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ITINERARY

9 DAYS BHUTAN FAMILY ADVENTURE

Land of the Thunder Dragon, one of the most mysterious and unknown of all Himalayan Kingdoms, hidden in isolation behind the high peaks of the Himalayas. A trip to Bhutan is like having a magic wand transporting one back to the 15th century.
Besides visiting dzongs and monasteries, this trip is specially designed for families to fully appreciate the unique culture and natural beauty of the Kingdom. We enjoy an overnight trek; camping at an open meadow above Thimphu valley, raft along the Mo-chhu (river) in Punakha with the impressive Punakha Dzong as the backdrop.
 
Have a picnic lunch by the river and try archery, the national sport of Bhutan. Bike through easy farm roads in Paro and enjoy farm activities and interacting with the villagers. Finally, climb the dramatic Taktshang Monastery, built on a sheer cliff face at a height of 2950m.
 

DAY 01     HONG KONG / BANGKOK

Fly

Hong Kong/Bangkok

TG 607

2045/2225
 

Or

CX 703

1710/1850
Upon arrival, check in at the Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel for the night (a free airport shuttle bus operates 24 hours from exit 4 on level 2 of the arrival hall)
 
DAY 02     BANGKOK/PARO

Fly

Bangkok/Paro

KB 121

0550/0915 – 1 stop in Kolkata
If we are lucky, we’ll have glorious views of the snow capped Himalayas on the way to Paro (Try and get the left hand seat for better view of the Himalayas). The remarkable and steep descent into the Paro Valley is an awe-inspiring beginning to our adventure. Already you can feel the pace of life slow down. Upon arrival, take an hour drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Although Thimphu is the capital in Bhutan, it is a village compared to other Asian countries.
 
Catch the bustling weekend market (Fri to Sun) which offers the best opportunity to see the colorful vegetables, dairy products and to mix around with the locals. A visit to Takin Preserve to see Takin, Bhutan’s national animal, is a favorite along with the Bhutanese archery game (the national sport) at Changlingmithang National Stadium for the children and adults alike!
 
Further up the valley, take in the view of the majestic Tashichoe Dzong, the seat of the government before circumventing the Memorial Chorten. We then move on to the Heritage Folk Museum and Textile Museum. Take a walk along the streets of Thimphu and enjoy some free shopping time in the handicraft emporiums.
(Lunch, dinner included)

DAY 03     THIMPHU / PHAJODING – OVERNIGHT TREK
Spectacular, un-crowded and tranquil settings are the norm as we explore Bhutan, one of the world’s last unspoiled frontiers, by foot. Enjoy awe-inspiring surroundings, breathe in fresh mountain air and let your spirits soar among towering peaks, as we trek in this land of endless beauty.
 
Rated as easy to moderate, we drive to Upper Motithang where we begin our trek to Phajoding. The walk, at leisurely pace, takes about 4 hours on an uphill climb through forested area of blue pine, fir and spruce. Our campsite at Phajoding (3535m) is a great meditation place for monks and nuns.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner included)

DAY 04      PHAJODING / THIMPHU / PUNAKHA
Rise early for the sunrise views of the eastern Himalayas. Quite often, the valley below may be filled with clouds, with just the mountains poking up into the clear air. After breakfast, we begin our hike to Pumula pass along the ridge line. On a clear day, you can see more than 20 virgin peaks over 7,000 meters including Gangkar Phunsum, the world’s highest unclimbed mountain, and rise as guardians high above the sweeping river valleys.
An hour gentle hike through rhododendron forests brings us to the highest point of the trek where we are rewarded with great view of Thimphu valley. From here, the trail descends through pine forest to the head road.
 
Meet up with our car (3 hours drive) and climb up the mountain road to Dochu La at 3140m before descending through varied forest and finally emerging into the highly cultivated valley of Punakha.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner included)

DAY 05     PUNAKHA
After a fairly early breakfast, we head up to the Mo Chhu valley to begin our white water rafting. Pulsating grade 3 and 4 excitement thrill as we raft along the Mo Chhu until our take-out point at Khamsum Yuley Bridge. Have a relaxing picnic lunch by the river before trying a round or two in archery, the national sport of Bhutan.
 
Later in the afternoon, we visit Punakha Dzong. Located at the confluence of the Pho-chu (male-river) and Mo-chu (female-river), the Punakha Dzong is arguably the most impressive Dzong in the country.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner included)
 
DAY 06     PUNAKHA/PARO
In the morning, enjoy a short hike to Chimmi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley, who as a favorite saint of the Bhutanese people is known affectionately as "the Divine Madman". The temple is on a hillside in the middle of rice fields and has become a pilgrimage site for childless couples.
 
Re-cross Dochu La and take a lunch break in Thimphu. Arrive Paro in the late afternoon and check into your hotel.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner included)

DAY 07      PARO
Hop onto your bicycle and enjoy a 15 kilometers easy ride along farm road, bringing us away from the tourist trail. Bike through cultivated farmlands and dotted villages and along the way, we make stop to enjoy farm activities and interact with the villagers.
 
In the afternoon, we visit Paro Museum (Closed on Sun/Mon) and Paro Dzong, which means “the fortress of the heap of jewels.” This complex houses the administrative and religious headquarters for the Paro district. A part of Bernardo Bertolucci’s movie, “Little Buddha,” was filmed inside this dzong. From the dzong, we will enjoy a short and easy walk to the Pachu river and cross to the other side over a traditional cantilever (wooden covered) bridge.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner included)

DAY 08     PARO
This morning, we make an excursion to Taktshang Monastery – this has to be the monastery with the most outstanding setting in Bhutan. Set on a vertical cliff face at 2950m above sea level, it defies all engineering logic. Hike 2 hours up to get a more dramatic view of the monastery.
Upon descent, we enjoy a spectacular drive to the remote ruins of Drukgyel Dzong and on clear day, you would be rewarded with view of snow-capped Mt Jhomolhari
 
The rest of the afternoon is free at leisure. You may wish to take a stroll along the street of Paro or indulge in a hot-stone bath!
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner included)

DAY 09     PARO / BANGKOK / HONG KONG
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight.

