Land of Thunder Dragon Tour Bhutan 2023

Bhutan, a Buddhist kingdom on the Himalayas’ eastern edge, is known for its monasteries, fortresses (or dzongs) and dramatic landscapes that range from subtropical plains to steep mountains and valleys. In the High Himalayas, peaks such as 7,326m Jomolhari are popular trekking destinations. Paro Taktsang monastery (also known as Tiger’s Nest) clings to cliffs above the forested Paro Valley.

PAYMENT DEPOSIT:

• Book now and save $100/Pax discount (*Offer valid only till 31Oct2022).
• Book in Groups of 4Pax get a special discount of additional $50/Pax on booking (*Total $150/Pax discount) - (*Offer valid only till 31Oct2022).
• Deposit payment of $2000/Pax (*non-refundable) to be made for booking confirmation. We will block the flight tickets and confirm the booking.
• Final Balance Payment by 4months before to the event date.

VACCINATION AND COVID19 REGULATIONS

• All participants need to be vaccinated to join this event.
• Pre and Post covid19 test need to be paid by clients in Singapore and Bhutan if needed.
• Get Covid19 Travel Insurance coverage to protect yourself.

STAFF CONTACT NO:

Do contact VIJAY +6592700908(WHATSAPP) or Email: contact@sgtrek.com

EVENT START DATES:

• 05 March - 11 March 2023
• 19 March - 25 March 2023
• 09 April - 15 April 2023
• 23 April - 29 April 2023
• 07 May - 13 May 2023
• 21 May - 27 May 2023

EVENT COST: (*SGTREK MEMBER GET $25/Pax Discount)

• 2-4Pax: SGD3325/Pax
• 5-8Pax: SGD2975/Pax
• 10Pax and Above: SGD2880/Pax

Book now and save $100/Pax discount (*Offer valid only till 31Oct2022).

Book in Groups of 4Pax get a special discount of additional $50/Pax on booking (*Total $150/Pax discount) - (*Offer valid only till 31Oct2022).

FLIGHT DETAILS:

SIN-PBH: Sundays

PBH-SIN: Saturdays

1. KB 541 SINPBH 12:30 16:45
2. KB 540 PBHSIN 08:05 16:10

SIN-PBH-SIN in economy

FLIGHT COST: SGD 1465/person inclusive of taxes and charges

*Airfare and taxes are subject to change without prior notice. Do check with us the prices during booking you tour with us.

DETAILED ITINERARY:

Day 1: Arrive Paro & Paro-Thimphu (Distance: 54 km, estimated driving time: 1 hr)

Fly into Paro by DrukAir. After completing your immigration formalities, you will be received by our representative who will be your tour guide throughout your tour.

Then drive to Thimphu,On arrival at Thimphu check into your hotel and after refreshment visit the following:

• Kuensel Phodrang and visit tallest Buddha statue and enjoy the full view of Thimphu Valley below.
• Craft Bazaar -A one stop place to witness Bhutanese culture and buy Bhutan made art and craft product. The Bazaar in its 80 stalls covers all aspects of the traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. At this Bazaar craftsmen and artisans from across the country display and sell their handicrafts. And visit other handicraft stores.

Takin Preserve, which houses the national animal the Takin that is only found in Bhutan. This is an extremely rare member of the goat family. Found in herds in the very high altitudes (13,125ft and over). They live on a diet of grass and bamboo. It can weigh as much as 550 pounds.

Overnight at Thimphu (Twin Sharing basis)

Day 02: Thimphu Local sightseeing

After breakfast visit following place:

Weaving Center

Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre is a small cottage industry which offers a variety of traditionally hand-woven Bhutanese clothing and other textile products.

Textile Museum

The Royal Textile Museum Bhutan or Royal Textile Academy is a national textiles museum. It is located very near to Taj Tashi Hotel and Authentic Handicraft shops. It was established in the year 2001. It has a huge collection of antique textile artifacts. Weaving in Bhutan is the culture and tradition. RTA the aim is to preserve and promote this living art of Bhutan to international and domestic markets.

Institute for Zorig Chusum

Commonly known as Arts & Crafts School or Painting School, the Institute offers a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. On a visit, one can see students learning the various skills taught at the school.

Weekend Market

Every Saturday and Sunday most of Thimphu’s scant population and many valley dwellers congregate on the banks of the river where weekend market is held. It is an interesting place to visit and provides opportunity to mingle with the local people.

