Del to Bhutan 10 Day Tour

Day 1: Arrival Paro airport from Delhi. You will be received at the Paro airport by our company representative and drive to Thimphu ( 1hr. 30 minls drive): Thimphu sightseeing(depending on time availability): Visit the Memorial Stupa built in memory of the late third king of Bhutan, Buddha Point where one of the world`s largest ever statue of Lord Buddha is under construction and nearing completion. 15th century Changankha Monastery, Takins(national animal of Bhutan) zoo, Thimphu View Point and Zulukha Nunnery- a special monastery for female Buddhist monks. Later afternoon visit the Trashichho Dzong – the Bhutan Govt. quarters, Evening leisurely stroll Thimphu town. Afternoon program of specially organized Traditional Folk Music & Masked dances.

Day 2:Morning after breakfast, drive to Trongsa via the Punakha/Wangdi Valley: Today`s total drive is about 7 hrs/199 kms). The drive will take you via the Dochula Pass (3150 mtrs. altitude) and the Pelela Pass (about 3500 mtrs. altitude). From the Dochula Pass, a wide range of the east Himalayas are visible from the Pass on a clear sky. Also on the pass are the 108 Druk Wangyel Stupas and the Druk Wangyel Monastery built by one of the queen mothers of Bhutan. From the Pelela Pass, ranges of the black mountains are visible on a clear sky. En-route visit the Wangdi Dzong(built in 1638). Also on the way make a short stop at Nikka Chhu Chazam to see/buy local bamboo-made products and also en-route you will see the Chendebji Stupa built in Nepali style.

Day 3:Morning Trongsa sightseeing: visit the Trongsa Dzong built in 1648: Trongsa Dzong is the ancestral home of the Roya Family and both the first an second kings of Bhutan ruled Bhutan from this ancient seat. Even today by tradition, the crown prince held the position of Trongsa Penlop before ascending the throne. Later visit the Trongsa Tower Museum house in the ancient watch tower of Trongsa Dzong. The Museum structure was built in 1652 and served as the watch tower for centuries. The 300 yrs. old monument was renovated and converted as state of the art museum in 2008. The museum showcases the history of the monarchy and some of the priceless art facts of Bhutan. The museum has in display some of the must-see items like first Raven Crown of the first king of Bhutan, some sacred statues which is believed to have spoken in the past, Trongsa Penlop Jigme Namgyel(first king’s father)’s sword. Afternoon drive to Kingarabten(about 45 mins. drive south) to visit the winter palace of the late second king of Bhutan. The Palace was constructed in 1928. The locality en-route is rich in flora and fauna with beautiful landscapes of cliffs, greeneries and waterfall. Then drive to Bumthang (about 3 hrs. drive / 63 kms).

Day 4: Bumthang cultural sightseeing: Visit the 7th century Jambay Lhakhang Monastery. This monastery and the Kyichu Monastery in Paro are believed to have built in one day. Both the monasteries have the same design. Visit the Kurjey Monastery. The first temple on the right was built in 1652 which has the cave in which Guru Rimpochhe meditated in the 8th century. The second temple is built on the site a cave which has the body imprint of Guru Rimpochhe. The third temple has built by the Royal Grand Mother. The emples are surrounded by 108 stupas carved out of rocks. Later hike across the suspension bridge(about 30 mins. hike) on Chamkhar river and visit the Tamshing Monastery, built in 1501 by Terton Pema Lingpa, the great religious treasure discoverer. You can hike down the valley south from Tamshing another 45 mins. On the way you will come across the Bumthang airport under construction at Batpalathang and you will be picked by transport near the Cattle Farm. The airport MAYBE ready for operation next spring. Afternoon visit the ancient Jakar Dzong. Evening leisurely stroll Chamkhar town.

Day 5: Excursion drive to Ura Valley (about 2 hrs. drive / 48 km) via the Shelthang la Pass (about 3600 mtrs. altitude). In Ura visit the Ura Monastery and the Ura Middle Secondary School for an experience of education system in Bhutan.

