Day-01
Arrive Paro and drive to Thimphu (55 kms/approx 1 ½ hrs)
Your luxury tour of Bhutan, begins with an arrival at Paro airport (Bhutan’s
only International Airport), where you will be met by our Representative for
your transfer Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu. On arrival in Thimphu check in
at the Amankora Lodge. The Amankora Lodge in Thimphu, is raised up in a
blue-pine forest of the Motithang area, sitting close to the capital’s
intriguing sights and traditional shops.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Day-02 In Thimphu
Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a sightseeing tour of Thimphu, visiting
the National Library housing an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist
manuscripts, the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting
School) which conducts training courses in Bhutan’s traditional arts
and crafts, Textile and Folk Heritage Museum. After lunch, visit
Trashichhoedzong, “fortress of the glorious religion”, the centre
of Bhutan’s government and religion, King's Memorial Chorten and the
government-run Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts shops, to browse
through example of Bhutan's fine traditional arts.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Day-03 Drive Thimphu - Gangtey (150 kms/approx 04 hrs)
An early breakfast followed by a drive to Dochula pass (3,088m/ 10,130 ft)
and on to the Phobjikha Valley passing through dense forests and oak,
rhododendron tress, reaching Gangtey (Phobjikha).
On arrival in Gangtey check in at the Amankora Lodge, Gangtey. The Amankora
Lodge Gangtey, is set in the remote wilderness of the Phobjikha valley,
offering magical views across the bird-strewn gorge and to the empowering
Gangtey Goemba, a 16th century monastery.
Later walk around Gangtey village and visit Gangtey Gompa, the only
Nyingmapa monastery in this region.
Overnight in Gangtey.
Day-04 Drive Gangtey - Punakha (75 kms/approx 3 hrs)
After an early breakfast, short nature walk around the valley followed by
drive to Punakha via Wangduephodrang. En-route visit Wangdue Dzong which is
perched on a spur at the confluence of two rivers.
On arrival in Punakha check in at the Amankora Lodge. The Amankora Lodge in
Punakha, is set in sparkling verdancy east of the Dochu La Pass and just
north of the resplendent Punakha Dzong.
Overnight in Punakha.
Day-05 In Punakha
Breakfast at the hotel followed by hike up through fields of chilies,
cabbages and rice along the banks of the Mo Chhu to the upper end of the
valley and the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a stunning monument recently
built by the Queens and consecrated in 1999.
On the way back visit impressive Punakha Dzong, built at the junction of
two rivers, this was the capital of Bhutan till about 50 years ago, and
still serving as the winter headquarters of the Buddhist monks. Following
lunch take a quick drive to the village of Talo for a walk in the beautiful
and quiet grounds of the village temple and visit the home village of the
Kingdom’s four Queens.
Afternoon at leisure or explore around.
Overnight in Punakha.
Day-06 Drive Punakha – Paro (125 kms/approx 04hrs)
Drive back to Paro descending back down from Dochu La, follow the way back
up the dramatic Wang Chhu and Paro Chhu river valleys, before crossing
through Paro Town towards the north end of the valley.
On arrival in Paro check in at the Amankora Lodge. The Amankora lodge in
Paro, is nestled among glistening conifers, and is a 24-suite pine forest
retreat.
Later visit Ta Dzong, with it’s fascinating collection of arts,
paintings, exquisite postage stamps, coins and handicrafts. Also visit the
Rinpung Dzong, known as ‘fortress of the heap of jewels’.
Overnight in Paro.
Day-07 In Paro
Breakfast at the hotel, followed by an excursion to the Taktsang Monastery.
Perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor, according
to the legend, Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress, and
meditated at this place, hence the monastery is also called ‘Tiger’s
Nest’.
After lunch drive to Drukgyel Dzong. This dzong, with a picturesque village
nestling below its ramparts, was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal
to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders. Also visit the Kyichu
Lhakhang, built in 7th century, it is one of the two oldest and most sacred
shrines in Bhutan.
Overnight in Paro.
Day-08 Depart Paro
Your tour of Bhutan comes to an end with a transfer to Paro airport, intime
to connect your flight home.
Valid from 01st June to 31st December’2011
Tour Cost : Usd 7164 per person
Valid from 01st January to 31st August’2012
Tour Cost : Usd 7500 per person
Inclusions:-
1. Accommodation on twin sharing Full Board Basis as follows:-
01-03 Day Thimphu Amankora (Suite)
03-04 Day Gangtey Amankora (Suite)
04-06 Day Punakha Amankora (Suite)
06-08 Day Paro Amankora (Suite)
2. Arrival-departure transfers and land transportation using a non aircon
Hyundai Tucson as per itinerary.
3. Sightseeing tours alongwith an English Speaking Guide and including
entrance fee to monuments in Bhutan exactly as per the itinerary.
4. Government Royalty & taxes, Tourism Development fee and Bhutan Visa
fee is also included.
