Land of Happiness Tour - Xtreme Climbers Treks and Expedition

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Overview

Trip Facts

Trip Highlights

Itinerary

Cost Includes

Cost Excludes

Trip Overview

Country Bhutan

Max. Elevation 3,400m

Duration 10 Days

Difficulty Moderate

Best Season Mar-May, Sep-Nov

Accommodation Hotel

This incredible 10-day journey through Bhutan, the Land of Happiness, will immerse you in the country's rich culture, stunning landscapes, and ancient traditions. Starting in Paro, you'll explore majestic fortresses like Paro Rinpung Dzong and Drukgyel Dzong, and experience rural Bhutanese life by visiting traditional farmhouses. As the journey unfolds, you will travel through scenic...

Trip Facts

Tour Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
Tour Start/End Point: Paro, Bhutan
Destinations Covered: Paro, Punakha, Wangdue, Bumthang, Phobjikha, Thimphu
Key Highlights:
- Paro Rinpung Dzong and Drukgyel Dzong
- Dochula Pass (3,088m) with panoramic views of the Himalayas
- Punakha Dzong, Chimi Lhakhang (Fertility Shrine)
- Bumthang Valley's historic Jakar Dzong, Kujey Lhakhang
- Scenic Phobjikha Valley and the endangered Black-Necked Cranes
- Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery hike
- Tashichhoe Dzong and Buddha Dordenma Statue in Thimphu
Best Time to Visit: March to May, September to November
Accommodation: Hotels in Paro, Punakha, Wangdue, and Bumthang
Mode of Transportation: Private Vehicle
Max Altitude: 3,400m (Yotong La Pass, Bumthang)
Activity Level: Moderate (Hiking involved on Day 8 and Day 9)

This tour allows you to explore the deep cultural and spiritual traditions of Bhutan while surrounded by some of the most awe-inspiring natural beauty the country has to offer.

Trip Highlights

Arrival in Paro and Introduction to Bhutan's Heritage:
- Visit the historic Paro Rinpung Dzong (1645) and Drukgyel Dzong (1649), gaining insights into Bhutan's defense history and Buddhist culture.
- Explore Paro’s traditional farmhouses, providing a glimpse into rural life and Bhutanese customs.
Punakha/Wangdue Journey through Himalayan Passes:
- Drive through the beautiful Dochula Pass (3,088m) with stunning views of the Himalayas and the famous 108 Chortens.
- Visit Punakha Dzong (1637), a significant fortress in Bhutan’s unification and the religious-administrative center of the region.
- Stop at Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple, for a special blessing and insight into Bhutanese beliefs.
Scenic Drive to Bumthang via Trongsa:
- Travel through dense forests and picturesque villages, crossing the Pele La Pass (3,300m) and stopping at the Chendebji Chorten.
- Discover the rich cultural heritage of Bumthang by visiting the Ta Dzong National Museum and local weaving centers where the traditional Yathra woolen cloth is made.
Bumthang Cultural Exploration:
- Explore the Jakar Dzong, known as the Castle of the White Bird, Jambay Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, and the Kujey Lhakhang, a sacred site with the body imprint of Guru Rinpoche.
- Stroll through the scenic Bumthang Valley and visit the spiritual Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake).
Phobjikha Valley and Black-Necked Cranes:
- Visit the Gangtey Monastery in the remote Phobjikha Valley, home to the endangered Black-Necked Cranes during the winter months.
- Experience Bhutan's most untouched natural sanctuaries with stunning landscapes and a peaceful atmosphere.
Thimphu's Cultural & Religious Sites:
- Visit the vibrant Centenary Farmers’ Market, the Takin Preserve (home to Bhutan’s rare national animal), and watch a traditional Archery Match.
- Explore Tashichhoe Dzong, the seat of Bhutan’s government, and National Memorial Chorten, dedicated to the Third King of Bhutan.
Tango Monastery Hike:
- Enjoy a serene hike through Rhododendron forests to Tango Monastery, a center for monk education with breathtaking views of the Thimphu Valley.
Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) Hike:
- Embark on a day hike to the famous Taktsang Monastery, clinging to a cliffside, and enjoy spectacular views from the Viewpoint Cafeteria.
- Visit Kyichu Temple, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, steeped in ancient legend and history.
- Unwind with a traditional Bhutanese Hotstone Bath for a relaxing conclusion to your Bhutan adventure.

