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8 nights 9 days Dragon Tours

Bhutan Tours 970
TOT: 8 nights 9 days Dragon Tours
Tour Type: Private Tour: Flexible Travel Date & Travel Routes
Guide & Driver: Chinese-English-speaking guide & air-conditioned
Highlights:
  • Discover Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Phobjikha, and Bumthang
  • Be motivated with wonderful opportunity to explore urban and rural Bhutan
  • Visit the Dzongs, religious communities, Thangka painting schools, and handiwork centers
  • Relax yourself via a traditional hot stone bath
  • Drink traditional red rice beer with unique local taste
Itinerary
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Day 1  Arrive Paro & Paro-Thimphu

 (Distance: 54 km, estimated driving time: 1 hr)

Fly into Paro by DrukAir / Bhutan Airline After completing your immigration formalities, you will be received by our representative who will  guide you throughout your tour.

Then drive to Thimphu,On arrival at Thimphu check into your hotel and after refreshment visit the following:

Kuensel Phodrang and visit tallest  buddha point statue and enjoy the full view of Thimphu Valley below.

National Memorial Chorten, chorten literally means ' seat of faith' and Buddhists often call such monuments the 'Mind of Buddha'. Meet the elderly local in circumambulation at the National Memorial Chorten.

Takin Preserve, which houses the national animal the Takin that is only found in Bhutan. 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. It can weigh as much as 550 pounds.

Tashichhoe Dzong, a fortress of the glorious religion. It was built in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel and was reconstructed into present structure by the late King, His majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the year 1962-1969. It houses the secretariat building, the throne room and the office of the king, and the central monk body.

Craft BazaarA one stop place to witness Bhutanese culture and buy Bhutan made art and craft product. The Bazaar in its 80 stalls covers all aspects of the traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. At this Bazaar craftsmen and artisans from across the country display and sell their handicrafts. And also visit other handicraft stores. 

Accommodation: Overnight in Thimphu

Day 2  Thimphu sightseeing

After breakfast visit following place :

Institute for Zorig Chusum Commonly known as Arts & Crafts School or Painting School, the Institute offers a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts ofBhutan. On a visit, one can see students learning the various skills taught at the school.

Coronation Park Located on the banks of the river (near the city stadium), this 5.6 acres of parkland offer a pleasant and relaxing environment to stroll or to sit and watch the river flow by.

The Folk Heritage Museum (Phelchey Toenkhyim)It is dedicated to connect people to the Bhutanese rural past through exhibits, demonstrations, educational programmes and documentation of rural life. The principal exhibit in the museum is a restored three storey traditional rammed mud and timber house, which dates back to the mid 19th century. The design and form of house is that of an average household in the Wang area during that era. The age of structure demonstrates the durability and performance of the building materials. From ground to top floor, household objects, typical domestic tools and equipments that would have been used by a family during that period are put on display. The museum is also developing some of the native trees and plants that were used for various domestic purposes in the rural households.

Changangkha Lhakhang It is a fortress like temple and monastic school perched on a ridge above Thimphu, south of Motithang. The temple was established in 12th century on a site chosen by Lama Phajo Drugom Shigpo, who came from Tibet. The central statue here is Chenrezig in a manifestation with 11 heads. From temple courtyard, there is fascinating view of Thimphu valley. 

Weekend Market Every Saturday and Sunday most of Thimphu's scant population and many valley dwellers congregate on the banks of the river where weekend market is held. It is an interesting place to visit and provides opportunity to mingle with the local people.

Accommodation: Over night at Thimphu

Day 3  Drive to Gangtey / Phobjikha Valley

Approx 6 hrs drive 

After breakfast, drive up to Dochu-la pass (3,088m/ 10,130 ft) 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 (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m), Jejegangphugang (7,158 m ), Kangphugang (7,170 m ), Zongphugang (7, 060 m ), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana - finally Gangkar puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m. At Dochula Pass, 108 chortens or stupas known as Druk Wangyal Chortens have been built by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk, the eldest Queen Mother. These chortens are built in three layers, the first lowest level layer has forty five chortens, the second has thirty six and the top layer has twenty seven, built around the main chorten.After lunch Then drive further en route visiting Rinchengang Village, a small clustered village in Wangduephodrang, on a hill opposite to where Wangduephodrang Dzong was built before. It is about 20 minutes hike uphill from the nearest road.

