The road to Trongsa

A guided small group tour in March 2019 visiting:

Delhi – Thimpu – Gangtey – Bumthang – Punakha – Paro – Deli

8th – 22nd March 2019

2

INTRODUCTION Bhutan is a small mountain kingdom, located in the eastern Himalaya, with India to the south and Tibet to the north.

Since the 17th century the country has been known as Druk Yul – Land of the Thunder Dragon, and until the 17th century it was a patchwork of warring fiefdoms until unified by the Tibetan lama Ngawang Namgyal. During the 1870s civil war resulted in the ascendancy of the Wangchuk Dynasty and it was only in 1953 the King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk established a National Assembly and promoted a democratic form of government. Now Bhutan is a constitutional monarchy and the present king Jigme Singye Wangchuk enjoys great popularity. The land consists mostly of steep and high mountains crisscrossed by a network of swift rivers, which form deep valleys before draining into the Indian plains. The climate varies with elevation; from the subtropical south to the permanent snows of the northern peaks. Bhutan is a land steeped in tradition; it is estimated that three quarters of the population follow Vajrayana Buddhism, which is the state religion. Bhutan has a rich and unique cultural heritage that has largely remained intact because of its isolation from the rest of the world until the mid-20th century Bhutan is mysterious and magical, but also warm and welcoming. Join me on this tour.

Graham Ellison Roberts

3

ITINERARY 08 Mar’19 Depart from the airport of your choice. We will find the best flights for you at

the best price. 09 Mar’19 On arrival at Delhi airport by flight [TBA], you will be met by the Redbird

representative and then you will be transferred to your hotel (Standard check in time is 1400 hrs).

The rest of the day will be at leisure.

Pride Plaza New Delhi Aerocity 10 Mar’19 An early start today… In time, you will be transferred to the international airport to connect with

your early flight Paro. Departs Delhi KB 205 ETD 0635 Hrs

Arrives Paro Economy ETA 1030 Hrs

Note: The above flight is via Kathmandu. (Mt Everest will be seen).

Meeting & assistance on arrival and transfer to Thimphu (approx. 55 kms – 1.5 hrs), the modern capital town of Bhutan. Enroute take a short stop at Chuzom, the confluence of Paro & Thimphu rivers.

On arrival in Thimphu, check into the hotel. After lunch, visit Trashichhodzong, beautiful medieval fortress / monastery. Later explore the interesting weekend market of Thimphu.

Overnight in Thimphu 11 Mar’19 Breakfast at the hotel

After breakfast, visit the National Library, Arts & Crafts School, Textile & Folk Heritage Museum. After lunch visit Taking Preserve, Changangkha temple, Buddha Point and King’s Memorial Chorten. Overnight in Thimphu

4

Archers in Thimpu -the national sport arouses great passion

12 Mar’19 Breakfast is at the hotel.

After breakfast, drive to Gangtey (approx. 150 kms – 5 hrs) enroute taking a short stop at Dochula pass (3080m) that heralds one of the most enchanting views of Bhutan. Near Dochula, also explore some of the Royal Botanical park. Lunch enroute at Punakha. Then drive onwards to Gangtey arriving there by late afternoon. In the evening we can take a stroll around beautiful Gangtey village.

Overnight in Gangtey 13 Mar’19 Breakfast at the hotel

After breakfast, visit Gangtey Gompa, one of the largest Nyingmapa sect monastery in Bhutan. Then embark on a fascinating walk on Gangtey Nature Trail (approx. 2 hrs walk). Afternoon explore Phobjikha valley which is famous for Black Necked Cranes those migrate here in winter months from Tibetan plateau. Also visit Black Necked Crane Information Centre.

Overnight in Gangtey

5

The Bumthang district is a centre for crafts

14 Mar’19 Breakfast at the hotel

After breakfast, drive to Bumthang (approx. 153 kms – 6 hrs). Enroute cross 3300m Pelela pass and later visit Chendbji Chorten, the stupa patterned on Swayambhunath in Kathmandu. Enroute also visit Ta Dzong in Trongsa, the museum with exhibits on Bhutan’s monarchy. After lunch in Trongsa, drive onward to Bumthang across Yutongla pass (3400m), enroute taking a short stop at Chumey valley to witness Yathra (woollen fabric) weaving. Overnight in Bumthang

15 Mar’19 Breakfast at the hotel

Full day to explore the beautiful valley of Bumthang, visiting Jakar Dzong, Jambay Lhakhang, Kurje Lhakhang, Tamshing Lhakhang and Lhodrak Kharchu monastery.

