travel to Bhutan

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Information before coming to Bhutan

Peak Season Rates:
For The Months Of January, February, March, April, May, June, September, October, November and December.
US$200 per person per day for 3 or more in a group
US$230 per person per day for 2 in a group
US$240 per day for a single individual

Off Season Rates:
For The Months Of June, July and August.
US$165 per person per day for 3 or more in a group
US$195 per person per day for 2 in a group
US$205 per day for a single individual

These rates include government mandated surcharge of US$40 per day for one person and US$30 per day per person for a group of two.

You get a lot more for your money in Bhutan!

Does not include airfare on Druk-Air:

Here’s what’s Included!

• All ground transportation and horses
• All lodging, hotels, camping equipment
• All Meals, & cooks for camping
• Fluent and knowledgeable English speaking guide

The above prices include all hotel accommodations, food, ground transportation, an English speaking guide, trekking equipment, tents, a cook, and pack animals, and sleeping bags if necessary. Our guests are hosted in Class A or B hotels (the best!) which are approved by Department of Tourism.

*The rates quoted above are set by the Royal Government of Bhutan. Any other rates seen advertised is illegal. Many tour operators think they have to “undercut” prices that the government has set in order to compete. This inevitably leads to poor customer service as tour operators herd as many guests as they can in large groups, and put their guests in sub-standard hotels to cut expenses and hire unqualified guides to haul you around.

Accommodations:
The costs of all accommodations are included in tour costs. In the major towns of Thimphu, Paro, and Phuentsholing, comfortable hotels are available for the visitor. In smaller towns, modest, but adequate, hotels, lodges and guest houses are readily available. We will ensure that the best available accommodations are arranged for you. The Department of Tourism (formerly known as Tourism Authority of Bhutan: TAB) regulates hotel standards and all travel regulations in Bhutan.

Food and Drink:
Traditional Bhutanese food is hot and spicy. For our visitors, however, Chinese, Indian, and Continental fares are served. The more adventurous can try the local delicacies like the tasty and fiery the national dish of Bhutan, Emma Datshi which is made with chilies and Local Bhutanese cheese. Meals are normally served buffet style in the hotels. On trekking tours a trained cook will accompany your group to provide simple but nutritious dishes. All meals while you trek or visit in Bhutan are also included in the daily tour cost. Other services include trekking arrangements. Your only extra expenses will be, liquor, laundry, souvenirs and tips if you choose.

Ground Transport:
Again, all ground transportation is already included in your daily tariff. We use only clean, comfortable and well maintained cars, vans and coaches to transport our guests. Our experienced drivers are trained and licensed by the DOT and the Road Safety and Transport Authority. You will be at ease riding in the mountains of Bhutan unlike the experiences you will have had in Nepal and India. Sanity on the road prevails, and drivers are courteous to each other.

Guides:
Guests of the kingdom are required to have guide accompaniment throughout their stay in Bhutan. You will have a very fluent English speaking guide and driver at your disposal at all times. This is not to say you have to have your hand held everywhere you go. We are very accommodating and we can be flexible. Our guides have all been trained and licensed by the DOT (Department of Tourism). Our trekking guides and cooks undergo additional mountain training, including safety and first aid. None of our guests have ever needed a rescue, but we have helped lost trekkers from other tour agencies get out of the high passes safely. We have been successfully leading groups through the Bhutan highlands ever since tourism was privatized.

Tourist Seasons:
A visit to Bhutan can be planned anytime of the year but the best period is from mid September to November and March to June. There are many festivals during these months, and visitors should take advantage of trekking and the Tsechu. Most hotels sell out during this time and it is important for us to plan in advance if you want to attend.

Contact us if you have any questions regarding the tour costs. The daily rate may sound high at first, but remember that this includes all your accommodations, meals, guided tours, and all ground transportation in Bhutan, museums fees.

