A CULTURAL JOURNEY THROUGH BHUTAN 11 Nights/12 Days

Transcription

1 A CULTURAL JOURNEY THROUGH BHUTAN 11 Nights/12 Days

2 About &Beyond &Beyond is a pioneering, experiential travel company that offers forward-thinking, global travellers an exclusive experience of the world as it should be; a world that is in balance with itself. We go beyond mere luxury to enrich your guests experience through our core ethos of Care of the Land, Care of the Wildlife, and Care of the People. &Beyond has 30 exquisite safari lodges and camps across Africa and South America, and we also design personalised, high-end tours in 15 African countries, India, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Chile, Argentina, Ecuador and Peru. Welcome to Bhutan The last remaining great Himalayan Kingdom, Bhutan boasts magnificent mountain scenery, incredible architecture and colourful culture. A diverse natural Shangri-La, the country boasts of a staggering variety of landscapes, as well as an incredible array of flora and fauna. Set within one of the world s most breathtaking mountain chains, Bhutan is famed for its high mountain peaks and range of trekking opportunities. Enigmatic and shrouded in myth, Bhutan is filled with tangible examples of its extraordinary culture, from the striking architecture of its mountain forts and monasteries to the images of Buddhist religious figures painted or carved onto the craggy cliffs. Colourful prayer flags flutter on spectacular mountain passes and prayer wheels turn slowly with the current of clear mountain streams. Highlights of the Itinerary: Breath-taking mountain views from Dochu La pass The spectacular fortress of Punakha The iconic hike to Tigers Nest The remote valley of Phobjika. The Religious heartland of Bhutan - Bumthang Specially created for Active vacationers & Cultural enthusiasts

3 11 nights / 12 days 1 Thimphu (Day 1, 2) 2 Punakha (Day 3, 4) 3 Gangtey (Day 5, 6) 4 Bumthang (Day 7, 8, 9) 5 Paro (Day 10, 11) AN &BEYOND CUSTOM-DESIGNED ITINERARY DATE SERVICE ACCOMMODATION Day 1 Fly to Paro and drive to Thimphu (1 hr) + Local sightseeing 2 Overnights in Taj Tashi, Thimphu Deluxe room on HB Day 2 Day 3 Sightseeing of Thimphu Drive from Thimphu to Punakha (3 hr) + Local sightseeing 2 Overnights in Uma by COMO, Punakha Valley view room on FB Day 4 Sightseeing in Punakha Day 5 Drive from Punakha to Phobjikha (3 hr) + Local sightseeing 2 Overnights in Gangtey Lodge, Phobjikha Suite on FB Day 6 Day 7 Sightseeing in Phobjikha Drive from Phobjikha to Bumthang (6 hr) 3 Overnights in Amankora, Bumthang Suite on FB Day 8 Day 9 Day 10 Sightseeing in Bumthang Sightseeing in Tang valley Take a Domestic flight from Bumthang to Paro + Local sightseeing

4 2 overnights in Uma by COMO, Paro One-bedroom Villa on FB Day 11 Day 12 Hike to Taktshang Lhakhang (Tiger s nest) Departure GLOSSARY BB = Bed and breakfast HB = Room + Breakfast + dinner FB = Full Board basis (please check itinerary for specific includes & excludes per property) ENTRY/VISA REQUIREMENTS As of all international travel, the visitor to Bhutan is required to be in possession of a valid passport and visa. Travelers from all countries need a visa. Visa for Bhutan will be arranged by &Beyond South Asia (Bhutan) office on receipt of the full payment for the tour. SATELLITE PHONES & DRONES ARE NOT ALLOWED IN BHUTAN

