A CULTURAL JOURNEY THROUGH BHUTAN 11 Nights/12 Days · Situated north of Thimphu, ... (breakfast +...
Transcript of A CULTURAL JOURNEY THROUGH BHUTAN 11 Nights/12 Days · Situated north of Thimphu, ... (breakfast +...
A CULTURAL JOURNEY THROUGH BHUTAN
11 Nights/12 Days
About &Beyond
&Beyond is a pioneering, experiential travel company that offers
forward-thinking, global travellers an exclusive experience of the
world as it should be; a world that is in balance with itself. We go
beyond mere luxury to enrich your guests’ experience through our
core ethos of Care of the Land, Care of the Wildlife, and Care of the
People. &Beyond has 30 exquisite safari lodges and camps across
Africa and South America, and we also design personalised, high-end
tours in 15 African countries, India, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Chile,
Argentina, Ecuador and Peru.
Welcome to Bhutan
The last remaining great Himalayan Kingdom, Bhutan boasts
magnificent mountain scenery, incredible architecture and colourful
culture. A diverse natural Shangri-La, the country boasts of a staggering
variety of landscapes, as well as an incredible array of flora and fauna.
Set within one of the world’s most breathtaking mountain chains,
Bhutan is famed for its high mountain peaks and range of trekking
opportunities. Enigmatic and shrouded in myth, Bhutan is filled with
tangible examples of its extraordinary culture, from the striking
architecture of its mountain forts and monasteries to the images of
Buddhist religious figures painted or carved onto the craggy cliffs.
Colourful prayer flags flutter on spectacular mountain passes and
prayer wheels turn slowly with the current of clear mountain streams.
Highlights of the Itinerary:
Breath-taking mountain views from Dochu La pass
The spectacular fortress of Punakha
The iconic hike to ‘Tigers Nest’
The remote valley of Phobjika.
The Religious heartland of Bhutan - Bumthang
Specially created for
Active vacationers & Cultural enthusiasts
11 nights / 12 days
1 – Thimphu (Day 1, 2)
2 – Punakha (Day 3, 4)
3 – Gangtey (Day 5, 6)
4 – Bumthang (Day 7, 8, 9)
5 – Paro (Day 10, 11)
AN &BEYOND CUSTOM-DESIGNED ITINERARY
DATE SERVICE ACCOMMODATION
Day 1 Fly to Paro and drive to Thimphu (1 hr) + Local sightseeing
2 Overnights in Taj Tashi, Thimphu
Deluxe room on HB
Day 2 Sightseeing of Thimphu
Day 3 Drive from Thimphu to Punakha (3 hr) + Local sightseeing
2 Overnights in Uma by COMO, Punakha Valley view room on FB
Day 4 Sightseeing in Punakha
Day 5 Drive from Punakha to Phobjikha (3 hr) + Local sightseeing
2 Overnights in Gangtey Lodge, Phobjikha Suite on FB
Day 6 Sightseeing in Phobjikha
Day 7 Drive from Phobjikha to Bumthang (6 hr)
3 Overnights in Amankora, Bumthang
Suite on FB
Day 8 Sightseeing in Bumthang
Day 9 Sightseeing in Tang valley
Day 10 Take a Domestic flight from Bumthang to Paro + Local sightseeing
2 overnights in Uma by COMO, Paro
One-bedroom Villa on FB
Day 11 Hike to Taktshang Lhakhang (Tiger’s nest)
Day 12 Departure
GLOSSARY
BB = Bed and breakfast
HB = Room + Breakfast + dinner
FB = Full Board basis (please check itinerary for specific includes & excludes per property)
ENTRY/VISA REQUIREMENTS
As of all international travel, the visitor to Bhutan is required to be in possession of a valid passport and
visa. Travelers from all countries need a visa. Visa for Bhutan will be arranged by &Beyond South Asia
(Bhutan) office on receipt of the full payment for the tour.
SATELLITE PHONES & DRONES ARE NOT ALLOWED IN BHUTAN
Day 1- Arrive Paro/ Thimphu
This morning board your flight to Paro (Bhutan), Bhutan’s only
international airport. The flight into Bhutan takes you close to the great
Himalayas; offering dazzling scenic views of some of world’s highest
glacial peaks. As you enter the Paro valley, you will pass forested hills
with the slivery Pa Chu (Paro River) meandering down the valley below
with the Paro Dzong (fortress) and Ta Dzong (watch tower) on the hill
above the town.
