About Bhutan. Bhutan, a tiny country, nestled between. Where is Bhutan and Flights to Bhutan?

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1 Welcome to Bhutan

2 Left to my own devices. I would only have experienced 02% of Bhutan. I am very happy to have had Tashi Tours & Travels faciliate my visit. Guide and Driver were excellent. z Claude Desilets Canada

3 About Bhutan Where is Bhutan and Flights to Bhutan? CHINA PAKISTAN NEPAL BHUTAN INDIA BANGLADESH THAILAND Bhutan, a tiny country, nestled between India and China represents a bunch of delightful people, imposing architecture, mystical religion and interesting arts and culture. Guru Rinpoche, the great tantric master founded the Bhutanese line of Mahayana Buddhism in 747 AD which is still being practiced today. Nine hundred years later, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, a Tibetan refuge, unified the country which was divided among many rival factions. Towards the 19th century, Trongsa Penlop, Ugyen Wangchuk became the first hereditary monarch in SINGAPORE Today, although witnessing rapid development, Bhutan s culture still remains mystical characterized by the clashing sounds of cymbals and the colorful dances of gods. Its valleys manifest the most picturesque views.

4 We are very experienced and demanding travelers but it rarely happens that everything is so perfect and goes so smoothly as during our visit to Bhutan. z Jarek Ziebinski, Poland Bhutan provides several trekking routes both for connoisseurs and experts. The most challenging treks are the Chomolhari Trek, the Lingshi/Laya trek and the Lunana Trek which are located mostly northwards. Lower altitude treks include Gangtey trek and Punakha trek. These routes besides having clean and unspoiled pristine wilderness also give you an opportunity to visit villages, farms and temples. In eastern Bhutan, hikers can explore ridges leading to the eastern border with India on treks like Lhuentshe and Rodungla. Another way to explore the country and enjoy its pristine environment is by biking. You can also participate in the national race, called the tour of the dragon, which is held annually, and bikers race one of the most beautiful terrain from Bumthang to Thimphu covering 268 kilometers. It is considered one of the most difficult bike races in the world. Bhutan also observes several festivals where one can fully submerge oneself into the local culture and lifestyle. Some of the popular festivals are mushroom festival held in Ura Bumthang, Takin festival in Gasa, Rhododendron festival in Thimphu, mountain festival, nomad festival, Sakteng festival, Black necked crane festival etc. The most popular festivals in the country are Paro and Thimphu Tshechu. While in Bhutan, one also gets the rare opportunity to admire, study or explore a diverse range of flora and fauna. Bhutanese forest also presents rare species of endemic birds, flowers, plants and mushrooms. Hiking is a popular tourist activity in the country where one gets to travel through amazing natural beauty dotted with lakes, rivers, and picturesque hills and valleys.

5 One can either enter Bhutan through Phuentsholing or by flight at Paro airport. Phuenthsoling is the commercial hub of the country while Paro, calm of countryside. Paro is also dotted with ancient temples, ruins and many religious sites. Once you reach Thimphu, immerse yourself in the beauty and hospitality of its people, places and culture, handicrafts and architecture. One of the most famous landmark is the Memorial chorten built by the Royal Grandmother Azhi Phuntsho Choden in 1974 in memory of her son the third king of Bhutan Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Sixty kilometers from Thimphu lies the ancient capital of Punakha. The Punakha dzong which sees an average of 300 tourists a day is located between the two male and female rivers called Pho chhu and Mo chhu. Getting Around East of Punakha is Wangduephodrang, the district famous for bamboo works and slate carvings. Phobjikha valley allows you a rare sight of the black necked crane while one should not also miss the ancient Gangtey gonpa monastery and the temple of fertility in lobesa. Trongsa, which lies exactly in the center of Bhutan, is the ancestral home of the royal family. Its majestic dzong exudes spectacular sight. Further eastwards lying at an altitude of 2,600 meters is the beautiful valley of Bumthang which is the religious heartland of Bhutan dotted with several temples, monasteries and religious sites. The three eastern districts of Mongar, Trashigang and Samdrup Jongkhar present Bhutan in its raw natural beauty. Inhabitants here speak a different language called sharchop and they are considered the most hospitable people. Through Samdrup Jongkhar, one can exit to India.