5 Day 1- Arrive Paro/ Thimphu This morning board your flight to Paro (Bhutan), Bhutan s only international airport. The flight into Bhutan takes you close to the great Himalayas; offering dazzling scenic views of some of world s highest glacial peaks. As you enter the Paro valley, you will pass forested hills with the slivery Pa Chu (Paro River) meandering down the valley below with the Paro Dzong (fortress) and Ta Dzong (watch tower) on the hill above the town. As you exit from the arrival hall of Paro airport, you will be met by your guide and chauffeured to your hotel in Thimphu (1 hour drive). En-route stop to visit the Tamchogg Lhakhang and marvel at the iron bridge reconstructed using original chain links from the famous Tibetan bridge builder Thangtong Gyelpo. Drive onwards to your hotel for check in and a short rest. (Lunch is not included in the quote) Afternoon, visit the Buddha Dordenma - a gigantic Shakyamuni Buddha statue. The statue is filled with over one hundred thousand smaller Buddha statues, each of which, like the Buddha Dordenma itself, but made of bronze and gilded in gold. At a height of 51.5 metres, it is one of the tallest Buddha statues on the world. Then drive to visit the Takin Preserve in Motithang. Takin is the National animal of Bhutan and looks like a cross breed between a cow and a goat. Legend has it that the animal was created by the great Buddhist yogi, Drupa Kunley or Divine Madman, and this particular species of Takin is found only in Bhutan and nearby areas. This evening you will have a chance of dressing up in Bhutan s traditional attire, the Goh and the Kira and witness some beautiful masked dances on the Taj Tashi s courtyard. This will be followed by an authentic Bhutanese meal at Chig Ja Gye which is the specialty Bhutanese restaurant at the Taj. Spend two nights at the Taj Tashi, Thimphu. Your accommodation is in a Deluxe Room and your stay is on a Half board (Breakfast + Dinner) basis.

6 Day 2 - Thimphu Begin the day with drive to take a short hike to Tango Goenpa. Situated north of Thimphu, one way it takes about 30 minutes drive and an hour long walk through shaded rhododendron forests to reach the monastery. The site of the monastery was founded in 12th century and later Lama Drukpa Kuenley (Divine Madman) established the present building in 15th century. The great saint called Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, in 1616 meditated in a cave near the monastery and helped ensure the defeat of an invading Tibetan army. Tango currently functions as a Buddhist university with 280 monks studying there. Return to the hotel for lunch or try a local restaurant (Not included in the quote). After lunch, drive to visit the institute for Zorig Chusum. It is also commonly known as Arts and crafts school or painting school. The institute offers a courses ranging from 4 to 6 years on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. Then visit the Weaving Centre or the Textile Museum. Weaving is an integral component of the culture and tradition of Bhutan. With the aim to preserve and promote this living art, the Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan was instituted in May 2005 under the patronage of Her Majesty Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck as a non-government, nonprofit organization. The Academy will also provide in bringing about a National Centre for weaving and educating young students in textiles, fabric designs and museum studies. It will also serve as a centre for tourists, introducing the nation s masterpiece to its visitors, while expanding the nation s resource for cultural tourism. And if time permits, visit the Jungshi paper making factory. It is located approximately 1 km from Thimphu City. The factory uses the bark of two tree species, the Daphne tree and Dhekap tree in the manufacture of traditional paper. Visitors can observe the entire process of producing handmade paper using ancient traditional methods that have been practiced for generations. You can even try your hand at this ancient craft and make some paper of your very own as a souvenir. Dehsho paper was originally used by monasteries for woodblock and manuscript books and also for writing prayer books.

