best of bhutan june2017
Happiness is a place. It’s called Bhutan. Come explore a kingdom in the clouds – a land of soaring Himalayan peaks and ancient monasteries, myths and momos, where thousands of prayer flags flutter in the wind, tigers fly through the air, and happiness rules – in the company of a group of adventurous and fun-loving travellers.
Dates: 05 June - 10 June 2017 Price: INR 57,180 per person on twin sharing
Single Supplement Price: INR 15,000 per person
Day 1: 5 June
Welcome to Bhutan! You will be greeted by a Byond representative as soon as you arrive at Paro Airport. Then, sit back and relax as you’re driven in a private coach, past silver rivers, green terraced farmland, villages unchanged by time and 18,000 ft tall mountain peaks to reach Thimphu, the smallest capital city in the world (1–1.5 hours). With a humble population of 40,000, Thimphu lies in a valley with the river running through it, and is a city without traffic lights, relying instead on the elegant gestures of smart traffic policemen in navy blue uniforms. 2 | www.byond.travel
On the route: the Tachog Lhakhang Bridge built by Thangtong Gyalpo, a saint from the 15th century who introduced the art of building suspension bridges with iron chains; it is truly a sight to behold. We’ll also drive past Chuzom, the meeting point of the Paro and Thimphu rivers. Here, you’ll see shrines built to ward off evil spirits that the Bhutanese believe lurk beneath the water. The last part of the journey is just a short 15 minute stretch from Simtokha to Thimphu, your home for the next three days. Once we reach the hotel, you can check-in and unwind. Later, we’ll regroup for our gala welcome dinner! Eat your fill of traditional Bhutanese dishes and enjoy the festive atmosphere as you get to know your new travel crew and trip leader better.
Meals Included : Dinner
Day 2: 6 June
You may not fancy starting the day with hot red rice porridge and a whole glass of rosewater lassi but it’s worth giving it a try, you just might end up asking for more.
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After breakfast: we’ll get our bearings of Thimphu as we explore the city with a guide (3 hours). Soak in the atmosphere of bustling streets and bazaars crowded with photogenic citizens in national dress. On our route: a visit to the National Library which houses an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts. Perseverance is the mantra of The Institute for Zorig Chusum which is where you will be heading to next. Can you believe that students here actually undergo a 6-year training course in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts? We’ll also visit the Textile and Folk Heritage Museum which showcase the nation’s rich heritage. Lunch (on your own) at a restaurant of your choosing. Afterwards, we’ll continue our tour, stopping first visit the King’s Memorial Chorten, a striking stupa decorated with golden spires, wrathful deities and elaborate mandala paintings, that serves both as a memorial to the Late King and as a monument to peace. You’ll see Bhutanese of all ages walking around it (in a clockwise direction only) with prayer beads in their hands. Then, visit the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts shops. You can find colourful hand-woven textiles, thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate, wood carvings and jewellery. Bhutanese hand-made items such as the Kira, Yak-Bone jewelry and Waist Bands make great souvenirs. Best not to test your bargaining power here, it’s simply not customary. On the way back to the hotel, you’ll drive past the Trashi Chhoe Dzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion), the site of monarch’s throne room and seat of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot, where all important government and religious decisions are made. If you're in the mood for some music, after dinner, head out to Om Bar where you can attempt to karaoke to Bhutanese songs (and fail miserably).
Meals Included : Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3: 7 June 4 | www.byond.travel
This morning, wake a bit early, have a quick bite to eat and then, a drive up to the 10,130 ft Dochula Pass. We'll stop here briefly so you can take in the view - steep mountains dense with rhododendron forests, green valleys, monasteries, 108 chortens (Lamaist monuments), mani wall and colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind. If you’re lucky enough to be here on a clear day, you’ll also have a 360 degree view of the highest peaks in Bhutan looming in the background. Afterwards, we’ll walk to Chimi Lakhang, a fertility temple nestled in the countryside, and said to have been built by a Tibetan saint known as the Divine Madman (who, according to legend, used to defeat demons with his you-know-what). The scene at the top is tranquil and peaceful with views of pretty farmlands below; it’s an ideal place for a bit of introspection. Also Visit Punakha Dzong, another confluence but with two different rivers – Mo Chhu (Mother) and Pho Chhu (Father) via Wangdiphodrang. Damaged by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has been fully restored by the present King and rose to global attention in October 2011 when it hosted the royal wedding of King Jigme Wangchuk. Walking through a traditional Bhutanese wooden cantilever bridge to the Dzong makes for a lovely experience. With handcrafted, painted, carved and sculpted decorations, it’s definitely a treat for those with an artistic bone.
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We’ll head to Punakha for the night.