6 Festivals Rituals are inherent part of Bhutanese life. They are performed on all significant occasion. Daily prayers are said in front of family altar, holy formulas are recited with a rosary, butter lamps are offered in temples, prayer flags are erected and nobody would miss the opportunity of a blessing from a high lama. Undertaking pilgrimages, sponsoring collective blessings, and the construction or restoration of temples are activities, which are highly applauded as being meritorious. Bhutanese attach great importance to festivals, which allow them to become immersed in their religion and gain merit. This is the time for celebrations when people dress in their finest cloths and jewelry, eat sumptuously and socialize. At various times of the year, the annual festivals known as Tshechus take place in different locations. Tshechus are highly religious occasions and manifest Bhutanese culture at its peak when people gather at the festivals in their finest Bhutanese traditional dresses. Two of the most famous festivals are held at Paro in the spring The entire trip was well organized and communication was quick and reliable. The trekking team and guide were outstanding. z Habib Benzian, Germany and at Thimphu in the autumn, but there are many others at temples, dzongs and monasteries throughout Bhutan. The Tshechus are celebrated for three to five days with great gaiety. The climax of several of the Tshechus is the belief that through unfurling of a huge appliqué thangkha, known as thongdroel, they can be delivered from the cycle of reincarnations. Tshechus are the most important Bhutanese festival when history, religion, tradition and culture combine to give you a genuine taste of Bhutanese life. Mask dances during the tshechus depict the history of Buddhism and how Guru Rinpoche, the great tantric master subdued the evil that was rampant in the history of mankind. Women also sing and dance wearing colorful hand woven dresses. Devotees bring delicious packed meals, gather around and eat together. Tshechus are also a reenactment of the triumph of good over evil and depicts the judgment day during which an evil person is dragged to hell while someone who leads a religious and moral life is taken to heaven.

7 Tourist Tariff Minimum Daily Package Minimum daily package for tourist travelling in a group of 3 persons or more: USD $200 per person a night for the month of December, January, February, June, July, August USD $250 per person a night for the month of March, April, May, September, October, and November. Local tour operators will also charge US $ 40 as visa fee. On the day of departure, our host obligation shall be limited to providing breakfast and any extra requirements will be payable. The minimum daily package covers the following services. A minimum of 3 star accommodation (4 & 5 star will require additional premium) All meals A licensed Bhutanese tour guide for the extent of your stay All internal transport (excluding internal flights) Entrance to museums and sites Camping equipment and haulage for trekking tours It also includes: All internal taxes and charges A sustainable tourism Royalty of $65. This Royalty goes towards free education, free health care, poverty alleviation, along with the building of infrastructure. Surcharges Tourist travelling in a group of two (2) persons or less shall be subject to a surcharge, in addition to the minimum daily package rates. These are as follows: Single individual- US$40 per night Group of 2 persons only- US$30 per night Discounts 1. For Children up to the age of 5 years, no Charge. However those between the ages of 5-12 years accompanied by elders/ guardians shall be given 50% discount on daily rates and 100% discount on Royalty. This royalty is currently set at $65per day. 2. Full time Students below the age of 25 years, holding valid ID cards from their academic institutions shall also be given a 25% discount on the Royalty. 3. A discount of 50% on minimum daily package shall be given to one person in a group of 11people. 100% discount shall be given to one member in a group exceeding 16 persons. 4. A 50% discount on Royalty shall be provided after the 8th night and 100% discount on Royalty shall be provided after the 14th night. Cancellations Tour programs booked and subsequently cancelled shall be subject to cancellation charges as follows: Within 30 days of start of program- no charges Within 21 days -10% of rate Within 14 days -15% of rate Within 7 days-30% of rate Less than 7 days or without notice-50% of rate After arrival in Bhutan-100% US$10 per person is contributed towards Tourism Development Fund

8 About Us Tashi tours and travel is one of the oldest travel agents in the kingdom formed in It is a subsidiary to a large company under the banner Tashi Group of Companies. Tashi also owns several deluxe hotels under the banner Druk Hotel and is also the official travel partner for Taj Tashi. We also have the largest and the best travel management associate partners in Thailand, Nepal, India and Bangladesh. Our trained staff and fleet of transport are fully equipped to handle comprehensive range of services for incoming tourist and corporate clients. With the entrant of our own private airline, Bhutan airlines, visiting Bhutan has become much easier. The airline operates in Delhi, Kolkata, Kathmandu and Bangkok. Be assured that when we handle your travel arrangements, we will always put you ahead of the program. Your interests and desires are our top priority. Our team comprises of committed, passionate travel Tashi Delek-May all good things come to you! z Tashi Tours and Travels enthusiasts who will guide you during the trip and also share with you their local knowledge and insights Come and indulge yourself in the simplicity and beauty of a place where time stands still. Contact Us : tashitours@gmail.com Tashi Tours and Travels P.O. Box 423 Thimphu, Bhutan Telp Fax Web