Travel Visa Application:

Tourist Visas: Your visa has to be approved prior to air ticketing and your arrival in Bhutan. Once you are ready to confirm your tour arrangements we will apply for your visas. We will need all of the following details.

01: Your full name (EXACTLY as it appears in your passport)
02: Permanent address
03: Occupation
04: Nationality
05: Passport number
06: Date of issue and expiration of passport
07: Date and place of birth

Your Bhutan visa will be stamped in your passport only when you arrive in Bhutan. You will have to pay US$ 20 cash upon arrival and present 2 passport photo with your passport number written on the back. We can process visa extensions for you if necessary.

he people of Bhutan are like other people! Ask before you take their picture. Ask your guide before taking pictures in Museums or Public Buildings. There are some places that are off limits to visitors for religious and safety reasons. Ask your guide so you can always be sure. And please never hand out candy or small trinkets to children. Bhutanese people are very proud of the fact that there are no beggars in Bhutan and wish not to encourage this behavior of expecting anything from our guests. Small gifts to people you stay with and a tip for your guide are fine.

What should I and what can I bring with me?

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Prescription medications

For trekkers, be sure to bring the following:

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Insect repellent

Maximum recommended load for trekking is 25Kgs (55lbs.), or 1/5th of body weight. Comfortable casual clothes are great, but you may want to bring some semi-formal clothes (jacket and tie for men, dresses for women) just incase if you coincide with a festival, which is a social function. Even in the summer, it can be cool in Bhutan, and it is very cold in winter. Days can be quite warm, especially in the lowlands of Punakha and Phuentsholing, and you could start off driving in the cold of dawn and become uncomfortable midmorning. Use the layering system, starting with thermal underwear and adding a shirt, pile jacket and wind-breaker (or parka) as necessary. All hotels provide sheets, blankets or quilt, and a pillow. Unless you are trekking, you won’t need to carry a sleeping bag. Hotels provide heating in winter, either an electric heater or a wood stove which will keep you quite warm.

What will the weather be like in Bhutan? Climate: Days are normally warm. Nights can be quite chilly. In winter, the temperature is below freezing point. Monsoon shower in summer with heavy rains in July and August.

Preventing Acute Altitude Sickness

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Avoid alcohol, sleeping pills or narcotics. They may decrease ventilation, intensify hypoxemia and make symptoms worse.
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Drink plenty of fluids.
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Avoid heavy exercise; mild exercise is okay.
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Diamox® (acetazolamide) 125 mg. tablets taken twice a day is F.D.A. approved for prevention and treatment of A.M.S. Although it originally was released as a diuretic (water pill), it also helps you breath deeper and faster. This allows you to get more oxygen. Diamox is especially helpful with the sleeping problems and other symptoms of A.M.S.
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Home oxygen will relieve symptoms. Home oxygen is safe, cheap and easy to use. It can be used at night when symptoms are worse and off and on during the day as symptoms dictate.
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If nothing else works, you can return to lower altitude. Going down to Denver will always relieve the symptoms of A.M.S.

Acute mountain sickness is caused by a lack of oxygen when traveling to higher elevations. This usually occurs in individuals exposed to an altitude over 7,000 feet (2,100 m) who have not had a chance to acclimate to the altitude before engaging in physical activities. (Rare below 12,000 feet) Mountain climbers, trekkers, skiers, and travelers to the Andes or Himalayas are at greatest risk. While individual tolerance varies, symptoms usually appear in several hours, with those in poor physical condition being most susceptible. Headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, and poor appetite occur initially. Inability to sleep is also frequently reported. In more severe cases thinking and judgment may become impaired. An uncommon but potentially fatal complication called high altitude pulmonary edema, caused by fluid build-up in the lungs, can also occur.

