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15 DAY BHUTAN ROYAL MANAS SAFARI - 2019

15 Days + 14 Nights

HolidayXP Online office
03 9081 6367

The Kingdom of Bhutan, a tiny country nestled high in the Eastern Himalayas, has been selected as one of three finalists in the “Destination Stewardship” category for the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards hosted by the World Travel & Tourism Council. Bhutan enjoys a reputation for authenticity, remoteness and a well-protected cultural heritage and natural environment. Today tourism is a vibrant business with a high potential for growth and further development. The Royal Government of Bhutan adheres strongly to a policy of ‘High Values, Low Impact’ tourism which serves the purpose of creating an image of exclusivity and high-yield for Bhutan.

 

Minimum 2 pax travelling

    

Prices start from $5,200

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Highlights

  • Birding
  • Visit to village and to experience village lifestyle
  • Jeep ride

Need Assistance? , We will Call You Back

  • available
  • sold out/wait list
  • not available

What’s included

  • Airport pick up and drop off
  • Bhutan visa application fees
  • Licensed English-speaking tour guides
  • Government taxes & fees
More Details

Itinerary

  • Day 1. ARRIVE PARO
  • Day 2. THIMPHU-PUNAKHA
  • Day 3. PUNAKHA-GANGTEY
  • Day 4. GANGTEY-TRONGSA
More Details

Accommodation

  • Peaceful Resort Hotel or similar
  • Khuru Resort or similar
  • Hotel Dewachen or similar
  • Yangkhil Resort or similar
More Details

Terms & Conditions

  • AUD1000 per person non-refundable deposit is payab
  • Any un-utilized services, unused tours or hotel ro
  • Any amendment / cancellation made after a confirme
  • The Hotel and Resort name suggested above are the
More Details

Day 1. ARRIVE PARO

The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world, with a constantly changing panorama of some of the highest mountains on earth. Our company representative will meet you at Paro airport exit doors following customs formalities. After lunch enjoy afternoon sightseeing around Paro, including a visit to the Ta Dzong Museum housing many religious relics, works of art and handicrafts offering a great orientation into Bhutan’s historical, cultural, and religious past. Next, visit the Rimpong Dzong, 17th century lama Drung Drung Gyal a descendent of Phajo Drogom Zhigpo (great Buddhist master) offered a small five storied dzong to Zhabdrung, later dismantle the small dzong and laid a foundation on 1644 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. In 1646the dzong was reconsecrated and established as the administration and monastic centre of western region to see the painting of the great saint Milarepa, considered as the master of meditation by the Bhutanese and believed to have attained enlightenment in a lifetime. Dzong’s are large monasteries and district administrative centres, which were once strategic forts. Later drive to Thimphu, Capital city of Bhutan. On the way we will stop over at Thangthong Bridge and temple. Tachog Lhakhang, meaning "temple of the hill of the excellent horse" is a private monastery currently run by the descendants of Thangtong Gyalpo. The famous iron bridge of Tachog Monastery is 600 year old bridge crossing the Paro Chhu (Paro River) and was traditionally restored in 2005 after being washed away during a 1969 flood. The bridge was originally built by the legendary Tibetan architect, physician, blacksmith and civil engineer Thangtong Gyalpo who is an important figure in Bhutanese and Tibetan history. Then in the evening visit Tashichhodzong, ‘the fortress of the glorious religion’. Initially erected in 1641 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was rebuilt in the 1960s during the reign of Bhutan’s third king in the traditional style, without plans or nails. Tashichhodzong houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body. Overnight in Thimphu.