National Sport of Bhutan (Archery)

One of the best places to witness a game of traditional and modern archery. Which is a national sport of Bhutan? If you want to take some good picture of archery match, then this is one of the best places to be. Almost all the time there is a tournament being played

Tashichhoe Dzong, a fortress of the glorious religion. It was built in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel and was reconstructed into present structure by the late King, His majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the year 1962-1969. It houses the secretariat building, the throne room and the office of the king, and the central monk body.

Overnight at Thimphu (Twin Sharing Basis)

Day 03: Thimphu-Punakha (Distance: 71 km, estimated driving time: 2 ½ hours)

After breakfast, travel to Punakha through Dochula Pass 3140 m). In the clear spring sky, you can enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayan Mountain ranges. Then pass by the beautiful 108 chortens built on the hill by Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck (Queen Mother of Bhutan) for the security and wellbeing of His Majesty, the King of Bhutan.

Then travel onto Punakha. Punakha has been inextricably linked to some of the most momentous events in the Bhutanese history and deserves its reputation as one of the most beautiful and significant regions at the heart of Bhutanese culture. Punakha had served as the capital of Bhutan from 1637 till 1907. The dzong is historically important and stands as the symbol for a unified Bhutan.

On the way, stop for lunch at Metsina village and then visit the Devine Madman’s Monastery-Chhimi Lhakhang, famously known for its fertility shrine, where one can receive a special fertility blessing. Then visit the Punakha Dzong, located on the island of the Pho - Chu (male river) and the Mochu (female river). The dzong was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative seat of the region. At the dzong, you can see the highest standards in woodwork.

In the evening visit Rinchengang & Lobesa villages where you will take a short walk through the village and have free interaction with the villagers.

Overnight at Punakha (Twin Sharing Basis)

Day 4: Punakha Short Hike & Local sightseeing

After breakfast short hike and local sightseeing.

Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten Hike

A beautiful hike takes one to the regal Khamsum Yuelley Namgel Chorten, which was built to remove negative forces and promote peace, stability, and harmony in the changing world. The Chorten dominates the upper Punakha Valley with commanding views across the Mo Chhu and up towards the mountainous peaks of Gasa and beyond.

After lunch visit following place:

Limbukha

Drive towards limbukha village later walk across the suspension bridge (about 200m long) through fresh breeze and fascinating view of Dzong. Follow the farmhouses gradually climbing towards Dompala hills. The view of Dzong, Pho Chhu, Mo Chhu rivers and surrounding village is superb amidst chirpine forests. The climb is another two and a half hours to Limbukha. Limbukha farmers grow Bhutan’s famous red rice which is supposed to have medicinal values. This rice needs clean mountain spring so that the taste is good and nutritional value maintained. Limbukha is also known for its love of peace and tranquility. Legends says that during medieval wars the “limpus” or the people of Limbukha always volunteered as peace negotiators. This is also depicted during yearly festival called ‘Serda’ when the men are found carrying peace flags instead of swords and fireworks.

Overnight at Punakha (Twin Sharing Basis)

Day 5: Punakha-Paro (Distance: 135 km, estimated driving time: 4 hr) & Visit Paro Dzong for the festival

After breakfast travel to paro. On the way visit the following:

Tamchog Lhakhang Bridge

Located on the other side of the river of the Thimphu - Paro highway, one needs to cross an iron chain suspension bridge to get to the Lhakhang.

About 30-minute drive from Paro towards Thimphu city, Tamchog Lhakhang sits across the Paro River. The Lhakhang is approached by an iron chain suspension bridge. The Lhakhang and the bridge were constructed by a 13th century Tibetan saint Thangthong Gyalpo. The Buddhist saint was also a blacksmith and an architect. Of the many iron chain bridges built, there are only few lefts which are still used. Crossing this old bridge can be a thrilling experience for tourists. Some of the original iron chain links used to build this bridge can be found on display in the National Museum in Paro.

Paro Airport Bird eye View

Paro international airport is the only international airport in Bhutan where you can teach Bhutan via air. It’s a small airport with singly runaway and no or very few international traffic. However, it’s considered as one of the dangerous airports for landing and most beautiful airport in terms of landscape and architecture. Hotel Check in and later visit Paro dzong for the festival.

National Museum, housed in the Ta Dzong (watchtower). Here an intriguing collection of artifacts provide a wonderful introduction to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom.

In the evening stroll through the Paro town and visit local handicraft stores.

