Images of Bhutan

 

Thimphu	Hotel Pedling	1 night
Paro	Olathang Hotel	3 nights

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.

5 days from £739

excluding international flights

 

The ideal introduction to a fascinating Himalayan Shangri-La

Whereas most nations judge their success on GNP (Gross National Product), Bhutan's less materialistic approach is to concentrate on GNH (Gross National Happiness)!  This revolutionary philosophy places real value on things such as cultural heritage, health, education, good governance, ecological diversity and individual well-being.

BHUTAN FACTFILE

 

DAY 1 – Arrival in Paro. Drive to Thimphu.

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: Dinner.

SIGHTSEEING SCHEDULE IN THIMPU
Depending on the timing of the arrival flight, the order of sightseeing in Thimpu on days 1 and 2 may be changed.  The Thimpu Weekend Market takes place on Saturday and Sunday only.

DAY 2 - 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.

PARO FESTIVAL
Bhutan's largest tsechu or festival is held every Spring over a 4 day period and involves spectacular religious dancing displays.  Why not time your visit to coincide with this colourful celebration?  Dates for 2013 are 23 to 27 March [more]

DAY 3 – 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 4 - 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 5 - Depart.

After breakfast, drive to Paro airport for your onward flight on Druk Air.
Meals included: Full breakfast.

International Flights.

There are no direct flights between London and Bhutan.  The only flights into the country are on Druk Air, the Bhutanese national airline.  We recommend the Druk Air flights from either Delhi or Kathmandu, which offer the best frequency and are direct.  The return fares from Delhi and Kathmandu are shown in the price grid below and should be added to the tour price.  We are happy to discuss the international flights from London (or elsewhere) to connect with the Druk Air flights, and are also able to offer stopover arrangements if required in Nepal or India en route.
Bhutan can also be reached by Druk Air flights from Kolkata (Calcutta), Dacca, Singapore and Bangkok.

Bhutan Holidays: Images of Bhutan (Tour Reference: WDBT005)
2013 Departures
Price per person based on a minimum of two persons travelling together:

Daily departures	Price
Jan, Feb, Jun, Jul, Aug, Dec	£739
Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov	£890
AIRFARE ON DRUK AIR (all dates)
Delhi/Paro/Delhi	£520
Kathmandu/Paro/Kathmandu	£315

Single Room Supplements on request.

The price includes:

• Hotel accommodation as listed above in twin-bedded rooms with private facilities.
• 4 full breakfasts 3 lunches and 4 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 from London. We are happy to discuss the flights with you and give you further guidance.
• Scheduled flights on Druk Air between Kathmandu and Paro (and v.v.) or between Kathmandu and Delhi (and v.v.).  These airfares are shown in the price grid above and should be added to the tour price.
• International airport taxes.
• Optional sightseeing.
• Tipping. We will be pleased to give guidance in this often sensitive matter.
• Visas for India or Nepal (if required).  We will provide information on how to obtain these visas if you plan to stop off in either India or Nepal en route.
  

A deposit of £600 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.