Meals Included : Breakfast , Dinner
Day 4: 8 June
After breakfast, it’s time for some action. We’re going to an archery competition! The Bhutanese are obsessed with their national sport, and almost every village has their own archery range with multi-day competitions taking place throughout the year. High-spirited competitions are a riot of colour and excitement, filled with dancing, songs, jokes, cheerleaders and light-hearted insults such as “Whose forehead is bulging and swollen like a wine-serving spoon, in aimless flight his shaft will drift to hit the mark not even one.” Try not to take these personally while you have a go at aiming for the bulls-eye. The Bhutanese make hitting the target look so easy! Then: it’s time for a drive to Paro (5 hours).You may like to stop for a traditional lunch at Thimphu. Don’t forget to try a sip of ara (a rice liquor) or local Red Panda beer and perhaps do some last minute souvenir shopping on the way.
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Why not pick up a bottle of K5 Himalayan Whisky, blended from the finest malt whiskies and locally-produced grain spirits whilst shopping? It’s smooth, smoky with a touch of sweetness - and it’s the perfect present to give a friend, but to be honest, you’ll probably want to keep this for yourself.
Meals Included : Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5: 9 June
This morning: we’ll drive up the valley to the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, which was built in a bid to control the routes to Tibet and to commemorate the Bhutanese victory over the Tibet-Mongol forces. The Dzong is now in ruins after a terrible fire in 1951 but the walls and watchtower still talk of its glory. You can enjoy the view of Mt. Jomolhari on the way up to the fortress. Then: a highlight of our holiday - we’ll hike up to the Taktsang Monastery, the most famous and holiest of Bhutanese monasteries, popularly known as Paro Taktsang (this will take around two hours). Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche, Bhutan's most revered saint, arrived here on the back of a flying tigress to defeat a local demon and then meditated here. It is
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now one of Bhutan’s most holy sites and draws pilgrims from Bhutan and neighbouring countries. Dinner: a homemade meal with a local family. Stuff yourself with traditional dishes such as ema datshi made from smoky chili peppers and yak milk cheese with red and white rice. You’ll also learn how to put on the Bhutanese national dress, which you can wear for dinner if you’d like. Tonight is the best time to talk to your hosts about everything Bhutanese, from the King’s fondness for Elvis to driving without a traffic light system.
Meals Included : Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6: 10 June
All good things must come to an end! It’s the last day of your trip to Bhutan and time to drive to the airport for your flight home. Our representative will help you with exit formalities and then bid you farewell with a 'Tashi Delek' (goodbye and good luck).
Meals Included : Breakfast
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COST INCLUDES Experiences ●
Learn archery and take part in a competition
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Thimphu city tour (The National Library, The Institute for Zorig Chusum, Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, Trashi Chhoe Dzong)
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Excursions to Dochu-la Pass, Punakha Dzong, Chimi Lakhang, Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
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Dinner with a local family
Accommodation ●
Thimphu: Pedling Hotel
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Paro: Mandala Resort
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Punakha: Meri Puensum Resort
Flights ●
Airfare from Delhi to Paro on Druk Air/Bhutan Air
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Airfare from Paro to Delhi on Druk Air/Bhutan Air
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Please note that the cost for the flights is valid only for nationals of the SAARC countries. And the package cost is valid for Indian nationals only.
Date
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Airline no
Sector
ARR/ DEP Time Airline
5th June
B3774
DEL - PBH
12:35 16:15
Bhutan Air
10th June
B3773
PBH - DEL
08:30 11:35
Bhutan Air
Meals ●
Breakfast: 5 days
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Dinner: 5 days
Transfers ●
Transfers from airports to hotels and vice-versa. Please note that arrival and departure transfers will be as per the suggested flight schedules. In the event that you arrive or depart at a time other than that recommended by Byond, a private transfer can be arranged at an additional cost.
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Transportation for excursions in a private, air-conditioned coach
Full service support ●
Assistance with arrivals and departures
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An English-speaking local guide will accompany you on tours
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Entry to sites mentioned in the itinerary
COST EXCLUDES ●
Tips
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Personal expenses
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Activities and meals not specified in the itinerary
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VISA is not required for Indian and Bangladeshi nationals. For other nationalities, you'll need to obtain a visa in advance of travelling, but we can assist you with the same.
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Service Tax as applicable
Cancellation policy: ● ● ● ● ●
If you cancelling on or before 45 days - 1000 Rupees per person to cover administrative costs. If you can cancel between 45 to 30 days from departure date - 10 % or 5000 Rupees per person whichever is higher. If you can cancel between 29 to 15 days from departure date 50 % of the tour package will be charged If you can cancel between 14 to 7 days from departure date 75% of the tour package. Less than 7 days from departure - 100 % non refundable
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