Adventure Outdoor

Discover Bhutan

Trip facts

Duration:10 Days
Trek Duration:9 Days
TOUR
Trip Code:252
Grade:Easy: Very little or no physical activity is involved.
Activity: Tour
Destination:Bhutan
Max. Altitude:3250
Season:April-Nov
Trip Start From:Kathmandu
Trip Ends at:Kathmandu

Trip overview

Bhutan remained isolated from the rest of the world and no tourism existed until 1974, thus preserving the rich natural environment and lively Buddhist culture that draws visitors in by the thousands. Today, Bhutan has become one of the most exotic destinations for many international travelers with its incredibly unique and treasured tradition, culture, religion and natural environment which Bhutanese people still strive to preserve in the face of modernity. This Himalayan Kingdom calls itself Druk Yul, Land of the Thunder Dragon, and carefully guards the traditions of its past. Bhutan is a travelers’ paradise and an environmentalist’s dream. Here 72 percent of the country is covered by the forest. Bhutan’s pristine ecology is home to rare and endangered flora and fauna. Bhutan is a unique blend of the old and the new. Those fortunate enough to visit Bhutan describe it as a unique, deeply spiritual and mystical experience, an adventure like no other.h

utan remained isolated from the rest of the world and no tourism existed until 1974, thus preserving the rich natural environment and lively Buddhist culture that draws visitors in by the thousands. Today, Bhutan has become one of the most exotic destinations for many international travelers with its incredibly unique and treasured tradition, culture, religion and natural environment which Bhutanese people still strive to preserve in the face of modernity. This Himalayan Kingdom calls itself Druk Yul, Land of the Thunder Dragon, and carefully guards the traditions of its past. Bhutan is a travelers’ paradise and an environmentalist’s dream. Here 72 percent of the country is covered by the forest. Bhutan’s pristine ecology is home to rare and endangered flora and fauna. Bhutan is a unique blend of the old and the new. Those fortunate enough to visit Bhutan describe it as a unique, deeply spiritual and mystical experience, an adventure like no other.

Price Includes

All ground transportations
2 Nights hotel accommodations in Kathmandu and two nights in Pokhara
Lodges during the trek
3 meals a day while on trek
A guide & required number of porter(s).
National park fee.
Trekking gear
Insurance for Nepali staff Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop by private car.
Annapurna circuit trekking map.
Food, drinks, accommodation, insurance, salary, equipments, transportation, local tax for Guide and porter
Group medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
All necessary paper works and national park entry permits
TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System)

Price Excludes

All personal expenses
Bar beverages, bottled water,
Travel medical insurance
Alternative transportation (in case of road blockade),
Emergency evacuation by helicopter
Meals while in Kathmandu allow US$ 10 - US$ 15 per day.
International airfare and airport departure tax
Nepal entry visa
Personal shopping and laundry etc
Personal trekking Equipments
Tips for trekking staff and driver

Day By Day Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu

Get here and be picked up by one of the best tour guides the country has to offer. We’ll take you to your hotel, and discuss your plans.

Day 02 :Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley

After some rest, full day sightseeing at Kathmandu with Adventure Outdoor Excursion team (Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath, Swayambhu, and Kathmandu durbar square). Overnight at hotel, inclusive of breakfast. At eventide, you will be briefed about your trip.

Day 03: PARO AND A GLIMPSE OF THE DRAGON’S PAST

The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular of all mountains flights. Visit the Ta Dzong, rated as one of the finest natural museums in South Asia, filled with antique Thangka paintings, textiles, weapons and armor. Also, see the Ripung Dzong(fortress), built in 1645 to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders and currently used as an administration center and school for monks. Drive to Drukgyal Dzong, now in ruins, built in 1646 by Shabdrung to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders led by the Mongolian War Lord, Gushri Khan.

Day 04: INTO THE BELLY OF THE DRAGON

Drive to the famed Takstang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) where Guru Rimpoche is believed to have flown on the back of a tigress in the 8^th century and meditated for three months. Also visit Kyinchu temple- one of the 108 temples built in the 7^th century by Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo, perched on the side of the cliff at a height of 900m above Paro valley. Of these 108 temples, 12 were built in accordance to precise plans.

Day 05: THIMPU!

A drive into the capital of Bhutan, the tantalizing Thimpu. Walk around the National Memorial Chorten built in 1974 in honor of the late King. Indulge your whims and wander the streets. Visit Changong Kha temple, the temple of Chenrizig or compassionate Buddha. Drive to the Takin Zoo, which houses the national animal- the Takin- that is found only in Bhutan. Tour Tashichhodzong which dates back to the 13^th century and houses His Majesty’s Throne Room and the home to the Monk Body. See the sun set on Thimpu from the heights of the BBS Tower.

Day 06: OLD MANUSCRIPTS AND THE ANCIENT MOUNTAINS

Visit the National Library, a treasure trove of priceless Buddhist manuscripts. Visit and see the Traditional Painting School of Arts & Crafts where children are taught the centuries-old crafts of their ancestors, and the National Folk Heritage Museum to get an insight into the typical Bhutanese way of life. A drive to Punakha(70 km) via the Dochula pass (3140m), an hour away from Thimpu, allows for a superb view of the Eastern Himalayas on a clear day.

DAY 07: A BIT OF NATURE

Drive to Gangtey Gompa, which overlooks the large green expanse of Phobjikha Valley, a glacial valley on the western slopes of the black mountain ranges. The valley is an important wildlife centre in Bhutan and is the feeding ground of the endangered blacked necked cranes that fly here from the Tibetan plateau during the winter.

Day 08: DAY BACK TO PARO

Enjoy the roadside scenery on the drive back to Paro. Spend the evening at your own pace – shop for souvenirs or sample the local food. Take in the sights and sounds, or rest at the hotel.

Day 09: KATHMANDU

Spend the day wandering about Thamel, a major shopping and party venue, which boasts a lot of restaurants and bars along with many other tourist amenities. The famous Patan Durbar Square is another favorite attraction for those with an appetite for culture. Take your pick among several destinations to visit. Remember, every phase of the tour can be customized as per your need or desire.