As you exit from the arrival hall of Paro airport, you will be met by your
guide and chauffeured to your hotel in Thimphu (1 hour drive). En-route
stop to visit the Tamchogg Lhakhang and marvel at the iron bridge
reconstructed using original chain links from the famous Tibetan bridge
builder Thangtong Gyelpo.
Drive onwards to your hotel for check in and a short rest. (Lunch is not
included in the quote)
Afternoon, visit the Buddha Dordenma - a gigantic
Shakyamuni Buddha statue. The statue is filled with over one hundred
thousand smaller Buddha statues, each of which, like the Buddha
Dordenma itself, but made of bronze and gilded in gold. At a height of
51.5 metres, it is one of the tallest Buddha statues on the world.
Then drive to visit the Takin Preserve in Motithang. Takin is the National
animal of Bhutan and looks like a cross breed between a cow and a
goat. Legend has it that the animal was created by the great Buddhist
yogi, Drupa Kunley or Divine Madman, and this particular species of
Takin is found only in Bhutan and nearby areas.
This evening you will have a chance of dressing up in Bhutan’s
traditional attire, the Goh and the Kira and witness some beautiful
masked dances on the Taj Tashi’s courtyard. This will be followed by
an authentic Bhutanese meal at Chig Ja Gye which is the specialty
Bhutanese restaurant at the Taj.
Spend two nights at the Taj Tashi, Thimphu. Your accommodation is in
a Deluxe Room and your stay is on a Half board (Breakfast + Dinner)
basis.
Day 2 - Thimphu
Begin the day with drive to take a short hike to Tango Goenpa. Situated
north of Thimphu, one way it takes about 30 minutes’ drive and an hour
long walk through shaded rhododendron forests to reach the monastery.
The site of the monastery was founded in 12th century and later Lama
Drukpa Kuenley (Divine Madman) established the present building in
15th century. The great saint called Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, in
1616 meditated in a cave near the monastery and helped ensure the
defeat of an invading Tibetan army. Tango currently functions as a
Buddhist university with 280 monks studying there.
Return to the hotel for lunch or try a local restaurant (Not included in
the quote).
After lunch, drive to visit the institute for Zorig Chusum. It is also
commonly known as Arts and crafts school or painting school. The
institute offers a courses ranging from 4 to 6 years on the 13 traditional
arts and crafts of Bhutan.
Then visit the Weaving Centre or the Textile Museum. Weaving is an
integral component of the culture and tradition of Bhutan. With the
aim to preserve and promote this living art, the Royal Textile Academy
of Bhutan was instituted in May 2005 under the patronage of Her
Majesty Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck as a non-government, non-
profit organization. The Academy will also provide in bringing about a
National Centre for weaving and educating young students in textiles,
fabric designs and museum studies. It will also serve as a centre for
tourists, introducing the nation’s masterpiece to its visitors, while
expanding the nation’s resource for cultural tourism.
And if time permits, visit the Jungshi paper making factory. It is located
approximately 1 km from Thimphu City. The factory uses the bark of
two tree species, the Daphne tree and Dhekap tree in the manufacture
of traditional paper. Visitors can observe the entire process of
producing handmade paper using ancient traditional methods that have
been practiced for generations. You can even try your hand at this
ancient craft and make some paper of your very own as a souvenir. Deh-
sho paper was originally used by monasteries for woodblock and
manuscript books and also for writing prayer books.
Day 3 - Thimphu/ Punakha
After an early breakfast this morning, you will be chauffeured to
Punakha (3 hour’s drive). The road climbs steeply through a scenic
forest of pine and cedar trees, to Dochu La pass (10,000 feet). The pass
offers panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges.
Stop on Dochu La to visit the 108 stupas built on this 3,150-metre-high
pass in honor the fallen Bhutanese soldiers.
