7D6N BLACK NECKED CRANE FESTIVAL

The annual Black-Necked Crane festival is celebrated at the courtyard of Gangtey Goenpa in Phobjikha valley. The festival is an occasion for the locals to rejoice and celebrate the arrival of this endangered and majestic bird which becomes an inseparable part in their daily lives during the winter months. The annual black necked crane festival is organized to generate awareness and understanding on the importance of conserving the endangered Black-Necked Cranes. The festival includes cultural programs such as folk songs and dances (some with black-necked crane themes) and mask dances performed by the local people, crane dances and environmental conservation-themed dramas and songs by school children.

EVENT DATE: 07Nov-13Nov2019

EVENT COST: FOREIGNERS COST:

11PAX and above: SGD3180/Pax only
08-10PAX: SGD3280
04-06PAX: SGD3380/Pax

*STUDENTS WITH THE VALID SINGAPORE STUDENT PASS AND WITH EXPIRY DATE ON THE CARD ENJOY A DISCOUNT OF SGD350/Pax from the above package.

Please note that student discount is applicable for travelers between 12 to 25 years old during first leg departure date.
Drukair requires a copy of the student’s passport copy and valid student ID with expiry date indicated. If student ID does not show expiry date, please obtain a proper letter from school stating that he/she is a student in that particular school with school letterhead and seal and issue date/year.
No discount will be provided for failure to provide the required supporting document during flight reservation, and will be charged as Adult fare.

Seats are subject to availability during booking.

INDIAN PASSPORT HOLDERS: SGD2600/PAX

 PAYMENT TERMS: 

  • First Term: Deposit $1500 for booking confirmation (Flight tickets will be reserved)
  • Second Term: Final Payment of balance amount by 31Aug2019

TRIP DETAILS:

7th Nov Day 1: Arrive Paro 

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

On arrival at paro check into your hotel and visit the following:

  • 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.
  • Paro Dzong, a fine example of Bhutanese historic architecture. It is also known as the Rinpung Dzong which means a “fortress that sits on a heap of jewels”. This imposing dzong located above the Paro River is a fine example of Bhutanese architecture with its inward sloping walls that rise to an impressive height. The dzong was built in the 16th century on the foundation of a monastery built by Guru Rinpoche (who is regarded as the “second Buddha.”). From the dzong, walk further down to Nyamai Zampa, an oldest traditional cantilever bridge in Bhutan.
  • In the evening stroll through the Paro town and visit local handicraft stores.

Overnight at Paro

8th Nov Day 2:  A Day Hike to Taktsang Ghoempa (Tiger’s Nest Monastery)

After breakfast, drive to Paro which takes about 1 hr. and then 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 back to hotel. On the way visit Kyichu temple, one of the 108 temples built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songsten Gampo. The story goes that a giant demon lay across the whole area of Tibet and the Himalayas and was preventing the spread of Buddhism. To overcome her, King Songtsen Gampo decided to build 108 temples, which would be placed on all the points of her body. Of these 108 temples, 12 were built in accordance with precise plans. Thus, it happened that in about the year AD 638 the temple of Jokhang in Lhasa was built over the very heart of the demon.

Overnight at Paro

9th Nov Day 3: Paro-Punakha (driving time: 4 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.

You will also visit Druk Wangyal Lhakhang (monastery) which was built by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck ( the Queen Mother of Bhutan) as a tribute to His Majesty the fourth King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck and armed forces after His Majesty led a successful operation against Indian militants who had occupied certain areas of Bhutan. The gallery of the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang has beautiful murals depicting some of the important events in the reigns of the Kings 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.

Overnight at Punakha

 10th Nov 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

11th Nov Day 5: Punakha – Gangtey (driving time: 3 hours) Festival Day

After breakfast drive to Gangtey valley. The valley of Gangtey, is one of the most beautiful and unspoiled places in Bhutan. The surprise of finding such a wide, flat valley without any trees after the hard climb through dense forests is augmented by an impression of vast space and is an extremely rare experience in Bhutan where most of the valleys are tightly enclosed. A few kilometers beyond the Gangtey Monastery, on the valley floor lies the fascinating valley of Phobjikha. On arrival hotel check in and latter drive to gantey monastery to witness the festival.

Overnight stay at gangtey / phobjikha valley

12th Nov Day 5: Phobjikha -Thimphu (estimated driving time: 5 hr 30 minutes)

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.
  • National Memorial Chorten, chorten literally means ‘ seat of faith’ and Buddhists often call such monuments the ‘Mind of Buddha’. Meet the elderly local in circumambulation at the National Memorial Chorten.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Overnight at Thimphu

 13th Nov Day 7: Paro Departure

After breakfast our tour guide you bid farewell at paro international airport for your onward destination

TOUR INCLUDES/EXCLUDES

TOUR PRICE INCLUDES:

  • International Airfares (Singapore-Paro- Singapore) *Subjective to availability
  • Accommodation under twin sharing basis
  • All 3 meals for the day
  • Experienced English-speaking Tour Guide licensed by Tourism Council of Bhutan.
  • Private transport within Bhutan (Toyota coach / Tucson / Santafe / Eco Sport) as per itinerary.
  • Museum & Monuments entrance fee.
  • Bottled water during the tour.
  • Government Royalty of USD 65 per person per night
  • Tourism development fund of USD 10 per person
  • Visa Fee of USD 40 per person
  • Government surcharge USD 40 per person / night for single traveler and USD 30 per person / night for 2 pax.

 TOUR PRICE EXCLUDES:

  • Air ticket Surcharges (*Approx $110/pax) will be advised during booking if any changes
  • Travel Insurance
  • Gratuities, bar bills, telephone bills, personal expenses, and laundry
  • Single room supplement of SGD50 will be charged per room per night
  • Any food/drinks other than specified in the itinerary

3 Star Hotel We Provide:

  • Thimphu: Hotel Migmar or similar
  • Paro: Tenzinling Resort or similar
  • Punakha: Hotel Lobesa or similar
  • Phobjikha: Hotel Dewachen or similar
  • Bumthang: Hotel Peling or similar
  • Trongsa: Hotel Yangkil or similar

 Flight Details:

KB 541 TH07NOV SINPBH 0630 1030
KB 540 WE13NOV PBHSIN 0730 1535

THINGS YOU SHOULD BRING:

  • Waterproof backpack to store your items
  • Trekking or running shoe with good grip
  • Warm clothing/Long sleeves shirt/Hiking pants
  • Jacket/Wind breaker
  • Extra clothing and socks
  • Head torch (compulsory)
  • Personal toiletries
  • Medication such as headache tablets or altitude sickness tablets
  • Sun block lotion, lip gloss, plasters
  • Insect repellent / Mosquito Oil
  • Camera with waterproof bag
  • Sandals / Slippers
  • Plastic bags

By Joining this trip, YOU:

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

Acknowledge that YOU have read and agreed to RELEASE OF LIABILITY, WAIVER OF CLAIMS, EXPRESS ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT FORM of (SGTREK) : https://sgtrek.com/sgtrek-indemnity-form/

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 : mailto: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

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Event Details