Glimpse of Bhutan

A great option for first time visitors this tour hits some of the main highlights of Bhutan including the Tiger's Nest, Dochula Pass as well as sightseeing in Paro, Thimphu and Punakha. After your arrival in Paro we will take a short drive to Thimphu the capital of Bhutan where we will visit Tashichho Dzong a beautiful fortress. The following day we will take a day tour to the Punakha valley driving over Dochula pass for some incredible views of the Himalayas. The Punakha Valley is home to the impressive Punakha Dzong a traditional monastery and fort. The following day we will head back to Thimphu and visit the Cheri Monastery in the afternoon. From Thimphu its back to Paro the next morning where we will visit the Ta dzong, an ancient watchtower, which also functions as the museum of Bhutan. Our tour wraps up with a trek 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. You will spend the last night in Paro before we take you to the airport in the morning.

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 $475 applies.

Day 1: Paro to Thimphu

Altitude: 2320 m, Drive Time: 1 hour (58km)
Welcome to Bhutan! Our driver will be waiting for you when you arrive with a Yak Holidays signboard and will drive you to Thimphu (1 hour drive), Bhutan's Capital. After lunch we will take in the local sites which include the Memorial Chorten, Changangkha Monastery, Takin Preserve Centre, Tashichho Dzong and the Sangay Gang view point. Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

Day 2: Thimphu to Punakha

Altitude 1310m (Punakha), Drive Time: 3 hours each way (77km)
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. We will drive back to Thimphu for the night. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Punakha.

Day 3: Punakha to Thimphu

Altitude: 1310 m, 90 kms
Today we will drive back to Thimphu and after checking into the hotel and having lunch we will visit the Cheri Monastery. The rest of the afternoon is free for sightseeing and shopping in Thimphu. Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

Day 4: Thimphu to Paro

Altitude: 2320 m, Distance: 58 kms, Drive Time: 1 hour
After breakfast, visit the National Library, which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts followed by visit to Painting School, famous for carving and free hand art and Folk Heritage Museum and visit to Handicrafts Emporium to see the exquisite artistry of traditional crafts and textiles and drive to Paro.

After lunch, visit the Ta dzong, an ancient watchtower, which has been, since 1967, the national museum of Bhutan then visit Rimpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The Dzong presently houses administrative offices. Dinner and over night in Tashi Namgay Resort. www.tnr.bt

Day 5: Paro to Tiger's Nest

Altitude: 2280 m, Drive Time: 30mins (12kms each way)
Hiking Time: 4 to 6 hours - 4 miles/6.5 km
After an early breakfast we will visit Kichu Lhakang one of the oldest and most beautiful temples of Bhutan. We then 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.

Dinner and overnight at the Hotel in Paro.

Day 6: Departure

Altitude: 2280 m
Early morning, drive to the Airport and Farewell.

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