Friendship Trek

The cultural tour to Bhutan will give you insights to the people, the culture, the traditions, religion and ecology of the country. These tours will take you through some of the most picturesque landscapes of spectacular mountain ranges to lush green valleys. One will see the unique architectural splendours of the Dzongs, monasteries and the traditional Bhutanese houses and witness some intriguing religious festivals. You will also get the opportunity to taste the exotic Bhutanese cuisine and meet the friendly people.

Thimphu:
Old-world capital city is situated in the Wang Chhu river valley at an elevation of 7500 ft./2286 m.

At the Handicrafts Emporium, you may choose your souvenirs from an array of hand-crafted and hand-woven wares. Tashichhodzong, the main secretariat building, houses all the ministers, the National Assembly Hall, the office of the King and the Throne Room. It is also the summer residence of the monk body and the religious chief, the Je Khempo.

The Memorial Chorten is dedicated to the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the father of modern Bhutan.

Five miles out of Thimphu, on a lofty ridge, stands the Simtokha Dzong which was built in 1627 by Shabdrung Nawang Namgyal. It was he who gave Bhutan its first written laws, and established a network of Dzongs, the imposing fortress-monasteries from which the country was governed.

Paro Valley:
Of all the places to visit in this fascinating country, Paro stands unique both in beauty and in history.
Bhutan's greatest saint, Padma Sambhava, better known as Guru Rimpoche was the one who originally introduced Buddhism into Bhutan. He entered Bhutan through Paro.

Taktsang, or 'Tiger's Nest', is the monastery built around the cave in which Guru Rimpoche, and later his follower Dubthok Singye, meditated. The monastery is precariously situated on the edge of a sheer precipice, and a visit there is a challenge.

Across the river Paro Chhu, stands the Rimpung Dzong. Commanding a panoramic view of the entire Valley, today it houses the Paro monastic body and the offices of the Dzongda (district commissioner) and Thrimpon (district judge).

The Thongdel, Bhutan's most sacred giant sized scroll depicting the eight manifestations of Guru Rimpoche with the two attendants, Khendu Yesey Tsogyel and Khendu Mindha-Rawa, is displayed for a few hours during the Paro Tsechu. Behind Rimpung Dzong, is the majestic castle-like Ta-Dzong. This one-time look-out stronghold has been a National Museum since 1967.

Punakha:
The Capital of Bhutan till 1955, Punakha is still the seat of religion. In 1637, the Shabdrung built the fortress of Punakha to serve as both the religious and administrative centre for Bhutan. In keeping with tradition, the daily rituals, the serving of meals, are carried out in the same manner as was done during the Shabdrung's lifetime.

Seasons:
High Season: March, April, May, September, and October & November.
Low Season: Rest of the months.

Booking and Visas:
Booking must be made sufficiently in advance especially during peak season. Minimum 8 weeks notice is required to obtain transit permit and visa to visit Bhutan for passengers arriving by surface, and 4 weeks for arrivals by air.

Cancellation Charges:
Cancellation charges are applicable as per following details:

Within 30 days	: 05% of package cost
Less than 15 days	: 25% of package cost
Without notice	: 50% of package cost