Sunday, May 14, 2017

BHUTAN – Happiness is a Place! OUR TOUR


BHUTAN – Happiness is a Place !
OUR TOUR
Which We find In Bhutan
_______________________________________________________
Thimphu-Trongsa-Bumthang-Punakha-Paro
10 Days / 09 Nights
Date: 12 Apr – 21 Apr’ 2017

Following Itinerary especially designed for Patel’s By Deepak Tamang. of Raven Tours and Treks in Bhutan



ABOUT BHUTAN
About the size of Switzerland, this
kingdom of Bhutan of just over
750,000 people is the first and the
only country in the world that
measures its development through
the happiness of its people. Bhutan
follows a development philosophy
called Gross National Happiness
(GNH), which values environment,
culture, tradition and its distinct way
of life more than economic
development.
Bhutan is a country where magic and
the occult meets reality. This country
is a bound with stories of flying
dragons, mountain gods, and local
deities residing in lakes, ponds, rocks and even trees.
MONEY
Bhutan’s currency is the Ngultrum (Nu.) It is at par with the Indian rupee which is accepted as legal tender in the
country.
ATMs are located within all main towns throughout Bhutan, where money can be withdrawn using a Visa or
MasterCard. For concerned travelers a list of ATM locations throughout Bhutan is found
here: http://www.bob.bt/contact-us/atm-locator/.
In addition, POS (Point of Sale) services are available nationwide, meaning visitors can pay by credit card at most
hotels and handicrafts stores.
VISA
Tourists must obtain a visa clearance prior to travel to Bhutan. Visas are processed through an online system by
your licensed Bhutanese tour operator, directly or through a foreign travel agent.
You are required to send the photo-page of your passport to your tour operator who will then apply for your visa.
The visa will be processed by the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) once the full payment of your holiday (including a
USD $40 visa fee) has been wire transferred and received in the TCB bank account. Once received the visa clearance
will be processed within 72 working hours.
At your point of entry you will be required to show your visa clearance letter, the visa will then be stamped into your
passport.
LANGUAGE
English is the medium of instruction in schools in Bhutan. Apart from the monastic schools where Dzongkha and the
Tibetan languages are the medium of instruction, all modern schools teach in English. As such English is the most
used official language of communication although the government is making serious attempts to popularize the use
of Dzongkha.
CLIMATE
Bhutan’s generally dry spring starts in early March and lasts until mid-April. Summer weather commences in mid-
April with occasional showers and continues to late June. The heavier summer rains last from late June through late
September which are more monsoonal along the southwest border.
Autumn, from late September or early October to late November, follows the rainy season. It is characterized by
bright, sunny days and some early snowfalls at higher elevations.
Snow Capped Mountains from Dochula Pass Picture with kids near fertility temple
Best Months           March, April, October, November
Good Months           January, February, May, September, December
Lean Months           June, July, August


WHAT TO BRING DURING YOUR TRIP TO BHUTAN
Fleece Jacket/Warm winter jackets
Hiking shoes
Warm clothes
Sun block cream
Sun Hats
Sun glasses
Sneakers
Long sleeve and short t-shirts/wicking
Trekking poles
Day Pack
Rain Jacket
CHECK LISTS TO BHUTAN
Passport (valid for six months from the date of travel) and a photocopy of the picture page to carry separately.
One other picture ID, such as driver’s license (in case of emergency and for use as a substitute passport).
Copies of e-Tickets.
Copy of Visa (to submit to the Immigration on your arrival)
MasterCard, Visa and debit cards are accepted in Bhutan. However traveler’s cheques and some cash are highly
recommended. ATM’s are available in Thimphu and Paro.
Mobile Phone: if your cell phone is from T-Mobile USA or AT&T (USA) then your phone will work in Bhutan.
DRESS CODE FOR VISITING FORTRESS AND MONASTERIES
Shirt (either half or full sleeve)
Full pants/long skirts
Any type of shoes with socks
No Hats, No Umbrella, No Slippers/sandals, No t-shirts, No short skirt and No half-pants
Photographs allowed in the courtyard only.
AVERAGE TEMPERATURE DURING YOUR TRIP
Max: 25 Degree Celsius
Min: 15 Degree Celsius
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Overview
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Thimphu: Largest Sitting Budha, Memorial Chorten, Tashichho Dzong Fortress, Takin, Weekend Market, Authentic Craft Bazar, Post Office,
Tango Monastery Hike, Hand Made Paper Factory and stroll around the town of Thimphu.

