BHUTAN

Classic Bhutan:
Paro to Bumthang Tour

TOUR DATE : JANUARY THROUGH APRIL &
SEPTEMBER THROUGH DECEMBER

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A Cultural Odyssey

Discover the fascinating traditional culture and majestic mountain scenery of Bhutan on this unforgettable cultural journey traversing the country overland. This little-visited country in the heart of the Himalaya, offers those few visitors fortunate enough to explore its timeless villages and picturesque valleys a travel experience like no other.

Other highlights of this journey include drives across high mountain passes, visits to museums and monasteries, and Bhutan’s awe-inspiring dzongs, citadels featuring beautifully painted wooden architecture, as you explore Western and Central Bhutan.

PRIVATE JOURNEY DATE:

January – April
September – December

2 TRAVELERS:

$12,665 Per Person
December – February

$14,545 Per Person
March – April &
September – November

GOV’T OF BHUTAN SDF:

$900 Per Person
($100 per person per day Sustainable Development Fee)

INTERNAL AIRFARE:

From $295 Per Person
(Bumthang to Paro)

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INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS

Land Price Includes:

All accommodations (hotels and lodges) as mentioned in the above itinerary based on double occupancy and inclusive of all taxes;
Priviary round transportation in Bhutan as described in the Transfers on arrival and departure;
All meals in Bhutan as noted in the itinerary;
All excursions, entrance fees, and visits as described in itinerary;
Bhutan Visa Fee (Nomadic Expeditions will obtain your Visa)
Extensive pre-departure notes, reading list, and travel tips;
Bilingual guide throughout your stay in Bhutan.

Land Price Does Not Include:

International airfare; internal airfare is quoted separately and is subject to change by airlines;
Govt. of Bhutan mandatory Tourism fees (listed above)
Gratuity to Local Guide and Driver
Comprehensive medical and trip insurance;
Excess baggage charges;
Photography and video fees;
Items of a personal nature, including alcoholic beverages, laundry and telephone calls;
Other items not specifically mentioned as included.

Itinerary

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Days 1-2

Arrival in Bhutan and Exploring Thimphu

Upon arrival in Paro, you’ll be met by your Nomadic Expeditions guide and transferred to your hotel in Thimphu. The next day, visit the Chorten Memorial, National Institute of Traditional Medicine, and the largest seated Buddha Dordenma. Explore the School of Arts and Crafts, Heritage Museum, or the nunnery at Drupthob Lhakhang, and see the Takin, Bhutan’s national animal, at Motithang Takin Preserve.

Day 3

Thimphu to Punakha via Dochula Pass

Drive up to Dochula Pass (3,050 m.) for panoramic Himalayan views. Hike to Chimi Lhakhang temple before descending into the fertile Punakha Valley. Visit the impressive Punakha Dzong, once the capital and now the winter seat of the Je Khenpo, Bhutan’s spiritual leader.

Days 4-5

Gangtey Valley and Black-Necked Cranes

Drive to Gangtey via Wangdiphodrang, visiting the ruins of Wangdi Dzong and a local village house. In Gangtey, learn about the revered black-necked cranes at the Crane Information Center. The next day, attend a tea ceremony with local lamas at Gangtey Goenpa Monastery, hike through the picturesque valley, and visit the Crane Center to view exhibits and a film about these rare birds.

Days 6-7

Bumthang: Bhutan’s Holiest Valley

Drive to Bumthang, stopping at Trongsa Dzong and Chumey Valley to observe traditional weaving. In Bumthang, follow the Bhutanese tradition of clockwise travel, visiting Kurjey Lhakhang, Padmasambhava Lhakhang, Tamshing Lhakhang, and Konchogsum Lhakhang temples. Explore a cheese and apple juice factory, the Burning Lake, and the town of Chamkhar.

DAYS 8-9

Return to Paro and Hike to Tiger’s Nest

Fly back to Paro and visit the ruins of Drukyul Dzong, built in 1647 to mark victory over invading Tibetan forces. The next day, embark on a pilgrimage hike to Taktsang Lhakhang, the extraordinary “Tiger’s Nest” monastery perched on a granite cliff 3,000 feet above Paro Valley. On the way back, visit Drukgyal Dzong.

Day 10

Departure from Bhutan

After breakfast, drive to Paro International Airport for your departure flight.

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Festivals of Bhutan

The most popular times to experience Bhutanese culture are during Spring and Fall, seasons in which there are vibrants festivals with historic significance.

Top 7 Experiences in Bhutan

In this country about the size of Switzerland is a place of mesmerizing peace and natural beauty. Here you will find otherworldly sights of sacred snow-capped peaks and deep valleys abundant with wildlife. You will find cultural marvels unlike anyplace else on Earth. Here you will experience wonders everywhere you go.