Bhutan-The Kingdom in the Sky ( 12 Nights 13 Days )
Bhutan’s mountainous terrain offers a fascinating adventure for cycling enthusiasts.The route is accompanied by mixed forests, pastureland, rich meadows and valleys dotted with medieval villages and towns rich in culture. This tour allows time for visiting the highlights of Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Trongsa and Bumthang. You can choose from easy to adventurous trails, and will be backed up by professional support staff at all times. We will co-ordinate your entire trip including arranging quality mountain bicycles for your riding pleasure unless you choose to bring your own bike.The average gradient of the road is excellent for cycling, as there are few steep climbs or descents. Enjoy riding beside rivers and through a mixture of rice fields, coniferous forests and hills dotted with chortens and monasteries.You can either ride or have the option to elect to drive at various places.
Options
Tour Price
Accommodation in 3 Star Hotel: Accommodation in twin Sharing in 3 Star Hotel/Resort.(4 & 5 star may require an additional premium).
All meals: All meals (buffet system /include evening tea/snacks per pax each day).
SUV Vehicles: Inland transfers by private car: SUV Vehicles
Pickup included
What's included in Bhutan-The Kingdom in the Sky ( 12 Nights 13 Days )
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Tashichho Dzong (Thimpu Dzong)
Day 01: Arrive Paro. Paro - Thimphu (54 km, 1 hr drive) Arrive Paro by Drukair (Royal Bhutan Airlines) or Bhutan Airlines (Private Airlines).You will be received at the Paro International Airport by the representative of World Tour Plan, who will be your guide throughout your tour. You directly travel to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan. The road runs down through the Paro valley, to Chuzom (Confluence) at the entrance to the valley, where the Paro and Thimphu rivers meet. The road passes along a narrow valley with high, rocky cliffs on the left, and then the valley opens out into farmland on the approach to Thimphu. On arrival at Thimphu, check into your hotel and after a refreshment or lunch, visit the following places: • Centenary Farmers’ Market (open from Thu-Sun only): Most of the Thimphu’s population and many valley dwellers converge on the bustling weekend market, held by the side of Wangchu River. A wide range of foodstuffs and local arts and crafts are sold at the market, which runs from Thursday afternoon till Sunday evening. A visit to the market provides great photo opportunities, as well as the chance to mingle with local people. • Archery Match (National Game of Bhutan) at Changlimithang National Stadium. • Kuenselphodrang (commonly known as Buddha Point) where the largest Buddha statue in the country is perched on the hillock overlooking the Thimphu Valley. You may take a nature hike through Kuenselphodran Nature Park for about 20-30 minutes. • Tashichhoe Dzong, a fortress of the glorious religion. It was built in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel and was reconstructed into present structure by the late King, His majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the year 1962-1969. It houses the secretariat building, the throne room and the office of the king, and the central monk body. • The National Memorial Chorten (stupa) which was constructed in 1974 as a memorial for the third King of Bhutan, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who is widely regarded as the father of modern Bhutan. The term ‘chorten’ literally means ' seat of faith' and Buddhists often call such monuments the 'Mind of Buddha'. Meet the elderly generation in circumambulation, especially in the evenings, at the National Memorial Chorten. • Craft Bazaar – A one stop place to witness Bhutanese culture and to buy Bhutan made art and craft product. The Bazaar in its 80 stalls covers all aspects of the traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. You will get to see craftsmen and artisans from across the country displaying and selling their handicrafts. You can also visit other handicraft stores in town.Dinner and overnight in Thimphu.
Thimphu’s Weekend Market
Day 02: Thimphu Sightseeing. After breakfast visit the following places: • School of Traditional Painting of Arts and Crafts where students undertake a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. • Traditional Bhutanese paper making factory. The handmade paper making in Bhutan stemmed from the age old tradition originated in 8th century of Bhutanese history. The handmade paper constitutes as valuable National heritage of Bhutanese cultural identity and is preserved through all the ages. The Traditional paper is recognized and held high esteem both in home and outside world. Jungshi Paper Factory was established in November 1990 as an undertaking of the Royal Government of Bhutan. The unit now boasts as a major and sole dealer in handmade paper and its products. • Bhutan Post Office Headquarters to get personalized Bhutanese postage stamps with your photo on them. You can bring along your favorite photo to put on the stamps and put these stamps on your postcard to send to your family and friends. After lunch visit the following: • 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. • Changangkha Lhakhang (temple): Changangkha Lhakhang is an old fortress like temple and monastic school perched on a ridge above Thimphu. It was established in the 12th century on a site chosen by Lama Phajo Drukgom Shigpo, who came from Ralung in Tibet. The central statue is Chenresig in an 11-headed, thousand-armed manifestation (God of compassion). There are enormous prayer wheels to spin and even the prayer books in the temple are larger in size than usual Tibetan texts. • Dechenphodrang (Palace of great bliss) Monastery located at north of Thimphu valley. It is a monastic school for about 500 young monks enrolled for 8 years courses. You will visit the monastery and have free interaction with young monks who are mostly from poor family ground and some even orphan. The ‘Palace of Great Bliss’ serves as a home and learning center for these young monks. You will spend some time interacting with young monks. In the evening stroll through Thimphu downtown. Dinner and overnight in Thimphu.
Tango Buddhist Institute
Day 03: Thimphu Short Hike to Tango and Cheri Monasteries After breakfast, travel to the base camp of Tango Monastery which lies north of Thimphu city with packed picnic lunch. From the base camp which is the end of motor road you hike up to the Monastery is through the forest filled with oak and pine trees as well as Rhododendron flower trees which will be in full bloom during spring season. The Tango Monastery site has had religious significance since the 12th century when it was the home of the highly revered Buddhist monks who brought the Drukpa Kagyupa school of Buddhism to Bhutan. The Tango Monastery was built in 1689 by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgyal. The three-storied monastery was built with the help of the locals and was completed within two months. At present Tango Monastery is the center for higher studies for monks. The view from Tango Monastery is breathtakingly beautiful. You will experience complete peace and serenity in this area. After visiting the monastery, walk back to the road and drive to the base of Cheri Monastery where you will eat your packed picnic lunch by the side of the river. After lunch hike to Cheri Monastery through the forest filled with oak and Rhododendron flower trees. This is the place where monks undergo meditation/retreat with a duration ranging from 4 months to 3 years. Therefore, this place is so peaceful and you will experience complete serenity at this place. The hike up will take approximately 50 minutes. The view from Cheri Monastery is breathtakingly beautiful. You can sit in one of the temples of this monastery complex and meditate for some time if you would like to do so. Then walk back to the base where your car will wait for you and then travel back to Thimphu. In the evening relax. Dinner and overnight in Thimphu.
Inclusions
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Private tour
- Professional guide
- Bottled water
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Breakfast
- Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
- Coffee and/or Tea
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Use of bicycle
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
- A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You can choose to be picked up from a list of locations, or alternatively, have the choice to make your own way to the meeting points
Please arrive at the pick up point 60 minutes before departure time.
Meeting / End Points
- Thimphu