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SPRING IN THE KINGDOM OF BHUTAN

Bhutan's location in the Himalayas, yet not far from the equator ensures the climate is pleasant year round, but spring is without a doubt one of the nicest times to visit. The rice terraces, these monumental works of low tech engineering now begin to turn green with the new crop. Wildflowers bloom in the meadows, and rhododendrons and other trees open their flowers in the forests, lending another element of color to the landscape. Drama is always a constant in the scenery of Bhutan, with green mountains, snow clad Himalayan peaks, ancient monasteries, and hamlets and villages looking like a scene from long ago. Champaca Journeys finds this time of year in Bhutan is exceptionally beautiful. On this 12-night journey we visit 5 different areas in Bhutan, offering you an intimate look at the country and plenty of opportunity to connect with its people. You will meet our many local friends as you travel across this lovely country. Prepare for a journey that both stimulates and relaxes as we explore this remarkable land. This journey will be co-lead by Champaca Journeys' founder John Leupold and Bhutan's trailblazing fashion and culture blogger, Karma Wangchuk of Bhutan Street Fashion.

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DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1: THURSDAY, April 13

Arrival in Bhutan

Arrive Paro and check into hotel. After getting settled we go into Paro town to for your first Bhutanese meal at one of our favorite restaurants. In the afternoon we explore Paro and surrounding area. Welcome dinner at hotel.

Overnight at Olathang Hotel.

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(Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 2: FRIDAY, April 14

Explore Paro, onward to Thimphu

This morning we continue to explore Paro and Paro Valley. Mid afternoon departure for Thimphu, Bhutan's capital, a 90-minute drive. This evening our Bhutanese friends will join us for dinner and a night on the town.

Overnight at Druk Hotel.

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(B,L,D)

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DAY 3: SATURDAY, April 15

Get acquainted with Thimphu, capital of Bhutan

Full day to explore Thimphu. We’ll visit the famed National Textile Museum and the Folk Heritage Museum. Both venues provide a good introduction to Bhutan and its history. Afternoon free to explore Thimphu on your own or with guides. Dinner with our Bhutanese friends. 

Overnight at Druk Hotel.

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(B,L,D)

DAY 4: SUNDAY, April 16

Hike to monastery and meet with monks

Morning 2-hour hike to Cheri Monastery. Built in 1750 and impressively perched above the Thimphu valley, surrounded by pine and rhododendron forest. Few foreigners visit this sacred site, with its impressive Buddha statues and religious school. Return to Thimphu for lunch, then we drive 3 hours to Punakha, the drive takes us over the scenic pass of Dochu-La, at 10,300 feet. 

Overnight at Dhumra Resort.

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(B,L,D)

DAY 5: MONDAY, April 17

Explore sub-tropical Punakha

The morning will be spent exploring the lovely Punakha Dzong

(fortified monastery), architecturally and aesthetically one of the most beautiful of Bhutan's dzongs. Lunch at one of our favorite restaurants, followed by a presentation by one of Bhutan's renown textile experts.

Overnight at Dhumra Resort.

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(B,L,D)

DAY 6: TUESDAY, April 18

Hike in the Beautiful Punakha Hills

We drive high into the hills above Punakha to visit Nalanda Monastery. Remote and beautiful, and seldom visited by tourists, both the drive to the mountain top location and the monastery visit are fascinating. After exploring the monastery, we begin our downhill hike, though forest and field and tiny villages. Our vehicle awaits us to take us back into town for lunch and then back to hotel.

Overnight at Dhumra Resort.

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(B,L,D)

DAY 7: WEDNESDAY, April 19

Punakha to Trongsa

We depart after breakfast for the 4-hour drive across the dramatic Black Mountains, to reach Trongsa late in the day. The drive is spectacular and the destination equally so, Trongsa with its immense dzong and isolated mountain location never fails to impress visitors. Our guide is from Trongsa and will provide introductions to family and friends that will make your visit all the more memorable.

Overnight at Yangkhil Resort.

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(B,L,D)

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DAY 8: THURSDAY, April 20

Explore Trongsa

We will begin our day with a visit to the Trongsa Dzong, one of the most massive and impressive of all of Bhutan's fortified monasteries. Later in the day we drive 20 kilometers to the south where we encounter the Winter Palace of the Third King. Little visited, you will find yourselves transported to the days of yore in Bhutan. Our guide will arrange picnic with family and friends in a beautiful location.

Overnight at Yangkhil Resort.

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(B,L,D)

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DAY 9: FRIDAY, April 21

Trongsa to Phobjikha

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This morning we say farewell to Trongsa and drive to the Phobjikha Valley, a broad glacial valley, unique in Bhutan, and renown for its beauty. Hike in the valley as you enjoy some of Bhutan's most dramatic scenery.

Overnight at ABC Eco-Lodge.

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(B,L,D)

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DAY 10: SATURDAY, April 22

Phobjikha to Thimphu

This morning we drive to the main village in the valley to visit the Gangtey Monastery. Under renovation for the past several years, we may see craftsmen at work as we explore this ancient temple. We then continue our journey back to Thimphu to arrive late afternoon.

Overnight at Druk Hotel.

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(B,L,D)

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DAY 11: SUNDAY, April 23

Thimphu

Free morning in Thimphu, on your own or with guides. Early afternoon departure for Paro, where we stop in downtown Paro for more exploration before we drive to hotel. We will stay at the Zhiwa Ling Hotel, one of Bhutan's most luxurious hotels and a member of National Geographic 'Unique Lodge of the World' collection.

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(B,L,D)

DAY 12: MONDAY, April 24

Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery

After breakfast we drive 10 minutes to the base of the mountain where Taksang is located. Also known as Tiger’s Nest Monastery, and probably the most iconic building in all Bhutan, it is perched on a cliff 2,700’ above the valley floor. Bhutanese say that the Guru Rimpoche arrived here in the back of a flying tiger in 746 CE, and meditated in a mountain cave for 3 months. The site has since been sacred and a monastery has been constructed to commemorate his visit. Taksang is a pilgrimage site for all Bhutanese who gain merit by making the ascent. You too can gain merit while by making the 3-hour ascent and visiting the monastery seemingly glued to the barest concavity of the cliff face. After descending we’ll have lunch in Paro, then return to the Zhiwa Ling Hotel for optional hot stone bath or spa treatments. Farewell dinner this evening.

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(B,L,D)

DAY 13: TUESDAY, April 25

Farewell

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You can relax this morning before we depart to the airport for onward flights.

(B)

PRICES & REGISTRATION INFORMATION

(Inclusive of food, non-alcoholic beverages, accommodations, ground transportation, entrance fees, services of licensed Bhutanese guide and driver, services of USA based trip leader, Bhutanese visa and airport taxes.)

$6600. (Based on double occupancy)

$7600. (Based on single occupancy)

NOTE: International airfare, gratuities, alcoholic beverages with meals, laundry, souvenirs, items of a personal nature and travel insurance are NOT included.

GENERAL INFORMATION

INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE

Bhutan is accessed most easily from Bangkok, Thailand from where there are daily flights. Flights always depart in the early morning and participants should give themselves at least 24-hour layover in Bangkok in the event flight to Bangkok is delayed. Fares are subject to change without notice.

 

BANGKOK-PARO, BHUTAN-BANGKOK, $875. ROUND TRIP, economy class
BANGKOK-PARO, BHUTAN-BANGKOK, $1245. ROUND TRIP, business class

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Flights are with DRUKAIR, ROYAL BHUTAN AIRLINES, operating Airbus 319 jets.

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