BHUTAN: LAND OF THE THUNDER DRAGON
12 NIGHT JOURNEY

July 1-13, 2010
*Special low price, (this trip only) due to
soon to be abolished low season tariff

Bhutan is the last Himalayan Buddhist Kingdom. This formerly little known Hermit Kingdom is changing rapidly. While you don’t have to get there before MacDonald’s (little chance of this), it does make for a unique destination in terms of what you can see and experience. Isolated from the world until 1960, with no roads, electricity, schools, hospitals, postal service or currency, Bhutan has leapt from the Middle Ages to the 21st century in a matter of 40 years. A visit there has the feel of a trip back in time, yet with every bit of comfort that one might desire today. I have traveled to over 80 countries, and without hesitation I can say that Bhutan is the most remarkable place I have ever seen.

On this cultural tour we’ll visit the enormous Dzongs (fortresses and monasteries), the most iconic buildings in Bhutan. These massive structures with their inward sloping walls stand guard over most Bhutanese towns, built for protection against marauding Tibetans.

Constructed 400 years ago, and still in use today, the only significant change being the addition of electricity, and the elimination of the army (no threat of invading Tibetans now). Our guide will have all the necessary permits to visit the inner most sections within the Dzongs, generally off limits to foreigners. We will also visit schools and clinics, museums, artist studios and will be invited into the homes of Bhutanese for meals.

Our travels will take us from the high altitudes of Thimpu and Paro, to the lower semi- tropical elevations of Punakha and Trongsa. Along the way we’ll pass through forest of pine and cedar, rhododendron and dogwood, and bamboo and daphne. We’ll pass hamlets, small towns, and isolated homes perched on mountainsides, and terraced fields of rice, wheat, and potatoes.

Our journey will be by private minivan, with the government required local driver and guide. Our lodging will be in comfortable hotels, some old converted homes of affluent Bhutanese, others in comfortable new buildings. Meals will consist of hearty amounts of Bhutanese food, plus an assortment of Indian and Chinese specialties. Almost all meals will be buffet style, this seems to be the way foreigners are fed in Bhutan; give them an abundance of choices and let them pick what they prefer. If you have eaten in a Tibetan restaurant, the food will be familiar. Vegetarian options are numerous.

Tourism is new to Bhutan, so you will find only a handful of other visitors (tourist numbers are restricted by permitting only 2 flights per day to Bhutan). The people are genuine and friendly and all speak English, the language of education since 1960.

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BHUTAN: 12 DAY JOURNEY

DAY 1
Arrive Paro, and check into Gantey Palace Hotel. Your first Bhutanese meal in restaurant in downtown Paro, followed by exploration of Paro town. Spend late afternoon and evening relaxing at the Gantey Palace Hotel grounds, the former home of an affluent family.

DAY 2
Two hour drive to Thimpu, one of the world’s smallest capitals. Plenty to see, with museum, national library, art school, Thimpu Dzong, handicraft emporium, paper factory. This day of heavy sightseeing provides a glimpse into Bhutanese life, both old and new. An evening on the town permits us to see how Bhutanese have adapted to the 21st century. Overnight at Phuntsho Pelri Hotel.

DAY 3
Another full day in Thimpu, starting with a 2-hour hike to Wangdi-tshe monastery. Built in 1750, and impressively perched above the above the Thimpu valley, surrounded by pine and rhododendron forest. It will be the first time you marvel at the devotion of these people who centuries ago carried all the material to build this structure high above the valley floor. Still in use today we will see the monks quarters, the elaborate sculptures of butter and the many gold covered statues of the Buddha around the altar.

DAY 4
Depart Thimpu to drive east, over Dochu La Pass, at 10,130 feet. This high pass is considered sacred, so is festooned with thousand of prayer flags. The views are impressive, with mountains in the distance, and magnolia and rhododendron forest in the foreground. From here we descend into semi tropical lowland, and arrive just outside of Punakha town, to overnight at the Hotel Zangto Pelri.

DAY 5
Spend the morning exploring the lovely Punakha Dzong, architecturally one of the finest Dzongs. Afternoon hike to Chimi Lhakhang, built in 1499 this temple commemorates the demoness subjugated by the Lama Drukpa Kunley. Overnight at Hotel Zangto Pelri.

