Bhutan Explorer - 12 days/11 nights
 
Paro - Thimphu - Punakha -Gangtey - Bumthang -Paro
Experience the charm of Bhutan with visits to Paro, Thimpu, Punakha, Gangtey and Bumthang. This itinerary takes the highlights of our other tours and adds an additional trip to Bumthang for a look at rural life and a visit to the burning lake.
Privately-Guided! Whether you are a single person, a couple, or a group, you'll have your own guide and driver for all airport pickups, dropoffs, and daily excursions.
Choose Your Own Dates! This is not a fixed departure date tour. Just let us know the dates that work best for you and we will arrange everything.
Customizable! Need more time? Less time? Want to see or do something that isn't included? Just let us know, and we will arrange it for you and let you know the change in costs.
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Trip Highlights
- Taksang Monastery
- Rare wildlife in the fascinating Phojibka valley
- Ura village and Burning Lake
- Bhutan’s oldest and most impressive monasteries
Itinerary
Day 1: Paro (7,780 ft.)
Upon arrival at the airport, you will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel. After settling in, visit Drukgyal Dzong, a defense fortress built in 1647, and if time permits, visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. Enjoy an evening stroll around Paro’s colorful market. Overnight in Paro. (All meals)
Day 2: Paro (7,780 ft.)
In the morning, visit Kichu Lhakhang, built in 659 A.D by the Tibetan king Srongsen Gampo. Continue after lunch to visit Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower that houses the National Museum Enjoy an evening free to explore the streets of Paro. Overnight in Paro. (All meals)
Day 3: Paro to Thimphu (7,700 ft.)
After breakfast, drive 2 hours to Thimphu. In the afternoon, visit the Indigenous hospital where ancient healing methods are still practiced. Continue on with visits to the Art & Craft School, the National library, the Royal goldsmith workshop, and the Handicraft centers. Overnight in Thimphu. (All meals)
Day 4: Thimphu to Punakha (4,300 ft.)
After breakfast, enjoy a three hour drive to Punakha crossing the Dochula pass—a stunning place to view the Himalaya Mountain Range (10,200 ft.). Upon arrival, tour Punakha Dzong, an ancient temple built on the fork of a river. Overnight in Punakha. (All meals)
Day 5: Punakha to Gangtey (9,200 ft.)
After breakfast, drive 1.5 hours to Gangtey. Upon arrival, set out to explore the beautiful Phojibka valley, an important wildlife preserve that is home to the rare Black Necked Cranes migrating from the Tibetan plateau. Spend your afternoon exploring this fascinating glacier valley and visit the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan. Overnight in Gangtey. (All meals)
Day 6: Gangtey to Bumthang (8,500 ft.)
In the morning drive 3 hours to Bumthang. Along the way enjoy magnificent views of the Himalayas and beautiful landscape through scattered hamlets and rhododendron and pine forests. Enroute, stop over to visit Trongsa Dzong. Overnight in Bumthang. (All meals)
Day 7: Bumthang (8,500 ft.)
In the morning visit the Jakar Dzong, 7th century “Fortress of the White Bird." Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey monastery, Tamshing and Kunchosum monastery. Overnight in Bumthang. (All meals)
Day 8: Bumthang (8,500 ft.)
In the morning, drive 2 hours outside of Bumthang to Ura village and visit the new Ura monastery. On the way visit the sacred burning lake, an important Buddhist site. Enjoy a stroll around the village before your return trip back to Guest house. After dinner, take an evening walk to the Swiss farm where apple juice, cider, and cheese are made. Overnight in Bumthang. (All meals)
Day 9: Bumthang to Wangdue (4,300 ft.)
Drive back to Wangduephodrang. Overnight in Wangdue. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 10: Wangdue to Lobesa to Thimphu to Paro (7,780 ft.)
In the morning begin your drive to Paro stopping first in Lobesa for a short walk through farm houses and fields to Chimme Lhakhang, a monastery built in the 15th century. Continue on your drive, stopping for lunch in Thimphu before reaching Paro in the afternoon. Upon arrival, enjoy a visit to the oldest building in Bhutan, the Simtokha Dzong. Overnight in Paro. (All meals)
Day 11: Paro (7,780 ft.)
After breakfast take a 2 to 3 hour hike to the famous Taktsang Monastery, an incredible monastery built on the side of a 3,000 foot cliff. Enjoy a free evening to explore Paro on your own. Overnight in Paro. (All meals)
Day 12: Departure
Transfer to the airport for your onward departure. (Breakfast)
Rates
Per Person Rates (based on double occupancy):
Prices good through December 31, 2010
1 person: $3,785 per person (includes single supplement)
2 persons: $3,290 per person
3 or more persons: $2,960 per person
Single Supplement: $550
Additional Cost
Bangkok-Paro-Bangkok airfare including airport tax - $800 (subject to change)
Rates Include
- All airport/hotel transfers by private car
- 11 nights twin sharing accommodations as indicated in the itinerary
- All meals in Bhutan
- Privately-guided sightseeing in Bhutan as indicated in the itinerary
- Visa fee
- Tourism development fee
Rates Do Not Include
- International airfare
- Travel insurance
- Tips
- Expenses of a personal nature
To Book This Tour
- Download, print, and fill out the Reservation Form for each person.
- Fax the form to 206-529-4803, or mail it with your non-refundable $500 per person deposit to:
Red Lantern Journeys
1000 N. Northlake Way
Suite H Seattle, WA 98103
- Final payment is due 75 days prior to departure. If your reservation is made less than 75 days prior to departure, full payment will be due upon confirmation of hotels and flights.
Payments must be made by personal check, bank wire transfer, or credit card. Upon receipt of your deposit, we will initiate the reservations and send you a statement showing your payment. Approximately 4 weeks prior to your departure, we will send you a final confirmation package containing your itinerary and detailed information on the logistics of your trip.
Forms to Download (pdf file)
Reservation Form with Complete Terms and Conditions
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