Bhutan Tours & Treks -14 Days

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m)

Upon your arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu, a representative from Marron Treks will receive and transfer you to your hotel. After you are greeted with welcome drinks at the hotel, we will have a quick pre-trip meeting to discuss on the necessary formalities and trekking itinerary. You can then check in to your room, freshen up and rest. Or if you are not one of those “lay back” types, you can take a stroll around the vicinity of your hotel and get the feel of this hyperactive capital city of Nepal. On the streets, people seem to be on sheer rush, barely noticing one another, but if you utter “Namaste”, they will definitely reciprocate with a smile! Well, that’s Nepal’s Nepalese for you. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu; breakfast included.

Day 02: Kathmandu city sightseeing (1400m)

Short stroll in the evening yesterday might not have acquainted you to Kathmandu. So we want to make sure that you know this city like you know yourself. Once done with your breakfast, let’s hop in to our reserved vehicle and then head on for a comfy ride with one of our experienced city guides. You will be visiting the most renowned historical/cultural landmarks in Kathmandu. Our guide will take you to the Pasupatinath Temple (the most revered Hindu shrine), Swayambunath (the Monkey Temple) and Kathmandu (Basantapur) Durbar Square. All these sites are enlisted in the UNESCO world’s heritage list. After this informative and interesting tour, we drive back through the busy and noisy streets of Kathmandu to the serene premises of your hotel. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu; breakfast included.
 

Day 03: Flight from Kathmandu to Paro (2200m/1 hour)

Fly into Himalayas with Druk Air, Bhutan’s National Air Carrier. The green wall of hills known as doors, or gateways into Bhutan from the plains climbs continuously higher as the plane flies north towards the Tibet border. Silver rivers thread the valleys, waterfalls plunge down the forested mountain sides and to the north, the great snowcapped peaks of the inner Himalayas rise up into the sky. As the aircraft enters the Paro valley, look down and you will see the Paro Dzong overlooking Paro Chu(river) with Ta Dzong, watch tower, now the national museum, above it. Your escort from Marron Treks, who accompany you throughout the trip, will be waiting for you at the airport. After completion of airport formalities, you will drive through fascinating valley of Paro to the hotel. In the Evening visit to Paro marker and take a stroll around town’s main street. Overnight at hotel in Paro; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 04: Sightseeing in Paro (Drive from Paro to Drugyel Dzong-2580m and back to Paro-2200m)

This day is for sightseeing in the Paro valley. After breakfast drive to the Drugyel Dzong (2580m) which takes around 2 hours. The Dzong though in ruins holds great historical importance to the Bhutanese. From there, in fine weather, one can view the majestic Mt. Jhumolhari standing at an altitude of 7329m above the sea. Other places of interest include the National Museum, Paro Rinpong Dzong and the local market. Overnight at hotel in Paro; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
 

Day 05: Drive from Paro to Thimphu (2350m/1 hour)

Drive to the capital of the country after breakfast. En-route you will be able to see the Tachogang Monastery. In Thimphu, visit the National memorial Chorten built in the loving memory of the Late King, His Majesty, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Also visit the National Library, Painting School (week days) and the Changangkha Lhakhang. In the evening drive to the Sangay gang viewpoint to see the Thimphu valley in the evening sun. Your guide will be able to take you shopping if you will desire. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
 

Day 06: Drive from Thimphu to Gangtey (2900m/4.5 hours) via Dochu La Pass (3116m)

After breakfast drive towards Gangtey through the Dochu La Pass (3116m) from where you can see the majestic Himalayan Mountains on a clear weather. You take your lunch en-route. Overnight at hotel in Gangtey; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 07: Trek from Gangtey to  Gogona (3000m/5 - 6 hours) via Tselela Pass (3320m)

Begin the trek with the pack ponies and the trekking staff. The trail winds through the meadows and fields. The gentle climb takes you through mixed forests of jumiper, bamboo, magnolia and rhododendron. You will be crossing the Tselela Pass (3320m). Overnight at hotel in Gogona; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

 

Day 08: Trek from Gogona to Khotokha (3200m/6 - 7 hours) via Shobjula Pass (3390m)

A gentle climb leads to the Shobjula Pass (3390m). The descent from the pass leads to a wide valley surrounded by beautiful mountains. Overnight at hotel in Khotokha; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 09: Trek from Khotokha to Chhuzomsa (2050m/3 - 4 hours) & drive from Chhuzomsa to Punakha (1310m/2 hours)

Then the descent is through an ever changing landscape into the drainage of the Dangchhu Stream. Your transportation will be waiting for you at the motor able road in Chhuzomsa (2050m). Transfer to Punakha. Overnight at hotel in Punakha; breakfast, lunch and dinner included. 

