7DAYS BHUTAN HEAVENLY PACKAGE

Transcription

1 7DAYS BHUTAN HEAVENLY PACKAGE NUSS PRIVATE TOUR ITINERARY March, 2016 Bhutan s culture is one of the oldest in the world and is carefully guarded, well preserved and permeates every aspect of the life of a Bhutanese - evident and exemplified by the hundreds of sacred monasteries, religious institutions, stupas, prayer flags and prayer wheels, and festivals all over Bhutan. F A C T S: Starts: In Paro Ends: In Paro Activities: Insights into Bhutanese culture, sightseeing and hiking Maximum Altitude: 3,140m/10,362ft above sea level I T I N E R AR Y: Day 01: Arrive at Paro Airport. Half day sightseeing in Thimphu. Overnight in Thimphu Day 02: Sightseeing in Thimphu. Overnight in Thimphu Day 03: Drive to Punakha/Wangdue. Overnight in Punakha/Wangdue Day 04: Sightseeing in Punakha/Wangdue. Overnight in Punakha/Wangdue Day 05: Drive to Paro. Overnight in Paro Day 06: Sightseeing in Paro. Overnight in Paro Day 07: Depart from Paro Airport H I G H L I G H T S: Attend the Paro Festival Visit the largest sitting Buddha in the world, heritage sights of fortresses and fertility temple Hike the iconic Tiger s Nest Visit Farm House, cook and taste the Bhutanese cuisine with the family Get your picture on the stamp to send to friends and families a post card Dress up in Bhutanese dress and go for dinner in one of the happening restaurant in the city Plant trees as a responsible tourists coming to Bhutan Practice archery Stroll & shop in the city

2 DAY 01 / Tues / 15 Mar 2016: ARRIVE AT PARO AIRPORT Thimphu - Altitude: 2,320m/7,656ft above sea level (L,D) As your plane approaches Bhutan, take in the scenic and breathtaking views of the Himalayan Mountains. If weather permits, you will be able to see Mt Everest (8,848m). After clearing customs, you will be met by your representatives from Raven Tours & Trek. The drive from Paro Airport to the capital city of Thimphu takes 1 hour 30 minutes. Tamchhog Lhakhang: On the way to Thimphu, visit this temple - accessible by crossing an iron bridge built by Thang Gyalpo of Tibet who was responsible for building numerous iron bridges throughout Bhutan. Kuenselcholing View Point: You get a good view of the Thimphu valley from this Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). Standing at 51.5m, it is the largest statue in the country. Memorial Chorten (Stupa): This chorten was built in honour of the 3 rd king, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck who is widely regarded as the father of modern Bhutan. Tashichho Dzong: This Fortress of Glorious Religion houses the secretariat building, the throne room and the office of the King, and the central monk body. It was built in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel (the leader who unified Bhutan in the 16 th century). Overnight in hotel in Thimphu Day 02 / Wed / 16 Mar 2016: IN THIMPHU (B, L, D) Talakha Monastery Hike: (9 km return / ascent 700 m / 4-5 hrs / rating: 3.1) This stunning hike starts from Simtokha Dzong, the oldest Dzong in Bhutan. The trail is up a ridge through blue pines and poplars. Talakha monastery offers excellent views of Thimphu valley and the high Himalayas. From here the urban sprawls of Thimphu far down below seem a world away. If it is a clear day you will be able to see the rounded cone of Jomolhari peak, Bhutan s most sacred mountain (7,314m), the sharp pinnacle of Jichhu Drake (6,989m), Tsherem Gang (7,000m) and the Kanchenjunga (8,589m) towering over the mountains of Paro and Haa. On an extremely clear day you can look far into Nepal, where Makalu (8,481m) and possibly Mount Everest (8,848m) are just visible against the western horizon. Further to the east of the high Himalayas the Black Mountains range dominates the skyline.

