Bhutan Adventure
Day 1 - PARO
The flight to Paro is a befitting introduction to Bhutan -
an untouched pristine wilderness. Upon arrival you will be
met and transfer to your Bhutanese home - a traditional styled
hotel. After lunch we will visit the National Museum of Bhutan
where you will have time to admire the museum's collection
of rare Bhutanese artifacts and art, traditional weaving and
other eclectic pieces including a piece of moon rock, a bequest
of Neil Amstrong and the other astronauts who made the first
landing on the moon! Take a short hike down to the traditional
cantilever bridge before being picked up on the other side
of the river and returning to our traditional styled hotel.
Time to explore Paro town before a welcome dinner at the hotel.
Day 2 - TAKTSHANG MONASTERY
Day Excursion to Taktshang literally known as Tiger's Nest.
This is one of Bhutan's most sacred places and an important
pilgrimage destination. Walk along a trail that slowly rises
above the valley to a ridge where prayer flags rustle in the
wind next to a massive prayer wheel. Just beyond is the Taktshang
Cafeteria at 9200 ft., where we stop to enjoy a hot drink
and the striking views of the Monastery across the valley.
Depending on your energy level, you may relax in the pleasant
atmosphere of the cafeteria until lunch or continue on for
a mile of steep climbing to another dramatic viewpoint. Return
to the cafeteria for a delicious buffet of typical Bhutanese
food. You may also want to try Emadatsi (a chili cheese dish),
vegetables with cheese sauce and other dishes. In the evening
visit the Drukgyel Dzong which was built in 1649 by Zhabdrung
Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate the victory of the Bhutanese
armies over the Tibetan intruders.
Day 3- THIMPHU
After breakfast drive to Thimphu where the first stop will
be the Traditional Paper Factory. Next we will visit Bhutan
Post, where you will have time to admire and buy some stamps
- Bhutan is well known among the philatelists and stamps constitute
one of its delightful exports. Lunch at a restaurant in town.
After lunch visit the Memorial Choeten, a stupa built in in
1974 to honor the memory of the 3rd King, His Late Majesty
Jigme Dorji Wangchuk who is known in Bhutan's history as the
Father of Modern Bhutan since the modern developments began
during his reign. Then you will visit the Changangkha Lhakhang,
which is also a focus of daily worship for many Thimphu residents
before driving to Sangaygang - the view point also known as
Lover's Point where young couples come to enjoy the birds'
eye view of the Thimphu valley. Next we will visit the Dupthop
Lhakhang built by Dupthop Thangthong Gyalpo, also known as
the Iron Bridge Builder. It is now a nunnery and has more
than 70 practicing nuns. In the evening you may like to visit
the Government Emporium for souvenirs.
Day 4- THIMPHU
The day starts with a visit to the Textile and Folk Heritage
Museum where you can get a fascinating insight on rural Bhutanese
life. Then you will visit the National Library - a tall stately
building in the traditional Bhutanese style that is the repository
of precious historical and religious manuscripts written in
gold. Next we will visit the Institute for Zorig Chosum -
a painting school where the traditional style of Thangkha
painting is passed on to the next generation. After lunch
we will drive north of Thimphu to visit the Tango Monastery
which is now a college for learning higher Buddhist Philosophy.
It was founded by Lama Gyalwa Lhanampa in the 12th century.
The monastery now has about 200 practising monks. You will
have time to enjoy the beautiful paintings inside the temple
before dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Day 5 - PUNAKHA
After breakfast visit the weekend market. Vendors from throughout
the region arrive on Friday afternoon and remain selling their
goods until Sunday evening. Resume our journey to Punakha
across the Dochula pass (3100m). If the weather favours us,
then we will get to enjoy the magnificent views of the eastern
Himalayas. The pass is marked by is marked by a huge choeten,
108 smaller choetens and hundreds of prayer flags. Tea stop
at the pass before continuing to our hotel for lunch. After
lunch head to Chimi Lhakhang - a Buddhist temple dedicated
to Lama Drukpa Kuenley who is also known as the Divine Madman
in the west. It is an easy hike through the village of Yuwakha
and its rice fields. In the evenng we will visit a locally
owned farmhouse to get a closer look at the Kingdom's unique
culture, which dictates simple hospitality extended to any
and all guests, even to perfect strangers.
Day 6 - GANGEY - TRONGSA
Early breakfast before starting our journey to Trongsa. On
route visit the Wangdiphodrang Dzong built in 1638. The location
of the Dzong is remarkable as it completely covers the spur
and commands an impressive view over both the north-south
and east-west. The approach to Phobjikha valley is through
a forest of oak and rhododendron. This valley is one of the
few glacial valleys in Bhutan and chosen home of black necked
cranes which migrate from the Tibetan plateau to escape the
harsh winters. After time to explore and lunch we continue
our journey to Trongsa.
