Tour Overview

We combine an exceptional trek with time to explore the cultural heritage of Bhutan. In the company of our local guides we follow trails that lead high above the Paro and Thimphu valleys to gain unrivalled views of the Himalayan peaks that define the borderlands of Bhutan and Tibet. There is also ample opportunity to delight in the pristine forests of conifer, oak and rhododendrons as well as encountering yak herders as they establish their summer encampments. In Paro and Thimphu we wander the markets and appreciate the location of the monasteries and forts that reflect the deep cultural heritage of this remarkable Buddhist kingdom.

Daywise Tour Itinerary

Day 1 :Arrive Paro

On arrival in Paro we clear Bhutan customs and immigration before being met by our Bhutan group leader. At our hotel our Bhutan guide will brief you on your stay in Bhutan before we take our first opportunity to explore the Paro bazaar.

Day 2 :Paro Valley, Takstang Monastery (3100m) & National Museum

Our sightseeing program in Paro includes a hike to Taktsang Monastery. The two to three hour ascent provides an excellent opportunity to acclimatise and to get the feel for your boots before commencing your trek. Taktsang Monastery - the site of the site of the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery which is one of the divine resting places of the Guru Ringpoche. The monastery was destroyed by fire a few years ago but the rebuilding is nearly complete thanks to various donations from European NGO’s. After visiting Taktsang monastery, an unforgettable experience, we return to our hotel and, in the afternoon visit the Paro Dzong which is the monastic and administrative centre for South-West Bhutan. We also visit the original fort - the Ta Dzong that now houses the National Museum of Bhutan with excellent displays of all facets of the countries rich cultural history. Old costumes and battle dress, together with priceless jewellery and specimens of the kingdom’s unique flora and fauna are included within the museum.

Day 3 :Commence trek to camp (approx 2 to 3 hrs).

From our hotel our guides can point out the dzong which is visible from the valley. After a short drive to the Ta Dzong we commence our trek along a well defined trail through a series of small settlements where Tibetan refugees have established their homes since 1959. After two hours we reach a small clearing with an important mani wall (3050m) where we camp for the night.

Day 4 :Trek to Jilli Dzong (approx 2 to 3 hours)

A short stage to assist acclimatisation. We ascend through a forest of blue pine and silver birch for a further two hours. Just above the treeline we reach an alpine glade and the Jilli La (3580m) and gain fine views back down the Paro Valley. It’s a short distance onto camp in a beautiful sheltered clearing to the east of the pass (3490m). In the afternoon we visit the nearby Jilli Dzong, an impressive fort cum monastery with panoramic views. In the vicinity of the Dzong there are many prayer flags hung from commemorative poles that reflect the ancient Buddhist beliefs that extend across the ridge tops of Bhutan.

Day 5 :Jilli Dzong to Jangchu Lakha (approx 4hrs)

We continue along the wooded crest high above the Paro Valley through conifer and rhododendron forest while numerous orchids, ferns and wildflowers line the trail. To the north you may glimpse the snow capped peak of Chomlohari. On this stage we also pass through a number of yak herders settlements who, like their counterparts in Southern Tibet, live in woven yak wool tents throughout the summer months. Our camp at Jangchu Lakha (3780m) is in a fine location overlooking the intermediary valley between the Paro and Thimphu valleys.

Day 6 :Jangchu Lakha to Jimilang Tsho (approx 5 to 6 hrs)

Another spectacular day as we continue north along tan alpine ridge. En route we cross a series of small passes in the vicinity of 4050m with each marked by a stone memorial and an abundance of prayer flags. From the passes there are also fine views of many of the peaks that form the border with Tibet. From our lunch spot we can appreciate the location of our campsite on the shores of the Jimilang Tsho. To reach the lake involves a long and gradual descent taking an hour or so, at first across alpine meadows and then through rhododendron and conifer forest to this wonderful campsite.

Day 7 :Jimilang Tsho to Simkota Tsho (approx 5hrs)

From the lake the trail ascends through rhododendron forest before traversing a series of grazing meadows. It takes around three hours to reach the secluded encampment of Janye Tsho (3950 metres) and a fine place for a break. Thereafter the profile of the trail continues with short ascents and descents to reach the campsite above Simkota Tsho (4050 metres). From the campsite you can appreciate Jilli Dzong and the ridge-line you trekked along a few days earlier.

