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ACROSS BHUTAN SAFARI 15 DAYS More 13 photos

ACROSS BHUTAN SAFARI 15 DAYS

Activity type: Wildlife expedition
Activity level: Easy/ Moderate
Availability:

10 Mar 2020 - 24 Mar 2020

Duration: 15 Day(s) / Tour with flexible start dates
Price: from $3800 / Negotiable

Full description

The ‘Journey Across Bhutan’ cultural tour is ideal for those who want to discover true Bhutan. This ultimate tour explores the cultural valleys of the west, spiritual central Bhutan & the rugged east.

Explore Bhutan’s central valleys, rich with ancient historical and sacred Buddhist sites.

Journey to the rugged, remote and seldom visited Eastern Districts.

Discover some of the most sacred Buddhist monasteries and temples in the Himalaya.

Visit ancient palaces and museums featuring historical memorabilia of Bhutan’s Royal Family.

Experience Bhutan’s unique culture up-close with farmhouse visits and village excursions.

Drive over high mountain passes affording sensational views of the Himalayan peaks.

Visit many cultural attractions including medieval fortresses (Dzongs), markets and museums.

Hike up to the famous Taktsang Monastery, perched on a cliff 900m above the valley floor.

Marvel at the elaborate and ancient wall paintings and carvings in Dzongs and temples.

Traverse beautiful landscapes from lush valleys to dense forests.

Incorporate a Value-Added Option such as a cooking lesson or meditation session with a monk.

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Price includes

  • Bhutan Tourist Tariff Royalty & Visa fees.
  • All private excursions and transfers in superior air-conditioned vehicle.
  • Local English speaking guide/tour leader.
  • Experienced driver.
  • Accommodation in carefully selected, highest standard government approved hotels & guesthouses.
  • All meals in Bhutan.
  • All entrance fees and permits.

Not included in price

  • All personal expenses such as bars,
  • beverages, laundry, telephone and tips.
  • Medical / Travel Insurance.
  • International Flight Tickets
  • other Misc expenses apart from package cost

Guide

Truly Bhutan

 Truly Bhutan 

41 years, Bhutan

Guide

8250

Mountaineering, Hiking, Rock Climbing
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Vacations are a good time to do a bit of soul searching. With the everyday pressures of life and work, everyone needs to relax a bit with a trip once in a while. And it would be greatly helpful for an individual if he can relax both his body and soul through a single vacation. When you travel to Bhutan, you can expect to have an inspiring vacation that will relax both your body and soul.

The first thing that will catch your eye when you travel to Bhutan is its difference from the other countries. Where other countries measure their growth with the GDP, Bhutan measures its growth by an index called the Gross National Happiness. This is some kind of measure to denote the harmony of a society. What this essentially means is that more than the monetary benefits of the country, Bhutan is more interested in the individual well-being of its citizens. Because of this and the pristine environment of the country, it is called ‘The Last Shangri-La’.

Being the only Buddhist country in the world, more than anything else, you will be able to see a multitude of monasteries when you travel to Bhutan. Monks are present everywhere and greet with you a smile anywhere you go. Being close to the Himalayas on one side, it was a natural meditating place for the Buddhist monks. A most notable Buddhist monastery present here is the Taktsang Monastery; it is an important place of worship for the Buddhists and is also the most visited place when people travel to Bhutan.

The architecture of the country is also widely influenced by Buddhism. There are structures called Dzongs, which served as fortresses in the past. Even today, when you travel to Bhutan, you will be able to see these architectural wonders, built without plans, cement, or nails, as they serve as administrative centers for the districts they belong to.

Bhutan is an eco-friendly nation known for maintaining the environment in the most pristine way. There are quite a number of national parks present in the country that serve as a natural habitat for the wildlife present here. Jigme Dorji National Park is one of the most famous of the lot visited mainly by tourists who travel to Bhutan. Wildlife sanctuaries are visited as often as the national parks when people travel to Bhutan. The most popular among the numerous sanctuaries to visit on a Bhutan vacation is the Bomdeling wildlife sanctuary.