7 Day 3 - Thimphu/ Punakha After an early breakfast this morning, you will be chauffeured to Punakha (3 hour s drive). The road climbs steeply through a scenic forest of pine and cedar trees, to Dochu La pass (10,000 feet). The pass offers panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges. Stop on Dochu La to visit the 108 stupas built on this 3,150-metre-high pass in honor the fallen Bhutanese soldiers. Well before reaching Punakha stop en route and hike about 30 minutes to Chimi Lhakhang (fertility temple), which is on a small hilltop. The temple was dedicated to the great Yogi in the 14th century, known as Drukpa Kuenley, also known as the Divine madman. He is known for dramatizing Buddhist teachings using songs. It is believed that this temple blesses women who seek fertility. If interested you can also watch the Thangkha painters here in action. Afterwards, you will be driven to your hotel for check-in and lunch (not included in the quote). In the late afternoon, proceed back towards Punakha and visit the beautiful Punakha Dzong. Constructed in 1637, this was the second of Bhutan s Dzong and for many years its seat of government. From this spectacular setting you can look back to see the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Temple perched on the hillside far in the distance. Spend two Overnights at the Uma by COMO, Punakha. Your accommodation will be in a Valley view room on Full board (breakfast + lunch + dinner) basis.

8 Day 4 - Punakha Early this morning, drive to the suspension bridge from where you begin a hike to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten with a packed breakfast. This three storey lhakhang was built by Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon for the protection of the country. It has an impressive view of Punakha valley. The deities represented here belong to a teaching cycle of Dudjom Rinpoche, a great Nyingmapa master ( ). The functions of the deities are to subjugate enemies and harmful influences and also to spread peace and harmony. The lhakhang is a 45 minute hike from the main road. Afterwards drive back to the hotel and rest of the morning is at leisure. Later this afternoon, you will visit the Nalanda Buddhist college, a Buddhist monastic school. Originally built in 8th century AD, this school was established as the second Buddhist school after the original one in India. This day s monks here are also given English lesson twice a week. You may interact with the monks here. On the way back, visit the Sangchhen Dorji Lhendrup Lhakhang Nunnery. Perched on a ridge amid pine trees gleams the magnificent structures of Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang(temple). The temple houses a 14-foot main bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara (Chenrigzig chagtong chentong). Other statues include those of Guru Padmasambawa, Gautama Buddha, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, Tsela Namsum, the 21 Taras and Tsepamay (Buddha of longevity). The Avalokiteshvara statue, one of the biggest in the country, was the handiwork of entirely local Bhutanese artisans. The temple complex also houses a permanent higher learning and meditation center for nuns where, apart from religious trainings, it provides life skill training such as tailoring, embroidery, statue making and thangka painting. You will also participate with the nuns in a Tshewang prayer ceremony (a prayer for personal empowerment, wish fulfilment and a healthy life). The prayer will last approximately 30 minutes, during which you will participate in the lighting up of butter candles.

9 Day 5 Thimphu/ Phobjikha This morning, post breakfast, you will be chauffeured to Phobjikha (3 hour s drive). Crossing Wangdue, the road will gradually climbs to Lawa La pass, which offers the magnificent view of Jhomolhari (7300m) mountain and Jichu Drake (6700m). There is an abrupt change in vegetation as we drive, with mountain forest replaced by high altitude dwarf bamboo. Phobjikha is one of the most beautiful valleys in the country and it s the winter home of endangered black-necked cranes that migrate from the arid plains in the north to pass winter in milder and lower climate. These winged visitors begin arriving around early October. Phobjikha is at an altitude of 2900 m above sea level and on the periphery of the Black Mountain National Park. On reaching Phobjikha check in to the hotel and lunch. In the afternoon you will be escorted to the Gangtey Goemba (monastery), which enjoys the valley's prime real estate, on a forested hill overlooking the green expanse of the entire Phobjikha valley. Pema Thinley, the grandson and reincarnation of Pema Lingpa, founded the Nyingma temple here in 1613 and today the Goemba is the seat of the 9th reincarnation of the body of the Terton (Treasure discoverer) Pema Lingpa. Then walk along the Gangtey Nature Trail, quite popular amongst the visitors to the valley. Crossing streams and rhododendron gardens you cross Sumchubara village, afterwards you enter the Pine covered forest, which opens at a canopy that affords fabulous views of the valley. Further down, the trial passes the village of Khewang and later you will cross the Nake Chu where you will be picked up by your car. In the evening head towards the Shedra which is a monastic school. Attend the prayers this evening where about 300 monks chant every evening.

