The capital of the ancient mountain kingdom of Nepal, Kathmandu has the air of a medieva...
Read more >The remote Kingdom of Bhutan, with its fascinating cultural heritage and beautiful mountain scenery, was off limits to tourists until 1974. Today, the country continues to preserve its age-old traditions, as revealed in this tour, which travels through western Bhutan visiting the forts, monasteries and markets of the ‘Dragon Kingdom’.
Saving up to £100 on specific departures when booked by 30 Jun 2021
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Overnight flight from London (regional connections available) to Kathmandu, via Istanbul, with Turkish Airlines. (N)
Day 2: KathmanduArrive in Kathmandu in the early afternoon and transfer to the Hotel Himalaya (or similar) for 2 nights. The hotel is surrounded by beautiful landscaped gardens and offers 180-degree panoramic views of the majestic Himalayan range. (N)
Day 3: KathmanduTake a full morning tour of Kathmandu, a characterful and historic city renowned for its master craftsmen and Newari architecture. Explore the heart of the old town, Durbar Square, a cluster of ancient temples, palaces, courtyards and streets that date back to the 12th and 18th centuries. In the afternoon, discover Kathmandu’s cultural diversity with visits to Pashupatinath Stupa, one of the holiest Hindu stupas in Nepal and Boudhnath, one of the largest Buddhist centres for Nepal’s considerable Tibetan population. (B)
Day 4: Fly to Paro • ThimphuEnjoy spectacular views of the beautiful Paro Valley as you land in Bhutan on the morning flight from Kathmandu. Drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s enigmatic capital city, which maintains a strong medieval feel in its architectural style. This afternoon take a short orientation tour to familiarise yourself with the city. Your tour includes a visit to the imposing Tashichho Dzong. Stay 2 nights at the Hotel Kisa (or similar). (B, L, D)
Day 5: ThimphuThis morning explore Thimphu in greater depth with visits to the National Memorial Chorten, Simply Bhutan, Buddha Point and the Textile Museum. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure before meeting a local family for an authentic Bhutanese dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 6: PunakhaYour scenic drive to Punakha today passes through mountain forests and the stunning Dochula Pass, which offers 360 degree sweeping views of the Himalayas and of the verdant valley’s below. This afternoon get a first-hand experience of typical village life in Bhutan with a visit to a traditional farmhouse. In Punakha, stay 2 nights at the Meri Puensum (or similar). (B, L, D)
Day 7: PunakhaThis morning explore Punakha, a charming town set against the backdrop of snow-covered mountains and pine-clad hills. Perhaps the highlight of the tour will be a visit to the Punakha Dzong, a 17th-century fortress and arguably the most beautiful dzong in the country. This afternoon visit the Nalanda Buddhist Institute to meet with the Buddhist monks. (B, L, D)
Day 8: ParoReturn to Paro and stay 2 nights at the Village Lodge (or similar). Afternoon visit to Ta Dzong, now the national museum, for further insight into Bhutanese culture. Later, get to grips with Bhutanese cuisine with an interactive cooking class. Bhutanese cuisine is largely inspired by Chinese, Indian and Tibetan influences and dishes are usually lavishly spiced with chillies. (B, L, D)
Day 9: ParoToday visit one of the Himalaya’s most incredible sites, the Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest), a monastery miraculously perched on a rocky ledge. The return walk takes about 5 hours but the effort is well rewarded. This afternoon visit the Rinpung Dzong before trying your hand at Bhutan’s national sport – archery. (B, L, D)
Day 10: Fly to KathmanduMorning flight to Kathmandu. Stay overnight at the Hotel Himalaya (or similar). Farewell dinner at Brick Café. (B, D)
Day 11: Fly to London via IstanbulDay at lesiure with late check-out of hotel. This evening fly from Kathmandu to London, via Istanbul, with Turkish Airlines. (B)
Day 12: LondonEarly morning arrival in London. (N)
Meal basisAs per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.
