Overview
The Geography of Bhutan is the tiny Kingdom of Bhutan lies hidden in the folds of the eastern Himalayas sandwiched between the two giant countries of India in the south and China in the north. With a total area of 38,398 sq kilometers, approximately the size of Switzerland, Bhutan is a mountainous country except for a small flat strip in the southern foothills is known as the last Shangri-La of Himalaya. In the north, we border with Tibet, the autonomous region under China, the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, and in the south with the Indian states of Assam and West Bengal. Sacred mask dances and folk dances are performed by the Central Monastic Body, as well as the public of a particular district.
Highlights
- Have a glimpse of the highlights in Thimphu, Paro and Punakha
- Hike to Taktsang Monastery to admire painting-like sceneries
- Learn about local people's daily life by talking to them
- Relax yourself via a traditional hot stone bath
- Drink traditional red rice beer with unique local taste
- Dress in traditional National Attire to take a photo
- Culture dance show with dinner
- Try local archery, which is not only Bhutan's national sports, but also art
Itinerary
Upon arriving to Paro International Airport, our representative will receive you and then head to Thimphu, the Capital city straight. After hotel check in is complete, Visit the Textile Museum, Folk Heritage Museum, and the Memorial Chorten on the first day, Lunch will be at one of the Restaurant which serves Bhutanese authentic food.
Right after breakfast continue exploring Thimphu city, on the second day including the School for Traditional Arts and Crafts, the Craft Bazar, Changangkha Lhakhang, Takin Preserve (Zoo), (Motithang), the Buddha Dordenma site, and the Tashicho Dzong.
Start early after breakfast and head off to the beautiful Dochula pass at 10,000 feet, around 1 hour away from Thimphu. The pass is a popular location among tourists as it offers a stunning 360 degree panoramic view of Himalayan mountain range. The view is especially scenic on clear, winter days with snowcapped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the tranquility of the 108 chortens gracing the mountain pass.
From Dochula pass, en route to Punakha hike and visit the temple dedicated to the Divine Mad Monk – Drukpa Kuenley. The hike takes about an hour and about 40 minutes return to the car road, drive straight to visit Wangdi Dzong and Bajo town. Drive to Punakha for night stay at hotel which is about 3 mins drive from Wangdi.
After morning breakfast, the day begins with a short hike through rice fields, chilies and cabbage, to the Khamsum Yuley Namgyal Chorten, a monument dedicated to the King of Bhutan. The next stop will be Punakha Suspension Bridge, one of the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan. It is almost 250 m long suspension bridge across the Phochu river.
After lunch, visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong built on the confluence of the Po and Mo (male and female) rivers. This fortress is winter residence of the central monastic body. Then visit a farmhouse and meet with the farmer and family, Night stay at Hotel in Punakha.
Start early after breakfast, retrace the journey back to Paro and reach by lunch time with few stops en route. After lunch, visit the Ta Dzong, a 17th century monument, which now houses the National Museum with an excellent collection of Bhutanese antiques. It served as a watch tower during the Tibetan invasion and played a strategic role in Bhutan’s successful defenses. Next, visit the Paro Dzong: the dzong is currently the administrative center for the District of Paro.
After that take an evening stroll along the main street of Paro town filled with handicrafts shops and modern cafes and other shops, or take refreshments at a local café or bar. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
After breakfast, drive to Satsam Chorten to start the pilgrimage/Hike to Takstang – The Tiger’s Nest. This serene monastery clings to a steep granite cliff about 700 meters above the valley floor. Being one of the most revered Buddhist sites, thousands of pilgrims travel here each year from all over the World. Lunch can be served at the cafeteria on the way, from where one can get a most spectacular view of the monastery on the opposite cliff. It takes about 2 and half hours to get there and about 2 hours to return down.
Evening free time, rest after the hike at Hotel
After breakfast in the hotel, then drive to the airport for flight to onward destination.
Cost
The Cost Includes
- A fifty percent discount shall be granted on the prevailing SDF of USD 200/ for US Dollar paying tourists visiting Bhutan, The above incentives will come into effect from 1 September 2023 and shall remain effective for four years till 31 August 2027. This sustainable development fee goes towards free education, free healthcare, poverty alleviation, along with the building of infrastructure.
- 2% Government Tax per Person per Night.
- All Meals.
- Daily Mineral Water.
- English Language Speaking Guide.
- Comfortable and Luxurious Imported Cars for Internal Transportation with Skilled Driver.
- The Government set package rates is valid for accommodation on twin sharing basis.
- A minimum of 3 star accommodation (4 & 5 star may require an additional premium)
The Cost Excludes
- Airfare international & Domestic.
- Travel Insurance.
- Personal shopping.
- Alcohol.
- Laundry.
- Tips for Guide & Driver.
- Entrance fees for Museums.
FAQs
Annapurna Base Camp is a Grade B or a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will too, you can.
On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.
The highest altitude reached is 4190m. This is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is the highest we will climb in this trek.
Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay a certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, a hot water facility could be free at a lower elevation.
No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.
Yes. The Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. The Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.
Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during the offseason.
It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.
For the Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.
