Basic Itinerary (daily details forthcoming)

Bhutan Gross National Happiness Study Tour 2018

June 18-28, 2018

1. Outline of Schedule
June 18 Stay in Bangkok hotel (TBA)
(Vismaya Suvarnabhumi)
Please come to hotel by yourself.
June 19 Departure form hotel 2:30 am the transportation is reserved.
Entry to Bhutan 05:00 am KB131 Depart Bangkok
08:10 am Arrive in Paro, Bhutan
Lunch in Paro Shopping for traditional attire
(Gho or Kila costs approximately $50)
Move to Bumthang 03:20 pm - 03:55 pm
Bumthang (Jakar Village Lodge)
June 20 Visit, Sightseeing Bumthang (Jakar Village Lodge)
June 21 Sightseeing. Drive Trongsa (Yangkhil Resort)
June 22 Sightseeing. Drive Phobjikha (Dewachen Hotel)
June 23 Sightseeing. Hiking Punakha (Meri Puensum Resort)
June 24 Sightseeing, Meeting Thimphu (Hotel Pedling)
June 25 Sightseeing, Meeting Thimphu (Hotel Pedling)
June 26 Sightseeing, Meeting Paro (Drukchen)
June 27 Pilgrimage climbing Paro (Drukchen)
June 28 Departure from Bhutan 08:00 am Depart Paro
12:00 pm Arrive in Bangkok

2. General Information
a. Culture and Manner
Bhutan is only the country in the world in which Mahayana Buddhism is the
official state religion. Most citizens are religious Tibetan Buddhists and religious
relations/manners are very important. In general, it is safe to assume that our
common sense living in Western culture on a daily basis does not make much
sense in Bhutan. What is the right thing to do in our culture is not always correct or
proper for the Bhutanese. Please understand this thoroughly. We need to cherish
their tradition and culture.
 Attire. Bhutan has a national dress code.
 We will visit temples and public facilities. It is recommended that we do
not dress too casually. Since we will be meeting some official people,
everyone is encouraged to purchase Bhutan's traditional attire (approx.
$50). This can also serve as a memory of your visit to Bhutan. We have a
chance to do some shopping for this during the lunch break in Paro on
June 19 just after we arrive.
When we visit Dzongs and other religious places (e.g., Lhakhang,
Gompa), we need to take off hats or caps. When enter buildings, we most
remove our shoes.
 Pictures
Unless noted otherwise, taking photographs is generally prohibited in
religious buildings.
b. Notes on clothing.
 Clothing
The temperature of Bhutan during this season will range between 60 85
degrees Fahrenheit. Also, Bhutan is a high altitude country so please take
measures against ultraviolet radiation and pack some good quality
sunscreen (for example, zinc oxide) and a good hat. Measures against
altitude sickness are probably unnecessary, but the altitude of the areas
we visit vary between 4200 ft. and 9850 ft. (over 8000 ft. altitude
sickness is a possibility but we will also have had some time to acclimate
before ascending the higher altitudes). We will climb to the famous
Taktsang Palphug Monastery on June 27. It takes a couple hours to get
there.
 Rain gear
The time we are visiting is the transition period to the monsoon season.
Please be sure to bring rain gear just in case and some study climbing
shoes.
c. Other notes
 Currency exchange
Because most payments have been paid already, we do not need much
cash. But if you think you need to keep cash for personal payment (bar
bill, souvenir, donation etc.), you can exchange foreign currency to
Bhutanese currency at the airport bank and hotel.
 Voltage and plug
Voltage in Bhutan is 230 ~240 v. It is recommended that we bring bring
 Type B3 and Type C.
 Water
It is not advisable to drink the water in Bhutan. There will be plenty of
bottled drinking water for us to use.
 Safety
Most of the area is quite safe; however, recently the crime rate has
increased somewhat, so please be on your guard and watch all valuables.
 Alcohol beverage
You can drink alcohol beverages in Bhutan, but because the altitude is
high it affects one more quickly.
 English in Bhutan
School education in Bhutan is mostly done on English. We can
communicate with local people using English but their accent is quite
strong.
 Knee-high socks
If you are plan to wear traditional costumes, please bring a pair of dark
colored knee high-socks, though you can purchase them also in Bhutan.
3. Important notice
Requirements by Bhutan government movement
(necessary matters)
 Be sensitive to when and where you take photos/video of people. Always ask first.
 Always engage a certified Bhutanese guide.
 Always use Bhutanese Tourist Vehicles
 Always be in proper dress code while visiting sacred sites.
 If applicable always pay the prescribed fees while visiting important or protected sites.
 Maintain silence near monasteries, dzongs and near offices.
 This permit should be produced at every Immigration check point and on demand.
 Loss of this permit must be immediately reported to the nearest Immigration Office.

Matters prohibited by the Bhutan government

 Do not bring with you prohibited items including controlled substances.
 Abstain from going to risky sites without a guide.
 Do not litter.
 Urinating along the road side and sacred places is strictly prohibited.
 Do not cook in hotels.
 Do not purchase old household items, antiques, textiles and ritual objects from local people.
 Do Not carry tobacco product and other dutiable goods beyond permissible quantity.
 The holder of this permit is not allowed to seek any employment in Bhutan.
 Misuse of entry permit is a penal offence under the existing law of the country.
 Do not commit anything that is against the law in force of the Kingdom of Bhutan.

Fines and Penalties

Any offence of above mentioned shall be liable for fines as specified below.
 Littering and urinating along road side: Nu.1,000/- as per waste prevention and management
regulation, 2012.
 Smoking in public places and other restricted area: Nu.500/- and shall produce proof of payment
of import duty and tax.
 Misuse of permit for other purposes: Nu. 3,300/- and subject to deportation as per IRR, 2015.
 Purchase of restricted Items: Seizure of goods and applicable fines and penalties as per Customs
Rules;
 Tobacco products beyond permissible quantity: Seizure of goods and applicable fines and
penalties based on quantity as per BNC rules and regulation.
4. Miscellaneous
 Tour guide team
We will have two guides and one driver for this visit. We have reserved
the same chief guide and driver that we used on a previous visit in 2015.
They are very reliable.
 Chief Guide: Sonam

 Assistant Guide: Tashe

 Driver: Ugen

 Your support
We need your help to load and unload our baggage at transportation.
 Your questions and suggestions
If you have some questions or suggestions, please contact Kosho Itagaki
by kosho@eishoji.org or 206-450-7277 (please text; he will call you back
later)