Itinerary Template

Itinerary Details
1. Name of the itinerary
Birding and Culture
TRIPIFINI NAME Off Birds and Buddhism
2. Primary Activity and Country
Bhutan / Birding
3. Secondary Activity and Country (if any)
Culture
4. Short summary of the trip (optional)
Be blown away in the birding paradise that is Bhutan, learn about its
Buddhist culture and heritage, and explore the ancient temples,
shrines and monasteries across this enchanting land.
5. Highlights of the trip (5-8 bullet points capturing the most
important highlights of the trip)

Hit the best bird-watching areas in the mountain kingdom and

see scores of breeds including the Rufous-bellied
Woodpeckers, Black-capped Sibia, Stripe-throated and Rufousvented Yuhinas.
Visit the Trashichhodzong and the Memorial Chorten, trek up
to the ancient Tango Gompa monastery and stroll through the
Jigme Dorgi National Park.
Experience Bhutans high elevation, mixed evergreen and
broad-leaved forests and visit the Punakha Dzong.
Discover the beautiful, ancient temple of Jambay Lhakhang,
visit the three temples at Kurjey Lhakhang and wander around
the Jakar Dzong.
Explore the Chamkhar valley on foot and visit the Tamzhing
Monastery.
Go on an excursion to visit Chimi Lakhang, the temple of
fertility.
Experience real Bhutanese village life.

6. Degree of difficulty (Easy, Moderate, Difficult, Challenging)

Easy
7. Special skill level required (Y/N)? If yes, please describe the skill
required in a few words.
No
8. Is this trip honeymoon friendly (Y/N)?
Yes
9. Children Allowed (Y/N)?
10. If yes, min. age?
11. Duration on the trip (No. of days and nights)
13 days / 12 nights
12. Fixed start dates and end dates (if any)
No
13. Starting Point and End point
Paro / Paro
14. Nearest International airport on arrival
Paro Airport
15. Nearest International airport on departure
Paro Airport
Is an airport pickup provided?
16. Minimum number of required clients for this trip
17. Maximum number of clients accepted for this trip

18. Please describe the medical and safety arrangements for this
trip
19. Type of accommodation provided?
20. Is the trip customizable (Y/N)?
21. Day by day itinerary with description. For each day, please
include meals and type of accommodation provided.
Day 01 : Arrival in Paro - Thimphu
The flight to Paro, whether flying along the Himalayan range from
Kathmandu or over the foothills from Kolkata, offers fascinating
views and an exciting descent into the Kingdom. Bhutans first gift
as you disembark from the aircraft will be the cool, clean fresh
mountain air.
After immigration formalities and baggage collection, you will be
met by our representative, and will be driven to Thimphu, the
modern capital town of Bhutan. Later, explore this beautiful upland
valley. Relatively dry, the Thimphu valley is surrounded by fine
stands of Blue Pine and temperate evergreen forests. The increasing
human settlement has pushed birding spots at least 10 kilometers
further and now the ideal areas for birding are around the stream
near Motithang and in and around Begana and Cheri villages.
Depending on the time of your arrival, we will spend the rest of the
day birding. Some of the bird species in Thimphu include : Blyths
leaf Warbler, Black earned Kite, Blue whistling Thrush, Brown
Parrotbil, Common Myna, Common Sandpiper, Common Kestrel,
Eurasian Hobby, Fire tailed Sunbird, Greater short toed LarkGolden
spectacled Warbler, Grey backed Shrike, Hodgsons Redstart,
Laughing Thrush, Long tailed Minivet, Oriental Skylark, Oriental
turtle Dove, Oriental white eye, Red rumped Swallow Rufous Sibia,
Ruddy breasted Crake, Spotted throated Yuhina, White browned
Fulvetta, White capped Redstart, Yellow breasted Greenfinch, Brown
Dipper, Black Eagle, Blyths Pipit Black browed Tit, Coal Tit, Common
Buzzard, Eurasian Hoopoe, Eurasian sparrow Hawk, Grey bush Chat,
Grey Wagtail, Grey sided Bush Warbler, House Crow, Large billed
Crow Leomn rumped Warbler, Mountain hawk Eagle, Oriental honey
Buzzard, Olive backed pipit, Plumbeous water Redstart, Rusty
flanked Treecreeper, Red billed Chough, Rock Pigeon , Spotted
laughing Thrush, Tickells leaf Warbler, Whiskered Yuhina and the
White throated laughing Thrush

