Venture into one of the most isolated countries in the world, aptly referred to as the 'Last Shangri-La', and discover the extraordinary Dragon Kingdom of Bhutan at the 'Roof of the World'. Bhutan is truly an unspoiled preserve with a cultural heritage that has largely remained intact due to its isolation from the rest of the world until the early 1960s. Stay in Thimphu, the capital of the tiny Himalayan kingdom, with a two-night stay at the luxurious Amankora Resort. The climb to the Tiger's Nest completes your adventure.
04MIDHKT-B The Dragon Kingdom - Bhutan
Departure: April 9, 2020 from Phuket
Duration: 4.5 Days/4 Nights
Re-join ship: April 13, 2020 in Colombo
Reserve: A minimum of 90 days prior to sailing
IMPORTANT NOTE
This Silver Shore Mid-Land Adventure requires advance booking through Silversea Reservations no later than 90 days prior to the sail date. Requests received after this date may be accommodated on a space-available basis. Tickets are available in limited quantities, and participation cannot be guaranteed for those guests not booking well in advance. A minimum number of participants is required to operate this programme. If this minimum number is not met, Silversea reserves the right to offer the programme at a different rate based on private arrangements, or to cancel the specific departure. Cancellation fee, unless otherwise advised, 90 - 0 days prior to the initial sailing date: 100% of the programme fare per person is due.
Payment in full is due at time of final payment. Bookings made within 120 days of sailing require full payment within seven days of booking or sooner, as specified by Silversea.
All Land Adventure fares are subject to change, and not guaranteed until payment is received in full by Silversea. All Land Adventures are non-transferable, and non-refundable, within 90 days of sailing. Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by someone 18 years of age or older. All Land Adventures are owned by independent contractors, and Silversea makes no representations and assumes no responsibility for the services provided by these operators. Land Adventures may be modified by the operators at their sole discretion.
VISA INFORMATION:
Guests need to bring two passport photos with them.
Passports must be valid for six months or more after the date of departure from Thailand, and must have two completely blank pages.
Silversea will contact you 4-6 weeks prior to departing to Bhutan to complete the necessary paperwork for the group visa required for your participation.
LOCAL CURRENCY:
The national currency in Bhutan is the Ngultrum (Nu) and cash is the most widely accepted throughout the Kingdom. Prices are usually quoted in Ngultrum although US dollars are widely accepted and changed. Guests are recommended to carry cash in currency as limited ATM access is available (only with credit cards currently and not always available). However, most of the antique/textile shops around Thimphu and Paro take VISA and a few take American Express. Ngultrum can be reconverted if changed from Authorized Money Exchanger. At Amankora, VISA, MasterCard and American Express are accepted and currency exchange to Bhutanese Nu is available using the following currencies - US Dollar, Pound Sterling & Euro. Cash advances on credit cards are not available at Amankora.
Located in the Himalayas between China and India, visitors find not only stunning natural scenery but also unique architecture that, by law, must conform to traditional design. Historically and culturally the mountain kingdom is linked with Tibet, but politically and economically the country today is drawn much closer to India. The nation is a bastion of Vajrayana Buddhism, which influences all aspects of life in the kingdom.
Bhutan has been a monarchy since 1907, and in April of 2007, King Jigme Singye Wangchuk abdicated in favour of his son, Jigme Khesa Namgyal Wangchuck. This Mid-Voyage Land Adventure focuses on two areas:
THIMPHU
The capital town of Bhutan and the centre of government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. Although not what one expects from a capital city, Thimphu is still a fitting and lively place. Home to civil servants, expatriates and many monks, Thimphu maintains a strong national character in its architectural style.
PARO
The beautiful valley of Paro encapsulates a rich culture, scenic beauty and hundreds of myths and legends. It is home to many of Bhutan's oldest temples and monasteries, the National Museum and the country's only airport. Mount Chomolhari (7,314m) reigns in white glory at the northern end of the valley and its glacial waters plunge through deep gorges to form Pa Chhu (Paro river). Paro is also one of the most fertile valleys in the Kingdom producing the bulk of the locally famous red rice from its terraced fields.
Tourism in this landlocked country is still relatively slow and regulated by the government in an effort to sustain the current culture and traditions. There are some rules that need to be remembered: When visiting temples, hats and shoes must be removed; modest dress is required for visits to sacred sites, and smoking in public is a fineable offence. The outlined programme may require adjustments due to local conditions beyond Silversea's control. We invite you to join us on this adventure!
DAY ONE - Phuket / Bangkok
Disembark in the afternoon the ship in Phuket and transfer to Phuket airport for a 1.5 hour flight to Bangkok (flight TG218 - Phuket 7pm - Bangkok 825pm).Upon arrival in Bangkok, your guide waits to transfer you to Novotel Airport Hotel.
Dinner and overnight at Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel
DAY TWO - Bangkok / Paro / Thimphu
A very early start (approximately 3:00AM) is necessary to begin your fascinating trip to The Dragon Kingdom, Bhutan. Your guide awaits hotel to transfer you to Bangkok's airport for your Druk Air flight to Paro, Bhutan's only international airport. The total travel time is approximately 3 hours.The flight to Paro in itself will be a thrilling experience as it passes over the green wall of hills known as the gateways into Bhutan and then gradually ascends into the Himalayas (flight KB153 Bangok 5am- Paro 7am).
Upon arrival at Paro airport, an airport assistant will take you to the lounge and process the necessary final visa formalities and customs clearance for your baggage. All foreign nationals require a visa for Bhutan and Silversea will apply for this visa several weeks before your departure. Once completed, you are met by your Amankora guide and begin the 1.5 hour scenic drive to Thimphu, the capital of the tiny Himalayan kingdom. Check-in and enjoy lunch at the luxury Amankora Resort.
