Bhutan. 10 Days 9 Nights Central & Western

Transcription

1 10 Days 9 Nights Central & Western Bhutan Paro/ Thimphu/ Punakha/ Gangtey/ Bumthang HIGHLIGHTS Private Guided Tour and Driver Ala-Carte Lunches and Dinners in Thimphu and Punakha Create personalizes postage stamps Set of Traditional Costume for Photo Shoot 1 Way Domestic Flight

2 D1 BANGKOK- PARO- THIMPHU [Elevation 2,320 m] L/D Welcome to Bhutan. Arrive at Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by your guide upon arrival. Upon arrival at Paro, we will drive to Thimphu. Visit to Tamchhu Lhakhang built by Thangtong Gyalpo, the so called Iron Bridge Builder. This former saint from 14th century introduced the art of building suspension bridges with iron chains and only way to reach his temple is by one of these bridges. Enjoy lunch at Folk Heritage Museum. After lunch, visit to Zorig Chusum Art School, Takin Zoo and Chang Gangkha Lhakhang. D2 THIMPHU This morning, visit to National Memorial Chorten which located on Doeboom Lam in the southerncentral part of the city near the main roundabout and Indian military hospital. The chorten, built in 1974 to honour the 3rd King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck ( ), is a prominent landmark in the city with its golden spires and bells. Later, proceed to Kunzang Phodrang Buddha Point. The 169 feet bronze statue of Buddha Dordenma, Vajra Throne Buddha symbolising indestructibility. View the tallest statue of Lord Buddha. The view of Thimphu valley from the Buddha point is spectacular and beautiful. Gagyal Lhundup Weaving Centre for Bhutanese Costume, Paper Making Factory, Centenary Farmer s Market [Wednesday to Sunday], Post Office and shopping at Handicraft Street. Visit Tashichho Dzong (Thimphu Dzong) It was first constructed in 1216 A.D. by Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa where Dechen Phodrang now stands above Thimphu.

3 D3 THIMPHU- PUNAKHA [Elevation 1,300 m] Travel from Thimphu to Punakha via Dochula Pass. The most well known pass in Bhutan, Dochula Pass is located about 30 km away from the capital of Bhutan, Thimphu. The 108 chortens were built by Queen Mother to honor the Bhutanese soldiers who were killed when fighting the Indian rebels in Visit famous Chimi Lhakhang a Buddhist monastery in Punakha District, Bhutan. Located near Lobesa, it stands on a round hillock and was built in 1499 by the 14th Drukpa hierarch, Ngawang Choegyel, after the site was blessed by the "Divine Madman" the maverick saint Drukpa Kinley who built a chorten on the site. The Punakha Dzong, is the administrative centre of Punakha dzongkhag in Punakha, Bhutan. Constructed by Zhabdrung (Shabdrung) Ngawang Namgyal in , it is the second oldest and second largest dzong in Bhutan and one of its most majestic structures. Visit to the Punakha Suspension Bridge and Sangechen Dorji Lhundrup Nunnery. Punakha Suspension Bridge is located very much near to the Punakha Dzong and is the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan built above the Po Chu river. D5 GANGTEY- TRONGSA [Elevation 2,200 m] Continue our journey to Trongsa. Visit to Trongsa Dzong, the foundations of Trongsa Dzong were laid in the 16 th century by Pema Lingpa. The Dzong flourished during the 17 th century under Shabdrung Ngwang Namgyal. With its massive structure, its wall looming high above the winding Mangde chu Valley, the Dzong commands the east-west road. Visit Chendebji Chorten, patterned on Kathmandu s Swayambhunath Stupa, with eyes painted at the four cardinal points. It was built in the 18th century by Lama Zhida, to cover the remains of an evil spirit that was subdued at this spot. Legend says that the evil spirit manifested as a gigantic snake. and Trongsa Museum. This watchtower, which once guarded Trongsa Dzong from internal rebellion, stands on a promontory above the town. It was built by Chogyal Minjur Tempa, the 1st Governor of Trongsa in It has four observation points resembling Tiger, Lion, Garuda, and Dragon. Climb up the path to visit Ta Dzong which now houses a shrine dedicated to the epic hero, King Gesar of Ling. A visit to this former watchtower provides visitors with an insight into the significance of Trongsa in Bhutan s history. As of date the Ta Dzong of Trongsa is the most fascinating museum of the nation. D4 PUNAKHA- GANGTEY Today, continue our journey to the west and visit to Gangtey. Gangtey & Phobjikha- The valley of Gangtey is one of the most beautiful spots in Bhutan. The surprise of finding such a wide, flat valley without any trees after the hard climb through dense forests is augmented by an impression of vast space. Gangtey Goempa- Perched on a small hill that rises from the valley floor, the Gangtey Monastery is the only Nyingmapa monastery on the western side of the Black Mountain sgangtey valley, Bhutan and also the biggest Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan.

