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The Bhutan - Italian Speaking Guide

Punakha Dzong
Punakha Dzong
Tachogang Lhakhang
Tachogang Lhakhang
Textile Museum
Textile Museum
Phobjikha valley
Phobjikha valley
Ta Dzong
Ta Dzong
The snowy dome of sacred Chomolhari
The snowy dome of sacred Chomolhari
Simtokha Dzong
Simtokha Dzong
  

General information

DurationDestinationDeparture
8 days and 7 nights
Bhutan (Thimphu, Gangtey, Punakha, Paro)
Bhutan (Paro)

Description

Join us on this memorable eight-day trip that will stay with you for a lifetime! Explore Bhutan's ancient monasteries and shrines of historical and archaeological interests in the heartland of three major towns of the Dragon Kingdom; Thimphu, Punakha and Paro. Hike across the spectacular mountain scenery of Tiger's Nest, a backdrop to pristine forests and picturesque valleys and discover Ganteng Monastery in Gangtey.
 
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:
- Thimphu: This unique city boasts an unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. The Kingdom’s capital city is the main centre of commerce, religion and government in Bhutan
- Gangtey: Known for Ganteng monastery which is an important monastery of Nyingmapa school of Buddhism, located in the Wangdue Phodrang District in central Bhutan
- Punakha: Blessed with a temperate climate, Punakha has been inextricably linked with momentous occasions in Bhutanese history. One of the most majestic structures in the country is located here
- Paro: Wide and verdant Paro valley is one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan with many sacred sites and historical buildings scattered through the area
 
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS:
Thimpu: Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Dusit D2 or similar 4*
Gangtey: Standard Hotel Category = Dewachen or similar 3*
Punakha: Standard Hotel Category = RKPO Green Resort or similar 4*
Paro: Standard Hotel Category = The village Lodge or similar 3*

 

Program

Day 1:

ARRIVE PARO BY AIR & TRANSFER TO THIMPHU
After landing at Paro International Airport, a tour representative will meet and greet you at 10:00hrs in the morning before guiding you to your transfer to the capital city of Bhutan, Thimphu. En route stop at Chuzom, the confluence of Thimphu and Paro rivers. Shortly before reaching Chuzom, you will see on your left the Tschogang Lhakhang, “the temple of the excellent horse”. On arrival at Thimphu, check-into the hotel. The remainder of the day is free at leisure for you to enjoy on your own an exploratory walk around Thimphu’s Main Street and market area. Also, visit the local Crafts Bazaar and browse through some of Bhutan's fine traditional arts. Here you can buy hand-woven textiles, Thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewelry and many interesting items made from local materials.
Overnight at in Thimphu (Altitude 2400m).

Day 2:

THIMPHU
After breakfast, head out on a sightseeing tour in the Thimphu valley, including a visit to The National Library, housing an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts; the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School) where students undergo a 6-year training course in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts. Later, visit the Textile Museum, which provides an insight into one of the most distinct art forms in Bhutan. Also visit Simply Bhutan, a living museum and studio encapsulating the cultural heritage of the Bhutanese people. After lunch, take a short drive (15 km) to Pangri Zampa, one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan and a monastic school where Buddhist monks learn Lamaism and astrology based on Buddhist philosophy. Afterward, visit the Buddha Point (Kensal Phodrang), which offers panoramic views of the Thimphu. Then visit the Memorial Chorten, erected for world peace and prosperity and you will always see people from all walks of life circumambulation and chanting mantras or spinning prayer wheels. Later, visit the Trashichhoedzong, one of the most important dzongs in the country, before your return back to the hotel. In the evening spent time on your own strolling through Thimphu city centre, visiting shops and local markets.
Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 3:

THIMPHU – GANGTEY
After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Punakha across the beautiful Dochula pass (3O8Om). In Bhutan, the passes are marked by a large Bhutanese Chorten (stupa) and prayer flags. Dochula pass offers the most spectacular view of the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas on a clear day. The Druk Wangyel Stupas (hundred stupas) are a sight to behold against this backdrop. The highway follows the scenic Dang Chhu before climbing through forests of bamboo and oak into Gangtey/Phobjikha valley. On arrival at Gangtey, Check-into the hotel. In the evening, take a stroll around the fascinating Gangtey Village.
Overnight in Gangtey.

