Bhutan, land of Thunder Dragon

BHUTAN: LAND OF THE THUNDER DRAGON

Hidden in the eastern Himalayas between India and Tibet lies the sparsely populated mountain kingdom of Bhutan. Restrictions on the numbers of tourists help to preserve the country's natural assets and a way of life that has remained unchanged for millennium. Visitors will see monasteries perched at the tops of mountain peaks, ancient Buddhist art and sculpture, dense forests and spectacular valleys.

Much of Bhutan remains unexplored. Bhutan is a land filled with snow-capped peaks, glaciers, sparkling lakes, raging rivers, green terraced fields and flower-strewn valleys. The North is dominated by the high peaks of the Himalayas. The inner central region is filled with temperate valleys and the South is where the steamy tropical jungles are found.

Our past trip participants have expressed an overwhelming pleasure from their journey to what is perhaps the world's most exclusive tourist destination - BHUTAN. The Royal Government's policy of environmental preservation has left a country unspoiled and pristine. Its severe restrictions on inbound visitors coupled with the honour of never being colonized has kept ancient lifestyle and traditions intact. The Bhutanese emit an inward and exterior peace that make visitors feel warm and welcome.

TOUR PACKAGES

FESTIVALS & CULTURAL JOURNEYS

SPECIAL NATURE & BOTANICAL PROGRAMS

BIRD WATCHING

TREKKING PACKAGES 3 - 21 DAYS

ACCESS TO BHUTAN

Druk air the National Carrier flies into Paro from Bangkok (four flights a week), Delhi (2 flights a week), Calcutta (3 flights a week), Kathmandu (2 flights a week). We will provide the air tickets on Druk air as well as the arrangements for the necessary Pre-Visa requirements.

PLACES OF INTEREST

PARO:

The airport is located in the city of Paro in Western Bhutan. Paro is home to many of the country's oldest temples. Visits are made to Ta Dzong, a castle-like fortress, Bhutan's national museum located inside an ancient watch tower, Rinpung Dzong built in 1646 and overlooking the Paro Valley, Kyichu Lhakhang - the oldest temple in Bhutan, Paro Dzong and the burnt ruins of Drukyel Dzong - the fortress of the victorious inhabitants of Bhutan. Another impressive site is Taktsang Lhakhang, also known as the tiger's lair clinging to the black rock mountains. Accommodation is at the Hotel Gangtey built on a hillside overlooking the valley.

THIMPU (7,600 feet):

Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan and the seat of the Government is a city rich in traditional architecture. Highlights are the Memorial Chorten where many important paintings and statues are found, Tashichhodzong which houses the offices of the King and the ministers, the weekly market, the handicrafts emporium, the school of the performing arts and Motithang meadow with its vantage point over the Thimphu Valley. Also found here are Changangkha Lhakhang and Simtokha Dzong standing guard over the fertile Thimphu Valley. Accommodation is at the Hotel Motithang built on 20 acres of land in traditional style.

PUNAKHA:

The road to Punakha from Thimphu passes over the Dochu La Pass, which lies at an altitude of 3,050 meters (10,200 feet). Punakha was the capital of Bhutan until 1955. Found here are the Punakha Dzong built in the early 16th century. The fort has many sacred temples on its grounds. Several rivers run through Punakha and the valley is quite fertile with many fruit groves and orchards. The region is one of great beauty, within sight of the snow-capped Himalayan range.

WANGDI PHODRANG:

Of interest is the Wangdi Phodrang Dzong, the seat of one of Bhutan's most powerful Dzongpons perched at the windy junction of two rivers. The pasture lands here support cattle and yak. The area is also known for its art and stonework. Dechen Resort is located on a hill overlooking the area.

TRONGSA:

Trongsa is a town at the border between central and eastern Bhutan. Here we find Tongsa Dzong founded in 1543, a masterpiece of architecture containing a maze of courtyards, passageways, corridors and some 23 smaller temples. Tongsa Dzong was the ancestral home of Bhutan's Royal family. Comfortable Jakar Village Lodge houses overnight guests.

BUMTHANG:

Just east of Tongsa lies the four valleys of the Bumthang district. Here we find temples dating back to the 7th century including the impressive Jambey Lhakhang and Kurje Lakhang. Picturesque villages like Ura provide a glimpse into the lifestyle of the people of central Bhutan. A visit to Ura monastery would be included. Accommodation is at rustic Wangdicholing Lodge.

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