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6 nights/7 days $2300 per person double occupancy or $2600 for private room. Bhutan is like nowhere else. This is a country where the rice is red and where chillies aren't just a seasoning but the main ingredient. It's also a deeply Buddhist land, where monks check their smartphones after performing a divination, and where giant protective penises are painted at the entrance to many houses. Yet while it proudly prioritises its Buddhist traditions, Bhutan is not a land frozen in time. You will find the Bhutanese well educated, fun loving and very well informed about the world around them. It's this blending of the ancient and modern that makes Bhutan endlessly fascinating. The Bhutanese pride themselves on a sustainable approach to tourism in line with the philosophy of Gross National Happiness. Foreign visitors famously pay a minimum tariff of US$250 per day, making it seem one of the world's more expensive destinations. However, this fee is all-inclusive – accommodation, food, transport and an official guide are all provided, so it's not a bad deal. Our price also includes r/t air from Nepal to Thimphu, Bhutan. We will arrive back to Nepal on the 6th day for an overnight in Kathmandu. 

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Day 01, Oct 16, 2021:  

Kathmandu  Fly to Thimphu, Bhutan. Visit Tashichho Dzong

Prepare to shift gears as we leave the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu and fly east to the Kingdom of Bhutan. This is a country, situated on the silk road, that has endured independence for centuries and never been colonized! Bhutan is the least populous nation in South Asia, ranking first in economic freedom, ease of doing business and peace. After driving to Thimphu, we’ll visit Tashichho Dzong, a Buddhist monastery and fortress on the northern edge of the city. Next it’s onto the Tarkin wildlife reserve, the Weaving Centre and the School of Thirteen Arts and Crafts. Over dinner this evening at a local Bhutanese restaurant you’ll have a chance to soak in your first culturally-immersive day in Bhutan.

Tashi Yoedling Hotel, Thimphu (All meals) . B, L, D 

Hiking Distance: Up to 2 kilometres (1.2 miles)

Elevation: Thimphu - 2334 metres (7657 feet)

Day 02, Oct 17  :  

Journey to Buddha Dordenma, hike to Changangkha Lhakhang Temple

Making the most of our day, we’ll take an early breakfast before departing for Buddha Dordenma, overlooking Thimphu valley. Dating back to the 8th century A.D, this statue is said to emanate an aura of peace and happiness to the entire world! Afterwards we’ll hike a forest trail down to Changangkha Lhakhang, a temple perched like a fortress above central Thimphu. Give the resident astrologer your birth date and he’ll consult divination charts to decide which kind of protective prayer flags will benefit you. After lunch we’ll journey down to the lush district of Punakha, known for the Punakha Dzong, a 17th century fortress. We’ll take some time to explore this majestic fortress, which is the administrative centre of Punakha District.

Vara Hotel, Punakha (All meals) B, L, D 

Hiking Distance: Up to 5 kilometres (3 miles)

Elevation: Punakha - 1242 metres (4075 feet)

Day 03, Oct 18 : 

 Hike to Chimi Lhakhang Temple and lunch at Farm house 

We’ll stretch our legs after breakfast with a short hike through picturesque terraced fields to Chimi Lhakhang, the Fertility Temple. This Buddhist temple is renowned throughout Bhutan as a fertility inducing magnet - thousands make the pilgrimage each year in the hopes of having a child, as well as receiving a blessing from the saint with the ‘magic thunderbolt of wisdom’. After some divine intervention, we’ll take a short drive to another trail leading up to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a stupa built to protect Bhutan from evil forces and help bring peace to the world. Your ascent will be rewarded with incredible views overlooking the Punakha Valley, then we cross suspension bridge and walk about max. 30 minute to Farm house for Organic meal. There’ll be time this evening to relax and enjoy the campfire and stargaze. 