The symptoms of acute mountain sickness can be prevented or minimized by gradually ascending (less than 500 meters/day) over several days to give your body a chance to acclimate to the higher altitude. Taking the prescription medication Diamox (acetazolamide) 250 mg three times a day has been shown to speed up the acclimatization process and can be taken shortly before and during the ascent. Do not take this medication if you are allergic to sulfa drugs. This medication is a mild diuretic and may work by changing the body’s acid-base balance and stimulating breathing. Dexamethasone 8 mg once a day has also been shown to be effective. However, this steroid medication may have more adverse effects. Once symptoms occur, they usually improve over several days without treatment. However, if they become severe, they can be relieved with the administration of oxygen or descent to a lower altitude.

Essential Extras:
A folding umbrella; especially if traveling during the monsoons of mid June to late September. Rain is possible any time, and is almost certain from June through August.
Be sure to carry ear plugs (and spares) for when you sleep. There are a lot of dogs in Bhutan as the Bhutanese consider them next mankind in the cycle of life. These dogs don’t realize this and will sometimes bark at night.
There are occasional electric outages throughout the country; so you should always keep a torch (flashlight) beside your bed.
Make sure you bring a pair of good sunglasses for protection in the high altitude.
A Swiss style army knife is a good thing to bring, but with the recent concerns over air travel you may want to bring a folding utility tool such as a Leather man and make sure to put it in you check-in luggage.
Bring a small alarm clock if you need help waking up after all those barking dogs. Not all hotel rooms have telephones or wake-up service. Our guides will make sure you are not late for anything.

Packing:
If you are on a cultural tour, it’s OK to bring a hard suitcase, though a soft bag is more versatile and easier to pack into the luggage space of a vehicle. For those trekking in Bhutan a strong duffel bag as luggage is best. You will also want a small rucksack (back pack) or waist pack to carry your camera, water bottle and other essentials in the vehicle and when you are walking around town or visiting monuments.

The highlight of this trip is the Festival for the Endangered Black Necked Crane. By legend the cranes are believed to be the reincarnated souls of Lamas that come to pay homage at the monastery of Gangtey Gompa. Each year at the cranes return it is said that they circle the monastery three times before landing in the wetlands below. The Festival is sponsored each year by the Royal Society for the Protection of Nature and the Phobjikha Valley community. Foreign guests are asked to make a small donation for attending the festival

Day 1: Fly to Paro

Day 2: Paro Sightseeing evening drive to Thimphu.

Day 3: Thimphu sightseeing, overnight in Thimphu.

Day 4: Morning weekend market, afternoon drive to Gangtey Gompa for the Black Necked Crane Festival. This will be a good opportunity to stop along the way for Bird viewing.

Day 5: Black Necked Crane Festival and visit to the crane sanctuary, overnight in Phobjikha.

Day 6: Drive from Phobjikha to Tashithang stopping along the way for lunch and Bird Watching, overnight in Tashithang (Camping)

Day 7: Hike to bird watching areas, (500-600 species recorded in Tashithang area).

Day 8: Drive to Dochula Pass for birding Overnight camping in Dochula.

Day 9: Drive from Dochula to Paro, overnight in Paro.

Day10: Paro sightseeing, hike to Taktsang Monastery viewing area, overnight in Paro.

Day 11: Depart from Paro

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Day 1: Arrive Paro
The flight to Paro offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas. On the arrival at Paro International Airport, Collect your baggage and meet with your tour guide who will accompany you for the rest of your biking tour. The elevation of Paro is at 2250 Mts. and check in the hotel. In the evening, your guide will brief you about the weather, clothing and the route of biking. In the evening meet for dinner.
Overnight Hotel in Paro

Day 2: Paro – Thimphu (56 Kms: 4 Hrs)
After breakfast, handover all the baggage to the Tour guide and the drive. The van will drive slowly ahead of you till Paro town. The guide will instruct you the way to Drugyal Dzong, which is 16 Kms away and you can ride on your own. The van will follow you and on reaching Drugyal Dzong, visit the ruins of the fortress that played a very important role in defending the valley from Tibetan Invasion. The van will drive ahead of you and stop at Satsam Chorten to show you the view of the famous pilgrim spot Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) temple. Then the van will drive ahead of you and stop just before the town to divert the bikers to the National Museum. Visit the National Museum located on a promontory overlooking the valley. Visit the Paro Ringpung Dzong.