10 Spend two nights at Gangtey Lodge. Your accommodation will be in Suite on Full board (Breakfast + lunch + dinner) basis. Day 6 - Phobjikha This morning, after an early breakfast, you will go on the Longteng Hike. It is a 30 minutes drive from Gangtey to the starting point in Longteng village on the East-West highway. Start by walking downwards following the path to the right of the road. The path will lead through bush bamboo towards a small cluster of village houses. There are beautifully coloured rhododendron forests on both sides of the valley, and in the winter months, yaks graze in the area. Continue straight through the village upwards until you reach the start of mystifying oldgrowth rhododendron forest. The last part through the forest is slightly steeper uphill until you reach the pass with impressive views of the Gangtey Goemba, the Shedra, the lodge and the rest of the valley down below. You will then continue on the path as it slopes down the valley towards the idyllic Kumbu village. En-route stop at the meditation huts with this beautiful view, to do a meditation session with a monk, who will be waiting for you here. This hike will take about 5 6 hours and you will be back at the lodge by lunch time. In the afternoon, you will be taken to the Crane Information Center a short drive on the way back to the lodge. It gives you the detailed information regarding the valley and the black necked-crane. The center is also equipped with binoculars, installed to watch the cranes. Also enjoy a 15-minute documentary about the endangered bird The Birds of Heaven, if interested. Return to the lodge and rest of the evening is at leisure.

11 Day 7 Phobjikha/ Bumthang This morning, you will be driven to Bumthang (8 hours drive). Bumthang is one of the most fascinating valleys in Bhutan, encompassing four major valleys. It is the religious heartland of Bhutan and home to many of the oldest and most sacred monasteries. The valley has plenty of opportunities for day hikes, many involving visit to remote Goenpas. En route stop for lunch at the Chendebji Chorten and visit Trongsa Dzong. Like almost all towns in the Kingdom, this Dzong architecture dominates the entire Trongsa horizon dwarfing the surrounding buildings. Built in 1648, it was the seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan. Both the first and second King ruled the country from this ancient seat. Protected from invaders by an impenetrable valley, Trongsa Dzong is an impregnable fortress. The Dzong itself is a labyrinth of temples, corridors and offices holding court over the local community. It is built on many levels into the side of the hill and can be seen from every approach to Trongsa heralding its strength as a defensive stronghold. Later on the way, if time permits, stop by to visit the Yathra weaving centre. It is the main outlet for about 240 households of the 13 villages in Bumthang who depend on the sale of traditional yathra for their livelihood. On reaching Bumthang, check into the hotel and rest. Spend three overnights in Amankora, Bumthang. Your accommodation is in Suite on Full Board (breakfast + lunch + dinner) basis.

12 Day 8 - Bumthang After breakfast walk (approx. 30 minutes walk) to Jambay Lhakhang. This site was built in the 7th century to subdue the giant demoness who was preventing the spread of Buddhism in Tibet and the Himalayan region. To overcome her, Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo decided to build 108 temples in one day, which would be placed all over her body to pin the ogress to the earth forever and at the same time, to convert Tibetan people to Buddhism. Jambay Lhakhang holds the left knee and Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro valley pins the left foot. The temple is also famous for Ter Cham (Naked Dance) which takes place every year in October. Afterwards walk further to visit(approx. 20 minutes). This large, active and important temple complex is named after the body (Kur) print (je) for Guru Rinpoche, which is preserved inside the oldest of the three buildings. This also is the place where Guru Rinpoche sowed the seed of Vajrayana Buddhism for the first time in Bhutan, during his visit in the 8th century. The oldest of the temple was constructed in 1652 and later Ugyen Wangchuck, the first king of Bhutan built the second Lhakhang in 1900 while he was still the Trongsa Penlop. The third new Lhakhang was built by the present Queen Mother, Ashi Kesang Wangchuck in Later in the afternoon, drive back to your hotel for lunch and a short rest. (Not included in the quote) After a short rest, visit the Jakar Dzong. The Jakar Dzong or the Castle of the White Bird dominates the Chamkhar valley and overlooks the town. Constructed in 1549, by the Tibetan Lam Nagi Wangchuk, the Dzong played an important role as the fortress of defense for the whole eastern Dzongkhags. It also became the seat of the first king of Bhutan. "Jakar Dzong" literally meaning castle of the white bird is located on a picturesque ridge overlooking the Chokhor valley. The current structure built in 1667 (refurbished in 1683) is said to be one of the largest dzong in Bhutan, with impressive fortress walls, elegant structure but a rather simple interior. Drive back to your hotel for a restful evening.