  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Day 2. THIMPHU-PUNAKHA

Today before moving to Punakha you while take a time out for Thimphu sightseeing. You will visit Buddha Point: The massive statue of Buddha Shakyamuni located atop a hill in Kuenselphodrang overlooks the southern entrance to Thimphu valley measuring 169ft, making it one of the largest statues of Buddha in the world which is under construction. Memorial Stupa: located at the heart of the town was built in 1974 by Her Majesty Ashi Phuntsho Choden Wangchuck in memory of her son the 3rd king Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. It was built with the aim of removing evil forces, promoting peace, stability and harmony in the world. Then drive Drive over the Dochu-La pass (3,100 meters), which on a clear day offers an incredible view of Himalayan peaks before descending into balmy Punakha valley (about 3 hrs total driving time). The drive through the countryside affords a glimpse of everyday life in this most remote of Himalayan kingdoms. In the Dochu-La area there are vast Rhododendron forests that grow to tree size and bloom in late April/early May covering the mountains in a riot of glorious spring colour. After lunch, enjoy a walk to Chimi Lhakhang, temple of the Drukpa Kuenly who is also known as the Divine Madman. He inherited the Divine Madman title since he revolted against the orthodox Buddhism in his time. He taught the people that religion is an inner feeling and it’s not necessary that one should be an ordained monk. He is also considered a symbol of fertility and most childless couples go to his temple for blessing. Later in the evening visit Punakha Dzong, the “Palace of Great Happiness” built in 1637 by the Shabdrung, the ‘Unifier of Bhutan’. It is situated at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu (Mother and Father Rivers) and is the winter headquarters of the Je Khenpo and hundreds of monks who move en masse from Thimphu to this warmer location. The three story main temple of the Punakha Dzong is a breathtaking example of traditional architecture with four intricately embossed entrance pillars crafted from cypress and decorated in gold and silver. It was here in 1907 that Bhutan’s first king was crowned. Overnight at Punakha

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Day 3. PUNAKHA-GANGTEY

Today after breakfast we drive to Gangtey valley. Gangtey or Phobjikha is at an average altitude of 3,000m is a wide and beautiful valley, designated as conservation zone within the Jigme Singye Wangchuk National Park (formerly known as Black Mountains National Park) is a natural habitat for wildlife, including nesting grounds for endangered black-necked cranes that migrate from Central Asia in the winter (late October and stay till March). Later at Gangtey valley, you will do a short hike through Gangtey Nature Trail about 90min through the pine forest and small bamboo plants. It starts from Mani stone wall to the north of gangtey temple and ends in Khewa Lhakhang. You can enjoy the view of beautiful Phobjikha valley in course of hike. Overnight at Gangtey

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Day 4. GANGTEY-TRONGSA

A voyage to Trongsa is a half day drive covering 78 km and transient passes Pele-La (3420m) after your breakfast. While travelling towards Trongsa you will be awestruck by natural forest beauty of rhododendron and fields of dwarf bamboo. Above all the landscape, green meadows, gushing waterfall and constant changing vegetation will add flavor to mesmerize your feeling. Before you witness the marvel on the way, just take glimpse over Gantey Monastry. Gangtey monastery is the main seat of Terton Pema Lingpa tradition, located in the wangdue phodrang. The monastery history traces to the early 17th century. The Gangtey monastery was established in1613 by the first Peling Gyalse aka Gangtey Trulku Rigdzin Pema Trinlay the grandson son of Terton Pema lingpa. Then resume the journey towards Bumthang. Then at Trongsa visit longest dzong fortress in Bhutan the Trongsa Dzong. First built in 1543 by Drukpa lama Ngagi wangchuk on a crag overlooking Mangde chu. Trongsa dzong provides the Headquarter of the government of Trongsa district and also house major monastic complex. And also visit Ta Dzong Museum in Trongsa to glimpse over the rare and priceless artifacts belonging to the Monarchy of Bhutan.

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Day 5. TRONGSA-PANGTANG

After breakfast you drive to south of Bhutan for the Royal Manas Safari. On route to our night out at Pangthang eco-lodge, you have a chance to see varieties of birds like hornbills, bulbuls, doves, wood pecker and cuckoos and plants. You can even ride a mountain bike from Gomphu to Pangthang. The trek will come to an end at Pangthang and spend the night at the eco-lodges or pitch a tent. Overnight at Pangthang

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Day 6. PANGTANG-PANGBANG

Today after break you will drive further to the south of Bhutan for the final destination for the safari. Panbang is your final leg of the safari tour and you will be staying at here for three days to explore and experience the safari of Bhutan through various outdoor activities. On route you can also see birds species like bulbuls, barbets, thrushes, hornbills, kingfisher, cormorant, wagtails, trogons and many other species. Your luxury campsite at Panbang is located at a placed called Anilademba at the junction of Mangdechu and Dangmechu. Overnight at Pangbang