After Lunch, start biking to Thimphu “The Capital City of Bhutan” passing through the confluence of Paro and Thimphu River. The road offers good view of many hamlets and terrace farming. The route follows the valley of Thimphu river through an arid landscape. The ride would take about three hours and on reaching Thimphu
Overnight hotel in Thimphu

Day 3: Thimphu – Thimphu
After breakfast, ride towards Tango and Cheri Monastery.
After Lunch, ride to Memorial Chorten built in Memory of the late king. Then ride up the valley to Taking Sactuary to see the Takin (national animal) and to the viewpoint of Thimphu to enjoy the view of Thimphu city. On the way, back to the town, visit the Zilukha Nunnery, Folk Heritage Museum and Textile museum. In the evening, explore the Thimphu city on your own.
Overnight Hotel in Thimphu

Day 4: Thimphu – Punakha (77 Kms: 4.5 Hrs)
After breakfast, the van will ride ahead till Simtokha (8 Kms away) and divert all the bikers to Dochula pass at an altitude of 3,050 Mts. Since there is no diversion in the road the van will follow. Stop for a tea break at the Dochula pass from where you can see the whole range of eastern Himalayas if the sky is clear. Then descend to Mitsena where the van will divert you to Punakha (1350 Mts.). Punakha is about 12 Kms from this place at the altitude of 1,250 Mts. so in about 3.1/2 hrs biking the total distance from Dochula to Punakha is about 1,800 Mts. In Punakha check in the hotel and if time permits, visit the newly established Khuruthang Town.
Overnight Hotel in Punakha

Day 5: Punakha – Wangdue Phodrang (23 Kms: 1.5 hrs)
After breakfast ride to Punakha Dzong built in 17th Century and visit the Punakha Dzong. Ride further to Kabisa and get a view of the Khamsung Yuelley Namgyal Supta and ride back to Hotel for lunch. After Lunch, ride to Wangdue and if you wish, hike to Chime Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to the famous divine madman. Visit Wangdue Phodrang Dzong.
Overnight Hotel in Wangdue Phodrang

Day 6: Wangdue – Gangtey (63 Kms: 4.5 hrs)
After Breakfast, biking to Gangtey gaining altitude of about 1,800 Mts. afternoon excursion to Phobjikha valley which is a designated conservation area and famous for black-nacked cranes
Overnight Hotel in Gangtey

Day 7: Gangtey – Trongsa (61Kms: 6 hrs)
After Breakfast, proceed to Central Bhutanese town of Trongsa crossing Pelela pass (3300 Mts.) climb. The van will wait at Nobding and then follow the bikers in the descend till Chendebji 2,400 Mts. (27 Kms: 1.1/2 hrs). After a short rest at Chendebji, ride to Trongsa, 2200 Mts. (41 Kms: 2hrs).
Overnight Hotel in Trongsa

Day 8: Tronga – Bumthang (68Kms: 4.5Hrs)
After breakfast, visit Trongsa Dzong and Ta Dzong. Ride to Bumthang which is 68 Kms away. The road ascends all the way up to the Yutongla pass (3400 Mts.) and then descends till Chume Valley at an altitude of 2600 Mts. In Chumme, visit the Yatha weaving center and then the road again ascends to Kikila pass at an altitude of 2,740 Mts. Then the road descends till the Bumthang town.
Overnight Hotel in Bumthang

Day 9: Bumthang Sightseeing and Ride
Today you can visit all the pilgrim places on bikes and have a leisurely biking in the beautiful valley of Bumthang valley. The van will drive ahead of all the bikers. Visit Tamshing Lhakhang, Jakar Dzong, Kurjey and Jambay Lhakhang. For those who wants to bike on their own, they are free to do so or rest in the hotel and explore the town.
Overnight Hotel in Bumthang

Day 10: Bumthang – Ura (61Kms: 4Hrs)
After Breakfast, ride to Ura (Camping site is about 60 Kms) 4hrs. Enroute cross 3,300 Mts. High Shertangla pass and then decend to Ura village situated at the altitude of 3,000 Mts. Later explore pleasant Ura Village.
Overnight in Ura.

