Trip Facts
- Price Start From: USD 2748
- Trip Duration: 13 Days
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Accommodation: Hotels
- Best Time for Travel: March and April, September through November
- Activities: Cultural Exploration, Farm house visit
- Trip Starting Point: Kathmandu
- Trip Ending Point: Kathmandu
Trip Highlights
Thimpu-Memorial Chorten
National Library
Handicrafts
Emporium
Painting
Simtokha Dzong
Tashicho Dzong
Pangri Zampa Monastery
Thimpu week-end market
Paro-Drugyal Dzong,
Farm houses, Ta Dzong
Paro Rinchen Dzong
Paro-Takstang Monastery
Testimonials
"It was really a wonderful visit to Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and Darjeeling through your agency."
Mr. Ram and Marron Staffs, Namaste and I would like to thank you very much for your kind support. It was really a wonderful visit to Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and Darjeeling through your agency I travel to Nepal and many other countries and have found...
Bhutan »Bhutan Tour »Journey to the Dragon Kingdom - 13 Days
Journey to the Dragon Kingdom - 13 Days
- Trip Overview |
- Detail Itinerary |
- General information |
- Cost Include & Excludes |
- Equipment List
Bhutan, the Dragon Kingdom is Himalayan paradise like Nepal. Unspoiled, a very far from the modern technology and traditional way of living of the Bhutanese is something more than the Nepalese life which will really attract the tourist more. From the thick alpine forests to the culture and friendly people, this pristine country exudes the colors of life and jest, typified by the yells from the zealous archers. The Drugyel fortress and the ancient Taktsang monastery of hermits, which hangs on impossible cliffs are some of the fascinating historical places to visit in Paro.
Bhutan is a mountain kingdom plunged in the heart of the Himalayas, nestled between Tibet and India’s Assam Plain. Within its 18,000 square miles, Bhutan offers a variety of climates from the hot and humid jungles of the southern foothills to the more temperate central region and to the icy-cold snowcapped peaks in the north. The crystal beauty of Bhutan and its century old traditions are still alive and untrodden. The visit to Bhutan is regarded as "a millennium tour" guarantor for those who love unexplored nature and antique traditions.
OUTLINE ITINERARY
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Trip Preparation day in Kathmandu.
Day 03: Fly to Paro and drive to Thimpu.
Day 04: Thimphu valley sightseeing and hike to Tango Monastery.
Day 05: Thimphu – Punakha.
Day 06: Punakha – Gangtey.
Day 07: Gangtey – Trongsa – Bumthang.
Day 08: Sightseeing in Bumthang.
Day 09: Bumthang – Wangdue – Punakha.
Day 10: Punakha – Thimphu – Paro.
Day 11: Paro – Departure to Kathmandu.
Day 12: Free day in Kathmandu.
Day 13: Final Departure
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrival in Kathmandu Int’l airport, Marron Treks’ airport representative meets greets and transfers towards your designated hotel. Upon arrival in hotel you are served with a welcome drinks. Check in your room and rest of time free for your own exploration.
Day 02: Preparation day
Free day in Kathmandu for the preparation and necessary shopping and free time onwards for your own exploration. O/n in hotel.
Day 03: Fly to Paro and drive to Thimpu
A spectacular descent through mountainous valleys brings you into the Kingdom of Bhutan. The beautiful airport is your first glimpse of what's ahead. After clearing customs and visa control you are met by your driver and guide. A short drive along the valley brings you to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. This very picturesque drive past rural homes, hillside monasteries and chortens only takes 1.5 hours. Settle into your hotel and after lunch at a local restaurant start your sightseeing, visiting the Textile Museum, a traditional paper making factory and the Post office to see Bhutan's beautiful stamps which also depicts about our country’s myths, traditions etc. Alternatively you can do less formal sightseeing and walk around the town with your guide. Dinner at a local Bhutanese restaurant. Overnight at Hotel Phuntsho Pelri or Hotel Wangchuk.
Day 04: Thimphu valley sightseeing and hike to Tango Monastery.jpg)
After breakfast drive at Sangaygang, a field of Bhutanese prayer flags, perched high above the city. Colored flags send prayers to the heavens and white flags honor the dead. Visit the Motithang Mini Zoo where you can see the National animal Takin research centre where these odd animals graze peacefully in a small protected park. Walk to the Zilukha Nunnery and then drive to the Tango Monastery for a picnic lunch. The hike to the monastery takes about 45 minutes. It is a 13th Century structure and today is home to about 150 monks studying Buddhist Philosophy and meditation. Thimphu sightseeing continues with the Folk Heritage Museum (a beautifully restored Bhutanse farmhouse from the last century) and the National Painting School. In the evening visit the National Memorial Chorten built in honor of our 3rd king Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (a wonderful opportunity to mix with the local population). All the buildings in Bhutan conform to national building principals and are beautifully carved and decorated. Dinner at Royal Golf Club. Overnight at hotel Phuntsho Pelri or Hotel Wangchuk.
