The Land of the Thunder Dragon

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Day 01 : Arrive at Paro Airport and then drive to the capital city Thimphu. Altitude: 2320m/ 7656ft above sea level. (1 hour 30 minutes drive)

The flight into the Himalayas reveals scenic and breathtaking views of Himalayan Mountains of the world. If weather permits you will be able to see Mt Everest (8848m, 29,198ft) and other Himalayan mountain ranges. After checking into the hotel later visit

Your representative from Raven Tours and Trek will greet you on arrival and drive you to the capital city, Thimphu.

Paper factory : The handmade paper making in Bhutan stemmed from the age old tradition originated in 8th century of Bhutanese history. The handmade paper constitutes as valuable National heritage of Bhutanese cultural identity and is preserved through all the ages. The Traditional paper is recognized and held high esteem both in home and outside world.

Mini zoo : Here you can see just one animal - Bhutan’s national animal- the Takin. This is an extremely rare member of the goat family. Found in herds in the very high altitudes (13,125ft and over). They live on a diet of grass and bamboo.

Sangaygang View Point : The view point is also the perfect place to take in some truly breathtaking views of the entire city of Thimpu and also later visit Kuenselcholing hilltop where the largest Buddha in the world is being built.

Tashichho Dzong : The names means - Means Fortress of Glorious Religion. It was built in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. It houses the secretariat building, the throne room and the office of the king, and the central monk body.

In the evening if you wish we can make arrangements under your request to take you to enjoy the recent trends of the younger Bhutanese, who spend their evenings in the discotheques, or in the entertaining hubs where there are live performances of Bhutanese songs and dances (traditional and modern) by the best Bhutanese bands. If you wish you can even test your singing talents in the bars that offer Karaoke. Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 02 : IN THIMPHU

Morning take a hike to Cheri and Tango Monastery(Includes Dodina and Jigme Dorji Wild life Sanctuary): (Hike about 35 minutes, to and fro, gentle steep, good footh path) leds to Cheri Goemba (Cheri Dorji Dhen). Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal built this monastery in 1620 and established the first monk body here. A chance to spot birds such as Mrs Gould's Sunbird, Yellow-browed Tit, Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, Long-billed Thrush, Ultramarine Flycatcher.

Later visit, Zorig Chusum Institute: The 13 arts and Crafts institute. The two main objectives of the institute are a) to preserve and promote the traditional arts and crafts and b) to create job opportunities for the underprivileged group of the society.

Textile museum : It was established with the aim of preserving and promoting Bhutanese textile arts.

Memorial Chorten : This particular chorten was constructed in 1974 as a memorial for the third King of the country, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who is widely regarded as the father of modern Bhutan.

Thangtong Dewachen(Nunnery): It was founded in 1976 by Rikey Jadrel, who is considered as emanation of Thangthong Gyalpo(1363 – 1485), the builder of numerous iron chain bridges across the Himalayas.

Later stroll around the city and we will be showing Bhutanese Traditional dance and music and later for dinner. Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 03 : THIMPHU TO PUNAKHA. Altitude: 1350m/4455ft above sea level. (3 drive)

Morning driving towards Punakha, we come across a pass known as Dochula (3140m, 10362ft) from where a beautiful panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range can be seen, especially in clear winter days. The beauty of this place is further enhanced by the Druk Wangyal Chortens- a 108 stupas built by the eldest Queen, Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck.

Later visit, Punakha Dzong (fortress): Built in 1637 by Zhabdrung which is remarkably located between the rivers of Mo (Female) Chu (river) and Pho (Male) Chu. Until the time of second king it served as a seat of the king.

Laterhike to Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of fertility): This Temple was built by lam Drukpa Kuenley (The Divine Madman) in 1499. It is about thirty minutes hike across fields from the road –Wooden phalluses are often found hanging in the four corners of the houses and also phalluses are painted on the walls of houses. It is the common belief that this helps in driving away evil spirits. Overnight in Punakha.

Day 04 : PUNAKHA TO PARO. Altitude: 2280m/ 7524ft above sea level (3 hours drive) Morning drive to Paro

Later visit, Ta Dzong: This means - watch tower, which it served as during the 17th century to guard the region from the Tibetan invasion. It was converted to the National Museum in 1968.

Kichu Lhakhang (Monastery): It is one of the two most sacred and the oldest temples in Bhutan. It was built in 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo.

Rimpung Dzong : Means fortress of the heap of jewels. It was built during the time of Zhabdrung (deeply revered to this day as dynamic political and spiritual leader) in 1644. It houses both administrative and monastic bodies. Overnight in Trongsa.

Day 05 : IN PARO

Morning hike to Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s nest): This is Bhutan’s most recognizable cultural icon perched 800m/2640ft up a seemingly sheer cliff. Although it was tragically and mysteriously consumed by fire in April 1998 it has now been restored to its former glory. It is believed that in the 8th century, the great tantric master Guru Rimopche/ Padmasambhava (2nd Buddha) flew on the back of a tigress to the site where the monastery now stands. Three hours hike(to and fro) . Complimentary horse ride for a client who needs it.