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Day 7. PANGBANG: - ELEPHANT SAFARI

Today, you will go on the famous elephant safari. This will include wildlife viewing on elephants. The ride will start from the central Manas camp ranger office. As you ride through the park, you will notice that there are wide climate variations. Later in the evening back from the elephant safari, you will have hot stone bath to relax your body and dinner with bon fire. Overnight at Pangbang

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Day 8. PANGBANG: - RIVER RAFTING

Today will be yet another adventurous day. River rafting in the Manas River is something that everyone wants to achieve. While boating and river rafting along the Manas River, you can see goral, capped langurs, cormorants and many other bird species besides the beautiful landscape. Later in the evening back from the elephant safari, you will have hot stone bath to relax your body and dinner with bon fire. Overnight at Pangbang

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Day 9. PANGBANG: - EXPERINCING

Today you will have an open itinerary. After breakfast, visit nearby village to experience the village lifestyle. Then you will participate in traditional sport like Archery and dart (Khuru). Later in the evening back from the elephant safari, you will have hot stone bath to relax your body and dinner with bon fire. Overnight at Pangbang

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Day 10. PANGBANG-GOMPHU

After breakfast you bid goodbye to the adventurous place of pangbang and drive back to Gomphu for the night out.

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Day 11. GOMPHU: - DUENMANG TSACHU

Today after breakfast you will visit Duenmang hot spring which popular in the country. The Duenmang hot spring is an hour’s journey down from the road point; there are four ponds at the hot spring that are no less than 30 degree Celsius. There is a pungent smell coming from the ground. This hot spring is known to heal joint pain, ulcer, gastritis, piles and UTI, among others. You could also see many monkeys at the place. The popular belief is that monkeys go up the cliff when people down in the pond are doing some forbidden things. Monkeys are the keepers of the hot spring and demand some decorum in the ponds. If you shout in the pond or engage in amorous acts, the real fun is a massive stone on your head from above. Later in evening you will come back to the camp and have dinner with bon fire. Overnight at Gomphu

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Day 12. GOMPHU-GELEPHU

Today you will drive to Gelephu the southern part of Bhutan which is a day long journey. Overnight at Gelephu

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Day 13. GELEPHU-THIMPHU

After breakfast you will drive back to Thimphu, capital city of Bhutan via Wangdue and in the evening leisure time out in the city. You could see the mega hydro power construction on route to Wangdue from Gelephu. Overnight at Thimphu

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Day 14. THIMPHU-PARO

After breakfast you drive to Paro to visit one of the mesmerizing tour package offered to the visitors as they hike up to Paro Taktsang- The Tiger Nest. The Taksang Monastery, it is perched some 1000m/3,000ft up on a cliff overlooking the valley. It was said to be where the legendary Indian saint, Guru Padma Sambhava, flew from Tibet on the back of a tiger to subdue five demons, who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan in 8th century. Visit Kyichu Lhakhang built by the first King of Tibet Songtsen Gampo who introduced Buddhism into our country in 7th century. Leisure in Paro town Overnight at Paro

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Day 15. DEPART PARO

After Breakfast at your hotel, you will head towards Paro International Airport escort by Guide. Fly home via a connecting city from Paro International Airport (Bhutan).

  • Breakfast

Inclusions

  • Airport pick up and drop off
  • Bhutan visa application fees
  • Licensed English-speaking tour guides
  • Government taxes & fees
  • A sustainable tourism Royalty of $65. This Royalty goes towards free education, free healthcare, poverty alleviation, along with the building of infrastructure.
  • Museum fees and other special entry fees.
  • Mineral water on long trips both on trek and cultural tours
  • Tea, coffee and snacks during the long drive and tour.
  • Brand new Bus, SUVs’ (not exceeding 4-5 years)
  • Deluxe room accommodation in the best 3-4 star Resorts/hotels in Bhutan.
  • Basic eco-lodge accommodation in National Park
  • Meals (Daily Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner, Tea/Coffee with snacks as and when required)
  • All tours, activities and sightseeing

