Bhutan is a rich mosaic of different cultures, traditions, life styles, ethnic groups, languages and belief systems. It is astounding that a country with a population of just over half a million speaks as many as nineteen different dialects and a few major languages. It may seem diverse in many ways, but the Bhutanese socio-cultural fabric is well interlaced and harmonized mainly due to the common thread of simple Buddhist values that the people share. The cultural tours of Bhutan are the easiest way to get the taste of Bhutan. Each town has a Dzong dating back from the 1600s, and many old temples and monasteries.

Oct 20, Mon: Fly Kathmandu – Paro. Overnight in Hotel Olathang
You will be met by the representative in Paro. Drive through the valley of Paro to the hotel. After refreshment, take a stroll around the town of Paro. Do some cultural sightseeing around Paro like visiting the Dzong and Kichu Monastery.

Oct 21, Tue: Paro. Sightseeing in Paro - evening transfer to Thimphu. Overnight Hotel Riverview.
Today visit the Taktsang monastery; a visit to Bhutan is not complete without the famous Taktsang Monastery hike. The Monastery clings on the granite cliff and is regarded as a power place because Guru Rinpoche the founder of the Tibetan form of Buddhism is said to have done his meditation in one of the caves on this cliff and after that a Monastery was built. Evening transfer to Thimphu 1.3hrs drive to Thimphu.

Oct 22, Wed: Thimphu sightseeing. Overnight in Hotel Riverview.
Morning visit National Memorial Chorten which is located in the heart of the city built in the memory of Lt. King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk then visit Changangkha Lhakhang, Takin reserve centre, visit the Zelukha Nunnery, have the bird view of Tahsicho-dzong the parliament house of the country, the School of Thankha Painting, Folk Heritage Museum, National Library. Afternoon visit Bhutan post office and Handicraft centre and later at leisure.

Oct 23, Thu: Thimphu - Punakha - Wangdi. Sightseeing in Punakha. Overnight in Dragon Nest Resorts.
Early morning drive to Punakha through Dochula Pass from where one can see beautiful view of Eastern Himalayan Range on the clear sunny day. Visit Punakha town and visit the Punakha Dzong, which is the summer residence of Central Monastic body. Later visit Wangdi town and stay for the night in Wangdi. Enroute visit Lama Drukpa Kuenleys Temple/Chimey Lhakhang. This is about 15minutes hike from the road.

Oct 24, Fri: Wangdi - Paro. Overnight in Hotel Olathang.
Today you will visit Wangdi town and in the evening return to Paro.
Wangdue Phodrang (previously spelled Wangdi Phodrang) is a dzongkhag (district), of central Bhutan. This is also the name of the dzong (built in 1638) which dominates the district, and the name of the small market town outside the gates of the dzong. The name is said to have been given by the Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal who was searching for the best location for a dzong to prevent incursions from the south. At the chosen spot the Shabdrung encountered a boy named Wangdi playing beside the river and hence named the dzong "Wangdi's Palace".

Oct 25, Sat: Departure.
Transfer to the airport for your flight home

Land cost based on 6 persons & up- $1420 per person
Single Room Supplement - $180 per person

Kathmandu/Paro/Bangkok airfare - $615 per person
Note: Above airfare subject to change

LAND COST INCLUDES:

• Twin sharing accommodation on full board basis.
• All transfers.
• Sightseeing as per itinerary.
• Local English speaking guide.
• Bhutan visa.
• Glenn H. Mullin as pilgrimage leader.

EXTRAS:

• Kathmandu/Paro/Kathmandu or Kathmandu/Paro/Bangkok airfare.
• Photography charges in monuments and monasteries.
• Bottled water, bottled drinks & alcoholic beverages.
• Expenses of personal nature like laundry, telephone, bottled water and drinks.
• Insurance of any kind.
• Monastery offerings.
• Airport Taxes.