A TASTE OF BHUTAN!

Unique Experience!

Bhutan, is a small country the size of Switzerland with 700,000 people. It is tucked away in the Himalayas with an altitude ranging from 300m to 7500m above sea-level. Most of the places are at 2000-3000 m and are in beautiful lush valleys with perfect climate.

With less than 50,000 international tourists visiting Bhutan each year, Bhutan boasts of being one of the most exotic destinations to visit. Visitors to Bhutan will take back nothing but good mem-ories and beautiful photographs from a trip to Bhutan!

Enchanting Fortresses!

Happy People! Co-exist with Nature!

Beautiful Valleys! Exotic Culture!

To discover Bhutan—Land of the Thunder Dragon—Please contact:

Aree at Travelmakers 02 6247 4444 or aree@travelmakers.com.au

Breathtaking Sights!

BHUTAN 2016Discover Bhutan - Land of the Thunder Dragon

TravelMakers 1

DAY 1—15 Apr (Fri): SYDNEY/BANGKOK Depart Sydney for Bangkok. Overnight stay in Bangkok, Thailand.

DAY 2—16 Apr (Sat): BANGKOK (B) At Leisure in Bangkok.

DAY 3—17 Apr (Sun): BANGKOK/PARO/THIMPHU (B,L,D) Depart from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport and arrive Paro International Airport at 1000 hours. On arrival at Paro International Airport in Bhutan you will be greeted by the company guide. The drive from Paro to Thimphu is one hour. After lunch, visit the National Textile Museum where exhibitions introduce the major weaving techniques, styles of local dress and textiles made by women and men. After that visit the beautiful National Memorial Chorten (a large stupa built in memory of the Third King of Bhutan). Following that visit the local markets and spend the rest of the evening at leisure walking through the town to do some shopping.

DAY 4—18 Apr (Mon): THIMPHU (B,L,D)Start the day with a visit to one of the largest sitting Buddha statues perched on top of a scenic hill and enjoy a breathtaking view of Thimphu city. Following that take a break to visit the Takin Preserve, which houses the national animal of Bhutan—the Takin. Continue on to visit the interesting Folk Heritage Museum, a restored three-storey, rammed-earth and timber building which replicates a traditional farm-house and is furnished as it would have been about a century ago. Have a traditional lunch at the restaurant in the museum. After lunch, take part in a traditional art activity arranged specially for you. You can spend the rest of the evening at leisure either relaxing in the spa in the hotel or take a stroll through Thimphu town.

DAY 5—19 Apr (Tue): THIMPHU/PUNAKHA (B,L,D)Start early for Punakha. After lunch take a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to one of Bhutan’s most prominent Buddhist saint famous for his unorthodox methods of teaching.

DAY 6—20 Apr (Wed): PUNAKHA (B,L,D)In the morning visit Punakha Dzong, which is one of the oldest and magnificent of all the fortresses in Bhutan. Followed by a walk across a 100m suspension bridge. In the afternoon partake in a traditional dress wearing activity followed by visit to Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery.

DAY 7—21 Apr (Thu): PUNAKHA/PARO (B,L,D)Transfer to Paro. On the way visit the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang temple at Dochula.

DAY 8—22 Apr (Fri): PARO/BUMTHANG (B,L,D)Catch the flight from Paro International Airport to Bumthang. After some rest, take a lovely hike that connects three main temples of Bumthang—the 1200 years old Jambay Lhakhang, the Kurje Lhakhang and the Tamshing Lhakhang. The walk is connected by a suspension bridge that runs over the river. (Note: The domestic flight between Paro and Bumthang is subject to change based on the confirmation of the schedule by Druk Air, which is released at the start of 2016.)

DAY 9—23 Apr (Sat): BUMTHANG (B,L,D)Start the day with a visit to Membar Tsho (Burning Lake) which is one of the most sacred site for Bhutanese. This site alongside a stream where sacred Buddhist teachings were found in the 15th century. Prepare lunch by taking part in a traditional Central Bhutanese cooking activity. After lunch visit the Bumthang Dzong.

ITINERARY FOR A TASTE OF BHUTAN TOUR (APRIL 2016)

PRICES:

TwIn ShaRE

$7990 (including flights and tour)

SInglE SuPPlEmEnT

POa

Terms and Conditions apply*

For more information call 02 6223 2780, visit www.travelmakers.com.au or see your travel agent at Shop 78/21 Eastlake Parade, Kingston Foreshore, ACT 2604

TravelMakers 2

DAY 10—24 Apr (Sun): BUMTHANG (B,L,D)Take part in a traditional archery activity in the morning. In the late afternoon/evening there will be a cultural show presenting various cultural and mask dances of the country.

DAY 11—25 Apr (Mon): BUMTHANG/PARO (B,L,D)In the morning fly from Bumthang to Paro. Visit some local sites and stroll through Paro town in the evening. Spend the rest of the evening at leisure or enjoy the facilities at Zhiwaling Hotel. (Note: Guests also have the option to eat their dinner at Zhiwaling Hotel at their own expense.)

DAY 12—26 Apr (Tue): PARO (B,L,D)Set off this morning on a hike to Bhutan’s famous site, Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) monastery perched on a cliff about 3000 feet off the valley floor. Choose between a 2 ½ hour hike to the Monastery view point or a longer 5 hour and more strenuous hike into the Monastery itself. (For those unable to walk, there will be alternate arrangements to visit some local sites). (Note: The hike to Taktsang will be subject to change (either Day 13 or Day 14) depending on the weather in Paro.)

DAY 13—27 Apr (Wed): PARO (B,L,D)Visit a traditional Bhutanese house and observe/participate in activities. After lunch, visit the National Museum and other local sites. Spend the rest of the evening at leisure or enjoy the facilities (of the hotel).

DAY 14—28 Apr (Thu): PARO/BANGKOK (B)Depart Paro International Airport for Bangkok. Overnight at Bangkok.

DAY 15—29 Apr (Fri): BANGKOK/SYDNEY Arrive at Sydney.