On arrival we meet you at Paro International Airport after clearing the immigration and customs formalities and transfer to your hotel in Paro for check-in. Flying into Paro is not just to connect Bhutan but also get to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges, including Mt. Everest (8,848m/29,028ft), Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586m/28,169 ft) and Mt. Gangkar Puensum (7,570m/24,836ft). The rest of the day is at leisure to relax – so why not explore the Paro town at 2200m? Perhaps you’ll have time to capture images of the Paro valley from the Ta Dzong (ancient watch tower), which now houses the National Museum of Bhutan. Walk down to the Paro Dzong, built in 1644 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Tonight enjoy a welcome drink and dinner with BGT. Overnight in Paro.
Itinerary
A 5-day trek through spectacular views of mountain scenery along the ancient route from Paro to Thimphu. An interesting feature of this trek is the presence of pristine mountain lakes (known for trout fishes). The trail follows high ridges through a gorgeous natural landscape of pine and dwarf rhododendrons at altitudes ranging between 2,400m–4,200m and enjoys splendid panoramas of the snowy peaks, including Mt. Gangkar Puensum at 7,564m (the highest peak of Bhutan). It also includes the must-see sights and takes in the very best of western Bhutan.
Tour program
Arrive Paro
Start point
Paro, Bhutan
Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Today is a real highlight as you take a short excursion to the stunning Paro Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) at 2950m. The monastery is one of the most revered places of pilgrimage in Bhutan. No visit to Bhutan would be complete without a trip to Taktshang. It is stunning in its beauty and location. The monastery is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, 900m above the Paro floor valley. The hike (4-km) starts at the base of the mountain from the road at Ramthangkha, 12-km from the Paro town. Enjoy walking around 4-5 hours to do the round trip hike plus an hour to tour the monastery on a comfortable pace. The well maintained trails are wide, uphill the entire way but not overly steep, wind through beautiful pine forest, trees festooned with Spanish moss and fluttering prayer flags. Gentle horse/pony rides are available for transport halfway up the trail, where you will be treated to a stunning viewpoint of the monastery clinging to the cliff wall. Overnight in Paro. Besides a cultural experience, this short hike will help acclimatise for our trek ahead on the following morning. Overnight in Paro.
Paro – Jele Dzong [Start of Trek]
Distance 7-km with 4-5 hours walking. After breakfast drive to the Ta Dzong (National Museum of Bhutan), the starting point of the trek. Meet our trek crew and the horses at the museum, where we begin a short trek through apple orchards and cultivated terracing to the dzong to Jele Dzong (3,480m). If the caretaker is around visit the dzong (mostly in ruins), perched on a whaleback ridge. The trail ascends gently through forest before reaching our campsite. If weather is clear the Paro valley can be seen including Mt. Jhomolhari (7314m) and other snow-capped mountains. Overnight in camp at an altitude of 3480m.
Jele Dzong – Jangchulakha
Distance 10-km with 4-5 hours walking. Today the route climbs through thick alpine forests and dwarf rhododendron trees and reaches Jangchulakha. Here we can admire the wonderful views from the ridge of Mt. Jhomolhari and the surrounding snow-capped mountains. The beautiful Monal pheasant can also be seen or may hear some pheasants calling during the day. We can also see yaks and herders around our campsite. The campsite is near yak herders’ camp at 3770m. Overnight in camp.
Jangchulakha – Jimilangtsho Lake
Distance 11-km with 4 hours walking. The trail follows the ridge, then descends a bit and follows the ridge back to Jangchula Pass (4190m). From here we have a sensational view of the valleys below and the distant Himalayan peaks on a clear day. If weather permits, enjoy a great view of Mt. Jichu Drake (6989m), the peak representing the protective deity of Paro. Today our trail descends to Jimilangtso Lake (Sand Ox Lake). The lake is famous for its giant sized trouts. Legend has it that this lake is home to a mystical ox and local farmers still bring their cows to the lake in the hope that they can produce the strong and valuable offspring of such a creature. The campsite is on the shores of the lake at 3870m. Overnight in camp.
