GANGTEY VALLEY TOUR

This 8 day tour revolves around the historical and cultural highlights of central Bhutan. Paro, famous.

  • Trip Duration :
    11 Days
  • Rating :
  • Highest Altitude :
    N/A m.
  • Difficulty :
    N/A
  • Season :
    N/A
  • Activity :
    Bhutan Tour
  • Price:
    USD 0
  • Start-End :
    -
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This 8 day tour revolves around the historical and cultural highlights of central Bhutan. Paro, famous for its ruined fortress, museums and panoramic view, leaves an indelible cultural experience. Thimpu, the capital city, is laden with legendary ancient monasteries, cultural relics and amazing views of entire valley in 7000+ meter peak in the background. Gangtey valley, with its ancient monastery and home of the rare Black Necked Cranes, boasts breathtaking landscape view. At leisurely pace you drive past Punakha visually feasting on the sights of places bathed in the exotism of cultural delights. You can either walk or ride on a horse to Taktsang monastery which epitomizes the religious belief of Bhutanese people.

Day 1 :  Arrive Kathmandu
Day 2 :  Sightseeing in Kathmandu
Day 3 :  Flight to Paro
Day 4 :  Sightseeing in Paro
Day 5 :  Drive to Thimphu.
Day 6 :  Sightseeing in Thumphu.
Day 7 :  Day excursion to the Gangtey Gompa.
Day 8 :  Drive to Punakha sightseeing and drive back to Paro.
Day 9 :  A Day hike to Taktsang monastery.
Day 10 :  Transfer to airport fly to Kathmandu
Day 11 :  Final departure.

