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A JOURNEY THROUGH BHUTAN
Day 1 Depart London Heathrow
Fly with Emirates via Dubai to Kolkata.
Day 2 Arrive Kolkata
Arrive into Kolkata where you will be met and transferred to the
Oberoi Grand Hotel. Kolkata, the gateway to Eastern India, is a city
of extreme contrasts. Sometimes described as the forward–thinking
intellectual capital of India and noted for some wonderful landmarks
of the British Raj, on the other hand, the city has been called ‘the
soul of India’ and is one of the most populous urban areas on earth.
(N)
Day 3 Kolkata
Today explore the colourful flower market and the nearby Howrah Bridge,
the Maidan with its imposing white marble Victoria Memorial which was built
by the British in 1921 and St John’s Church which has a memorial to the city
founder Job Charnock. You may also wish to visit one of the most important
temples in the city – the Kali Temple at Kalighat which is also situated
close to Mother Teresa’s Home for the Destitute. (B)
Day 4 Kolkata to Paro – by air
Today return to Kolkata Airport for the spectacular flight to Paro.
A beautiful agricultural valley in the West of Bhutan, the Paro Valley
is characterised by its agriculture with red and white rice, apples,
strawberries and asparagus grown in abundance. Numerous dzongs and temples
dot this countryside in this scenic and historic landscape. Stay for two nights
at the Gangtey Palace Hotel. (B/L/D)
Day 5 Paro
This morning drive through the Paro Valley to the base of the climb that
leads to the famous Taktsang Monastery. A major pilgrimage site for the
Bhutanese since Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal visited the monastery in 1646,
Taktsang – or ‘Tiger’s Nest’ – is spectacularly located 900 meters above
the valley floor perched on the edge of a cliff. The views throughout the
walk, and in particular into the distance once you are at Taktsang, are not
only panoramic but also spectacular. Although the path, in general, is in good
condition the climb to the monastery is a fairly strenuous challenge – also
due in part to the high altitude. (B/L/D)
Day 6 Paro to Thimphu
This morning drive through the Paro Valley to Thimphu, the modern capital
of Bhutan. In the late afternoon, if there is time, travel by car above the
capital to the hillside for sweeping views of the Thimphu Valley. Stay for
two nights at the Bhutan Suites. (B/L/D)
Day 7 Thimphu
Begin your day of sightseeing at the Tibetan inspired National Memorial
Chorten. Other places of interest include the National Library and the
National Institute for Zorig Chusum – a painting school that teaches
Bhutan’s traditional arts to students throughout the country. (B/L/D)
Day 8 Thimphu to Punakha
Today continue to the semi–tropical Punakha Valley where you will stay
for two nights at the Punatsangchu Cottages. Located at the confluence
of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu Rivers, the Punakha Valley is famous for its
awe–inspiring Dzong. The ancient capital of Bhutan, Punakha’s importance
centres on its Dzong which, for many years, served as the seat of Government
and Monastic body until the time of the second King. (B/L/D)
Day 9 Punakha
Leave your hotel and begin your visit to Punakha Dzong. Completed in
1638 AD the Dzong has had numerous additions to its original structure
– partly due to fires in the 1750s, mid–19th Century and, more recently
in 1986 – and there are numerous chapels and temples within its walls.
Standing nearly 200 metres long and six storeys high the Dzong is unique
in having three courtyards rather than the normal two and you will have
the opportunity to explore these with your guide. (B/L/D)
Day 10 Punakha to Gangtey
This morning continue east climbing steeply through oak, pine and
rhododendron forests to the 3,140 meter Dochu-La Pass before continuing
east high into the Black Mountains to the Phobjikha Valley. A glacial
valley Gangtey and the Phobjikha Valley is most renowned for its rare
migrant population of Black–Necked Cranes that reside here over the winter.
On your arrival stay overnight at the Dewachen Hotel. (B/L/D)
Day 11 Gangtey to Bumthang
via Trongsa
Today leave Gangtey for the drive to Bumthang stopping en–route to visit
Trongsa Dzong which dates from 1543 AD. Afterwards continue onto Bumthang
and the Wangdicholing Lodge where you will stay for the next two nights.
Comprising of four major valleys, Bumthang is the collective name of the
region. Believed to have taken its name from bumpa, a valley shaped vessel
and thang, or field, the valleys of Bumthang are some of the holiest, and most
spectacular, of Bhutan. Distinct from Thimphu and western Bhutan, little over
ten years ago it took three days to travel to the capital. (B/L/D)
Day 12 Bumthang
After breakfast start the day at the Jampey Lhakhang, revered in Bhutan
as one of the oldest temples, and believed to date back to the 7th Century.