Jimilangtsho – Labana via Simkotratsho Lake
Distance 12-km with 5 hours walking. The trail traverses through dwarf rhododendron trees and Janetsho Lake and passes by yak herder camps. We continue up to the larger Simkotra Lake (known for its trout) before we reach a saddle at 4180m below some rocky peaks. Yak herders camps and yaks encounter are common. Descending from a small pass we eventually arrive to our campsite at Labana (4130m). Overnight in Camp
Labana – Thimphu via Phajoding Monastery [End of Trek]
Distance 10-km with 4 hours walking. Today your final leg of the trek begins with a gradual climb to the Phumela at 4210m (the highest pass of this trek with a beautiful view overlooking the Thimphu valley). On a clear day we will be rewarded with a spectacular Himalayan panorama, including the highest peak of Bhutan Mt. Gangkar Puensum at 7570m. From here it's all downhill walk at a leisurely pace to the Phajoding Monastery (3960m). Continue downhill through forest of blue pine until the road head at Sangaygang (Bhutan Broadcasting Service Tower) on the outskirts of Thimphu city. Our transport will meet us at the road point and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure to relax and enjoy, we have allowed some time for this and also to explore the surroundings of Thimphu city at 2300m, home to approximately 138,736 inhabitants. In the afternoon visit the National Memorial Chorten (Stupa), built in memory of the third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Another must see place to tick off on your lists is Kuenselphodrang (the largest 169ft Buddha Dordenma statue in the world). The evening is free to stroll the streets of Thimphu city at 2300m. Overnight in Thimphu.
Moving to Punakha
After breakfast you’ll be driven to Punakha (71-km) around 3 hours, the old capital of Bhutan until 1955. Punakha, at an elevation of 1350m, has temperate climate. Head out of the city and travel approximately 45 minute to Tashigang Gonpa in Hongtsho en route, just outside of Thimphu. Venture into the most picturesque hike to the Lungchutse Gonpa. The Lungchutse hike (3-4 hour) takes you through a diverse forest of hemlock, rhododendrons and junipers until you reach the temple on the ridge. Weather permitting, you’re rewarded with all major mountains of Bhutan including Jomolhari (7314m), Kang Bum (6494m), Gangchhenta (6784m), Masang Gang (7194m), Tsenda Kang (6,994m), Teri Kang (7304m), Jejekangphu Gang (7190m), Kangphu Gang (7212m), Zongpgu Gang (7,094m) and Gangkar Puensum (7,570m). Behind these major mountains lie the Tibetan plateaus. Continue on to the trail descending to the Druk Wangyal Chortens (108 stupas), built on the crest of Dochula Pass at 3050m. After lunch enjoy a scenic drive as you continue your journey to Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang. Arriving in Punakha, visit the Chimi Lhakhang Temple, nestled on a round hillock near a village called Sopsokha, built in 1499 by Saint Drukpa Kinley (known as the Divine Madman). The temple is known to the English-speaking world as “The Fertility Temple.” Legend has it that the childless couples wishing to have a baby from across Bhutan and occasionally from overseas are blessed with a child after visiting the temple. Overnight in Punakha.
Back to Paro
This morning enjoy a short hike to the fascinating temple (Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten) built by the Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuk. It is majestically located on a strategic ridge overlooking terraced fields and countryside of the Punakha valley. Take an easy stroll, crossing a suspension bridge and walk through rice fields before climbing a moderately inclined trail surrounded by pine trees. It takes about 1 hour from the parking to hike up, and 30 minutes to hike down. Later visit the Punakha Dzong, which is strategically located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (male) and Mo Chhu (female) Rivers. After lunch drive (71-km) for 4 hours to Paro, home to the famous Paro Taktshang Monastery (also known as Tiger’s Nest), National Museum, Drukair and Bhutan Airlines. The evening is at leisure to explore the Paro town or visit a local farmhouse to drink tea with the farmer and his family, allowing you to experience the traditional Bhutanese village life. Overnight in Paro.