Day 8 :Simkota Tsho to Phajoding (approx 4 to 5 hrs)

On our final day along the ridges we head over a series of small passes leading towards the Thimphu Valley. En route we pass a number of yak herders settlements and alpine lakes before reaching the Phume La (4200m) from where we appreciate the vast sprawl of the Thimphu Valley. We continue our descent to a campsite near Phajoding Goemba (3650m). This is a beautiful Buddhist monastery and an important pilgrimage site for the Bhutanese people.

Day 9 :Phajoding to Thimphu (3 hrs)

From Phajoding the trail descends steeply, passing through mixed forest for a couple of hours before following the valley floor to the Youth centre (2580m). From the roadhead, we drive to our hotel in Thimphu. After lunch we commence our sightseeing program of Bhutan’s capital. The town is by no means large and is easily explored on foot. The main Secretariat building, the Tashichho Dzong is the most prominent building consisting of the main Secretariat, the National Assembly Hall, the Office of the King and the Throne Room. It's remarkable 13th century construction is in traditional Bhutanese style without the use of nails or metal of any kind. We also visit the large Stupa dedicated to the late King HM. Jimge Dorji Wangchuk, regarded as the founder of modern day Bhutan. Then there is the Handicraft Emporium with famous weaving, woodcarvings and paintings while the Post Office sells Bhutan's world-renowned stamps.

Day 10 :In Thimphu, transfer to Paro

In the morning we complete our sightseeing in and after lunch we complete the two-hour drive back to Paro.

Day 11 :Trip concludes

Morning transfer to Paro Airport for your onward flight.

Inclusions

Accommodation is on twin sharing basis
Meals : breakfast at all places
Transfers from one place to another
Sightseeing in private cars
Vehicle will be provided based on the itinerary
All current taxes such as hotel taxes and transportation taxes

Exclusions

Entrance fees at the monuments/ temples
Meals not mentioned in inclusions
Personal Expenses / Purchase of things
Any kind of insurance
Any increase in the govt. taxes and state taxes
Anything not mentioned in the itinerary.

Booking & Cancellation Policy

Your contract is with Bhutan Packages. A contract exists between us when we have confirmed you on our tour / hotel booking / or any other travel related services of your choice and we have received your booking request and deposits. All correspondence/s in respect of Tours / Travel Service bookings should be addressed to Bhutan Packages.

Payments

For the services contracted, 40 % advance payment should be made to hold the booking on a confirmed basis and the balance amount should be paid before commencement of your tour. We hold the right to decide upon the amount to be paid as an advance payment, based on the nature of services and the time left for the commencement of the services.

Payment Options

Payment can be made by Bank Transfer, Cash payment to our office or by Demand Draft / Cheque. All payments should be free and clear of any withholding tax and deduction. Bank charges, if any, for remittance (by remitting bank or by intermediary bank) would be strictly borne by payer.

Rights to amend the itinerary if required

Tour once commenced will strictly go as per the itinerary finalised. In case of events and circumstances beyond our control, we reserve the right to change all or parts of the contents of the itinerary for safety and well being of our esteemed passengers.

Policy Regarding Cancellation / No Show / Early Departure

In case of cancellation of tour/travel services due to any avoidable/unavoidable reason/s we must be informed in writing. Cancellation charges would be effective from the date we receive letter in writing and cancellation charges would be as follows:

30 days & prior to arrival – 10% of the tour/service cost.
20 days to 18 days prior to arrival – 20% of the tour/service cost.
14 days to 16 days prior to arrival – 25% of the tour/service cost.
10 days to 08 days prior to arrival – 50% of the tour/service cost.
07 days & less, prior to arrival or no show – NO REFUND.

Please note – Irrespective of above mentioned cancellations slabs – in case of cancellation of tour services after the booking is made with us – a minimum 10% service charges would be applicable.

In case you cancel the trip after commencement refund would be restricted to a limited amount that too would depend on the amount that we would be able to recover from the hoteliers we patronize. For unused hotel accommodation, chartered transportation and missed meals etc. we do not bear any responsibility to refund.

Refund

In regard to refund of unused / unutilized services (which are paid for and cancelled in advance) the refund amount would be worked out on the basis of cancellation policy as described above and the money would be accordingly refunded to the person who has made the payment to us. Please note that the refund process may take 2 – 4 weeks due to banking procedures. If the refund is made to the credit card account OR to Bank account, the bank charges would be debited from the refund amount.