KINGDOM IN THE SKY
In Bhutan, the winds come howling down off the Himalayas, leading the Bhutanese to believe that a mythical god known as the Thunder Dragon watches over and protects them. The Bhutanese name for their country is “Druk Yul,” meaning “Land of the Thunder Dragon.” Their mythical god must indeed be protecting them, for Bhutan is one of the few countries in the world that has never been occupied or ruled by another foreign power.
Existing archives trace Bhutanese history back to AD450, although many of the intervening events remain a mystery. Guru Rinpoche is believed to have brought Mahayana Buddhism to Bhutan and then Tibet in the eighth century. Bhutan as it exists today first became a coherent political entity in the 17th century. This land-locked country sits at the base of the Himalayan Mountain range nestled between India’s northeastern corner and China’s Tibet region.
This is a remote place of remarkable natural beauty with a pristine and intact environment and a friendly, tradition-bound people. For the discerning international traveler who has been everywhere, Bhutan may one of the final frontiers. This tiny kingdom, barely the size of Switzerland, zealously sequestered itself from the rest of the world for centuries. It was only in 1974, fifty years ago, that Bhutan finally opened its doors to the world.
The Kingdom of Bhutan has adopted a very cautious approach to tourism in an effort to avoid its potentially negative impact on the country’s culture and environment. The policy focuses on high value travel services and low density of visitors. A significant daily fee charged by the government and the requirement that travel arrangements be prepaid through licensed agencies ensures a superior, intimate experience for travelers eager to explore the breathtaking terrain and interact with the delightful inhabitants of this astonishing country—the world’s last Buddhist kingdom.
Travel to Bhutan is really an exploration of traditions and a culture that has been preserved through the centuries. In Bhutan we are not going to see some display or cultural park that has been created for tourists. Rather, we will be sharing a true-life experience with the Bhutanese.
Toto Tours provides you access to one of the world’s most remote destinations and greatest vacation secrets. Our previous tours here have featured some fairly extensive trekking. This expedition focuses more on cultural experiences and adventures in nature without overnight camping. Come with us to a world like nothing you’ve ever experienced before. Two weeks spent in the land of the Thunder Dragon will change your life forever!
COVID-19 VACCINATION POLICY
All plans for this tour are made considering the COVID procedures in effect at the time of publication. Entry requirements and vaccination requirements are subject to change at any time without notice. Please be sure you comply with the latest Bhutan entry requirements at the time of departure. For the safety of our groups, we encourage our tour participants to be fully vaccinated, and current with their covid vaccines (including any recommended boosters) by one month prior to departure.
Tour Highlights
- Visit the Paro Dzong and Watchtower
- Tour Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, and experience its exciting market
- Tour picturesque villages in the Haa Valley
- Fly to the central Bumthang region to attend a local festival of cultural dances
- Possibility of sighting the Black Necked Cranes migrating from Tibet
- River rafting adventure in Punakha
- Learn about the special powers of the “Divine Madman”
- Hike (or ride a horse) to the dramatic “Tiger's Nest” monastery
- Be amazed at spectacular views of the Himalayas
TOUR ITINERARY
Pre-tour night in Bangkok
Toto Tours is not organizing any pre-tour activities in Bangkok, but we list this day in the itinerary even though we are not providing any services because it is critical that you are in Bangkok and ready to board a very early flight tomorrow (it will feel like the middle of the night tonight). You don’t want to miss this included flight to Bhutan or it will throw your entire tour off. You might consider arriving in Bangkok more than one day early as a safeguard in case of unexpected flight delays. Most Toto Tourists don’t really mind spending extra time in this vibrant city, right? We recommend you consider staying at the Hotel Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport the night before departure so that you can just walk across the street to check in. Please book directly on their website. (No services today)
Fly to Paro / Touring Paro
Meet at the Druk Air check-in counter three hours prior to our 5am flight time this morning. Yes, it means we need to be there at 2am, which is why we recommend the airport hotel across the street. As of this writing we land in Paro at 8:30am after a short stop in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Paro International Airport is one of the most thrilling airports due to its lofty Himalayan location. As the flight approaches Paro, you are treated to the awe-inspiring sight of Mount Jumolhari and Jichu Drake. Descending into the tranquil Paro Valley, you are greeted by verdant alpine forests, charming monasteries, temples, and traditional farmhouses. Our representative greets you at the airport and we commence our sightseeing since it is too early for hotel check-in.