End of Tour
Your tour ends today. Transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward journey accompanied by your guide from Bhutan Green Travel. Goodbye and Good luck! Tashi Delek!
End point
Paro, Bhutan
Cancellation Policy
Booking Conditions
Please read these terms and conditions carefully as you will be bound by them.
1) The terms "company", "we", "us" and "our" mean Bhutan Green Travel.
2) The terms "client", "you" and "your" mean all persons named on the booking (including any person who is added or substituted) after booking using our services.
3) For parties of two or more, the “lead name" is the person who makes the booking on behalf of all members of the party.
4) Your booking and contract with us will be effective after we have sent you a confirmation invoice to the lead name by email to the email address you have provided for all bookings made online or over the phone. By booking your trip with us, you agree to be bound by our terms and conditions in line with the TCB’s set guidelines for operating travel services and products in Bhutan.
5) “Force majeure” means any event or circumstances which are unusual and/or unforeseeable outside the control of BGT, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even with all due care. Such events may include (but not limited to) war, riot, civil strife, terrorist activity and its consequences,, hostilities, political unrest, bureaucratic action or obstacles, industrial dispute, natural or nuclear disaster, adverse weather or road conditions, flood, fire, draught, closure of airport, re-scheduling or cancellation of flights or changes of the airlines or aircraft type and all other similar events beyond our control.
Booking Procedure
A “tour” is any product itinerary that we sell such as treks, expeditions, tours, or other special interests. You can contact us about your travel plans by email, over the phone, on Skype or online at http://www.bhutangreentravel.com/ContactUs.php. When booking a trip, you are responsible for the accuracy of all data supplied to Bhutan Green Travel. The person booking the trip warrants that he/she is at least 18 years old and has full authority to enter into a contract. Once your booking is accepted and becomes a legally binding contract we are responsible for providing the tour shown on the confirmation invoice and you are responsible for the payment.
Deposit and Payment for Your holiday
Payment of a deposit enables us to hold a reservation for you. Usually we require a deposit of not less than 10% of the total value of land price and a full airfare of your Drukair or Bhutan Airlines flights to/from Bhutan by wire transfer. The final balance as shown on your confirmation invoice is due no later than 45 days prior to your departure date. We normally advise our clients to pay in one go to avoid multiple bank charges and provide us with a copy of your wire/bank transfer receipt(s) for us to ensure that payment reaches in time. Failure to make full payment on time could risk being cancelled your booking or deposit being lost.
Prices
Prices are quoted and payable only in (US$ dollars). All prices published on our websites, brochures and marketing materials are set as low as possible. The guide prices may vary at any time subject to government actions, changes in exchange rates, increase in transportation costs or fuel prices before we have accepted your booking, however, we guarantee our prices who have already signed up. You will be notified of any change in price made prior to you completing your booking and paying the balance of the tour price.
If You Change Your Booking
Where a change requested by you to your confirmed travel arrangements, we will do our utmost to make these changes, but it may not always be possible. An administration fee of US$ 45 per person plus any additional costs we incur will be charged in making this alteration to a different departure date or one of our tours. If a client or you are unable to travel, in circumstances in which we consider reasonable, you may transfer your booking to another suitable person. A transfer fee of US$ 50 per person is payable, and additional costs such as airline tickets or other charges may also be applicable.
If You Cancel Your Booking
Should you, or any member of your party, wish to cancel your travel arrangements at any time, the ‘lead name’ on the booking form must inform us in writing. Cancellation charges are imposed from the date written notification is received. As we incur costs from the time we confirm your booking, the cancellation charges of your travel arrangements shown in the table below plus an administration fee of US$ 75 will apply.
