YOUR PRIVATE BHUTAN Bhutan 9 Nights/10 Days · Spend one night in Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi...

YOUR PRIVATE BHUTAN

Bhutan

9 Nights/10 Days

License No.: 350001 PBH-CXKB9174F

Let your imagination soar

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 Phobjikha.

Specially created for

Active vacationers & Cultural enthusiasts


At a glance

9 nights / 10 days

0 – Bangkok (Day 1)

1 – Thimphu (Day 2)

2 - Punakha (Day 3, 4)

2 – Gangtey (Day 5, 6, 7)

3 – Paro (Day 8, 9)

AN &BEYOND CUSTOM-DESIGNED ITINERARY

DATE SERVICE ACCOMMODATION

Day 1 On arrival to Bangkok

Superior Room on BB

Day 2 On arrival to Paro, drive to Thimphu (1 hour) + afternoon

meeting with a Trulku

1 Overnight in Zhiwa Ling Ascent, Thimphu

Deluxe room on HB

Day 3 Transfer to Punakha with enroute sightseeing in Dochu la and

Chimi Lhakhang

2 Overnights in Dhensa Resort, Punakha

Suite on HB

Day 4 Hike to Khamsum Yuelley + sightseeing in Punakha

Day 5 Drive to Phobjikha (approx. 3 hours)

3 Overnights in Gangtey Lodge, Phobjikha Suite on FB

Day 6 Sightseeing in Phobjikha

Day 7 Sightseeing in Phobjikha

Day 8 Drive from Phobjikha to Paro (6 hours) + Local sightseeing

2 Overnights in Le Meridien, Paro

Classic room on HB

Day 9 Fly to Bumdra and hike down to Taktshang Lhakhang (Tiger’s

nest) and on to Paro

Day 10 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


Expect the extraordinary

Day 1- Arrive Bangkok

Today, you will arrive Bangkok and enjoy a leisure day in the city.

Spend one night in Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport. Ready for

departure in early morning and transfer to Paro.

Day 2- Arrive Paro/ Thimphu

This morning, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to

Paro, 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 Punakha (3 hour’s 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.

On arrival, check in to your hotel. Lunch will be on a direct payment

basis.

In the afternoon, stop at the Pangri Zampa monastery which is the

school for traditional astrology. Here you will have a short session on

astrology and also a guided tour of the monastery.

Drive onwards to 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 is

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.

Later, you will meet with one of the high ranking Trulkus who will

have a discussion with you on Vajrayana Buddhism.

Spend One overnight at Zhiwa Ling Ascent, Thimphu. Your

accommodation will be in a Deluxe Room on a Half board (Breakfast +

Dinner) basis.


Day 3 - 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. You can do a meditation

session here in one of the meditation caves (not a guided session – to

be done by yourself).

Well before reaching Punakha stop en route and hike about 30

minutes to Chimi Lhakhang, 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 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 Dhensa Resort, Punakha. Your

accommodation will be in a Suite on Half board basis (Breakfast +

dinner).


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.

Rest of the morning is at leisure. Lunch will be on a direct payment

basis

Late afternoon, 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.

Here you will have an hour-long interaction with the nuns who live in

the nunnery. This will be followed by a Tshewang (blessing)

ceremony. It is 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

as well.


Day 5 – Punakha/ 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. Soak in the beautiful

views of the Phobjikha valley and relax.

This afternoon, you will be taking a short hike to acclimatize. The

hike will take you to the villages of Kumbu, Jangchae and Barra. You

can either hike or ride mountain bikes to these villages. You will have

a chance to interact with the village dwellers and see their way of

life.

In the evening head to the shedra, a college for monks where about

200 monks are studying. You will attend a meditation session and a

prayer service where all the monks sing the evening prayers. This is a

mesmerizing experience and we highly recommend the same.

Spend three overnights in Gangtey Lodge, Phobjikha. Your

accommodation will be in a Suite on Full board basis (breakfast +

lunch + dinner).


Day 6 – Phobjikha

This morning, 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

and driven back to the lodge.

On the way back 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.

There is a good chance that the last few might still be there at this

time. Also enjoy a 15-minute documentary about the endangered bird

– “The Birds of Heaven”, if interested.

Lunch will be at the lodge.

Rest of the afternoon is at leisure. You can try your hand this

afternoon on some traditional archery (dha) or darts (Khuru). The

other option is to cycle to Kumbu Lhakhang and back.


Day 7 - 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. Before you

continue on the path as it slopes down the valley towards the idyllic

Kumbu village. It is possible to get picked up from here, or you may

continue down to the Shedra or all the way down to the valley.

This hike will take about 5 – 6 hours and drive back to your lodge by

lunch time.

Return to the day is at leisure.


Day 8 – Phobjikha/ Paro

Today early morning, you will be transferred to Paro (6 hours).

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 arrival in Paro, check-in to your hotel and have lunch.

Alternately, drive to visit the National Museum. Originally set in the

ancient circular building which served as the watch tower- Ta Dzong,

the museum is temporarily shifted in a new administration building

close by due to the destruction of Ta Dzong in an earthquake. The

museum collection includes ancient Bhutanese art and artefacts,

weapons, coins, stamps and a small natural history collection.