13 Day 9 Bumthang After an early breakfast, drive towards Tang Valley. Tang is one of the remotest of Bumthang s valleys and is a 10.5 Km drive on an unpaved road from the main highway. The people of this valley raise sheep and at higher elevations, yaks. In addition to its beautiful landscapes the valley also affords the opportunity to visit 16th century Naktshang (country manor)/tang Ugyencholling Palace, which was built in 16th century and later renovated. Today the palace functions as a museum to preserve its legacy and provide a place for religious studies, research and solitude. The fascination and well-captioned exhibits offer real insights into the lifestyle of a Bhutanese noble family. The highlights include a book of divination, a dakini dance costume made of bone and the revelation that petrified yak dung was one of the ingredients for Bhutanese gunpowder. To reach the museum walk uphill (45 min) to the hilltop. On your way back, stop to visit Mebar Tsho (The Burning Lake). A five minute walk from the road, leads to a picturesque pool in the Tang River that is known as Mebar Tsho (Burning lake). In this lake the Terton Pema Lingpa, the reincarnation of Padmasambhava, was supposed to have discovered religious treasure in the 12th century. Mebartsho is not a lake but a gorge in one of the rivers that runs through Tang valley. This lake is very sacred and is visited by many Bhutanese during the auspicious days to offer butter lamps. The importance of the site is indicated by the extensive array of prayer flags and is considered as one of the most holy places for Buddhist pilgrimage. Later in the afternoon, drive back to your hotel for lunch and rest of the evening at leisure. Day 10 Bumthang/ Paro This morning post breakfast, you will take a Domestic flight to Paro. Paro is a historic town with many sacred sites and historical buildings scattered through the area. It is home to many of Bhutan's oldest temples and monasteries, National Museum and the country's only airport. Mount. Jhomolhari (7,314m) reigns in its white glory at the

14 northern end of the valley and its glacial water plunge through deep gorges to form the Pa Chhu (Paro river). Paro is also one of the most fertile valleys in the Kingdom producing a bulk of the locally famous red rice from its terraced fields. On entering Paro town, drive directly to your hotel for Check-in and lunch. After lunch, drive to visit the Ta Dzong or the National Museum. One time watch tower built to defend Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars of the 17th century. Since 1967, the Ta Dzong has been serving as the National Museum of the country. It holds a fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings and Bhutan's exquisite postage stamps. The museum's circular shape enhances its varied collection displayed over several floors. Afterwards, visit the local farmhouse. It is a traditional village house. The beauty of Paro valley is embellished by cluster of old fashioned farm houses. Bhutanese farm houses are very colourful, decorative and traditionally built without the use of single nail. All houses follow the same architectural pattern. A visit to Farm House is very interesting and offers a good glimpse into the lifestyle of a farmer. Spend two nights at the Uma by COMO, Paro. Your accommodation will be in One Bedroom villa on Full board (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner) basis. Day 11 Paro Early this morning after a hearty breakfast, take a short drive to the north of Paro Valley to Ramthankha, and start your hike to the Taktsang monastery (Tiger s Nest). The trail climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche, founder of Buddhism in Bhutan flew from Eastern Bhutan on a tigress, bringing Buddhist teachings with him and meditated here on this cliff. This is one of the most venerated and sacred of all Buddhist sights

15 around the world. This hike is takes about 5hrs with a 900 meters approximate gain in altitude. Afterwards hike down to the car park before returning to the hotel by lunch time. The rest of the day is at leisure. Day 12 - Paro/ Departure This morning, you will be transferred to the Paro airport to board your onward flight.