In the evening, we will visit some of Thimphus cultural sites like

Trashichhodzong - this impressive fortress/monastery houses the
Secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty, the King and
various government offices. It is also the summer residence of Chief
Abbot and central monk body. Later, we will visit the Memorial
Chorten built by the third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck,
as a monument of world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974
after his untimely death, it is both a memorial to the Late King (the
Father of modern Bhutan) and a monument to world peace. The
paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight
into Buddhist philosophy.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu. (Altitude 2400m).
Hotel Name:
Meals Included:
Day 02 : Thimphu :
After breakfast, go on an excursion to Tango Gompa, a monastery,
which was founded by Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa in the 12th century
and the present building was built in the 15th century by the Divine
Madman, Lama Drukpa Kunley. In 1616, Shabdrung Ngawang
Namgyal visited Tango and meditated in a cave near the monastery.
His meditation helped ensure the defeat of an invading Tibetan
army. The head Lama, a descendent of Lama Drukpa Kunley
presented the goemba to Shabdrung, who carved a sandalwood
statue of Chenrezig which he installed in the monastery. The
picturesque three-storey tower and several surrounding buildings
were built in the 18th century by the eighth Desi, Druk Rabgye and
Shabdrung Jigme Chhogyel added the golden roof in the 19th
century. Situated north of Thimphu, one way it takes about 30
minutes drive and one hour walk through shaded rhododendron
forests to reach the monastery.
Enjoy a picnic lunch.
After lunch stroll around a part of the Jigme Dorgi National Park.
(Kingdom of Bhutan established its national park system to protect
important ecosystems, and they have not been developed as tourist
attraction. In many cases people even wont be aware that they are
entering or leaving a national park or wild life sanctuary.)
Jigme Dorji National Park is the largest protected area in the
country, encompassing an area of 4,349 sq. km, covering the
western parts of Paro, Thimphu and Punakha and almost entire area
of Gasa district. The park is habitat of several endangered species

including takin, blue sheep, snow leopard, musk deer, Himalayan

black bear and red panda.
Return to the hotel in the afternoon.
Dinner and Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu (Altitude 2400m).
Hotel Name:
Meals Included:

Day 03 : Thimphu / Punakha (75km, approx 3 hours drive)

After an early breakfast drive to Punakha via Dochu La. Dochu-la
pass located at a height of 3,088m/ 10,130 ft. is a scenic location
with chortens chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate
the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, it may be possible to
see several peaks like Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m),
Terigang (7,060m ), Jejegangphugang (7,158 m), Kangphugang
(7,170 m ), Zongphugang (7, 060 m ), a table mountain that
dominates the isolated region of Lunana - finally Gangkar puensum,
the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m, after this uplifting experience
proceed further to Punakha.
Today you will explore Bhutans high elevation, mixed evergreen and
broad-leaved forests. Common birds here include Darjeeling Pied
and Rufous-bellied Woodpeckers, Black-capped Sibia, Stripethroated and Rufous-vented Yuhinas, Common Hill Partridge, Whitebrowed Fulvetta, a variety of leaf warblers, Golden Bush-robin, Bluefronted Redstart, White-collared Blackbird, Grey Bulbul, Olivebacked Pipit, Green-tailed Sunbird, Dark-breasted Rosefinch, Redheaded Bullfinch, Nutcracker and the extravagantly plumaged
Yellow-billed Blue Magpie.
At lower elevations we should encounter a number of different
species, including Mountain Hawk-Eagle, Eurasian Treecreeper,
Slender-billed Scimitar-Babbler, Golden Bush-Robin, Little and Slatybacked Forktail and the handsome Fire-capped Tit. Kalij Pheasants
may sometimes be seen in the road, while Little and Spotted
Forktails, Red-flanked Bluetails and even Rufous-bellied Bush-robin
may be seen in roadside ditches and culverts.
Depending on your time in Punakha , you can visit the Punakha
Dzong : a fortress and monastery combined, which was built in 1637
by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (1594-1651), who unified Bhutan
and created it as a nation state. Punakha Dzong served as Bhutans
capital until Thimpu took over this role in 1955. This photogenic