Day 11: Ura – Limithang (81Km: 6hrs)
Proceed to Limithang crossing 3,750 Mts high Thrunshingla pass, the highest point during this trip. From Thrunshingla it is all the way downhill (About 700 Mts) decent till the camp at Limithang.
Overnight camp in Limithang

Day 12: Limithang – Mongar (28Kms: 1.5Hrs)
It is one of the shortest trips. Ride about 1,400 Mts. Evening visit Mongar Dzong and local market.
Overnight Hotel in Mongar

Day 13: Mongar – Gom Kora (81Kms: 5.5 hrs)
After breakfast, proceed to Gom Kora. The Kori la pass Enroute is at 2,450 Mts. The road later descends rapidly till Sheri Chuu.
Overnight in Gom Kora.

Day 14: Gom Kora – Trashi Yangtse (64Kms – 5.5hrs)
After breakfast, ride to Trashi Yangtse. The road reaches to Doksum after 2 Kms from Gom Kora, a village where two valleys meet. This place is also known for its weaving. Later arrive at Tashi Yangtse Dzong, situated at altitude of 1,850 Mts. Heading further northwards in the gorge for about 4 Kms, the rout leads to gigantic Chorten Kora, the stupa built in Nepalese style of architecture.
Overnight in Tashi Yangtse

Day 15: Trashi Yangse – Trashigang (65Kms: 5 hrs)
After breakfast, biking to Trashigang. The trail is gradually up and down till 55Kms and later about 10kms upwards the Trashigang. Evening explore the town area, which is the biggest urban centre in Bhutan after Thimphu.
Overnight Hotel in Trashigang

Day 16: Trashigang – Mongar (90 Kms: 3Hrs by Car)
After breakfast drive back to Mongar. Afternoon Mongar town sightseeing
Overnight Hotel in Mongar

Day 17: Mongar – Bumthang (197Kms: 7 Hrs by Car)
After Breakfast, drive back to Bumthang. Evening visit Yatha weaving centre and local market.
Overnight Hotel in Bumthang

Day 18: Bumthang – Thimphu (266 Kms: 8hrs by Car)
After breakfast, drive back to Thimphu Enroute visiting village house and mingling with local people. Lunch in Wnagdue Phodrang which is known for its Majestic Dzong and its bamboo products, slate and stone carving. After lunch continue drive back to Thimphu.
Overnight Hotel in Thimphu

Day 19: Thimphu – Paro (56Kms: 2Hrs by Car)
After breakfast, drive back to Paro. Excursion to remote beautiful Haa Valley
Overnight Hotel in Paro.

Day 20: Drive to Airport and board flight fro departure.
Wishing you safe journey and Thank you for visiting Bhutan with us

Day 01 Arrive Paro International Airport
Day 02 Paro – Sightseeing
Day 03 Paro – Shana
Day 04 Shana – Thangthangkha
Day 05 Thangthangkha – Jangothang
Day 06 Jangothang – Halt
Day 07 Jangothang – Lingshi
Day 08 Lingshi – Halt
Day 09 Lingshi – Shodu
Day 10 Shodu – Barshong
Day 11 Barshong – Dolam Kencho
Day 12 Dolam Kencho – Thimphu
Day 13 Thimphu – Day excursion to Punakha &Wangdi
Day 14 Thimphu – Sightseeing
Day 15 Thimphu – Paro International Airport

Day 1 Arrive Paro International Airport
During the flight to Paro, one will experience from the left hand side of the plane breath taking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Chomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by representatives of Bhutan Majestic Travel who will escort you to the Hotel where arrangements have been made for two nights halt.