Well before reaching Punakha stop en route and hike about 30 minutes
to Chimi Lhakhang (fertility temple), which is on a small hilltop. The
temple was dedicated to the great Yogi in the 14th century, known as
Drukpa Kuenley, also known as the “Divine madman.” He is known for
dramatizing Buddhist teachings using songs. It is believed that this
temple blesses women who seek fertility. If interested you can also
watch the Thangkha painters here in action.
Afterwards, you will be driven to your hotel for check-in and lunch (not
included in the quote).
In the late afternoon, proceed back towards Punakha and visit the
beautiful Punakha Dzong. Constructed in 1637, this was the second of
Bhutan’s Dzong and for many years its seat of government. From this
spectacular setting you can look back to see the Khamsum Yuelley
Namgyel Temple perched on the hillside far in the distance.
Spend two Overnights at the Uma by COMO, Punakha. Your
accommodation will be in a Valley view room on Full board (breakfast
+ lunch + dinner) basis.
Day 4 - Punakha
Early this morning, drive to the suspension bridge from where you begin
a hike to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten with a packed
breakfast. This three storey lhakhang was built by Her Majesty the
Queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon for the protection of the country. It has
an impressive view of Punakha valley. The deities represented here
belong to a teaching cycle of Dudjom Rinpoche, a great Nyingmapa
master (1904-87). The functions of the deities are to subjugate enemies
and harmful influences and also to spread peace and harmony. The
lhakhang is a 45 minute hike from the main road.
Afterwards drive back to the hotel and rest of the morning is at leisure.
Later this afternoon, you will visit the Nalanda Buddhist college, a
Buddhist monastic school. Originally built in 8th century AD, this school
was established as the second Buddhist school after the original one in
India. This day’s monks here are also given English lesson twice a week.
You may interact with the monks here.
On the way back, visit the Sangchhen Dorji Lhendrup Lhakhang
Nunnery. Perched on a ridge amid pine trees gleams the magnificent
structures of Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang(temple). The
temple houses a 14-foot main bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara
(Chenrigzig chagtong chentong). Other statues include those of Guru
Padmasambawa, Gautama Buddha, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, Tsela
Namsum, the 21 Taras and Tsepamay (Buddha of longevity). The
Avalokiteshvara statue, one of the biggest in the country, was the
handiwork of entirely local Bhutanese artisans. The temple complex
also houses a permanent higher learning and meditation center for nuns
where, apart from religious trainings, it provides life skill training such
as tailoring, embroidery, statue making and thangka painting.
You will also participate with the nuns in a Tshewang prayer ceremony
(a prayer for personal empowerment, wish fulfilment and a healthy
life). The prayer will last approximately 30 minutes, during which you
will participate in the lighting up of butter candles.
Day 5 – Thimphu/ Phobjikha
This morning, post breakfast, you will be chauffeured to Phobjikha (3
hour’s drive).
Crossing Wangdue, the road will gradually climbs to Lawa La pass, which
offers the magnificent view of Jhomolhari (7300m) mountain and Jichu
Drake (6700m). There is an abrupt change in vegetation as we drive,
with mountain forest replaced by high altitude dwarf bamboo.
Phobjikha is one of the most beautiful valleys in the country and it’s
the winter home of endangered black-necked cranes that migrate from
the arid plains in the north to pass winter in milder and lower climate.
These winged visitors begin arriving around early October. Phobjikha is
at an altitude of 2900 m above sea level and on the periphery of the
Black Mountain National Park.
On reaching Phobjikha check in to the hotel and lunch.
In the afternoon you will be escorted to the Gangtey Goemba
(monastery), which enjoys the valley's prime real estate, on a forested
hill overlooking the green expanse of the entire Phobjikha valley. Pema
Thinley, the grandson and reincarnation of Pema Lingpa, founded the
Nyingma temple here in 1613 and today the Goemba is the seat of the
9th reincarnation of the body of the Terton (Treasure discoverer) Pema
Lingpa.
Then walk along the Gangtey Nature Trail, quite popular amongst the
visitors to the valley. Crossing streams and rhododendron gardens you
cross Sumchubara village, afterwards you enter the Pine covered forest,
which opens at a canopy that affords fabulous views of the valley.
Further down, the trial passes the village of Khewang and later you will
cross the Nake Chu where you will be picked up by your car.