Vara Hotel, Punakha (All meals) B, L, D 

Hiking Distance: Up to 3 kilometres (1.9 miles)

Elevation: Punakha - 1242 metres (4075 feet)

Day 04, Oct 19:  

 Journey to Thimphu, visit the National Museum, onto Paro

After breakfast we’ll depart for the journey back to Paro, taking lunch at Dochula pass or can make all the way to Paro Valley for Lunch ( Depends on time). When the weather is nice, this pass (3,100 m / 10,300 ft) offers tremendous views of the eastern Himalaya ranges. Along the pass there are an astonishing 108 memorial chortens and nearby is the country’s very first Royal Botanical Park. Before we reach Paro, we’ll stop once more in Thimphu to visit the National Museum, a fascinating place not to miss. In Paro you’ll have the option to take a guided tour of Rinpung Dzong, though if you’d prefer to relax, you’ll also have views of this Buddhist monastery from your hotel, as it’s lit up in the evening. 

Khangku Hotel, Paro (All meals) B, L, D 

Hiking Distance: Up to 2 kilometres (1.2 miles)

Elevation: Paro - 2200 metres (7218 feet)

Day 05, Oct 20:  

Hike to Tiger's Nest

A trip to Bhutan is not complete until you’ve visited Paro Taktsang, Tiger’s Nest. We’ll take an early breakfast so that we can begin hiking whilst the trail is quiet - the trek is challenging - and thankfully this is what protects this extraordinary attraction from overcrowding. Once you’ve cleared the trees you’ll get your first glimpse of the Tiger’s Nest, somehow perched on the cliff high above the valley floor. Once at the monastery you’ll take a fascinating tour of the buildings, with plenty of time to find a quiet spot and soak it all in. You’ll be in awe, wondering how the buddhists established this area, first as a meditation cave in the 8th century and later as a monastery in the 17th century. Amazing! Because of our early start, beating the crowds, we’ll be back in Paro in time for lunch.

(Note: if people wish to take horse one way up to Tiger nest it is possible at extra cost of USD 15 each)

This afternoon we’ll savour our time in Bhutan with a visit to the Jowo Temple of Kyichu and then to the ‘Farmhouse’ for a Bhutanese Cultural performance and wait for it... Some hot stone baths!

Khangku Hotel, Paro (All meals) B, L, D 

Hiking Distance: Up to 6 kilometres (4 miles)

Elevation: Paro - 2200 metres (7218 feet)

Day 06, Oct 21: 

Fly to Kathmandu  -  free in Kathmandu for shopping and bargain, chill in Kathmandu. B ( If some one need to fly this day they can fly late if not on 22nd)

 
Day 07, Oct 22 :

Final Departure, transfer to airport. B 

Cost include in Nepal and Bhutan tours:

• All accommodation in Bhutan on full board basis 
• Car / Van for sightseeing with guide
• Airport pick up and transfers
• Airfare KTM - Paro - KTM ($ 460 both way)
• Bhutan Visa fee and travel permit, fees and other major monasteries entrance fees in Bhutan,  (except photography fees)

Cost exclude in Nepal and Bhutan tours:

• Personal travel insurance (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)and all items of a personal nature, some lunch and dinner where not mentioned
• Tips and gratuities, Major meals in cities in Kathmandu (where not mentioned)
• Mountain, Road rescue or any other emergency evacuation charges if necessary
• Expenses incurred as a result of illness, landslide, political disturbance, re-routing, flight cancellation and of any other unforeseen situation and events which is not under our control, int'l airfare and airport tax
• Any kind of table drinks, telephone bills, laundry, postage etc
• Nepal Visa cost, payable upon arrival

Terms and conditions

Both the $300 deposit and final balance paid within 60 days are NON REFUNDABLE. If you do cancel and I can find another person to take your spot I will refund you your monies paid. Pre payments are required months in advance to secure hotel rooms and tours. You Can't Steal My Happy is not responsible for trip cancelations due to miss airline connections, weather or medical. Everyone who attends a You Can't Steal My Happy Trip is required to sign an electronic liability release form.  Trip insurance is also highly recommended. There are several companies that offer this insurance and it's usually very inexpensive. 

 You Can’t Steal My Happy recommends that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer travel protection through Travelex Insurance Services. For more information on the available plans or to enroll, click on the link below or contact Travelex Insurance Services at 800-228-9792 and reference location number 43-0656    “Travel Insurance is underwritten by, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company, NAIC #22276. 55Y”

Click on the link below to get a free quote. 

https://www.travelexinsurance.com/quote/?nc=1