Bhutan – 7 Day Introduction

Marco Polo may have known it as "Bootan", today we call it Bhutan, but it is "Druk Yul” (land of the thunder dragon) to the people who live in this wonderful country, and they are known as the Drukpas.  The country is open to the world, but only just, they do not want mass tourism, so the government have set high fixed rates. 

Bhutan is roughly the size of Switzerland, located between Tibet to the north and India to the west, east and south.  Set near the eastern end of the Himalayas with the Indian states of West Bengal and Assam in the south, Darjeeling and Sikkim to the west and Arunachal Pradesh in the east. A land of soaring snow capped peaks, alpine meadows and densely forested hills and valleys abounding in exotic flora and fauna. From May to August, the hills are covered with a great variety of flowers, decorating the waterfalls and streams as they gush past in wild abandon.

The People  Most Bhutanese are of Mongoloid stock, who originally migrated into and settled the country in the 7th Century AD. A nomadic and pastoral society at first, they gradually turned to agriculture in the fertile valleys. Warlords, feuds, giant fortresses and castles was the disorder of the day, throughout medieval times and until the 17^th century. At this time a Tibetan Lama introduced order and unified the land.  The kingdom's recent history begins with a hereditary monarchy that was founded in the 20th century and continued the country's policy of isolationism.

Bhutan remains steeped in Buddhist tradition and mythology. The State religion is Drukpa Kagyupa a branch of Mahayana Buddhism. It has been institutionalised in the Dratshang, headed by the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) who is chosen from among the most learned lamas and enjoys equal rank with the King. Bhutan is the only country in the world to have adopted Mahayana Buddhism in its tantric form as its official religion. The Buddhist faith has played and continues to play a fundamental role in the cultural, ethical and sociological development of Bhutan and its people.

There are three main ethnic groups - the Ngalongs in the western and central regions are the descendants of Tibetan immigrants who arrived in Bhutan from the 9th century. The Sharchops who live in the east of the country, are recognised as the original inhabitants of Bhutan. The third group is known as Lhotshampas. They represent the Nepali speaking ethnic group. The total population of Bhutan is about 600,000.  

Weather  The best time to visit is October and November when the Monsoon has passed and the skies are very clear for mountain photography.  The spring months of March, April and May are best for the flora, but beware it may be a little stormy as the Monsoon builds up for July-September.  The Monsoon can start as early as mid June.

Festivals  There are many religious festivals, with dates that move from year to year in the Gregorian calendar. The best known festivals are the Tsechus that are held at different times of the year in various locations. Tsechus are celebrated for three to five days with both monks and laymen taking part in the ritual mask dances.

Dzongs  These massive fortress-monasteries decorate most hilltops and valleys. They serve as the administrative headquarters and are the focus of secular and religious authority in each of the districts.

Rural Bhutan   The first thing that a visitor to Bhutan will notice is the great expanse of green, forested hillsides. A drive or trek through the countryside will take you from the subtropical forests over high alpine passes and down into broad valleys with colourfully painted houses scattered across the landscape.

Flora and Fauna   Bhutan is a botanical paradise. One of the ancient names given to Bhutan was 'Southern Valleys of Medicinal Herbs'. You will see rhododendrons, junipers and magnolias several meters high, carnivorous plants, rare orchids, blue poppy (national flower), edelweiss, gentian, medicinal plants, daphne, giant rhubarb, high-altitude plants, tropical tress, pine and oak, amongst others.

Among the rare and exotic animals found in Bhutan, there are - Golden Langur, Red Pandas, Black-necked Crane, Snow Leopard, Takin, Musk Deer, Himalayan Brown Bear, Himalayan Marten, Tiger, hornbills, pheasants, mountain goats and timid blue sheep. 

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1  Arrival at Paro International Airport. Depart by Druk Air, the Bhutanese national airline to the airport near Paro.  During the journey to Paro, you may experience breath taking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Mount Chomolhari and Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by representatives of Muir’s Tours who will escort you to your hotel.  D.

Day 2  Paro – Sightseeing.  Morning: Drive to Drugyal Dzong (a ruined fortress - 16 km away from Paro town).  Although in ruins, this Dzong is of great historical importance. It was here that the Bhutanese finally defeated the invading Tibetans and drove them back. The peak of Mount Chomolhari (7,329m) "Abode of the Goddess Chomo" can be seen on a clear day.  On the way back our guests will visit a typical Bhutanese farmhouse. Lunch at the hotel.

Afternoon: Visit the National Museum (Ta-Dzong).  This was actually the Watch Tower of the Paro Rinchen Pong Dzong. It was converted into the National Museum in 1968. It is located on the top of a hill above the Paro Dzong overlooking Paro valley and the river.  Visit Paro Rinchen Pong Dzong which was built in 1645. This massive fortress is located in the Paro valley and is approached by a gently sloping flagstone road and a beautiful covered wooden bridge and guard houses. Today, the Dzong is the Administrative seat of the district of Paro and it also contains a state monastic community of about 200 monks. The central tower (Utse) of the Dzong, is one of the most beautiful in Bhutan with its superb woodwork.

Evening: Tea at the hotel and drive to Thimphu (Capital). This 2 hour drive snakes along the Paro and Thimphu rivers offering gorgeous scenic views at every turn. Overnight in Thimphu. B, L, D.

