Thunder Dragon Bhutan

Bhutan, nestling in the heart of the great Himalaya, has for centuries remained aloof from the rest of the world. Since its doors were cautiously opened in 1974, visitors have been mesmerised: the environment is pristine, the scenery and architecture awesome and the people hospitable and charming.

The Bhutanese name for Bhutan, Druk Yul, means 'Land of the Thunder Dragon'. Existing archives trace Bhutanese history back to AD 450, although many of the intervening events remain a mystery. Guru Rinpoche is believed to have brought Mahayana Buddhism to Bhutan from Tibet in the eighth century. Bhutan, which first became a coherent political entity around the 17th century, has never been conquered or ruled by another foreign power.

The Kingdom of Bhutan has adopted a very cautious approach to tourism in an effort to avoid the negative impact of tourism on the country’s culture and environment. All tourists must travel on a pre-planned, pre-paid, guided package tour through one of the 120 registered tour operators in Bhutan or their counterparts abroad. The rate is fixed and controlled by the government. There are still plenty of trekkers wanting to explore the breath-taking terrain of this astonishing country: the world's last Buddhist kingdom. The Royal Government of Bhutan adheres strongly to a policy of low-impact/volume, high-value tourism. The tourism industry in Bhutan is founded on the principle of sustainability, meaning that tourism must be environmentally and ecologically friendly, socially and culturally acceptable and economically viable. The number of tourists visiting Bhutan is also regulated to a manageable level because of the lack of infrastructure.

The land of Thunder Dragon, Bhutan offers wonderful Bhutan holidays ranges from Bhutan city tours/excursions in cities like Paro, Thimpu, adventure holidays such as trekking and much more.

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Itinerary / Highlights

DAY 01. Arrive at Paro
Fly by Druk Air and upon arrival at Paro airport, received by representative of Bhutan Guide, transfer to the hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Paro.

DAY 02. Paro - Thimphu
After breakfast, drive to the ruins of Drukgyel dzong, now in ruins was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate the victory over the Tibetan invaders in1644; the dzong name's means indeed “victorious Druk ". The Dzong was used as an administrative center until 1951 when a fire caused by butter lamp destroyed it. Then visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest and most sacred monasteries dating from the introduction of Buddhism in the 8th century and then visit Rimpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The Dzong presently houses administrative offices. After lunch visit the Ta dzong, an ancient watchtower, which has been, since 1967, the national museum of Bhutan? In the evening a two hours drive to Thimphu, check in hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

DAY 03. Thimphu Sightseeing
After breakfast, sight-seeing in Thimphu. It includes: Visit to TashichhoDzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion), built in 1641 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and reconstructed in 1961 by the Late King, His Majesty King Jigme Dorji Wang chuck, who is regarded as Father of Modern Bhutan. Then visit the National Library, which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts followed by visit to Painting School, famous for carving and free hand art. After lunch visit the National Memorial Chorten, a monument dedicated to the Third King of Bhutan. His Late Majesty King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The inside paintings and statues provide a very rare insight into Buddhist Philosophy. Then visit Handicrafts Emporium to see the exquisite artistry of traditional crafts and textiles. Evening free for shopping and leisure. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

DAY 04. Thimphu - Punakha
After breakfast drive to Punakha across the Dochula Pass alt. 10,000 ft., site of one of Bhutan's most enchanting views. While in Punakha, visit Punakha Dzong; built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1637, this sacred Dzong has played a prominent part in the country's life in both civil and religious fields. Punakha Dzong is open to visitors only in summer when the monk body has moved Thimphu. After Lunch, visit Khamsung Yulley Namgyal Choling Monastery and Wangdiphodrang Dzong. In the evening return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

DAY 05 - Punakha - Gangtey
After breakfast drive to the beautiful valley of Gangtey. Enroute, visit Chimed Lhakhang. Packed lunch would be served at Gangtey. On arrival, visit Gantey Gompa and explore the Phobjikha valley, said to be the most beautiful valley in the Himalayas. Overnight in Gangtey Guest house.

DAY 06. Gangtey - Thimphu
After breakfast, drive to Thimphu. After lunch, visit Simtokha Dzong (The oldest fort of Bhutan built in 1627 and Folk Heritage Museum. In the evening, drive to Paro.

Day 07. Paro Airport
Early morning, drive to the Airport and farewell.

Departure Dates, Options & Prices

18th Apr, 2011 24th Apr, 2011 GBP 999.00 per person
9th May, 2011 15th May, 2011 GBP 999.00 per person
30th May, 2011 5th Jun, 2011 GBP 999.00 per person
20th Jun, 2011 26th Jun, 2011 GBP 999.00 per person
11th Jul, 2011 17th Jul, 2011 GBP 999.00 per person
25th Jul, 2011 31st Jul, 2011 GBP 999.00 per person
15th Aug, 2011 21st Aug, 2011 GBP 999.00 per person
5th Sep, 2011 11th Sep, 2011 GBP 999.00 per person
26th Sep, 2011 2nd Oct, 2011 GBP 999.00 per person
17th Oct, 2011 23rd Oct, 2011 GBP 999.00 per person
31st Oct, 2011 6th Nov, 2011 GBP 999.00 per person
21st Nov, 2011 27th Nov, 2011 GBP 999.00 per person
12th Dec, 2011 18th Dec, 2011 GBP 999.00 per person

08454753435