dzong, sitting between the Po-chu and Mo-chu (male and female
rivers), houses many sacred temples, including the Machhin
Lhakhang where Shabdrung lies embalmed.
Overnight at the hotel in Punakha (Altitude 1300m).
Hotel Name:
Meals Included:
Day 04 : Punakha (Tashitang Valley Excursion for Birding)
We will rise early in the morning to arrive at these beautiful forests
before dawn. Here, at an elevation of approximately 1,400 metres, it
is noticeably warmer than at most of the elevations encountered so
far on the tour. As a consequence, bird activity is at its greatest in
the cooler early morning. We will spend most of the morning birding
along a broad track that follows the thunderous Mo Chu River
through delightful tracts of broad-leaved forest. The Mo Chu River
and its stony banks and islands often harbour many of the special
birds that make Himalayan rivers such a joy for birdwatchers.
Plumbeous Redstarts and White-capped River Chats feed from
boulders, Brown Dippers flash noisily up and down, Blue Whistling
Thrushes look rather ungainly, and less demonstrative species such
as River Lapwing, the giant Crested Kingfisher, Slaty-backed Forktail
and Ibisbill may also be found. We will be focusing on nesting
Ibisbill, the very rarely observed and globally threatened Whitebellied Heron, River Lapwing, Red-headed Trogon, Grey-headed
Woodpecker, Striated Bulbul, the glowing Little Niltava, all three
tesias (the Chestnut-headed is a gem), Pygmy Blue-Flycatcher,
Pygmy Wren-babbler, the infrequently seen and very striking
Rufous-chinned Laughingthrush, Red-faced Liocichla and the
stunning Scarlet Finch. The Tashitang Valley is a truly beguiling spot,
full of wonderful colours and soul-enriching scenery.
In the forest we may see Himalayan Swiftlet, Great Himalayan, Bluethroated and Golden-throated Barbets, Greater and Lesser Yellownaped Woodpeckers, Maroon Oriole, Ashy and Hair-crested Drongos,
and a wide variety of attractive Himalayan flycatchers, leaf
warblers, flycatcher-warblers, nuthatches, flowerpeckers and
sunbirds. Among the more unusual forest species recorded here are
Bay Woodpecker, Long-tailed Broadbill, Red-headed Trogon, Whitegorgetted Flycatcher and Yellow-vented Warbler, perhaps the most
stunning of the leaf warblers (of the genus Phylloscopus).
We will then return to Punakha and later in the afternoon explore
farther along the river, where we will be on the lookout for Ibisbill
and Bar-headed Geese on the surrounding gravel beds, as well as

migrants such as the lovely Ruddy Shelduck. This valley is an

important migration conduit, and almost anything could turn up. If
we are lucky we could also see Great Black-headed Gulls and rafts of
northern ducks en route to their breeding grounds in Tibet.
Overnight at the hotel in Punakha (Altitude 1300m).
Hotel Name:
Meals Included:
Day 05 : Punakha / Gangtey (85km, approx 3 hrs drive)
After breakfast proceed to Gangtey with en route birding. The drive
is relatively short and we will make a series of brief stops to scan
the river channel. We may see Pallass Gull and Pallass Fishing
Eagle here and add a number of other species to our Bhutanese
list. We will check forest edges and explore some of the small
patches of cultivated ground then continue our search in areas of
productive forest near the end of our journey; here we will be
looking for species such as Blood Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan and the
majestic Himalayan Monal. Past highlights at this location have
included Himalayan Honeyguide, Crested Kingfisher, Tibetan Serin,
Short-billed Minivet and Rufous-bellied Bush-robin. Spotted
Laughingthrush, Yellowish-bellied Bush-warbler, Rusty-flanked
Treecreeper, White-browed Bush Robin and White-winged Grosbeak
also occur here.
The valley of Gangtey is one of the most beautiful spots in Bhutan.
The surprise of finding such a wide, flat valley without any trees
after the hard climb through dense forests is augmented by an
impression of vast space, and extremely rare experience in Bhutan
where most of the valleys are tightly enclosed.
Visit Gangtey Goempa. Perched on a small hill that rises from the
valley floor, the Gangtey Monastery is the only Nyingmapa
monastery on the western side of the Black Mountains and also the
biggest Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan. The Monastery is
surrounded by a large village inhabited mainly by the families of the
140 Gomchens who take care of the Monastery.
Also visit the Black Necked Crane Information center.
Later in the evening explore fascinating Gangtey village.
Overnight at the hotel in Gangtey (Altitude 3000m).

