 Also known as Druk Yul (land of the Thunder Dragon) is an ancient country whose historical origins date back to the 7th Century A.D. prior to the advent of modernization, just about three decades ago, little was known of Bhutan beyond its borders. It remained a forbidden land for centuries, due to inaccessibility and remoteness. Tales of its mysterious realms rarely reached the outside world.
Although now open to tourism, the Bhutanese people still jealously guard their age-old life style and culture. Combined with the beauty of the country’s natural environment, a visit to this fabled kingdom becomes a truly uplifting experience. It is a destination for the discerning traveler, of whom only a limited number are admitted every year.
Geography
Situated between two giant neighbors, China and India, this miniscule Kingdom straddles a territory of 46, 000 sq. kms. And offers one of the world’s most panoramic mountainscapes. The country has three distinct climatic zones, sub tropical, temperature, and alpine-arctic. In the South and South-Eastern regions, the country consists of relatively low and well forested mountains with high incidence of rainfall from the annual monsoons that originate in the Bay of Bengal. The temperature central region of Bhutan ranges in altitudes from 1600 meters of 2600 meters and is the location of the principal valleys and the largest settlements. The northern region of Bhutan rises to the rolling wild Yak pastures and to the glacial watersheds of the Himalayan ranges whose peaks tower to magnificent heights of over 7000 meters above sea level.
Altitudes of Various Places in meter
Place Altitude
Paro 2250
Thimpu 2350
Punakha 1350
Bumthang 2740
Monggar 760
Tashigang 1150
Culture – Religion
Bhutan comprises, perhaps, the largest fertile portion of the globe where a highly medieval type culture still exists in almost undisturbed integration with nature. In Bhutan, social and religious customs and dress as well as architectural design and construction still remain in forms evolved centuries ago.
Fortresses and Monasteries
The dzongs or (fortresses) dominate the landscape as well as the secular and religious life of the people along the entire length and breadth of the country. The system of dzongs was introduced into Bhutan from Tibet around 1153 A.D. They are massive structure originally built as defensive fortresses. These buildings gradually came to combine within themselves the functions of administrative center and monastery. There are about 36 dzongs in the country scattered through almost every principal valley and settlement.
Cultural Tour
A cultural tour offers a rare opportunity for travelers to encounter at close hand the exotic world of a people who have lived for centuries in the fastness of their mountain Kingdom undisturbed by the upheavals and chaos of a fast modernizing world beyond their borders.
Bhutan is a country of festivals. At various time of the year, dance festivals known as Tshechus are held annually in different districts. The most popular festivals are held in Paro in the spring, Thimpu and Bumthang in the autumn. The Tshechus are celebrated for three to five days with both monks and laymen taking part in the dances.
Cultural tours in Bhutan will include pick up and see of at entry points and exit points, lodging and food in the best Hotels and luxury transport to all cultural places with experienced guides who speak English.
TRAVEL INFORMATION:
Entering Bhutan
The most convenient mode of traveling to Bhutan is by Air. Druk Air operates it’s flights from Katmandu to Paro twice a week.
Visa Formalities
Visa clearance is required for Bhutan. The formalities for obtaining Visa is taken care by Travel Net for clients. Passport details should be sent to us at least one month in advance. The Visa fee of US$ 20/- per person is payable at the time of arrival.
Accommodation
Standard hotel accommodations are available in the towns. During peak seasons, there can be a rush for Hotel accommodation. Sufficient advance notice to us for hotel reservation is advisable.
Best Seasons
March, April, May, June during the first part of the year and September, October and November during the latter half of the year are the best seasons to travel in Bhutan.
Climate and Clothing
The climate in the Central region of Bhutan where most places of touristic interest are located is pleasant through the year except during late autumn and winter when temperature can be quite low. Light woolen wear would be suitable for summer. Warm clothing is needed in winter .
ITIN 01 : 4 days journey to Bhutan ( DRUK YUL) – fly in mon/fly out thu :
DAY 01: FLY KATHMANDU – PARO KB 107.
Upon arrival process Bhutan visa paying US$ 20/- per person. Meet, assist and transfer to Hotel.
The flight into the Himalayas reveals breathtaking views of the great peaks, taking you right into the Dragon Kingdom’s cloud scraping airstrip at Paro (Altitude 7000 ft.). Your Bhutanese escort will great you on arrival and drive you through beautiful Paro valley to the hotel. Situated on a breezy, pine scented hillside.
After refreshment take a stroll around the little town at Paro.