3 Later, visits can be made to: General Post Office of Bhutan: Get an insight into Bhutan through its stamps. Visit their Philatelic Bureau for their beautiful, unique and wide range of stamps and philatelic products. Get a custom made stamp with your picture and send a postcard to your friends and families from Bhutan. Authentic Craft bazaar: The stalls carry a variety of high-end quality products from places across the country such as wood carved national symbols, bags and western wears with touches of traditional designs, wooden and clay utensils, Bangchung, Dhapa, key hanger of jewelry boxes, bookmarks and handmade packing papers (Deysho) in different patterns, antique items etc. These are made by people from villages across the country thereby any souvenirs you buy will directly or indirectly benefit the under privilege. Paper factory: The handmade paper making in Bhutan stemmed from the age old tradition originated in 8 th century of Bhutanese history. The handmade paper constitutes as valuable National heritage of Bhutanese cultural identity and is preserved through all the ages. The Traditional paper is recognized and held high esteem both in home and outside world. Before dinner we will go to a location whereby a tree will be planted as a remembrance and a contribution to the environment and nature. In the evening you will dress up in our Bhutanese dress and we will take you for a dinner with preferred beverages in the hotel or in a famous restaurant with cultural show. Overnight in hotel in Thimphu DAY 03 / Thurs / 17 Mar 2016: THIMPHU TO PUNAKHA/WANGDUE (B, L, D) Punakha Altitude: 1,350m/4,455ft above sea level The 3 hour drive to Punakha/Wangdue involves crossing a pass known as Dochula Pass (3,140m) from where a spectacular panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range can be seen, especially on clear winter days. The beauty of this place is further enhanced by the Druk Wangyal Chorten stupas built by the eldest Queen, Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck. Hike to Chimi Lhakhang: This Temple of fertility was built by Lam Drukpa Kuenley (The Divine Madman) in It is about 30 minutes hike across fields. Wooden phalluses are often found hanging in the four corners of houses and phalluses are also painted on walls of houses as it is the common belief that this helps drive away evil spirits. Overnight in hotel in Punakha/Wangdue

4 DAY 04 / Fri 18 / Mar 2016: IN PUNAKHA/WANGDUE (B, L, D) Kham Sum Yule Lhakhang: It was built by the Queen, Her Majesty Ashi Tshering Pem Wangchuck for a successful reign of her son, the present and 5th King His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck. It took 8 years to build and was consecrated in December It s about 45 minutes hike from the main road. Punakha Dzong: Built by Zhabdrung in 1637, this fortress is located between the rivers of Mo (Female) Chu (river) and Pho (Male) Chu. It served as the capital city until the second king. Then a short walk to see the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan. After the visit of the Punakha Dzong, we will hike for 5 minutes to walk on the longest suspension bridge that links a village with the paved road. Punakha Nunnery: Perched on a ridge amid pine trees and overlooking valleys of Punakha and Wangduephodrang, is the school for nuns. The temple complex houses a permanent higher learning and meditation centre for nuns where, apart from religious trainings, it provides life skills such as tailoring, embroidery, statue making and thangka painting. Rinchengang Village: The ancient look of the houses built on a sliced hilltop baring a dusty orange soil reminds travelers of the crowded mud houses in Morocco or the one in Kabu, Afganisthan. It s a 20 minute walk up a gentle gradient and the village is famous for its masonry work. Overnight in hotel in Punakha/Wangdue DAY 05 / Sat / 19 Mar 2016: PUNAKHA/WANGDUE TO PARO (B, L, D) Paro Altitude: 2,280m/7,524ft above sea level The drive to Paro is 4 hours. Early morning drive to Paro to attend the opening ceremony of the Paro Festival (Tshechu). The day begins with the famous mask dances. Festivals in the Land Of Thunder Dragon are rich and happy expressions of its ancient Buddhist culture. These festivals are held in all districts in honor of Guru Rinpoche, the saint who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8 th century. There is simply no better way of experiencing the colour, passion and sheer vibrancy of Bhutan than by attending one of the numerous religious festivals that take place throughout the year.