Visit the 17th century Ta Dzong. It was used as a defense structure to protect the region from invasions. Today, it is open to the public as the National Museum of Bhutan, showcasing a range of artifacts and exhibits related to Bhutanese culture and history. Next, head to the Rinpung Dzong meaning “fortress of the heap of jewels". It has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the courtyard of the Rinpung Dzong are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore. We walk downhill to the road, crossing a wooden bridge where during a previous Toto Tour we encountered the King of Bhutan. This evening Toto Tours hosts a Welcome Drink and Dinner at our hotel. Overnight in Paro.
(Lunch / Welcome Dinner)
Paro to Haa Valley (65 km, 2-3 hours)
Today we drive to the Haa Valley via Chele la Pass at about 13,000 feet elevation - one of the highest motorable passes in the country. It is beautifully decorated with colorful prayer flags. The Haa Valley is one the best valleys in Bhutan to visit, having only been opened to tourism in 2002. Since it was hidden away previously, the valley is not developed in the same way as Paro and Thimphu. We explore some picturesque villages which offer opportunities to experience Bhutan’s traditional and rustic old-world appeal. You may visit a farmhouse and enjoy a cup of ‘ara’, a traditionally brewed rice wine or ‘suja’ – the delicious butter tea. Overnight at a hotel in Haa. (All Meals)
Haa to Paro via Chele La Pass (114 km, 3-4 hours)
Today we begin an exciting drive to Paro with a stop at Chele La Pass. From the pass we hike along the ridges, each higher than the last. If the weather is clear, you can see stunning views of Mount Jumolhari and Jichu Drake. If you are up for an adventure, you can hike further to the last ridge, Kungkarpo, at 13,780 ft elevation. This spot is used for sky burials. At Kungkarpo we are greeted by awesome views of Tiger Mountain in one direction, and in the other, Mount Kanchenjunga in Sikkim--the world’s third highest mountain. Take a well-deserved rest while enjoying the spectacular views of the Himalayas from this vantage point. We hike back to our vehicle and drive to our Paro hotel. The remainder of the day is free to rest at the hotel or explore Paro town, including Kaja Throm, the vegetable market. Overnight in Paro. (All Meals)
Paro to Bumthang via domestic flight
Today we enjoy another spectacular Himalayan flight. This 35-minute flight offers stunning views of mountains that are not seen on the international flight to Paro, such as Kulagangri near Tibet and Gangkhar Puensum, the world’s highest unclimbed peak. Be on the lookout for other seven- and six- thousand meters-high mountains on the border with Tibet such as Masagang, Tshendagang, Teri Gang, Jaikangphu Gang and Table Mountain. As the flight glides above the east-west lateral highway, we also have amazing aerial views of monasteries, meandering rivers, and villages.
Arriving in Bumthang, we visit the famous Tamshing and Kenchosum Monastery. The evening is at your leisure. You may explore the charming Chamkhar town nestled near the banks of Chamkhar Chhu River. Serving as a transit point for travelers journeying from both the east and west, Chamkhar town offers a welcoming respite and serves as an ideal place for night halts. Overnight in Bumthang. (All Meals)
Bumthang Festival / Drive to Trongsa
Today we attend the first day of an annual mask dance event in Bumthang called the Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival. The festival honors the teachings of Guru Rinpoche who came to Bhutan in 746 AD and introduced Buddhism in Bhutan. It is believed that the mask dances bless onlookers, cleanse sins, and bring good fortune. People of all ages dress up in their best attires and come to witness the festival. It is a good opportunity to mingle with the locals.
