Himalayan Discovery Trip 2009, Himalayan Trip

Day 1	Arrive in the Paro Airport: Altitude: 2280m/ 7524ft above sea level Your representative from Raven Tours and Treks will greet you, brief you about the trip and will take you to the capital city Thimphu where you will be staying. Altitude: 2320m/ 7656ft above sea level. (1 hr 30 min drive). Later visit Weekend market, attend the local archery match, Mini Zoo and Tashichoo Dzong. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 2	In Thimphu: Morning hike to Cheri Monastery which is around 40 minutes drive from the capital city Thimphu, Visit weekend market, local archery competition, hand made Paper Factor, Institute of 13 Arts and Crafts, Institute of Traditional Museum, Textile Museum. Overnight in Thimphu
Day 3	Thimphu to Punakha/Wangdue: Altitude: 1350m/4455ft above sea level. Morning visit the last day of the festival, visit Memorial Chorten and Nunnery. Later drive to Punakha valley (3 hrs drive). Later visit Wangdue Dzong and Wangdue Town which looks like a small wild wild west. Overnight in Wangdue.
Day 4	In Punakha/Wangdue: Morning hike to Kham Su Yule Lhakhang (1 hour hike), later visit Punakha Dzong and hike to Chimi Lhakhang) Temple of Fertility).Overnight in Punakha/Wangdue.
Day 5	Punakha/Wangdue to Trongsa. Altitude: 2200m /7260ft above sea level. Morning drive to Trongsa(7 hours drive). Overnight in Trongsa.
Day 6	Trongsa to Bumthang. Altitude: 2600m/ 8580ft above sea level. Morning visit Trongsa Dzong and then drive to Bumthang (3 hrs drive). Later visit Kurjey and Tamzing Lhakhang. Overnight in Bumthang.
Day 7	In Bumthang: Morning excursion to Ogyen Chholing Palace, visit to the burning lake and visit to Tamzing Lhakhang. Overnight in Bumthang.
Day 8	Bumthang to Punakha/Wangdue: Altitude: 1350m/4455ft above sea level. Morning drive to Punakha valley (8 hours drive). Overnight in Punakha/Wangdue.
Day 9	Punakha to Paro. Altitude: 2280m/ 7524ft above sea level. Morning drive from Punakha to Paro (approx. 4 hr 30 minutes drive). Later visit Nationla Museum, Rimpung Dzong and Kichu Lhakhang. Overnight in Paro.
Day 10	In Paro: Morning hike to Tiger’s Nest which is 800m above Paro valley (max: 3 to 4 hours hike) and then visit the traditional farm House. Overnight in Paro.
Day 11	Morning /Afternoon, transfer to airport for onward travel. Your representative from Raven Tours and Treks will help you out with exit formalities.

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FACTS & FIGURES

Tour Cost	US$2250 per person(Includes government taxes, accommodation in roughly 2 to 3 star category hotels approved by Tourism Council of Bhutan, 3 meals a day, guide, transportation throughout the trip, visa processing fee and museum fees only) (Excludes, Airfares, airport tax (in Bangkok), Tips to guides, restaurants, hotel lobby porters, trek staff, etc.., Bottled/alcoholic drinks, room service, al a cart meals, etc.., Photography charges (if and when applicable)
Flight Cost	Druk Air (Royal Bhutan Airlines flies in and out of Bhutan to Kathmandu (US$429 per person), Delhi (US$685 per person), Calcutta (US$435 per person) and Bangkok (US$794 per person).
Flight Availability	Druk Air, flight is available from Delhi, Kathmandu, Calcutta, Dhaka and Bangkok to Bhutan. Druk Air flight is available from Bhutan to Kathmandu, Delhi, Calcutta, Dhaka and Bangkok only
Number of Days	11 days / 10 nights
Road Surface	100% on paved surfaces
Group Size	Min: 3 pax , Max :10 pax
Vehicle Support	This tour is fully supported by a dedicated support vehicle.(Luxurious SUVs for smaller groups of 1 and 2 pax, Toyota Mini Hiace Bus and Toyota Bus for larger groups.
Staff Support	One dedicated and professionalized English speaking guide, licensed by Tourism Council of Bhutan and a driver through out the trip.
Accommodations	A variety of 2/3 star hotels are utilized on this tour.
Meals	All set meals are provided for on this tour, with the exception of the first day and last day. The meals will also be provided as per the request of the clients.
Scenery, Hiking, Trekking Architecture, Traditions, Environment and Culture	(4 out of 5)

Important Information Below

Bhutan Tourist Visa

Once you book your tour with us we will arrange the Bhutan visa for everyone in the group. Bhutan visas are available at the entry point to Bhutan with prior approval. As soon as your tour is confirmed with us, we will apply for your visa well in advance of your visit (usually 30 days prior to arrival). This will be waiting at the Paro Airport or at the land entry point at Phuentsholing if coming by land through India. A copy of the visa clearance and Druk Air e-ticket will also be provided to you. These two documents are very important and a copy of it, you will have to bring along with you for emergencies.

In case you travel via overland from India to Bhutan, please make sure you carry with you, 2 passport size photographs

Please make sure that you have given us your full passport details to enable us to apply for your Bhutan visa as soon as you are ready to confirm the Bhutan tour/trek.

If you are connecting via New Delhi (or other ports) in India or if your travel includes India you need an India Visa before you leave your home. Please note visas are not available at the airports in India.

If you are traveling via Thailand or Nepal, you can get a Visa upon arrival in Bangkok or Kathmandu airports.

Air Seats To Bhutan

Please note that space on flights in an out of Bhutan is very tight, specially during the tourist seasons, therefore we would like to suggest that you work on your dates for your flights AS SOON AS POSSIBLE and send requests for air seats. FYI: Last Autumn many potential travelers had to cancel/postpone their trips to Bhutan because they could not secure air seats in time. We can book your flight to from Bhutan. For latest information on flight schedule, please visit www.drukair.com.bt for flight schedule.

Reconfirmation: During your stay in Bhutan, please make sure to reconfirm your ticket for your onward travel from Bhutan with your guide.

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