In the evening head towards the Shedra which is a monastic school.
Attend the prayers this evening where about 300 monks chant every
evening.
Spend two nights at Gangtey Lodge. Your accommodation will be in
Suite on Full board (Breakfast + lunch + dinner) basis.
Day 6 - Phobjikha
This morning, after an early breakfast, you will go on the Longteng
Hike. It is a 30 minutes’ drive from Gangtey to the starting point in
Longteng village on the East-West highway. Start by walking downwards
following the path to the right of the road. The path will lead through
bush bamboo towards a small cluster of village houses. There are
beautifully coloured rhododendron forests on both sides of the valley,
and in the winter months, yaks graze in the area. Continue straight
through the village upwards until you reach the start of mystifying old-
growth rhododendron forest.
The last part through the forest is slightly steeper uphill until you reach
the pass with impressive views of the Gangtey Goemba, the Shedra, the
lodge and the rest of the valley down below. You will then continue on
the path as it slopes down the valley towards the idyllic Kumbu village.
En-route stop at the meditation huts with this beautiful view, to do a
meditation session with a monk, who will be waiting for you here.
This hike will take about 5 – 6 hours and you will be back at the lodge
by lunch time.
In the afternoon, you will be taken to the Crane Information Center a
short drive on the way back to the lodge. It gives you the detailed
information regarding the valley and the black necked-crane. The
center is also equipped with binoculars, installed to watch the cranes.
Also enjoy a 15-minute documentary about the endangered bird – “The
Birds of Heaven”, if interested.
Return to the lodge and rest of the evening is at leisure.
Day 7 – Phobjikha/ Bumthang
This morning, you will be driven to Bumthang (8 hours’ drive).
Bumthang is one of the most fascinating valleys in Bhutan,
encompassing four major valleys. It is the religious heartland of Bhutan
and home to many of the oldest and most sacred monasteries. The
valley has plenty of opportunities for day hikes, many involving visit to
remote Goenpas.
En route stop for lunch at the Chendebji Chorten and visit Trongsa
Dzong. Like almost all towns in the Kingdom, this Dzong architecture
dominates the entire Trongsa horizon dwarfing the surrounding
buildings. Built in 1648, it was the seat of power over central and
eastern Bhutan. Both the first and second King ruled the country from
this ancient seat. Protected from invaders by an impenetrable valley,
Trongsa Dzong is an impregnable fortress. The Dzong itself is a labyrinth
of temples, corridors and offices holding court over the local
community. It is built on many levels into the side of the hill and can
be seen from every approach to Trongsa heralding its strength as a
defensive stronghold.
Later on the way, if time permits, stop by to visit the Yathra weaving
centre. It is the main outlet for about 240 households of the 13 villages
in Bumthang who depend on the sale of traditional yathra for their
livelihood.
On reaching Bumthang, check into the hotel and rest.
Spend three overnights in Amankora, Bumthang. Your accommodation
is in Suite on Full Board (breakfast + lunch + dinner) basis.
Day 8 - Bumthang
After breakfast walk (approx. 30 minutes’ walk) to Jambay Lhakhang.
This site was built in the 7th century to subdue the giant demoness who
was preventing the spread of Buddhism in Tibet and the Himalayan
region. To overcome her, Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo decided to build
108 temples in one day, which would be placed all over her body to pin
the ogress to the earth forever and at the same time, to convert Tibetan
people to Buddhism. Jambay Lhakhang holds the left knee and Kyichu
Lhakhang in Paro valley pins the left foot. The temple is also famous
for Ter Cham (Naked Dance) which takes place every year in October.
Afterwards walk further to visit(approx. 20 minutes). This large, active
and important temple complex is named after the body (Kur) print (je)
for Guru Rinpoche, which is preserved inside the oldest of the three
buildings. This also is the place where Guru Rinpoche sowed the seed
of Vajrayana Buddhism for the first time in Bhutan, during his visit in
the 8th century. The oldest of the temple was constructed in 1652 and
later Ugyen Wangchuck, the first king of Bhutan built the second
Lhakhang in 1900 while he was still the Trongsa Penlop. The third new
Lhakhang was built by the present Queen Mother, Ashi Kesang
Wangchuck in 1990.