DAY 02: PARO - THIMPU
After breakfast a 2-hours drive through the Paro and Thimpu valley to the Capital of Bhutan ( Altitude 7500ft.) . Enroute visit the Simikotha Dzong, the oldest fortress of its kind which once guarded the Thimpu valley, built by Shabdrung Nhawang Namgyel in 16627. It is now religious University.
Drive to hotel. For lunch, then visit the National Library, which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts, the school of Thangkha painting and the traditional medicine institute, where centuries old healing arts still practiced.
Visit the Memorial Chorten to His Late majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wanchuck and take a 15 minutes drive to Decheachholing, to witness the gold and silver smiths at work. Then, the Tashichhodzong ("Fortress of the Glorious religion"0, built in 1641 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel and reconstructed in 1961, using traditional methods, without the use of any nails or plans on paper, under the Late King Jigme Dorje Wangchuck, regarded as the Father of Modern Bhutan.
DAY 03: THIMPU – PARO
Visit the open market, where you can mingle in the gustle and bustle of the crowds of shoppers and villagers. Then visit the Handicrafts Emporium for a little souvenir shopping.
Lunch at the hotel, and the afternoon can be spent at leisure to peep into the shops of Thimphu town.
Evening drive back to Paro. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 04: PARO – KATMANDU
Early breakfast at the hotel and then drive to the airport to board the flight. Your Bhutanese escort will assist you with exit formalities and bid you farewell.
ITIN 02 : 7 Nights/ 8 Days Bhutan Cultural Tour ( Fly in / out Mon or Thu
DAY 01: FLY KATHMANDU – PARO KB 108.
Upon arrival process Bhutan visa paying US $ cash 20 /- per person. Meet, assist and transfer to hotel.
The flight into the Himalayas reveals breathtaking views of the great peaks, taking you right into the Dragon Kingdom’s cloud scraping airstrip at Paro ( Altitude 7000 ft.). Your Bhutanese escort will great you on arrival and drive you through beautiful Paro valley to the hotel. Situated on a breezy. Pine scented hillside.
After refreshment take a stroll around the little town at Paro.
Dinner and overnight at hotel.
DAY 02: PARO SIGHTSEEING
A drive to the ruins of Drugyel Dzong (18 Kms up Paro valley ). Built in 1647 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders. On a clear day, the 7314m white-domed peak of sacred Mt. Chomolhari (Mountain of Goddess ) looms overhead. Then visit the Taa Dzong – The national museum, housed in an ancient watch-tower. This museum has fine collection of ancient thankas paintings, textiles, weapons and other art effects.
Evening at leisure
Meals and overnight at the hotel.
DAY 03: PARO – DAY EXCURSION TO TAKTSANG
Early morning drive to Satsam Chorten and take a 2 hours hike to Taksang 9800m above the valley floor till the viewpoint of the Monastery. A light refreshment/Lunch will be served at the cafeteria Taksang Jakhant. Then walk back Satsam Chorten and drive to hotel.
Evening at leisure.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
DAY 04: PARO – THIMPHU (68kms)
After breakfast a 2 hours drive through the Paro and Thimpu valleys to the capital of Bhutan – Thimpu. Drive to hotel. After lunch, visit the Memorial visit the Handicrafts Emporium.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
DAY 05: THIMPU – PUNAKHA/WANGDI ( 101 Kms)
The drive to Punakha takes you through Dochula pass, 3100m, - site of one of Bhutan’s most enchanting views. On a clear day the whole range of the Himalayas stretching from east to west can be viewed. The journey continues through.
Varying scenes of greenery to Punakha. View the Punakha. View the Punakha Dzong from outside. This Dzong (fort) is set on the junction of the two refer Phochu (male river) on the right and Mochu (female river) with their waters merging right in front at present, this Dzong serves as the winter residence for the Jo Khenpo, the chief Abbot of the central monk Body.
From Punakha, we rejoin the east – west highway at Lobeysa and continue eastwards at the Lodge.
DAY 06: WANGDI – THIMPU
Drive back to Thimpu. Sightseeing in Thimpu includes – visit to the painting school of Buddhist Arts’ the national Library, which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts, and the indigenous hospital, where centuries old healing arts are still practiced. Then, visit the handicrafts emporium Meals and overnight hotel.
DAY 07: THIMPU – PARO
A leisure drive to Paro. Meals and overnight at the hotel
DAY 08: PARO – KTM
Early breakfast at the hotel and drive to the airport to board KB 107 to Kathmandu or KB flight to Delhi. |