In the late afternoon, take a 2-hour drive to Trongsa, the ancestral home of the royal family. The journey takes you through Yutong La Pass at 11,155 ft elevation. From the pass, travel on winding roads that descend through a breathtaking forest adorned with pine and vibrant rhododendron trees. Our drive concludes at our hotel for our overnight in Trongsa.
(All Meals)
Trongsa to Gangtey (73 km, 2-3 hours)
This morning we visit the Trongsa Dzong, the masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture. The dzong offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, including the Ta Dzong, a watchtower which is now a museum. We visit the museum next, and it provides great insight into Bhutan’s history and culture.
After touring in Trongsa we commence our drive to Gangtey, which is famous as the winter habitat of the black-necked cranes. Enroute, we see the beautiful Chendebji Stupa, a large chorten which resembles the Boudhanath Stupa in Nepal. We ascend gradually through several villages of yak Herders and through Pele la Pass at 11,230 ft. With an alpine environment of rhododendrons and dwarf bamboo, the pass is the boundary between West and East Bhutan. From the pass we can see high, snow-capped peaks and at this time of the year we might also spot yaks. Descending from the pass, we reach Gangtey in the Phobjikha Valley, the largest glacial valley in Bhutan. Check into the hotel on arrival for our overnight stay in Gangtey. (All Meals)
Gangtey to Punakha (79 km, 2-3 hours)
After breakfast we begin the day with a visit to the Crane Information Centre, which has detailed information about cranes and eco-tourism. We’ll keep a sharp eye out for the endangered Black Necked Cranes, as this is around the time when they migrate here to escape the harsh winter weather of Tibet. From the Khene Lhakhang, we set out for an exploratory hike on the Gangtey Nature Trail. It is a relatively easy uphill hike, winding through hillsides overlooking the Phobjikha valley and roosting sites. Walk amongst beautiful pine forests and scenic meadows with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The hike ends at Gangtey Goenpa Monastery, the only monastery in western Bhutan where Vajrayana Buddhism is practiced. From here we drive to Punakha--a journey that encompasses a scenic downhill passage through Nobdhing, Teka Zampa bridge and Wangdue, where we catch glimpses of the majestic Wangdi Dzong and the Punatsangchhu bridge. As we continue our drive, we pass through picturesque rice fields and follow the meandering path along the banks of the Punakha River. Upon reaching Punakha we check into our hotel for a 2-night stay. (All Meals)
Sightseeing & Rafting in Punakha
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the hotel before commencing our sightseeing at the gorgeous Punakha Dzong, which is stunningly situated in between the male and female rivers like an anchored ship. The walk to the dzong is through the famous Bazam, which is a traditional Bhutanese cantilevered bridge. This is truly the most beautiful dzong in Bhutan, and it once served as the ancient capital. It is now the winter residence of the central monastic body. The dzong holds great historical importance as it hosted the royal wedding of the current monarch.
Walking from the dzong, we pass a local funeral ground to a long suspension bridge spanning 180 meters over the Pho Chhu (male) River. From the bridge we climb a small ridge and then descend into the rice fields and a forest of conifers, continuing upstream along the Pho Chhu River all the way to our rafting put-in point where we meet our rafting crew. After a safety briefing and gearing up, we are ready to raft!