Day 6: Morning drive to Gangtey/Phobjikha Valley (about 5 hrs. drive / 130 kms): Gangtey/Phobjikha is the winter habitat of the rare and endangered black-necked cranes which migrate from Tibet in China. In Gangtey visit the Gangtey Monastery and Crane sighting.

Day 7: Morning drive to Thimphu (about 4 hr. 30 mins. drive / 130 kms): En-route visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, built in 1637. Punakha is the old winter capital of Bhutan and still today the winter residence of the Central Monk Body. Also en-route take a hike to Chimi Lhakhang, a special monastery for women who cannot bear children. It is believed that a sterile women can do so after receiving blessings from the monastery. The hike trail will take you via village house and rice/wheat fields. Drive on to Thimphu and en-route if time permits, visit the Royal Botanical Park at Lamperi.

Day 8: More of Thimphu sightseeing: Visit the Handicraft Emporium which has a wide variety of hand-made products, Textile Museum which showcase Bhutan`s rich hand-made textiles, National Library which houses collection of religious books and manuscripts, Folk & Heritage Museum for an experience of Bhutan rural livelihood, Traditional Painting School where students are taught the traditional art of painting, carving, embroidery, sculpture etc. Evening drive to Paro( 1hr. 30 mins. drive / 63 kms). En-route visit the Simtokha Dzong, built in 1629 and is the oldest dzong in Bhutan.

Day 9: Hike to the Tiger`s Nest Monastery perched on a cliff 800 mtrs. above Paro valley: Afternoon visit the 7th century Kyichu Monastery, the National Museum(closed on sun & mon) which houses collection of art and art facts from all over Bhutan & the massive and ancient Paro Dzong built in 1645. Evening visit to a traditional Farm House and enjoy traditional salt/butter tea and local liquor.

Day 10: Departure from Paro airport to Delhi.

When to go: All year around	Tour Costs: Prices are for 2013 Based on 3 participants: 2155usd per person double occupancy Discounts available for groups of 6 or more. Discounts available for travel in Jan,Feb,June,July,Aug,Dec Minimum 3 Participants; Maximum 15 participants
Tour Cost Includes: Three meals in a day Accommodation in 3-4 star hotels (standard twin bedded room on sharing basis) Guided service Transportation Entrance fee to museums	Tour Cost Does Not Include: Airfares, Personal stuff such as Sleeping bag; Any activities described as optional or not indicated in the itinerary, Optional tips to local guides, drivers, and hotel/restaurant staff, Travel insurance, Bhutannese visa fees; Other expenses of a personal nature (liquor, laundry, and…);
Trip Payment Schedule At time of reservation: $300 60 days prior to departure: Balance *Upon receiving your deposit we will send you a confirmation letter, detailed trip itinerary, hotel confirmations for Chinese visa applications (if required), travel insurance application, and a pre-departure information booklet with clothing and equipment list, suggested reading list, and general information needed to prepare for your trip.	Cancellation Fees: Minimum fee: None 45 – 60 days prior to departure: 25% of tour cost 31 – 45 days prior to departure: 50% of tour cost 30 days or less: 100% of tour cost
Reserving Your journey Early reservations are recommended. Once you have submitted your reservation request, one of our travel consultants will contact you during our next business day to confirm your arrangements, and to charge the initial $300 per person deposit. If you prefer, you can email your request to us, or feel free to call us at 0086 28 85976082. Our office hours are Monday through Friday from 9:30AM to 5:00PM China Standard Time (GMT+8).	Single supplement Costs are based on double occupancy. If you wish to have a single room, you must pay the single supplement fee. If you are willing to share accommodations, we will match you with a roommate if one is available. If we cannot match you with a roommate, the “forced single supplement” is listed if applicable

Early reservation is recommended. Once you have submitted your reservation request, one of our travel consultants will contact you soon to confirm your arrangements, and to assist making the initial $300 per person deposit. You are welcome to call us at 0086 28 85976082, or just simply email us