Overnight in Bumthang

6

Punakha Dzong

16 Mar’19 Breakfast at the hotel

After breakfast, drive to Punakha (approx. 210 kms – 8 hrs). On the way visit majestic Trongsa Dzong. On arrival at Punakha, check in at the hotel and the evening will be at leisure.

Overnight in Punakha 17 Mar’19 Breakfast at the hotel

After breakfast, there is a walking excursion to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten (approx. 2 hrs walk). Post lunch, visit magnificent Punakha Dzong. Then later in the evening walking excursion to Chimi Lhakhang also known as fertility Temple (approx. 1 hr walk) Overnight in Punakha

18 Mar’19 Breakfast at the hotel

After breakfast, drive to Paro (approx. 125 kms – 4 hrs) enroute visiting Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the country which now houses School for Buddhist studies.

7

On arrival in Paro, check into the hotel. After lunch, visit Ta Dzong (national museum) and Rinpung Dzong

Overnight in Paro

dances at the Paro ‘tsechu’

19 Mar’19 Breakfast at the hotel In the morning visit Paro Tshechu (festival).

Later in the afternoon drive to base of ruined Drukgyal Dzong and visit a traditional farm house which provides deep insight into lifestyle of locals particularly the village folks. Then visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the country. Overnight in Paro

8

20 Mar’19 Breakfast at the hotel After breakfast, witness Paro Tshechu (festival).

Later embark on an excursion to Taktsang Monastery or Tiger’s Nest (approx. 5 hrs round trip walk) Overnight in Paro

21 Mar’19 Breakfast at the hotel

In time, you will be transferred to Paro international airport to connect with your flight to Delhi.

Departs Paro B3 773 ETD 1110 Hrs

Arrives Delhi Economy ETA 1405 Hrs On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. For the rest of the day you will be at leisure.

Pride Plaza New Delhi Aerocity

9

22 Mar’19 Breakfast at the hotel

In time, you will be transferred to international airport to connect with your flight to onward destination.

OR TAKE THE SHORT TAJ MAHAL AND JAIPUR EXTENSION TOUR

10

YOUR ACCOMMODATION

Dates Nts City Hotel Room Category Meal

09-10 Mar’19 01 Delhi Pride Plaza Aerocity Deluxe Room BB

10-12 Mar’19 02 Thimphu Hotel in Thimphu Standard Room FB

12-14 Mar’19 02 Gangtey Hotel in Gangtey Standard Room FB

14-16 Mar’19 02 Bumthang Hotel in Bumthang Standard Room FB

16-18 Mar’19 02 Punakha Hotel in Punakha Standard Room FB

18-21 Mar’19 03 Paro Hotel in Paro Standard Room FB

21-22 Mar’19 01 Delhi Pride Plaza Aerocity Deluxe Room BB

See pages 12/13 for hotel information

The price per person for Bhutan portion: £2,225 per person (the price quoted is based on a small group of eight people)

Single room supplement £ 385 per person Supplement for Flights Delhi-Paro-Delhi £ 485 per person (price may be subject to changeup to the point of ticketing)

The price per person for India portion: £ 155 per person Single room supplement £ 75 per person Total £2,865 per person International flights UK/India return from £ 525 per person We have found three carriers on this route with good connection times Air India, Etihad and Emirates. (price may be subject to changeup to the point of ticketing)

Grand total – tour and return flights from the UK £3,390 per person If you are not yet ready tom return home you can take an optional short extension tour to the pink city of Jaipur and then onto India’s most famous landmark the Taj Mahal. The four night extension tour price is £ 605 per person (the full itinerary is available on request)