Hotel Name:
Meals Included:
Day 06 : Gangtey Bumthang ( 190, 6 7 hrs drive )
Morning after breakfast drive to Bumthang. En route visit Chendbji
Chorten, patterned on Kathmandus Swayambhunath Stupa, with
eyes painted at four cardinal points. It was built in the 18th century
by Lama Shida from Tibet, to cover the remains of an evil spirit that
was subdued at this spot.
Arrive at Trongsa and visit the Trongsa Dzong , built in 1648 it was
the seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan. Both the first
and second Kings of Bhutan ruled the country from this ancient seat.
All four Kings were invested as Trongsa Penlop (governer) prior to
ascending the throne, and the present Crown Prince now holds the
post. The Dzong is a massive structure with many levels, sloping
down the contours of the ridge on which it is built.
Then drive to Bumthang, 68 km from Trongsa, a journey of about 3
hours, over the Yutong-la pass (3,400m/ 11,155 ft). The road winds
steeply up to the pass, 28 km from Trongsa, then runs down through
coniferous forest into a wide, open cultivated valley known as the
Chumey valley.
On arrival in Bumthang, check in at your Hotel. Evening at leisure.
Overnight at the Hotel in Bumthang.

Hotel Name:
Meals Included:

Day 07 : Bumthang :
Bumthang is the general name given to combination of four valleys
Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura with altitude varying from
2,600m to 4,000m. It is home to many of prominent Buddhist
temples and monasteries.
After breakfast you will visit Jambay Lhakhang. Legend has it that
this temple was one of 108 temples built in a day across the
Himalayas by King Songtsen Goenpo in the 7th Century. It is said
that the temple was built to pin down the left knee of an ogress who
was preventing the spread of Buddhism across the Himalayas. Next
you will visit the three temples at Kurjey Lhakhang. The first temple

is built on the site of a cave containing a rock with the imprint of

Guru Rinpoche's body, and is considered the most holy. The second
temple was built by the first king of Bhutan, His Late Majesty Ugyen
Wangchuck. The third temple is the youngest and was built by the
present Royal Queen Mother, Her Majesty Azhi Kesang Choeden
Wangchuck. These temples are surrounded by 108 small choetens
(Buddhist Stupas) forming a retaining wall, symbolic of each joint of
the human body. After a visit to the Jakar Dzong (Fortress of the
White Bird) you will be taken back to the hotel for lunch. This
afternoon you can explore the other side of Chamkhar valley on foot
and visit Tamzhing Monastery. This is an easy hike and offers great
views of the Jakar Dzong, Wangduechoeling Palace (Summer Palace
of the 2nd King) and Chamkhar valley. Spend this evening at leisure.
Overnight in Bumthang.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro (Altitude 2200m).
Hotel Name:
Meals Included:

Day 08 : Bumthang / Wangdue (205 km aprox , 7 hours

drive)
After breakfast visit the Ta Dzong in Trongsa (closed on weekends ) :
is a living museum and the main lhakhang in the Utse is dedicated
to the Maitreya Buddha (Gyaltsab Jampa), also known as the Future
Buddha. A Khesar Lhakhang is dedicated to Khesar of Ling. The
tower has always been a place of retreat and there are hermits in
practice, including two yogis, who are in life long meditation. The Ta
Dzong is the only structure that has been restored specifically to
tribute the Wangchuck dynasty as Bhutan celebrates the centenary
of the Monarchy
Evening at leisure and overnight at the Hotel in Wangdue
Hotel Name:
Meals Included:
Day 09 : Wangdue Paro ( 125km, 4 hrs )
After breakfast, take a short excursion to Chimi Lakhang, situated on
a hillock in the center of the valley, is dedicated to Lama Drukpa
Kuenley, who in the late 15th century used humor, songs and
outrageous behavior to dramatize his teachings and due to this also
known as Divine Madman. This temple is also known as the temple