Day 2 Paro – Paro
Drive to Drugyel Dzong (a ruined fortress – 16 Kms. away from Paro Town). Although in ruins, this Dzong is of great historical importance. It was here that the Bhutanese finally defeated the invading Tibetans and drove them back. From here , the peak of Jhomolhari “Mountain of the Goddess” (Alt. 7,329 m / 24,029 ft.). On the way back you visit a typical Bhutanese farmhouse. After lunch, at the hotel, take a leisurely stroll around the compound. Overnight in Hotel

Day 3 Paro – Shana
Distance 17 Kms. About 5 – 6 hours journey. Altitude of Shana 2,800 m. Drive up to Drukgyal Dzong where the road ends and the trek begin. The trail follows the river through beautiful meadows and paddy fields. The night’s camp is just beyond an army outpost.

Day 4 Shana – Thangthangkha
The trail continues uphill through the river valley. The valley gradually narrows to a mere path which descends to a meadow where a camp will be set up.

Day 5 Thangthangkha – Jangothang
Distance – 19 Kms. About 5 – 6 hours journey. Altitude of Jangothang 4040 m. The trek starts up the Pa Chu. Cross an army outpost along the way. The valley begins to widen here with a spectacular view of high mountain ridges and snow-capped peaks. Yaks and the herders’ winter homes become a regular feature of the landscape. Camp for the night beneath a ruined fortress at the base of Mt. Jhomolhari.

Day 6 Jangothang – Jangothang
Trek up to Tosoh or hike around the area. There are good short hiking trails in three directions. Jhomolhari and it subsidiary mountain chains lie directly west, Jichu Drake to the north and a number of un scaled peaks to the east. Overnight halt in camp

Day 7 Jangothang – Lingshi
Distance – 19 Kms. About 5 – 6 hours journey. Altitude of Lingshi 4150 m. Trek through wide yak pastures and up and down passes. As you come down into the Lingshi basin, you get a wonderful view of Lingshi Dzong on a clear day. Tsarim Kang and its glaciers rise up at the north end of the valley. Night halt is a choice between a stone hut or the tent.

Day 8 Lingshi – Lingshi
A day excursion to Tsokha (Lake), which is the base camp for Jichu Drake, can be organized. Blue sheep and musk deer are plentiful along the trek route. Distance 15 Kms. About 3 – 4 hours journey. Altitude of Tsokha 4500 m.

Day 9 Lingshi – Shodu:Distance – 22 Kms. About 7 – 8 hours journey. Altitude of Shodu 3963m. The trail climbs up to the Yalila Pass at an altitude of 4820 m. From the pass, you can get an excellent view of Jhomolhari, Tserim Gang and Masagang on a clear day. The trek from the pass to camp site at Shodu is steep down hill. Camp can be made in a stone shelter or in tent.

Day 10 Shodu – Barshong: Distance – 13 Kms. About 3 – 4 hours journey. Altitude of Barshong 3785m. The trail follows the Thim – Chu river through rhododendron forests. Waterfalls can be seen along the way. The valley narrows till the path takes to the slopes and gradually ascends to reach the ruins of Barshong Dzong. Camp can made in stone shelter or tent.

Day 11 Barshong – Dolam Kencho: Distance – 11 Kms. About 3 – 4 hours journey. Altitude of Dolam Kencho 3628m. The trail descends through thick rhododendron forest to meet the Thim-Chu and then ascends to pasture lands. Camp is in a meadow.

Day 12 Dolam Kencho – Thimphu: Distance – 14 Kms. About 4 – 5 hours. The trail continues through forested areas winding up and down and through a small pass. Langurs (monkeys) can be seen along the way. Overnight halt in Hotel.

