NEW
BHUTAN MANAS SAFARI
Home to 365 species of birds which have been officially recorded with the park with an additional 200 believed to be in residence
Activities
- 12 – 19 Days Tour
Accommodation
- 13 Nights in Hotel
Meals
- 14 Dinner
- 14 Lunch
- 14 Breakfast
Attractions
- Threatened Rufous-necked hornbill
- Pallas fishing eagle
- Great white-bellied heron
- Spotted wren-babbler
- Blue-headed rock thrush and emerald cuckoo
- Trip highlights
The Royal Manas National park tour is known for its rich flora and fauna in the tropical and sub-tropical ecosystem in Bhutan. Good for nature-based tourism, it forms a corridor for the movement of wildlife from the Indian plains into the heart of Bhutan. Bhutan’s Crown Jewel, the Manas National Parkhas only recently been opened to the public and is home to 365 species of birds which have been officially recorded with the park with an additional 200 believed to be in residence. Extremely rich in wildlife species, the highly endangered Royal Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, greater one-horned rhinoceros, clouded leopard, Himalayan black bear, gangetic dolphin and pangolin can be found in the park. The rare golden langur, found nowhere else in the world, a primate of extraordinary grace and beauty with its long, silky blond fur can also be found here. Also found in the park is the globally threatened Rufous-necked hornbill, Pallas fishing eagle, great white-bellied heron, spotted wren-babbler, blue-headed rock thrush and emerald cuckoo. About more than 900 types of plants that have commercial, medicinal, traditional and religious significance can also be found.
- Itinerary
As you get closer to Paro by air, the panoramic views of the Himalayas are sensational, including the Everest and other famous Himalayan Peaks. On arrival, you will be met by your Bhutanese Guide and driven to your hotel.
Lunch and sightseeing in Paro before driving to Thimphu (1 to 1.5 hours)
Driving distance: 76kms
Driving time: 25 to 3 hours
After breakfast drive to Punakha
On the way, visit:
Dochula pass (3150m): the most known pass in Bhutan, about 30km drive from Thimphu. The pass also has 108 Druk Wangyal Khangzang Chortens which is believed brings multi fold merit to all sentient beings and which make the pass a must visit place.
Chhimi Lhakhang: located on the way to Punakha it is known as the temple of fertility. It was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley also known as the Divine Madman in the 15th century.
After Lunch, explore:
Punakha Dzong: this Dzong was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1637. It is built at the junction the Pho Chu and Mo Chu Rivers. The monk body resides in this Dzong in winter.
Stroll around Punakha town in the evening. Overnight stay in Punakha.
Driving distance: 230km
Driving time: 6 hours
After breakfast drive to Gelephu in southern Bhutan.
Upon reaching Gelephu, visit the Gelephu Tsachu (hot springs)
Gelephu Tsachu: This Hot Spring is mostly frequented by Bhutanese. Especially during the winter people from all over Bhutan visit the placeto cure themselves of diseases. Visitors can also try out the hot spring but Menchu or hot stone baths can be arranged.
Overnight stay at Gelephu
Driving distance: 160kms
Driving time: 5 hours
Today you will drive to Gomphu through the Royal Manas Park. Gomphu is located at an altitude of 1457m and can also be reached from Zhemgang in Central Bhutan.
Trek time: 4 hours
Camp altitude: 1457m
Today you will begin your eco-trail from Gomphu. While on this trail, you will pass though mixed broadleaf forests. There is a good chance to see hornbills, bulbuls, doves, wood pecker and cuckoos. You can even ride a mountain bike from Gomphu to Pangthang. The trek will come to an end at Pangthang and spend the night at the two eco-lodges.
Trek time: 4 hours
Your trek today will begin at the banks of Mangdechu. The trailis rich in bird species such as thrushes, drongos, hornbills, partridges, pheasants, bulbuls, tree pies, barbets, eagles, fowls and many other species. At the last leg before reaching Shilingtoeeco-camp is a climb for over half an hour.Overnight stay in luxury camp.
The trial today will take you through Tashibi village which is about an hour walk from Shilingtoe. The village is known to celebrate an annual festival in September. You can also see birth species like bulbuls, barbets, thrushes, hornbills, kingfisher, cormorant, wagtails, trogons and many other species.The luxury campsite at Panbang is located at a placed called Anilademba at the junction of Mangdechu and Dangmechu. Overnight stay in luxury camp.
Today, you will go on the famous elephant safari. This will include wildlife viewing on elephants. The ride will start from the central Manas camp ranger office. As you ride through the park, you will notice that there are wide climate variations. The best time to go on this safari is from November till March as rainfall is negligible in winter and the climate is extremely pleasant.Overnight stay in luxury camp.
Today will be yet another adventurous day. River rafting in the Manas River is something that everyone wants to achieve. While boating and river rafting along the Manas River, you can see goral, capped langurs, cormorants and many other bird species besides the beautiful landscape.Overnight stay in luxury camp.
Trek time: 6 hours
The trek today will be the longest and the last day of the eco-trial. You will reach Norbugang today which can be reached either from Bhutan Manas or from Nanglam under Pemagatshel district. While on the trail, you will pass by five villages, all of which hold the annual Tsechu festivals among them the festival at Nimshongborang village is known to be unique and entertaining.Overnight stay in luxury camp.
Drive to Trongsa from Norbugang and overnight stay in Trongsa.
After breakfast, you will explore Trongsa.
While in Trongsa, visit:
Trongsa Dzong: The most impressive Dzong in Bhutan. Trongsa Dzong is the ancestral home of the present Royal Family. The first two hereditary kings ruled Bhutan from this Dzong.
Ta Dzong: an ancient watch tower. The chapel inside is said to be dedicated to the Trongsa Penlop Jigme Namgyal.
After lunch you will drive to Thimphu from Trongsa.
Driving distance: 205km
Driving time: 6-7 hours
Overnight stay in Thimphu
While in Thimphu, you will visit:
The Institute for Zorig Chusum: students are taught the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan in this institute.
National Memorial Chorten: it was built in the honour of the Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, also known as “The Father of Modern Bhutan”.
Kuenselphodrang: A place for refreshing with a huge statue of Buddha on the top of the Kuenselphodrang. The area also gives a very good view of the Thimphu valley from the west.
After lunch, you will depart for Paro. On the way to Paro you will visit Wangsisna Heritage Home. This traditional Bhutanese house is home to the 19th Druk Desi (Deb Raja) Druk Tenzin. Built before the 17th century, this house is also associated to the epic Bhutanese love story of Gasa Lamai Singye and Changyul Bum Galem. It is said that this was the house where the two lovers could finally become one.
Overnight stay at Paro.
Adios! Sayonara! Arrivederci! Ciao! Auf Wiedersehen! Bon voyage! Zàijiàn! Farewell Bhutan, farewell Happy Kingdom. We take a short drive to the airport for our next destination!
Enquiry Form
Have Any Question?
- +975- 17110026
- +975-02-323556
- gangritt@gmail.com
- Included
- Government royalty & taxes
- Bhutan visa fee
- English speaking tour guide
- Tour vehicle and driver
- 3-star accommodation (twin sharing)
- Daily 3 meals (B/L/D)
- Airport transfers
- Bottled water during tours
- Entry fees to parks and monuments
- Excluded
- Flights to and fro
- Alcoholic Beverages
- 4 or 5 star accommodation
- Any Private Expenses
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guide and driver
- Not in Included list
Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.