Bhutan: The Dragon Kingdom
12 Days Starting and ending in Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
Visiting: Kathmandu, Paro, Thimphu, Punakha
Tour operator:
Tour code:
XXX
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
12 - 18
Physical rating:
Low
Age range:
18-99
Special diets catered:
Please advise requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
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’.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Fly To Kathmandu
Location: Kathmandu
Accommodation Name: none
Meals Included: No Meals
Overnight flight from London (regional connections available) to Kathmandu, via Doha, with Qatar Airways.
Day 2 : Kathmandu
Location: Kathmandu
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Himalaya
Meals Included: No Meals
Drive to Paro and stay 2 nights at the Village Lodge (or similar). Afternoon visit to Ta Dzong, now the national museum. Later, enjoy a cooking class in spicy Bhutanese cuisine.
Day 3 : Kathmandu
Location: Kathmandu
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Himalaya
Meals Included: Breakfast
Morning tour of Kathmandu. Afternoon visit to the temple at Pashupatinath and Bodhnath.
Day 4 : Fly To Paro - Thimphu
Location: Paro, Thimphu
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Kisa, Thimphu
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Morning flight to Paro. Drive to Thimphu. Afternoon tour including the Tashichho Dzong. Stay 2 nights at the Hotel Kisa (or similar).
Day 5 : Thimphu
Location: Thimphu
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Kisa, Thimphu
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Morning sightseeing in Thimphu, including the National Memorial Chorten, Simply Bhutan, Buddha Point and the Textile Museum. Afternoon at leisure. Dinner this evening with a local family.
Day 6 : Punakha
Location: Punakha
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Shinkham Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel to Punakha via the stunning Dochula Pass. Visit a traditional farmhouse for an authentic village experience. Stay 2 nights at the Shinkham Resort (or similar).
Day 7 : Punakha
Location: Punakha
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Shinkham Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Morning tour of Punakha, including the Punakha Dzong, a 17th-century fortress. This afternoon, visit the Nalanda Buddhist Institute to meet with Buddhist monks.
Day 8 : Paro
Location: Paro
Accommodation: Lodge, Lodge
Accommodation Name: The Village Lodge, Paro
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Morning trek to Taktsang (‘Tiger’s Nest’), a monastery perched on a rocky ledge. The return walk takes about 5 hours. Afternoon visit to Rinpung Dzong. Later try your hand at Bhutan’s national sport – archery.
Day 9 : Paro
Location: Paro
Accommodation: Lodge, Lodge
Accommodation Name: The Village Lodge, Paro
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Morning trek to Taktsang (‘Tiger’s Nest’), a monastery perched on a rocky ledge. The return walk takes about 5 hours. Afternoon visit to Rinpung Dzong. Later try your hand at Bhutan’s national sport – archery.
Day 10 : Fly To Kathmandu
Location: Kathmandu
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Himalaya
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Morning flight to Kathmandu. Stay overnight at the Hotel Himalaya (or similar). Farewell dinner at Brick Café.
Day 11 : Fly To London Via Doha
Location: Kathmandu
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Himalaya
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day at leisure with late hotel check-out. This evening fly from Kathmandu to London, via Doha, with Qatar Airways.
Day 12 : London
Location: Kathmandu
Accommodation Name: none
Meals Included: No Meals
Early morning arrival in London.
What's Included
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Flexible - extensions, room & flight upgrades available
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International flights with Qatar Airways
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Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles
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Experienced local tour manager
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9 breakfasts, 6 lunches & 7 dinners
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Farewell dinner
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Guided sightseeing & entrance fees
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Porterage at airports & stations
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Bhutanese visa included
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Festival departures: Paro, Thimphu, Punakha & Black-Necked Crane
What's Not Included
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Country Entry Visas
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Tipping and Gratuities
Check out our Q&As
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Why do I have to pay more for my holiday if I am a single traveller?
Most hotels around the world charge more per person for a single occupancy room than for a shared twin room, because the cost of maintaining a room for one person can be almost as high as it is for two. In addition, many single occupancy rooms are the same as twin / double rooms.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes. We only work with passionate local guides who have a firm grasp of English – so they can answer all your questions and offer invaluable insight into your destination.
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Are flights included in this tour?
All prices for Cox & Kings holidays include international flights, except where indicated. For all destinations, you may be able to arrange your own flights. If you wish to do so, the cost will be deducted from the tour price.
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Can Cox & Kings arrange my visa?
We cannot arrange your visa but we can recommend a reputable visa assistance company who can help with your application. Please contact your tour consultant for details.
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes. Quoted prices include all entrance fees.
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What is the difference between a 'single' supplement and 'sole' supplement?
A 'single' traveller is someone occupying a single room while travelling with one or more other people, for example a single person travelling on a group tour. A 'sole' traveller is someone travelling on their own. As a single traveller on a group tour (except those in the SoloTravellers collection), please check the single supplement price. If you wish to add an extension to that tour, please th
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When will I get my tickets?
Travel documents will be sent approximately two weeks prior to departure (third party suppliers' policies may vary), unless your booking is made within six weeks of departure, in which case final documents will be sent as soon as possible.
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When do I need to pay my final balance?
Final payment must be made no less than 75 days before departure.
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Do your prices include flights?
All prices for Cox & Kings holidays include international flights, except where indicated. Australasia and Canada holidays do not include international flights so that you may benefit from the best prices at the time you choose to book, taking advantage of major seasonal variations and short term special offers. For all destinations, you may be able to arrange your own flights. If you wish to do
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What is a non-exclusive escorted group tour?
The vast majority of our group tours are exclusive to Cox & Kings clients. However, there are a few exceptions where holidaymakers who booked their tour with another travel company travel in the group.
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When will I get a detailed itinerary?
If you are travelling on a group tour, you will receive a detailed itinerary with your travel pack. If travelling on a private basis, you will receive your detailed itinerary with your confirmation invoice.
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What are the four tour categories
***LUXURY These are our most comfortable tours and will usually feature 5-star deluxe accommodation throughout*** ***SUPERIOR Most Cox & Kings tours fall under this category and are based in 4- or 5-star accommodation where available, or the best alternative elsewhere*** ***STANDARD Simpler in emphasis, these itineraries typically feature 4-star or good 3-star accommodation throughout, or the best alternative elsewhere*** ***DISCOVERY Best suited to the hardier traveller, these tours typically include some quite basic accommodation, possibly longer and rougher road journeys and, in some cases, more strenuous activities, such as trekking***
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Do I need inoculations?
Many of our destinations have recommended health precautions, which you can read about in our regional documents and health pages. However, we recommend that you contact your doctor who will be able to give you professional advice, arrange any vaccinations and give advice on malaria protection. Alternatively, visit the NHS website for more information.
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What happens if a group tour does not reach its minimum numbers? Will it be cancelled?
If a group tour does not reach its minimum numbers, we will either offer for you to take your holiday on a private basis (which may involve a supplement), or you will be fully refunded.
Reviews from Travellers on this Tour
Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Cox & Kings requires a minimum deposit of 15% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cox & kings charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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