BHUTAN

 

Punakha Festival March 2004.

 

Bhutan, the Land of the Dragon, is the most isolated and exotic land in the Himalayas. Standards of dress, architecture, food, and education are ruled by ancient tradition. You can walk for days through uninhabited pine forests or follow the paths of ancient warriors who have repelled invaders from the north. You may visit a monastery where helmets, shields, bows, and spears still hang ready for action. In recent years Bhutan has become more difficult to visit and few travelers overcome the barriers on their own. We supply local guides, with knowledge of travel requirements, and strategic influence to arrange a very special trip for you.

 

The flight schedule is not yet announced, but on these days there will be flights and we will give the timing later, once schedule is announced.

 

 Bhutan flags with valley view 

 

Day  1 9th        March 03 Fly from Hong Kong to Bangkok, then Druk Air (KB)

Depart Bangkok on KB125 Leave Bangkok 0650 Arrive Paro, 1035.

Met at Airport, driven to Hotel in Paro (Approx. 7 Km takes 15 minutes)

 

The first gift from Bhutan will be the cool, clean fresh air as you step out if the plane. You will be met at the Airport in the Traditional Bhutanese way and driven to the Hotel. Hotel will be Olathang or similar.

Dinner can be at the Hotel or a local restaurant in Town 15 minutes drive from the Hotel.

 

Day  2 10th March:   Paro Sightseeing: Morning hike up to the Taksang Monastery  (Tiger's nest). The climb up to the viewing point will take around 3 hours and enjoy the stunning view of the monastery, where Guru Padmasambava landed on the back of a Tiger in the 8th century, and meditated for three months. The monastery was later built in this holy place in 1684. After lunch in the cafe walk back to the road point and driven back to Hotel. Walk around the main street and overnight at Hotel. 

Dinner at the Sonam Trophel restaurant

 

Day  3 11th March:  After breakfast, checkout of Hotel and drive from Paro to Punakha (Distance is 124 Km usually takes 5 Hours). Check into the Hotel Zandopelri. Sightseeing at this Festival, which today will be conducted by the Monks. Lunch at the Hotel.

During the evening attend the Banquet with the Warriors.

Day  4 12th March:  In Punakha. Today the Festival is by the Local Farmers and the Monks, you will spend all day in Punakha to see the whole of the days ceremonies.

Dinner at the Hotel.

 

Bridge over one of the mountain streams

 

 

Day  5 13th March : In the morning watch the Ceremony of Thanka, After which, drive to Thimphu (72 KM), the modern capital of  Bhutan. The drive will take around 3 hours. Check in at Hotel Riverview or Hotel Druk or similar. After lunch, visit the memorial stupa of the late king, built in 1974, in Thimphu. Dinner at the Mid Point Restaurant. Overnight at Hotel.

 

The colourful costumes of the peoples.

 

Day  6 14th March: Spend the day sightseeing in Thimpu, visit the sights and old temples. In the evening drive back to Paro (Approx 54 Km, the drive usually takes about 2 hours.) Check into the Hotel Olathang, Dinner at the Friends Cafe Restaurant.

 

 

Day  7 15th March:   Driven to the Airport (7  Km usually takes 15 minutes) to catch Druk Air (KB) flight for return to Bangkok, then by Thai Airways back to Hong Kong.

  

COSTS for 2 persons (price valid March 2003)

 

The costs blow are all in US$ Exchange rate c7.8 at present, subject to changes.

 

Hong Kong to Bangkok Return Economy Class with Thai Airlines

HK$2,250 + tax per person                                                                         =HK$2,250

N.B. The ticket price quoted is for fixed date departures and return, any change will incur a charge of HK$500

Bangkok Paro Return Economy class tickets on Druk Air            =US$  720 per person

(Including Insurance Surcharge)

Hotel and Land Arrangements with transfers                  =US$1,260 per person

(For group of 3 or above)                                                    =US$1,080 per person)

Tourism Development Levy                                                   =US$    10 per person

Total Cost of vacation per person (2 Persons)                =US$1,990 + HK$2,250

 

Additional Charges.

There are two other charges which must be paid in US$, Locally

They are:       Visa fees; US$20 each on arrival & Airport Tax: US$10 each on departure.

 

Prices are based on two traveling together and sharing one hotel room.

Single Room supplements are US$40 per room per night.

 

Price Includes:-

Round trip Economy Class tickets with Thai Airways, Hong Kong to Bangkok.

Round trip Economy Class tickets with Druk Air, Bangkok to Paro.

Met at Airport &transfers between airport and hotel..

English speaking Guide.

(For 1-2persons Toyota Car or Landcruiser, 3-9 Toyota Hiace minivan 10+ Toyota Coaster bus.)

Transfers for tours as described in the Itinerary.

Hotel accommodation, as booked, with daily breakfast. Lunch and Dinner, giving 3 meals per day.

 

Price Excludes:-

Airport Tax and Airport security Charges.

Bhutan Visa (Paid on Arrival).

Personal expenses, bar soft drink, mineral water etc.

Gratuities and tips for drivers etc.

 

Prices are subject to change, by the Airline or Operator, without prior notice.

 

This is a suggested Itinerary only, it can be lengthened or shortened to suit your available travel dates. It can also be made to include other destinations in Bhutan or Asia.