Day 7 - JAKAR
After breakfast visit the majestic Trongsa Dzong - built in
1644, this is probably the most impressive dzong in the country
and one of the most aesthetic and magnificent works of Bhutanese
architecture. Then drive to Jakar ascending to the Yutongla
(3400m). As we descend from the pass, our first stop will
be at Chumey village. Here you will have time to admire the
village weavers weaving woollen fabric popularly known as
Yathra which is a speciality of Bumthang valley. Lunch on
arrival in Jakar followed by time to explore the town. In
the evening we will visit the Jakar Dzong - Fortress of the
white bird. It now houses the administration office of the
Jakar district and the district monk body. Dinner and overnight
at Kaila Guest House/Wangduecholing Lodge.
Day 8 - BUMTHANG
Today we begin with a visit to Jambay Lhakhang - one of the
108 temples built in a day across the Himalayas by King Songtsen
Goenpo who was believed to be the reincarnation of the Buddha
of compassion. Out of 108, two are in Bhutan. Legend tells
that they were built to pin down an ogress who was causing
hindrance to the spread of Buddhism in the Himalayas. Next
you will visit the Kurjey Lhakhang, which consists of three
temples. The first one is built on the site of a cave containing
a rock with the body imprint of Guru Rinpoche and is considered
the most holy. The first king of Bhutan, His Late Majesty
Ugyen Wangchuck, built the second one. The third temple is
the newest of all the three and is built by the present Royal
Queen Mother, Her Majesty Azhi Kesang Choeden Wangchuck. These
temples are surronded by 108 small choetens (Buddhist Stupas)
forming a retaining wall, symbolic of each joint of the human
body. After lunch at the hotel we will explore the other side
of Chamkhar Chu River on foot. It is an easy hike through
wheat fields. The day will end with a visit to the Swiss farm
where you may like to enjoy the soft Gouda cheese.
Day 9 - URA VALLEY
Today we head to the Ura Valley, about an hour and a half
hours away. On route visit the Membartsho - also called the
Burning Lake. Resume our journey to Ura via the Ura La Pass
(3600m). If weather permits, you will enjoy the magnificent
view of the Mt. Gangkar Puensum (7219m) and other mountain
peaks. After lunch you will have time to explore the valley
including a visit to Ura Lhakhang (temple) built in 1986 which
houses some remarkable paintings of Buddhist teachings. Return
to Jakar for your final night in Bumthang valley.
Day 10 - PUNAKHA
After breakfast we will say good bye to Jakar and head to
Wangdiphodrang. On route visit the Ta Dzong (Watch Tower)
in Trongsa, which once guarded the Trongsa Dzong from internal
rebellions. The Ta Dzong stands impressive and provides an
insight into historical significance of Trongsa in the country's
history. Resume your journey to Wangdiphodrang. Lunch box
will be served at Chendebji Choeten.
Day 11- PUNAKHA
Morning you will hike to Khamum Yuelay Namgyel Choeten (Stupa
- a buddhist monument) built by Her Majesty Azhi Tshering
Yangdon Wangchuck. It is a modete hike through the rice paddies.
The view of the surrounding valley is breathtaking. Then you
will visit Punakha Dzong built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel
in 1637. Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955
and it still is the winter residence of the Central Monk Body.
Back to hotel for lunch. Afternoon explore the Nobgang valley
- the home town of Their Majesties the Queens. You will have
time to explore the Nobgang Lhakhang which has Buddha as the
central figure.
Day 12 - PARO
Today we return to Paro stopping in Thimphu for lunch and
last minute shopping.
Day 13 - HAA VALLEY
After breakfast we drive to Haa via Chelela Pass (3900m).
Haa valley was recently opened to visitors and remains one
of Bhutan¹s most pristine areas. The valley is dotted with
fields of millet, barley, potatoes, wheat and farmhouses are
adorned with intricately painted cornices and frames. On route
visit Lhakhang Karpo which houses the Dratshang with around
120 monks studying Buddhist philosophy. Lunch in a restaurant
in town. After lunch you explore Haa valley with visit to
Chundu Lhakhang at Hatey village. The visit to both the Lhakhangs(Temples)
will provide an insight into the history of the valley. Return
to Paro for your final night in the country. Farewell dinner
and overnight in hotel Gangtey Palace.
Day 14 - DEPARTURE
After breakfast drive to the Paro International Airport for
your onward flight.
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