Trongsa: Trongsa Fortress, museum and trongsa town.

Bumthang: Bumthang village, Tamzing Temple, Kurjey Monastery, town.


Punakha: Dochula Pass, Rhododendron Festival, Punakha Fortress, Fertility Temple, Nunnery, Kham Sum Yule Hike, Talo village

Paro: Paro FestivalHike to Tiger’s Nest, Paro Museum, Farm House, Stroll around the town of Paro, Day excursion to Haa valley

Destination Nights Basis
Thimphu 2 FB+
Trongsa 1 FB+
Bumthang 2 FB+
Punakha 2 FB+
Paro 2 FB+
B&B: Bed and breakfast I FB+: Dinner, bed, breakfast, lunch and activities
daily I




12 APR 2017: PARO - THIMPHU (1 Hour Drive). Altitude: 2320m/7656ft above sea level
Thimphu is a bustling town on the banks of the Thimphu Chhu and set gloriously in the hills of the Thimphu valley. It
is home to the Bhutanese Royal Family, the Royal Government to several foreign missions and development
projects. Bhutan’s only golf course, a nine-hole circuit is also located in Thimphu. Thimphu is the only capital city in
the world that has no MacDonald, star bucks, bill boards and traffic lights. A must see city that has truly set an
example. It is also a place for trekking, bicycling, motor biking and bird watching.



Memorial Chorten in Thimphu Scenic view of Thimphu valley from the view point
Later after your check in formalities are over you will visit, Memorial Chorten, Kuenschholing View Point(Largest
sitting Buddha),
Wekend Market: People from all walks of life come to buy vegetable and fruits from farmers across
the country,
Tashichho Dzong(Fortress), It houses the secretariat building, the throne room and the office of the
king, and the central monk body.


13 APR 2017: THIMPHU
Today you will hike to Kuensel Phodrang Nature Hike: The hike starts from the largest sitting budha for about 45
minutes and it passes through the chirpine forest . You also get a chance to see the Thimphu valley., Mini Zoo: Here
you can see just one animal - Bhutan’s national - the Takin General Post Office: Get an insight into Bhutan through
its stamps and get your stamps out of your own picture. Hand Made Paper Factory: The handmade paper making in
Bhutan stemmed from the age old tradition originated in 8th century of Bhutanese history,
Authentic Craft Bazar,
Later stroll around the city of Thimphu.
Overnight in Thimphu.


14 APR 2017: THIMPHU – TRONGSA (8 Hours Drive). Altitude: 2200m /7260ft above sea level.
Trongsa forms the central hub of the kingdom and is historically the place from where attempts at unifying the
country where launched. This town is situated on a steep ridge and offers spectacular views of the deep valleys
surrounding it. The various hotels, guesthouses and restaurants all offer stunning views from their balconies.
Trongsa also boasts an impressive museum. The watchtower of Trongsa has been converted into a museum. It is also
an heaven for birdwatchers and hikers.
Early morning after breakfast drive to Trongsa valley. On the way stop at Dochula Pass: Whereby you can take
pictures of snow capped Himalayas and take pictures over a cup of tea or coffee, Visit the Royal Botanical Park for
the Rhododendron Festival: It is the country’s first recreational Park which is within accessible distance from the
capital city, Thimphu. The park attracts lots of visitors which include birdwatchers, travelers, picnickers.
Continue your drive to Trongsa via Pelela Pass, beautiful landscapes and villages.
Overnight in Trongsa.
Dochula Pass Trongsa Fortress