Day 13 Thimphu – Day excursion to Punakha and Wangdue:
Drive to Punakha and Wangdi for a day’s excursion. Visit Punakha Dzong. Packed lunch will be arranged. Return to Thimphu. Overnight halt in Hotel.

Day 14 Thimphu – Thimphu
Visit Tashichho Dzong, the main Government Secretariat building, where the government ministries, the Office of His Majesty the King and the Throne Room , and the offices and living quarters of the monk body and the Chief Abbot are housed. Explore the town, visit shops and the Handicrafts Emporium, where Bhutanese textiles and other handicrafts are available. Visit the workshop where the handicrafts are made. Visit the painting and woodcraft schools where traditional painting and other crafts are still practiced. Visit the National Library and see the ancient manuscripts preserved there. Visit the Simtokha Dzong (6 Kms. from Thimphu), the oldest Dzong in Bhutan built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1629 A.D.

Day 15 Thimphu – Paro International Airport
Drive to Paro International Airport. Seen off by your guide.

Day – 1 Arrive Paro International Airport: During the journey to Paro, one will experience from the left hand side of the plane breath taking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Mount Chomolhari and Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by representatives of Bhutan Majestic Travel who will escort you to the hotel.

Day – 2 Paro – Thimphu: Morning: Drive to Drugyal Dzong ( a ruined fortress – 16 km away from Paro town ). Although in ruins, this Dzong is of great historical importance. It was here that the Bhutanese finally defeated the invading Tibetans and drove them back. The peak of Mount Chomolhari “Abode of the Goddess Chomo” can be seen on a clear day (Alt. 7329m). Lunch at the hotel.
Afternoon: Visit the National Museum (Ta-Dzong).This was actually the Watch Tower of the Paro Rinchen Pong Dzong. It was converted into the National Museum in 1968. It is located on the top of a hill above the Paro Dzong overlooking Paro valley and the river.Visit Paro Rinpung Dzong. This massive fortress is located in the Paro valley and is approached by a gently sloping flagstone road and a beautiful covered wooden bridge and guard houses. Today, the Dzong is the Administrative seat of the district of Paro and it also contains a state monastic community of about 200 monks. The central tower (Utse) of the Dzong, is one of the most beautiful in Bhutan with its superb woodwork. The Dzong was built in 1646 A.D. Evening: Tea at the hotel and drive to Thimphu (Capital). This 2 hour drive snakes along the Paro and Thimphu rivers offering gorgeous scenic views at every turn. Overnight in Thimphu.

Day – 3 Thimphu – Thimphu: Morning: Visit the Memorial Chorten (a huge stupa) built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned the Kingdom from 1952-1972. Visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved. Visit the Painting School where traditional art is still kept alive through instructions in the art of painting Thankas (sacred Buddhist scrolls). Visit the Handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts and crafts are displayed and can be purchased. Lunch at the hotel
Afternoon: Visit Simtokha Dzong. This is one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan. It was built in 1629 Ad. Visit Tashichho Dzong – the main Secretariat Building. This massive structure houses part of the Ministries, the office of the King and the Throne Room. It also houses the State Monastic Body and the living quarters of the Chief Abbot.

Visit Pangri Zampa Monastery which is situated just beyond Dechencholing (5kms. from Thimphu ). This Lhakhang was the residence of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel when he arrived in Bhutan in 1616 A.D.

Day – 4 Thimphu – Punakha/Wangduephodrang (77 km): After an early breakfast, drive to Punakha and Wangdi. On the way halt at Dochula for a hot cup of tea/coffee and witness a most spectacular view of the Eastern Himalayan mountain ranges. Hotel in Wangdi. Lunch at the hotel After lunch, visit the Punakha Dzong which houses the district administration offices. It is also the winter residence of the State Monastic Body and its Chief Abbot. Punakha was the former capital of Bhutan. The Dzong (fortress) lies between two rivers known as Pochu and Mochu which means “Male River and Female River.” It was built in 1637 AD. Visit Wangdiphodrang Dzong which is 13 km from Punakha. Wangdiphodrang Dzong and its small town is perched on a hill between two rivers. This is another District Administration Office housed in a fortress. The Dzong was built in 1638AD. Overnight: Hotel

Day – 5 Punakha – Thimphu: Drive to Thimphu. Lunch in town. Free time in the afternoon for strolling around town. Overnight: Hotel.

