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Get introduced to Bhutan with handicrafts, costumes and ancient weapons in the National Museum near Paro. Hike to the legendary Taktshang Monastery, also called Tiger’s Nest, on a trail through pine trees festooned with Spanish moss and occasional fluttering prayer flags.
The capitol city, Thimphu, is a gallery of traditional Bhutanese culture. Explore the Thimphu market to shop for handicrafts and immerse with locals in their daily routines.
Continue across Bhutan to Trongsa Dzong, overlooking the cascading Mangde River. Engage with Bhutanese people in Chumey Valley while they practice daily livelihoods such as traditional weaving of woolen fabrics. Immerse in a wondrous environment on hikes to some of the holiest places. The serene views are continuous throughout Phobjikha Valley and on the return journey to Paro.
The tranquil kingdom of Bhutan is often called the “last Shangri-La.” Come see why Bhutan is one of the most intriguing and unique of the world’s destinations.
Day | Description | Overnight | Altitude |
---|---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrival in Paro. Drive to Thimpu. | Thimpu | 2,320m/7,700ft |
Day 2 | Explore Thimpu. | Thimpu | 2,320m/7,700ft |
Day 3 | Drive to Punakha. | Punakha | 1,310m/4,430ft |
Day 4 | Drive to Trongsa. | Trongsa | 3,120m/10,300ft |
Day 5 | Drive to Bumthang | Bumthang | 2,800m/9,200ft |
Day 6 | Explore Bumthang | Bumthang | 2,800m/9,200ft |
Day 7 | Drive to Gangtey | Gangtey | 3,120m/10,300ft |
Day 8 | Explore Gangtey | Gangtey | 3,120m/10,300ft |
Day 9 | Drive to Thimpu | Thimpu | 2,320m/7,700ft |
Day 10 | Drive to Paro | Paro | 2,280m/7,475ft |
Day 11 | Explore Paro | Paro | 2,280m/7,475ft |
Day 12 | Final departure |
Drive to nearby Ta-Dzong, where you’ll be introduced to Bhutan with a visit to the National Museum which houses art, handicrafts, costumes and ancient weapons displays. Stroll the streets of Paro in the evening.
Overnight at Hotel. (All meals)
Overnight at Hotel. (All meals)
Before proceeding further to the town of Punakha, hike about 30 minutes to the Chimi Lhakhang (temple) on a small hilltop. The temple was dedicated to the great Yogi in the 14th century, known as Drukpa Kuenley, as well as the “Divine madman.” He dramatized Buddhist teachings using songs and outrageous sexual humor. Bold phallus symbols and paintings on the houses and temples are a result of his influence. It is believed that this temple blesses women who seek fertility.
After lunch, continue to Punakha Dzong (fortress) situated between the two rivers, Pho Chu and Mochu (male and female river). The fortress is now used as the winter seat of Je Khenpo (the spiritual head of Bhutan). The Dzong served as the capital seat of the Kingdom for more than 300 years. The intricate Buddhist paintings inside the monastery are spectacular.
Overnight at Hotel. (All meals)
Overnight at hotel. (All meals)
Overnight at hotel. (All meals)
Overnight at Hotel. (All meals)
Overnight at Hotel. (All meals)
Overnight at hotel. (All meals)
Overnight Hotel. (All meals)
Overnight at hotel. (All meals)
Built in 1600s, the monastery clings to the edge of a sheer-rock cliff that plunges 2,952 feet into the valley below. It is believed that, in the 8th century, Guru Rimpoche, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, landed here on the back of a flying tigress to subdue a demon. Guru Rimpoche is believed to have meditated here for three months. Packed lunch will be served.
Drive further up the valley to Drukgyel Dzong, the fortress of the victorious Drukpas. From Drukgyel Dzong, the Tibet border is only a two-day hike away.
Overnight at Hotel. (All meals)
Transfer to airport for flight home. (Breakfast)
Cost Details here
Per person Price – valid till Dec 31, 2021
2 persons: $ 3,300 USD per person
3 or more persons: $ 2,970 USD per person
Single Supplement: $ 650 USD
Prices above are based on the best 3 star accommodations available. Upgrades to 4 or 5 star accommodations would be upwards of US$1,500 depending on hotels selected. Please contact us for details of options available.
Extra – Airfare into Paro (subject to change):
Bangkok–Paro–Bangkok: USD 974.60 (Economy Class) and USD 1092 (Business Class).