Day 05: Thimphu – Punakha
Depart Thimpu and drive over the Docchu-La pass to Punakha. The teahouse at the pass offers beautiful views of the Himalayan range in the distance. This is a 3 hour drive with stops en route. Overnight at hotel Zangto-Pelri. Afternoon visit the magnificent Dzong spanning the . This is the winter residence of the monastic body and the Je Khenpo (chief Abbott). Dinner and overnight at hotel Meri Puensum.
Day 06: Punakha – Gangtey
This morning we travel to the Probjikha Valley stopping at Wangdue en route, a typical rural town, where locals buy and sell all manner of produce! We turn off the main road for the Probjhika Valley, arguably the most beautiful in Bhutan. The scenery changes dramatically and your will see dwarf bamboo and possibly grazing yaks. Continue to the bottom of the valley and see the Black Crane Institute and Research Centre. The migratory crane arrives in the valley in late October each year. Dinner and overnight at hotel Dewachen.
Day 07: Gangtey – Trongsa – Bumthang
Today our drive is spectacular and passes over many valleys. We stop at the Chendibji Chorten at the top of a highest pass of the Black mountains and then continue into Central Bhutan. The golden roofed Trongsa Dzong spans the valley that divides east and west Bhutan and is another architectural feat, which can be seen for 20 tantalising and winding miles before it is finally reached. Afternoon visit the impressive Trongsa Dzong and then drive to Bumthang via Yotongla pass (3,400 metres). Enroute visit the joint Australian/Bhutanese wool project at Chumey valley. Watch the single loom weaving process and buy yak wool rugs or scarves if you wish. There is also a wonderful selection of textiles from all over Bhutan on display and for sale at this roadside stop. You will probably see Yaks on the high passes on the way to Bumthang. Eventually the road winds down into the beautiful Bumthang valley, the cultural heart of Bhutan. Rice paddies give way to fields of barley and potatoes as the climate is too cold for rice. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Rinchenling Lodge.
Day 08: Sightseeing in Bumthang
Bumthang is said to be one of the most spectacular valleys in Bhutan and also the heartland of Buddhism. Here many great teachers meditated and left in their wake many sacred grounds. The Guru and his lineage of Tertons (treasure finders), have led to the sprouting of many temples in the valley. In the morning we hike to visit Tamshing Monastery (one of the oldest monastic schools built by Terton Pema Lingpa) and Kurjey Lhakhang (where the Guru Rinpoche subdued a local demon and left his body imprint on a rock). We also visit Jambay Lhakhang (one of the oldest temple in Bhutan built in 7th century) and Jakar Dzong (seat of the district administration). In the afternoon hike to Thangbi valley across the suspension bridge and visit the Thangbi Lhakhang built in the 14th century. Dinner and overnight at hotel Rinchenling lodge.
Day 09: Bumthang – Wangdue – Punakha
Depart the Bumthang valley and retrace our route back out of the valley and back to Wangdue. This is a long day's drive - a necessary evil in order to see the Festival. Dinner and overnight at hotel Hotel Meri Puensum.
Day 10: Punakha – Thimphu – Paro
An early departure from Wangdue to Paro via Thimphu for a break and a chanceto buy any textiles or artifacts that you may not have picked up elsewhere on your travels. Afternoon drive or hike if time allows to Takstang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, the most photographed in Bhutan. The monastery has been rebuilt after a disastrous fire destroyed it some years ago. The monastery can only be viewed from afar as it is not open to the public. The view is however worth the steep 1 hour walk up a wide mountain path. Wildflowers will still be in bloom. Later, visit Ta Dzong (an ancient watchtower) which now houses the National Museum. This dzong was converted into the National Museum in 1968. The museum boasts antique thangka, textiles, weapons and armour, household objects and rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts. We also visit the Rinpung Dzong, built in 17th century to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. The dzong is now used as an administration centre and school for monks. Later evening take a walk around the main street of Paro’s main shopping district. Dinner and overnight at hotel Silver pine.
Day 11: Paro – Departure to Kathmandu
In the morning our agent escort will bid you farewell at Paro airport and arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel. O/n hotel.
Day 12: Free day in Kathmandu
Evening followed by farewell dinner. O/n in hotel.
Day 13: Final departure
Marron Treks Airport representative drops as well as farewells you at airport or if time permits you, extend your trip for Everest Scenic Mountain flight, city sightseeing tours, Paragliding, Jungle safari tours or white water rafting tours.
Accommodation:
During Journey to the Dragon Kingdom in Bhutan we opt you accomodate on 3 star or 5 star hotels like Hotel Royal Singhi(3 star), Hotel Manaslu(3 star), Radisson(5 star), Yak & Yeti (5 star) or similar in Kathmandu City. While in Bhutan, you will be accommodated in 3-4 Star lodges and hotels in Paro,Thimphu,Gangtey,Punakha, Wangdue etc as per your requirement.