Day – 6 Thimphu – Paro: After an early breakfast, drive back to Paro to take a short trek to Taktsang Monastery (10 km) from Paro Town. The name Taktsang means “Tiger’s Nest”. The monastery is perched on a rocky ledge with a sheer drop of nearly 800m. and overlooks the Paro Valley and river. It is believed during the second half of the 8th century Guru Padma Sambhava known as the second Buddha in Bhutan, meditated at the spot where the monastery is situated having alighted there on the back of a flying tigress. Picnic Lunch at Taktsang cafeteria. The round trip hike takes about 4 hrs.

Day – 7 Paro International Airport: Seen off by your Tour Guide and Driver.

Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan is unusual, unique and exotic. Bhutan Majestic Travel service provides personalized service and care. It defies definitions. The world travelers found it absorbing, mystical and captivating. So much has been said, written and read but a visit to our exotic destinations still remain a personal experience that will last a lifetime. Its ancient cultures, deep-rooted traditions, absorbing history, natural beauty, wondrous architecture, awe-inspiring palaces and forts add new dimensions to the pleasures of travel and vacation. The sights, both natural and man-made are beautiful and unforgettable. The Taktsang “Tiger’s Nest” in Paro, Beautiful Punakha Dzong and Memorial Stupa in Thimphu with exquisite sculptures and carvings are considered work of art and masterpieces.

Bhutan Majestic Travel has been in the tour and travel business for many years. Our mission is to continually strive for excellence by offering the best value and service to our clients. We have to thank our many clients for the support they have given us over the years, and our success is the direct result of their repeat business and referrals. We have extensive experience in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan and specialize in extraordinary adventure, discover the majestic beauty and the rich cultures of Bhutan through the legendary Bhutan Majestic Travel. We offer expanded packages and special customized Festival and cultural Tours. Each of our tour packages is designed with great degree of flexibility to meet the budget and expectations of individuals or groups. Our Treks are fully equipped with the best of gears with the support of the most experienced tour leaders and crew. We carry our own supplies and provisions to ensure quality food and comfortable accommodations that meet our high standards. Our local Tour Guides are among the best and the most experienced in culture, religion, history and geography of the region. They will guide you through unique places of cultural and historic significance and share with you interesting folklores, legends, myths and superstitions of the local people. We will make all of your arrangements, from choosing the right trip including air travel and trip extensions, until you depart from Bhutan. We provide you the highest quality of service, to assure you have a wonderful holiday in the Himalayas. Bhutan Majestic Travel enjoys the reputation as a first-class travel service provider known for its reliability and excellence in service with meticulous attention to details. We customize tours and treks to meet the needs of individuals and group with special areas of interests. Travel with us. Our knowledgeable travel executives will strive to make your vacation a memorable one

Here you will find the finest collection of tour packages. We are confident that you will find a package that meets your expectations. If not, we will customize a package just for you.

Whether your are a seasoned world traveler or one who will venture for the first time into the fascinating exotic destinations, travel with Bhutan Majestic Travel which has been in business for years, a company that is suggested by several prestigious guide books, numerous seasoned world travelers and knowledgeable professional travel agents. Over the years, Bhutan Majestic Travel has earned its reputation as a reliable and dependable tour company

We are licensed with Department of Tourism, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Royal Government of Bhutan. we are also executive member of ABTO (Association of Bhutanese Tour Operators).

http://www.bhutanmajestictravel.com

This place really appeals to me, maybe it’s because it’s so remote, maybe cos it’s so buddhist. But mostly because it’s so exclusive…