|
|
 | |  | Journey into Central Bhutan
|
| This seven night adventure into the ethereal world that is the Kingdom of Bhutan journeys deep into the Kingdom’s heartland, exploring three distinctly different but important valleys: the bustling capital of Thimpu, with its entrancing national monuments, museums and markets; the two magnificent dzongs (huge fortress-like monasteries) and majestic rivers of the almost tropical Punakha valley, and finally the emerald valley of Paro - with its rice paddies and ancient temples. During this eight day itinerary, you will find yourself immersed in the wonderful spirituality and immense beauty of this magnificent Kingdom.
| | | Privileges | | •
| Price for two people from HK$65,000 / US$8,500
| | | Includes:
| - | Return Economy Class flights between Bangkok and Bhutan on Druk Air | | - | Seven night’s accommodation (three at local tourist class hotels and four at Uma Paro) | | - | All meals (including picnic lunches on trekking / traveling days) | | - | Personal English speaking guide for the duration of the itinerary | | - | Private car and driver for the duration of the itinerary | | - | Drinking water provided for all treks and long car journeys | | - | All sightseeing and trekking activities as listed in itinerary | | - | One 60 minute COMO Shambhala Massage per person | | - | One 90 minute Bhutanese Hot Stone Bath and Massage Treatment per person | | - | Complimentary daily yoga sessions | | - | Complimentary daily meditation sessions | | - | An exclusive traditional Bhutanese dinner | | - | Visa fee | | - | Government tax and service charge at 20% | | - | All royal taxes, FIT fee, Tourism Development fund etc |
|
| Itinerary | | Day One (Bangkok to Paro International Airport and on to Thimpu)
This incredible journey to Bhutan begins as you step foot onto your Druk Air flight from Bangkok to Bhutan. Upon arrival in Bhutan you will be met by your personal guide, who will accompany you on the hour and a half scenic drive to Thimpu. As you approach the bustling capital, you will notice the city sprawling up through the wooded western hillside of the Wang Chhu. Thimpu is Bhutan’s centre of government, religion and commerce.
Your accommodation for one night will be at the Druk Hotel, Thimpu. After checking in, your personal guide will be available to take you sightseeing. Depending on your interests, as well as the day and opening hours, your guide will take you on a bespoke tour of some of Thimpu’s most interesting sites and monuments, including the National Memorial Chorten, Trashi Chhoe Dzong: the “fortress of the glorious religion”, the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, the National Textile Museum, the Weekend Market, or the Folk Heritage Museum. You may alternatively choose to go on a one hour walk up to the Tango Monastery at the head of the valley.
Day Two (Thimpu to Punakha)
This morning you will have another opportunity to explore the sights of Thimpu. After lunch you will depart the city an drive approximately three and a half hours up awe-inspiring mountain roads, zigzagging up to the 3,140m high mountain pass of Dochu La with its forests of fluttering prayer flags, maze of memorial chortens ,and, on a clear day, sweeping views of the main Himalayan range.
You will stop to stretch your legs and take a short walk across rice paddies to a beautiful fertility temple that sits atop an incredible picturesque hill. After the long but gorgeous drive, you will arrive at your accommodation in Punakha early evening.
Your accommodation for the next two nights will be at the Meri Puensum Hotel, Punakha.
Day Three (Punakha)
You will have a full day of exploration of the scenic Punakha valley today. In the morning, you will walk up through whitewashed homesteads and farmland to Khamsum Yuley Namgay Chorten, an incredibly ornate and elaborate shrine recently built by the royal family. Heading down along the riverside, the massive architectural edifice of the 17th century Punakha Dzong (fortress) soon looms into view. This is Bhutan’s second oldest and perhaps the most attractive Dzong. It is called The Palace of Great Happiness and served as the seat of the Kingdom's government until the time of the second King. Today it serves as the winter home of Je Khempo, the head abbot of Bhutan, along with a retinue of 1,000 monks.
