INDIA & THE SUBCONTINENT Punakha Valley
BHUTAN THE DRAGON KINGDOM 15 Days from £3495 pp twin share with flights
A two week exploration of the highlights of Bhutan, combined with Kathmandu.
DAYS 1/2 – Kathmandu Jet airways fl ight from Heathrow via Delhi to Kathmandu for 2 nights at the Radisson Hotel.
Trongsa Dzong Punakha Valley
DAY 3 – Kathmandu A day at leisure in Kathmandu with a range of optional excursions including an early morning fl ight over Mt. Everest, a visit to the fabulous ‘Monkey Temple’ of Swayanbhunath, a visit to the Buddhist city of Patan or the bustling bazaars of Kathmandu’s labyrinthine streets
DAY 4 – Thimphu
Fly to Bhutan and travel to the capital, Thimphu for 2 nights at the Riverview Hotel.
DAY 5 – Thimphu A day’s sightseeing includes the magnifi cent Taschicho Dzong, the spiritual and political heart of Bhutan, the Folk Heritage Museum and the Arts and Crafts Institute of Zorig Chosum.
DAY 6 – Punakha Scenic drive through the rhododendron forests and over Dochu-La Pass to Punakha. En route take a short walk to the Khamsum Yuelling temple. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the riverside and a walk across the second largest suspension bridge in the world over Pho-chu River. Visit the Punakha Dzong; the largest in the country and the nation’s capital from 1637-1955. Overnight at Punatsangchhu Resort.
DAY 7 – Bumthang
Scenic passes and local villages on the way to the Bumthang Valley. Stay for 3 nights at the Mountain Lodge.
WALKING & TREKKING IN BHUTAN Bhutan’s dramatic mountains and remote valleys provide walkers with the perfect opportunity to experience the heart of the country and interact with villagers along the way. Day walks to longer hikes including nights under canvas are all available. These walks take in some of the country’s most famous sights including the impressive dzongs and reveal unspoilt villages and old palaces along the way.
DAYS 8/9 – Bumthang 2 days are spent exploring this scenic and culturally fascinating valley. Visits include the Jambay and Kurje Lhakang and a walk to Tamshing temple to see 300 year old wall paintings. Explore the old palace of Wangduecholing and take part in a cookery lesson.
DAY 10 – Punakha Return to Punkaha and the Punatsangchhu Resort over the passes with a visit to the monastery fortress of Wangdiphodrang.
DAY 11 – Paro Drive to Paro for 2 nights at the Udumwara Resort and enjoy an afternoon visit to the national museum and walk down to the Paro Dzong with its classic Bhutanese architecture. Situated high above the Paro Valley, the spectacular views from this ‘Temple of Heaven’ are simply breathtaking.
Special Something DAY 12 – Paro
Enjoy a spectacular walk up to the heights of the 300-year-old Tiger’s Nest Monastery – the highlight of Bhutan. End the day with a visit to the now ruined Drugyel Dzong.
DAYS 13/14 – Kathmandu Return to Kathmandu for 2 nights at the Radisson Hotel. Free time to explore Kathmandu further. Farewell Nepalese dinner.
DAY 15 Fly with Jet Airways via Delhi to Heathrow. Festivals of Bhutan
FESTIVALS OF BHUTAN Bhutan’s colourful festivals or ‘Tsechus’ are a real highlight with the locals seeming to enjoy the activities as much as the visitors. Many of the Dragon Kingdom Escorted journey departures take in these celebrations including Thimphu, Paro, Bumthang ‘Tsechus’ and the Black Neck Crane Festival. Please ask our Sales Team for further details.
Our departures are timed to coincide with the festival dates as follows: Paro – 16 Mar ‘13, 11 & 22 Mar ‘14 Bumthuang – 17 Apr ‘13 & 11 Nov ‘13 Jambay Lhakhang Drub – 13 Oct ‘13 Black Neck Crane – 4 Nov ‘13 Thiumphu – 11 Sep ‘13
16 Mar ‘13 £3495
11 Nov ‘13 £3595
17 Apr ‘13 £3495
11 Mar ‘14 £3695
11 Sep ‘13 £3595
22 Mar ‘14 £3695
13 Oct ‘13 £3595
12 Apr ‘14 £3695
04 Nov ‘13 £3595 -
- Visit our website for further information –
www.balesworldwide.com 73
Escorted
DEPARTURES
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