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LAND OF THE THUNDER DRAGON
Day 1 Depart London Heathrow
Fly with British Airways non-stop to Kolkata.
Day 2 Arrive Kolkata
Arrive into Kolkata in the early hours where you will be met and transferred
to the Oberoi Grand Hotel. Later 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 3 Kolkata to Paro – by air
Paro to Thimphu
Today return to Kolkata Airport for the spectacular flight to Paro. On your
arrival you will be met and driven 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 and also stop at the small zoo to see Bhutan’s national, and
unique, animal the Takin. Stay for two nights at the Druk Hotel. (B/L/D)
Day 4 Thimphu
This morning it is an early start to visit the bustling Thimphu weekend market
which attracts people from all over the region. Later return to the town and
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 5 Thimphu to Gantey
Leave Thimphu and continue east climbing steeply through oak, pine and rhododendron
forests to the Dochu-La Pass, which, at 3,140 meters is the highest point
of the journey before continuing east high into the Black Mountains to the
Phobjikha Valley. A glacial valley Gantey and the Phobjikha Valley is most
renowned for its rare migrant population of Black-Necked Cranes that reside
here over the winter. One of the most important wildlife reserves in Bhutan,
the sparse population and limited availability of electricity, which makes
Gantey and Phobjikha uniquely special. On your arrival stay overnight at the
Dewachen Hotel. (B/L/D)
Day 6 Gantey to Punakha
Today re-trace your steps west to Punakha stopping en-route in the small town
of Wangdue Phodrang to visit its dramatically sited Dzong. Afterwards, continue
down to the semi-tropical Punakha Valley where you will stay for two nights
at the Zangto Pelri Hotel. 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. Today, although the political heart of
the nation has moved west to Thimphu, the Dzong remains the winter residence
of the Dratsheng, or Central Monk Body, is the administrative headquarters
of the Punakha district and remains the site of the colourful Punakha Tsechu.
(B/L/D)
Day 7 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 8 Punakha to Paro
This morning leave Punakha and return to Paro the gateway of Bhutan. Once
again traverse the Dochu-La pass and continue past Thimphu and return to Paro
and the Gantey Palace Hotel where you will stay for the next three nights.
(B/L/D)
Day 9 Paro
Today make your way to Drukgyel Dzong. Built in 1649 by Shabdrung Ngawang
Namgyal, Drukgyel Dzong was originally constructed to reaffirm Bhutanese control
over the important land route into Tibet. There are far-reaching views from
Drukgyel back down the valley and on a clear day Mount Jhomolhari, standing
at 7,314 meters, looms close on the horizon. Later visit Kyichu Lhakhang,
one of the oldest temples in Bhutan and the National Museum, housed in a building
completed in 1656 and famous for its collection of ancient thangkas before
ending your day at Paro Dzong, over 400 years old, and located just below
the museum on the hillside. (B/L/D)
Day 10 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 11 Paro to Kolkata – by air
Leave your hotel and transfer back to Paro Airport in good time to catch your
return flight to Kolkata. On your arrival you will be met and transferred
to the Oberoi Grand Hotel for your overnight stay.(B)
Day 12 Depart Kolkata
Return to Kolkata Airport for your non-stop British Airways flight 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 and Gangtey, 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. Upgrading to these hotels is possible for this tour or even just the last few nights for a luxurious end to the holiday.
Extend your stay in the subcontinent with a visit to the world famous Taj Mahal in Agra or colourful Jaipur, the state capital of Rajasthan. With air services from Paro to Delhi via Kathmandu visiting Rajasthan from Bhutan has never been easier.
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.
Explore the remote eastern Bhutanese valleys of Bumthang and Trongsa, or, for the more intrepid traveller, continue through the country to its eastern land border with India. Eastern Bhutan is a true frontier land of awe-inspiring scenery, history and culture and offers any traveller a once in a lifetime experience.
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 – LAND OF THE THUNDER DRAGON
Prices vary according to selected airlines, hotels and season, however, an indication to the current cost of this itinerary is from £3,400. 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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