10-Day Central Bhutan Tour
10-Day Central Bhutan Tour
10-Day Central Bhutan Tour
10 Days Starting in Paro, Bhutan and ending in Thimphu, Bhutan
Visiting: Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, Trongsa, Bumthang
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BHU559
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 16
Age range:
35-70
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, History, Religion and Spiritual
Activities:
Tour Overview
Nestled between China and India, Bhutan is Asia’s best-kept secret with gorgeous vistas, peaceful farms, and unique traditions. On this journey, you will experience every facet of this incredible country dotted with red-clothed monks, ancient Buddhist temples, and friendly smiles. Starting from Paro for a first glimpse into Bhutan, you will continue to Thimphu for opportunities to immerse in the ancient culture with visits to ancient watch towers, monasteries, and museums. Explore further to the heart of Bhutan and be charmed by terraced rice paddies, steep hillsides covered by virgin forest, and snow-capped peaks towering overhead.This tour is a perfect overview of Bhutan for travelers to first-hand experience the country’s magnificent scenery and fascinating culture and history.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Paro (L,D)
Location: Paro
Accommodation Name: 4-Star Hotel In Central Location
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
You will be met at Paro airport and driven to your hotel.After lunch, you will visit Ta Dzong (built in1656 and renovated in 1968), an ancient watchtower, which now houses the National Museum.Below the museum is the Rimpung Dzong (literally meaning “Heap of Jewels”), the centre of civil and religious authority in this valley, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.Enjoy your Welcome Dinner. Overnight in Paro.
Day 2 : Paro – Thimphu (B,L,D)
Location: Thimphu
Accommodation Name: 4-Star Hotel In Central Location
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today's excursion is to the Taktsang Monastery to visit the ruins of the Drukgyal Dzong which is 16 km up the valley and was built in 1647 by the great Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, father and unifier of medieval Bhutan. The Dzong was destroyed by accidental fire and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate. Explore the ramparts and on a clear day to experience an unforgettable view of Mt. Jhomolhari (7,314 m).On the way back, visit Kichu Lhakhang, built in 659 A.D by the Tibetan king Srongsen Gampo. We stop for a rest and lunch at the Taktsang Jakhang (cafeteria) and then walk a short distance until we see, clearly and seemingly within reach, Taktsang monastery.The Primary Lhakhang was built around Guru Rimpoche’s meditation cave in 1684 by the Penlop of Paro, Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgay, this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan in 747 AD, flew here on the back of a flying tiger, Dorji Drolo, said to be his favourite consort.In the evening, drive to Thimphu.Our last stop, visit Tamchog Monastery built by Thangthong Gyalpo (popularly known as Lama Chazampa, which literally means, the Iron Bridge builder) in the 15th century.Dinner and overnight in Thimphu.
Day 3 : Thimphu Sightseeing (B,L,D)
Location: Thimphu
Accommodation Name: 4-Star Hotel In Central Location
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, visit to the National Memorial Chorten (1974) built in honour of our late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk and the Dupthop Lhakhang one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan.We then visit the National Library, stocked with ancient Buddhist manuscripts, and the Painting School where traditional art is still kept alive through instructions in the art of painting Thangkas (sacred Buddhist religious scrolls). After lunch we drive to the Traditional Medicine Institute where medicines are prepared according to ancient practices, and to Lungtenzampa to observe the Royal silver smiths and Bhutanese paper factory at work. Other highlights include a visit to the Tashichho Dzong, seat of the national government and the Central Monastic Body, including the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan).Before return back hotel we visit the Handicrafts Emporium followed by the opportunity to do some shopping for souvenirs in the shops of Thimphu. Dinner and overnight in Thimphu
Day 4 : Thimphu Sightseeing (B,L,D)
Location: Thimphu
Accommodation Name: 4-Star Hotel In Central Location
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, visit the Folk Heritage Museum, Textile Museum, Changangkha Lhakhang and Philatelic office.After lunch, hike to Cheri Monastery. Dinner and overnight in Thimphu.
Day 5 : Thimphu - Punakha (B,L,D)
Location: Punakha
Accommodation Name: 4-Star Hotel In Central Location
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, drive to Punakha via Dochula pass. If the weather is clear, we stop for a while at Dochula pass to view Higher Himalayas. On the way, stop for a while to view Chimi Lhakhang, which was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley in 15th century. He subdued the demons with his “Magical Thunder bolt”. The Temple is also known as “the Temple of Fertility”.After lunch, visit Punakha Dzong built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and is situated between Pho Chu (Male river) and Mo Chu (Female river). For many years until the time of the second king, it served as the seat of the Government. Dinner and overnight in Punatsangchhu Cottages or similar.