DAY 6
Morning visit to Punakha market. Local produce is sold, and the crowd is a mix of Bhutanese, from farmers, government officials, school children, housewives, monks, hip young locals, and of course us, likely the only foreigners. Next drive east, across mostly unsettled land, where the mountains are covered with forest consisting of rhododendrons, bamboo, magnolias, and conifers. We will cross Pele La Pass. At 10,830 feet this is the highest elevation we reach in Bhutan. At this altitude the scenery is dwarf bamboo and lots of yak herds. Pele La is considered the traditional boundary between eastern and western Bhutan. Continue to Trongsa, where we spend the night at Yangkhil Resort, just outside of town, facing the Trongsa Dzong.

DAY 7
After breakfast an hours drive past waterfalls and terraced rice fields to Kuenga Rabten, winter palace of the second king of Bhutan, Jigme Wanchuk. Then visit Trongsa Dzong, strategically and spectacularly located above the river. Due to its enormous size, it is considered the most impressive of all Bhutan’s Dzongs. Explore Trongsa town, small yet interesting and very friendly. Overnight at Yangkhil Resort.

DAY 8
Drive west, to the Phobjikha Valley. This valley is one of the only wintering grounds of the rare black-necked crane. Not wanting to disturb the cranes the government has decided not to provide electricity to the valley, but instead has installed solar panels on the roofs of all houses. While the valley is highly agricultural, with potatoes and wheat under cultivation, it is adjacent to Jigme Singye Wangcuck National Park, home to bears, leopard, tigers, Himalayan boars and red foxes. Enjoy excellent views of the valley while staying at the Dewachen Lodge with its floor to ceiling windows in each room.

DAY 9
After breakfast visit Gangte Goemba monastery. Dating from 1650 it is now undergoing renovation, with the artisans using traditional Bhutanese methods of construction to rebuild in the original style. Drive to Wangdue Phodrang and explore the Dzong. Then spent the night at Kichu River Resort, tranquil garden setting overlooking the Dang Chhu River.

DAY 10
Depart for Thimpu after breakfast. Scenic drive to the end of valley to Dodena, then onward to Phuntsho Pelri Hotel. Afternoon free in Thimpu.

DAY 11
Drive to Paro, the second largest town in Bhutan. Visit market, watch Bhutanese archers demonstrating their amazing skill with the national sport. Overnight at Gantey Palace Hotel.

DAY 12
After hearty breakfast we drive to base of mountain where Taktsang Monastery is located. Also known as Tiger’s Nest, probably the most iconic building in Bhutan, perched on a cliff 2700 feet above the valley floor. It appears to be glued into a concavity on the bare rock. It is said that the Guru Rimpoche arrived here by flying tiger in 746, and meditated in a cave for 3 months. The monastery was built to commemorate his visit. The site has long been recognized as holy in Bhutan. Whether your western mind can wrap itself around this story or not, you cannot fail to find the site majestic, and the 3-hour ascent both arduous and spectacular. (Burros are available to carry you halfway to Tiger’s Nest). Return to Gantey Palace Hotel for traditional hot stone bath and farewell dinner.

DAY 13
Breakfast at hotel, then transfer to airport for flight home.

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TOTAL COST
PER PERSON FOR TWELVE (12) NIGHTS IN BHUTAN
(Inclusive of food, accommodations, ground transportation, entrance fees, services of licensed Bhutanese guide and driver, services of U.S. tour leader, Bhutanese visa and airport taxes):

$3400.00 (Based on double occupancy)
Single supplement - $3880.00

Note: Gratuities, alcohol beverages, laundry, souvenirs, and international airfare not included.

INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE:
There are 2 gateways to Bhutan: either through Bangkok, Thailand or Delhi, India. From the East Coast it is generally less expensive to fly to Delhi, India, (Delhi flight stops in Kathmandu, where it is possible to join flight) and then to Bhutan. From the West Coast, a flight to Bangkok and then to Bhutan generally works out to be more economical.

Bangkok-Paro, Bhutan, $836. Round trip
Delhi-Paro, Bhutan, $732. Round trip
Kathmandu-Paro, Bhutan, $460. Round trip

Note: Gratuities, alcohol beverages, laundry, souvenirs, and international airfare not included.

To reserve space, a deposit of $1000. is required.
Balance of payment is due 2 months prior to journey.

Please contact me at john@champacajourneys.com with any questions!