Bhutan | Bhutan: Spirit & Nature
The Kingdom of Bhutan is one of the world's little known treasures. Here in the "Land of the Thunder Dragon," quality of life is measured in terms of Gross National Happiness, rather than purely material measures - though Bhutan's citizens live comfortable, serene lives. Until quite recently this tiny country remained in splendid isolation, dedicated to preserving its deep Buddhist traditions and pristine landscapes. Now, a small number of guests each year are invited to discover Bhutan's natural and cultural wonders. Join us on a journey among ancient monasteries and temples, Himalayan peaks and glacial rivers, rare wildlife and extraordinary people.
| Duration: | 12 Days |
|---|---|
| Tour Code: | ITW502 |
| Trip Style: | Superior - 4 star |
| Departure Dates: | 07 Nov 2011, 17 Feb 2012, 04 Mar 2012, 11 Apr 2012, 07 Nov 2012 |
| Price: | Please Contact Us |
| Single Supplement: | $925 |
| Places you'll visit: |
|
| Highlights: |
|
Ideal for Solo Travellers
The travellers on this tour are generally animal lovers, nature enthusiasts and people of all ages who have a desire to view wildlife in its own environment. They all possess the same thirst for encounters with nature. The groups are small. Therefore, as a solo traveller you would be with an intimate group of like minded people.
Trip Details
GROUP SIZE: approx 14
Day 1: Bangkok, Thailand / Paro, Bhutan / Thimphu
Arrive at Bangkok Airport this morning for our group flight to Paro. The Paro Valley, rich in culture and scenic beauty, offers a bucolic welcome to the kingdom. Drive to Thimphu, Bhutan's inviting capital. This seat of government and commerce is a harmonious mix of modern development and ancient traditions, and the only national capital without traffic lights.
Day 2: Thimphu
This morning, we visit a takin reserve. This large, hoofed mammal is closely related to the musk ox and is Bhutan's national animal. Later, we hike near the reserve among colorful prayer flags. Depending on time and interest we may visit the handmade paper factory, handicraft emporium, or national library and folk art museum.
Day 3: Wangduephodrang/ Chuzomsa
This morning we cross Dochu La, a 10,000-foot pass marked by 108 chortens, fluttering prayer flags and a view of the entire eastern Himalaya. We drop dramatically to the village of Wangduephodrang and visit the dzong overlooking the confluence of the rivers below. This afternoon we reach Chuzomsa and our hotel.
Day 4: Phobjikha Valley
Our destination is the remote glacial valley of Phobjikha, nestled in the western slopes of the Black Mountains. The endangered black-necked crane nests here in winter, migrating from the Tibetan plateau. The wildlife preserve here is also home to muntjacs (barking deer), wild boars, Himalayan black bears, leopards and red foxes, though these species are elusive and rarely spotted. We stay at a cozy mountain lodge with intricate woodwork and outstanding views.
Day 5: Phobjikha Valley
We rise early this morning to see the cranes, if they are present during our visit. We'll also visit Gangteng Gompa, one of the largest and most influential monasteries in Bhutan.
Day 6: Phobjikha Valley / Trongsa
Traversing 11,300-foot Pele La, we descend to Trongsa to visit the sprawling dzong built in 1648, the ancestral home of Bhutan's royal family. We also visit the Tower of Trongsa, which has recently been converted into a museum.
Days 7 & 8: Punakha Valley
Our next stop is Punakha Valley, fertile with rice and fruit. Straddling the confluence of the Po and Mo rivers, Punakha Dzong is Bhutan's best-known fortress. Built in 1637, it was the capital until 1955 and home to Bhutan's religious establishment. Known as "The Palace of Great Happiness," it remains the monks' winter residence. We'll also hike to Chimi Lhakhang Temple, passing terraced fields and rice paddies.
Day 9: Paro
We drive back to Paro, stopping to visit Kyichu Lhakhang, a seventh-century temple which, according to Buddhist mythology, holds down the left foot of an enormous ogress.
Day 10: Paro
Today our journey concludes with an impressive finale: Taktsang Monastery. Known as the "Tiger's Nest," this complex of 17th-century temples clings to a precipitous cliff 2,800 feet above the valley floor. Myth holds that the Guru Rinpoche flew from India on the back of a tigress to the site, where he meditated in a cave for three months. This evening we enjoy a festive farewell banquet.
Day 11: To Bangkok / Home
Depart for Bangkok and onward flights.
GRADING: Moderate to Difficult / Flexible
Walking about two to four miles at altitudes up to 11,000 feet sometimes over rough terrain is required to participate in all activities. Travellers are not required to participate in every activity.
Important Information about This Trip
Bhutan is a country very much focused on humankind's relationship with nature. Though the mountain scenery is some of the most appealing on the planet, it is rare to see much wildlife in Bhutan. We will, however, take advantage of the wildlife there is and focus on the astonishing beauty and unique culture of this region.
ACCOMMODATION
Our accommodation in Bhutan was chosen for its character and comfort. They range from traditional Bhutanese guesthouses powered by generators and heated by wood-burning stoves to beautiful, modern hotels. For example, Zhiwaling, where we stay at the start of our journey, combines the sensibilities of a fine Bhutanese guesthouse with modern amenities. Elaborate hand-carved wooden cornices and masterful stonework co-exist beautifully with newer features such as Swedish underfloor heating, comfortable furnishing and excellent cuisine. There is also a spa that offers all the amenities of a modern fitness center: sauna, steam room, gym and a traditional Bhutanese outdoor hot-stone bath. Dewachen, while more rustic, has pine-panelled walls and brightly coloured Bhutanese textiles, and conveys the ambience of a Swiss mountain lodge.
Inclusions
- Accommodation
- All meals in Bhutan
- Bottled water
- Services of an Expedition Leader and local guides
- Some gratuities
- Airport transfers on Day 1 and final day in Bhutan
- Bhutan visa fees
- Permits and entrance fees
- All taxes
What's Not Included
- Alcoholic beverages
- Some gratuities
Terms & Conditions
Click here for our Terms & Conditions
For more information, availability and pricing and options, please contact our expert travel specialists at Inspired Travel Worldwide on (02) 9449 8598 or send us an email. We look forward to hearing from you.
:: Click to enlarge