Later in the afternoon, drive back to your hotel for lunch and a short
rest. (Not included in the quote)
After a short rest, visit the Jakar Dzong. The Jakar Dzong or the “Castle
of the White Bird” dominates the Chamkhar valley and overlooks the
town. Constructed in 1549, by the Tibetan Lam Nagi Wangchuk, the
Dzong played an important role as the fortress of defense for the whole
eastern Dzongkhags. It also became the seat of the first king of Bhutan.
"Jakar Dzong" literally meaning castle of the white bird is located on a
picturesque ridge overlooking the Chokhor valley. The current structure
built in 1667 (refurbished in 1683) is said to be one of the largest dzong
in Bhutan, with impressive fortress walls, elegant structure but a rather
simple interior.
Drive back to your hotel for a restful evening.
Day 9 – Bumthang
After an early breakfast, drive towards Tang Valley. Tang is one of the
remotest of Bumthang’s valleys and is a 10.5 Km drive on an unpaved
road from the main highway. The people of this valley raise sheep and
at higher elevations, yaks. In addition to its beautiful landscapes the
valley also affords the opportunity to visit 16th century Naktshang
(country manor)/Tang Ugyencholling Palace, which was built in 16th
century and later renovated. Today the palace functions as a museum
to preserve its legacy and provide a place for religious studies, research
and solitude. The fascination and well-captioned exhibits offer real
insights into the lifestyle of a Bhutanese noble family. The highlights
include a book of divination, a dakini dance costume made of bone and
the revelation that petrified yak dung was one of the ingredients for
Bhutanese gunpowder. To reach the museum walk uphill (45 min) to
the hilltop.
On your way back, stop to visit Mebar Tsho (The Burning Lake).
A five minute walk from the road, leads to a picturesque pool in the
Tang River that is known as Mebar Tsho (Burning lake). In this lake the
Terton Pema Lingpa, the reincarnation of Padmasambhava, was
supposed to have discovered religious treasure in the 12th century.
Mebartsho is not a lake but a gorge in one of the rivers that runs through
Tang valley. This lake is very sacred and is visited by many Bhutanese
during the auspicious days to offer butter lamps. The importance of the
site is indicated by the extensive array of prayer flags and is considered
as one of the most holy places for Buddhist pilgrimage.
Later in the afternoon, drive back to your hotel for lunch and rest of
the evening at leisure.
Day 10 – Bumthang/ Paro
This morning post breakfast, you will take a Domestic flight to Paro.
Paro is a historic town with many sacred sites and historical buildings
scattered through the area. It is home to many of Bhutan's oldest
temples and monasteries, National Museum and the country's only
airport. Mount. Jhomolhari (7,314m) reigns in its white glory at the
northern end of the valley and its glacial water plunge through deep
gorges to form the Pa Chhu (Paro river). Paro is also one of the most
fertile valleys in the Kingdom producing a bulk of the locally famous
red rice from its terraced fields.
On entering Paro town, drive directly to your hotel for Check-in and
lunch.
After lunch, drive to visit the Ta Dzong or the National Museum. One
time watch tower built to defend Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley
wars of the 17th century. Since 1967, the Ta Dzong has been serving as
the National Museum of the country. It holds a fascinating collection of
art, relics, religious thangkha paintings and Bhutan's exquisite postage
stamps. The museum's circular shape enhances its varied collection
displayed over several floors.
Afterwards, visit the local farmhouse. It is a traditional village house.
The beauty of Paro valley is embellished by cluster of old fashioned
farm houses. Bhutanese farm houses are very colourful, decorative and
traditionally built without the use of single nail. All houses follow the
same architectural pattern. A visit to Farm House is very interesting
and offers a good glimpse into the lifestyle of a farmer.
Spend two nights at the Uma by COMO, Paro. Your accommodation will
be in One Bedroom villa on Full board (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
basis.
Day 11 – Paro
Early this morning after a hearty breakfast, take a short drive to the
north of Paro Valley to Ramthankha, and start your hike to the Taktsang
monastery (Tiger’s Nest). The trail climbs through beautiful pine
forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss and an occasional
grove of fluttering prayer flags. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche,
founder of Buddhism in Bhutan flew from Eastern Bhutan on a tigress,
bringing Buddhist teachings with him and meditated here on this cliff.
This is one of the most venerated and sacred of all Buddhist sights
around the world.
This hike is takes about 5hrs with a 900 meters approximate gain in
altitude.
Afterwards hike down to the car park before returning to the hotel by
lunch time.
The rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 12 - Paro/ Departure
This morning, you will be transferred to the Paro airport to board your
onward flight.
RATES
VALIDITY 2018 Per person sharing
High Season (March/April/May/June/Sept/Oct/Nov/Dec 2018) USD 11,780
Low Season (January/February/July/Aug 2018) USD 10,100
Accommodation
DATE DESTINATION ACCOMMODATION DETAILS
Day 01 Arrive Paro /Thimphu Taj Tashi Deluxe room on HB
Day 02 Thimphu Taj Tashi Deluxe room on HB
Day 03 Thimphu/Punakha Uma by COMO Valley view room on FB
Day 04 Punakha Uma by COMO Valley view room on FB
Day 05 Punakha/ Phobjikha Gangtey Lodge Suite on FB
Day 06 Phobjikha Gangtey Lodge Suite on FB
Day 07 Phobjikha/ Bumthang Amankora Suite on FB
Day 08 Bumthang Amankora Suite on FB
Day 09 Bumthang Amankora Suite on FB
Day 10 Bumthang/ Paro Uma by COMO 1-bedroom Villa on FB
Day 11 Paro Uma by COMO 1-bedroom Villa on FB
Day 12 Outbound
What’s included:
Accommodation on ONE TWIN / DOUBLE OCCUPANCY in hotels as mentioned in the QUOTE.
All transfers as mentioned in a private vehicle, and sightseeing.
Sightseeing tour will be provided as per the itinerary with the English-speaking Bhutanese Guide and in a private
Vehicle.
All entrance and monuments fees.
Visa fees for Bhutan only.
All current taxes as on date – subject to change as per hotel/airline/Government policy.
Special inclusions:
o Tshewang ceremony at Punakha
o Prayer service in Gangtey/ Phobjikha
o Meditation with a monk in Phobjikha
What’s not included:
Any Airfare
Tipping to guides and drivers.
Any Insurance and rescue of any form.
Cost arising out of flight cancellation/road blockades/landslides/riots and events beyond our control.
Expenses of personal nature and any other expenses not mentioned in the above cost.
Any international air fare/airport taxes not mentioned above
Hotel surcharges during festival period
Any change in tax structure resulting from the hike in published tariff.
Items of personal nature like tips, laundry, phone calls etc.
Any video/still camera fee to the monuments and places of visit
Any other item not explicitly mentioned under price includes.
Any airfare for domestic flights other than the quoted details.
Any cost of the meals other than the one indicated in room meal plan.
Sightseeing and excursions other than those specified.
The Details are in the fine print
Hotel Check-In 1400 hours, Check-out time 1200 Noon
Prices are subject to change as per change in Government / Hotel / Airline policy without prior notice.
Rates include only those items specified in your itinerary.
Please note, the names of hotels mentioned above only indicate that our rates have been based on usage of these
hotels. It is not to be construed that accommodation is confirmed at these hotels until and unless we convey the
confirmations to you on receipt of your acceptance. However in the event of any of the above mentioned hotels not
becoming available at the time of initiating the reservations, we shall book alternate accommodation at a similar or next
best available hotel and shall pass on the difference of rates (supplement/reduction whatever applicable) to you.
In case on any currency fluctuations or amendment in local Government taxes, or any fuel hike, we reserve the right to
adjust the tour price accordingly. The due increase or decrease will be communicated accordingly.
The rates quoted are subject to change without prior warning, should there be any increases in Park Fees, Fuel, Sales
Tax or VAT, third party services, or any other circumstances beyond our control in the regions featured in this
quote/booking.
All guests must take out comprehensive travel insurance covering them for personal effects, personal accident, medical
and emergency travel expenses, cancellation and curtailment.
