From 29 Oct- 11 Nov 2006
Trip Length: 14 Days/ 13 Nights
Cost: 1 person US $2860, 2 persons US $2730 each, 3 more US $2340
Inclusions: Government royalty, meals, accommodations, transport, entrance fees, guide services and sightseeing.

Itinerary

During the flight, on a clear day, you can see breathtaking views of the Himalaya Mountains , including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan . On arrival you will be greeted by our representative of Bhutan Travelers and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon you can stroll freely in the town and visit the Farmhouse in Paro and experience the Bhutanese rural life. If you wish, you can have dinner in the Farmhouse. Overnight at the Hotel Dechen Cottages in Paro.

After breakfast, excursion to Taktsang or the "tiger's nest" perched precariously on the cliff 900m above the floor of the Paro valley. It is the most famous monastery in Bhutan . It is said that Guru Rimpoche have flown to the site of the monastery on the back of a tigress and meditated here for three months. Lunch would be served in the hotel on the way. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

After breakfast visit Paro Rinpung Dzong which now houses monastic bodies and center of civil administration. Visit the Museum, which has wide assortments of Statues, thangkas (scroll paintings), weapons, textiles and remains of animals. Then visit Kichu Monastery a 8 th century old Monastery built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo to spread Buddhism. Drive to for 14 kilometers to visit Drukgyal Dzong, which was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to celebrate his victory over Tibetans in 17 th century. After lunch in the hotel, drive to Thimphu , the capital of Bhutan . Check into hotel Wangchuck. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast you will visit the King's Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), Changgangkha Monastery, the radio tower (for a great view of Thimphu Valley and the Thimphu Dzong), and the zoo, which contains the national animal of Bhutan: the takin. From there you will visit the nunnery temple, the National Library (which houses ancient manuscripts), and the School of Arts and Crafts (also known as the painting school). After a relaxing lunch, you will visit the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, a traditional paper factory, the majestic Tashichodzong, and Simtokha Dzong (the oldest fortress in the kingdom). Overnight in Thimphu .

After breakfast you will drive to Wangduephodrang, with a stop en route for tea at Dochu La (3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Himalayas. After lunch you will drive to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan , and visit Punakha Dzong, which is noteworthy both for being one of the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan and also for having been built by the first Shabdrung in 1637. On the way back from Punakha, you will stop at Metshina Village and take a 20-minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lakhang, which is a fertility temple, where you may receive a special fertility blessing if you wish. Overnight at Dragon Nest Resort in Wangduephodrang.

Attend full day festival.

Day 9: Bumthang

Day excursion to Ura Valley . The road to Ura Valley is off the main road, and this enjoyable excursion will provide a nice view of the Jakar Dzong. You'll make a stop in Ura village for lunch and will have a chance to visit the main temple and explore the village. Ura Village has a medieval look to it because of the cobblestone streets, and the typical clothing of the women includes a sheepskin shawl. On the way back to town, you will be taken to Mebar Tsho ( Burning Lake ), where some of Guru Rinpoche's treasures were found in the 15th century by the famous treasure discover Pema Lingpa. It's a good place to meditate. You will also have a chance to tour Tamshing Lhakhang, a treasure house of interesting religious Buddhist paintings, and you will make a stop at the Swiss cheese factory. In the evening you can visit local shops. Overnight in Bumthang.

In the morning you will drive back to Thimphu . After lunch, you will tour the Textile Museum and the Folk Heritage Museum , and you can explore the interesting handicraft shops. Overnight at Wangchuck Hotel in Thimphu .

Day 12: Thimphu

In the morning you can hike to Tango Monastery, which was built by the "Divine Madman" in the 15th century. It's a center of study for monks, and it affords a great view of the Thimphu Valley . On the grounds of the monastery is a "sin-testing" tunnel--it is said that if you have sinned, you will get stuck in the tunnel, and if you are without sin, you will go through with ease! After lunch, you can hike to Cheri Monastery, which was built in 1620 and housed the first monk body. The Shabdrung's father's ashes are contained inside the monastery. Overnight in Thimphu .

You can spend the morning shopping in Thimphu . If it's the weekend, you can stroll through the market to see the variety of food of the country, including basket upon basket of fiery chilies, fresh cheese, and mangoes. In addition, many stalls contain Bhutanese handicrafts and household items. It's fun to wander the aisles, taking in the bustling atmosphere of the market. In the afternoon, you will drive to Paro. En route visit Simtokha Dzong, which is the oldest Dzong in the country. Overnight at Hotel Dechen Cottages in Paro.

After early break fast drive to the airport for departure. Our representative will bid you farewell.