Mysterious Bhutan
Learn more about Bhutan‘s “gross national happiness” from a local professor. Get an interactive introduction into the local culture during a lesson in traditional Bhutanese painting, a fortune telling session at the astrology school and a an archery-competition. Explore Bhutan’s most iconic Dzongs and join a Tshewang ceremony.
Travel Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrival - Paro - Thimphu
Welcome to the Land of Happiness! The flight into Paro is one of the most spectacular in the entire Himalayas. It offers fascinating views and an exciting descent into the Kingdom. Bhutan’s first gift to you, as you disembark from the aircraft, will be cool, clean, fresh mountain air. After immigration formalities and baggage collection, you will be met by your tour guide for the drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan stopping on route at Chuzom. Check-in to the hotel and take a rest. In the evening, we will organise a talk by a local expert on Gross National happiness along with a Bhutanese welcome dinner. Overnight at Taj Tashi Thimphu for two nights.
DAY 2
Thimphu -The Capital of Happiness
After breakfast, begin exploring Thimphu valley. We start your tour at the National Library, housing an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts. Afterwards
visit the Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School) and try your hands at some easy painting. Later visit the Textile Museum, which provides insight into one of Bhutan’s most distinct art forms. Also visit Simply Bhutan, a living museum and studio encapsulating the cultural heritage of the Bhutanese people. Finally get a glimpse of your destiny, during a future reading by monks at the Astrology School Pangri Zampa. Pay your respects and offer prayers to the Buddha at Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang) the largest statue in the country. Then visit King’s Memorial Chorten continuously circulated by people murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels, it serves both as a memorial to the Late King and as a monument to peace. In the evening enjoy an Archery game – the national sport of Bhutan and amongst the most colourful and picturesque events!
DAY 3
Thimphu - Punakha
Early this morning take part in the Tshewang Ceremony – held by a team of Monks for peace, prosperity and good health, you are required to light a butter lamp at the monastery alter. Return to the hotel for breakfast before beginning the drive to Punakha.
On arrival in Punakha, transfer to the hotel. Later enjoy exploring Punakha with a visit to Punakha Dzong. Punakha Dzong has played an important role in Bhutan’s history.
Damaged by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has been fully restored by the present King. Visit a nearby traditional Farmhouse which offers a great insight into the lifestyle of the local people. Overnight at Uma Punakha.
DAY 4
Punakha - Paro
After breakfast drive to Paro. On arrival in Paro, transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. The Ta Dzong visit is followed by a short walk to visit Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong), meaning ‘fortress of the heap of jewels’, which has a long and fascinating history. In the evening take a stroll around Paro’s Main Street and visit shops and the local market. Overnight at Uma Paro for two nights.
DAY 5
Paro
After an early breakfast, embark upon a fascinating excursion to Taktsang Monastery or Tiger’s Nest. Taktsang is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. Later enjoy a Traditional Bhutanese Hot Stone Bath. Many Bhutanese believe that the bath helps in curing joint pains, relaxing and other medical problems.
In the evening enjoy a colourful Traditional masked dance & cultural show. The music of Bhutan is an integral part of its culture and plays a leading role in transmitting social values. Traditional Bhutanese music includes a spectrum of subgenres, ranging from folk to religious songs. Dances are performed wearing ornate costumes and masks; each aspect dance has a symbolic meaning – and you are welcome to join the troupe!
In the evening enjoy a colourful Traditional masked dance & cultural show. The music of Bhutan is an integral part of its culture and plays a leading role in transmitting social values. Traditional Bhutanese music includes a spectrum of subgenres, ranging from folk to religious songs. Dances are performed wearing ornate costumes and masks; each aspect dance has a symbolic meaning – and you are welcome to join the troupe!
DAY 6
Paro - Departure
After breakfast transfer to the Airport for your flight back home.
Hotel Description
Taj Tashi
5/5
- Thimphu
- Deluxe Room Mountain View
- Day 1 and 2
Uma Punakha
5/5
- Punakha
- Valley View Room
- Day 3
Uma Paro
5/5
- Paro
- Forest View Room
- Day 4 and 5
What´s included
- 5 nights 5 Star luxury accommodation
- Transport in comfortable air-conditioned vehicles
- Private Touring
- Entrance fees
- Local English-speaking guide
- Return airport transfers
- Meals as mentioned
Excluded
- Any Personal Expenses
- Tips and Gratitudes
- Any other meals than mentioned
Additional Information
- All pricing is reflected in EURO unless otherwise specifically denoted and is valid at time of publication but is subject to change.
- All prices are per person sharing a double room. Single and Triple room rates available upon request.
- ‘From’ prices represent land only and low season twin share prices (unless otherwise clearly stated).
- Unless otherwise stated, prices include all government levies and airport taxes as at the date of publication.
- Dates, itineraries and prices are indicative only and subject to change by time booking.
- Private Travel prices are valid for travel during low season and will vary depending on date of travel.
- All Hotel Names stated in the tour itinerary may change to one of a similar Standard without prior notice..
- Some countries charge additional destination tax which are either per Person or per Night. These taxes can vary and must be paid directly at the location or hotel.
- Items listed under Booking Exclusions are NOT included in the price and must be paid directly at the location.
- All Tours are escorted by English-Speaking Guides unless otherwise mentioned.
- All Excursions are based on Join-In Capacity unless “Private Tour” is explicit mentioned. Private Tours are available upon request and with surcharges.
- Self-Drive Tours may not always include a car rental. Please check carefully the included and excluded box. Driver must be in posseion of an valid drivers license and for some countries an international license as well as a valid credit card.
- We will use our reasonable efforts to notify you of changes in prices.
- All our Insider Journeys itineraries as shown on our website and in our brochures will outline the relevant touring schedule and inclusions and will be priced accordingly to reflect this. Prices may vary based on the selected travel season and any individual amendments required.
- Even if the tours are requested as displayed, on occasion Insider Journeys may be required to impose surcharges depending on variables in the destinations outside of its control. Due to hotel availability in some destinations the accommodation stated in the itinerary may change to that of a similar standard. In light of recent worldwide events and due to the ever-changing current situation, there may also need to be more flexibility applied to the touring content and schedule in certain incidences and sometimes at short notice. Please note that we will always endeavour to keep the inclusions as close as possible to those shown and to notify you as best we can should such changes arise, although we appreciate your understanding in that this may not always be possible.
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