Exclusiv: Drukair Jubilee and Photo Journey from 7.-21.10.2022
Why this journey?
If you are enthusiastic about flying and visiting Bhutan, this trip will give you the once in a life time opportunity to fly in the cockpit of the Airbus A319-100 and in the ATR 42-600 and take photos. Of course, you will visit the most important sights of Bhutan also, which are described in the itinerary below.
This is an exclusive trip and will not be repeated.
It is linked to the Drukair Jubiliee next April. At this occasion will be the presentation of the Drukair book fulll of history and stories about this fascinating and interesting Airline.
The best photos taking during the flights will be published in the Drukair jubilee book. Taking pictures is optional, of course you can just fly and enjoy!
The airline Drukair was founded on 5th April 1981.
The 40th celebrations of the jubilee had to be postponed due to the pandemic and will now be celebrated on 5th April 2023.
Day 1, 7th October / Individual flight to Kathmandu
If you would like to combine this trip with a stay in Nepal, we can arrange an additional itinerary and/or book a hotel as well as the flight.
Day 2, 8th October / Flight from Kathmandu to Paro (2300m)
The flight from Kathmandu along the Himalaya range is an amazing experience, no other airline than Drukair flies this route so close to the highest mountains in the world.
If the weather is good, you will see the highest mountains of the world: Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu and Kanchenjunga, among others. Shortly before landing, the Bhutanese mountains Jomolhari and Jichu Drake are coming into sight. The landing approach is spectacular, it takes enough altitude to fly over the mountains and then quickly lose altitude to land on Paro’s airfield.
Overnight at hotel (L/D)
Day 3, 9th October / Paro Sightseeing and Photo Flights (weather permitting)
During the photo flights, two people at a time can fly in the cockpit of the Airbus A-319. There will be several take-offs and landings so all participants will have the opportunity to sit in the cockpit once.
Afterwards, you will visit the oldest temple in Bhutan, the Kyichu Lhakang, dating back to the seventh century.
If weather conditions do not allow flying, we will visit Kyichu temple and Paro Dzong.
A Dzong is a monastic castle as well as the main government office of each district.
Overnight at hotel (B/L/D)
Day 4, 10th October / Hike to Taktsang Monastery (3120m)
One of the highlight of this tour: the hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest), which was constructed into the rock, an architectural masterpiece. The hike takes about 2-4 hours, if you are in an average fitness. The path is wide and in good condition and leads steady through forest. Halfway is a cafeteria for refreshments and a splendid view of TaktsanTg.
The monastery dates back to the 17th century and when you have reached Taktsang, you will understand why it is worth the effort of the hike.
Overnight at hotel (B/L/D)
Day 5, 11th October / Flight to Yongphula (2700m)
Weather permitting, you will fly to the east of Bhutan, to Yongphula. This airport is one of the most difficult airports in the world to land a plane. The flight is by ATR 42-600
After landing, we drive to the main town of Trashigang and visit Trashigang Dzong and other sights.
Overnight at hotel (B/L/D)
Day 6, 12th October / Trashigang and return flight to Paro
Depending on the flight time, we will explore the surroundings of Trashigang or fly back to Paro in the morning. The day itinerary will be adapted accordingly.
Overnight at hotel (B/L/D)
Day 7, 13th October / Excursion to Chelela Pass and Drukair Party
Today we drive up to Chelela Pass (3988m) through a fairytale forest. On top of the pass, countless prayer flags are fluttering in the wind. On a bright day you see the two holy mountains Jomolhari (7314m) and Jichu Drake (6989m). In this beautiful scenery we enjoy a picnic lunch.
In the evening, we have the honor to guests at the Drukair staff party, this is a unique opportunity as the whole staff will be present. Surely a night to remember!
Overnight at hotel (B/L/D)
Day 8, 14th October / Paro
As the night was short, the morning is free time, and we meet for lunch. In the afternoon there are various activities: a 2-hour hike, an introduction to the popular sport of archery and if you want to immerse yourself in hot water, treat yourself to a hot stone bath.
Overnight at hotel (B/L/D)
Day 9/10, 15./16th 0ctober / Flight to Jakar in Bumthang District (2800m)
Well rested, we are ready for the next flight by ATR 42-600, this time it flies to Jakar, the capital of Bumthang in Central Bhutan. After landing, we drive the Swiss Guest House, founded by Fritz Maurer, who has lived in Bhutan since the 1960s. Listening to his life stories is an interesting, entertaining and history.
We walk or drive to the impressive and very holy Kurjey Lhakhang temple. Later we visit the Panda Beer Brewery where you can taste this local beer.
Overnight at Swiss guest house (B/L/D)
Day 11/12, 17th/18th October / Drive to Punakha and stay in Punakha (1300m)
The 7-hour drive takes us over the Yotongla pass (3460m) to Trongsa and over the Pelela pass (3420) to Punakha. As Punakha is only on 1300m the vegetation is tropical, and it is a much warmer there.
The scenery on the route varies, we drive through beautiful valley and villages, cross the high passes, we might even see silver langurs on the way. In Trongsa we stop at the impressive Dzong. We take it slow, and we allow enough time to take photographs.
On day 12 we visit Punakha Dzong, the most important Dzong in Bhutan. It is beautifully situated between the two rivers Mochhu and Pochhu (Mother and Father River). In the afternoon you have the choice to do a short hike to the temple Khamsum Yulley, visit the nunnery in Wolakha, or rest in the hotel.
Overnight at hotel (B/L/D)
Day 13, 18th October /Drive via Thimphu to Paro
In the morning we start our scenic journey back to Paro. First, we drive up to Dochula Pass (3050m), where we stop for tea or coffee and admire the snowcapped mountains of the Bhutanese Himalaya in the background. We walk around the 108 memorial stupas before heading down to the capital Thimphu. We visit the large golden Buddha statue with magnificent view over the city, stop at the memorial stupa, have free time for shopping or visit the artists of the VAST project. Later in the afternoon we drive back to Paro.
Overnight at hotel (B/L/D)
Day 14, 15 20th/21st October / Flight home via Kathmandu
or additional stay in Bhutan or Nepal
Price per person in double room: CHF 7'777.00 / Euro 7777.00
Additional price for single room: CHF 750.00 / Euro 750.00
Number of participants: maximum 12 persons
Included
- All flights and transports mentioned in the itinerary
- Hotel accommodation and full board
- Entrance fees for sightseeing
- Tour guide: Christine Jäggi and local English-speaking guides
Not included:
- Flight Europe - Kathmandu - Europe (can be booked by onthewaytours GmbH)
- Alcoholic drinks
- Insurance
Important:
As the flights depend on weather conditions, here may be changes of the itinerary. All participants are expected to be flexible in this respect.
Cancellation- and travel insurance is compulsory.
