Mysteries of the Dragon Kingdom

DURATION: 15 Days

Key Information

  • Trip Duration 15 Days
  • Price from US$ 0
  • Trip Grade Strenuous
  • Trip Style NA
  • Accomodation NA
More Facts Less Fats

Bhutan is the best-kept secret in the travel industry. Due to its relative isolation, the country is not known to the outside world and until 1960, western visitors rarely visited the country. Mr Burt Kerr Todd, the first American to ever visit Bhutan, wrote in a National Geographic article on Bhutan (Bhutan, Land of the Thunder Dragon; December 1952)

Bhutan is protected by the mighty Himalayas from the rest of the world and enriched by the essence of Drukpa Kagyu School of Buddhism, Bhutan has managed to remain shrouded deeply in a jealously guarded isolation. A basic understanding of Bhutan's Buddhism is essential to understanding the Bhutanese.

"Bhutan lies squarely in the centre of the Himalayas, amid the highest mountains on earth...in its 18,000 square miles can be found such variety of climate and scenery, such grandeur and peacefulness, and such fascination of the novel and unknown as few countries its size can boast. Its neighbours are Tibet to the north, Sikkim to the west, India's West Bengal and Assam to the south and east."

The "fascination of the novel and unknown" to this day continues to enthral visitors to Bhutan. Unlike neighbouring countries which encourage mass tourism, the Royal Government of Bhutan has chosen a more cautious policy on tourism largely to preserve its natural and cultural heritage. As such less than 5,000 travellers discovered Bhutan last year (compare this with half a million tourists who visited Nepal in the same time period). Visitors to Bhutan can feel the benefits of this policy and have rich and unique travel experience. Some travellers can spend their entire time in Bhutan without ever coming across another tourist. There has never been a "visit Bhutan year" rather the country awaits to be discovered and explored and Adventure International promises to be your guide and fellow traveller on this journey of discovery.

Itinerary

  • 01Arrival: 15 -20 Minute drive (Airport to Hotel) AIT representative will greet you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transport you to your Kathmandu hotel. After having formal introduction, you are being served with welcome drink at the hotel. They will give you helpful tips for your time in Kathmandu. O/N Hotel
  • 02Kathmandu Sight-seeing: 3-4 hours. After breakfast, you are being prepared for joining a guided tour of the amazing sightseeing of the Kathmandu Valley. You can visit Durbar Square, Swayambhunath ‘Monkey’ Temple, the famous Hindu temple – Pashupatinath and the largest Stupa in Nepal – Boudhanath onwards at afternoon we gather for a pre trek briefing and introduction to your trek leader & make arrangements for your ‘trek pack’. In the Evening AIT organizes welcome dinner at a local restauran
  • 03Kathmandu - Paro. Fly to Paro transfer hotel / orientation talk and film about Bhutan. followed by a visit to the local market
  • 04Full days sightseeing in Paro including Tadzong Rimpung Dzong, Drikgyal Dzong and other historical monuments / overnight hote
  • 05Morning excursion to Taktsang Monastery which is an important pilgrimage for the Bhutanese. Taktsang means 'Tiger's Nest'. It clings to a sheer cliff 900 m. above the valley floor / lunch at Taktsang Jakhang / overnight hotel.
  • 06Morning Drive to Thimpu, visit Simtokha Dzong, a strategic fort built in 1627 / the National Library and Tashichhidzong the seat of the Bhutanese King and Government, / overnight hotel.
  • 07Thimpu-Punakha-Wangdi two and a half hours' drive to the ancient capital of Punakha. after visiting Punakha / drive to Wangdi / overnight Wangdi Guest House.
  • 08Wangdi-Tongsa. After visiting Wangdiphodrang Dzong in the morning drive over the beautiful Pe Le La pass to Tongsa / overnight Guest House.
  • 09Tongsa-Jakar Visit the most impressive Dzong in Bhutan, Tongsa Dzong with its major temples / drive via the Chimu valley for an intimate look of Bhutanese daily life / arrive Jakar / overnight Guest House.
  • 10Jakar Excursion. A full day to explore the Bumthang Chhukhor valley, its Dzongs, temples and monuments / overnight Guest House.
  • 11Jakar- Tongsa. Visit Chume Tragar Naktsang and Domkhar Tashchholing Palace before driving to Tongsa.p.m. sightseeing in Tongsa and Ta Dzong / overnight Guest House
  • 12Tongsa-Thimpu. Morning a very scenic drive to Thimpu / overnight hotel.
  • 13Thimpu-Paro. A full day to enjoy the surreal atmosphere of Thimpu with a visit to view the famous mask dance and cultural performance of Royal Dance Troupe / visit the memorial Chorten, the local market and handicraft center / late afternoon drive to Paro / overnight hotel.
  • 14Paro-Departure Morning transfer to airport for departure to Kathmandu / transfer hotel.
  • 15Departure: You could catch up on some last minute shopping, Internate to your friends and family before departure to Airport or onwards to your next destination On Request Days: 15 Days Activities: Trekking, Culture Tours, City Tour Difficulty: hard Accommodation: in 3 stars hotel Before You Travel TRAVEL GUIDE - Bhutan General Information Access to Bhutan Religion and Culture visa procedure Festivals of Bhutan Places to visit with climate Travel information
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Cost Details

Cost Includes

  • Pre-trip services & advice
  • Kathmandu sight seeing tour
  • 3 nights Deluxe hotel in Kathmandu
  • All permits & Bhutan Visa.
  • All hygienic meals such as Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner while you are on Bhutan
  • All accommodations as per Itinerary describe.
  • English Speaking professional Bhutanes guide
  • Kathmandu to Paro to Kathmandu round trip flight tickets
  • All round sight seeing tour by private deluxe car
  • Airport pick up drop services
  • Group celebration dinner
  • 10 % VAT and 2% TSC Taxes

Cost Excludes:

  • Food and Accommodation while you are off the trip.
  • Nepal entry visa cost
  • Personal expenses (e.g. phone calls, laundry, alcohol, soft drinks, bottled water, souvenirs, etc.);
  • Any loss due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, road blockage due to landslide, etc
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