Druk Yul, or “Land of the Thunder Dragon,” is the remote Himalayan kingdom we know as Bhutan. Isolated from the rest of the world by some of the highest mountain ranges on earth, Bhutan has retained much of its fascinating culture and is still poorly known by the West. Although most of it is now open to foreigners, tourist quotas are severely restricted and few travelers and even fewer birdwatchers have had first-hand experience of this unique and diverse country.
On this tour we’re sure to see birds in abundance. Over 70 percent of the land surface is forested, only a small fraction is cultivated and much of the remainder is above the treeline. Over 600 species have so far been recorded in Bhutan and a significant number, such as Satyr Tragopan, Blood Pheasant, Wedge-billed, Long-billed and Bar-winged Wren-Babblers, Yellow-throated Fulvetta and Fire-tailed Myzornis, are far easier to see here than anywhere else on earth. And Bhutan is virtually the only accessible place to see several others such as White-bellied Heron, Ward’s Trogon, Beautiful Nuthatch and Blue-fronted Robin. It is difficult to distill Bhutan’s attractions into a short account: there is stunning mountain scenery; incredible geographic and ecological diversity with tropical rainforest along the country’s southern border and forests of oak, rhododendron and conifer across the higher, more northerly slopes; and there are the Bhutanese people themselves, whose ancient traditions still form an integral part of everyday life—their beautiful monasteries, dzongs and fluttering prayer flags; their colorful clothes, bizarre archery contests and personable natures. Bhutan fires the enthusiasm of all who have visited it, leaving them with a sense of privilege and a longing to return.
Day 01: Arrive Paro International Airport
Day 02: Paro – Sightseeing
Day 03: Paro – Shana
Day 04: Shana – Soi Thangthangkha
Day 05: Soi Thangthangkha – Jangothang
Day 06: Jangothang – Halt
Day 07: Jangothang – Lingshi
Day 08: Lingshi – Halt
Day 09: Lingshi – Shodu
Day 10: Shodu – BarshongDay 11: Barshong – Dolam Kencho
Day 12: Dolam Kencho – Thimphu
Day 13: Thimphu – Day excursion to Punakha &Wangdi
Day 14: Thimphu – Sightseeing
Day 15: Thimphu – Paro International Airport
Where is Bhutan? Bhutan lies in the eastern Himalayas, between Tibet to the north, the Indian territories of Assam and West Bengal, to the south and east, and Sikkim to the west . Bhutan is a tiny country has a total area of about 47,00 square KM. Bhutan is loacted in the heart of the high Himalayan mountain range, Bhutan is a land-locked country like Nepal surrounded by mountains.The sparsely populated Greater Himalayas, bounded to the north by the Tibetan plateau, reach heights of over 7,300 meters (23,950ft.), and extend southward losing height, to form the fertile valleys of the Lesser Himalayas divided by the Wang, Sunkosh, Trongsa and Manas Rivers. Monsoon influences promote dense forestation in this region and alpine growth at higher altitudes. The cultivated central uplands and Himalayan foothills support the majority of the population. In the south, the Duars (the gates or doors; the traditional 18 points of access into Bhutan from the Indian plain.) drop sharply away from the Himalayas into the large tracts of semi-tropical forest, savannah grassland and bamboo jungles. Bhutan has remained a hidden Kingdom by choice for many years. Today, it has opened its door to visitors, and a small number of people are welcome to explore the Kingdom.
Bhutan – People and Culture:
Bhutan, often referred to as the Land of Thunder Dragon, is a land where the chief state religion is Mahayana Buddhism, meaning greater wheel. The locals are seen in their traditional costumes. Short cultural trips of one week to Bhutan can be added on to your holiday in Nepal.
Bhutan Cultural Tour :
Bhutan is locally known as Drukyul – the Land of Thunder Dragon. Trips in Bhutan includes visit to old forts, palaces, monasteries, farm house and National museum sightseeing of Satsam Chorten, Taktsang Monastery, Memorial Chorten, National Library, Handicrafts emporium and Tashichho Dzong. Drive to Punakha, across the Dochula Pass and visit. Punaka Dzong. Visit a typical farm house where traditional buttered tea with “Zaw” (puffed rice) will be served. See our sponsor’s website for more details about Bhutan trip. They will give you a reason to get up early. Check out their programs to find out how.
How to get there?
Druk Air flies every Monday and Thursday between Kathmandu & Paro- Cost for one way trip is US$ 190 per person & US$ 380 for round trip.The national airline of Bhutan/Druk Air operates with connection from Calcutta, Delhi, Dacca and Bangkok. You may also enter/exit Bhutan by overland transportation, stopping in route at Silkkim & Darjeeling (India). (Air fare schedules & price are subject to change at short notice) Diplomats (holding passport) accredited to Bhutan shall be offered 25% discount in tour cost-minimum 2 Pax and above required. Visitors must book their passage through one of the 80 registered tour operators in Bhutan. They can either approach the operator directly or contact their counterparts abroad.
The minimum daily tariff is set by the Department of Tourism, Bhutan and can not be negotiated. (these rates can be higher, depending on the nature of services desired beyond the set entitlement). The rate is the same for both cultural tours and treks. Photography in some of the Monasteries & Djongs are not allowed. Don’t take 16 mm film camera with you which is prohibited in Bhutan.
Our sponsors have different package tour programs to this unique land. They will give you a reason to get up early. Please check out their Programs to find out how. A trip not be missed in this lifetime!
Bhutan Visa Information
Visa Information Nationals from India and Maldives do not need a visa.
All others will need a visa before arriving.
To obtain a Bhutanese visa, you need the following:
Bhutan Entry Procedure
Tourists visiting Bhutan must travel through an authorized local tour operator on a pre-planned, pre-paid, guided package tour. Independent travel is not permitted. The government stipulates an all-inclusive entry fee per day. Concerned local tour operator is responsible for all logistical arrangements during your stay in Bhutan.
Arriving / Departure by Land The only land entry point for tourists is through the town of Phuentsholing, on the southwestern border with India. If prior arrangements are made it will be possible to exit through the town of Samdrup Jongkhar in the southeast region, which makes an easy entrance point to northeastern India.
Getting Around the Country: There are two ways to travel within Bhutan, by car or on foot, if trekking. There is a basic, but usually well maintained, network of motorable roads across the country. Your tour operator is responsible for arranging all necessary modes of transportation. Tour vehicles are comfortable buses, vans and cars.
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