Day 3  Thimphu – Sightseeing.  Morning : Visit the Memorial Chorten (a huge stupa) built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned over the Kingdom from 1952-1972. Visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved. Visit the Painting School where traditional art is still kept alive through instructions in the art of painting thankas (sacred Buddhist scrolls). Visit the Handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts and crafts are displayed and can be purchased.

Lunch at the hotel

Afternoon: Visit Simtokha Dzong. It was built in 1629 and is one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan. It also houses the largest monastic school in the country. Visit Tashichho Dzong - the main Secretariat Building. This massive structure houses part of the Ministries, the office of the King and the Throne Room. It also houses the State Monastic Body and the living quarters of the Chief Abbot.

Visit Pangri Zampa Monastery which is situated just beyond Dechencholing (5kms. from Thimphu ). This Lhakhang was the residence of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel when he arrived in Bhutan in 1616 A.D. The Monastery was built during the first quarter of the 16th century by Ngawang Chogyel, the great-great- grandfather of the Shabdrung and the 14th hierarchy of the Drukpas.

Evening: Reception by our tour operator with cultural entertainment.  B, L, D.

Day 4 Thimphu - Punakha/Wangdiphodrang (77 km).  After an early breakfast, drive to Punakha and Wangdi. On the way halt at Dochula for a hot cup of tea / coffee and take in a spectacular view of the eastern Himalayas. Stay overnight at the plush Zangto Pelri Hotel in Punakha.

Lunch at the hotel.

After lunch, visit the Punakha Dzong which was built in 1637 and houses the district administration offices. It is also the winter residence of the State Monastic Body and its Chief Abbot. Punakha was the former capital of Bhutan. The Dzong (fortress) lies between two rivers known as Pochu and Mochu which means "Male River and Female River."  Visit Wangdiphodrang Dzong which was built in 1638 and is 13 km from Punakha. Wangdiphodrang Dzong and its small town is perched on a hill between two rivers. This is another District Administration Office housed in a fortress. Stay overnight at Zangto Pelri Hotel.  B, L, D.

Day 5  Punakha – Khotokha.  After an early breakfast, drive 21kms to Khotokha and visit Drajanchu monastery which is one of the most sacred and important Lhakhang (temple) of Tongdey Phajo's tradition. There are about six other important Lhakhangs including several sacred and holy pilgrimage spots of Guru Rimpoche and Drukpa Kunley. There is a Drupchu (spring water) believed to be a gift from the Khandoma (angel). The waters are said to have healing powers. Khotokha is one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan and the view of the surrounding mountains and landscape is breathtaking. Picnic lunch at Khotokha and return to Thimphu.

Evening: Visit Thimphu for shopping. If the day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, visit the weekend vegetable market or relax in Thinphu's modern health club and beauty parlor. "Sakten Health Club and Salon" where sauna, steam, gymnasium facilities are available as well as full beauty treatment, including hair dressing, skin care (with pure herbal products) and body massage services. For our guests the Health Club facilities (sauna, steam, gymnasium) are free and beauty services will be at concessional rates.

Day 6  Thimphu – Paro.  After an early breakfast, drive back to Paro to take a short trek to Taktsang Monastery (10 km) from Paro Town. The name Taktsang means "Tiger’s Nest". The monastery is perched on a rocky ledge with a sheer drop of nearly 800m. and overlooks the Paro Valley and river. It is believed during the second half of the 8th century Guru Padma Sambhava known as the second Buddha in Bhutan, meditated at the spot where the monastery is situated having alighted there on the back of a flying tigress.

Picnic Lunch at Taktsang cafeteria. The round trip hike takes about 4 hrs.

Evening: Free to stroll in Paro to shop or to visit some village homes. B, L, D.

Day 7   Paro - International Airport.  Depart from Bhutan.  B.

Price per person - LOW Season (Jan, Feb, Jun, Jul, Aug, Dec):

$1230 / £672 if you wish to travel alone.

$1170 / £639 if the group size is 2 people.

$990 / £541 if the group size is 3 people.

$970 / £530 if the group size is 4 - 10 people.

Price per person - HIGH Season (Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov):

$1440 / £786 if you wish to travel alone.

$1380 / £754 if the group size is 2 people.

$1200 / £655 if the group size is 3 people.

$1170 / £639 if the group size is 4 - 10 people.

Best time to go: October & November for views or March / April for flowers

Email for availability

What is included
Good quality accommodation and all the food you’ll need and non-alcoholic drinks. All ground transport required. An English speaking guide.

What is not included
The price allows for joining in Bhutan and does not include international airfare and departure taxes. Personal insurance, visa fees, vaccination costs, personal clothing and equipment, all items of a personal nature and all drinks.

Airfare into and out of Bhutan
The final leg of your journey to Bhutan and the first part of the return trip must be on the Bhutanese airline Druk Air. The approximate cost of a return flight is about £250 from Nepal, £415 from Delhi and £475 from Bangkok. Full current details will be provided once we know what long haul flight options exist for you.

Personal Insurance
Comprehensive personal insurance, including search and rescue is required on this trip. We recommend the BMC policies www.thebmc.co.uk

Visas
Visas will be required for Nepal or Thailand or India and Bhutan and the total cost is likely to be about £60 / $95.