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 IntroductionPlaces of interestTour Itinerary |
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Bhutan is a small Himalayan kingdom ascending from the sweltering plains of
northern India up to the formidable mountains of southern China. About the size of
Switzerland, Bhutan is today the last Buddhist kingdom in the Himalayan. And the country
has spared no efforts in preserving its unique tradition and culture as well as its near
intact natural environment. About 10% of the country’s entire land mass (47,000 sq.
km) has been declared as protected zones, and 72.5% still remain under forests. In these
areas thrive flora and fauna unparalleled in the region. In fact, such a wealth of
bio-diversity has led to Bhutan being declared one of the 10 global hot spots for
environmental conservation. The Bhutanese government restricts the number of tourists
visiting the country in order to preserve its natural assets and a way of life that has
remained unchanged for ages.
With a convenient air connection between Kathmandu and Paro, Fish-Tail Tours & Travel
offers you a truly memorable trip to this mysterious and mystical land keeping well within
the framework of Bhutan’s selective tourism practice. For those conscious of the need
to preserve ancient cultures and traditions and prevent wanton environmental degradation,
our package tours offer a golden opportunity to explore a perfect example of a land where
the ancient and the modern intermingle to form a cohesive whole.
CLIMATE : Bhutan has four distinct seasons : Each has its
advantages and disadvantages for the visitor. Notice should be taken of the predictable
weather patterns before making decisions when to visit. Remember even predictable weather
can vary dramatically in different areas and in 24-hour periods. The southern plains close
to the Indian border are warmer and more tropical than higher central valleys.
Spring is
arguably the most beautiful time of the year in the kingdom. The fierce cold that characterized the winter months tends to subside towards the end of February (around Bhutanese New Year, Lhosar). Rhododendron begins to bloom, first in the warmer east. At the height of spring, the end of March, the whole kingdom comes to life with the spectacular flaming red, pink and white of the rhododendron blossom.The annual monsoon from the Bay of Bengal affects the southern rims of Bhutan.
RELIGION :The Buddhist faith has played and continues to play a fundamental role in the cultural, ethical and sociological development of Bhutan and its people. It permeates all stands of secular life, bringing with it a reverence for the land and its well-being. Annual festivals (tsechus and dromchoes) are spiritual occasions in each district. They bring together the population of the district and are dedicated to either Guru Rimpoche or other deities.Throughout Bhutan, stupas and chortens line the roadside commemorating a place where Guru Rimpoche or another Shabdrung may have stopped to meditate. Prayer flags are even more common. Fluttering on long poles, they maintain constant communication with the heavens.
Bhutan is the only country in the world to retain the tantric form of Mahayan Buddhism as its official religion.
To ensure the
perpetuation of Buddhism in the kingdom, one son from each family normally attends monastic school. While the Dzongs are the centers of administrative and government activities for all the valley; they are predominantly the homes and temples of the monastic community. PEOPLE : Early records suggest scattered clusters of inhabitants had already settled in Bhutan when the first recorded settlers arrived 1,400 years ago.Bhutan's
indigenous population is the Drukpa. Three main ethnic groups, the Sharchops, Ngalops and and the Lhotshampas (of Nepalese origin) make up today's Drukpa.Bhutan's
earliest residents, the Sharchops, reside predominantly in eastern Bhutan. Their origin can be traced to the tribes of north Burma and north-east India. The Ngalops migrated from the Tibetan plains and are the importers of Buddhism to the kingdom. Most of the Lhotshampas migrated to the southern plains in search of agricultural land and work in the early 20th century.The geography of the land kept each ethnic group
separate until the middle of this century when roads were built between the east and the west. As a result, Sharchops predominate in the west. And the Nepalese have retained their homes in the south of Bhutan.A growing proportion of the people, especially in the urban areas, speak English. The current medium of instruction in Bhutan is English. However, increasing efforts are being made to write more textbooks to introduce Dzongkha as the principle language of instruction.
Thimphu : The capital city of Bhutan and the center of government, religion and commerce, Thimpu has grown alongside monasteries and forts. The Tashichhodzong, seat of the Royal Government of Bhutan and the central monastic body, was rebuilt in the early 1960s after a fire destroyed most of the building. From Simthokha Dzong, the earliest fortress monastery built in 1627, to the traditional craftsmen who still practice their crafts till today, there is much to see in Thimpu.
Phuntsoling : This is Bhutan’s border town with the vast Indian plains and the overland gateway to the Kingdom. It is the start of a breathtaking drive around hairpin bends through lush forests to the towns and valleys of inner Bhutan. Paro : This beautiful terraced valley is home to many of Bhutan’s oldest temples as also its sole international airport. The Ta Dzong National Museum is located inside an ancient watchtower here. A short drive from Paro is the Drukgyel Dzong fortress, a strategic entry point, with the majestic Chulmolhari mountain looming in the background. The Taktshang ("Tiger’s Nest") Monastery, perched precariously on a cliff above the valley, is breathtaking.
TOUR: FTT-D01: JOURNEY TO DRUK YUL
(3 Nights / 4 Days)
Day 01: Arrive Paro, the flight into the Himalayas reveals breathtaking views of the great peaks, taking you night into the Dragon Kingdom's cloud scrapping airstrip at Paro (Altidue 7000 ft.). Drive you through the beautiful valley of Paro to hotel, situated on a breezy, pine-scented hillside. Dinner and O/N at the hotel.
Day 02: The days begins with a visit to the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong (18 kms. From the hotel).This Dzong is of historical importance from whose ramparts the Bhutanese repelled Tibetan invaders. On a clear day, the 24,000 ft. Whitedomed peak of sacred Chomolhari (Mounttain of Goddess) looms overhead. After lunch at the hotel, visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum housed in an ancient Thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons and artifacts. In the evening a 2-hours drive throughout the Par and Thimpu valleys to the capital of Bhutan (alt. 7500 ft.). Enroute visit the Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of its kind which once guarded the Thimpu valley, built by Sh;abdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1627. It is now a religious university. O/N at the hotel Motithang.