After lunch, drive onto Gangtey,  passing through dense forests of oak and rhododendron tress. The valley of Gangtey, is one of the most beautiful and unspoiled places in Bhutan. The surprise of finding such a wide, flat valley without any trees after the hard climb through dense forests is augmented by an impression of vast space, and is an extremely rare experience in Bhutan where most of the valleys are tightly enclosed. A few kilometers beyond the Gangtey Monastery, on the valley floor lies the fascinating valley of Phobjikha. Latter visit Gangtey GoempaPerched on a small hill that rises from the valley floor, the Gangtey Monastery is the only Nyingmapa monastery on the western side of the Black Mountain’sGangtey valley, Bhutan and also the biggest Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan. The Monastery is surrounded by a large village inhabited mainly by the families of the 140 Gomchens who take care of the Monastery. Gangtey was founded by Pema Trinley, the grand son of Pema Lingpa, the famous Nyingmapa saint of Bhutan. In 1613, Pema Trinley establish the monastery and became the first Gangtey Tulku. The religious traditions of Pema Lingpa still taught there. The second Tulku, Tenzin Legpa Dondrup (1645 to 1726), enhanced the size of Gangtey while keeping up good relations with Drukpas, and rebuilt the monastery in the form of a Dzong. 

Black Necked Crane Information Centre Situated on the edge of the forest and wetland along the main road of Phobjikha valley, the black-necked crane information Centre has an observation room equipped with high power telescope and spotting scopes for catching the best view of the cranes. The centre also offers display information that outline the natural and cultural history of the area. There is a small gift shop, which sells handicrafts produced by the local people.

Accommodation: Overnight stay at gangtey / phobjikha valley

Day 4  Drive to Punakha

Approx  3 hrs  drive 

After breakfast drive to Punakha and hotel check in . After lunch Latter visit Chimi lakhang.

The Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who in the late 15th century used humour, songs and outrageous behavior to dramatise his teachings and due to this also known as "Divine Madman". This temple is also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon. It is about 30 minute walk across field from the road to the temple. The trail leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, meaning "field". It then follows a tiny stream downhill to Yoaka and across more fields before making a short climb to Chimi Lhakhang. Evening walk around Punakha small town

Accommodation: Over night stay at Punakha

Day 5  Punakha short Hike &  Local sightseeing

Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten Hike

A beautiful hike takes one to the regal Khamsum Yuelley Namgel Chorten, which was built to remove negative forces and promote peace, stability and harmony in the changing world. The Chorten dominates the upper Punakha Valley with commanding views across the Mo Chhu and up towards the mountainous peaks of Gasa and beyond. 

After lunch visit following place

Punakha Dzong Built strategically atThimphu town the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in 1637, by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative centre of the region, Punakha Dzong has played an important role in Bhutan's history. Damaged by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has been fully restored by the present King. The Dzong is open for visitors during Punakha festival and in summer months when the monk body moves to Thimphu.

Limbukha Drive towards limbukha village later walk across the suspension bridge (about 200m long) through absolutely fresh breeze and fascinating view of Dzong. Follow the farm houses gradually climbing towards Dompala hills. The view of Dzong, Pho Chhu, Mo Chhu rivers and surrounding village is superb amidst chirpine forests. The climb is another two and a half hours to Limbukha. Limbukha farmers grow Bhutan's famous red rice which is supposed to have medicinal values. This particular rice needs clean mountain spring so that the taste is good and nutritional value maintained. Limbukha is also known for its love of peace and tranquility. Legends says that during medieval wars the "limpus" or the people of Limbukha always volunteered as peace negotiators. This is also depicted during yearly festival called 'Serda' when the men are found carrying peace flags instead of swords and fireworks

Accommodation: Over night stay at Punakha

Day 6  Drive to Paro

Approx 4 hrs drive

After breakfast drive to paro and hotel check in. After lunch visit following place.

Rinpung Dzong Built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal , the first  National Museum Parospiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan, the Dzong houses the monastic body of Paro, the office of the Dzongda (district administrative head) and Thrimpon (judge) of Paro district. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge called Nemi Zam. A walk through the bridge, over a stone inlaid path, offers a good view of the architectural wonder of the Dzong as well as life around it. It is also the venue of Paro Tshechu, held once a year in the spring. 

Ta Dzong One time watch tower built to defend Rinpung Dozng during inter-valley wars of the 17th century, since 1967 Ta Dzong is serving as the National Museum of the country. It holds fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings and Bhutan's exquisite postage stamps. The museum circular shape augments its varied collection displayed over several floors. Evening leisure walk around paro town .

Accommodation: Over night stay at Paro

Day 7  Hike to Most amazing tiger nest monastery

Approx 4 hrs Hike

Taktshang Lhakhang (Tiger's Nest) It is one of the most famous of Bhutan's monasteries,  Tiger's nest located on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called "Tiger's Nest". This site has been recognized as a most sacred place and visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April, 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendor. Lunch will be served in tiger nest cafe Latter walk down to road point and  visit.