Fly

Paro/Bangkok

KB 120

0840/1355-via Kolkata(Tue/Wed/Sun)
 

Or

KB 124

1000/1520- via Kolkata(Fri/Sun)
 

Or

KB 126

1000/1520- via Dacca (Thu)
 

Or

KB 122

1000/1700- via Bangladesh & Decca (Mon)
 

Bangkok/Hong Kong

TG 606

1600/1945 – daily
 

Or

CX 702

1840/2230 – daily
(Breakfast included)
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PRICE

TOUR PRICE PER PERSON:

- These prices are based on min. two adults and one or two children (aged 5-11 years old) traveling together.
- In Bangkok, we are basing on 1 room for Novotel Airport.
-The prices stated can only be indicative and may be adjusted once we know your date of travel, number in your party, age of your children (as it has an effect on the royalty fee calculation) and if you have any other specific requirements.

Our Recommended Hotels

Tour Price

Bangkok: Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel

Thimphu: Jumolhari Hotel / Riverview Hotel / Namgay Heritage

Punakha: Meri Puensum / Damchen Resort

Paro: Tenzinling Hotel / Olathang / Kichu resort

HK$ 23,380/- per adult

HK$ 13,800/- per child

Bangkok: Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel

Thimphu: Taj Tashi Hotel

Punakha: Meri Puensum / Damchen Resort

Paro: Uma Paro (deluxe room)

HK$ 31,200/- per adult

HK$ 14,900/- per child
(one child sharing room with parents without extra bed)

HK$ 21,380/- per child
(2 children sharing a room)

Bangkok: Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel

Thimphu: Taj Tashi Hotel

Punakha: Amankora

Paro: Uma Paro (deluxe room)

HK$ 42,600/- per adult

HK$17,500/- per child
(one child sharing room with parents without extra bed)

HK$ 29,800/- per child
(2 children sharing a room)

COST INCLUDES:

- Airfare Hong Kong/Bangkok/Bangkok on Thai Airways or Cathay Pacific; (non accrual of mileage and non upgradeable)

- Airfare Bangkok/Paro/Bangkok on Druk Air on economy class;

- Accommodation on twin share basis; (For Amankora, room rates includes all meals in the resort, house beverage and daily laundry service)

- Lunches and dinners in local restaurants; (except otherwise stated)

- All tours and transfers with English speaking guide in private vehicle and including all entrance fees;

COST EXCLUDES:

- Airport taxes, war risk insurance and fuel surcharges;

- Travel insurance;

- Visa – USD 20/- for Bhutan;

- Beverages in the restaurants where meals are included;

- Gratuities to guide and driver;

- Personal expenses such as bar bills and telephone bills.

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HOTEL

In Paro
-Kichu Resort: A tourist-class hotel nestled in the valley, with its 49 rooms of ethnic décor and modern amenities. It is spread over 5 acre with manicured lawns, delightful flowers and an adjoining 500m river bank.
 
-Olathang Hotel: initially built to host the state guests for the coronation of the current King in 1974, this tourist class hotel is spread over 23 acres of lovely pine forest offering comfortably furnished rooms.
 
-Tenzinling Paro: An intimate, family run hotel surrounded by a small village amidst apple orchards and rice fields. This is a new tourist-class hotel with spacious and comfortably furnished rooms offering a patio or balcony. (www.tenzinling.com.bt) 
 
-Uma Paro: Fashioned by traditionally trained Bhutanese artisans, Uma Paro is surrounded by orchards, valleys and terraced mountains. Built by traditionally trained Bhutanese artisans, the hotel is infused with a modern, clean-line aesthetic. The effect is fresh while respecting Uma Paro’s cultural context. (www.uma.paro.como.bz)
 
In Thimphu:
-Hotel Riverview: A tourist-class hotel built in architecture of traditional splendour, the 50 rooms comes with modern amenities and offers view of the river and the city.

-Hotel Jumolhari : a distinctive boutique style hotel, it is located right in the heart of the city center with easy access to all shopping areas and places of interest. (www.hoteljumolhari.com)

-Namgay Heritage Hotel: Centrally located in Thimphu town, the hotel is truly set in the traditional Bhutanese style from the interior furnishings right out to the façade. Experience the culture, history and Bhutanese way of life in modern comfort and amenities. (www.nhh.bt)

-Taj Tashi: Located in the city centre, the spacious and well appointed rooms capture the essence of Bhutanese art and architecture in a contemporary setting. All rooms offer view of the mountain or the township (www.tajhotels.com)
 
In Punakha:
-Meri Puensum Resort: A tourist class hotel, the hotel is perched on a hillside, overlooking the beautiful and pristine Puna Tsang Chu and view of the nearby village and surrounding countryside. Rooms are furnished with basic modern amenities.
 
-Damchen Resort: A newly opened tourist class hotel, it is located next to the Puna Tsang Chu with some rooms offering view of the river. Rooms are clean and equipped with modern amenities.

-Amankora Punakha: Accessed by crossing a suspension bridge over the Mo Chu, the lodge is centred by a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse. Eight suites, located in three rammed-earth dwellings, are situated in an orange orchard with views across the rice fields and up the Punakha valley. (www.amanresorts.com)
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