Day 03: Today, sightseeing in Thimphu includes:
The visit to the National library, which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts, the School of Thangkha Painting and the Traditional Medicine Institute, where centuries old healing arts are still practised. Then visit to the National Handicrafts Emporium, to see the exquite artistry of traditional crafts and textiles and take a stroll through the streets for a little shopping. After lunch, visit to Memoriable Chorten to His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, and take a 15 minutes drive to Dechenchholoing, to witness the gold and silversmiths at work. Then visit the Tashichhodzong ("Fortress of the Glorieous Religion") , built in 1640 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgya and reconstructed in 1961 , by the late King His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wanchuck, who iis regarded ast Father of Modern Bhutan, In the evening drive back to Paro. O/N at hotel.
Day 04: Early breakfast at the hotel and then drive to the airport to board the flight. Your escort will assist you with exit formalities and bid farewell.
(6 Nights / 7 Days)
Day 01: Arriaal at Paro airport and a short drive to hotel. In the evening an orientation talk will be given by your local escort with a short documentary film on Bhutan. O/N at hotel.
Day 02: Morning drive to Dhukgyel Dzong, 18 kms away from the hotel. On the way back visit a typical Bhutanese farmhouse a sightseeing trip to Paro Bazar. After lunch drive to TaDzong which houses the National Museum followed by short walk to Paro Rimpung Dzong. O/N at the hotel.
Day 03: A short drive to Satsam Chorten, from there a 2 hours horse ride to Taktsang till the viewpoint of the Monastery. Where light refreshment and lunch will be served at the Carteria, followed by a short waldto Satam Chorten and a 2 hours drive to Thimphu. O/N at the hotel.
Day 04: In the morning witness mast & folk dances performed by the Royal Academy of Performing Arts and visit the Memorial Chorten and National library. Lunch at hotel Motithang. After lunch a visit to the Handicrafts Emporium and sightseeing trip to Thimpu town in the evening a visit to Tashicho Dzong. Overnight at hotel.
Day 05: A 2 hours morning drive to Punakha across the Dochula Pass (Alt. 3100 m.) on the way back light refreshments will be served at Dochula cafe. Lunch at Wangdiiphodrang, after lunch a visit a Punakha Dzong and Punakha High School. Overnight at hotel.
Day 06: Drive to Thimphu. After lunch drive to Paro. Evening visit to Paro Bazar. Overnight at hotel.
Day 07: Early morning drive to Paro Airport for departure.
TOUR: FTT-D03: CENTRAL BHUTAN CULTURAL TORU
(9 Nights / 10 Days)
Day 01 to Day 04: ( Same as FTT-D02)
Day 05: In the morning visit the Painting School followed by a short drive to Dechenchholing to see gold and silver smiths and their crafts. Lunch at hotel Motithang. After lunch 2 hour drive to Punakha across Dochula Pall ( Alt. 3100m.) on the way back light refreshment will be several at Dochula cafe. Dinner and overnight at hotel.
Day 06: Morning drive to Punakha Dzong follwed by a visit Punakha High Schol. After lunch drive to Tongsa Through Wangdiphodrang. Dinner and overnight at hotel.
Day 07: In the morning a visit to the outer premises of Tonga Dzong and the Ta Dzong (Watch Tower) followed by leisure time in Tongsa Bazar. After a 2 hour drive to Bumthang valley acress the Yotonia Pass ( Alt. 3403 m). Dinnedr and overnight at hotel.
Day 08: Drive to Ura. Visit Ura Lhakhang and after lunch drive through the picturesque valley of Bumthang to view Kurje Lakhang.
Day 09: Early morning drive to Thimpu. Dinner and overnight at hotel.
Day 10: Early morning drive to Paro for departure.
TOUR: FTT-04: WILD EAST WEST CULTURAL TOUR
(13 Nights / 14 Days)
Day 01 to Day 08: (Same as FTT-D03)
Day 09: Drive to Mongar acress Thrumshingla Pass.
Day 10: Morning sightseeing and visit to Mongar Dzong, and drive across Korila Pass (Alt. 2298 m) to Tashigang. Dinner and overnight at hotel.
Day 11: Morning excursion to Tashi Yantsi with picnic lunch. After lunch return to Tashigang. Enroute, visit Gom Kora temple. Dinner and overnight at hotel.
Day 12: Either morning drive to Yonphula. On the way visit Zangto Pelri and Khaling to the traditional weaving centre. Stop for picnic lunch Wamrong, on the way to Samdrup Jongkhar. Overnight stay at Samdrup Jongkhar, or drive back to Bumthang.
Day 13: After Breakfast, either drive to Guwahati (India) for departure or drive to Bumthang-Thimpu.
Day 14: Thimpu-Paro for departure by Druk air flight.
TREKKING
Gangtey Trek - 06 nights / 07 days (both way by flight)
Druk Path Trek - 08 nights / 09 days (both way by flight).
Chomolhari Trek - 11 nights /12 days (both way by flight).
Snow Man Trek - 11 nights / 12 days (both way by flight).
Snow Leopard Trek - 26 nights / 27 days (both way by flight).
We also organise tours / treks as tailored by our agents / customers.
The best time to visit Bhutan and experience
the real sights and sounds of the Kingdom is during religious festivals of tshechus. Thus
a trip to this land can be most rewarding especially during the spring and autumn seasons
when may parts of the country explode in colour and religious fervor.
Kathmandu Office : |
Pokhara Office : |