Duration: 3 Nights/4 Days
Accommodation: Hotels
Activities: Cultural Exploration., Farm house visit
Trip Grading: Easy
Trip Type: Popular
Group Size: 1-10 pax
Start From: Paro
Finish In: Paro
Best Season: March and April, September through November

Trip Introduction
A Glimpse of Bhutan, as the name suggests, is a short trip suitable for the travelers with time constraint. If you are traveling to India or Nepal, it will be a good idea to take this trip as add on or extension. You can fly to Paro from Indian cities of Kolkatta or from Kathmandu or if you are traveling Sikkim and Darjeeling, you can also travel overland.

This trip covers the two major cities of Bhutan-Paro and Thimpu. Paro has the only airport of Bhutan and has a few famous Dzongs. You will have opportunity to visit some farm houses and interact with the local and experience the rural life. Thimpu is the capital city of the tiny kingdom of Bhutan. Besides Dzongs and administrative centers, you will visit the museums, arts school, libraries and textile emporiums which give you an insight to the Bhutanese culture and tradition. If you are in Thimpu during week-ends, do not forget to visit the week-end market.

Detail Itinerary

Day 01: Flight to Paro and drive to Thimpu
On flight, we will enjoy the breath taking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Mount Chomolhari and Jichu Drake of Bhutan. Upon arrival at Paro airport, we are met by our guide and we drive to Thimpu-the capital City of Bhutan. This 2 hour drive snakes along the Paro and Thimphu rivers offering gorgeous scenic views at every turn. After lunch, visit the sights such as Memorial Chorten, National Library, Handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles and Painting School etc. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.

Day 02: Thimphu-Paro
Visit Simtokha Dzong-the oldest fortress of Bhutan, Tashichho Dzong - the main Secretariat Building, that houses king's throne and state monastic body, Pangri Zampa Monastery-the residence of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel . In the late afternoon, drive back to Paro.

Day 03 At Paro
Visit Drugyal Dzong -a ruined fortress - 16 km away from Paro town from where you can also enjoy the views of Mount Chomolhari "Abode of the Goddess Chomo". On the way back from Drugyal Dzong, we will visit a typical Bhutanese farm house.After lunch in the hotel, we will visit the National Museum (Ta-Dzong), which originally was the Watch Tower of the Paro Rinchen Pong Dzong. Visit Paro Rinchen Pong Dzong- the administrative seat of the district of Paro and it also contains a state monastic community of about 200 monks.

In option to the visits of Dzong, you can take Takstang Monastery Hike. The monastery is perched on a rocky ledge with a sheer drop of nearly 800m and overlooks the Paro Valley and river. The round trip hike takes about 4 hrs.

Evening free to stroll in Paro to shop or to visit some village homes

Day 04 Paro-Departure
We are transferred to airport for our flight to next destination.

Trips Highlights

• Thimpu-Memorial Chorten, National Library, Handicrafts Emporium, Painting, Simtokha Dzong, Tashicho Dzong, Pangri Zampa Monastery
• Thimpu week-end market
• Paro-Drugyal Dzong, Farm houses, Ta Dzong, Paro Rinchen Dzong
• Paro-Takstang Monastery

Dates and Prices
Start and End dates - Flexible
US$ 740 per person ( Single Traveler)
US$ 720 per person ( 2 pax)
US$ 620 per person (3 pax+)
Druk Airfares are extra.

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
• Expenses of personal nature such as drinks, tip, laundry, phone etc.
• Extra expenses 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%