Bhutan, a Buddhist kingdom on the Himalayas’ eastern edge, is known for its monasteries, fortresses (or dzongs) and dramatic landscapes that range from subtropical plains to steep mountains and valleys. In the High Himalayas, peaks such as 7,326m Jomolhari are popular trekking destinations. Paro Taktsang monastery (also known as Tiger’s Nest) clings to cliffs above the forested Paro Valley.
Come join us this winter adventure to the land of happiness and make this year ending a memorable moment in life. We will have limited slots available for booking on promotional prices. So do book soon and reserve your slots for this great year ending adventure.
PAYMENT DEPOSIT:
- Book now and save $700/Pax discount (*Offer valid only till 31July2023).
- Deposit payment of $1000/Pax + Flights cost (*non-refundable) to be made for booking confirmation. We will block the flight tickets and confirm the booking.
- Final Balance Payment to be paid before 4months to the event date.
STAFF CONTACT NO:
- Do contact VIJAY +6592700908(WHATSAPP) or Email: contact@sgtrek.com
EVENT START DATES: 24Dec – 30 Dec 2023
Event Cost: SGD2580/Pax – excluding flights.
*Promotional prices are limited to the first 8Pax signup – SGD1880/Pax (Promotion valid till 31July2023) – excluding flights
SGTREK MEMBER PRICE: SGD2480/Pax – excluding flights.
*Promotional prices are applicable for SGTREK MEMBERS – SGD2380/Pax (Promotion valid till 31Aug2023) – excluding flights
Group size: 08-16Pax
FLIGHT DETAILS:
SIN-PBH: Sundays
PBH-SIN: Saturdays
- KB 541 SINPBH 12:30 16:45
- KB 540 PBHSIN 08:05 16:10
SIN-PBH-SIN in economy
FLIGHT COST: SGD 1465/person inclusive of taxes and charges
*Airfare and taxes are subject to change without prior notice. Do check with us the prices during booking you tour with us.
TRIP GRADING: This trip is suitable for everyone kids below 18yrs need to be accompanied by their parents or guardians. There is a little hiking involved during the Tiger Nest monastery visit. Participants with reasonable fitness is required for this activity.
DETAILED ITINERARY:
Day 1: Arrive Paro & Paro-Thimphu (Distance: 54 km, estimated driving time: 1 hr.)
Fly into Paro by DrukAir. After completing your immigration formalities, you will be received by our representative who will be your tour guide throughout your tour.
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.
Overnight at Thimphu
Day 02: Thimphu sightseeing
After breakfast visit following place:
- 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 also visit other handicraft stores.
- Takin Preserve, which houses the national animal the Takin that is only found in Bhutan. This is an extremely rare member of the goat family. Found in herds in the very high altitudes (13,125ft and over). They live on a diet of grass and bamboo. It can weigh as much as 550 pounds.
- Institute for Zorig Chusum
Commonly known as Arts & Crafts School or Painting School, the Institute offers a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. On a visit, one can see students learning the various skills taught at the school.
- Weekend Market
Every Saturday and Sunday most of Thimphu’s scant population and many valley dwellers congregate on the banks of the river where weekend market is held. It is an interesting place to visit and provides opportunity to mingle with the local people.
- National Sport of Bhutan (Archery)
One of the best places to witness a game of traditional and modern archery. Which is a national sport of Bhutan? If you want to take some good picture of archery match, then this is one of the best places to be. Almost all the time there is a tournament being played.
Overnight at Thimphu.
Day 03: Thimphu-Punakha (Distance: 71 km, estimated driving time: 2 ½ 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
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 absolutely fresh breeze and fascinating view of Dzong. Follow the farm houses 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 particular 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
Day 5: Punakha-Paro (Distance: 135 km, estimated driving time: 4 hr.)
After breakfast travel to Paro. On the way visit the following:
- Tamchog Lhakhang Bridge
Located on the other side of the river of the Thimphu – Paro highway, one needs to cross an iron chain suspension bridge to get to the Lhakhang.