Day 10: Sightseeing in Punakha

After breakfast drive to the Punakha. Visit Punakha Dzong. This evening you are at your leisure. Overnight at hotel in Punakha; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 11: Drive from Punakha to Thimphu (2350/3 - 4 hours)

We drive back to Thimphu. In the evening, you stroll around Thimphu town. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
 

Day 12: Drive from Thimphu to Paro (2200m/1 hour)

In the morning drive to Paro. You go for sight seeing in Paro (2200 m). Overnight at hotel in Paro; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 13: Flight from Paro to Kathmandu (1400m/1hour)

We will have breakfast and then proceed to check in for your flight. We bid a fond farewell to Bhutan and fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel. Take your time to relax and refresh yourself by indulging in shopping or strolling around some of the cultural and historical landmarks of Kathmandu. Thamel is your hot spot for shopping where you can haul all the souvenirs representing Nepal and its culture. May be that in addition to your interesting trip anecdotes, you would also want to take back some stuff for your friends and relatives. In the evening, a farewell dinner with a range of traditional Nepali cuisines, will be hosted by Marron Treks. Enjoy the dinner, pack/prepare yourself for a flight back home and have a beauty sleep. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu; breakfast and dinner included.

Day 14: Final departure to your homeland

A representative from Marron Treks will escort you to the Tribhuwan International Airport, three hours prior to your flight schedule. As you wave us good bye and enter the terminal block, you would perhaps recall your arrival at this place. No wonder everything seems so familiar now because, you had come here as tourist, but you are going back as a friend! Have a safe flight back home and we look forward to being your travel companion in Nepal again!
Trips can always be extended. You can try out some of our other exciting packages like  Bungy Jumping, Mountain Biking, Jungle Safari, White Water Rafting, Golfing & Paragliding etc. Please let us know about your desire for trip extension so that we can make the necessary arrangements.

  Important  Snippets  

The itinerary prescribed above is the standard template of the trip plan offered by Marron Treks, which can be readily customized to match the guests’ preferences. However, the guests are expected to understand that the execution of the trip plan might be circumvented by an array of uncontrollable factors like bad weather, political turmoil, strikes, blockades and other unforeseen contingencies. Under such abnormal circumstances, the trip plans might undergo slight or sharp alterations, taking into consideration, the best interest of the clients. Wherever the changes are made, Marron Treks cannot be held responsible for the consequences. Nevertheless, we shall endeavor our level best to make sure that the trip is carried out with respect to the original trip specifics.

Bhutan Government owned, ‘Druk Air’, in the only operational airlines flying in and out of Bhutan. Hence, the ‘Druk Air’ tickets will have to be booked at least 2-3 months in advance as they get sold out pretty early.

Accommodation

While you are in Kathmandu, we opt to accommodate you in 3 star or 5 star hotels like Hotel Royal Singhi (3 star), Hotel Manaslu (3 star), Radisson (5 star), Yak & Yeti (5 star) or similar.

During the trek, you will be accommodated in a Tea House/ Lodge or Trekking Inn. Most of these lodges and teahouses cater good services and are equipped with modern amenities. We will endeavor to provide you the best accommodation available along the route so that you get a good night’s rest in a hygienic milieu.

While in Bhutan, you will be accommodated in 3-4 Star lodges and hotels in Paro, Thimphu, Gangtey, Punakha etc as per your requirement.

Meals

We never compromise with the quality of food, as we are concerned about the health of our clients as well as staff members. Generally, we opt for the locally available fresh and nutritious community food, viz. dried meat cooked with hot chilies, Ema Datshi (vegetarian dish made out of cheese and chili) etc, so that you have the opportunity to taste something new and also get a real sense of the native culture and life patterns. Besides, a wide range of Continental, Chinese, Italian and Indian cuisines like Pizza, Spaghetti, French Fries, Soups, Breads etc. are also available at the restaurants for your retreat.

Best Months

The month of January-May & September-December are considered to be best months for Bhutan Tour and Treks.

Our Guides

Guides play the most significant role in trekking. Marron Treks has literate, experienced and helpful trekking guides who are multilingual speakers and are very well versed to the culture, language, location and every single detail pertaining to Bhutan. Hence your trek becomes informative as well as entertaining.

Access to enter Bhutan

Bhutan is well connected to the outside world through Druk Air (Royal Bhutanese Airlines), the national carrier which is the only airline operating flights in and out of the kingdom. The country's only airport is situated at Paro and two flights a week from Kathmandu (Nepal).