Rafting the Pho Chhu River is not only an adventure but also a unique mode of sightseeing. Rafting experiences differ with the seasons. In the summer, the rivers are larger, and rapids are stronger. For us in the winter, the river is calmer and more clear. As we continue our rafting adventure, we pass villages and see people going about their daily lives. Staggering cliffs, forested valleys, and exotic birdlife surround the riverbanks. We come to a placid section where we enjoy some refreshments before continuing to navigate our raft through different rapids varying in size from Class II to Class IV. We pass under the suspension bridge and past the majestic Punakha Dzong. It is an amazing experience with breathtaking panoramic views of the valley all around you. Our take-out point is at the River Confluence marking the end of our rafting adventure. The afternoon is free to explore the small town of Punakha. Overnight in Punakha. (All Meals)
Punakha to Thimphu (76 km, 2 hours)
After breakfast we commence a scenic drive to Thimphu via Dochu La pass at about 10,000 ft. elevation, where on a clear day we can enjoy spectacular views of the Himalayas. Along the way we stop at Metsina and hike through rice paddies up to the Chimi Lhakhang Temple. This temple is dedicated to the great Yogi of the 14th century known as Drukpa Kuenley, or the "Divine Madman," who is believed to have blessed women who sought fertility with a large phallus. In the temple we see paintings, images and symbols having been used to depict the teachings of Buddhism for centuries. After visiting the temple, continue driving to Dochu La Pass. From the pass, drive downhill through the forests of rhododendron, fir, and hemlock all the way to Thimphu. We visit the National Memorial Chorten, which is the most beautiful stupa, and then check in at our hotel. Enjoy free time to explore Thimphu independently. Overnight in Thimphu. (All Meals)
Explore Thimphu city
After a hearty breakfast in the hotel, we visit the Takin Preserve to see these unusual animals. These unique creatures hold a significant place in Bhutanese culture and folklore, and have been designated the National Animal of Bhutan. Next drive to the National Institute of Zorig Chusum also known as the school of 13 Arts and Crafts. Then head to the Bhutan Post Office which exhibits a vast collection of postal stamps from the early days leading to the modern era. You can also make personalized stamps using your own photograph. The stamps can be wonderful souvenir.
After lunch, we visit the Royal Textile Academy, an exhibition hub of both ancient and modern textiles, and notable artifacts. The museum also displays Bhutan’s rich tradition and vibrant culture of weaving and embroidery. Right next to the museum is the craft bazar. Small bamboo houses are lined up displaying interesting and unique locally made arts and crafts. You can explore stalls and even shop for some souvenirs. Then walk for about 15 minutes to the Produce Market, the largest vegetable market in the country. You can see the variety of food of the country, including basket upon basket of fiery chilies, fresh cheese, and fruits. This is perhaps a good opportunity for photography and to mingle with locals who come from the nearby villages to sell their farm products. Afterwards, you may either rest in the hotel or further explore Thimphu town. Overnight in Thimphu. (All Meals)
Buddhism 101: Teachings and Practices
Start your day with a visit to the Pangri Zampa Monastery for an astrology reading and a short talk about Buddhism by one of the monks. Next visit Dechen Phodrang Monastery which means the Palace of Great Bliss. It was turned into a monastic school in 1971 and currently has about 450 monks enrolled. The monastery is adorned with intricately carved designs and contains mural paintings dating back to the 12th century, showcasing a rich historical heritage. You will meet curious young monks who are eager to practice their English.
We take a break for lunch, and then visit the Thangthong Dewachen Nunnery built in 1976 by Thangthong Gyelpo. He was not only a spiritual master, but also a builder of chain bridges. About 70-80 nuns live in this peaceful place where you can light butter lamps and offer few prayers. We conclude our sightseeing with a visit to the Tashichho Dzong, the seat of the combined religious and secular government – a unique feature of Bhutanese civil society where the King and the High Llama theoretically hold equal power. Overnight in Thimphu. (All Meals)
Kuenselphodrang Hike / Transfer to Paro.
This morning we drive to Kuenselphodrang, a high point where a 169-ft giant Buddha sits overlooking Thimphu. It is said to be the largest bronze statue in the world. We spend some time exploring and taking photos, and then drive a ways down from Kuenselphodrang until we reach the starting point of today’s hike. After walking for about 20 minutes through a pine forest and scattered poplar trees, we reach a wide barren expanse. From this vantage point, an enchanting view of south Thimphu unfolds before us. Simtokha Dzong and the eastern highway are visible in the distance, along with the Thimphu expressway, Babesa water treatment ponds, and the settlements of south Thimphu. After an hour more of walking, we arrive at the charming upper Debsi village, where our vehicle awaits to transfer us back to Thimphu for lunch.