Day 6 : Punakha - Gangtey (Altitude 3,120 M) (B,L,D)
Location: Gangtey
Accommodation Name: Punatsangchhu Cottages
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast we drive to the beautiful valley of Gangtey. Enroute is sightseeing in the valley of Wangdiphodrang including a visit to Wangdiphodrang Dzong(from outside) built in 1638. Legend relates that as the people were searching for the site of the Dzong, four ravens were seen flying away in four directions. This was considered auspicious sign, representing the spread of religion to the four points of the compass. The Dzong is situated at the confluence of Mo Chu and Tang Chu rivers.Drive further to Gangtey.After lunch visit Gangtey Gompa Monastery, from outside. Gyaltse Pema Thinley, the grandson and mind reincarnation of Pema Lingpa founded the Temple in 1613, and Tenzin Legpai Dhendup, the second re-incarnation, built the temple. The present Abbot, Kunzang Pema Namgyal is the ninth re-incarnation. It is a Nyingmapa monastery and is affiliated to other Nyingmapa monasteries including Tamshing in Bumthang. Explore Phobjikha valley, famous for the Black Necked Cranes during winter.
Day 7 : Gangtey – Trongsa - Bumthang (B,L,D)
Location: Trongsa
Accommodation Name: Punatsangchhu Cottages
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, drive to Trongsa.Visit Trongsa Dzong, the most impressive dzong of Bhutan, built in its present form in 1644 by Chogyal Minjur Tempa, the official who was sent by Shabdrung to unify eastern Bhutan and enlarged at the end of the 17th century by Desi Tenzin Rabgay. Trongsa Dzong is the ancestral home of the present Royal Family and first two hereditary kings ruled Bhutan from this Dzong.Then visit Ta Dzong, an ancient watch tower. The chapel inside the Ta Dzong is said to be dedicated to the Trongsa Penlop Jigme Namgyal. After lunch, drive to Bumthang to overnight.
Day 8 : Bumthang Sightseeing (B,L,D)
Location: Bumthang
Accommodation Name: Punatsangchhu Cottages
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, visit Jakar Dzong, which literally means “The Castle of White Bird”. The current structure was built in 1667. Visit Jambay Lhakhang, built by King Srongsen Gampo of Tibet in the year 659 on the same day as Kichu Lhakhang in Paro. The temple was visited by Guru Rimpoche during his visit to Bumthang and was renovated by Sindhu Raja after Guru Rimpoche restored his life force. Under the temple is said to be a lake in which Guru Rimpoche hid several Terma. In October one of the most spectacular festival, “Jambay Lhakhang Drup” is staged here.After lunch, we visit Kurjey Lhakhang which is named after the body print of Guru Rimpoche, built in 1652 by Minjur Tempa. Visit Tamshing Lhakhang (Temple of the good message), established in 1501 by Pema Lingpa and is the most important Nyingmapa temple in the kingdom. In the evening, visit Membarstho which literally means, “The burning Lake”.
Day 9 : Bumthang – Thimphu (B,L,D)
Location: Thimphu
Accommodation Name: Punatsangchhu Cottages
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Early breakfast, drive to Thimphu.Lunch will be served on the way. Dinner and overnight in Thimpu.
Day 10 : Thimpu Departure (Altitude 2,280M) (B)
Location: Thimphu
Meals Included: Breakfast
Early morning, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight.
What's Included
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Guide
English-speaking local tour guides who live and breathe the destination will bring your itinerary to life. For a group of more than 10 people, an experienced tour director will oversee your entire journey.
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Meals
Enjoy a welcome and farewell dinner, full breakfast daily, and selected lunches and dinners, totaling 9 breakfasts, 9 lunches, and 9 dinners, offering a unique and varied dining experience.
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Transport
Transportation in the countryside is provided by 4-wheel drive Japanese jeeps. All touring and airport transfers are conducted in private air-conditioned vehicles.
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Sightseeing
Comprehensive sightseeing as per itinerary, including all entrance and monument fees, cultural performances, and local government fees and taxes.
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Accommodation
Stay at excellent hand-selected high-quality 4-star accommodation in central locations or adjacent to monuments, with 9 nights’ accommodation based on double/twin occupancy with daily breakfasts.