In order to comply with international insurance requirements all airline tickets must clearly show the passenger’s title,
surname, name and initial (as indicated in their passport). As this applies to both scheduled and charter flights we
would be grateful if you could provide us with this information at the time of confirmation.
Your internal flights have been organized by us. While we take the maximum care to ensure a safe and comfortable
journey for you &Beyond India Private Ltd. is not responsible for the fitness of the carriers or the safety standards of the
carrier company.
In order to comply with International Insurance requirements &Beyond India can only reserve seats, be it on a provisional
or confirmed basis, on both domestic/scheduled or charter flights.
Please note that fares may increase between time of booking, time of payment and the ticket being issued. Any costs
incurred due to amendments will not be borne by &Beyond India.
&Beyond India cannot be held responsible should airlines discontinue flights on certain routings or change scheduled
timetables, resulting in missed connections etc. Should an amendment in a routing or itinerary be necessary we will re-
quote you accordingly.
Dietary Requirements: All dietary requirements can be catered for. When making your reservation, please advise us of
any specific dietary requirements that you may have and these will be communicated through to the respective
establishment.
Gratuities: Tipping is at your discretion. However management of the establishment will be able to assist with guidelines
&Beyond reserves the right to modify program itineraries, including arranged sightseeing, and substitute accommodations,
including vessels and trains, at any time due to unforeseen circumstances or circumstances beyond &Beyond’s control.
Every effort will be made to operate itineraries as planned, but alterations may occur after the final itinerary has been
issued.
&Beyond strongly recommends that the guests insure themselves against loss of deposit, cancellation charges, medical
expenses and loss of personal possessions, and any other foreseeable loss or expense.
Photography During Travel
A. &Beyond reserves the right to take photographs or video during the operation of any program or part thereof and to
use them for promotional purposes during the program and thereafter. By booking a program with &Beyond, guests
agree to allow their images to be used in such photographs. Guests who prefer that their images not be used are asked
to identify themselves to &Beyond representative at the beginning of their program.
The use of DRONES are not allowed in Bhutan.
Guest Obligations:
1. Medical Conditions – the guest must notify &Beyond of any pre-existing medical conditions that might reasonably be
expected to affect the Travel Arrangements. The guest agrees and acknowledges that &Beyond will not be liable for
any loss or damage incurred by the guest as a result of any pre-existing medical condition or health issue of the
Customer that may preclude, delay, affect or interfere with the Travel Arrangements.
2. Health Issues – It is the guests sole responsibility to
a) obtain any vaccinations or take any other health precautions applicable to the country of travel;
b) take all steps reasonably necessary (including, without limitation, the consultation of appropriate medical
professionals) to identify whether they have any pre-existing medical conditions or health issues (whether known or
unknown) that may preclude, delay, affect or interfere with the Travel Arrangements; and
c) notify &Beyond if the guest has any pre-existing medical conditions or health issues that may preclude, delay,
affect or interfere with the Travel Arrangements.
PAYMENT & CANCELLATION POLICY
Booking made within 60 days of arrival
100% payment at the time of booking (within 72 hours) (non
refundable)
Booking made more than 60 days prior to arrival 25% payment at the time of booking (within 7 days ) and
balance 75% , 60 days prior to arrival
Cancellation 60 days or more prior to arrival No cancellation/ retention charge, except for cancellation
fee on air tickets/ train tickets or deposits.
Cancellation within 60 days of arrival Retention of full deposit levied as cancellation charge
1. 25% Non-refundable advance payment to be remitted within 3 days on receiving confirmation for the hotels booked.
2. 75% of the balance payment to be remitted 60 days prior to arrival into Bhutan
&Beyond South Asia reserves the right to cancel all services booked should full payment not be received 60 days prior to
arrival date.
Should it be a last-minute booking, &Beyond South Asia will allow for 3 days from time of confirmation until payment (100%) reaches us before &Beyond South Asia will cancel any services booked. The amount is NON– REFUNDABLE.
Kindly note that payments may be processed with Visa and MasterCard credit cards. Payments may also be paid directly into
&Beyond India or US bank account details.
All payments received through credit card will attract an additional 2.50% transaction fee on the total invoice
amount being paid.
All payments received through PayPal will attract an additional 2.0% transaction fee on the total invoice amount
being paid.