In the afternoon, you will stroll through the quaint bazaar at Wangdue Phodrang to visit its dzong. Founded in 1638, this dzong is located on a high promontory overlooking the Punak Chhu river.
Day Four (Punakha to Paro)
Today, you will drive approximately four hours to Paro. Along the way you will hopefully catch another glimpse of the magnificent Himalayan mountain range as well as the three shrines in Nepali, Tibetan and Bhutanese style which were built to ward off evil spirits near the checkpoint. Time permitting; the journey can be broken with a visit to a spectacular suspension bridge, which provides the only access to a stunning temple.
Late afternoon, you will arrive at the wonderfully luxurious Uma Paro. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy the many facilities that the hotel has to offer, such as the Bhutanese national sport of archery. Quintessentially Escape has arranged a welcome gift in the form of an early evening massage for both of you in the spa.
Your accommodation for the next four nights will be in a Superior Room at Uma Paro.
Day Five (Paro)
Today Quintessentially Escape has arranged a day of hiking for you. Before you depart on the hike, Quintessentially Escape recommends taking part in a yoga or meditation session. This will further immerse the two of you into the incredible spirituality of Bhutan.
When you are ready to depart from Uma Paro, you will ascend through a blue pine forest to a viewpoint amongst prayer flags on a ridge. The path continues up the ridge then traverses to Gemjo La Goemba (monastery) high above Uma. A wide plateau flanked by orchards and forest is reached after a short climb from the monastery. You will rest here for a short while, taking in the magnificent mountain views and exploring the ruined fortress, deserted farmhouses and the nearby monastery. At this point, you can choose to continue for a longer walk or head back to Uma Paro.
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.
Day Six (Paro)
Today you will depart on another hike with your personal guide. After breakfast (or after partaking in a yoga or meditation session), you will depart from the hotel and walk through pine forests high above Uma Paro to the pretty grounds of the fortress-like monastery of Zuri Dzong. Traverse across to Ta Dzong, housing Bhutan’s National Museum with magnificent views across Paro, and on to visit Rinpung Dzong - ‘Fortress on a Heap of Jewels’. The trail then leads across a river via a covered traditional bridge and then past the main archery ground, Ugyen Pelri Palace and into Paro Town. A few kilometers north of Paro, you will pay your respects at one of the oldest temples in Bhutan , with its magic orange tree which bears fruit all year round.
After a few days of long but fascinating hikes, Quintessentially Escape has this evening arranged a Bhutanese Hot Stone Bath for each of you. This 90 minute treatment is a powerful stress reliever, utilizing wood-fired stones placed in a bath where they crack and steam, releasing key minerals to help relieve aches and pains. The bath will be followed by a soothing COMO Shambhala massage - a perfect end to a perfect day.
Day Seven (Paro)
On your final full day in Bhutan Quintessentially Escape has arranged for you to visit the formidable Tiger’s Nest - one of the most amazing and important pieces of architecture in Bhutan - defying logic, gravity and reason.
To avoid the hot sun, an early start is recommended for the two-hour climb to the Tiger’s Nest viewpoint. You will then descend steeply and the rest of the hike continues, encompassing phenomenal views, remote monasteries and temples as well as spectacular waterfalls.
You will return to Uma Paro late afternoon.
This evening is your last in Bhutan, and Quintessentially Escape has arranged an exclusive traditional Bhutanese dinner for you. This is a very special treat, only available to Quintessentially Escape clients.
Day Eight (Paro and on to Bangkok)
Your return flight to Bangkok will depart at 11.10. You will therefore have an early breakfast before being driven in your private vehicle to Bhutan Airport for your onward flight.
|
| Terms & Conditions | | | • | Subject to availability. | | • | Restrictions:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tips and gratuities
| | • | Quintessentially Escape's Terms and Conditions apply. |
| | |
|
|
Print this page