The Australian Offer II
Tour Overview
Myth and legacies of great Buddhist saints permeate the Bumthang valley. Approaching and entering the valley can be as though entering the inner sanctum of a sacred temple. With many sacred Buddhist sites spread across the valley, the whole place feel blessed. Experience the indigenous hospitality of Bumthang valley.
This package is only valid for Australian nationals from 01st June 2018 till 31st August 2018. Note * For Solo Traveler, an additional surcharge will be levied. Please write to us for more detail
Tour Highlights
- Historic Bumthang Valley
- Tashichodzong – 17th century Fort
- Memorial Chorten
- Zorig Chusum
- Punakha Dzong
- Chimi Lhakhang
- Home stay experience
- Nature trail at Phobjikha
- Trongsa Ta Dzong Museum
- Chumey Yathra Weaving Center
- Chakhar Lhakhang
- Mebar Tso (The Burning Lake)
Daily Itinerary for The Australian Offer II (9 Days)
Day 1
Drive from Paro Airport to Thimphu (1 hour) and sightseeing in Thimphu
Probably the only capital city in the world without streetlights and an airport of its own, this small city is home to some 100,000 local residents including the Royal Family of the Kingdom of Bhutan. Like any other capital city, it is the political and economic center for the country. The city has a 17th century fortress which houses the Office of His Majesty the King and The House of Parliament stands on the eastern bank of the Thimphu River opposite to the fortress.
Thimphu has successfully preserved its culture and tradition despite growing exponentially and rapidly. Any traveler exploring this unique city will have the luxury of modern convenience and witness ancient monument and traditional way of life simultaneously.
Places and attractions:
Paro
Thimphu
Buddha Dordenma
Centenary Farmers Market
Authentic Craft Bazaar
Memorial Chorten
Tashichhodzong
National Institute for Zorig Chusum
Accommodation options:
City Hotel
Le Meridien
Hotel Bhutan
Day 2
Drive from Thimphu to Dochula (1 hour)
Dochula is one of the many mountain passes in Bhutan accessible by motor road. The pass has an elevation of 3100 meters and offers a panoramic view of the Eastern Himalaya mountain range.
Hike to Lungchutse from Dochula (2 ways and 1 hour at the spot- 4 hours)
Lungchutse hike is one of the most rejuvenating and picturesque hike. The trail will take you through a diverse forest until you reach the ridge. From the Lungchutse temple you can enjoy a 360 degree view of the Himalayas and the valley below.
Lunch at Dochula Cafeteria and Drive to Punakha (1 and half hour) and Cultural Sightseeing at Punakha
Travelling to Punakha is like getting in a time machine and going back to the 17th century. Punakha offers tourists a unique medieval experience. The region still holds many traditional houses built decades ago with people leading a simple farming lifestyle. The valley is especially beautiful during spring and autumn adorned by the produce in the paddy fields. Did you know that Punakha was a former capital of Bhutan? Much of Bhutan’s significant history from fighting against the Tibetan invasion to the institution of first monarch to the signing of the treaty of Punakha with the British Indian Empire which shaped Bhutan’s future significantly were all witnessed in this region.
Places and attractions:
Punakha
Lungchutse Hike
Dochula Pass
Chimi Lhakhang - The Fertility Temple
Punakha Dzong - The Palace of Great Bliss
Punakha Suspension Bridge
Accommodation options:
Drubchhu Resort
Day 3
Early Drive from Punakha to Phobjikha (3 and half hours)
Phobjikha is one of the most idyllic places in Bhutan. The valley is part of an important wildlife reserve; the valley is home to the endangered black necked cranes. These birds migrate south to the valley from Tibet every winter before flying back early spring. Aside from enjoying the tranquility, the valley also has multiple hiking trails leading through the small community in the valley.
Places and attractions:
Phobjikha Valley
Black Necked Crane Information Centre
Gangtey Monastery
Gangtey Nature Trail
Hot Stone Bath in Gangtey
Accommodation options:
Dewachen Hotel
Amankora Gangtey
Day 4
Early Drive from Trongsa to Bumthang (2 and half - 3 hours)
Overnight at Trongsa
Places and attractions:
Trongsa
Ta Dzong Museum Trongsa
Trongsa Dzong
Chendebji Chorten
Accommodation options:
Yangkhil Resort
Day 5
Early Drive from Trongsa to Bumthang (2 and half - 3 hours)
Myth and legacies of great Buddhist saints permeate the valley. Approaching and entering the valley can be as though entering the inner sanctum of a sacred temple. With many sacred Buddhist sites spread across the valley, the whole place feel blessed. With such rich heritage, the region’s architecture has been conserved with regulations that guide development initiatives taken today. Bumthang is also known for its cheese and textile production. The hand woven fabric drawn from the yak and sheep wool and the pattern input to their product are indigenous to Bumthang.
Places and attractions:
Bumthang
Yathra Weaving Center
Mebar Tso
Kurjey Lhakhang
Jambey Lhakhang
Ura Village
Accommodation options:
Moutain Lodge
Amankora Bumthang
Day 6
Drive Back to Thimphu OR tourists can choose to fly back to Paro
Over night at a hotel in Thimphu
Please note that the flight ticket cost is subject to additional charges and is NOT included in the package price
Places and attractions:
Thimphu
Accommodation options:
City Hotel
Le Meridien
Hotel Bhutan
Day 7
Drive to Paro
Cultural Sightseeing at Paro
Overnight at Paro
Places and attractions:
Paro
Paro Rinpung Dzong
Kyichu Lhakhang
Paro Town
National Museum Paro Ta Dzong
Accommodation options:
Tashi Namgay Resort
Haven Resort
Le Meridien Paro Riverfront
Day 8
Hike to Taktsang
Taktsang which translate to The Tiger’s Nest is a Buddhist monastery in Paro valley. According to the legend, Buddhist saint Guru Rinpoche flew to the current monastery site riding atop a tigress in the 7th century.
Today it has become the most visited site by tourists. Approached by a two hour hike through the pine forest, the majestic architecture perched on a cliff 900 meters above Paro valley greets the hikers. Once at the top, tourists can enjoy the panoramic view of the valley below.
Places and attractions:
Paro
Tigers Nest Hike
Accommodation options:
Haven Resort
Tashi Namgay Resort
Le Meridien Paro Riverfront
Day 9
Payment & Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
- The approval of tourists VISA is contingent on the full payment of the tour
- Flight ticket payment is subject to the Ticketing Time Limit issued by the airlines
Tour Cancellation and Refund Policy
- 30 to 15 days prior to arrival - 20% of the total tour cost will be levied as cancellation fee
- 14 to 7 days prior to arrival - 50% of the tour cost will be levied as cancellation fee
- Less than a week prior to arrival - 100% cancellation charge will be levied as cancellation fee
Flight Ticket Cancellation and Refund Policy
- Subject to the cancellation terms of the Airline
Rescheduling Tour Dates:
- There are no charges for rescheduling your trip. However the minimum daily tariff, hotel rates, airline charges are subject to change depending on your new travelling dates.