SHERPA KHUMBIYILA ADVENTURES
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NEPAL to BHUTAN
Underneath the mountain ranges of the Himalayas, the tiny landlocked country of Nepal and Bhutan offers more than just what meets the eye.
SKA Adventures & Yeega Adventure Tours will coordinate everything you need to enjoy your tours and Adventures in Nepal to Bhutan
Happiness is the place
Bhutan, Land of the Thunder Dragon
There is a place on earth that even the most seasoned travelers consider a privilege to visit. And although it is voted one of the world’s top travel destinations, very few make it.
This is Drukyul, Bhutan, the land of Thunder Dragon. You cannot find a more enlightening travel destination today. Perched high on the mighty Himalayan range, the Kingdom of Bhutan has defied
globalization and chosen to remain a hidden paradise.
Bhutan is marked by raw natural beauty where the dense foliage changes dramatically as the
subtropical jungles at sea merge into a fertile temperate zone and rise up to the great
northern glaciers. The Pristine environment is home to exotic wildlife and is the last refuge for
endangered species like the Black-Necked Crane, the Blue Sheep, the Golden Langur, the Takin
and even the Royal Bengal Tiger.
The Kingdom of Bhutan today remains one of the adventured destinations. And Bhutan does
not have traffic lights even today. That is how the Bhutanese people would like to keep it. Thus
the carefully managed tourism policy of the government is based on ‘High value, low impact, in
essence: ‘take nothing but memories, leave nothing but footprints’.
Happiness is a place
It is not surprise that the main goal in life for Bhutanese people is happiness. Even the mandate
of modern Bhutanese state is Gross National Happiness. In translation, this means the economic
development, a goal for much of humanity, is only a means of the real goal of happiness.
Bhutan’s Brand tagline ‘Happiness is a place’ simply assures that happiness can be found is
simple things and these simple things can be found anywhere and in anything.
ABOUT BHUTAN
Area: 38,394 sq.Km
Forest Coverage: 72.5% National Bird: Raven
Population: 7,41,822 (2013) Local Time: 6 hrs ahead of GMT
Official Language: Dzongkha National spot: Archery
Currency: Ngultrum (Nu) National Tree: Cypress
Country code: 975 National Animal: Takin
National Flower: Blue Poppy
Capital: Thimphu
State Religion: Mahayana Buddhism
National Butterfly: Ludlow’s Bhutan Swallowtail
Festivals
Festivals (Tshechus) in Bhutan are rich and happy expressions of its ancient Buddhist culture.
These Festivals are held in all districts and most of them are in honor of Guru Rimpoche, the
saint who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century. Tshechus take place on auspicious
days in the Bhutanese calendar and lasts for several days in which a series of colorful masked
dances and rituals are performed.
The Tshechus are rich forms of oral tradition where the Bhutanese pass on values, mythology, and spiritual beliefs through dance dramas. Many of Tshechus culminate with a rare display
of a giant silk appliqué thanka (Painting) depicting Guru Rimpoche or some other important
Buddhist figures.
People’s deep faith and devotion make these festivals a special occasion. At the same time, it is
also an opportunity to join hundreds even, thousands, of Bhutanese in taking part in an
the important religious and social occasion that often exudes a carnival atmosphere.
Due to the nature of the lunar calendar, the exact dates for the tshechus vary year to year. Tentative
dates can be downloaded from the Tourism Council of Bhutan.
Travel by Air
The country has so far only one international airport that caters to the needs of visitors. The
international airport at Paro is located at a height of 7,300 ft (2212m) above sea level and
surrounded by mountains and hills a high as 16,000 ft.(4849m). There are flights to destinations
that include Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Boda Gaya, Kathmandu, Guwahati, Singapore
and Mumbai.
The flight between Paro and Katmandu is one of the most exciting ones as the aircraft passes
over four of the five highest mountains in the world. In fine weather, as you soar higher up, you
can enjoy the spectacular view of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Kanchenjunga at their best.
And there are domestic airports in eastern Bhutan, Bumthang in central Bhutan, and Gelephu in
South-central Bhutan.