After lunch we drive to Paro. This one-hour drive takes us through the villages of Babesa, Namseling, Khasadrupchu and Wangsisina. We encounter Chuzom, the confluence of Pachu and Thimchu Rivers. The confluence is marked by three stupas, and it is also a tri-junction of roads leading to Thimphu, Paro and Haa. From the confluence we follow the Pachu River until we reach Paro. Check into the hotel on arrival. The evening is free to explore the town at our leisure. Overnight in Paro. (All Meals)
Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
After breakfast, we commence our hike to the most iconic sight of Bhutan - Tiger’s Nest Monastery. The Taktsang is sacred and one of the most popular Buddhist sites in Bhutan. We often see locals and people from as far as Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim coming for pilgrimage. The hike is a great way to experience the culture and spirituality of Bhutan. The trail is well-marked and not too strenuous, making it suitable for most hikers. You will have the option to hire a horse for a part of the journey if you wish. The monastery is perched on a rocky ledge about 3,000 ft above the Paro valley floor.
The 8th century Spiritual Master Padmasambhava (popularly known as Guru Rinpoche in Bhutan) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. With unique architecture and breathtaking views, the monastery has several shrines, temples, and meditation caves. After exploring the monastery, hike back to the halfway point where we enjoy lunch at the cafeteria. After lunch we continue walking down to the valley floor where our vehicle is waiting to transfer us back to Paro. On the way to our hotel, we explore Paro town, which is marked by lovely traditional houses, interesting souvenir shops and modern style cafes. Toto Tours hosts a Farewell Dinner tonight celebrating the successful conclusion of our Bhutan adventure. Overnight in Paro. (All Meals)
Farewell to Bhutan / Fly to Bangkok
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning as our flight to Bangkok doesn’t depart until 4:20pm. We leave the hotel before noon and stop for lunch on our way to the airport. Before checking in we bid a fond farewell to our guide and driver, who have been with us from the beginning of the tour. Our flight makes a brief stop in Dhaka before landing at 9:50pm in Bangkok. Tour services conclude upon arrival in Bangkok. We recommend that you stay at the airport Novotel in Bangkok tonight and book your homebound flight no sooner than the morning of November 25, 2024. (Breakfast / Lunch)
TOUR PREPARATION
Entry Requirements: Thailand -- Since we fly to Bhutan from Bangkok you need to be certain to meet all the entry requirements for travel to Thailand as well as Bhutan. There are no COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens traveling to Thailand, nor is there a requirement to obtain a tourist visa for stays of less than 30 days. The only requirement is to have a passport that is valid for six months from the date of entry, and that has one blank page for each entry stamp (Thailand and Bhutan – two blank pages total).
Entry Requirements: Bhutan -- There are no COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens. The requirements are:
- A U.S. passport valid for six months from date of arrival. One bank page is required for the entry stamp.
- A Tourist Visa is required. Our partners in Bhutan will assist in obtaining this visa. In order to facilitate this process we will need to provide them:
- a clear image of your passport bio and signature page
- a digital passport photo with a white background
- proof of travel insurance including (but not limited to) cancellation/interruption due to force majeures and medical emergencies
Immunizations -— No immunizations are compulsory, but the CDC recommends you consider getting protected against certain diseases. Please consult your personal physician about immunization planning. Click here to see the CDC website detailing health information for travelers to Thailand. Click here to see the CDC website detailing health information for travelers to Bhutan.
Exit Requirements -— Any departure taxes are included in your flight tickets. The CDC no longer requires air passengers traveling from a foreign country to the United States to show a negative COVID-19 viral test or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before they board their flight.