About 30-minute drive from Paro towards Thimphu city, Tamchog Lhakhang sits across the Paro River. The Lhakhang is approached by an iron chain suspension bridge. The Lhakhang and the bridge were constructed by a 13th century Tibetan saint Thangthong Gyalpo. The Buddhist saint was also a blacksmith and an architect. Of the many iron chain bridges built, there are only few lefts which are still used. Crossing this old bridge can be a thrilling experience for tourists. Some of the original iron chain links used to build this bridge can be found on display in the National Museum in Paro.
- Paro Airport Bird eye View
Paro international airport is the only international airport in Bhutan where you can teach Bhutan via air. It’s a small airport with singly runaway and no or very few international traffic. However, it’s considered as one of the dangerous airports for landing and also most beautiful airport in terms of landscape and architecture. Hotel Check in and later visit National Museum.
- 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.
In the evening stroll through the Paro town and visit local handicraft stores.
Overnight at Paro
Day 6: A Day Hike to Taktsang Ghoempa (Tiger’s Nest Monastery)
After breakfast, 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 View Point you will enjoy a spectacular view of the monastery clinging to the side of the cliff. Stop for refreshment at the View Point 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 view point cafeteria and then walk further downhill to the road point. Then drive to Drukgyel Dzong (fortress) that is situated on a ridge in the upper Paro valley which is 30-minute drive towards north from the Paro town. Drugyel Dzong also means “Fortress Of Victorious Drukpas” which was built in 1649 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. The Dzong had been served as an important base for defense in the region until 1951 when it was destroyed by fire. The ruins of the Dzong was continued to be protected as an important monument linking people of Bhutan with the great events that contributed in maintaining sovereignty of the country. Drukgyel Dzong was served solely for defensive purpose without administrative and religious functions, especially against external threats from the border.
The existing ruins of the Dzong are comparatively well preserved. One can without much difficulty understand or distinguish features of the complex. Although most of timber components of the Dzong such as roof truss, door and window frames, and floors and ceilings are almost totally absent, major portion of stone and rammed earth wall structures are still standing. They provide for visitors in understanding ideas and practices for defense in the olden times.The reconstruction of the fortress began in April, 2016 after the command of His Majesty the King, to celebrate the birth of His Royal Highness The Gyalsey, to commemorate the arrival of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1616 AD the birth year of Guru Rinpoche. The restoration work is estimated to be completed soon.
Overnight at Paro
Day 7: Paro Departure
After breakfast we will drive to Paro airport for the departure.
The Tour Cost Includes:
- Breakfast and dinner at respective hotels and lunch at local tourist standard restaurant
- Accommodation (Twin Bed / Double Bed sharing basis) in 3-star hotel.
- All transportation within the country including airport transfers.
- Sustainable Development Fee
- Entrance fees for Museums and Monuments.
- English Speaking Local guide.
- Sightseeing Tours
- Visa fee USD 40
The Tour Cost Does Not Include:
- International / Domestic Flights + Surcharges / Airport Taxes
- Single room supplement charges SGD300/Pax (Plus surcharges during Peak Time/Public Holidays)
- Travel Insurance Premiums
- Payments for service provided on a personal basis.
- Cost for any services not mentioned in the “Cost Include head.”
- Cost incurred due to mishaps, strikes, political unrest etc.
- Personal expense in items such as laundry, soft drinks, Camera Charges, bottled water,
- Incidentals, Portage, Bellboy charges tips or any other services
- Tips for Guides/Driver
- Covid19 Insurance.
3-star hotel we provide:
Thimphu: Mantra Home / Hotel Lhayul or similar
Paro: Gawaling hotel / Paro Grand /Hotel kuenphen or similar
Punakha: Hotel lobesa or Similar
Note: The hotels are provided based on room availability during the time of tour confirmation.
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 : 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