Day 4:

GANGTEY
After breakfast, proceed to visit Gangtey Goempa, perched on a small hill that rises from the valley floor. The Gangtey Monastery is the only Nyingmapa monastery on the western side of the Black Mountains and also the biggest one in Bhutan. The Monastery is surrounded by a large village inhabited mainly by the families of the 140 Gomchens (lay monks) who take care of the Monastery. Later, explore the wide Phobjikha valley. A few kilometers beyond the Gangtey Monastery, on the valley floor lies the village of Phobjikha. This quiet, remote valley is the winter home of the black necked cranes, which migrate from the arid plains of Tibet in the north, to pass the winter months in a milder climate. Phobjikha lies on the periphery of the Black Mountain National Park. Also visit the Black Necked Crane Visitor Centre: Situated on the edge of the forest and wetland along the main road of Phobjikha valley, the Centre has an observation room equipped with a high power telescope and spotting scopes for catching the best view of the cranes. The centre also displays information that outlines the natural and cultural history of the area. End the day.
Overnight in Gangtey.

Day 5:

GANGTEY – PUNAKHA
Wake up to breakfast at the hotel and then drive to Punakha, on arrival check-into the hotel. Later visit Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the junction of two rivers. It was the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and still serves as the winter residence of the monk body. Next, take a short walk to Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the center of the valley is also known as the temple of fertility and widely believed that childless couples who pray at this temple are usually blessed with a child very soon. The walk starts through paddy fields and villages, and takes about 1,5 hours walk to and fro). A walk through the village near the temple is a rare glimpse of the daily lives of the people in the community.
Overnight in Punakha.

Day 6:

PUNAKHA – PARO
After breakfast in the hotel, hop on your transfer to Paro and enroute stop to visit Simtokha Dzong. The sacred shrines inside will offer you solace and peace of mind. Later in the day after checking into the hotel, visit the Ta Dzong, originally built as a Watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique Thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armor, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts. Then visit Rinpung Dzong, (fortress of the heap of jewels), which has a fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as the Four Friends, the Old Man of Long Life, and the Wheel of Life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount Sumeru and other cosmic Mandala.
Overnight in Paro.

Day 7:

PARO – TIGER’S NEST HIKE - PARO
After breakfast in the hotel, head out on an excursion to Taktsang Monastery (approx. 5 hrs walk): It is one of the most famous monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived on the back of a tigress and meditated here and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site is recognized as one of the most sacred places in Bhutan. On the way back to town, you can enjoy an optional activity and stop at the base of Drukgyel Dzong, a fortress that was in ruins for a long time which is now being rebuilt as an important national heritage. It is the fort from where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. The snowy dome of sacred Chomolhari, "Mountain of the Goddess'' can be seen in all her glory from the approach road to the Dzong. Evening, visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by the Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.
Overnight in Paro.

Day 8:

DEPARTURE PARO
Wake up to one last breakfast at the hotel before your transfer to Paro Airport, where you’ll catch your onward flight to your following destination.
Breakfast included.

Price includes

TOUR GUIDE:
- Operated with accompanied Italian speaking local guide.
ACCOMMODATION:
- 7 nights' accommodation.
MEALS:
- 7 Breakfasts; 7 lunches and 7 dinners
TRANSPORT:
- Inbound/Outbound transfers from/to Paro International Airport
air conditioner transport
ENTRANCE FEES AND ACTIVITIES:
- All entrance fees to monuments as indicated in the itinerary: sightseeing in the Thimphu valley, visit of The National Library, the Institute for Zorig Chusum, Textile Museum, Simply Bhutan museum, Pangri Zampa, the Buddha Point, the Memorial Chorten, the Trashichhoedzong, cross the Dochula pass, Gangtey Goempa, explore the wide Phobjikha valley, Black Necked Crane Visitor Centre, Punakha Dzong, Chimi Lhakhang (exterior visit), Simtokha Dzong, Ta Dzong, Rinpung Dzong, excursion to Taktsang Monastery, Kyichu Lhakhang
OTHER:
- Meet & Greet on arrival at Paro International Airport (English speaking)

Price does not include

- Any airfares or airport taxes, supplements for which are quoted separately if applicable
- Bhutan Visas
- International or domestic flights
- Expenses of personal nature like tipping, laundry, telephone/fax calls, alcoholic/non- alcoholic beverages, video camera fee at monuments, medical expenses, any insurance, etc.
- Any visit not mentioned in the program
- Optional tours and activities
- Travel Insurance, any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc

Itinerary

Day Overnight Itinerary highlights
1 Hotel Dusit D2 or similarThimphu   Paro - Paro International Airport (PBH)
2 Hotel Dusit D2 or similarThimphu
3 Dewachen or similarGangtey
4 Dewachen or similarGangtey
5 RKPO Green Resort or similarPunakha
6 The village Lodge or similarParo
7 The village Lodge or similarParo
8   Paro - Airport

Accommodations provided in each place

Place
ThimphuHotel Dusit D2 or similar
GangteyDewachen or similar
PunakhaRKPO Green Resort or similar
ParoThe village Lodge or similar