The Shangrila's Delight

This tour is an excellent option to visit some of the most impressive historic and cultural sites in Bhutan. We will pick you up on your arrival in Paro and you can enjoy a short afternoon visit to the Ta dzong, an ancient watchtower and the national museum of Bhutan. The following day we will hike up to the Tiger's Nest Monastery. This incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below and its one of the highlights of any trip to Bhutan. Next on our agenda is Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, where we will Tashichho Dzong a beautiful fortress. The following day we head to Punakha via Dochula pass which offers some incredible views of the Himalayas. The Punakha Valley is home to the impressive Punakha Dzong a traditional monastery and fort. We continue from Punakha to Gangtey which is a more remote village and famous for the Black Necked Cranes that migrate to the area every winter. Gangtey is as far east as we will get and from Gangtey we will take our time driving back to Thimphu.

What's Included?

• All Meals, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation
• All transportation in Bhutan including airport transfers
• Royalty & Govt. Taxes
• Entrance fees for Museums and Monuments
• Visa Fee
• Airport taxes
• Tourism Development Fund
• English Speaking Guide
• Sightseeing

*Single Supplement of $600 applies.

Day 1: Arrive Paro

Altitude: 2280m Arrival Day
We will pick you up when you arrive at the airport. It's a quick drive to your hotel where you can check in and have lunch. After lunch, visit the Ta dzong, an ancient watchtower, which also functions as the museum of Bhutan. Next we will visit Rimpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) one of the largest in all of Bhutan. Dzong architecture is a distinctive type of fortress architecture found mainly in Bhutan. In the evening, visit to the Handicraft emporium and free for exploring the city. Dinner and overnight in Hotel in Paro

Day 2: Paro - Tigers Nest - Thimphu

Altitude: 2320m, Drive Time to Thimphu: 1 hour (58km)
Hiking Time: 4 to 6 hours - 4 miles/6.5 km
Today is a special day with an excursion to view the spectacular Taktsang (Tiger's Nest). After an early breakfast we drive north of Paro a short distance to begin our hike to the Tigers Nest, probably Bhutan's most famous landmark. The hike up to the monastery goes through a beautiful pine forest and you can catch several glimpses of the Tigers Nest (almost 900m above you). It's a good hike but well worth the effort and we will stop for lunch half way.

The trail takes you directly to this incredible monastery which clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. The Tiger's Nest was built in 1692 and still functions today despite the daily visits by numerous tourists. Drive to Thimphu in the evening and overnight at hotel.

Day 3: Thimphu Sightseeing

Altitude: 2320m
We will have time to explore the capital today and visit one of the largest Buddha statues in the world. Plan on visiting the following local sites; The Memorial Chorten, Changangkha Monastery, Takin Preserve Centre, Tashichho Dzong and the Sangay Gang view point. Dinner and overnight in Thimphu.

Day 4: Thimphu - Punakha

Altitude: 1310 m, 72 Kms, 3 hours drive
After breakfast, drive to Punakha via Dochula pass. If the weather is clear, we will be treated to a spectacular view of the Himalayas. Enroute, we stop to view Chimi Lhakhang, alternatively called the Temple of Fertility which was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, known popularly as The Divine Mad Man, in the 15th century. After lunch, visit the impressive Punakha Dzong, a traditional fort built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Dinner and overnight in Hotel in Punakha.

Day 5: Punakha - Gangtey - Wangdiphodrang

Altitude: 3120 m. Drive 8 to 9 hours
After breakfast we will drive to Gangtey which is a more remote village and famous for the Black Necked Cranes that migrate to the valley every winter. We will also have a chance to visit the the Gangtey Gompa built in 1613. We will drive back to Punakha in the afternoon. The Gangtey valley is an excellent place to extend the trip for an additional night and has some good options for day hikes.

Day 6: Wangdiphodrang - Thimphu

Altitude: 2320 m. 72 Kms, 3 hours drive
After breakfast we will drive back to Thimphu. Enjoy lunch at the hotel and afterwards a visit to the Folk Heritage Museum. The rest of the day is free for shopping and photography in the town. Dinner and over night in Hotel.

Day 7: Departure

Altitude: 2280m
We will get an early start back to Paro so you can connect with your international flight.

Exclusions

• Air fare to Bhutan
• Travel Insurance
• Personal Expenses
• Cost incurred to strikes or political protest
• Payment for services provided on a personal basis

Cancellation Policy

• Prior to 90 Days Full refund (Apart from credit card charge minus a $150 cancelation fee)
• Between 90 Days - 60 Days (80% refund)
• Between 60 - 30 Days (50% refund)
• Between 30 - 15 Days (25% refund)
• Less than 15 Days no refund