11

The tour price includes: 13 nights’ accommodation on twin sharing basis as per the hotel grid; Meal plan as stated above; [BB: Bed & Breakfast; FB: Full board]; Bhutan Government Royalty & taxes; Bhutan Visa Fee; Sightseeing and activities in Bhutan as mentioned in the itinerary; Services of an accompanying English speaking accompanying guide in Bhutan for sightseeing tours as per the itinerary; All transfers, sightseeing and excursions as per the itinerary will be by; In India 01 - 03 Pax: Toyota Innova Crysta 04 – 06 Pax: Tempo Traveller 07 – 10 Pax: Mini coach In Bhutan 01 - 02 Pax: SUVs (Hyundai Tucson / Santa Fe) 03 – 04 Pax: Toyota Hiace Bus / Hyundai H1 03 – 06 Pax: Toyota Hiace Bus 07 – 17 Pax: Toyota Coaster Bus Entrance fees, road taxes, parking fees, fuel charges, interstate taxes and porterage at all airports; All currently applicable taxes, including the service tax applicable on the total invoice amount. The price excludes: Expenses of personal nature like tipping, laundry, telephone/fax calls, alcoholic beverages, camera/video camera fees at monuments, medical expenses, airport departure taxes where not included in the ticket price, etc.; Meals other than those specified above; Any insurance; Any visa fees; Any air-fare unless mentioned above; Any other services not mentioned in the inclusion. Special Notes: UK, US, EC and citizens of most other countries require a visa to visit India and you will require a minimum of 6 months validity remaining on your passport from date of arrival. You are responsible for obtaining visas yourselves but we will of course provide any guidance or assistance you may require. For single entry visits of up to 30 days UK, US and some EC citizens can us the e-TV online visa on arrival system which has simplified the application process and reduced the cost. Details can be found at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html Journey times are approximate and may vary considerably due to adverse traffic or road conditions and the number and duration of stops along the way. Air and train fares are indicative and are subject to confirmation at time of booking. Check in time at the hotel is 1400 Hrs and check out time is 12 Noon

12

In case of any currency fluctuations, amendments to Government taxes, or any fuel price rises we reserve the right to adjust the tour price accordingly. Any change in hotel or room category may attract a supplement or reduction in the tour cost. THE HOTELS SELECTED FOR BHUTAN Our tour price is based on standard 3*++ hotels that are available under Government’s fixed standard package tariff and can be categorized as small, mid-range. The hotels are listed below, we have requested them and one out of these will be allocated for our group. As such, we have not mentioned name of the hotels in the itinerary/quote sheet

THIMPHU: Thimphu Tower (www.thimphutowers.com ) / City Hotel (www.cityhotelthimphu.com) / Hotel Jumolhari (www.hoteljumolhari.com) / Hotel Galingkha (www.hotelgalingkha.com) / Hotel Phuntsho Pelri (www.bhutanhotels.com.bt) / Namseling Hotel (www.namselinghotel.com) / Tara Phendeyling Hotel (www.taraphendeyling.com) / Wangchuk Hotel (www.wangchukhotel.com) / Hotel Namgay Heritage (www.nhh.bt) GANGTEY : Hotel Dewachen (www.dewachenhotel.com) / Gakling Lodge / Wangchuk Lodge (www.wangchukhotel.com) / Yue Lo Ki Lodge / Gangtey Guest House / Phuentsho Yangkhil Lodge / Dhangsa Resort / Kichu Resort BUMTHANG : Wangdicholing Resort (www.wangdicholingresort.com) / Hotel Jakar View / Mountain Resort / Yu-Gharling Resort (www.yugharling.com) / Hotel Ugyenling (www.bhutanhotels.com.bt) / Swiss Guest House (www.swissguesthouse.bt) / River Lodge (www.drukriverlodge.com) / Rinchenling Lodge (www.rinchenling.com) / Chumey Nature Resort (www.chumeynatureresort.com) PUNAKHA : Meri Puensum Resort (www.meripuensum.bt) / Hotel Lobesa / Khuru Resort / Zhingkham Resort (www.bhutanhotels.com.bt) / Y.T Hotel (www.bhutanecolodges.com) PARO : Yewong Eco Lodge (www.bhutanecolodges.com) / Tashi Namgay Resort (www.tashinamgayresort.com ) / Tenzinling Resort (www.tenzinling.com.bt) / Hotel Drukchen (www.hoteldrukchen.com) / Hotel Olathang (www.bhutanhotels.com.bt) / Kichu Resort (www.kichuresorts.com) / Tiger Nest Resort (www.tigernest.bt) / Bhutan Mandala Resort (www.bhutanmandalaresort.bt) / Khangkhu Resort (www.khangkhuresort.com) / Gangtey Palace (www.gangteypalace.com) / Bhutan Metta Resort & Spa (www.bhutanmetta.com.bt) / Janka Resort (www.jankaresort.bt) / Hotel Jigmeling (www.bhutanecolodges.com)

13

THE HOTELS SELECTED FOR INDIA Pride Plaza Aerocity http://www.pridehotel.com/delhi/new-delhi-aerocity/experience/ As we only have a short time in Delhi, and we must be within easy reach of the airport, we have selected an airport hotel.

अलविदा