Making Travel Arrangements to Bangkok, Thailand
International airfare to Bangkok, Thailand is NOT included in your tour price. You need to get your round-trip international air ticket in and out of Bangkok (BKK). You need to be in Bangkok no later than Sunday, November 10, 2024. Do not book a return flight departing Bangkok any earlier than the morning of November 25, 2024. We encourage you to work with Steven Goldberg at Frosch Travel in Chicago, who can help you find the best flights to meet your needs.
Steven Goldberg / Frosch Travel
Toll-Free in USA: 1-800-323-1276
International guests, please call +1-312-371-9686
Email: steven.goldberg@frosch.com
When calling, please identify yourself as a Toto Tours participant. If you leave a message on Steven’s voice mail, he will return your call promptly. He will be happy to discuss your travel plans and help you decide when to purchase your ticket for the best rate.
NOTE: The recent trend is for travelers to finalize their plans much closer to departure time than was customary in the past. While we try to be as flexible as possible, we often must turn away last-minute registrants because we relinquish hotel space and air reservations 8 – 12 weeks prior to departure! Please keep this in mind when making your travel plans.
GETTING PHYSICALLY PREPARED
Moderate To Strenuous Walking / Hiking
This Toto Tours Cultural and Scenic Expedition is suitable for all those with good health and who are able to hike 3-4 hours up and down without much carrying. There will be moderate city/village walking for several hours on some days. Other days will feature more strenuous hikes in a high-altitude mountain environment involving climbing and descending on nature trails that could be irregular and present tripping hazards. Good balance and aerobic conditioning are essential, as are excellent waterproof hiking shoes or boots. We recommend you begin a graduated routine of walking and stair-climbing eight weeks prior to departure in order to fully enjoy this adventure without suddenly stressing your body.
Altitude Considerations
Many visitors to the Himalayas experience what is known as “mountain sickness”——a feeling of dizziness and nausea accompanied by a throbbing headache. It happens when your body isn’t getting all the oxygen it needs. People from Bhutan can’t relate because their bodies have adapted to the high altitude by producing more red blood cells. Unless you happen to live at 10,000-12,000 feet, you can expect to experience some degree of discomfort. This tour has been designed to enable us to acclimate gradually to the ever-increasing altitudes. If you think you’ll have a serious problem with the altitude, consult your physician and ask him to prescribe Diamox. It greatly lessens the symptoms of “mountain sickness.” You should also plan on drinking large quantities of water as the high altitude causes rapid dehydration.
WHAT TO BRING
Expect a wide range in weather conditions in Bhutan. It is best to come prepared for everything! In order to avoid having to travel with more than one piece of luggage, try to pack clothing which can be layered, worn repeatedly and put together in mix-’n’-match fashion. Historic temperature ranges for November in the areas visited during this tour are:Paro: 33 - 55 degrees F.
Haa: 30 – 55 degrees F.
Bumthang: 15 - 35 degrees F.
Trongsa: 18 - 49 degrees F.
Punakha: 18 - 49 degrees F.
Thimphu: 32 - 54 degrees F.
Suggested Packing List:
- Passport. Visa not necessary for Thailand. Our Bhutan partners will arrange our Bhutan visas.
- Comfortable walking shoes for city sightseeing.
- Waterproof hiking boots for mountain hiking.
- Underwear, socks, and t-shirts for several days between laundry opportunities (any hotel where we stay more than one night).
- Long underwear top and bottom
- 2 fleece long sleeved jumpers
- Casual long-sleeved shirts for dinners.
- Weatherproof long pants (1 pair) for hiking.
- 2 pair warm long pants for city/hotel attire
- Sunscreen / lip balm.
- Sunglasses / sun hat with tie-on (chin strap).
- Sweater, waterproof winter coat, hat, gloves, scarf.
- Personal toiletries
- Ziploc Bags—small for papers, large for wet clothes.
