Essential Bhutan (trip)
Essential Bhutan
- Bangkok to Bhutan
- Active & Adventure
| from $4,585* per person | 16 Days | March, April, October, November |
| Comfort accommodations | Exertion level: 3 | |
| Operator: Destination Himalaya | 12 people max | |
Indeed, Bhutan’s greatest attractions are undoubtedly its vibrant and active Buddhist culture and its glorious Himalayan and pastoral landscapes. Buddhism plays a major role in the life of the Bhutanese people, and informs the highest levels of political activity. Bhutan is closely linked culturally and historically with Tibet, the name Bhutan implying Tibetan connotations. The Bhutanese have a very strong sense of independent identity, however, and quite often refer to their country as Druk Yul, or “Land of the Thunder Dragon,” and identify themselves as Drukpa. Since the Chinese incursion into Tibet in the 1950s, however, Bhutan has forged closer political and economic ties with India. Through it all, Bhutan has managed to maintain its identity and remains to many the embodiment of the legendary Shangri La.
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Locations visited/nearby
Bhutan, Asia
0 testimonials about this trip.
3 testimonials about the provider, Destination Himalaya:
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Reviewer: Sandra M
located in
Palo Alto,
CA
USA
“Sanjay Saxena’s willingness to work with us and make changes we asked for was above and beyond, as was his availability….This is the best travel agency I have ever worked with and I’ve worked with many!”
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Reviewer: Bob & Marlene
located in
Ukiah,
CA
USA
" Various Tour Companies have taken us to 17 countries and all 7 continents. None has been better than our tour of Rajasthan with Destination Himalaya."
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Reviewer: Susan
located in
Foster City,
CA
USA
Last year I signed up to travel to Tibet (Sept 26 - Oct 11, 2009) to Everest North Face Base Camp with Destination Himalaya . This was my first trip traveling with DH. I was well informed on the difficulty of the trip and how physically fit I needed to be, including a medical checkup, vaccinations and evaluation by their medical consultant. We were supplied with an extensive list of ‘to does’: including visa, medical, insurance information and a very complete packing list including all the prescription and non prescription medications and medical supplies to bring. I did not have several expensive items (sleeping pad, sleeping bag & hiking poles) and rather than have me purchase them for a one time use, they were loaned to me at no charge!
Less than a week before departure, China closed the border of Tibet to foreigners. I thought the trip would be canceled. But no, Sanjay Saxena was able to change the itinerary to Nepal: Trekking to Everest: A Walk in the Khumbu Himal. They rearranged air flights & hotels & partnered with Peak Promotions in Katmandu, who did an outstanding job.
Mingmar Sherpa, who has summitted Everest three times, was our head guide. I always felt I was being watched over by all our sherpas, especially on difficult sections of the trail. The first day was particularly difficult for a few of us and it was going to be difficult for us to safely make our intended destination, so Sanjay arranged for us to spend the night in a closer lodge.
To top things off, our last day in Katmandu, we planned to take an early morning flight to view Everest. Since this was not included in our itinerary, we expected to pay for it, but Destination Himalaya paid for it!
Another unexpected surprise were the Dispatches from the Field: daily updates (photos & text) of our trip to their website so our friends and family could follow our trip! See them at:http://www.peakpromotionnepal.com/cybercast/dh/
I hope to travel with Destination Himalaya again this year - they have added Machu Picchu in Peru as a travel destination.
Special information
- This is a custom departure, meaning this trip is offered on dates that you arrange privately with the provider. Additionally, you need to form your own private group for this trip. The itinerary and price here is just a sample. Contact the provider for detailed pricing, minimum group size, and scheduling information. For most providers, the larger the group you are traveling with, the lower the per-person cost will be.
Itinerary
Day 1: Depart USADay 2: En route to Bangkok
Day 3: We will transfer to the airport for our flight from Bangkok to Bhutan. You will be met on arrival at Paro, and will be transferred to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital and an exciting blend of tradition and modernity.
Day 4: We will continue exploring Thimphu, visiting the Zorig Chusum (commonly known as Painting School), the Textile and Folk Heritage Museums, and the National Memorial Chorten, a monument to world peace and prosperity.
Day 5: Driving over Dochu-la pass (3,088m/10,130 ft), with impressive views of Himalayan giants, we descend into Punakha Valley.
Day 6: We take an excursion to to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of fertility and the Namgel Chorten, which was built to remove negative forces and promote peace, stability and harmony in the changing world.
Day 7: This morning we begin our drive to Trongsa via Wangduephodrang. Driving over another high pass, Pele-la pass (3,300 m/10,800 ft) we reach Trongsa.
Day 8: Today we visit Trongsa Dzong. Built in 1648, it was the seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan.
Day 9: Bumthang is the general name given to a combination of four valleys – Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura - with altitudes varying from 2,600m to 4,000m.
Days 10 & 11: We have two days to explore the many prominent Buddhist temples and monasteries, including Kurje Lhakhang, Jambey Lhakhang and Tamshing Lhakhang.
Day 12: Today we head to Gangtey. The valley of Gangtey is one of the most beautiful spots in Bhutan.
Day 13: Explore Phobjikha, the winter home of the migratory black-necked cranes. We will then continue on to our next destination, the “idyllic” Paro Valley.
Day 14: While in Paro, we will visit historic sites such as Drukgyel Dzong, Ta Dzong, Rinpung Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang, as well as the most famous of Bhutanese monasteries, Taktsang, Guru Rinpoche’s “Tiger’s Nest.”
Day 15: Today we leave Bhutan, taking the return flight from Paro to Bangkok. Overnight in Bangkok for our return flight to the USA the next day.
Day 16: Return to USA, arriving the same day.
More information from Destination Himalaya:
- View trip on provider's website
www.destinationhimalaya.net/bhutan/ITN-EssentialBhutan.php… - Company profile, experience, and history
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