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First-Class Service
24/7 local assistance and travel guidance, airport meet-and-greet welcome service with a local tour guide, guaranteed departures with just two guests, small group with a maximum of 16 guests, and a unique 'local-host' experience exclusively offered by Tweet World Travel.
What's Not Included
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International Flights
International airfare to and from Bhutan is not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Personal Expenses
Expenses of a personal nature like laundry, telephone calls, alcoholic beverages, etc.
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Tips and Gratuities
Tips and gratuities for guides and drivers are not included.
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Additional Activities
Any additional activities not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees and processing are not included for travelers.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is used during the tour?
Transportation in the countryside is provided by 4-wheel drive Japanese jeeps, and all touring and airport transfers are conducted in private air-conditioned vehicles.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
You will stay at excellent hand-selected high-quality 4-star accommodations in central locations or adjacent to monuments, or strategically at the edge of a wilderness. The tour includes 9 nights' accommodation based on double/twin occupancy with daily breakfasts.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes a welcome and farewell dinner, full breakfast daily, and selected lunches and dinners. You will have a unique and varied dining experience with 9 breakfasts, 9 lunches, and 9 dinners included.
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Will there be a guide during the tour?
Yes, English-speaking local tour guides who live and breathe the destination will accompany you. For groups of more than 10 people, an experienced tour director will also be provided to oversee the entire journey.
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What is the maximum group size for this tour?
The tour is designed for small groups with a maximum of 16 guests.
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What kind of cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes visits to many monasteries and temples, a cultural performance, and sightseeing in various locations such as Thimphu, Paro Valley, and Bumthang. You will also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture and explore traditional art and religious practices.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Founded in 2012, the Tweet World Travel Group is an Australian-owned corporation and one of the country's leading wholesalers for Worldwide River Cruises, Tour Operators, and Travel Technology Providers. With headquarters in Adelaide, South Australia, the company has a wide reach, with local operational offices throughout Asia.
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Are there any health requirements or vaccinations needed for the tour?
Ensuring your health and well-being during your tour is of utmost importance to us. Many destinations may have specific health requirements or recommended vaccinations to help protect both you and the local population from potential health risks. To determine the health requirements or vaccinations needed for your chosen tour destination, we strongly advise consulting with a medical professional or a travel health clinic. They have access to the latest information about health risks in different regions and can provide personalized recommendations based on your medical history and the specific areas you plan to visit. Additionally, some countries may require proof of certain vaccinations, such as yellow fever, before granting entry. It's essential to research and adhere to these requirements to ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience. If you have any concerns or questions about health requirements for your upcoming tour, feel free to reach out to our team. While we can offer general guidance, we always recommend consulting with a medical professional for personalized health advice tailored to your needs and travel plans. Your health and safety are paramount, and we want to ensure that you're well-prepared and informed before embarking on your journey.
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How can I provide feedback or reviews about the tour experience?
We highly value your feedback and reviews about your tour experience. Your insights help us continuously improve our services and create exceptional travel experiences for our clients. Here are a couple of ways you can provide feedback: 1- Tweet Trip App: If you've downloaded our Tweet Trip App, you can often find a section dedicated to providing feedback or reviews. This streamlined approach ensures that your thoughts are directly communicated to us for consideration. 2- Online Form: We may send you an online feedback form via email after your tour concludes. This allows you to share your thoughts, suggestions, and comments about your experience conveniently. 3- Hard Copy: If you prefer a more traditional approach, some tours may provide a hard copy feedback form that you can fill out and hand over to your tour guide or agency representative. When providing feedback, consider sharing both positive aspects that you enjoyed and constructive criticism that can help us enhance our services. Here are some points to consider: Your overall satisfaction with the tour. The quality of accommodations, transportation, and activities. The professionalism and knowledge of your tour guide. Any challenges or issues you encountered. Suggestions for improvement. Any standout moments or experiences. Your feedback is instrumental in our commitment to deliver exceptional travel experiences. We appreciate your time and honesty in sharing your thoughts with us. Whether you choose to provide feedback through the Tweet Trip App, an online form, or a hard copy, rest assured that your input will be carefully considered to continually elevate the quality of our services.
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Low Deposit
Tweet World Travel requires a minimum deposit of 30% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 65 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of tweet world travel charges.
Up to 65 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 64 days before tour starts: Forfeit 55% of booking price.
At 39 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.