Exclusions

  • International return tickets
  • Any expense of personal nature;
  • Travel Insurance. Please DO purchase the Travel Insurance before your trip to against any unforeseen circumstance. HolidayXp is now offering 30% off for QBE insurance.
  • Tips and gratuities(recommended)

Peaceful Resort Hotel or similar

Peaceful Resort Hotel

Peaceful Resort is a gateway to a land steeped in mythology and magic. The mountain kingdom of Bhutan remains one of the old world’s last few strongholds, as yet unspoilt by civilization. In the charmed isolation of the Himalayan heights, Bhutan’s ancient and alluring ways of Mahayana Buddhism continue richly intact to this day, and permeate every aspect of Bhutanese life and art.

Khuru Resort or similar

Khuru Resort

Situated in Punakha, this hotel is 6.2 mi (10 km) from Radak Neykhang and 7 mi (11.3 km) from Wangdue Phodrang Dzong. Punakha Dzong and Chimi L'hakhang Temple are also within 25 mi (40 km).

Hotel Dewachen or similar

Hotel Dewachen

Encircled by pine forests in the hidden valley of Phobjikha – Gantey Gompa, home to the very rare Black Necked cranes, the Dewachen Hotel features sixteen double rooms, modern bathroom fittings, heavenly bedding comforts, and a restaurant with a magnificent view and the finest cuisine prepared by a professional chef. At Dewachen, you’ll find each detail well thought of and your needs anticipated each time you return. For your enjoyment and recreation, we have a cocktail lounge, horse riding facilities, and cultural programs on request and for a fee. A traditional hot stone bath to unwind and end your day. With a capacity to accommodate 30 persons, our medium sized, convention hall equipped with support facilities can easily handle your most ambitious conventions. With rooms heated by iron stove and hot water bags in your bed, the coldest days and nights are not a challenge. So come away to unwind and enjoy being pampered and catered to. After spending a little time with us, you’ll come away looking at life with a difference.

Yangkhil Resort or similar

Yangkhil Resort

Within walking distance from Trongsa town, Yangkhil Resort is the most elegant resort in the historic town of Trongsa, Bhutanoffering 21 rooms with modern amenities. The establishment has been in operation since October 2004. Lush green and colorful gardens, fish pond, breathtaking panoramic view of Trongsa Dzong, Taa Dzong, Mangde Chhu (river) and the view of mountains soaring over 10,000 feet create an unforgettable setting at Yangkhil Resort. A relaxed country-club atmosphere within the establishment create an ideal place for guest seeking solitude or relaxation

Hotel Pelrithang and Spa or similar

Hotel Pelrithang and Spa

It is a best place to spend your leisure time with family and friends and offers best service and comforts.

Tashi Namgay Resort or similar

Tashi Namgay Resort

“Rediscover the uniqueness of Bhutanese tradition” As you prepare to land at the Paro International Airport, the eye catching Tashi Namgay Resort opposite to Bhutan’s only international airport would greet you with the warmth and serenity that you hope to achieve on your visit. The resort is set amidst five acres of lush foliage and green lawns. Located conveniently in the heart of Paro valley but away from the distractions of the main town, Tashi Namgay Resort offers you a calm and peaceful environment within a five-acre compound. Unique blends of traditional Bhutanese and modern architecture have been provided for, yet at the same time offering you all the amenities of a modern lifestyle. The concern for the environment has been foremost in the design as it is evident from the layout of the buildings, the use of solar lights, wooden ‘shingle’ roofing and mud-brick walls.

Meeting Point

  • Paro Airport

Tips & Options

Addons

  • Minimum 2 pax travelling, booking with only 1 traveller will apply single supplement AUD2500

Terms & Conditions

  • AUD1000 per person non-refundable deposit is payable at the time of booking. Final balance is due 90 days before departure.
  • Any un-utilized services, unused tours or hotel rooms are non-refundable
  • Any amendment / cancellation made after a confirmed booking is subject to cancellation charges
  • The Hotel and Resort name suggested above are the three star standards. While guest are on safari they are accommodated either at the Eco-lodge provided by the park services or pitch a Tent at the sites. The tent will be provided by the tour company with t
Call 03 9081 6367