Two carriers operate to Bhutan are 1. Drukair
2. Bhutan Airlines
Travel by Land
Phuntsholing, Gelephu and Samdrup Jonkhar are the only land border areas open to tourists.
The town of Phuntsholin in south-west is located approximately 170km east of India national
airport at Bagdogra. After crossing Phuntsholing, you begin your Journey to Thimphu, the
capital city with travel time of about six hours for the 170 km stretch.
Gelephu is south-central Bhutan is another entry point to Bhutan. It is approximately 259 kms
from Thimphu and the journey will take you through the sub- tropical areas of Bhutan before
entering the alpine zone and then finally into Thimphu. One will have to traverse across three
districts and the travel time will be about then hours.
The district of Samdrup Jonkhar in south-east Bhutanborders the India district of Darranga,
Assam and is approximately 150 kms away from Guwahati, the capital city of Assam. The
journey from Guwahati is about three hours. Tourists entering Bhutan through Samdrup Jonkhar
will take you to Trashigang, and from there over the lateral route to Mongar, Bumthang,
Trongsa, Wangdue Phodrang and then finally into Capital, Thimphu. The distance is about
700kms and will take you a minimum of three days to reach Thimphu.
Travel Requirement
Tourists can be book a packaged holiday to Bhutan through both Bhutanese and international
tour operators. The Royal Government of Bhutan sets the minimum daily package rate which
must be paid in Us dollars prior to issuing a visa a follows:
_ $250 - per person/night( March, April, May, September, October & November)
_ $200- Per Person/night (January, February, June, July, August & December)
_ Below two person- per person/night (Surcharge US dollars 40)
_ Below three person- Per person/night (Surcharge US dollars 30)
The minimum daily package rate includes:
- All internal Taxes and charges (Including the royalty)
- Tourist standard accommodation
- All meals
- All travel with a licensed Bhutanese tour guide
- All internal road transport
- Camping equipment and haulage for trekking tours.
- This minimum daily package is for 3 stars only.
- For the 5 stars hotels clients have to pay extra premium.
Language
You will get by comfortably if you speak English, as the language is taught in schools in Bhutan.
The national language, Dzongkha, is widely used and Bhutanese are generally, multi-lingual,
speaking Dzongkha, Hindi and Nepali. Many children, even in the rural areas, tend to walk up to
visitors, wave and say “hello” or “good morning”. The Bhutanese are always thrilled when they
meet visitors who try to speak their language. Though all licensed guides speak English, visitors
can avail services of licensed guides like German, Japanese, Spanish, Chinese, etc.
YEEGA ADVENTURES TOURS
Yeega Adventure Tours ‘into the heart of the dragon kingdom’ is a travel company, licensed by the Tourism Council of Bhutan, based in Thimphu the capital city of Bhutan and, as the name suggests, Yeega stands for a “Happiness” thus, we add that extra value to all your travel needs. Founded in 2018 by a travel enthusiast, the agency has tailored to a host of tourists from across the globe often making them want to visit the country again.
From cultural sightseeing to trekking and adventure travels, our customized itineraries and out-of-the-box schedules are all especially made to suit the 21st century niche traveler while providing you a platform for choice and a journey that is worth every penny you spend.
Our partner Mr. Ugyen Nima ( Director/Founder of YEEGA ADVENTURES TOURS with the clients in Bhutan.
Trips from Nepal to Bhutan
We Operate Tour on both Private as well as Group Joining Basis, Below we have attached the itinerary of few available packages. We accommodate your plans in Kathmandu and tours to Bhutan as a complete package. Trips can be tailored as per your dates.
NOW ADD BHUTAN TO YOUR HOLIDAYS WHILE YOU ARE IN NEPAL. WE ARRANGE CUSTOMIZED TOURS AS PER YOUR CHOCE.
03 Nights 04 Days Bhutan Tour Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive, Paro, drive to Thimphu (D):
Upon arrival in Paro, clear customs and immigration. Keep your copy of the visa clearance letter handy. P.P
size pictures are no longer required and your visa has been paid. Meet your guide and driver outside the
terminal building and transfer to Thimphu. Stroll around the city in the evening. Overnight.