Overnight at Paro (Twin Sharing Basis)

Day 6: A Day Hike to Taktsang Ghoempa (Tiger’s Nest Monastery)

After breakfast, hike up to Taktsang Monastery, also known as ‘Tiger’s Nest’. The walk up to the viewpoint will take about 1 - 1 ½ hrs depending on your fitness and from Viewpoint you will enjoy a spectacular view of the monastery clinging to the side of the cliff. Stop for refreshment at the Viewpoint Cafeteria. Then walk further up to the monastery which will take about 1 hour. It is said that in the 8th century Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress from eastern Bhutan to this place and meditated in a cave here for 3 months. The principal Lhakhang (monastery) of the present monastic complex dates from 1692. Taktsang was damaged severely by fire in 1998 but has now been fully restored to its former glory. After visiting the monastery, walk downhill back to the road on the way stop for lunch at the viewpoint cafeteria and then walk further downhill to the road point. Then drive to Drukgyel Dzong (fortress) that is situated on a ridge in the upper Paro valley which is 30-minute drive towards north from the Paro town. Drugyel Dzong also means “Fortress of Victorious Drukpas” which was built in 1649 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. The Dzong had been served as an important base for defense in the region until 1951 when it was destroyed by fire. The ruins of the Dzong were continued to be protected as an important monument linking people of Bhutan with the great events that contributed in maintaining sovereignty of the country. Drukgyel Dzong was served solely for defensive purpose without administrative and religious functions, especially against external threats from the border.

The existing ruins of the Dzong are comparatively well preserved. One can without much difficulty understand or distinguish features of the complex. Although most of timber components of the Dzong such as roof truss, door and window frames, and floors and ceilings are almost totally absent, major portion of stone and rammed earth wall structures are still standing. They provide for visitors in understanding ideas and practices for defense in the olden times.The reconstruction of the fortress began in April, 2016 after the command of His Majesty the King, to celebrate the birth of His Royal Highness The Gyalsey, to commemorate the arrival of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1616 AD the birth year of Guru Rinpoche. The restoration work is estimated to be completed soon.

Farmhouse visits, Witness the real beauty of the Paro Valley by visiting the quaint farmhouses. All the Bhutanese farmhouses follow the same pattern and are decorative and traditional in style. They are built using mud and stone without the usage of any nail. A visit to these houses will be a different experience altogether and will offer you a glimpse into the lifestyle of a farmer.

Overnight at Paro (Twin Sharing Basis)

Day 7: Paro Departure After breakfast we will drive to Paro airport for the departure.

What’s Included/Excluded

Cost Includes

• Breakfast and dinner at respective hotels and lunch at local tourist standard restaurant
• Accommodation (Twin Bed / Double Bed sharing basis) in 3-star hotel
• All transportation within the country including airport transfers.
• Daily USD 200 per person / night Gov. Sustainable Development Fee
• Entrance fees for Museums and Monuments.
• English Speaking Local guide.
• Bhutan Visa fee

Cost Excludes

• International Flights
• Single room supplement charges SGD50 per room per night
• Insurance Premiums
• Payments for service provided on a personal basis
• Cost for any services not mentioned in the “Cost Include head”
• Cost incurred due to mishaps, strikes, political unrest etc.
• Personal expense in items such as laundry, soft drinks, Camera Charges, bottled water,
• Incidentals, Portage, Bellboy charges tips or any other services

3-star hotel we provide:

Thimphu: Hotel Migmar/ Hotel Lhayul or similar

Paro: Gawaling hotel / Paro Grand /Reema Resort or similar

Punakha: Drubchu resort/ Hotel Zhimkhang or similar

Note: The hotels are provided based on room availability during the time of tour confirmation.

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• YOU have read all the above paragraphs and YOU know, understand, and appreciate these and other risks that are inherent in The Activity. YOU hereby assert that your participation is voluntary and that YOU knowingly assume all such risks.
• YOU acknowledge the agreement freely and voluntarily, and intend by completing this form and unconditional release of all liability to SGTREK PTE. LTD.

TERMS & CONDITIONS: https://sgtrek.com/terms-conditions/

For any queries related to the event do contact below person: Phone: +65 92700908 (WhatsApp) Email : contact@sgtrek.com

This trip is organized by: SGTREK PTE. LTD. Reg. No. 201816267K STB License No. 03160

Address: 28A, Kandahar Street Singapore 198889 Email: contact@sgtrek.com WhatsApp: +6592700908 Website: https://sgtrek.com