Later if time permits, visit to 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 overnights at Le Meridien, Paro. Your accommodation will

be in a Classic Room on a Half board (breakfast + dinner) basis.


Day 9 – Paro

After a very early breakfast this morning, you will be chauffeured to

the helipad from where you will take a helicopter to Bumdra* (15

mins). We recommend that you carry a packed lunch from the hotel.

Upon arrival, you will enjoy the most of the enchanting views of the

Himalayan range. Then hike all the way from Bumdra to the Taktshang

or the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. The path snakes across the

mountainside between monasteries and temples before reaching the

gardens of Zangtopelri (Heaven on Earth) from which you can bravely

peer over the edge and look straight down onto the ornate roofs of

the Taktshang, hanging on the cliff far below. An hour later, you will

be at the gates of Taktshang looking across the gorge, a steep descent

to a waterfall then ascent on some steps and you will be entering

Tiger’s nest.

Afterwards, walk down to Taktsang cafeteria for a short break and

tea. Walk downhill to the road where our car will pick you up and

take you to your hotel for rest and lunch (not included)

Rest of the day is at leisure.

* Helicopter transfer to Bumdra (Maximum of 5 pax including guide

per Helicopter or 230 kgs per helicopter)

Day 10 – Paro/ Departure

This morning, you will be transferred to the Paro airport and back to

Bangkok for transit. Choose your idea flight to fly back to Hong Kong.


Journey overview

RATES 2019

VALIDITY – 2 guests travelling and using 1 room Per person sharing (Nett)

High Season (Sept/Oct/Nov/Dec 2019) HK$ 66,950 up

Single Supplement High season HK$ 33,450 up

Low Season (Aug 2019) HK$ 57,130 up

Single Supplement Low season HK$ 24,130 up

RATES 2019

VALIDITY – 4 guests travelling and using 2 rooms Per person sharing (Nett)





RATES 2019

VALIDITY – 6 guests travelling and using 3 rooms Per person sharing (Nett)






Accommodation

DATE DESTINATION ACCOMMODATION DETAILS

Day 01 Bangkok Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumni Airport Superior Room (Breakfast)

Day 02 Thimphu Zhiwa Ling Ascent Deluxe room (Breakfast + Dinner)

Day 03 Punakha Dhensa Resort Suite (Breakfast + Dinner)

Day 04 Punakha Dhensa Resort Suite (Breakfast + Dinner)

Day 05 Punakha /Phobjikha Gangtey Lodge Suite (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)

Day 06 Phobjikha Gangtey Lodge Suite (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)

Day 07 Phobjikha Gangtey Lodge Suite (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)

Day 08 Phobjikha / Paro Le Meridien Classic room (Breakfast + Dinner)

Day 09 Paro Le Meridien Classic room (Breakfast + Dinner)

What’s included:

Round trip economy class air ticket from Hong Kong to Bangkok on Cathay Pacific Airways.

Round trip economy class air ticket from Bangkok to Paro on DrukAir.

Accommodation in DOUBLE / TWIN ROOMS in hotels as mentioned.

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.

Special inclusions

o 01 one-hour session with a trulku

o 01 blessing (tshewang ceremony) session at Punakha

o 01 meditation and prayer session with the monks at the Gangtey Shedra (subject to availability)

o Helicopter experience as mentioned

Visa fees for Bhutan only.

All current taxes as on date – subject to change as per hotel/airline/Government policy.

Rates are valid for Asian Nationals only.

What’s not included:

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/ Christmas & New Years Eve

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.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

1. The above prices are quoted per person based on double occupancy & only applicable for minimum 2 adults traveling &

check-in together in the same pattern.

2. The above prices are subject to Airport Passenger Security Charge, airport taxes, fuel surcharge, airport construction fee

and administration fee.

3. Package price does not include : -

o Cost of travel documents and visa fees.

o Personal expenses, optional tours, transfers and other services that are not specified.

o Expenses incurred owing to the delay of air / land carriers that are beyond our control.

4. The above prices are applicable to specific flight, air ticket booking class code, hotel choice, room type and departure

date only, and are subject to the supply and policy of airline and hotels. Connexus Travel may adjust prices without prior

notice. All prices are subject to change at the time of booking.

5. A non-refundable deposit of HK$3,000 is required upon confirmation, balance payment is required at least 60 days prior to

departure or deadline set by airline or hotel whichever is earlier.

6. Accommodation should be completed on or before Dec 31, 2019 or specified by individual hotel.

7. No amendment, cancellation and refund is allowed once documents are issued.

8. Other terms and conditions apply, for further details, please contact Connexus Travel.

9. Connexus Travel reserves the rights to amend terms & conditions. In case of any disputes, Connexus Travel's decision shall

be final.

10. All prices, information and images in this flyer are for reference only.

YOUR PRIVATE BHUTAN Bhutan 9 Nights/10 Days · Spend one night in Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi...

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Transcript of YOUR PRIVATE BHUTAN Bhutan 9 Nights/10 Days · Spend one night in Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi...