Bhutan photo tour with Jim Zuckerman
October 15 to 24, 2013
Bhutan is a mountain kingdom that has been lost in time. It is one of the most exotic destinations in the world, and as soon as you step off the plane you will feel transported into an ancient past. The people are incredibly friendly, welcoming, and exceptionally photogenic. Bhutan is a very colorful country, and this itinerary is timed so you can participate in one of their great festivals that rivals any celebration in the world for brilliant color and award winning imagery. Everyone who travels to this Himalayan country loves it.
TOUR COST: $6490 based on double occupancy SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $740 AIR FARE BANGKOK to PARO and return: $850 (subject to change until ticketed)
LAND COST INCLUDES: All meals as designated in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner); hotels as shown based on double occupancy; airport transfers as indicated; all transfers to and from hotels as indicated for planned activities and sightseeing tours–entrance fees, domestic permits; all applicable service charges and taxes (excluding some international or domestic airport departure taxes); predeparture materials; limited travel insurance coverage including emergency medical evacuation coverage up to $75,000 per person, and in-country emergency medical expenses up to $2,500 per person. • Bhutan requires a visa and it is available on arrival only. My tour operator will obtain the visa on your behalf and the fee is included in your trip cost.
LAND COST EXCLUDES: Any item not specifically included in your program including all snacks, extra personal beverages & bottled water, etc. other than during designated meals, alcoholic beverages; passport and visa fees, video fees, excess baggage fees, laundry, phone calls, internet and any other items of a personal nature not specifically indicated; tips for your guide, ground staff, drivers, hotel porters and other service staff; ADDITIONAL INSURANCE OF ANY KIND, including trip cancellation/interruption/delay, air ticket cancelation, additional medical, and lost baggage insurance; any and all expenses resulting from delays arising beyond our direct control due to bad weather, trail, river, sea, and/or road conditions, sickness, civil unrest, government action; or any other transportation delays for any reason beyond our direct control; optional activities, free-day activities, including any additional stopover arrangements not specifically included in the itinerary. We can make additional arrangements for you. Extra charges will apply.
ITINERARY: DAY 1 Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2013 You must arrive in Bangkok no later than October 14 and overnight at a hotel of your choice. If you are spending no time in Bangkok, you should choose an airport hotel. If you want to spend time in the city, then stay near the center of it. Let Jim know your plans and he can help you arrange whatever you want. Fly Bangkok to Paro on Druk Air KB 131, departing 06:50, arriving 10:00 in Paro. Paro is astonishingly pastoral for the seat of an international airport: the airport road terminates in an archery field. Houses built in traditional style are painted with colorful designs. The sense of tranquil serenity that defines this land is apparent at once. Begin by exploring the National Museum (Ta Dzong), housed in an ancient watchtower, with its collection of historic artifacts. Next, visit the impressive Paro Dzong (a dzong is a fortress-monastery) that dominates the valley. It represents perhaps the finest example of distinctive Bhutanese architecture. This beautiful structure, like all dzongs in Bhutan, is both a religious institution and the seat of government affairs—a uniquely Bhutanese melding of church and state. Then drive to Thimphu, capital of Bhutan. Small and secluded, the city is exceptionally tranquil, despite recent signs of development. It has a strong traditional character in its architecture and is, remarkably, without traffic lights. The single light that was installed in 1999 was greeted with dismay: “ugly and impersonal” was the general consensus. The light was removed and the human traffic director put back in place. After settling into your room, proceed to the Memorial Chorten to witness the faithful making their prayerful afternoon circumambulations. Afterwards, walk to the nearby Zilukha nunnery for a rare nod at the role of women in the spiritual realm. Overnight at the Druk Hotel – Thimphu.
DAY 2 Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2013
This afternoon continue touring based on the recommendations of your guide or enjoy some free time to shop and walk through the streets of Thimphu independently. To finish the day, visit the Tashichhodzong, seat of royal, administrative and religious power in Bhutan. This capital building is the office of the reigning king, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.
DAY 3 Thursday, Oct. 17, 2013
Then depart on the approximately 2.5 hour drive to the lower valley of Punakha. The journey crosses Dochhu La Pass where 108 stupas have been erected by the Queen Mother, including a magnificent temple overlooking the stupas. Also stop to stretch your legs with a 20-minute walk on flat ground to Chimi Lhakhang, a fertility shrine built in the 15th century by Lama Drukpa Kunley, the “Divine Madman.” Drukpa Kunley’s outrageous antics and sexual exploits are legendary, and he is a favorite among couples wanting children. Arriving in Punakha, visit the Punakha Dzong, recently renovated due to damage caused by a fire in 1986. Traditional building techniques were used that don’t include the use of nails, plans or power tools. Overnight at the Zangtopelri Hotel – Punakha Spectacularly located on a point high above the tranquil semi-tropical valley, the hotel features spacious, well-appointed rooms in small cabins. Guests enjoy 220 degree views of rice terraces, the river, and the interplay of the dramatic and constantly changing Himalayan weather of the valley.
DAY 4 Friday, Oct. 18, 2013
Cross over Pele La Pass (11,217 feet) dividing western and eastern Bhutan, before reaching Trongsa, situated in the middle of the country. Trongsa experienced a large influx of Tibetan immigrants in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Bhutanese of Tibetan descent have become well assimilated into Bhutanese society and run most of the shops in town. Once in Trongsa, visit the Trongsa Dzong, the ancestral home of Bhutan’s royal family. It is arguably the most impressive dzong in the kingdom. The landscape around Trongsa is spectacular and the dzong can be seen for miles. Continue the drive east, stopping at the village of Zungney, well known for its distinctive yathra (wool) woven textiles. Late this afternoon, arrive in Jakar, the trading center for the district. Overnight at the Gongkhar Guest House – Bumthang
DAY 5 Saturday, Oct. 19, 2013
End the day with a walk into the countryside passing buckwheat fields, temples and farmhouses. You will also have the opportunity to visit Tamshing Gompa. It contains exquisite paintings and statuary said to date back to ancient times. Overnight at the Gongkhar Guest House – Bumthang
DAY 6 Sunday, Oct. 20, 2013
The schedule today will be flexible in order to attend and photograph as much of the festivities as you would like. Overnight at the Gongkhar Guest House – Bumthang
DAY 7 Monday, Oct. 21, 2013
Continue the drive to Wangdue and settle into your quaint hotel for a good night’s sleep. Overnight at the Kyichu Resort – Wangdue.
DAY 8 Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2013
This afternoon, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the most sacred temples in Bhutan. Bhutanese history says that this temple was one of 108 temples built in a single day in 659, commissioned by Songtsen Gampo of Tibet. The specific purpose was to pin down an ogress who, covering all of Bhutan and Tibet, was impeding the spread of Buddhism in the area. Pilgrims come from all over the region to worship at this sacred site. Overnight at the Khankhu Resort – Paro.
DAY 9 Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2013
Unfortunately a fire destroyed the main structure of Taktsang in 1998, but it has now been completely reconstructed and is as beautiful as ever. If you feel like only hiking halfway, there is a tea house midpoint on the hike with wonderful views. It is a great place to relax and have lunch. This afternoon, drive to the end of the Paro Valley to see the picturesque ruins of the once massive Drukgyel Dzong. This fortress sits along a strategic route to Tibet and once provided protection from invasion from the north. From a vantage point on top of the ruins one can see the picturesque Paro Valley below and sacred Chomolhari Mountain above. Return to your hotel to enjoy a farewell-to-Bhutan dinner. Overnight at the Khankhu Resort – Paro.
DAY 10 Thursday, Oct. 24, 2013
LAND COST INCLUDES: All meals as designated in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner); hotels as shown based on double occupancy; airport transfers as indicated; all transfers to and from hotels as indicated for planned activities and sightseeing tours–entrance fees, domestic permits; all applicable service charges and taxes (excluding some international or domestic airport departure taxes); predeparture materials; limited travel insurance coverage including emergency medical evacuation coverage up to $75,000 per person, and in-country emergency medical expenses up to $2,500 per person. • Bhutan requires a visa and it is available on arrival only. My tour operator will obtain the visa on your behalf and the fee is included in your trip cost.
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