Travel Insurance

It is advised that you arrange your travel insurance before leaving your homeland. The main thing is to make sure that your insurance covers you for both medical as well as evacuation costs. Having a travel insurance with you makes you trip safe and hassle free.

Bhutan Visa Requirement

Unlike other countries, Bhutanese Visa can be obtained only after entering the country itself as it does not have any embassy abroad. Hence, after Marron Treks receives your booking confirmation, you need to send us the details below along with the copies of your valid passport and recent PP sized photograph. We will then initiate your visa processing. It takes about 2 weeks for the visa to be granted. The visa application has to be submitted to the Department of Tourism in Bhutan and then finally it is approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. But we do not want you to get into the rigmaroles of doing this all by yourself. All you need to do is send us the details below (along with the copies of passport and recent pp sized photograph) and we will take care of the rest in coordination with our agent in Bhutan. You will get the visa upon your arrival at the airport in Bhutan. You are entitled to pay the nominal visa fee of US $20. Visa extension fee for a period not exceeding six months is NU510 (US $ 8.24). Since the tourist visas are issued for the full period of stay in Bhutan, it is very unlikely that you would need a visa extension. Please note that the above conditions apply to all the nationalities except the Indians. The Indian citizens do not require a visa or a passport, but they need to provide some form of identification such as a copy of driving license, citizenship etc. along with five copies of PP sized photographs. Generally, they are issued a permit of 14 days which can be extended as necessary.

Full Name: ……………………………………………………

Permanent Address: ………………………………………………

Place of Birth: ………………………………………………………

Date of Birth: ………………………………………………………

Nationality:…………………………………………………………

Nature of Passport: Diplomatic/Official/Ordinary/UN Laisser-Passer.

Passport Number: …………………………………………………

Date of Issue: …………………………………………………………

Place of Issue: ………………………………………………………

Date of Expiry:………………………………………………………

Occupation/Profession

Period for which visa is required: …………………………………

Point of Entry/Exit into Bhutan: Entry: ………………Exit: ………

Purpose of visiting Bhutan: …………………………………………

Is this first visit to Bhutan? YES /NO. If not, give details of your earlier visit.

For more queries, Visit our  FAQ section or contact us directly at   marketing@marrontreks.com

Starting Price: USD XXXX (On request) on twin sharing accommodation basis.

For other special requirements or bigger group deals, kindly mail us directly at: marketing@marrontreks.com

Cost Includes

• Airport pick up and drop services by private transportation.
• Guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu city.
• Accommodation in Bhutanese government approved tourist standard hotels or lodges throughout the trip in Bhutan, on full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) basis.
• Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu in a three star category hotel on “BB” basis.
• Applicable Bhutan airfare as per the itinerary. (Kathmandu - Paro- Kathmandu Airfare = US $ 520 / subject to change.).
• Entrance and monumental fees during the sightseeing in Nepal & Bhutan as prescribed in the itinerary.
• Bhutan visa fees and processing assistance.
• Company’s t-shirt, cap and a day pack (provided as complimentary gears).
• Remuneration to the accompanying trekking guide & the Bhutanese government certified English speaking local tour guide throughout the tour in Bhutan.
• Private transportation during the trip. The luggage may be transferred by horses, mules or yaks in higher elevation when required.
• Bhutanese government’s royalties, taxes and tourist service charges.
• A comprehensive medical kit (will be carried by the guide).
• Personal insurance for crew members.
• Farewell dinner with live Nepalese cultural program.
   

Cost Excludes

• International airfare (Kathmandu to home country) and departure taxes.
• Personal travel insurance.
• Emergency rescue evacuation (to be covered by the client's travel insurance).
• Nepal entry visa fee – Visa can be obtained upon your arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 15 days costs US $ 25 or equivalent foreign currency, Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 30 days and 90 days costs US $40 and $ 100 respectively. You will need a valid passport and 2 copies of your recent PP sized photos).
• Other expenses of personal nature (phone calls, laundry, bottled water etc.).
• Bar bills, alcoholic drinks & beverages.
• Lunch and dinner expenses. .
• Personal clothing and equipments.
• Tip for tour guides, driver and hotel lobby staff. (Tipping is expected but not mandatory).
• Cost incurred due to the addition of extra days or change in the real course of the itinerary because of bad weather conditions, political turmoil or any other unforeseen contingencies.
• Other expenses not mentioned in the “Cost Includes” section above.

Departure Date

Unfortunately, we do not have fixed departure dates for this package. Please let us know your preferred travel schedule. We shall endeavor our best to make sure that the trip is organized in tandem with your suitable time frame.