Meals:
We arrange the best quality food for all trekkers while Journey to the Dragon Kingdom. Basically we recommend you local community foods of Bhutan like local red rice served with dried meat cooked with very hot chilies, Ema Datshi (vegetarian dish made of cheese and chili) and variety of vegeterian foods so that you could enjoy the culture, the way of living of local people around there.You could easily find Non-Vegeterian foods as it available, Other than that many kind of Continental, Chinese, Italian and Indian cuisine like Pizza, Spaghetti, French Fries, Soups, Breads etc are also available in most of the places based upon your requirement.
Best Season
Spring and autumn are considered to be the peak seasons. Spring starts from April through June and autumn from September through November. Many festivals are held in these periods. It is best time for visitors to take advantage of pleasant climate and the festivals.
Our Guides:
The Guides play a very active role during the trip. Marron Treks has experienced and helpful treking guides who make your trip enjoyable as well as successful. To make our visitors journey fruitful, the team of MarronTreks has got number of guides who have good knowledge about the culture, language, location of Bhutan which would help our trekkers to enjoy the full potential of the trail and communicate easily with the people along the trail.
Access to enter Bhutan
Bhutan is well connected to the outside world through Druk Air (Royal Bhutanese Airlines), the national carrier which is the only airline operating flights in and out of the kingdom. The country's only airport is situated at Paro and two flights a week from Kathmandu (Nepal).
Travel Insurance:
Before starting your journey with MarronTreks it is advised that you arrange your travel insurance before leaving your homeland. The main thing is to make sure your insurance covers you for both medical and evacuation costs. In some places it is not necessary but it would be better if you have the travel insurance with you all the time. That would make your trip save and hassle free.
Visa and Travel Arrangements
Marron Treks arranges Visa and travel permits. We need your tour confirmation and your passport details (Name, Sex, Nationality, Date of Birth, Passport Number, and Occupation).
For more queries, Visit our FAQ section or contact us directly at info@marrontreks.com
Following are the cost details that have been provided to you for your convinience. If you want to get more, then please dont hesitate to contact us
Cost Includes
- Airport Pick up and drop Service
- 8 nights standard hotel accommodation on BB basis
- 9 days tour with English speaking guide
- 4 Nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on BB basis
- 1 and half days sightseeing tours in Kathmandu with English speaking guide.
- All official documentation fees
Cost Excludes
- KTM PARO KTM Airfare: US$: 460.00 (subject to change)
- Visa Fee: US$ 20.00 ( Subject to Change)
- Tourism Development Fee (TDF) US$ 10.00 ( Subject to Change)
- Hard & cold drinks
- Lunch & Dinner in hotels
- Emergency rescue
- Tips to guide and Staffs
- Other expenses aroused except mentioned in cost include section
Required Equipments
T Shirt
Trekking Trouser
Walking Boots
Water Proof Jacket
Pants and Shorts
Water Bottle
Binoculars
Sun Hat
Light Sandals
Toileteries
Small clean clothes
Torch
Batteries
Clothing and equipments Accessories for Tea House and Camping Treks
The equipments and clothing list below is for a relatively longer trek involving a cold high altitude destination in Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan. If you are doing a short trek to a relatively lower altitude you may not need all these. The list below is for a guideline alone, you may have your own check list as well. Duffle Bag and a good sleeping bag will by provided by Marron Treks P.Ltd, which you should return after completion of your trip. Please note that most of the trekking items are easily available for buying or renting in Nepal and you are suggested not to bring unnecessary items with you.
For Head
- Cap for sun protection during trek
- sunglasses/goggles
- sunscreen lotion/sun balm
For Body
- T-shirts and long sleeved shirts
- fleece or thermal shirts for colder areas
- fleece jumper/sweaters
- Down jacket
- wind /water proof outer garment
For leg and hand
- Casual troussers for walking
- Water proof trouser
- Thermal legging for colder areas
- Hand gloves
Trekking Shoes For foot
- woolen and cotton socks
- Trainer or casual shoes
- Waterproof hiking boot
- Gaiter for rain and snow
Others
- Day sack to carry personal goods
- Personal medicines and first aid kit
- water bottle and iodine tablets
- Torch (better head torch)
- Camera and extra batteries
- toiletries and towel
- Large handkerchief
Optional items
- compass, binoculars, altimeters,
- Playing cards , books, guide book
For Peak climbing we suggest the following gears except above mentioned accessories.
Suggested Climbing Gear
- Climbing boots, Crampons.
- Ice axe, Harness.
- Karabiners.
- Tapes/slings
- Rock pegs, Helmet (crash hat).
- Warm climbing trousers, Long cotton hiking shirts.
- Waterproof climbing jacket, Gaiters.
- Sun hat, Light cotton athletic socks and wool.
- Climbing socks, long sleeved cotton/woolen shirts.
- T-shirts, Wool long underwear.
- Down high altitude, Sleeping bag.
- Down jacket/ trousers/vest, climbing sunglasses.
- Sunscreen, Lip salve.
- Lightweight fleece, Fleece/wool for climbing.
- Head torch /batteries/bulbs, Lightweight thermal/ insulated ski gloves.
Please do write us at info@marrontreks.com for furthermore information except those mentioned in above.
FAQ
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