Ura Yakchoe Bumthang May 11, 2011 - May 17, 2011
Ura is a beautiful village set amidst a pristine highland meadow. The village has retained its traditional character and holds its own festival that offers an insight into lives of the rural Bhutanese.

you have the options to fly into Paro Bhutan from the following Buddha Air and Druk Air stations mentioned below:

Delhi (India), Departs from Delhi at 0545

Kolkota (India), Departs from Kolkota at 0735

Kathmandu (Nepal), Departs from Kathmandu at 0820 (Buddha and Druk Air)

Bangkok (Thailand), Departs from Bangkok at 0550

Or Overland via Phuntsholing (Southern border town of Bhutan with India)

 

Flexible Itinerary of Ura Yakchoe Bumthang May 11, 2011 - May 17, 2011

Day 1 (11 May, Wednesday): Arrive Paro
Drukair flights to Bhutan provide the most fascinating views of Himalayan scenery. During the flight, on a clear day, you can see breathtaking views of the Himalaya Mountains, including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan. On arrival you will be greeted by our representative and transfer to your hotel. After lunch, visit Ta Dzong built in 17th century as a watchtower for Paro Dzong. This Dzong was later converted into the national Museum in 1967 and is filled with antique Thangka paintings, textiles, weapons and armor. Then walk down the trail to visit the Paro Dzong. It was built in 17th century and now houses government offices and religious institutions. Then you will visit Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country built by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo in 8th century. In the evening you can stroll through the Paro market and town. Overnight hotel in Paro.

Day 2 (12 May, Thursday): Paro-Thimphu
This morning you will hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan’s most famous monastery. It is absolutely breathtaking, situated at 10,400 feet and perched on the edge of a steep cliff about 3,000 feet above the Paro Valley. Guru Rinpoche, the 8th century spiritual master is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. Lunch is served in the Cafeteria Restaurant, located about halfway up on the mountain. Explore the monastery and, if you wish, you can sit for a short meditation before you hike back down to the valley floor. This evening you will drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.

Day 3 (13 May, Friday): Thimphu
After breakfast you will visit the King's Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), the radio tower (for a great view of Thimphu Valley and the Thimphu Dzong), and the zoo, which contains the national animal of Bhutan: the takin. From there you will visit the nunnery temple, the School of Arts and Crafts (also known as the painting school). After a relaxing lunch, you will visit the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, a traditional Bhutanese paper factory and local gold and silver crafting unit. Evening is the free time to stroll in Thimphu town. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.

Day 4 (14 May, Saturday): Thimphu-Wangdue
In the morning you will catch a busy weekend market at the bank of Thimphu River where people from nearby villages come here to sell their farm products. You can stroll through the market to see the variety of food of the country, including basket upon basket of fiery chilies, fresh cheese, and mangoes. In addition, many stalls contain Bhutanese handicrafts and household items. It's fun to wander the aisle, taking in the bustling atmosphere of the market. Perhaps this market scene offers wonderful opportunity for photographs and to mingle with local people. After lunch, enjoy the scenic drive to Wangdue with a stop for tea at the Dochu La pass (10,170 feet), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the eight northern Himalayan ranges. From the pass we drive downhill through forests of rhododendron, fir and hemlock. You will arrive in Wangdue after traveling through rice field and along the bank of river. On the way, you will visit Chimi Lhakhang, which is a fertility temple dedicated to the Divine Madman (Lama Drukpa Kuenley). People across the country come to this special temple to get a fertility blessing. If you wish, receive a blessing from the Lama’s wooden phallus! Overnight hotel in Wangdue.

Day 5 (15 May, Sunday): Wangdue-Bumthang
After early breakfast you will drive to Bumthang, the cultural heartland of the country. The route is along a spectacular winding road, crossing 10,827-feet-high Pele La pass. At certain times of the year it is possible to see yaks here. You will stop for lunch in Trongsa and afterwards visit the Trongsa Dzong, the masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture. Continuing on to Bumthang, you will pass through lush valleys and hilly forests. Along the way stop at a yathra (textile weaving) factory, where the yathras are designed with patterns unique to Bumthang, and you can watch some of the weavers at their looms. Upon arrival you check into yourr hotel and enjoy dinner and overnight hotel in Bumthang.