Notice period before departure or after arrival
% of total tour price
Prior to 30 days of the start of the tour No charges (full refund)
Between 30 days to 21 days before the start of the tour 10% of total tour cost
Between 20 days to 14 days before the start of the tour 15% of total tour cost
Between 13 days to 7 days before the start of the tour 30% of total tour cost
Less than 7 days before the start of the tour or without notice
50% of total tour cost
After arrival in Bhutan 100% of total tour cost
Note: It is strongly recommended that comprehensive travel insurance be taken out which includes cover against cancellation charges so that you may able to reclaim these charges from your insurance company.
If We Change or Cancel Your Booking
We reserve the right to cancel a tour in any circumstances or force majeure (as explained above) both or after bookings have been confirmed. If we have to cancel, we will tell you as soon as possible by email and if there is time before your departure, we will offer you the choice of accepting an alternative tour (we will refund any price difference if the chosen alternative is less expensive than your original one but if it is more expensive, we will ask you to pay the difference).
You will not have any rights to receive compensation if we make a major change to your travel arrangements for reasons outside our control. These reasons include (but not limited to) war, riot, civil strife, terrorist activity and its consequences,, hostilities, political unrest, bureaucratic action or obstacles, industrial dispute, natural or nuclear disaster, adverse weather or road conditions, flood, fire, draught, closure of airport, re-scheduling or cancellation of flights or changes of the airlines or aircraft type and all other similar events beyond our control.
If You Have Complaint
We aim to provide the best service possible. However, if you have any reason to complain or experience any problems during your holiday concerning any service BGT has provided, you must inform your local tour guide or contact BGT immediately to enable them to try to resolve the matter. Most complaints or claims can be resolved, but if you remain dissatisfied it is essential that you notify or write to us within 15 days after your return in writing, quoting your booking reference and full details of your complaint. Relevant receipts and substantiating evidence must be attached to the letter of claim. Bhutan Green Travel will not be liable for any claims made later than 15 days after the completion of your tour.
Liability and Responsibility
Bookings are accepted on the understanding that you are aware of the possible inherent risks when undertaking the tours, treks or expeditions with us. We promise that your holiday arrangements will be made, performed or provided with reasonable skill and care.
Where, as a result of circumstances beyond our control we will not be responsible for any liability for illness, injury, death or loss of any kind, delay resulting directly or indirectly from delays, delay and inconvenience caused directly or indirectly, cancellations or changes in flights and other causes as explained above unless caused by our negligence. You should have adequate travel insurance for your holiday to claim compensation from your insurance company.
Flight Delays and Cancellations
For now we do not arrange flights ex-Bhutan and so use only Drukair (Royal Bhutan Airlines) or Bhutan Airlines (Tashi Air Pvt. Ltd) flights to and from Bhutan for your holiday. At times there are occasions completely beyond our control when a flight is delayed or cancelled. If your flight is delayed or cancelled, your flight ticket is downgraded or boarding is denied by your airline in circumstances, which would entitle you to claim compensation. If we arrange your flight ticket, we shall pursue the airline for the compensation or other payment due to you.
We cannot accept any liability for any change, cancellation or delay in flights caused by adverse weather conditions, rescheduling by airline or airport authority, action by air traffic controllers, mechanical breakdown, industrial action or any other event or circumstances beyond our control.
Special Requests and Medical Conditions
If you wish to make a special request, you must do so at the time of booking for any special dietary requirements or any medical conditions both physical and mental, which may affect fitness to travel. Failure to meet your special requirements will not be a breach of contract on our part unless the request has been specially notified in writing. We will do our best to meet your special requests including dietary or other specific requirements.
General
Bhutan Green Travel reserves the right to alter these terms and conditions at any time.
Jurisdiction and Governing Law
The terms and conditions of your contract with Bhutan Green Travel shall be interpreted according to and subject to the laws of Bhutan and both you and we agree to submit any claim or dispute to the jurisdiction of the relevant court in Bhutan.