of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have

children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are
usually blessed with a child very soon. It is about 30-minute walk
across field from the road to the temple. The trail leads across rice
fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, meaning field. It then follows
a tiny stream downhill to Yoaka and across more fields before
making a short climb to Chimi Lhakhang.
Then on take a short drive to the village of Lobesa for a traditional
farm house excursion. A leisurely walk through the village will give
you rare glimpses into the daily life and lifestyle of the villagers.
Bhutanese farm houses are very colorful, decorative and
traditionally built without the use of single nail. The majority of the
population of Bhutan continues to live as it has for centuries in
small isolated farms and hamlets, surrounded by terraced fields of
rice, maize and buckwheat.
After lunch drive back to Paro, en route visit Simtokha Dzong, built
in 1627 is the oldest in Bhutan. It now houses the Institute for
Language and Culture Studies.
Upon arrival check in at the hotel. Evening at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Hotel Name:
Meals Included:
Day 10 : Paro :
After breakfast visit Ta Dzong , once a watchtower, built to defend
Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars of the 17th century. Ta
Dzong was inaugurated as Bhutan's National Museum in 1968. It
holds fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkha
paintings and Bhutan's exquisite postage stamps. The museum
circular shape augments its varied collection displayed over several
floors. Afterwards, walk down a hillside trail to visit Rinpung Dzong,
which has a long and fascinating history. Built in 1646 by Shabdrung
Ngawang Namgyal , the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan,
the Dzong houses the monastic body of Paro, the office of the
Dzongda (district administrative head) and Thrimpon (judge) of Paro
district. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered
bridge called Nemi Zam. A walk across the bridge, over a stone
inlaid path, offers a good view of the architectural wonder of the
Dzong as well as life around it. It is also the venue of Paro Tshechu,
held once a year in the spring.

In the afternoon we will drive to Drukgyel Dzong. This Dzong, with a

delightful village nestling at its foot, was built in 1646 by Shabdrung
Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan
invaders. Historically, and strategically, this Dzong withstood all its
glory and was featured in 1914 vide National Geographic magazine.
The glory of Drukgyel Dzong remained even when its was destroyed
by fire in 1951. On a clear day, one can see the commanding view of
Mount. Chomolhari from the village below the Dzong.
On the way back to the hotel, visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang,
one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King,
Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction
of Buddhism in Bhutan.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro (Altitude 2200m).
Hotel Name:
Meals Included:
Day 11 : Paro :
Morning excursion to Taktshang Lakhang (5hrs hike total optional),
perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro Valley floor , it is
undoubtedly one of the most famous of Bhutans monasteries. Lore
has it that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and
meditated at this monastery thus the name Tigers Nest. This site
has been recognized as a most sacred place and visited by
Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all
Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April, 1998, a fire
severely damaged the main structure of building but now this
Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendor.
Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at the Hotel in Paro.
Hotel Name:
Meals Included:
Day 12 : Paro (Chelela Excursion, for Birding)
We will set off very early for the long drive up to the impressive
Chele La pass on the road to Haa, which at a breathtaking 3,780
meters is an excellent spot for seeing the spectacular Himalayan
Monal. This has to be one of the most colorful and strikingly
patterned of all the worlds many pheasants. We hope to see the
adult male at relatively close range as it shows off its iridescent

blue, indigo, green and black plumage. It is an extraordinary

experience to see one flying off, displaying its white back patch and
uttering its wild, ringing cry, and is a spectacle that seems to
epitomize high Himalayan birding. Typical species here include
Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Grey Nightjar, Yellow-billed Blue Magpie,
Spotted (or Eurasian) Nutcracker, Long-tailed Minivet, Coal, Greycrested and Rufous-fronted Tits, Black-faced Laughingthrush, Whitebrowed Fulvetta, Rufous-vented Yuhina, Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher,
Buff-barred Warbler, Red-flanked Bluetail, Blue-fronted Redstart,
Long-tailed Thrush, White-collared Blackbird, Mrs. Goulds Sunbird,
Oliver-backed Pipit, the huge Collared Grosbeak, White-winged
Grosbeak, and White-browed and Dark-rumped Rosefinches. With a
bit of luck, we will find some Altai Accentors lingering in their winter
quarters.
From Chele La we will travel by road for a couple of hours back to
Paro, with some birding stops en route. Then it will be time for a
well-deserved rest!
Overnight at the hotel in Paro (Altitude 2200m).
Hotel Name:
Meals Included:
Day 13 : Depart Paro :
After breakfast transfer to the Airport for your onward journey

CLOSING DAYS OF SOME OF THE MONUMENTS MENTIONED IN THE ITINERARY:

Ta Dzong Paro (national museum) : Closed on Govt Holidays

National Library Thimphu : closed on Sat, Sun & Government Holidays

Folk Heritage Museum - Thimphu : closed on Government Holidays and on

Sat open from 10.30 a.m to 1.00 p.m and on Sun open from 11.30 a.m to
3.00 p.m

Textile Musuem Thimphu : Closed on Government Holidays and on Sun

and on Sat open from 9.00 a.m to 4 p.m

Simply Bhutan Closed on Sundays

Institute of Zorig Chusum (Arts & Crafts School) - Thimphu : Closed on

Sun & Government Holidays and on Sat open from 10 a.m to 12 oclock.
Also closed in winter (Dec-early March

Cost Details
23. Cost of the trip for Single Occupancy and Double Occupancy
(per person). If costs vary depending on season, please specify
seasonal prices for different seasons along with the months
applicable.
Eg: High Season 1 Feb to April - $2700
Low Season May to July - $2000
High Season 2 August October - $2600
24. Please specify the months during which this trip is not possible
Eg: November, December
25. Please specify the services/facilities/activities included in the
cost. (e.g. all meals, transport to and from airport)
26. Please mention services/facilities/activities not included in the
cost. (e.g. alcohol, portage)
27. Please describe the kind of meals provided on this itinerary

Planning Details
28. Please list the visas, travel documents and special permits
required for this itinerary along with information on how to arrange
for them. Please do not include visa costs as they can change
without notice. Advisory on which websites to get visa information
from and the general time taken for getting a visa will be useful.
Please note that you are responsible for checking your
destination country's visa requirements and then getting
the visa accordingly.
Further, most countries require travelers to have a passport
that is valid from at least 6 months from the day of entry
into the country, so please confirm that you satisfy your
destination country or countries passport, visa and medical
(if any) requirements well in advance of your trip.
29. Please describe the physical fitness/skill preparations you
recommend for this itinerary.

30. Please describe any health and safety requirements for this trip.
(Eg: Personal medical kit to be carried, immunizations needed,
medical conditions that may prevent one from participating in this
itinerary, etc.)
Health and Vaccination
No vaccination is currently required for entry into Bhutan. If the guest is arriving
from a country infected with yellow fever, then a vaccine for the same is required
to be taken. In case of arrival from a Cholera infected area then officials may ask
for evidence of Cholera vaccination. Anti malarial medication is recommended
for all travelers to Bhutan who are visiting rural areas in the districts that border
India.
It is suggested that to assemble a travelers medical kit appropriate to
destination, length of trip and general health. On a tour in Bhutan, there are long
drives, and roads are winding so medication for motion sickness is strongly
suggested. One should also pack an adequate supply of any prescribed
medications you may require while traveling.
Travelers who plan to visit Bhutan should consult a physician about high-altitude
travel. After a brief period of acclimatization, most people do not suffer from
altitude sickness; but elderly travelers or those with high blood pressure or heart
conditions need to exercise caution at high altitudes.
Health Precaution:
Avoid tap water and stick to mineral water, easily available everywhere. Roads
between cities are winding so medication for motion sickness is strongly
suggested. Kindly carry an adequate supply of any prescribed medications while
traveling.
Travel Insurance
Adequate travel insurance is important for your personal safety. Mountain and
other adventure sports enthusiasts should have insurance that covers trekking,
climbing and mountain biking.

31. Please indicate the essential clothing and packing list for this
itinerary.
32. Other useful tips (e.g. Batteries are not easily available in this
region, please bring along ample stock.)
Currency:
Ngultrum is the local currency of Bhutan. It is equal in value to the Indian Rupees
which is frequently used in place of Ngultrum. All major currencies like US
Dollars, Sterling Pounds, Euros, Indian Rupees etc. and travelers cheque can be
exchanged at the Paro Airport, Banks and Hotels.
Also Indian Rupee is acceptable all over Bhutan except Rs 500 and Rs 1000
currency notes. Credit Cards have limited acceptability and payment through
credit card is accepted mainly by deluxe hotels and few selected Handicrafts
establishments only.
There are ATMs in Bhutan but currently they only operate with their respective
Bhutanese banks. Since the ATMs currently do not function with outside banks,
ATM facility cannot be used by visitors. Travelers checks / cash are best option if
you need additional money.