Farm House (traditional village house) The beauty of Paro valley is embellished by cluster of quaint farm houses. Bhutanese farm houses are very colorful, decorative and traditionally built without the use of single nail. All houses follow the same architectural pattern. A visit to Farm House is very interesting and offers a good glimpse into the lifestyle of a farmer.

Accommodation: Over night stay at Paro 

Day 8  Day Excursion to Chelela Pass & Short hike

After breakfast we will leave for Kila Gompa  hike (total time around 3.5 hours). First drive about 45 minutes from Paro to Chele La pass at about 3800 metres where you will have a splendid view of the Himalaya range, weather permitting.  From the road you can walk up the incline around 1.5 hours towards the highest point at 4500 metres for an even better view of the mountains, including Mount Jomolhari and other further peaks such as Kanchenjunga.  Walk down the hill through rhododendron and hemlock forest towards Kila Gompa, a nunnery inhabited by about 30 nuns, and then on past to another temple called Gorina Lhakhang where there is a small monk residence (the descent will be another 1.5 hours in total).  From here you can return to the car, which takes around 30 minutes.Evening drive back to Paro .

Accommodation: Over night at Paro

Day 9  Departure

In the morning after breakfast your tour guide from our company will escort you to the Paro airport for your flight to your onward destinations.

Accommodation:

Price Includes.
    *  All Meals [Breakfast /Lunch/Dinner]
    *  Accommodation in 3 star hotel under twin/ dbl bed sharing basis
    *  All transportation within the country including airport transfers
    *  Gov. Royalty
    *  Entrance fees for Museums and Monuments
    *  Visa Fee
    *  English speaking Local guide
    *  Sightseeing
Price Excludes.
    * Airfare
    * Single room supplement fees
    * Insurance Premiums
    * Payments for service provided on a personal basis
    * Cost for any services not mentioned in the "Cost Include head"
    * Cost incurred due to mishaps, strikes, political unrest etc.
    * Personal expense in items such as laundry, soft drinks, Camera Charges, Bottle water, Incidentals, Portage, Bellboy charges tips or any other services
Booking Information

1.The above routes accept Chinese people(people from mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan) and foreign visitors to attend the group booking, foreign guests and Taiwan tourists to Tibet, please contact us to apply for Tibet Permit!

2.Due to Covid-19, there has international travel restrictions for Tibet travel, so we can not guarantee travelers in one group are all English speakers. Our professional tour guide will provide Chinese-English service if there has English speakers in the join-in group. Therefore, we will not make any reimbursement for tour guide language reason.

3.June, July, August, September is peak season. Joining our group can guarantee the ticket of Potala Palace. The Potala Palace may be adjusted to the other days because of the current limitation of 2,300 visitors per day to protect the historic site.

4.Without affecting the original standards and scenic spots, we might change the sequences of scenic spots according to the actual situation on the day of the trip.

5.Patients with severe hypertension, asthma or heart disease should not join the group. Patients with colds should only go to Tibet after recovery.

6.Due to force majeure factors in case of landslides, mud-rock flow, avalanche, flood, earthquake and other natural phenomena influence or airline flight delay, cancel to causes such as the increase of expenses or unable to follow a normal schedule, we shall not bear the liability for compensation according to the tourism related regulations, but we will actively coordinate processing, in order to ensure a smooth trip.

7.Any failure to complete the activities during the tour due to the guests' own reasons or early departure will be considered as a waiver and the fee will not be refunded.

8.Tibet is a borderland area inhabited by ethnic minorities with limited tourist reception conditions. We hope that visitors can have reasonable expectations, respect the cultural beliefs and living habits of ethnic minorities and live in harmony with each other.

9.If there is a single room due to gender reasons, we will arrange a triple room (or double standard room with and extra bed) or fill the single room difference by the guest.

10.The shops in scenic spots do not belong to the travel agency's shopping shop arrangement. Please consider carefully.

11.Self-paid items are considered according to the time and the proportion of the approved members on the day, and no mandatory consumption is made.

Warm Tips

1.Travelers with severe high blood pressure or heart disease should not go to Tibet. Please do not bring serious colds into Tibet. Don’t go before the serious colds recovered!

2.Tibet is located in the plateau and most of the travelers might have plateau reaction. Please pay attention to rest and have proper diet (do not eat too full, because it will increase the burden of the stomach). Travelers can be appropriate to take some drugs, such as: Gaoyuan An, Rhodiola, Nuodi Kang; travelers with serious can appropriately take oxygen or hanging saline.