4 D6 TRONGSA- BUMTHANG [Elevation 2,700 m] Visit to Bumthang. Some of Bhutan s oldest and most venerated temples are found in Bumthang, including Jambey Lhakhang. According to legend this ancient temple was built by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo in 659 A.D. as part of a chain of 108 simultaneously constructed temples in order to subdue an evil demoness that lay over the Himalayan region. Visit to Kurjey Lhakang, also known as Kurjey Monastery, is located in the Bumthang valley in the Bumthang district of Bhutan. This is the final resting place of the remains of the first three kings of Bhutan. Also, a large tree behind one of the temple buildings is believed to be a terma that was left there by Padmasambhava. Visit to Tamshing Lhakang (temple) in the Bumthang District of central Bhutan is the most important Nyingmapa temple in Bhutan. The temple and monastery are remarkable for their direct connection to the Bhutanese saint Pema Lingpa. It is now a seat of Lama Sungtrul Rinpoche the current speech incarnation of Pema Lingpa. D7 BUMTHANG After breakfast, drive to Ura Valley One of the most tranquil and beautiful valley, Ura is a must visit valley in Bumthang. While in Ura visit the Ura Monastery and simply enjoy the meadows and the beautiful landscapes, the buck wheat and barley fields and visit the sacred Mebar Tso - Flaming Lake, which is one of the great pilgrim sites of Bhutan. Here you can find many colorful miniature stupas (Tsa-Tsa) and each of them is an ancient prayer for the well- being of beloved human. One of the most sacred sites in Bhutan, the holy lake is said to be one of the holiest lakes in Bhutan. D8 BUMTHANG- PARO by flight Travel back to Paro by flight. At Paro, we will visit to Paro Valley, Paro Dzong, Ta Dzong and historic Kyichu Lhakhang, this is the first and oldest temple, as believe built in early 7th century and the first outposts of Buddhism in Bhutan. Houses one of the oldest temples in Bhutan called Jowo Temple, originally built in the 7th century by the Tibetan ruler Songsten Gyambo. It is believed that in the 8th century, the temple was visited by Guru Rimpoche and concealed many spiritual treasures.recently, this temple was so famous by the marriage of Tony Leong and Carina Lau (Hong Kong celebrity). D9 PARO After breakfast, visit to Paro Taktsang (also known as Tiger's Nest), a prominent Himalayan Buddhist sacred site and temple complex, located in the cliffside of the upper Paro valley, in Bhutan. A temple complex was first built in 1692, around the Taktsang Senge Samdup cave where Guru Padmasambhava is said to have meditated for three years, three months, three weeks, three days and three hours in the 8th century. D10 PARO- BANGKOK B Drive to Paro International Airport for home departure.