Data Protection/Privacy Statement
In order to process your booking and meet your requirements, we need to collect certain personal details from you to ensure that your travel arrangements run smoothly. These details include such as name, address, contact details of party members, payment details, and any special needs/dietary requirements relating to disability or medical condition. Please be assured that we have adequate measures in place to protect your personal booking information held by us. We need to pass on your personal details or information on to the relevant companies and organisations such as airlines, hotels, customs/immigration, etc. Bhutan Green Travel also like to hold your information for our own future marketing purposes, to inform you of our promotional offers or to send you our brochure. If you do not wish to be contacted for the purposes set out above, please let us know as soon as possible.
Tour Details
Accommodation
Across Bhutan we have a wide range of accommodation that is selected to truly enhance your travel experience. Your package price includes comfortable 3 star properties based on 2 adults sharing a twin/double bed (single supplements apply) that are generally centrally located, atmospheric, and reliable and where we have seen a good track record with travellers’ satisfaction over many years. On a handful of itineraries you’ll be accommodated in government-certified homestays/farhouses. This is where a local family will open their home providing a wonderful insight into local culture, cuisines and comfortable lodgings with shared bathrooms and a warm reception from your hosts.
When trekking in Bhutan you’ll always stay your overnight in our fully supported camping, erected in scenic wilderness settings where our crew look after all the logistics, leaving you to relax at the end of the day. All you need to bring is a sleeping bag and pillow.
Transport
Our drivers are professionally trained, licensed and experienced. We use comfortable transport within Bhutan for pick ups and drops from airports and hotels. Types of vehicles used are Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, Kia Sorento Car, Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota Hiace Bus, Hyundai H1 Hiace Bus and Toyota Coaster Bus.
Insurance
Flights
Flights are excluded, but we can help you arrange them.
We arrange only Drukair or Bhutan Airlines tickets in and out of Paro International Airport and domestic flight at no extra fee. No other airlines fly into Bhutan except the Drukair (National Airlines) and Bhutan Airlines (Tashi Air Pvt. Ltd) operate to and out of Paro International Airport in Bhutan from the following gateway cities:
•Changi Airport, Singapore from $1000 (round-trip)
•Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Bangkok, Thailand from $990 (round-trip)
•Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, Nepal from $405 (round-trip)
•Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Dhaka, Bangladesh from $400 (round-trip)
•Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, India from $620 (round-trip)
•Netaji Subash Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata, India from $430 (round-trip)
Domestic Air Services
There are currently three Domestic Airports in Bhutan that operate from Paro International Airport.
•Bathpalathang Domestic Airport in Bumthang in central Bhutan from $340 (round-trip)
•Yonphula Domestic Airport in Trashigang in eastern Bhutan from $380 (round-trip)
•Gelephu Domestic Airport in Sarpang in southern Bhutan from $340 (round-trip)
Note: Airfares may change due to currency fluctuation, fuel surcharge or changes in statutory taxes or charges. The final airfares can only be confirmed upon issue of tickets.
Additional Services
Price Includes
•Camping equipment and haulage for trekking tours
•Baggage handling at all hotels and camps
•All entrance fees to museums and other attractions
•All applicable internal taxes and service fees
•Mineral water
•Bhutan visa fees
Additional Services
Price Excludes
•International and domestic flights
•Discretionary tips to guides and drivers
•Other personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls, etc.
•Upgrade to 4-star and 5-star luxury accommodation
•Single room supplement from USD $50 per night in 3-star hotels
Meals
All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) included. Most Bhutanese dishes are rich and spicy with a lot of cheese and chilli. It is advisable that visitors stick to the Chinese, Continental or Indian cuisine that is served in most restaurants. Visitors can also choose among the various vegetarian and non-veg food. You can also try out momos, the Tibetan dumplings and for those daring you may try out the ema datshi dish served with cheese and chilli and other typical Bhutanese dishes.
Guide
All our tours are accompanied by licensed and experienced English-speaking guides. We can also arrange other languages-speaking guide at an extra cost.
Good to know
Currency
Ngultrum
Bhutan
Plugs and adapters
Plug type G
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