15 APR 2017: TRONGSA – BUMTHANG (4 Hours Drive). Altitude: 2600m/ 8580ft above sea level.
This fascinating valley is the religious heartland of the nation and home to some of the oldest Buddhist temples and
monasteries. Its gentle sloping hills offer plenty of walking opportunities to the many temples that dot this valley.
The valley is also famous for its production of honey, cheese, apples and the yathra- a woolen material that has
multiple uses. It also has some famous villages that boast of ancient history and hikes. Horse ride, naked festival,
treks, hikes and camping are some of the activities we can do here.
Visit, Trongsa Dzong: Built in 1648, it was the seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan. Both the first and
second kings of Bhutan ruled the country from this ancient seat, Trongsa Museum: Situated strategically above the
Trongsa dzong, the Ta Dzong served as the watch tower for centuries. It was built in 1652, Kunga Rabten: It used to
be the winter palace of the 2nd King. The building has a superb wood work and decorations and presently part of the
palace is used as a library, On the way visit Chumey village where you will find collection of textiles made out of
sheep wools. Kurjey Monastery:Means body print. It dates back to 8th century when Guru Rimpoche first visited
Bhutan, Tamzing Monastery: “Temple of good message”. It was built by Terton Pema Lingpa (Treasure Discoverer) in
1501AD.
Overnight in Bumthang.


16 APR 2017: IN BUMTHANG
Day excursion to Ogyenchholing Palace: The village of Ogyen choling is located in the upper part of Tang valley in
the Bumthang district in the central part of Bhutan.
Overnight in Bumthang.
Kurjey Temple Mask Dance


17 APR 2017: BUMTHANG – PUNAKHA/WANGDUE ( 8 Hours Drive). Altitude: 1350m/4455ft above sea level
Punakha narrates lots on the histories of Bhutan. It served as the capital of the country from 1637 to 1907 and the
first national assembly was hosted here in 1953. It has the second oldest and second largest dzong in Bhutan and
one of the most majestic structures in the country. On October 13, 2011, the wedding of the 5th King of Bhutan, was
held at the Punakha Dzong. This place boasts of low altitude trek, rafting, kayaks, camping, bicycling and
birdwatching.
Morning drive to Punakha/Wangdue. On the way visit Gangtey valley and its Monastery.
Overnight in Punakha/Wangdue.

18 APR 2017: PUNAKHA/WANGDUE
Morning hike to, Kham Sum Yule Lhakhang (Monastey), Talo Village: The village of Talo (alt. 2,800m/9240ft) which
is scattered along the hill slopes, known for its cleanliness and hygiene among Punakha villages, Punakha
Dzong(Fortress): Built in 1637 this majestic fortress is built in-between two rivers. The fortress also boasts about
displaying itself of unique Bhutanese architecture, Punakha Nunnery: Perched on a ridge amid pine trees and
overlooking valleys of Punakha and Wangduephodrang, gleams the magnificent structures of Nunnery Temple.
Overnight in Punakha/Wangdue.
19 APR 2017: PUNAKHA/WANGDUE TO PARO. (4 HOURS DRIVE). Altitude: 2280m/7524ft above sea level.
This beautiful valley is home to many Bhutan’s oldest monasteries and temples. The country’s only airport is in Paro.
The valley is also home to Mount Chomolhari(7,300 meters) situated at the northern end of the valley whose glacier
water forms the Pachu flowing through the valley. This is also the home to some of the famous Treks such as
Jumolhari and Druk Path trek. It is also a destination for bicycling, motorbiking and birdwatching.
Punakha Dzong(Fortress) Farmer at the Tiger’s Nest Temple
Morning drive to Paro and later visit National Museum: It houses a fine collection of Bhutanese art, relics, religious
thankas, Kichu Lhakhang(Temple): It is one of the two most sacred and the oldest temples in Bhutan. It was built in
7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. Farm House visit: Picturesque farm houses dot the valley amongst
fields and hillsides. We welcome you to enjoy the hospitality of the Paro farmers.


20 APR 2017: IN PARO.
Morning Hike to Tiger’s Nest (This is Bhutan’s most recognizable cultural icon perched 800m/2640ft up a seemingly
sheer cliff.) and visit Farm House visit(Picturesque farm houses dot the valley amongst fields and hillsides. We
welcome you to enjoy the hospitality of the Paro farmers.), Archery Practice: Archery is the Bhutan’s national game
and the distance of the target is around 150 meters.Hot Stone Bath: Dip into traditional hot stone bath to realx your
muscle after a long and tiring hike.


21 APR 2017: DEPART FROM PARO AIRPORT
You representative/guide will drive you to the airport and bid you farewell for your onward journey.
We wish you a safe flight with a good memory of Bhutan....





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#Thimpu #Trongsa #Bumthang  #Punakha  #Paro #miliriri #tours#travel
#archery #hotstonebath #Tiger’sNest  #WANGDUE #nexsal #GrossNationalHappiness #GNH

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