- An extra set of prescription glasses or contact lenses if you wear them.
- Reusable Water Bottle for hikes.
- Daypack or fanny pack for hikes.
- Electrical Adapters. In Bhutan the power plugs and sockets are of types D, F, and G. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. Click here to see photos of the type of adapter required in Bhutan.
- A good book (or two) for your long flights.
MONEY MATTERS
The currency unit of Bhutan is the Ngultrum (BNT), which is pegged to the Indian Rupee (also accepted as legal tender). Locals abbreviate the currency as “Nu” and most visitors call them “noos.” U.S. Dollars are also widely accepted throughout the kingdom. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but you will probably need cash at local shops. ATM service is only available in Paro and Thimpu, so plan on bringing plenty of spending money with you. As of December 27, 2024, the interbank rate of exchange was 83.27 BTN to the US$1.00 (same as the Indian Rupee).Etiquette & Tipping-— We will provide suggested tipping guidelines prior to departure, and will present collective tips to drivers, guides and other staff at appropriate points throughout the tour. Click here to read a helpful article about etiquette and tipping in Bhutan.
THE TOTO SPIRIT
Toto Tours provides Adventure Travel Experiences as differentiated from tours in the traditional sense. Adventure Travel allows (even encourages) you to be an active participant. Adventurers can be identified by certain traits. They are:- fun-loving optimists who have a sense of humor and accentuate the positive;
- good natured realists who are willing to accept situations as they exist;
- undaunted by the unexpected, like occasional delays or bad weather;
- willing to forego some of the amenities we normally take for granted;
- eager to try new things & test limits;
- punctual;
- not whiners!
Travel Insurance
We recommend you purchase travel insurance with Travel Guard to cover for unforeseen events prior to and during your trip. Please follow the link below or call us for more information.
TOUR PRICING
(tour prices per person)
Price: $8,500 in double occupancy hotel accommodationsPrivate Room: $1,200 additional, for a total tour price of $9,700.
Airfare Upgrade: $500 for Business Class on all 3 flights
Deposit: $1,000 (Due at time of registration for the tour. May be paid with a credit card.)
Remaining Balance Due: August 23, 2024 (80 days prior to departure). Full payment required with reservation form if enrolling after this date.
Note: The tour prices do not include bank service charges for processing credit card payments and assume that the remaining balance will be paid by check. If you would like to pay the balance with a credit card, a 4% service charge will be applied. Let us know if you wish to pay by credit card, and we will adjust your invoice accordingly.
Included: Thirteen nights hotel accommodations in Bhutan; international round-trip economy class airfare for the international flights between Bangkok and Paro; one economy class domestic flight within Bhutan; all meals from lunch on Day 1 through lunch on Day 14; ground transportation in climate-controlled vehicle; sightseeing activities and entrances as listed in the itinerary. This is a fully guided and escorted tour.
Not Included: International round-trip airfare to Bangkok (BKK); ground transportation for sightseeing on your own (taxis, local guides, etc.); meals and optional activities not specifically listed in the itinerary; camera fees; alcoholic beverages; insurance; laundry, telephone calls, faxes, or any other expenses of a personal nature. Tips to guides, drivers and other staff are not included; tipping guidelines for our group tips will be provided prior to departure.
ACCOMMODATIONS
(click hotel name to read description)
- Paro (2 nights – Days 1&3): Resort Thim-Dorji (3*)
- Haa (1 night – Day 2): Hotel Lhayul (3*)
- Bumthang (1 night – Day 4): Yugharling Resort (3*)
- Trongsa (1 night – Day 5): Yangkhil Resort (3*)
- Gangtey (1 night – Day 6): Dewachen Hotel (3*)
- Punakha (2 nights – Days 7&8): Dhensa Boutique (4*)
- Thimphu (3 nights – Days 9–11): Pelyang Boutique (3*)
- Paro (2 nights – Days 12&13): Le Meridien Riverfront (5*)