrant thila and an overhang of soft corals, or enjoy waterskiing and windsurfing around the boat. -After lunch, join the pelagics on a channel dive, or embark on a guided snorkel with the resident marine biologist. -Review video highlights of the day with after-dinner drinks in the lounge.

DAY 5: Relax over a leisurely al fresco breakfast. -Embark on a snorkelling expedition with the marine biologist.Soak up some rays on the top sundeck, or visit a local village community.

DAY 6: Visit Baa Atoll UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. -Relax on the pristine white-sand beach, take your first dip in the 2-kilometre (1.2-mile) lagoon, or snorkel in the kaleidoscopic Coral Gardens. - Head for lemon-shark spotting near the lagoons -Take a manta ray safari (available June to December), or join a dive or snorkel excursion to explore the mesmerizing Baa Atoll UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.

DAY 7: Departure from Male ́ International Airport.

WHAT YOUR TOUR PRICE INCLUDES: 1. Visa Expense 6.Accomodation

2.Economic Class Flight 7.Trekking Gear

Rates

3. Internal Transfers 8.Guide Payments*4. Daily Surcharge 9.Meals as mentioned 5.Medical Insurance 10. Medical Assistance

Equipment* Guides are educated, fluent in English, Hindi, French and Dhivehi

WHAT YOUR TOUR PRICE DOESN’T INCLUDE:

1. Meals other than those specifically mentioned in package

2. Shopping

3. Service Tax 4. Entrance fees for tourist places( if needed)

5. Additional sightseeing or service

** Contact us or visit your nearest branch office for details regarding Students ‘Special and Senior Citizen Special tours.

o Mookai Hotelo Hotel Jen Malé,o Hotel Octave Maldives

The Pearls of the Sea are beckoning you to come and experience your best moments along the shores of Maldives..Grab this opportunity and make it the best with Travel Diaries…..

We are at your service 24*7:Address: C/O GG International School, S No. 174-77, Vallabhnagar, Pimpri Pune-411018Website---------------- Our Toll Free Number:--------------------------Email us at: isabc.ggis@gmail.com

Visit your nearest branch office for details......