Also visit nearby Jakar Dzong, founded in 1549 and in a picturesque location
high above the Choskhor Valley. From here continue to Lamey Gompa, a beautiful
Royal palace and monastery built in the 19th Century and end the day at
Wangdichholing Palace which was built on the site of an earlier 8th Century
structure. (B/L/D)
Day 13 Bumthang to Mongar
Today leave Bumthang and drive to Mongar for your overnight stay at the
Shongar Lodge. A staging post on the road to Trashigang and Lhuentse,
Mongar sits atop a ridge surrounded by eucalyptus trees. Later today visit
Mongar Dzong which is set above the town. With two entrances Mongar Dzong
is unique and is most renowned for its images of the Buddha of Long Life,
Tshepamey, as well as those of the Guru Rimpoche. (B/L/D)
Day 14 Mongar to Lhuentse
After breakfast, leave Mongar and drive to Lhuentse. Isolated Lhuentse
is by definition very rural. Located north of Mongar, the district is home
to numerous small villages and is historically known as the ancestral home
of the Bhutanese Royal Family. Visit the picturesque Lhuentse Dzong, dramatically
standing on a rock outcrop the Dzong dominates the landscape of the Kuri
Chhu Valley. (B/L/D)
Day 15 Lhuentse to Trashigang
This morning drive to Trashigang. A charming town in the far east
of the country, Trashigang is the headquarters of the most densely
populated district of Bhutan. Built along a slope behind a spur of
land on which sits Trashigang Dzong, the surrounding region benefits
from a year–round mild climate and, as a result, is alive with the
colour of poinsettia and bougainvillaea in the spring. Banana, orange
and papaya also grow in abundance in the valley. Stay for two nights
at the Kelling Lodge. (B/L/D)
Day 16 Trashigang
Today start your day at Trashigang Dzong which was completed in 1659 by
the Drukpas after their conquest of eastern Bhutan. Sitting high on an
outcrop it is of little surprise that the Dzong commanded an important
strategic position on the wealthy trade route from the west to the Tibetan
plateau. Later, drive out to the Radi Valley which stands at 1,600 meters
above sea level and where you may be fortunate to witness the colourful local
women weaving the intricate silk fabric, called menzimatra, for which this
region is renowned. (B/L/D)
Day 17 Trashigang to Pemagatshel
Today leave Trashigang and continue to Pemagatshel. A staging-post midway
between Trashigang to the north and the Indo–Bhutanese border town of Samdrup
Jongkhar in the south, Pemagatshel is a rural town and the headquarters of one
of Bhutan’s smallest districts. Built on a hillside Pemagatshel is at the heart
of a region home to many interesting temples, monasteries and beautiful
scenery. (B/L/D)
Day 18 Pemagatshel
This morning, wander through the little market in the centre of the town to
the Pemagatshel Temple and nearby Dzong which both belong to the Nyingmapa
sect of Buddhism. Afterwards continue onto the weaving centre to see the local
women produce their traditional fabrics before driving out of the town to the
Yongle Gompa. One of the holiest shrines of eastern Bhutan, the Gompa was once
used as a religious base by Trongsa Penlop Jigme Namgyal during the Duar War
with Britain in 1865. From the summit of the monastery, which stands at over
2,350 metres, the views on a clear day are breathtaking. (B/L/D)
Day 19 Pemagatshel to Samdrup Jongkhar
Today leave Pemagatshel and drive to Samdrup Jongkhar. Much like Phuentsholing
in the west of Bhutan, Samdrup Jongkhar marks Bhutan’s other
land border in the south-east of the country. On your arrival in Samdrup Jongkhar
proceed to the TLT Hotel where you will stay overnight. (B/L/D)
Day 20 Samdrup Jongkhar to Guwahati
Guwahati to Kolkata – by air
This morning cross the border back into India and continue by car to Guwahati
airport in good time to catch your onward flight to Kolkata. On your arrival
you will be met and proceed to the Oberoi Grand Hotel for your two night stay. (B)
Day 21 Kolkata
Time to relax or explore the city. (B)
Day 22 Depart Kolkata
Return to Kolkata Airport for your Emirates flight via Dubai back
to London Heathrow. (N)
STAYING ON
Luxury is never far away in Bhutan with a plethora of wonderful hotels on offer throughout the kingdom. The Amankora Resorts in Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey and Bumthang, as well as the Uma Paro in Paro, are some of the finest properties in Asia and offer an extremely high level of comfort and service.
Experience the mountainous Himalayan country of Nepal. Easily reach by air from Paro, Nepal offers beautiful landscapes, fascinating culture, excellent wildlife and numerous trekking opportunities.
Overland travel into Bhutan is possible and can be combined with an extended stay in north-eastern India. Darjeeling, Gangtok, Pelling and Kalimpong offer a leisurely insight into this Buddhist region of India and are the base for overland travel into the Bhutanese Kingdom. Bagdogra, near Darjeeling, is linked with a daily flight to Kolkata.
Planning your journey: We can design a unique journey to suit you as our tours are totally tailor made. By combining your own ideas with our knowledge and experience we can help you to create your own journey tailored exactly to your requirements Once you have formulated your ideas, or if you require some general or specific advice, please call us on 01892 515966 or simply send your ideas to pettitts@btconnect.com. On receipt of your enquiry we will provide you with a full written quotation together with our suggestions and recommendations.
A Guide to Price – A JOURNEY THROUGH BHUTAN
Prices vary according to selected airlines, hotels and season, however, an indication to the current cost of this itinerary is £4,890. All prices are per person and are based on a minimum of TWO persons travelling together and sharing a twin bedded room with meals as indicated. If you wish to travel alone we will be pleased to assist you with your arrangements and can provide a proposal on request.
Note: Meal Basis (N) = No Meal; (B) = Breakfast; (L) = Lunch; (D) = Dinner
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