Bhutan in Style

 

Kathmandu	Radisson Hotel	1 night
Thimphu	Amankora	2 nights
Punakha	Amankora	2 nights
Gangtey	Amankora	1 night
Paro	Amankora	2 nights
Kathmandu	Radisson Hotel	1 night

11 days from £4650

excluding international flights

With the arrival of the Amankora Resorts, you can now enjoy a new level of luxury accommodation in Bhutan, staying in exclusive lodges, all creatively unique and sympathetically balanced to the pristine environment of this treasured land.  For more information on this new initiative please visit the Amankora website: http://amanresorts.com/amankora/home.aspx

DAY 1 - Depart UK.

DAY 2 – Arrival in Kathmandu.

On arrival in Kathmandu you will be met by a representative of World Discovery outside immigration and customs. You will then be taken by private car direct to your hotel. Recommended flight from London: Qatar Airways from London Heathrow via Doha (see below). If you are travelling from a country other than the UK we would be happy to give you guidance on your flight options.

STOPOVER IN NEPAL: Don't forget you can break your journey with a few days in Nepal either before or after your visit to Bhutan.  We would be happy to arrange this and give you a quotation.

DAY 3 – Fly to Paro. Drive to Thimphu.

Transfer to the airport for the morning flight to Paro, gateway to Bhutan. In clear weather, Druk Air’s flight to Bhutan provides a wonderful view of the Himalayan scenery, culminating in an exciting descent past forested hills into the kingdom. On arrival at Paro airport, you will be met by a World Discovery representative. On completion of airport formalities, there will be an interesting drive of about 2 hours’ duration to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch, dinner.

DAY 4 - Thimphu.

Morning and afternoon sightseeing in Thimphu [more].
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch, dinner.

DAY 5 - By road to Punakha.

Further sightseeing in Thimphu in the morning.  After lunch drive up to the Dochu-la Pass(3,088m/10,130ft) from where on a clear day you can view the glory ofthe high Himalayan peaks including Gangkar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m. Continue to Punakha.
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch, dinner.

DAY 6 – Punakha.

After breakfast explore Punakha [more].  Aswell as viewing the Dzong, make a short excursion of about an hour to the Temple of the Divine Madman, also known as the temple of fertility.  In theafternoon enjoy a moderate hike to Khamsum Valley Namgyel Chorten about 45 minutes away.
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch, dinner.

DAY 7 - Drive to Gangtey.

In the morning drive through dense forests of oak and rhododendron trees to the town of Gangtey (also known as Phobjikha).   In the afternoon explore the glacial valley of Phobjikha which is famous during the winter months for black-necked cranes.  The cranes migrate here from the Central Asiatic plateau to escape its harsh winters (roughly October to February).  Your visits will include the Gangtey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan.  This extensive complex consists of the central monastery and outlying monks' quarters, meditation centres, schools and a small guesthouse.  The Prayer Hall is built in Tibetan style with 8 great pillars and is one of the largest in Bhutan.  Overnight in Gangtey.
Pictured: View of the Phobjikha Valley from the Amankora Gangtey.
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch, dinner.

DAY 8 - Gangtey to Paro.

A long journey today as you return westwards and re-cross the Dochu-La Passto reach Paro in the afternoon.  Take a tea break at Dochu-La and also walk around the 108 stupas built by Her majesty the Queen of Bhutan.
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch, dinner.

DAY 9 - Paro.

A day to explore the valley of Paro [more]. In the evening, visit a traditional farmhouse for an opportunity to interact with a local family and learn something of their lifestyle. Later on, take an evening stroll along the main street, and perhaps visit a few handicrafts shops, or take refreshments at a local café or bar.
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch, dinner.

DAY 10 - Fly to Kathmandu.  Special 6-course Nepali dinner.

After breakfast, drive to Paro airport for the flight to Kathmandu. The rest of the day is at leisure. In the evening you will be taken to the unique Dwarika's Kathmandu Hotel for a special farewell banquet.
Meals included: Full breakfast, dinner.

DAY 11 – Homward flight.

Private transfer to the airport for your homeward flight.
Meals included: Full breakfast.

International Flights.

There are no direct flights between London and Kathmandu. We recommend the services of Qatar Airways from London Heathrow to Doha with a good onward connection to Kathmandu. Flights are daily throughout the year. Current timings (subject to possible change) are as follows:
Heathrow/Doha. Depart at 15.05; arrive Doha at 23.89
Doha/Kathmandu. Depart at 01.05 (next day); arrive Kathmandu at 08.30
Kathmandu/Doha. Depart at 09.30; arrive Doha at 11.45
Doha/Heathrow. Depart at 12.30; arrive Heathrow at 17.55
Bhutan can also be reached by flights from Calcutta and Bangkok.

Bhutan in Style (Tour Reference: WDBT004)
2010 Departures
Price per person based on a minimum of two persons travelling together:

Departures on Thursdays and Saturdays	Price
All Year	£4650

Single Room Supplements on request.

The price includes:

• Scheduled regional flights on Druk Air between Kathmandu and Paro (and v.v.) including airport taxes
• Hotel accommodation as listed above in twin-bedded rooms with private facilities
• 9 full breakfasts 7 lunches and 8 dinners as shown in the itinerary
• Private transportation throughout
• All sightseeing as shown, including entrance fees
• The services of private drivers throughout
• The services of a private English-speaking guide for the included sightseeing
• A visa for Bhutan. This must be obtained before departure from the United Kingdom (we will organise this on your behalf).

Not included in the price:

• International flights (see our recommendation above). We are happy to discuss the flights with you and give you further guidance
• Optional sightseeing
• International airport taxes
• Tipping. We will be pleased to give guidance in this often sensitive matter
• ANepal Visa. This can be obtained before departure from Embassy of Nepalin London, or alternatively you can purchase the visa (current priceUS$25) on arrival at Kathmandu Airport (recommended).

A deposit of £400 per person is required at the time of booking. The balance of the price for your travel arrangements must be paid at least 8 weeks before your departure date.