Important information Tour variationsDue to changes to seasonal schedules and opening times, there are minor itinerary variations for certain festival departure dates. Please check with your Cox & Kings travel consultant for details.
Discovery tourHotel standards in Bhutan range from first class in Paro (available at a supplement on private travel only) to reasonably comfortable in western Bhutan. The tour involves some long drives.
Private & tailor-made travelThis itinerary can be taken privately on a date that suits you, for which guideline prices are shown. Alternatively, it can be tailored to your exact requirements. Please call to speak with a Cox & Kings consultant or enquire online
Inspired by the typical lifestyle and rich Bhutanese culture, The Village Lodge presents true Bhutanese essence. Located only a few minutes' drive from Paro airport and set on the fertile farmland in the middle of vibrant Paro valley and encircled by richly forested hills, the lodge offers traditional experience and good accommodation in a peaceful Himalayan environment. The lodge has 9 suite rooms elegantly decorated in Bhutanese architecture, equipped with an underground heating system and comfortable bathrooms. The restaurant serves local, continental and Asian delicacies. NUTS Bar offers the selection of international and Bhutanese beverages. Guests are welcome to venture into the kitchen to learn the art of Bhutanese cooking or simply watch the chef prepare Chili Cheese Ema datshi, the fiery Bhutanese delicacy.
Accommodation in Bhutan is simple and clean, but cannot be compared to the standard of hotels in Europe. The Meri Puensum is situated high on a hillside with panoramic views of the fields, terraces and river below, approximately 5km outside Punakha, and offers simple accommodation, each room with an attached bathroom. Features: 34 rooms, Wi-Fi, laundry, money exchange, bar, restaurant. Room amenities: Balcony, television, torch, phone, hairdryer, tea & coffee making facilities, en suite bathroom.
Conveniently located with easy access to interesting sights, shops and markets, Hotel Kisa blends traditional Bhutanese architecture with contemporary style. All 35 rooms and suites are spacious, tastefully furnished, feature wooden floors and marble bathrooms. Facilities include a multi-cuisine restaurant and a lounge bar.
Surrounded by 10 acres of beautiful landscaped grounds, Hotel Himalaya is located within easy reach of both Kathmandu city centre and the international airport. Guests can enjoy a 180-degree panoramic views of the majestic Himalayan range from the hotel's garden. The hotel's dining options include an international cuisine at Cafe Horizon with in-room dining also available.Features: 125 rooms, Wi-Fi, restaurant, bar, tennis court, swimming pool and health club including sauna and hammam. <br>Room amenities: Air conditioning, flat-screen TV, seating area, desk, en suite facilities.
BHU2021
| Status | Tour Code | Tour Name | Departure-Return date | Original Price | Special Offer(£) | Single Supplement | depdate | returndate | Click to Book | cpntav | MaxGrpSize | IsSuperOffer | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Available | BHU2021 | Bhutan: The Dragon Kingdom | 14 Sep 2021 - 25 Sep 2021 | £3,395 | £0 | £395 | 9/14/2021 12:00:00 AM | 9/25/2021 12:00:00 AM | Reserve | Available | 0 | Available | |
| Available | BHU2021 | Bhutan: The Dragon Kingdom | 3 Nov 2021 - 14 Nov 2021 | £3,395 | £100 | £395 | 11/3/2021 12:00:00 AM | 11/14/2021 12:00:00 AM | Reserve | Available | 0 | Available |
Flexible Prices & Itineraries
For a quote based on alternative accommodation standards or flight options, or to tailor this
itinerary, please call 020 7873 5000
or
send an email enquiry
Please call 020 7873 5000 for more information or to make a booking.
Prices above are per person in pounds sterling (£), based on two people sharing a twin-room. The prices which were valid at the time of publication, may be subject to change, particularly as a result of variable flight costs. You will be informed of any such changes prior to booking.
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© Cox & Kings 2021
