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Dragon Kingdom
 
| 8 Days in Length | | Starting at: $2,580.00 CAD land only | | Just $322.50 per day. |
CODE: PHDK Bhutan is perhaps the most mysterious and diversed of all the Himalayan kingdoms, where for centuries a traditional Buddhist culture has thrived in isolation from the rest of the world. It is a land of contrast - with lush forested valleys, fortified monasteries, sacred mountains, art and architecture unique to the region. Our journey begins in Paro and we head out into the countryside to visit the beautiful Punakha, Bumthang and Gangtey Valleys. Here we explore the rural lifestyle and architecture of Bhutan before heading to Thimphu. We have two days to explore the capital before returning to Paro where, on one of the highlights of our tour, we visit Taktsang (the Tiger's Nest) - a small monastery clinging to a rocky cliff 900 metres above the valley floor. 
| Countries Visited: | | | Itinerary: | Day 1 Paro (2280m) Upon arrival in Paro we are met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. Our airport representative will assist us through immigration and arrange our transfer to our hotel. After we settle in, there is a briefing given by our tour leader sometime late in the afternoon, whereby our upcoming program is discussed and any last-minute arrangements co-ordinated. The evening is free and dinner is included at our hotel.
Day 2 Punaka (1250m) (Driving time: approx 4:30 hours - 143km)In the morning we visit the Ta Dzong Museum and Drukgyel Dzong (Victorious Fortress), located 18 kilometres from the city. This marks a pot where Bhutanese forces once overcame Tibetan invaders. On clear days we can view the peak of Mount Chomolhari (7314m). We then commence a leisurely drive east to Punakha the ancient capital of Bhutan through small villages and Dochula Pass (3150m). The drive winds it way through small villages, which are mainly apple orchards and farm holdings, surrounded by pine, magnolia and oak forests. During spring time it is very beautiful, due to the adundance of wild flowers. From Dochula Pass on clear days, we can see Mount Gangkhar Punsum (7541m) - the highest mountain in the country. The scenic Punakha Valley is drained by the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu (meaning 'Male' and 'Female' Rivers) and has a temperate climate good for farming. We visit Punakha Dzong, the administrative and religious centre and also the winter retreat of His Holiness the Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot of Bhutan. This six-storey high monastery is one of the largest dzongs (fortress complex) of Bhutan. Construction began in 1637, although sections of it have been restored after a recent fire. The dzong boasts intricately carved woodwork, prayer halls and beautiful religious paintings on walls and doorways. This dzong is the resting place of the Shabdrung - the former temporal head of Bhutan. (If due to time constraints we do not visit the dzong today, we will visit it tomorrow morning.)
Day 3 Bumtang Jakar (2580m) (Driving time: approx 7:30 hours - 210km)We start early today and drive four and a half hours, crossing the Pele La Pass (3300m) to Tongsa (2120m), en route to visiting the Wangdi Phodrang Dzong and a large market square filled with small shops and restaurants. We stop for lunch at Tongsa, which is an ancient and current trading centre for merchants coming from India in the south as well as other traders from the east and west of the country. There are always the truck loads of produce being delivered or picked up in this busy town. The Tongsa Dzong dominates the centre like a 'giant dragon' resting on the ridge. Our journey continues for a further two and a half hours to Bumthang, over Yuto La (3400m) and Kiki La (2900m). The route traverses highland pastures, full of yaks, near the passes with rolling hills and forests of pine and oak trees. The scenic drive takes us through the fertile Chumney Valley, which is famous for its yak wool fabric known as 'yatha', and we also stop to see some of the intricate handicrafts that are available in places where vendors lay out their colorful fabrics for sale. Produced by the local women, no two pieces of 'yatha' are the same. Our journey ends at the town of Jakar with its quaint village houses, local village market, traditional paper outlet, wood workshop and Swiss dairy outlet, which produces some excellent Bhutanese apple brandy and cheese. Check out for an option to enjoy a traditional herbal 'stone bath'. We overnight in the town.