5 Tsechus are held on auspicious days and months in the Bhutanese calendar, and last up to four days in which a series of highly stylized masked dance rituals are performed. Attendees adorned in colourful dresses gather from far and wide, sporting exotic masks and taking part in the myriad events from games of chance at the local fairs to elaborate mystic rituals. An experience not to be missed! Ta Dzong: It served as a watch tower during the 17th century to guard the region from Tibetan invasions. It was converted to the National Museum in It houses a fine collection of Bhutanese art, relics, religious thangkas (thangkas are used to convey the visualization generated during meditation and were made from Himalayan animal fibers), paintings, stuffed animals, arms and ammunitions, and the country s exquisite stamp collections. Kichu Lhakhang: It is one of the two most sacred and the oldest temples in Bhutan. It was built in 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. It is believed that he took the responsibility to built 108 temples in the different regions of Tibet, Bhutan and in other Himalayan regions to control evil spirits, disease and droughts out of which two of them are in Bhutan.(Kichu Lhakhang in Paro and Jambay Lhakhang in Bumthang). Overnight in hotel in Paro DAY 06 / Sun 20 Mar 2016: IN PARO (B, L, D) Taktshang Monastery (Tiger s nest): Bhutan s most recognizable cultural icon is perched 800m/2,640ft on a sheer cliff. It was tragically and mysteriously consumed by fire in April 1998, but is now restored to its former glory. It is believed that in the 8 th century, the great tantric master Guru Rimopche (2 nd Buddha) flew on the back of a tigress to the site where the monastery now stands. The hike to and fro is 5-6 hours (depending on your pace and fitness level). A horse can bring you up to the monastery, part of the way. Normally it cost US$25/- per person but you get this item with our compliments. Farmhouse: Picturesque farm houses dot the valley amidst fields and hillsides. The two to three-storied Bhutanese farm houses are handsome in appearance, with colorfully decorated outer walls and lintels, and are traditionally built. A visit to a farm house gives an interesting glimpse into the lifestyle of a farming family. We will visit a family in their house in a village known as Gatana Farm House. You will be welcomed in their traditional style, we will let you soak in a hot stone bath, learn to cook the traditional Bhutanese food and dine with them. We will also try out archery.later stroll around the town and catch up on shopping or relax over a cup of tea or coffee. Overnight in hotel in Paro

6 DAY 07 / Mon / 21 Mar 2016: DEPART FROM PARO (B) Early breakfast at the hotel and then the drive to the airport; your representatives from Raven Tours & Trek will assist you with exit formalities and bid you farewell. WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE Roundtrip economy ticket on Druk Air (including airport taxes) 06night accommodation with breakfast Lunch & dinner in local restaurants and hotels Private transportation within Bhutan Museums and Monuments entrance fees Visa fee Government Royalty/Tourism Development Fund Experienced Tour Leader & Local Guide YOUR ACCOMMODATION LOCATION Thimphu Punakha/Wangdue Paro SUPERIOR HOTELS Dorji Elements Lobesa Lodge or Meri Punesum Resort Tashi Namgay Resort or Rema Resort YOUR CHECK LIST Valid passport (valid for six months from the date of your trip) Have on you, one other picture ID (driving license or photocopy of passport), copy of air ticket, visa MasterCard, Visa Credit and Debit Cards are accepted in Bhutan. However travellers cheque and some cash are highly recommended Mobile phone, if your phone provider is from CELLULAR (USA) or AT&T (USA) operators, then it will work in Bhutan

7 WHAT TO BRING m jacket (preferably water proof) or rain coat Hiking pants or skirts Hiking/trekking boots Socks for boots Sneakers Slippers Backpack Water bottle Sunscreen for lips and face Sunglasses Sun hat Walking stick Binoculars DRESS CODE FOR FORTRESSES, MONASTERIES AND TEMPLES Shirt (half or full sleeve) Full length pants/long skirts Shoes with socks (some areas require the removal of shoes) No hats, umbrellas, slippers, t-shirts, short skirts and half-pants, tying of jackets at waist Photographs are allowed in the courtyards only In March 2016: Max: 25 degree Celsius Min: 10 degree Celsius APPROXIMATE TEMPERATURE DURING YOUR VISIT NUSS/if141015