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Page 1 of 2  The Kingdom of Bhutan lies east of Nepal and west of the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. It is south of the Tibetan hinterland and north of the Indian territories of Assam and West Bengal.
Bhutan is the most magical and mysterious of all the Himalayan nations. Known as the “land of the thunder dragon”, it is a royal kingdom landlocked by the massif of the Himalayas, which has protected it from the influences of the modern world. Composed of alpine valleys dotted with temples, dzongs, and ancient mist-wrapped monasteries that cling to impossibly steep mountains, Bhutan is steeped in tradition and rich in cultural heritage and spirituality. For years its rulers have maintained a policy of isolation that has successfully preserved a way of life which has all but disappeared from its neighboring countries.
Today, it still remains a fairytale land where the people have retained a distinctive and traditional culture. Only since 1974 has air travel to Bhutan been permitted to visit this enchanting country, one of the last remaining strongholds for the tantric Mahayana Buddhism. A visit to this exotic land is an enriching and unique experience. From colourful and mystical religious festivals, ancient temples and majestic monasteries Bhutan always guarantees stunning landscapes, gracious hospitality and a glimpse into a lifestyle and culture long forgotten by the modern world.
Tour Escort: Jan Watkinson : A New Zealander by birth, Jan’s interest in Asia and China goes back over 25 years. In this time she has had the opportunity to study the culture and history of many of these countries, and has been fortunate to have travelled each year to many destinations in this region. Her last trip to Bhutan was in 2005, and of all the countries visited, this has probably been one of her most memorable. Jan is the owner and Managing Director of Westwood Travel and Far East Tours.
ITINERARY
Wednesday 15 October : South Africa to Bangkok
Depart from either Cape Town or Johannesburg and fly via Singapore with Singapore Airlines to Bangkok.
Thursday 16 October : Bangkok
Arrive in Bangkok where we will be met and proceed to the Novotel Airport Hotel.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of Bangkok with a ride through the old city and visit to three of the most revered temples in Bangkok. Wat Traimit (the Golden Buddha Temple) Wat Po (the Reclining Buddha Temple) and Wat Benjamarborpit (the White Marble Temple).
Friday 17 October : Bangkok to Paro and Thimpu
 A very early start this morning when we return to the airport for our Druk Air flight to Paro. [ Flight KB 121 departing at 04:35 and arrival in Paro at 08:10.] After arrival in Bhutan and going through the entry formalities (customs & immigration), you will be met by your guide. Drive straight to the capital, Thimpu, for 2 nights. The journey is spectacular, travelling through the deep gorges cut by the Paro Chu and Timpu Chu rivers and with pine, oak and maple-clad mountains on either side, dotted with isolated farmhouses decorated in the traditional style with stylised phalluses and mythical beasts. On arrival in Thimpu, visit the Folk Heritage Museum, a replica farmhouse filled with implements and domestic objects typical of the country even nowadays. Breakfast, lunch & dinner.
Saturday 18 October : Thimpu
Explore this quaint capital. Visit the Post Office to admire its world-renowned stamps, the Painting School where apprentices learn traditional crafts such as woodcarving, sculpture and embroidery as well as painting, the Textile Museum to see the techniques and styles of local dress, and the Takin sanctuary. (Breakfast, lunch & dinner).
Sunday 19 October : Thimphu - Wangdi - Punakha
In the morning drive to Punakha, crossing over Dochula pass (10200ft). If weather is clear, you get beautiful views of Bhutan Himalayas from the pass. Descend into Punakha valley and enroute visit Wangdi Dzong and lunch at Wangdi. On the way back, visit the Chimi-lakhang, a temple of fertility, about half an hour walk from the motor road. Overnight at Hotel. (Breakfast, lunch & dinner)
Monday 20 October : Punakha
 In the morning drive to Nezigang village and walk to the bridge and passing through cultivated fields and villages. From there, it is a gradual climb to Khamsum Yuley Namgay Chorten built recently by the royal family. We get superb views of Punakha valley from the there. Walk back and instead of driving, we follow the riverside old trails to Punakha Dzong. Lunch at local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the Punakha Dzong. Overnight at Hotel. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Tuesday 21 October : Punakha - Thimphu - Haa
In the morning drive to Thimphu for Lunch. In the afternoon, drive to Haa via confluence is about 3 and 1/2 hours.The Haa valley is located at an altitude of 2700m.