Day 6 (16 May, Monday): Bumthang
Attend full day Ura Yakcho Festival.

Day 7 (17 May, Tuesday): Bumthang (day excursion to Tang Valley)
Today, you will make an enjoyable excursion to the Tang valley, which is the most remote valley in Bumthang. While is the Tang, you will visit 16th century Ugyen Chholing Palace or the country manor, which is now turned into a museum. The well-captioned exhibits offer insights into lifestyle of a Bhutanese noble family. You will also explore nearby villages. On the way back to town, you will see Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake), where some of Guru Rinpoche's treasures were found in the 15th century by the famous treasure discoverer Pema Lingpa. Overnight hotel in Bumthang.

Day 8 (18 May, Wednesday): Bumthang-Punakha
You begin our day at the Bumthang market, and then drive to Punakha. Along the way you will visit the typical Bhutanese town of Wangdue with its dramatic Dzong perched on a ridge at the bend of a river. The nearby villages are known for their slate and stone carvings. Overnight hotel in Punakha.

Day 9 (19 May, Thursday): Punakha-Thimphu
After breakfast, you will visit the Punakha Dzong, which is stunningly situated in between the male and female rivers like an anchored ship. Then drive to Thimphu via Dochu La Pass. On the way, visit the new Druk Wangyal Monastery, which is the only of its kind in the country, with elaborate paintings depicting the lineage of the present monarchy and their visionary works. Afternoon is free time to explore Thimphu town and absorb the lifestyle of the people. If you are lucky, you can see an archery match going on in Changlingmithang stadium. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.

Day 10 (20 May, Friday): Thimphu-Paro
After breakfast, you will drive to Paro. Check into your hotel on arrival. In the afternoon, you will visit a Bhutanese farmhouse to explore the lifestyle of a Bhutanese farmer. If you wish, enjoy an “ara” a local wine produced by a brewery of wheat or rice. Overnight hotel in Paro.

Day 11 (21 May, Saturday): Depart Paro
Early breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to onward destination.

Trips Highlights

• Ura Yakchoe Festival
• Paro Rinphung Dzong.
• National Museum.
• Takstang Monastery.
• Drugyal Dzong.
• Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang Dzongs.
• Chimi Lakhang-the The Temple of Divine Madman.
• Bumthang Valleys.
• Trongsa Dzong.
• Week-end market and archery competition of Thimphu.
• Textile Museum, the Heritage Museum, mini Zoo etc in Thimphu.

Dates and Prices
Ura Yakchoe Bumthang May 11, 2011 - May 17, 2011
US$ 2495 for a single traveler
US$ 2350 per person for a party of 2 people
US$ 2220 for a party of 3 persons or more
US$ 275 Single Room Supplement
Internal Airfares (Subject to change) - US$ 790

Trip Cost Includes
• Accommodation on twin sharing.
• All transfers and sightseeing as on itinerary.
• Three meals a day,
• English speaking local Tour Guide.
• Sightseeing admission fee.
• Bhutan visa fee.

Trip Cost Does Not Includes
• Airfare to and out of Bhutan (Separately quoted).
• Expenses of personal nature such as drinks, tip, laundry, phone etc.
• Extra expenses or loss due to nature and unforeseen events.
• Travel Insurance

Equipment
The following basic equipments check lists should help you with your packing. Please remember that you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum. At the start of the trek your packed trek bag should not weigh more than 33 pounds or 15 kg.

Head:
- Sun hat or scarf
- Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
- Sunglasses with UV protection

Lower Body:
- Under Garments
- Hiking shorts
- Lightweight cotton long pants
- Light and expedition weight thermal bottoms
- Fleece or wool pants
- Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants

Feet:
- Thin, lightweight inner socks
- Thick, warm wool hiking socks
- Hiking boots with spare laces
- Camp shoes (sneakers and/or sandals) Gaiters for hiking in winter to the base camp

Upper Body:
- T-shirts
- Light and expedition weight thermal tops
- Fleece jacket or pullover
- Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional)
- Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
- Down vest and/or jacket *