It is a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with you for a long, long time. A representative and driver from our office will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. At the hotel you will be briefed about your daily activities. Overnight at Hotel.
Kathmandu is the historical and cultural heart of Nepal and has been a popular destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its doors to visitors. The city presents a wonderful mix of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence in the Valley. Patan and Bhaktapur, its two major neighboring cities bear immense historical, cultural and religious significances. There will be a half day guided tour to the famous and biggest Hindu shrine of Pashupatinath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal Boudhanath, the 15th century Palace of 55 windows and Swayambhunath. Overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel transfer to airport fly to Paro. Arrive Paro by Druk air BAe 146-100 series, the only national carrier. The flight offers you beautiful view of mountains and landscapes. The first gift from Bhutan will be cool, clean fresh air as you step out of the aircraft. On arrival at Paro airport, received by our representative and transfer to hotel. Dinner and Overnight at Hotel.
Paro Sightseeing - visit the ruined fortress of Drugyel dzong which still attracts visitors due to the strategic location of the fort. The fort defended the Paro valley from the Tibetan invasion from the north in the early 17th century. On clear weather Mount Chomolhari 7320 meters can be seen towering over the dzong. Proceed through the beautiful valley to the watch tower or locally known as Ta-Dzong. It was housed into the National museum in the 1960s by the third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The seven floors museum highlights various aspects of Bhutanese culture and history dating back to the 7th century. A short walk downhill to the Rinpung Dzong which serves as the administrative center and school for monks. Walk further down crossing the traditional bridge into Paro Town. You can stroll around the market and return to Kichu Resort. The Gangtey valley tour actually starts with sightseeing around Paro. Its one of the prominent parts of this Bhutan tour. Dinner and overnight at Kichu Resort.
Drive to Thimphu is 2 hours and will be a pleasant one mainly due to the well maintained road throughout Bhutan. Upon arrival check into Hotel Druk or River view. PM sightseeing - Visit the Memorial chorten built in the memory of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, 15 century Changangkha monastery, Motithang mini zoo to see the rare "Takin" national animal of Bhutan and drive further down with good view of the Thimphu valley. Visit the new Drupthob nunnery temple and free time in the market. Lunch, Dinner and Overnight at Hotel.
Morning visits the Painting school, National library, Royal goldsmith workshop and Handicraft centers. Afternoon: Drive 3 hours to Wangduephodrang crossing the Dochula pass 3100 meters. On fine weather you will see the eastern Himalayan ranges including the highest mountain in Bhutan Mt. Gangar Punsum 7520 meters. The drive from the pass is all the way downhill dropping to the lower and warmer valleys of lobesa. Visit the Wangduephodrang Dzong from outside and the market area. Lunch, Dinner and Overnight at Hotel.
Day excursion to the Gangtey Gompa valley at an altitude of 2800 meters. The only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan is located here. This beautiful valley is also home to the rare Black Necked Cranes migrating from the Tibetan plateau to escape the harsh winter. Currently there are 200 to 300 cranes residing in this valley and the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) is taking every measure to ensure the safety of the Cranes. While the cranes reside in the winter valley for 4/5 months the village folks are not allowed to make load noises or fish in the river that runs through the valley. Explore the fascinating glacier valley and return to Hotel. Lunch, Dinner and Overnight at Hotel.
Sightseeing and drive to Paro. Morning: Drive 45 minutes to Punakha and visit the Punakha Dzong which served as an old capital of Bhutan. This remarkable fortress is built between two rivers and has survived many glacial floods and fire. Every year during the month of February a procession known as the Punakha Serda takes place to commemorate the victory over the Tibetans. Drive 3 hours to Thimphu for lunch and proceed 2 hours to Paro via visiting the oldest building in Bhutan, the Simtokha Dzong. It now serves as a Buddhist university. Lunch, Dinner and Overnight at Hotel.
Day hike to the view point of Taktsang Monastery. Horses can be arranged with an extra payment. The hike which is all the way uphill takes about 2 /3 hours through villages and pine forests. The monastery which clings to a huge granite cliff 800 meters from the paro valley was devastated by fire in 1998 but the Royal Government has taken immediate steps to restore the monastery to its original structure. It is believed that the great saint Padmasambhava came in the 7th century on a flying tigress and meditated in a cave for 3 months. The demons were subdued who were trying to stop the spread of Buddhism and converted the Paro valley into Buddhism. During the end of the 17 century a monastery was built on the spot where the saint mediated and it is a pilgrimage site for every Bhutanese to visit once in their life time. Stroll back to Hotel. Lunch, Dinner and Overnight at Hotel.
Transfer to airport where the guide will help you with the final departure formalities. On arrival at the Kathmandu airport meet, assist by our airport representative and transfer to Hotel. Check in at Hotel Malla or Hotel Manang. Overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel transfer to airport fly to onward destination. We ensure that you will leave your hotel with cherishing memory and an experience of a lifetime. Our representative from Nepal Himalayan Voyages will drive you to the airport in time for your flight back home.

Cost Includes

  • Assisted upon arrival at the airport by our office representative.
  • All arrival and departure transfers as per the itinerary by a/c vehicles.
  • 03 nights twin/double room accommodation as per your choice of Hotel in Kathmandu on bed & breakfast basis.
  • 07 nights twin/double room accommodation using 3 star hotels on full board basis as per the itinerary.
  • All sightseeing tour and transfers as per the itinerary with English speaking local guide in Bhutan.
  • Private transfers by comfortable car/van/minibus as per the group strength in Bhutan.
  • Tourism development fee and entrance fee.
  • All sightseeing tours mentioned above itinerary in Kathmandu with our local English speaking guide including entrance fees.
  • All applicable taxes presently 24.3%.

Cost Excludes

  • International Airfare and taxes.
  • Nepal visa fee.
  • Bhutan Visa fee.
  • Airfare for the sector Kathmandu / Paro / Kathmandu.
  • Any meals in Kathmandu.
  • Extra baggage charge in the airport.
  • Personal gears and clothing [will send you once we receive the confirmation].
  • Tips, any expenses incurred in emergency evacuation / road block due to any reason.
  • Table drinks, snacks while trekking.
  • Personal expenses & insurance.
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