Images of Bhutan

 

Kathmandu	Hyatt Regency	1 night
Thimphu	Hotel Pedling	1 night
Paro	Olathang Hotel	3 nights
Kathmandu	Hyatt Regency	1 night

Click on the name of the hotel for details.  In Bhutan these are examples of the mid-range hotels that are allocated to the majority of foreign tourists; please note that they are subject to change according to availability at the time of booking.

8 days from £1475

excluding international flights

BHUTAN FACTFILE

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 to Kathmandu (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 (Bhutan). 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. On reaching Thimphu drive up to a viewpoint overlooking the valley, before visiting the Takin Research Centre for a glimpse of Bhutan's endangered (and distinctly odd-looking) national animal.  Continue to the imposing Tasichho Dzong (pictured), the main secretariat building which houses the throne room of the King of Bhutan. There should be time to wander through the streets of Thimphu before checking in at your hotel.
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Day 4 - Thimphu sightseeing. Return to Paro.

Begin the morning with a visit to Thimphu's colourful Weekend Market. Close to the market is the stadium, where you can usually see an Archery match in progress (archery is Bhutan's national sport).  Sightseeing today will include the National Memorial Chorten, dedicated to Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (“the father of modern Bhutan”), and the National Library, which houses an extensive collection of Buddhist literature. In the early evening, drive back to Paro and check in to your hotel.
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Day 5 – Paro sightseeing.

The valley of Paro contains a wealth of attractions. In the morning, visit Ta Dzong. a former watchtower which is now Bhutan’s National Museum.  Afterwards, walk down a hillside trail to visit Paro Dzong (also known as Rinpung Dzong). After lunch, drive up the valley to view the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, 18 km from Paro town on the north side of the valley. It was from here that the Bhutanese repelled several invading Tibetan armies during the 17th century. Also visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the kingdom.  In the evening before dinner, visit a traditional farmhouse for an opportunity to interact with a local family and learn something of their lifestyle.
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch, dinner.

DAY 6 - Taktshang Gomba (the Tiger's Nest).

On your final day in Bhutan you will enjoy a walk up through pine forest to view Bhutan's most famous site, the Tiger's Nest Monastery to the north of Paro.  Later on, take a stroll along the main street of Paro, and perhaps visit a few handicrafts shops, or take refreshments at a local café or bar.
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Day 7: 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 8 – Homeward 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 Delhi, Calcutta and Bangkok.

Bhutan Holidays: Images of Bhutan (Tour Reference: WDBT005)
2012 Departures
Price per person based on a minimum of two persons travelling together:

Departures on Wednesdays*	Price
2012 (all year)	£1475

* This itinerary would also work with a departure from the United Kingdom on a Sunday or a Friday but you would not be able to visit the Weekend Market in Thimphu.

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.
• 6 full breakfasts 4 lunches and 5 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.
• A Nepal Visa (multiple visa required). This can be obtained before departure from Embassy of Nepal in London, or alternatively you can purchase the visa (current price US$25) on arrival at Kathmandu Airport (recommended).

A deposit of £500 per person is required at the time of booking. The balance of the price for your Bhutan holiday must be paid at least 3 months before your departure date.