WHERE DOES THE ROYALTY TAXES (DEVELOPMENT LEVY) GO?

With Bhutan Government's development philosophy as GROSS NATIONAL HAPPINESS (GNH) crafted by His Majesty King Jigme Singye Wangchuck and Bhutan known for it's good governance makes proper and monitored use of the taxes. The major part of the taxes is used in building social infrastructures like hospitals, school and basic heath units. Bhutan provides free education and free health services. In case of emergency even foreign visitors can avail the health services for FREE.

 GIVING BACK (YANA HUMANITARIAN PROJECT):

We give some part your tour payment to sponsor monks from economically disadvantaged families awaiting formal enrolment in Monastic Schools. Under this project many monks will be enrolled and will receive proper monastic education. This is being done in close association with the Youth Development Fund (YDF - www.youthdevfund.gov.bt) founded by Her Majesty Azhi Tshering Pem Wangchuck. We are proud to say that we are the only travel company in Bhutan with such giving back projects.

SINCHULA TREK

This is a pleasant trek and not too taxing low altitude walk over the hills from Dechencholing to Punakha, and so is particularly suitable for the winter season. Season: All Year Round. Best Months: Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov & Dec.

D01: SINGAPORE > BANGKOK > PARO > TIMPHU

Fly from Singapore to Bangkok. Transfer to Druk Air for the flight to Paro. Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to Thimphu. Evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

D02: Thimphu

Full day sightseeing of Thimphu valley - Textile Museum, Folk Heritage Museum, National Library, Painting School, Memorial Choeten, Changangkha Lhakhang, Sangaygang Viewpoint and Dupthob Lhakhang (Nunnery). Overnight at hotel.

D03: Thimphu>Dopshing Pang (17km, 5-6 hours): TREK BEGINS

Drive north of Thimphu towards Dechencholing, following the Thimphu River. We drive along a logging road for about an hour, passing through Kabesa village en route to Shong Pang where the trek begins. The trek trail ascends gradually to Sinchula (3200m). If the weather is clear, you can see Phajoding Monastery from the pass. After walking for another 2km, you can view Thinleygang village, Talo Monastery and the road to Bhutan's former capital, Punakha. The trail descends gradually from the pass till you reach your overnight campsite at 2800m.

D04: Dopshing Pang>Choeten Ningpo (18km, 6-7 hours)

The trail to Choeten Ningpo descends rather gradually, passing mainly through densely forested areas. You pass through rice fields before reaching your campsite at 2700m).

D05: Choeten Ningpo>Kabesa/Punakha (5km, 1 hour): TREK ENDS

The trail takes you through villages for an hour until you reach the motor road, where YANA transport meets you to transfer to Punakha. On route visit Khamsum Yuelay Namgyal Choeten, situated on a hilltop across the river. Consecrated in December 1999, this choeten is dedicated to Bhutan's protective deity; Yeshey Gonpo (Mahakala) contains exceptionally fine sculptures and mural paintings. Check in and luncha the hotel. After lunch visit Punakha Dzong. Evening hike to Chimi Lhakhang. Overnight at hotel.

D06: Punakha > Paro

Morning visit Wangdiphodrang Dzong before driving onto Paro. Check in and lunch at the hotel. After lunch visit National Museum, Paro Dzong and evening explore Paro township. Overnight at hotel.

D07: Paro

Day Excursion to Taktshang literally known as Tiger’s Nest. This is one of Bhutan’s most sacred places, and an important pilgrimage destination. You will walk along a trail that slowly rises above the valley to a ridge where prayer flags rustle in the wind next to a massive prayer wheel. Just beyond is the Taktshang Cafeteria at 9200 ft., where you will stop to enjoy hot drink and the striking views of the Monastery across the valley. Depending on your energy level, you may relax in the pleasant atmosphere of the cafeteria until lunch or continue on for a mile of steep climbing  to another dramatic viewpoint. You return to the cafeteria for a delicious buffet of typical Bhutanese food. You may also want to try Emadatsi (A chili cheese dish), vegetables with cheese sauce and other dishes. Evening you will visit the Drukgyel Dzong which was built in 1649 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate the victory of the Bhutanese armies over the Tibetan intruders. On route you will visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang. Farewell dinner and overnight at hotel.

D08: Departure

After breakfast drive to Paro International Airport for your onward destination.

CHELELA TREK

This trip encompasses is a longer trek, lasting 5D4N and bringing you up to the altitude of 3940m. You will also get to visit a little of PARO before you go on your adventure!

D01: SINGAPORE > BANGKOK > PARO

Fly from Singapore to Bangkok. Transfer to Druk Air for the flight to Paro. Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to Paro. Visit the National Museum & Paro Dzong. Evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

D02: PARO

Day Excursion to Taktshang-literally known as Tiger’s Nest. This is one of Bhutan’s most sacred places, and an important pilgrimage destination. You will walk along a trail that slowly rises above the valley to a ridge where prayer flags rustle in the wind next to a massive prayer wheel. Just beyond is the Taktshang Cafeteria at 9200 ft., where you will stop to enjoy a hot drink and the striking views of the Monastery across the valley. Depending on your energy level, you may relax in the pleasant atmosphere of the cafeteria until lunch or continue on for a mile of steep climbing to another dramatic viewpoint. You return to the cafeteria for a delicious buffet of typical Bhutanese food. You may also want to try Emadatsi (A chili cheese dish), vegetables with cheese sauce and other dishes. Evening you will visit the Drukgyel Dzong which was built in 1649 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate the victory of the Bhutanese armies over the Tibetan intruders. On route you will visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

D03: Paro - Chonana (14 km, 4-5 hrs: TREK BEGINS)

After breakfast you will drive to road point from where the trek starts. Today is a gradual climb through Bhutanese farmhouses. The view of the Paro valley is beautiful. Overnight at camp (3500 m).

D04: Chonana – Jebkarpo (16 km, 5-6 hrs)

Today’s trail leads gradual uphill through the forests of rhododendrons and various species of Primula flowers. You may also see Bhutan’s National Flower – Blue Poppy. On a clear day, the views of the Bhutanese Himalayan ranges is stunning. Overnight at camp.

D05: Jabkarpo - Lower Mingula ( 15 km, 4-5 hrs)

Today is a day to be up early. The early morning views from camp of Mt. Jhomolhari, Mt.Tsrimgang, and Mt. Jichu Drake are stunning. The trail follows the ridge. The view of the valleys of Paro and Haa is also magnificent. Overnight at camp. Alt. 3845m. Overnight at camp.

D06: Lower Mingula - Thong (16 km, 5-6 hrs)

Another trek day with excellent views of mountains and valleys. On this route it is very common to see yak herders. Overnight at camp (3940m).

D07: Thong - Paro (16 km, 5-6 hrs: TREK ENDS)

Today is the last day of your trek. Your trail descends back to Paro valley. The trek ends at Drukgyal Dzong. Met by our representative and transferred to hotel after refreshment. Overnight in hotel.

D08: Departure

After breakfast drive to Paro International Airport for your onward destination.