16 RATES VALIDITY 2018 Per person sharing High Season (March/April/May/June/Sept/Oct/Nov/Dec 2018) USD 11,780 Low Season (January/February/July/Aug 2018) USD 10,100 Accommodation DATE DESTINATION ACCOMMODATION DETAILS Day 01 Arrive Paro /Thimphu Taj Tashi Deluxe room on HB Day 02 Thimphu Taj Tashi Deluxe room on HB Day 03 Thimphu/Punakha Uma by COMO Valley view room on FB Day 04 Punakha Uma by COMO Valley view room on FB Day 05 Punakha/ Phobjikha Gangtey Lodge Suite on FB Day 06 Phobjikha Gangtey Lodge Suite on FB Day 07 Phobjikha/ Bumthang Amankora Suite on FB Day 08 Bumthang Amankora Suite on FB Day 09 Bumthang Amankora Suite on FB Day 10 Bumthang/ Paro Uma by COMO 1-bedroom Villa on FB Day 11 Paro Uma by COMO 1-bedroom Villa on FB Day 12 Outbound What s included: Accommodation on ONE TWIN / DOUBLE OCCUPANCY in hotels as mentioned in the QUOTE. All transfers as mentioned in a private vehicle, and sightseeing. Sightseeing tour will be provided as per the itinerary with the English-speaking Bhutanese Guide and in a private Vehicle. All entrance and monuments fees. Visa fees for Bhutan only. All current taxes as on date subject to change as per hotel/airline/government policy. Special inclusions: o Tshewang ceremony at Punakha o Prayer service in Gangtey/ Phobjikha o Meditation with a monk in Phobjikha What s not included: Any Airfare

17 Tipping to guides and drivers. Any Insurance and rescue of any form. Cost arising out of flight cancellation/road blockades/landslides/riots and events beyond our control. Expenses of personal nature and any other expenses not mentioned in the above cost. Any international air fare/airport taxes not mentioned above Hotel surcharges during festival period Any change in tax structure resulting from the hike in published tariff. Items of personal nature like tips, laundry, phone calls etc. Any video/still camera fee to the monuments and places of visit Any other item not explicitly mentioned under price includes. Any airfare for domestic flights other than the quoted details. Any cost of the meals other than the one indicated in room meal plan. Sightseeing and excursions other than those specified. The Details are in the fine print Hotel Check-In 1400 hours, Check-out time 1200 Noon Prices are subject to change as per change in Government / Hotel / Airline policy without prior notice. Rates include only those items specified in your itinerary. Please note, the names of hotels mentioned above only indicate that our rates have been based on usage of these hotels. It is not to be construed that accommodation is confirmed at these hotels until and unless we convey the confirmations to you on receipt of your acceptance. However in the event of any of the above mentioned hotels not becoming available at the time of initiating the reservations, we shall book alternate accommodation at a similar or next best available hotel and shall pass on the difference of rates (supplement/reduction whatever applicable) to you. In case on any currency fluctuations or amendment in local Government taxes, or any fuel hike, we reserve the right to adjust the tour price accordingly. The due increase or decrease will be communicated accordingly. The rates quoted are subject to change without prior warning, should there be any increases in Park Fees, Fuel, Sales Tax or VAT, third party services, or any other circumstances beyond our control in the regions featured in this quote/booking. All guests must take out comprehensive travel insurance covering them for personal effects, personal accident, medical and emergency travel expenses, cancellation and curtailment. In order to comply with international insurance requirements all airline tickets must clearly show the passenger s title, surname, name and initial (as indicated in their passport). As this applies to both scheduled and charter flights we would be grateful if you could provide us with this information at the time of confirmation. Your internal flights have been organized by us. While we take the maximum care to ensure a safe and comfortable journey for you &Beyond India Private Ltd. is not responsible for the fitness of the carriers or the safety standards of the carrier company. In order to comply with International Insurance requirements &Beyond India can only reserve seats, be it on a provisional or confirmed basis, on both domestic/scheduled or charter flights. Please note that fares may increase between time of booking, time of payment and the ticket being issued. Any costs incurred due to amendments will not be borne by &Beyond India. &Beyond India cannot be held responsible should airlines discontinue flights on certain routings or change scheduled timetables, resulting in missed connections etc. Should an amendment in a routing or itinerary be necessary we will requote you accordingly.