One of the best activities to be involved in when you travel to Bhutan is trekking. Bhutan is home to some of the best trekking trails in the world. Jhomolhari Trek and the Snowman treks are the two most popular treks taken by tourists

Being a culture-rich country, it is important to visit some of the cultural centers of the country when you travel to Bhutan. Of these, Bumthang is one of the most ancient and culture-soaked places in the country. Gasa is another city where you will be able to see traces of the ancient culture of the country still prevalent. If you’re lucky enough, you will be able to spot some blue sheep here as well.

As the world is evolving, so is Bhutan. You will be able to see tunic-wearing monks as well as the modern-day jean-clad office goer in the same place. A perfect place where the ancient and modern co-exist, travel to Bhutan vacations can refresh you in powerful and meaningful ways.

Truly Bhutan is an award-winning tour operator in Bhutan. The company offers tailor-made tour itineraries, hotel bookings, and flight ticketing. Truly Bhutan focuses on providing bespoke services to each customer with a personal touch. It also specializes in Bhutan's culture, heritage, and natural beauty.

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Location

Bhutan, Samdrup Jongkhar, Samdrup Jongkhar

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Day 01

Arrival- Paro
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world, with a constantly changing panorama of some of the highest mountains on earth. Our Bhutan Travel Bureau representative will meet you at Paro airport exit doors following customs formalities.

After lunch enjoys afternoon sightseeing around Paro, including a visit to the Ta Dzong Museum housing many religious relics, works of art and handicrafts offering a great orientation into Bhutan’s historical, cultural, and religious past. Next, visit the Rimpong Dzong to see the painting of the great saint Milarepa. Dzong’s are large monasteries and district administrative centers, which were once strategic forts. Before dinner at the hotel, there will be an orientation on Bhutanese etiquette by your guide. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.

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Day 02

Hike To Tiger's Nest Temple- Paro
After breakfast hike to Taktsang Temple.
The walk of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours uphill takes you almost a kilometer above the Paro valley floor (for those who cannot hike we will arrange a horse for transfer up to cafeteria). The view of Taktsang Monastery built on a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley floor is a spectacular sight. The Monastery is an important pilgrim site for Buddhists. The great Guru Rimpoche is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. Afterward drive to the ruins of the 17th Century Drukgyel Dzong, and 7th Century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples constructed by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo.

Overnight at your hotel in Paro.

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Day 03

Haa Valley Excursion
Enjoy a day trip to the Haa Valley, one of the most picturesque districts in Bhutan. Reached via the beautiful Chelila Pass (3900m), Haa Valley is characterized by its surrounding rugged and mountainous terrain and unique architecture. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.

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Day 04

Paro – Thimphu
Drive to the capital, Thimphu (1.5 hours). Once a rustic village sitting in a broad river valley, Thimphu is today the nation’s capital. Enjoy a full day of sightseeing, including a visit to the National Memorial Chorten, completed by the Royal Queen Mother as a memorial stupa for the Third King. Continue on to 12th-century Changangkha Temple and the Zilukha Nunnery. If your visit coincides with the weekend, you can walk through the Thimphu Market.

Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.

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Day 05

Thimphu Vicinity Visits
Continue sightseeing in Thimphu. Visit the School for Arts and Crafts, The National Library housing the collection of Bhutanese scriptures dating back to the 8th century, the Traditional Paper Factory and a fascinating replica of a medieval farmhouse at the Folk Heritage Museum. If there is time, you may visit the nursing pen for the Takin, the national animal of Bhutan, and Tashichhodzong, ‘the fortress of the glorious religion’ housing some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body. Other options for the day include a hike to Tango and Cheri Monasteries (45 mins), two of the most ancient monasteries in the Thimphu region.

Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.

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Day 06

Thimphu-Punakha
Drive over the Dochu-La pass (3,100 meters), which on a clear day offers an incredible view of Himalayan peaks before descending into the Punakha valley (3 hrs). In the Dochu-La area, there are vast Rhododendron forests that grow to tree size and bloom in late April/early May covering the mountains in a riot of glorious spring color.

Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan. On arrival, visit Punakha Dzong, built-in 1637 by the Shabdrung, the ‘Unifier of Bhutan’. The three-story main temple of the Punakha Dzong is a breathtaking example of traditional architecture with four intricately embossed entrance pillars crafted from cypress and decorated in gold and silver. After lunch, enjoy a walk to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of Drukpa Kuenly. He inherited the Divine Madman title since he revolted against the orthodox Buddhism in his time.