Key Experiences:

Exploration of Bhutan's ancient monasteries, fortresses (dzongs), and temples.
Cultural interaction and insight into Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness philosophy.
Breathtaking views of the Eastern Himalayas and serene landscapes of valleys and forests.
A mix of moderate trekking, cultural sightseeing, and spiritual encounters.

Itinerary

In the morning after breakfast, your tour guide will escort you to the Paro airport for your flight to your destination further.

Cost includes

Transportation (KTM): Airport pickup and drop in a private vehicle as per group size.
Member’s Accommodation in Kathmandu: 1 Night 3* Hotel (Twin Shearing) with BB per schedule program and itinerary
Transportation (Bhutan): Transportation with the best A/C SUV car or Toyota A/C minibus as per group size and scheduled itinerary
Guide: Highly experienced government-licensed English-speaking Guide during the entire trekking period
Meals: All 3 meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) and pack lunch during the entire trip and Bottled water in the vehicle.
Hotel Accommodation: Government-approved 3* or 4* star accommodation on a single or twin-sharing basis as per the scheduled programmed itinerary.
Entrance Fee: Required necessary monuments Permits, entrance fees, & sightseeing fees mentioned over to itinerary.
Baggage allowance: Baggage allowance will not be chargeable until 20kg. (NOTE: Baggage more than 20.kg will charge an additional $ 3 per kg which has to be borne by clients).
Packed Lunch and Mineral Water: During a long journey packed or hot lunch will be served on the way in good Restaurants which will be verified by the Department of Tourism and Mineral Water in the Car.
Sustainability Development Fee “SDF”: Bhutan Sustainable Development [SDF $ 100] Fee
Visa Fee: One-time USD 40 visa fee
Horse / Food supplies: Required necessary Horses to carry trekking and camping equipment as well as the entire Food supplies From-To-From
Camping Equipment: Required necessary high-quality sleeping Tents VE-25 The North Face, Kailash, Marmot, or similar to that (shearing Basis), Dining, Kitchen & Toilet Tents with necessary kitchen utensils, Tables, chairs, and hot water bags will be provided.
Trekking chef & assistants: Highly professional Trekking chef & kitchen assistants
Company S/C and Taxes: XTREME CLIMBERS minimum service charge and VAT / TAX

Cost Excludes

Airfare: International flight airfare (from and to Bhutan). Or the Flight fare from Paro to Jaker.
Extra Night in Kathmandu: Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu In case of early arrival or late departure, early return from Trekking / Expedition (due to any reason) then the scheduled itinerary.
Insurance: Travel and high altitude insurance, accident, medical & emergency evacuation.
Personal Expenses: Telephone, Internet, battery recharge, Hot shower, Laundry, any Alcoholic beverages & soft drinks (during the trek and in Kathmandu but we will serve all kinds of beverages for members in base camp), and also Clothing, Packing Items or Bags, Personal Medical Kit, Personal Trekking /Climbing Gears.
Personal Camping Equipment: Sleeping bag, sleeping mats & pillows
Tips: Minimum 10% of the total budget amount as tips for the entire trekking Crew, Driver, and Staff.
Extra: Any extra expenses arising out of various/unforeseen situations like natural calamities, landslides, political disturbances, strikes, changes in Government regulations, Personal climbing gears or any other services or activities, which are not mentioned in the itinerary or any other item not listed in the “Cost Includes” section.