Kathmandu–Paro–Kathmandu: USD 412.60 (Economy Class) and USD 476.60 (Business Class).
Kolkotta–Paro–Kolkotta: USD 412.60 (Economy Class) and USD 476.60 (Business Class).
Delhi–Paro–Delhi: USD 625.40 (Economy Class) and USD 778.40 (Business Class).
This itinerary is fully customizable for a party of two or more participants. Contact us for details.
All International tourists wishing to enter Bhutan require a visa which must be pre-arranged through a license Bhutanese Tour Operator or one of their international partners. We will obtain a Bhutan permit for you prior to you trip begin date. You must carry this permit with you in person and present it prior to boarding the plane to Paro (either in Kathmandu, Delhi or Bangkok). You will be required to present it again at the immigration in Paro.
Thimpu and Paro in Bhutan offers multiple culinary options. But they may limited in other regions of Bhutan. The most distinctive characteristic of Bhutanese cuisine is its spiciness. Chillies are an essential part of nearly every dish and are considered so important that most Bhutanese people would not enjoy a meal that is not spicy.
Rice forms staple Bhutanese diet. It is accompanied by one or two side dishes consisting of meat or vegetables. Pork, beef and chicken are consumed most often.
There are two preferred seasons to visit Bhutan: Spring (March through May) and Fall (October through December).
This is actually a myth. There is NO limit on the number of tourists allowed to visit in a year. Bhutan follows a “High Value, Low Impact ” tourism policy. If you can PAY for the trip, you can go.
Paro and Thimpu in Bhutan do have ATM facilities. But do be careful that the ATM machines may not always be working. So it is a good idea to always some USD/EURO or GBP currency in cash.
All big hotels and shops will accept credit card payments but will also charge a 3-4%.
Activity: Trekking
Destination: Kanchenjunga
Country: Nepal
KANCHENJUNGA TREK (Lodge Trek)
This Kanchenjunga trek is a lodge-to-lodge trek which visits both the North and South Base Camps and allows participants to get up-close with the third highest mountain in the world. Check out our Kanchenjunga Base Camp Tent trek too. We will carry some food to supplement what’s available at the local lodges. We will also carry tents so you may opt to sleep in tents in some of the places. A shorter program would be to only visit the North Kanchenjunga Base Camp at Pangpema.
Kangchenjunga is a sacred mountain and the word Kanchenjunga literally translates to “Five Great Treasures in the Snow.” There are five peaks within the Kangchenjunga range. And each peak is believed to be a repository of different treasures: gold, silver, gems, grains and sacred texts. Consequently, in due reverence, the first summiteers stopped a few meters short of the summit in 1955. However, today’s climbers no longer follow this practice. On this trek, we will be trekking through a Beyul. The purpose of beyuls is to provide sanctuaries for people seeking refuge from social and religious persecution. Read some facts about the Kanchenjunga region here.
We have built five schools in the region through our giving arm 3 Summits for Nepal. We’d be glad to organize a visit for you to these schools.
Activity: Lodge Trek
Destination: Everest
Country: Nepal
The Everest Three Passes Trek is a challenging circuit trek offering spectacular views of the highest mountains on earth. From our vantage points at the high passes, we will be able to take in breath-taking mountain vistas. This would not be possible on a normal Everest trek. The ascent to and from the passes can be challenging – icy and requiring navigating over loose rock. But no technical climbing skills are required for this trek. This trek is similar to our Ultimate Everest Trek but also involves crossing the Kongma La pass, the most challenging of the three passes.
Towering Himalayan peaks such as Lhotse, Everest, Cho-Oyu, Pumori and Ama Dablam dominate the skyline. Located in the Sagarmatha National Park, a world heritage site, many visitors come to this region to glimpse the world’s highest peak but come away with much more: an appreciation of the local people who make their home in this high and difficult landscape, a spirit of adventure that brings them back to the Himalayas, and life-changing personal experiences.
All our Everest Treks are private treks for a minimum of two participants. We do NOT nickel-and-dime on services – all inclusions and exclusions are clearly listed in cost details. Some companies will advertise trips for very low prices but they have a lot of exclusions that is usually not clear. With over 30 years of experience, most of our trekkers are either repeat clients or referrals. We employ the most professional and friendly staff.
We are also proud to give back to our community through 3 Summits For Nepal managed by Crystal Mountain Treks staff. Contact us to learn more…