The Kingdom of Bhutan remained largely cut off from the rest of the world up until the early 1960’s.
The tourism in Bhutan is based on the principle of sustainability, meaning that tourism must be environmentally and ecologically friendly, socially and culturally acceptable and economically viable. Tourism has been strictly limited in Bhutan in order to preserve and nurture the traditional culture.
Visitors must have a visa prior to arriving in Bhutan. Visas are granted by the government in Bhutan, subject to advance booking of tour arrangements.. Exotic Journeys International will obtain visas for its clients. It may take about 60 days for paper work.
Flying into Bhutan’s only international airport, Paro, is an exciting experience. The descent into Paro valley brings you to the close proximity to the mountain tops than most other flights in the world. The flight between Paro and Kathmandu is one of the most exciting ones as the aircraft passes over four of the five highest mountains in the world. In clear weather, you will enjoy the spectacular view of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Kangchenjunga.
At present two carriers operate to Bhutan, Drukair and Bhutan Airlines. Currently, there are flights to Paro, from Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Bodh Gaya, Dhaka, Kathmandu, Guwahati, Singapore and Mumbai.
Weather Bhutan has all four seasons and the climate varies widely depending on the altitude.
Sikkim is a perfect destination for those seeking adventure and enchantment. It is nestled between Nepal, Bhutan & Tibet. Amidst the grandeur of the Himalayan mountain peaks, lush green valleys, powerful rivers, terraced hills and warmth of its people, this primeval land offers the visitors a truly unique and delightful experience. It is captivating and offbeat. Although nearly 7,300 square kilometers in area, Sikkim nevertheless has a dramatic terrain with elevation ranging from of 244 meters to as high as 8586 meters Mt. Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world. It's charm lies in its isolated interiors, serene villages, hidden valleys and ancient monasteries.
Currently, one can fly to Paro (Bhutan) from Bangkok, Singapore, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Dhaka, Kathmandu, Guwahati, and Bagdogra, Bodh Gaya. Sample one way airfares are, from $ 535.00 in economy and from $ 884.00 in business. Please call for assistance or check Druk Air & Bhutanese Air schedules on your GDS.
AUG 26
Paro
Depart independently for Paro, Bhutan.
Upon arrival, you will be met by a representative of Exotic Journeys at the arrival lounge. The representative will assist and escort you to your hotel.
Afternoon sightseeing tour visiting Ta-Dzong (National Museum), walk down hill to visit Paro Dzong with its traditional cantilever bridge over the Pa-chu (Paro River). (L, D)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning excursion to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's nest) at an altitude of 3100m. This is one of the highlights of Bhutan trip. The climb up to the view point will take around 2 hours. Here one can enjoy the stunning view of the monastery, and the surrounding temples built in 1692 (B, L ,D)
After breakfast, transfer to Punakha. Sightseeing tour visiting the Punakha Dzong, placed strategically at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. The Dzong was built in 1637 to serve as the religious and administrative center of the region. (B, L, D)
Transfer to Thimpu, After lunch, visit, Kuenselphodrang, National Memorial Chorten (built in memory of late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk), and the Tashichhodzong, the beautiful medieval fortress/ monastery that houses Government offices and the King's Throne room.
(B, L, D)
Sightseeing tour today will include Dupthop Lhakhang, one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan, Painting School where traditional Sacred Buddhist scrolls (Tankas) are created by hand, Folk Heritage Museum.
OPTION:
If you decide to end your tour here, call us for special rates. Confirmstion preference will be given to agents booked on entire trip.
AUG 31
Kalimpong
After breakfast, transfer to Kalimpong and check into you hotel. Afternoon sightseeing tour visiting the famous Zang Dog Pelri monastery, Fo-Brang Gompa, Flower Nurseries and Sericulture Research Institute. (B, L, D)
After breakfast, transfer to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, driving along the side of the famous Teesta River. Arrive Gangtok in the afternoon.
(B, L, D)
Sightseeing tour visiting Rumtek Monastery, Dorchul Chortan Stupa, Institute of Tibetology and Government Handicrafts and Handlooms Center and Enchey Monastery. Evening free for shopping at the Gangtok market. (B, L , D)
Early morning excursion to Tiger Hills to view sunrise over Kanchenjunga Peak. Later on visit Ghoom Monastery, Batasia Loop, Himalayan Zoological Park, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Tenzing, Gumbu Rock Garden and Tibetan Refugee self-help Center and Tea Estate, boating in Gangamaiya Lake.
(B, L, D)
Tour Price Includes: Deluxe and best available hotels as listed or similar, room taxes, daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, all surface transportation in the itinerary, airport transfers, city tours, excursions, English speaking guides, entrance fee to monuments.
Government Tourist Service Taxes: $ 279.00
Call for current taxes.
Airport Security Fee and Fuel Surcharges by Airlines on International Flights:
Subject to change until ticketed.
For Flights: JFK / EWR / ORD / SFO/ IAD- DEL / IXB: $ 629.52 (Economy)
For Flights: ORD / JFK / EWR / SFO / IAD - DEL / IXB: $893.33 (Business)
Call for current security fees.
To Book: Click on Reservation Form or contact us by e-mail or phone. Return completed form, a business card, and copy of current industry ID list along with full payment.
Eligibility: Travel Agents, companions. Valid Industry ID required.
Notes / Conditions: Limited Space. Deposits are fully refundable if space cannot be confirmed. Companions are permitted. Bhutanese airlines are the only carriers that operate to and from Bhutan and have limited frequency and availabilities on these routes. This FAM begins in Pato, Bhutan and ends in Darjeeling, India. Visa for Bhutan and travel permits for Bhutan and Sikkim will be obtained by oversera Govt. appointed ageny / Exotic Journeys. Forms, requirements and fees information will be provided. At present, the handling fee is $ 105.00 per passport. Additionally, Bhutan entry fee is $ 40.00 payable in cash at the entry point. Bhutan Visa is processed only after tour confirmation. Visa for India are participants’ responsibility. Apply on line at indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html . Additional nights in paro and Darjeeling are available at the time of booking for $175.00 per person double plus taxes. Bulk air available on other airlines upon request. Trip Insurances is mandotary. Click on the link Trip Insurance and buy online. Bhutan visa is not available without Trip Insurance. Prices reflect discounts for check payments. Credit Card payments will have Foreign Exchange Conversion / bank-processing fees of 4.98% . Itinerary and hotels remain subject to change at the sole discretion of tourism authorities in Bhutan and Sikkim. Any changes to original booking requires $ 100.00 re-booking fee by Bhutanese authorities.