Day 02: Thimphu (B/L/D) Full-day sightseeing in Thimphu.
Visit Memorial Chorten, Zilukha Nunnery, Takin Sanctuary, Indigenous Hospital, Textile Museum, and
Heritage Museum, Traditional School of Arts & crafts and Tashicho Dzong. Upon an available time, you will also
visit the Zangdopelri temple, paper factory, and other sights. Overnight.
Day 03: Thimphu – Paro (B/L/D):
After breakfast, retrace your drive back to Paro. In Paro visit Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang) and Farm
House, National Museum, and Local Market Overnight.
Day 04: Paro – Depart (B):
After breakfast, transfer to the airport in time for your departure flight to your onward destination.
06 Nights 07 Days Bhutan Tour Itinerary
Day 01:Arrive Paro, drive to Thimphu (D):
Arrive at Paro Airport and then drive to the capital city Thimphu. Altitude: 2320m/ 7656ft above sea level. (1 hour 30
minutes’ drive)
The flight into the Himalayas reveals scenic and breathtaking views of the Himalayan Mountains of the world. If
weather permits you will be able to see Mt Everest (8848m, 29,198ft) and other Himalayan mountain ranges.
After checking into the hotel later visit, Your representative from the agency will greet you on arrival and drive
you to the capital city, Thimphu. On the way to Thimphu visit, Tamchhog Lhakhang which is located on the
opposite side of the river. This is a temple built by Thang Thong Gyalpo of Tibet, who was responsible for
building numerous iron bridges throughout Bhutan.Kuenselcholing View Point: A place from where you can
get a good overview of the Thimphu valley is from the Buddha point (Kuensel Phodrang). It is again a short
drive from the town. You can pay your obeisance and offer prayers to the Buddha, the largest statue in the
country and then walk around and take a glimpse of the valley. Memorial Chorten: This particular chorten
was constructed in 1974 as a memorial for the third King of the country, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who
is widely regarded as the father of modern Bhutan.Tashichho Dzong: The name means – Means Fortress
of Glorious Religion. It was built in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. It houses the secretariat building,
the throne room and the office of the king, and the central monk body. Later relax for the day and stroll
around the city. Overnight in Thimphu
Day 02: Thimphu (B/L/D) Full-day sightseeing in Thimphu.
The morning takes a hike to Cheri Monastery (Includes Dodina and Jigme Dorji Wildlife Sanctuary): Hike about 1hrs (to
and fro) leads to Cheri Goemba (Cheri Dorji Dhen). Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal built this monastery in 1620 and
established the first monk body here. A chance to spot birds such as Mrs. Gould’s Sunbird, Yellow-browed Tit, Yellow-
rumped Honeyguide, Long-billed Thrush, Ultramarine Flycatcher.Paper factory: The handmade paper making in
Bhutan stemmed from the age-old tradition that originated in the 8th century of Bhutanese history. The handmade
paper constitutes a valuable National heritage of Bhutanese cultural identity and is preserved through all
the ages. The Traditional paper is recognized and held high esteem both in-home and outside world.
The weekend market: Held every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, the people crowd the stalls every day,
dressed in full color and gathered to meet and to barter, much like the street markets in London!Bhutan
Craft bazaar: The private stalls had a variety of high-end quality products from places across the country
such as wood carved national symbols, bags and western wears with the touch of traditional designs, wooden
and clay utensils, Bangchung, Dhapa, key hanger of jewelry boxes, bookmarks and handmade packing
papers (Deysho) in different patterns, antique items and etc. The stalls have a distinctly rich outlook with fine
tones of elegance and a warm and inviting atmosphere. The craft bazaar is also exemplary of how
bamboo can be used to construct houses in the country. Later you can stroll around the city. Overnight in
Thimphu.
DAY 03: THIMPHU TO GANGTEY (B, L, D)
Altitude: 2800m/ 9240ft above sea level (5 hours drive)
Morning driving towards Gangtey, we come across a pass known as Dochula (3140m, 10362ft) from where
a beautiful panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range can be seen, especially on clear winter days.