Wednesday 22 October : Haa
In the morning drive to Jamtey Gompa about an 40 minutes from the Lodge through the unpaved road.The Jamtey Gompa is located at an altitude of 2900m and after visiting the temple and drive about 15 minute to the starting point of the hike. We hike along the small farm road about half an hours to Yongto Gompa ( approx 2950m) and after visit the Yongto Gompa, we descend to Yongto Village about half an hour, Lunch near the village.
In the afternoon, visit Lakhang Karpo and and Lakhang Nanpo, the two oldest temples in Haa valley. (Breakfast, lunch & dinner)
Thursday 23 October : Haa - Paro
 In the morning drive upto the Chelela (approx.12000ft) about 1 and half and from there walk to the Chela Gompa about 2 hours. Visit the Chila Gompa (nunnery school) and then walk down to the main road about 40 minutes. Transfer to Paro (about 2 hours) for lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the National Museum and Paro Dzong. Overnight (Breakfast, lunch & dinner)
Friday 24 October : Paro
In the morning drive to Drukgyel Dzong and hike to Takstang Monastery. Late afternoon, transfer back to hotel. (Breakfast, lunch & dinner)
Saturday 25 October : Paro to Bangkok
Transfer to the airport. The Druk Air flight KB 126 departs Paro at 09:50 and arrives Bangkok at 15:00. On arrival you will be met and transferred to the Prathawan Princess Hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure. (Breakfast).
Sunday 26 October : Bangkok to South Africa
Morning tour of Bangkok. Transfer to the airport this afternoon for departure with Singapore Airlines at 16:05 to Singapore where we connect with our flight to Johannesburg or Cape Town. (Breakfast)
Monday 27 October : Arrival in South Africa
Arrival this morning in Johannesburg or Cape Town.
Tour Cost:
R34,572 per person based on share twin room accommodation departing from Cape Town
R34,052 per person based on share twin room accommodation departing from Johannesburg
Airport Taxes and Fuel Surcharges: R2 350 per peson
An amount of US$50 is payable by all tour members to cover the Bhutan Visa, airport tax from Paro and the Bhutan Tourism Development Tax.
R3,710 supplement payable for single room accommodation, which in Bhutan is limited and subject to final confirmation.
YOUR HOLIDAY INCLUDES:
- Economy class air travel by Singapore Airlines and Druk Air (Business Class is available for an additional supplement)
- Accommodation in Bangkok including breakfast on Sunday 26 October only
- In Bhutan Hotel accommodation throughout in twin rooms
- In Bhutan Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner daily
- Transportation in Bhutan by small touring coach/s
- In Bhutan all sightseeing as per the itinerary with an English speaking guides
- In Bhutan all entrance fees inside the national monuments
- In Bhutan a regular supply of mineral water
- Sightseeing tour in Bangkok with an English speaking guide
- The tour will be escorted from South Africa by Jan Watkinson
- Group Europ Assist comprehensive Medical, Personal Accident and cancellation insurance for travellers under 74 years. Over 74's insurance is available on application.
- Gratuities for guides and drivers in and Bhutan and Bangkok.
YOUR HOLIDAY DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Personal items such as laundry, telephone calls, beverages.
- Costs of passports and visas, details of which are to be found in the General Information sheets.
- Airport taxes, will be added to your ticket, and the Bhutan tax is paid on departure at Paro Airport.
- Meals other than those detailed in the itinerary
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