Hands:
- Lightweight gloves
- Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof shell outer

Accessories:
- Sleeping bag rated to zero degrees F *
- Headlamp (e.g. Petzl Zoom) with spare bulbs and batteries
- Small pad or combination lock-to-lock
- Trekking Bags *
- Basic First Aid Kit *
- Large plastic bags - for keeping items dry insidetrekbag
- Daypack (approximately 2500 to 3000 cubic inches)
- Thermarest sleeping pad
- Water bottles
- Toiletries (Small wash towel, Toilet papers etc)

Toiletries:
- 1 medium sized quick drying towel
- Tooth brush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
- Multipurpose soap (preferably biodegradable)
- Deodorants
- Nail clippers
- Face and body moisturizer
- Feminine hygiene products
- Small mirror

Personal Hygiene:
- Wet wipes (baby wipes)
- Tissue /toilet roll

Extras/Luxuries:
- Binoculars
- Reading book
- Trail Map/Guide book
- Journal & Pen
- Walkman
- Pencils and small notebooks
- Travel game i.e. chess, backgammon, scrabble

Travel Notes

GEOGRAPHY
Bhutan, "The Land of Thunder Dragon" as it is known to foreign countries, is perhaps the last Shangri-La in the earth. Sandwiched by India and China (Tibet) the kingdom is spread over 18000 sq. miles with variety of climate in different region. The people here are mostly Buddhist and Hindu.

GETTING IN & OUT
Bhutan is least air connected country in the world. Only Druk Air, the national flag carrier of Bhutan links Bhutan with other country. Those, who wish to enter by air, Paro is linked to Kathmandu, Calcutta, Delhi, Bangkok and Dhaka. There are flights to these destinations at least twice a week. For schedule and other information please write to us.

The other option of traveling to Bhutan is by land and the entry point is Phuntsholing (Indo- Bhutan Border). Phuntsholing is 08 hours drive from Kakarvitta (Indo - Nepal Border) and THIMPU is 6 hours from Phuntsholing. Please note, if you wish to enter by land you will need Indian visa as you will be traveling in India for a day (From Nepal Border to Phuntsholing). Indian Visa fee is not included in the trip cost and can be obtained in Kathmandu or in your home country.

VISA & FORMALITIES
All foreigners are required to have a valid passport for a minimum of 6 months and must send in the following details of passport at least 30 days in advance of the trip : Name - as in Passport, Nationality, Passport No. Date of expire, Profession, 3 Photograph (P.P. Size) and date of birth. Visa fee is US$ 20 per person for first two weeks and extension will be US$ 20 for each two weeks.

Visa is not provided abroad but stamped upon arrival in Paro airport or Phuntsholing. Please note without the visa clearance no from THIMPU, Druk air does not issue your ticket to Paro. Therefore, confirmation of any trip as early as possible will make it easier for you to get the flight tickets. We handle all the visa process once we receive confirmation from your side.

ACCOMMODATION AND TRANSPORT
Accommodation is always in hotel while you are in town like Paro, THIMPU, WANGDI PHODRANG, PUNAKHA etc. All the hotels and guest houses are regularly monitored by the government and are all tourist class. It is not possible to have the budget rates and budget class hotels in Bhutan as in other countries as the rates are all fixed by the government. While in off season you will have the choice of staying in the hotels you wish but during the peak season you will have to settle on whichever is available. But till now there has not been any kind of dissatisfaction as all the hotels are tourist class.

While in trek the organizer of your trip arranges all the required equipment with horse or yaks for trekking to carry the equipment and food. An expert guide will escort you and a helper will arrange all the necessities necessities.

Latest brand or the deluxe vehicles are used for tourist transfers and is usually included in the prices so it is not possible to have the separate rate for separate sectors. Mostly Japanese vehicles are used in Bhutan for transfers.

MEDICAL AND HEALTH
Except for some treks, any one who is physically fit can join our tours and treks. Treks, which include altitude of 4000 m or higher are more difficult because of high altitude and therefore requires a certificate of fitness. There are modern hospitals in Paro and in THIMPU for emergency purpose but your precaution is the only way to be healthy if you are traveling to remote areas of the country. It is therefore advised to have through check up with your doctor before heading to Bhutan.