Power Backup:
Here, electricity runs on 220/ 240 volts, with a circular two pin and three pin
power outlets. For all electrical appliances that you bring with you, please carry
the appropriate adapters. Thimphu is the only city where this may be available.
Language:
English is widely spoken by an average Bhutanese. However, the official language
of Bhutan is Dzonkha, though many regions have retained their dialects due to
their isolation.
Cuisine:
Bhutanese cuisine generally consists of steamed rice (red and white) with a
varied choice of spicy curries, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. Most hotels
provide meals buffetstyle. There are usually continental, Indian, Chinese and
Bhutanese dishes. The food in hotels is often the best in town, but in main towns
now there are few restaurants increasingly becoming popular.
All tourist hotels have good selection of international and Bhutanese beverages
and also there are enough options for Vegetarians too.
Communication
All major towns and cities have basic communication facilities, including phone,
fax, and email service. Local and international calls can be made from all hotels
and public phone booths for a fee. Cell phones with a Bhutanese SIM card can
also be used in most urban places and some rural places as well, and can be used
with a commonly available pre-paid mobile voucher.
Standard mail service in Bhutan is handled by Bhutan Post, and is commonly
found throughout the country. DHL and Federal Express now offer courier services
from Thimphu.
Internet facilities are continuously increasing in number and can be found in
major cities and towns. Although there are many of the Internet cafes still rely on
a dial-up connection, which can be very slow, high speed wireless and broadband
can be found in certain areas.
Transportations
All mode of transport with in Bhutan is by road. The motorable roads are well
maintained and connect most of the places. However the mountainous terrain and
winding road restrict the average driving speed of vehicle to about 35 km per
hour.
We use Hyundai Tucson/ Santa Fe for a team of 1 2 guests. A Toyota Hiace mini
van for a team of 3 6 guests and a deluxe Toyota coaster for a group of 7 18
guests. All these vehicles are periodically checked and maintained.
Media
Newspapers
Kuensel, Bhutan Observer and The Bhutan Times are the local newspapers
published in English. Kuensel is also published in local language Dzongkha and
Nepali. The Newspaper is also available online: www.kuenselonline.com,
www.bhutantimes.com, www.bhutanobserver.bt
Radio & Television
Bhutan Broadcasting Service has programs in Dzongkha, English and Nepali.
Television started in year 2000 and various channels are now available such as
BBC, CNN, Discovery, Star TV and ESPN.
Photography

Bhutans landscape, buildings and people are some of the most photogenic in the
world. While photographic local people, it is always better to take permission first.
There are certain places such as monasteries and temples, where photography is
prohibited however there is no restriction on photographing Dzongs (fort or
fortress) and Goembas (monastery) from outside. Avoid taking pictures of
military installations.
Shopping and Souvenirs
Most common souvenirs include postage stamps, lovely hand-woven fabrics,
carved masks, woven baskets, thangkhas, wooden bowls, handmade paper and
finely-crafted metal objects. In Bhutan, the buying and / or selling of antiques is
strictly forbidden.
Tipping
Tipping is not compulsory for tour, nor there is any fixed amount for this.
Nevertheless, the bottom line in determining whether and how much to tip is to
ask yourself how much the individual contributed to make your travels more
enjoyable.

33. Keywords: Please provide 10 words that are best associated with
this itinerary names of rivers, tourist hot spots, cultural events,
people, etc. These will be used to help clients identify this itinerary
through the bokengo.com search.
34. Climate/Vegetation/Wildlife (Please describe the Climate,
Vegetation and Wildlife that a client can expect in the high season
as well as the low season)
Autumn (Late September to Late November) is the ideal time for trekking
and for travelling throughout the country, when skies are generally clear
and the high mountain peaks rise to a vivid visible against clear blue sky.
Spring, (Mid-March to May), is recognized as the second best time to visit
Bhutan for touring and trekking. Although you may experience more
clouds and rain than in the autumn, you can also get good view of the
high Himalayan peaks. The magnificent rhododendrons, magnolias and
other wildflowers are in bloom and birdlife is abundant.
The monsoon usually arrives in early June and lasts till mid-September.
Light to heavy rain expected mainly in the afternoons and evenings.
Winter (December to early March), the sky is bright and sunny but cold,
especially when the sun hides behind the mountains in the mornings and
evenings. At night, the temperature falls below zero.

35. Please send at least 5 full page pictures of the trip. (Highresolution pictures that cover more than half of a laptop screen at
100% zoom work well)