5 Base on per person in USD Twin Sharing 2 Person 4 person and above Tourist Class Hotel USD 3, per person USD 3, per person Local 4 Star 2N Thimphu, 1N Punakha USD 3, per person USD 3, per person Package Inclusions Return economy flight ticket from Bangkok to Paro and vv with applicable taxes and fuel Permit and visa enter to Bhutan 9 nights tourist class/ local 4 start hotel at Bhutan as quoted in the chart Package Exclusions Flight ticket from origin country to Bangkok Personal Expenses Travel Insurance Compulsory tipping and porterages throughout the trip approximate USD per person Hotel/ Transportation during transit at Bangkok REMARKS: Prices and itinerary quoted are subject to change Subject to room availability Non-refundable for unutilized transfer, sightseeing entrance fee and meals due to unfit traveller Meal included in the itinerary however there might be no proper restaurant during the journey at suburb area. Pack box lunch will be serving. Sequence of the itinerary might be vary and subject to weather and road conditions. Majority of the tourist class hotel have no airconditional facilities. Terms & Conditions Apply - Cancellation: Notice of cancellation must be made in writing to us. In the event that there should be any cancellation arising, the following cancellation will apply: Airlines: i) Non- refundable of deposit after confirmation and issuance of air ticket ii) Non- refundable of air fare and applicable airport taxes after balance payment of airfare iii) Non- refundable for ticket after ticketed. Ground and Hotel Arrangement: days before departure - 40% of ground arrangement fare days before departure - 60% of ground arrangement fare 14 8 days before departure - 80% of ground arrangement fare Less than 7 days - 100% of ground arrangement fare No Show Fee - 100% of ground arrangement fare - Itinerary stated in above are subject to changes without prior notice. - The sequence of the itinerary are subject to the final confirmation. - Tour will be conducted in English Language. (Foreign language guide can be request with surcharge apply) - Most of the hotel in Bhutan DON T have air-condition system except for local 4 star with fan. - The performance of this quotation by Harpers is subject to acts of God, war, government regulations, disaster, fire, strikes, civil disorder, or other similar cause or threat thereof beyond the abilities of the hotel, making it inadvisable, illegal or impossible to perform the terms of the quotation, hold the meeting, or provide the facility. This quotation may be terminated or revised for any above reasons without liability by written notice from Harpers Travel. - It is a requirement by most immigration authorities that the passport must have a validity for at least six ( 6 ) months from date of return of travel and also no owing of income tax - clearance with Malaysian government and also government loan related case that resulted into force of exit at the immigration during departure from Malaysia. - No refund will be made in respect to accommodation, meals, sightseeing or other services which are included in the tour fare but not utilized by the participants. - We are acting as an agent between our customer and airlines. We will not be responsible for the unforeseen schedule changes during tour/ events. Any cancellations of services by the airlines are beyond our said contract and shall not be liable for any claims of such incident. Kindly ensure your travel is covered with the necessary travel insurance. - We are associated companies or agents act only in the capacity of agents for the passengers in all matters of transportation, tour operations and other services. All receipts, tickets, vouchers, coupons or exchange orders are issued subject to the terms and conditions under which transportation and other services are provided. - We are associated companies or agents assume no responsibility for loss, injury, accident, damage delay or any irregularity that may be caused to person or property, however caused or arising, during any tour under its management, sponsorship, procurement or otherwise shall be exempted from all liabilities. Baggage and personal effects are always the passengers responsibility. - We shall be exempted from all liabilities in respect of any detention, deportation or refusal of entry, delay, loss, damage, sickness or injury however and by whomsoever caused and of whatever kind occurring to the passenger at any time when the passenger is on board a carrier or conveyance used or operated by the transportation companies or firms concerned, shall constitute the sole contract between the transportation companies or firms and the purchaser of these tours and / or passengers. - We are acting as agent between the individual supplier and the passenger, is not responsible, nor liable for defaults of those not directly under their control. - It is our policy that every reasonable effort be used to ensure that what is stated in the brochure is followed exactly and that the sub - contractors are efficient and reputable. However, since we have no direct control over them we reserve the right to vary the itinerary, resorts, cruise ships and overnight hotels should they, airline schedule changes, local or other conditions make it necessary to do so. - The issuance and acceptance of receipts, tickets, vouchers, coupons or exchange orders shall be deemed consent to the above conditions. Harpers Travel (M) Sdn Bhd (13564-K) Head Office : Lobby Level, Menara Melawangi, Amcorp Trade Centre, KKKP Persiaran Barat, Petaling Jaya, Selangor DE, Malaysia. T: F: E: infokul@harperstravel.com Penang Office : Unit 201 ~ 203, 2nd Floor, Penang Plaza, 126 Jalan Burmah, Penang, Malaysia. KKKP0422 T: / F: E: infopen@harperstravel.com