3.Because of the long drive in Tibet, travelers will spend a lot of time in the car, and inevitably can not eat on time, please bring some snacks and biscuits during drive.

4.Due to the special conditions in Tibet, please pay attention to keep warm. On the first day of arrival, please do not try to take a bath. Taking a bath will accelerate blood circulation and increase the body's demand for oxygen.

5.Tibet has a strong sunshine, especially dry climate, sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm and other essential are necessary.

6.From April to November is the best time for sightseeing.

Bhutan Tours FAQ
  • What is the voltage in Bhutan?
    The voltage is 220/240 volts, using round-hole two-phase or three-phase sockets. If you take an appliance, please prepare the appropriate conversion plug. Conversion plugs can be bought in Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, electronics store, but may not be available except Thimphu. Tourists are suggested to prepare a conversion plug before traveling to Bhutan, especially those who like photography should prepare it in advance.
  • What’s the Catering like in Bhutan?
    Traditional Bhutanese food is hot and spicy. However, for tourists, they will provide us with Chinese, Indian food and ect. Those who are adventurous and thrill seekers can try the local cuisine, Bhutan's hot local dishes; Emma Datshi is made with pepper and local cheese. In hotels, buffet is always provided.
  • What clothes should I take?
    1. Clothes: Be sure to bring warm clothes and jackets. Ladies are advised not to wear short skirts for climbing stairs when visiting temples.
    2. Shoes: You'd better to wear casual shoes or cloth shoes, ladies should avoid wearing high heels. It is best to wear hiking shoes.
    3. Daily items: This trip is relatively dry, please bring lotion care, sunglasses, hats, sunshade and rain gear, water pot, flashlight; please also take some snacks (because sometimes you can not eat on time).
  • How many land ports are there in Bhutan?
    There are two land ports in Bhutan. One is Phuntsholing in the southwest, and the other is Samdrup Jongkhar in the southeast.
  • Why is it recommended to fly to Bhutan instead of overland?
    If economic conditions allows, it is recommended to fly into Bhutan instead of overland. Not only for saving energy and time, the most important thing is that the great shore of Himalayas can be seen on the plane. Taking off from Kathmandu or Delhi, make sure you take the seat on the left side of the window, then you will see Mt. Everest, Gancheng Zhangjia and other snow mountains over 8000 meters. If flying from Bangkok, you need to seat the right window.
  • How do I travel to Bhutan via Delhi?
    1) From China to Delhi:Air China direct flights from Beijing to Delhi every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. The return trip is every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday.
    Air India direct flights from Shanghai to Delhi back and forth every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.
    China Eastern direct flights from Shanghai to Delhi every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday. The return trip is every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.
    China Southern direct flights from Guangzhou to Delhi every day.
    2) From Delhi to Bhutan:
    There are flights from Delhi to Paro Airport every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday. There are flights from Bhutan to Delhi every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday ( You can browse and learn more on website: www.drukair.com.bt ).
    Advantage: The ticket price is moderate. You can enjoy the view of snow mountain scenery all the way, starting from Annapurna to Gancheng Zhangjia, which covering over 8,000 meters snow hills along the Himalayas.
    Disadvantages: Flight connections from Beijing or Shanghai to Delhi, and from Delhi to Paro must be carefully scheduled. It is not easy to get Indian visa.
    *** Please remember to print out all flight itineraries when transfer via Delhi, because the departure airport of Delhi Airport can only be accessed by the ticket on that day.
  • What is the best time to travel in Bhutan?
    In Bhutan, August is the monsoon season, and heavy rain can break down the road and is not suitable for travel. Although the rainy season is from June to July, the weather will be intermittent with sunny days. Winter, January and February, is relatively cold (you can refer to the weather in Lijiang in winter), but there are few tourists and you can still consider traveling.
    The best time to travel in Bhutan is from March to May. When spring comes, the peach and alpine azaleas are in full bloom. When September to November, especially October to November, autumn comes, high sky and light clouds with shinning sun anywhere. Please kindly avoid traveling in National holiday, as there are too many tourists and lots of pressure on air tickets and hotels. If the holidays are flexibl
  • Are there any festivals in Bhutan?
    Each year, there are many Buddhist festivals in Bhutan. Most are all Tibetan festivals (usually in February, March, September, October and November of the Tibetan calendar). If you are interested in participating, you’d better to check the holiday with the travel agency in advance. The most important festival is Parochai, usually in early April. There are also festivals in Punakha and Thimphu, usually in early October. In this way, the peak seasons for tourism in Bhutan are in early April and early October . If you plan to travel during these two periods, you must make arrangements in advance.
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