Visit Farmhouse : You will have an experience of eating Bhutanese cuisine, taking hot stone bath at a local farmhouse which gives a different variation, and a chance to see the inside of such a home, rather than just the brightly decorated exteriors.(Complimentary visit to the farm house, take hot stone bath and dinner or lunch in the farm house). Overnight in Paro.

Day 06 : IN PARO. (Day Excursion to Haa Valley)

Drive to Chele La (3750m), the highest motor able pass in the country and hike up along the meadow to Kung Karpo La (4100m). Weather permitting; we will enjoy the breathtaking views of the snowcapped mountains while walking above the tree line along the ridge that divides Paro and Ha valley. The short steep descent from the top will take us to the nunnery of Kila Gompa. Here the nuns, called anims, live a life of contemplation and seclusion, with daily prayer and spiritual practice. The temple itself is surrounded by numerous meditation huts, and many hidden caves lie inside the rocky cliffs. The gompa is surrounded by a lush forest dominated by tall firs. Sparkling mountain streams wind down the slopes, which are covered with a variety of wildflowers and plants. Later drive down to Haa Valley and then return to Paro. Overnight in Paro.

Day 07 : Depart from Paro.

Early breakfast at the hotel and then drive to Airport to board your flight. Your escort from Raven Tours and Treks will assist you with exit formalities and bid you farewell.

Trip & Services Ends Here

Price Includes :

• All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) and beverages.
• Accommodation in Tourist Standard Hotels (equivalent to 3 or 4 Star) approved by Tourism Council of Bhutan and Hotel Association of Bhutan.
• Experienced English Speaking Tour Guide licensed by Tourism Council of Bhutan.
• Private transport within Bhutan (Toyota coach/Tucson/Santafe/Land cruiser/Prado) as per itinerary.
• Museum & Monuments entrance fee.
• Mineral water.
• Airport assistance (Pick/Drop).
• Riding ponies and pack animals on treks.
• Cooks (professional) and staff (experienced) on treks.
• Tents (high quality from Nepal) and other equipments on treks.

Service not included are as follows :

• Visa fee USD 20 Per Person.
• Bank fee = USD25 only.
• Gratuities, bar bills, telephone bills, personal expenses, and laundry.

CHECKLIST

• Valid passport (valid for six months after your date of entry into Asia)
• One other picture ID, such as driver’s license (in case of emergency and for use as a substitute of passport or incase of loss of your passport) Photocopy of passport page to carry in wallet
• Air tickets (Make a copy of flight tickets which may be helpful, in case of loss)
• Visa Clearance (Make a copy of visa clearance which may be helpful, in case of emergencies)
• Master Cards are accepted in Bhutan and you can use it to withdraw the money form one of the ATM machine in Bhutan.
• Credit cards, visa debit cards, ATM cards are not accepted in Bhutan. Travelers cheques and some cash are highly recommended.
• Mobile (if your cell phone is from CINGULLAR USA or ATNT (USA) operators then your cell phone will work in Bhutan.)

WHAT TO TAKE DURING THE TOUR

• Jumper or pile jacket
• Summer clothes
• Hiking shorts (for men) or skirt
• Hiking/trekking boots
• Socks for hiking boots
• Sunscreen for lips and face
• Sunglasses
• Sneakers
• Long and short T- shirts or cotton shirts
• Sun Hats
• Walking Sticks
• Back pack
• Suitcase

DRESS CODE FOR VISITING FORTRESSES, MONASTERIES AND TEMPLES Shirt (either half or full sleeve)
Full pants/long skirts
Any type of shoes with socks
No Hats, No Umbrella, No Slippers, No t-shirts, No short skirt and No half-pants
Photographs allowed in the courtyard only.

APPROXIMATE TEMPERATURE
IN MAY: MAX: 30 DEGREE CELSIUS
MIN: 10 DEGREE CELSIUS

Private Departures

Did you know that we can also arrange private departures on the vast majority of our small group tours? So if you can’t find a date to suit you or if you want to have your very own adventure just with your friends or family then we can help you.

Private departures will follow the same itineraries as our usual group tours, but on a date to suit you, with no minimum numbers.

Customised Private Groups

For a group of 6 or more people we can organise a customised private group tour where we design the itinerary and activities especially for you, according to your requirements.

To enquire about booking a private departure of this tour or about organising your own private group tour, please fill in the form below and our Private Tours Team will be in touch shortly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Any special eatable item I should try in Bhutan Trip ?

Bhutanese Non-Vegetarian Dishes.

Bhutan vegetarian dishes.

How do I get a visa for Bhutan?

What can I do with free time in Bhutan ?

What is the standard of hotels in Bhutan ?

What is the climate like in Bhutan ?

Should I get my Bhutanese visa in advance or at the airport ?

Do I need to take walking Poles ?