The beauty of this place is further enhanced by the Druk Wangyal Chortens- 108 stupas built by the
eldest Queen, Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck. In the mountains east of Wangdue Phodrang
lies the beautiful Phobjikha valley, on the slopes of which is situated the great monastery of Gangtey,
established in the 17th century. The village of Phobjikha lies a few km. down from the monastery, on the
valley floor. This quiet, remote valley is the winter home of black-necked cranes, which migrate from the arid
plains of Tibet in the north, to pass the winter months in a milder climate. Overnight in Gangtey.
DAY 04: GANGTEY TO PUNAKHA/WANGDUE (B, L, D)
Altitude: 2800m/ 9240ft above sea level (2 hours drive)
Morning visit, Gangtey Goemba: In the mountains east of Wangdue Phodrang lies the beautiful Phobjikha
valley, on the slopes of which is situated the great monastery of Gangtey, established in the 17th century.
The village of Phobjikha lies a few km. down from the monastery, on the valley floor. This quiet, remote
valley is the winter home of black-necked cranes, which migrate from the arid plains of Tibet in the north, to
pass the winter months in a milder climate. Hike to Chimi Lhakhang(Temple of fertility): This Temple was
built by lam Drukpa Kuenley (The Divine Madman) in 1499. It is about thirty minutes hike across fields from
the road –Wooden phalluses are often found hanging in the four corners of the houses and also phalluses
are painted on the walls of houses. It is the common belief that this helps in driving away evil spirits.(30
minutes hike to and fro, gentle steep, good foot path across the valleys and villages). Overnight in
Punakha.
DAY 05: PUNAKHA/WANGDUE TO PARO (B, L, D)
Altitude: 2280m/7524ft above sea level.(4 hours drive)
Morning visit, Punakha Dzong (fortress): Built-in 1637 by Zhabdrung which is remarkably located between
the rivers of Mo (Female) Chu (river) and Pho (Male) Chu. Until the time of the second king, it served as a seat
of the king.
Later drive to Paro and later visit Rimpung Dzong: The Bhutanese Dzongs are huge architectural structures
constructed for a variety of functions throughout the country, from administrative buildings to monasteries
and temples, yet they are carefully and thoughtfully designed and are strikingly beautiful. The Rimpung
Dzong, known as the “fortress of the heap of jewels” in the picturesque setting of the Paro valley, is of
course no exception, built in the time of the dynamic spiritual and political leader Zhabdrung in 1644. Once a
year, as part of the Tsechu festival, one of the oldest Thongdol (gigantic scroll paintings) is ceremonially
unfurled here.
Kichu Lhakhang(Monastery): It is one of the two most sacred and oldest temples in Bhutan. It was built
in 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo.Overnight in Paro
DAY 06: IN PARO (B, L, D)
Morning hike to Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s nest): This is Bhutan’s most recognizable cultural icon perched
800m/2640ft up a seemingly sheer cliff. Although it was tragically and mysteriously consumed by fire in April 1998 it
has now been restored to its former glory. It is believed that in the 8th century, the great tantric master Guru Rimpoche/
Padmasambhava (2nd Buddha) flew on the back of a tigress to the site where the monastery now stands. (Five hours
hike to and fro, some gentle and some steep hike, some stony footpath, and some good ones) If you ride a horse upward
it will cost an extra US$25 per person.
Visit Farmhouse: Picturesque farm houses dot the valley amongst fields and hillsides. We welcome you to
enjoy the hospitality of the Paro farmers. Thrill yourself as the farmers welcome you to their homes with
genuine smiles. The two to three-storied Bhutanese farm houses are handsome in appearance, with
colorfully decorated outer walls and lintels, and are traditionally built. A visit to a farmhouse gives an
interesting glimpse into the lifestyle of a farming family. (If you take a hot stone bath in the farmhouse it will
cost an extra US$25 per person.)Later stroll around the town and see how locals live. Overnight in Paro.
Day 07:Depart Paro(B)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport in time for your departure flight to your onward destination.
Please email us for your customized program from Kathmandu to Bhutan and back.