Day 4 Gangtey (2830m) (Driving time: approx 5:30 hours - 145km)In the morning we visit the Jambey Lhakhang, Kurje Lhakhang and the Chorten for King Jigme Dorji. It takes around five and a half hours to drive to Phobjika Valley. This picturesque village is also the winter home (end October to early March) of the rare and endangered black-necked crane that come to winter here from the highlands of Tibet. In the afternoon we stretch our legs and enjoy an easy village walk in the hope that we may be able to observe these shy and protected birds. The walk also give us an insight into the rural lifestyle of Bhutan and we visit a farmer's home, which is a typical traditional wooden house surrounded by fields growing potato, buckwheat and rye. Above the valley we can also see yaks grazing from the highland pastures and black-face langur monkeys are frequently seen playing in the surrounding trees.
Day 5 Thimphu (2736m) (Driving time: approx 5 hours - 133km)After breakfast we further explore this beautiful farming valley and visit the Gangtey Gompa, with its gilded rooftop and active school full of novice monks. In the late morning we drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. This sprawling place occupies both sides of the Thimphu Valley, bisected in the middle by the Thimphu Chu River. In the afternoon we visit the King Jigme Dorji Memorial Chorten and take an orientation walk along the main street.
Day 6 Thimphu (2736m) After breakfast we view Tashicho Dzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion), the administrative and religious centre of Bhutan located on the right bank of Thimphu Chhu. The original building dates back to 1216, whilst the present dzong was built by Shabdrung Nawang Namgyal in 1641. We then drive to the Memorial Chorten, built in 1974 in memory of King Jigmi Dorjee Wangchuk. Other sights in the capital include the Painting School, an institution where children receive formal education in the art of traditional painting, sculpture and woodcarving. We may also visit Drubthob Gompa Nunnery, which houses about 40 nuns and also provides shelter for aging women and orphaned girls. Thimphu has an excellent range of handicrafts, most notably woven cloth, wooden masks, thangkas, silverware, jewellery and bamboo craft that come from all parts of Bhutan.
Day 7 Tiger's Nest Monastery - Paro (2280m) (Driving time: approx 2 hours - 65km)We begin with an early morning drive from Thimphu for an excursion to the legendary Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) - a small monastery, clinging on a rock cliff 900 metres above the valley floor. A few years ago the monastery was seriously damaged by fire but has since been rebuilt, although tourists are not permitted to enter the interior of the monastery. Legend has it that the Great Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhawa) flew here from Tibet on the back of a tigress to subdue the demons of Paro Valley. During our stay in Paro we also visit Drukgyal Dzong, a famous 17th Century fortress that repelled many Tibetan invasions. Time permitting, we may also visit Ta Dzong, a circular fortress built in the mid 17th century and now converted into the National Museum that houses an excellent collection of Bhutanese antiquities.
Day 8 Paro (2280m) After breakfast we are transferred to the airport for our flight out, bringing to an end to this exciting journey exploring the highlights of Bhutan. (Please note that your departure flight is not included as part of the trip and must be booked separately.)
| | Group Size: | N/A
| | Type of Accommodation: | Hotels
| | Comments: | Highlights:
8-day Cultural Tour Paro Thimphu Taktsang Monastery - The Tigers Nest
Grade:
Cultural adventure - With a focus on local cultures and historic sites, these trips are not physically demanding and have the perfect mix of discovery, exploration, comfort and relaxation. Some trips include a little walking or a night or two 'roughing it' - check the itinerary for details.
Included:
Peregrine tour leader, local guides, airport transfers, visa for Bhutan, transport, meals, sightseeing and entrance fees.
Not Included:
International flights, airport departure taxes, insurance, additional snacks and drinks, any optional tours and activities during free time, camera fees, excess baggage charges, tips (allow US$5 per day) and items of a personal nature.
Other:
This Peregrine trip starts and finishes in Paro. Depending on flight schedules you may be able to fly into and out of Paro from either Bangkok, Kathmandu or Delhi. Please consult Pergrine or your agent for full details.
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$2,785.00 CAD Land Only
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