Overnight at your hotel in Punakha/ Wangdue.

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Day 07

Punakha-Phobjkha Valley
Transfer to Phobjikha Valley (3 hrs) via the bustling market town of Wangduephodrang. Drive-up a winding mountain road through oak and rhododendron forests, and over a high pass down into the picturesque Phobjikha Valley. Phobjikha is one of Bhutan’s few glacial valleys and chosen winter home of black-necked cranes (November – March) migrating from the Tibetan plateau. After lunch visit the Phobjikha Sanctuary to view the majestic black necked cranes (Nov-Mar only) and Gangtey Gompa (Monastery), dating back to the 16th century.

Overnight at your hotel in Phobjikha.

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Day 08

Phobjikha-Trongsa
Depart over the Pele La pass (3,420m) on the Black Mountain range towards Trongsa. Enroute visit the beautiful 18th-century Chendebji Chorten. Trongsa is the ancestral home of Bhutan’s ruling dynasty. Visit Trongsa Dzong, the largest Dzong in Bhutan and the Ta Dzong museum housing a collection of historical artifacts of the Royal Family.
Overnight at your hotel in Trongsa.

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Day 09

Trongsa-Bumthang
After breakfast proceeds towards Bumthang (2.5 hrs), the spiritual heart of the kingdom. Bumthang is home to some of Bhutan’s oldest Palaces, Buddhist temples, and monasteries. On arrival, visit Jakar Dzong (Dzong of the White Bird) and 16th-century Tamshing Lhakhang containing ancient Buddhist wall paintings. After lunch visit Kurje Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places in the kingdom and 7th Century Jambay Lhakhang.

Overnight at your lodge in Jakar, Bumthang

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Day 10

Touring Bumthang Valley
Enjoy a day exploring some of the many sites around Bumthang, including the 16th century Tang Ugyen Chholing Palace museum containing an overview of traditional rural life in Bhutan and the pool of Mebartso (The Lake of Fire) where Pemalingpa (founder of the Nyingmapa sect) is said to have found treasure hidden by Guru Rinpoche.

Overnight at your lodge in Jakar, Bumthang.

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Day 11

Bumthang-Mongar
The journey to Mongar takes about 6 hours with spectacular views en route. Drive through Ura village before climbing sharply to the highest point on Bhutan’s road network, Thrumsing-La Pass (4,000m). From here, the road gradually passes through picturesque alpine valleys, pine forests, maize fields and hamlets to reach Mongar town. Visit Mongar Dzong, built in the 1930s using the traditional process without either plans or the use of nails.

Overnight at your lodge in Mongar.

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Day 12

Mongar-Tashigang
Drive to Trashigang (3 hrs) through leafy forests filled with ferns and over Kori-La Pass (2,450m) before descending through cornfields and banana groves to reach the famous road zigzag just below Yadi. Trashigang is the main township of the largest district in the country. After lunch visit Trashigang Dzong.

Overnight at your lodge in Trashigang.

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Day 13

Excursion To Tashiyangtse
Visit the temple of Gom Kora and Doksum Village where you can see women busily weaving traditional Bhutanese fabric before reaching Tashiyangtse, the administrative center for this district. The area is famous for its unique wooden crafts. Visit the Tashiyangtse Dzong, and the dazzling white stupa of Chorten Kora and the nearby Institute for Zorig Chusum, where student are trained in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts.

Overnight at your lodge in Trashigang.

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Day 14

Tashigang-Samdrup Jongkhar
After breakfast drive to Samdrup Jongkhar, the gateway to eastern Bhutan and to Assam, India. It is about 9 hours drive from Trashigang with many beautiful villages and landscapes on the way.

Overnight at your hotel in Samdrup Jongkhar.

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Day 15

Samdrup Jongkhar-Guwahati
After breakfast, your guide will arrange an Indian vehicle your transfer to Guwahati, the capital town of the Indian north-eastern state of Assam, for your onward flight.
Tashi Delek.

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Truly Bhutan

41 Years,Bhutan

  • 8250
  • Guide

Posted on September 16, 2019

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ACROSS BHUTAN SAFARI 15 DAYS

Dates: 09 Sep 2019 to 16 Sep 2019

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Last update: Truly Bhutan (25 Mar 2020)

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