mia22

Hi! I'm planning to go to Bhutan next year, November 2012, as a 30th birthday gift to myself. I don't have a number of days yet, but so far with all the research that I've been doing, it seems like the following are the must-see placeS:
Paro
Thimpu
Punakha
Wangdue
Bumthang
Gangtey

Is that correct? Did I miss something? I'm thinking maybe I can spend about 8-10 days there. Is that a doable itinerary for me? I can adjust depending on the suggestions and most comfortable itinerary.

A little bit about myself: I'm female, travelling alone, I'm fairly fit but I'm looking into doing more cultural tours than trekking, although I wouldn't mind a bit of a walk for dzongs and monasteries, if necessary. If you could please help me fix my itinerary some more, please help! I'm drowning in all the information. Thanks a lot guys!

Kathie

Are you aware that you will be required to book your trip through a Bhutan agency? They will supply you with a full-time guide as well. There are a number of excellent report here on Bhutan - just choose Bhutan from the drop-down menu and you will see all posts on Bhutan. SInce you'll be using a Bhutan agent, let them help you choose the best itinerary for you.

Craig

If possible, you should organize your trip around one of the festivals. If you do that, then where and when the festival is held will determine your itinerary. I have been working with Kencho at Snow White Tours. She has been helpful in determining the order and has included in the itinerary several hikes to monasteries and other sites of not more than 3 hours round trip (most are shorter). My itinerary for late Oct/early Nov 2012 is for 11 days and 12 nights and includes the 6 towns you mentioned plus Punakha. There are 2 festivals in our itinerary, both in late Oct. They are in the Bumthang region.

mia22

Hi Kathy, yes I am. I'm also aware of the $40 surcharge for lone travellers. Thanks!
Hey Craig, I did mention Punakha already. Were you thinking of some other place? Would love to know what that is so maybe I can include that in my itinerary.

Cilla_Tey

The new Bhutan Government Tariff of $250 per day is the minimum daily rate to be charged by operators. The rate constitutes essentially an all-inclusive rate and in summary it includes:

1. 35% royalty & taxes due to the Bhutan Government

2. Standard accommodation in government-approved hotels, guesthouses, home stays or in tents (typically while on a trek) based on twin sharing basis (see a note on accommodations below)

3. all meals, breakfast, lunch and dinner

4. services of a guide

5. all transportation within Bhutan as per itinerary

6. fees to monasteries, temples and monuments



Excluded from minimum daily tariff are:

-Druk Air airfare & airport tax

-Bhutan Visa Fees (US$ 20 for two weeks)

-bicycle rental (where applicable)
-Personal expenses - laundry, room service, phone calls, etc.
-Medical, Evacuation and Trip Cancellation Insurance



Per Bhutan Government Tariff / Royalty regulations, the minimum daily rate is based on a minimum of three people traveling together in a group. For less than three persons traveling together, a Mandatory Surcharge is added to the Minimum Daily Tariff and all operators are required to collect it.


I think if you join a tour you would only have to spend the minimum USD$250 a day (was $200 when I visited). But we ended paying more than that because we picked the better hotels.

Craig

Oops! mia, I guess I didn't read your first post very well. You've listed all of the places on my itinerary, including Punakha. Sorry for the confusion. Do consider allowing more time for your tour, however.

Robbietravels

Lucky you to be giving yourself such a wonderful gift. You've covered the main centers in Western and Central Bhutan I think. Keep in mind that its not just the towns you'll want to see but the exquisite surrounding countryside. For example,the Projibka Valley is not too far from Gangtey and highly recommended for its sheet beauty. Like Craig, I also used Kencho at Snow White in 2007 and found her arrangements and personal service first rate.

Elainee

Absolutely go during a festival. You will miss a great deal if you do not see a festival. IMHO it will be a better trip for you if you join a group. There are long car rides and not much to do after dinner so it could be more interesting if there are other people. You will certainly walk...everything seemed to be uphill. I took a horse to go to Tiger's Nest as did two other women who were in your age range. I also think if you could extend your trip to include a few days in Kathmandu or Bangkok you it would be most worthwhile. Those days you could do independently.

patiricia

I have just returned from our trip to Bhutan, and I must agree with Craig, Robbietravels and Elainee -- don't miss seeing a festival. We attended two and they were the highlights of the trip. They are just in the process of opening a new airport in Bumthang, and if it is possible, think about a one way trip. The roads are very tough -- it took us a 9 hour day to drive about 120 miles. We weren't looking forward to the return trip! Amazing country, though. We also used Kencho of Snow White. Lovely lady and a wonderful tour organizer.