WEATHER AND CLIMATE
The best time to visit Bhutan is March, April, May, September & October since this period provides clear blue sky, and plenty of greenery. Winter (Dec, January, February) will be too cold since the temperature will be well below zero degree. Summer (June, July, August) is pleasant but wet due to the monsoon. Autumn (September, October, November) is similar to spring but a bit warmer and also the best time to visit. However please see the tours and treks sections for specific time to visit the specific areas.

CLOTHING
Light warm clothing are always recommended since it is a hilly country (even in summer). A pair of comfortable shoes for walking, some spare T-shirts, trousers, sun glass, sun hats, pullovers are always necessary. During winter warm clothing are a must.

MONEY MATTERS
Bhutanese currency is called NGULTRUM and the rate is US$ 1= NG 46 approx. Only few hotels and outlets accept credit cards in Bhutan. So it is best to have some CASH US$ for your expenses and even better to have it on small bills.

TIME
Bhutan is 6 hours ahead (+) of GMT, 30 Minutes ahead of India and 15 Minutes ahead of Nepal.

FAQ

Frequently Ask Questions

Here you will find answers to some of our most frequently asked questions. If you still have any doubts or queries do not hesitate to contact us. 1. Where is Bhutan located? Bhutan is located in South Asia within the eastern Himalayas. It is bordered by China in the north and the Indian states Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Assam and West Bengal in the east, west and south. 2. Who is Bhutan Himalayas Guide? Himalayas Guide is a Government Licensed Tour Operator who organizes a wide range of tours, Cultural, Textile, Festival, Flora & Fauna, Bird watching, Religious, Photography, Hiking, Trekking, Honeymoon vacations and other adventures. 3. Is Himalayas Guide, a secure site? Yes, it is licensed by the Government of Nepal with the consultation of the Department of Tourism 4. Why should I choose Himalayas Guide? Himalayas Guide is a one of the most renowned and sophisticated ventures which offers you exciting trekking and luxurious travelling services. 5. How much will my package cost? The Government fixes the tourist tariff in Bhutan. High season: Cultural/Trekking – US$ 200/- per day per person Low Season: Cultural/ Trekking – US$ 165/- per day per person Surcharge: Single Individual – US$ 40/- Per night per person. Group of two      - US$ 30/- Per night per person.       Peak season months:  March, April, and May, September, October & November. Off season Months:  June, July, and August, December, January & February. 6. How does the booking process work? The booking process is all done by e-mail and by fax/phone. 7. How do I contact Himalayas Guide? Throughout the year, by e-mail: info@himalayasguide.com 8. Do you offer discounts for children & students? We offer 50% discount for children from ages 6 to 12 accompanied by parents/guardians and 25% discount for students below 25 years of age with proper ID. 9. What is included in my trip package? The tour package includes airport transfers, accommodation on a twin sharing basis, all meals, land transport within Bhutan, sightseeing tour guide and museum fees. Pack and riding pony if applicable. 10. Tell me more about the tour & trek itinerary? The entire itinerary is not fixed. It depends on one’s interest, whether cultural, festivals /trekking or a combination. 11. How do I pay for bookings with Himalayas Guide? All the tour payments must be made in advance. Payment should be deposited through the Nepal National Bank account , whose names and addresses will be provided by us after the confirmation of your trip. 12. When will I get my trip confirmation? Within 8 hours of your booking unless it is Saturday or a government holiday in Nepal, as they are closed on those days. 13. What airline will I fly on and from where?  Buddha Air and Druk Air are operating to Bhutan, Durk Air -national airline and fly from any of these destinations :  Bangkok (Thailand), Delhi and Kolkota (India), Kathmandu (Nepal) and Bangladesh (Dhaka) , but Buddha Air From Kathmandu- Paro - Kathmandu 14. What if I need to cancel my trip at the last moment? The tour programmes booked and subsequently cancelled are subjected to cancellation charges as follows: Within ..... 21 days    10% of the rate Within     ..14 days     15% of the rate Within      ..7 days      30% of the rate Less than 7 days   50% of the rate After arrival in Bhutan 100%