18 Dietary Requirements: All dietary requirements can be catered for. When making your reservation, please advise us of any specific dietary requirements that you may have and these will be communicated through to the respective establishment. Gratuities: Tipping is at your discretion. However management of the establishment will be able to assist with guidelines &Beyond reserves the right to modify program itineraries, including arranged sightseeing, and substitute accommodations, including vessels and trains, at any time due to unforeseen circumstances or circumstances beyond &Beyond s control. Every effort will be made to operate itineraries as planned, but alterations may occur after the final itinerary has been issued. &Beyond strongly recommends that the guests insure themselves against loss of deposit, cancellation charges, medical expenses and loss of personal possessions, and any other foreseeable loss or expense. Photography During Travel A. &Beyond reserves the right to take photographs or video during the operation of any program or part thereof and to use them for promotional purposes during the program and thereafter. By booking a program with &Beyond, guests agree to allow their images to be used in such photographs. Guests who prefer that their images not be used are asked to identify themselves to &Beyond representative at the beginning of their program. The use of DRONES are not allowed in Bhutan. Guest Obligations: 1. Medical Conditions the guest must notify &Beyond of any pre-existing medical conditions that might reasonably be expected to affect the Travel Arrangements. The guest agrees and acknowledges that &Beyond will not be liable for any loss or damage incurred by the guest as a result of any pre-existing medical condition or health issue of the Customer that may preclude, delay, affect or interfere with the Travel Arrangements. 2. Health Issues It is the guests sole responsibility to a) obtain any vaccinations or take any other health precautions applicable to the country of travel; b) take all steps reasonably necessary (including, without limitation, the consultation of appropriate medical professionals) to identify whether they have any pre-existing medical conditions or health issues (whether known or unknown) that may preclude, delay, affect or interfere with the Travel Arrangements; and c) notify &Beyond if the guest has any pre-existing medical conditions or health issues that may preclude, delay, affect or interfere with the Travel Arrangements. PAYMENT & CANCELLATION POLICY Booking made within 60 days of arrival 100% payment at the time of booking (within 72 hours) (non refundable) Booking made more than 60 days prior to arrival Cancellation 60 days or more prior to arrival Cancellation within 60 days of arrival 25% payment at the time of booking (within 7 days ) and balance 75%, 60 days prior to arrival No cancellation/ retention charge, except for cancellation fee on air tickets/ train tickets or deposits. Retention of full deposit levied as cancellation charge 1. 25% Non-refundable advance payment to be remitted within 3 days on receiving confirmation for the hotels booked % of the balance payment to be remitted 60 days prior to arrival into Bhutan

19 &Beyond South Asia reserves the right to cancel all services booked should full payment not be received 60 days prior to arrival date. Should it be a last-minute booking, &Beyond South Asia will allow for 3 days from time of confirmation until payment (100%) reaches us before &Beyond South Asia will cancel any services booked. The amount is NON REFUNDABLE. Kindly note that payments may be processed with Visa and MasterCard credit cards. Payments may also be paid directly into &Beyond India or US bank account details. All payments received through credit card will attract an additional 2.50% transaction fee on the total invoice amount being paid. All payments received through PayPal will attract an additional 2.0% transaction fee on the total invoice amount being paid.