This afternoon there are plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the rich culture this kingdom has to offer. Your first stop is the Chorten Memorial; a beautiful stupa built in the memory of Bhutan's third King "The father of Bhutan" which serves both as a memorial to the late king and a monument to peace.
From here, move on to the Folk Heritage and National Textile Museums. Both of these museums opened in 2001 and provide a fascinating insight into Bhutanese material culture and way of life. Though the country has modernized in recent decades, most citizens continue to rely upon the traditional medicines of their ancestors. You will visit the Institute of Traditional Medicines where today's practitioners are trained to uphold this rich tradition.
Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight accommodations - Amankora Resort, Thimphu
DAY THREE - Thimphu / Paro
Following breakfast, check-out of the hotel and start the day with a visit of Trashichhodong, an impressive fortress/monastery which houses the Secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty, the King and various government offices.
Then, depart Thimpu and start your travel to Paro. Along the way stop for a visit of the Pangri Zampa, a monastic training school for astrologers. If time permits, make another stop at Tachugang and take a short walk to the riverside bridge to see the prayer flags. Check-in at the Amankora Resort and enjoy lunch.
This afternoon, try your hand at Bhutan's national sport, archery. Each village has its own archery range and high spirited competitions are regularly held. Dinner is served this evening at the hotel followed by a traditional cultural performance.
Overnight accommodations - Amankora Resort, Paru
DAY FOUR - Paro
This morning will begin with a hike up to view one of Bhutan's most revered monuments, the Taktshang Goemba, more commonly referred to as the 'Tiger's Nest'. Please ensure you have a hearty breakfast.
The Monastery is built on a 3,000-foot (914-metre) cliff and is the country's most famous and sacred site. The monastery clings to a huge granite cliff and was devastated in a fire in 1998. The government took immediate steps to restore the complex to its original structure. The climb to the viewpoint will take you past small settlements and through pine forests. The four to five hour return trek offers spectacular views of this sacred monastery and its surrounds, high above the valley floor. (Horses or mules will be provided to take guests up to the viewpoint and thereafter guests need to walk to the monastery, another 45-60 minute walk up and down steps.)
Return to the hotel for lunch. Time permitting, your afternoon in Paro will include a visit to the Kyichu Lahkhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in Bhutan or time for browsing among the shops in town. If you prefer, just enjoy the ambience that only the Amankora can offer. Dinner will be served at the hotel.
Overnight accommodation is at the hotel, the Amankora Resort - Paro
DAY FIVE - Paro / Bangkok / Colombo
This morning you bid farewell to Bhutan. Your driver takes you to the Paro International Airport for your flight to Bangkok. Our airport assistant will process all formalities on your behalf for your departure flight to Bangkok and you will be hosted in the lounge until boarding time. The total travel time is approximately 3.10 hours to Bangkok. Upon arrival at Bangkok Airport, you will be met at the arrival gate by our airport representative who will assist you to pass the formalities then check in for flight to Colombo. The flight from Bangkok to Colombo is approx. 3 hr and 20 minutes. Upon arrival in Colombo in the evening, you will be transferred to the ship
(flight KB150 Paro 1150am - Bangkok 4pm; flight UL407 Bangkok 825pm - Colombo 1015pm)
Please note: This Mid-Voyage Land Adventure requires an extensive amount of walking and climbing of many steps at most sites. The hike to the Tiger's Nest is about 5 hours in total and is taken at a slow pace. Altitude sickness may be a problem for guests suffering from palpitations, shortness of breath or severe headaches. This program is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilize a wheelchair. Comfortable shoes and dressing in layers is recommended. Due to a wide range of temperature (approx. 27-29c during the day/18c at night / 80-84F days, 65F nights) and climate conditions, it is recommended to bring appropriate clothing for protection against the changing conditions. Shorts, hats, sleeveless blouses are not permitted to wear in the monasteries. Dress code throughout the trip is modest casual with sturdy walking shoes. It is recommended to leave jewelry and valuables on board. The order of the itinerary may be amended due to flight schedule changes or other unforeseen factors. In case of flight changes, the tour sequence may be reversed or amended. Remember to bring your camera. There are baggage restrictions as follows: hand baggage gross weight is limited to 5 kg (11 lb.) and size is limited to 23*36*56 cm. One checked bag must be less than 20 kg (44 pounds). Guests must be aware that Bhutan's infrastructure is still very limited and touring in the country requires some 'roughing it'. As travel within the Kingdom needs to be flexible, your understanding and a sense of adventure is necessary. This description is a general overview of the programme only and changes may be made if local conditions require.
Thimpu is at an elevation of 7,656 ft (2,334 m), therefore guests should be prepared for the effects that may result from the altitude.
Programme Includes:
- One-night stay at Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel, Bangkok
- One-night stay at Amankora Resort - Thimphu
- Two-night stay at Amankora Resort - Paro
- Three breakfasts, three lunches, four dinners with drinks included
- Flights (Economy Class) - Phuket / Bangkok / Paro and Paro / Bangkok / Colombo. At an additional charge, an upgrade to First or Business Class may be requested, subject to availability. Requests must be submitted at the time of booking this programme. Each flight is quoted separately and is non-refundable once confirmed.
- Visa for Bhutan
- All sightseeing and transfers as per itinerary
Not Included:
Any meals and drinks not specified above, charges incurred by the airlines for excess or overweight luggage, gratuities to drivers and tour guides, laundry, telephone calls, cancellation and/or medical insurance and other personal items.
