Day 1: Arrival In Paro - Thimphu
Arrival at Paro International Airport and drive to Thimphu, capital of Bhutan, which is a one hour drive and located at 2,300m above the sea level. Work off the lunch by visiting the GONGZOK CHOTEN or MEMORIAL CHOTEN , or include it on your arrival. The Chorten has great significance in the religious life of the town people and symbolizes, as do all such monuments, the different level of the Buddha’s mind and teaching. When ritually circumambulated clockwise, one gains merit for the next life and atones for present sins.
If you are in Thimphu during week days, visit the TRADITIONAL BHUTANESE MEDICINE, a blend of Indian ayurvedic and Chinese herbal practices, is carried out at the indigenous Hospital. Visit Painting School, children study a course in religious drawing and painting. There are also course in woodcarving and mask making. Further along the same road is the NATIONAL LIBRARY, built in 1969 and located in a new Bhutanese style building. The museum contain an important collection of foreign books on Bhutan, the Himalaya and the Buddhism, and a unique series of Bhutanese and Tibetan books and manuscripts imprinted with woodblocks.
In the evening, stroll through town and peep into the shops where you will find typical samples of the town-folk’s basic needs.
Day 2: Thimphu - Trongsa
Early breakfast in hotel and drive to Trongsa en route Dochula pass, Shar valley and Chelela pass. At a far distance from DOCHU-LA PASS, one can see the eastern Himalayan mountain ranges including the highest mountain peak of Bhutan. The pass is garlanded by 108 Druk Wangyel (or victory) stupas and multi-coloured fluttering prayer flags. Then drive to the valley of Shar including the Chendibji valley of historical significance. CHENDEBJI CHORTEN, en route to Trongsa is the Chendebji Chorten, patterned on Katmandu’s Swayambhunath Stupa, with eyes painted on the four cardinal point. It was built in the 18th century by Lama Zhida, to cover the remains of an evil spirit that was subdued at this spot. Legends says that the evil spirit manifested as a gigantic snake.
Day 3: Trongsa - Bumthang
After your breakfast check out from the hotel visit TRONGSA DZONG, built in1648, it was the seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan. Both the first and the second Kings of Bhutan ruled the country from this ancient seat. All 5 Kings were invested as Trongsa Penlop “governor” prior to ascending the throne. The dzong is the massive structure with many levels, sloping down the contours of the ridge on which it is built. Because of the dzong’s highly strategic position, on the only connecting route between east and west, the Trongsa Penlop was able to control effectively the whole of the Eastern and Central regions of the country.
TA DZONG, this watchtower, which once guarded Trongsa Dzong from internal rebellion, stands on a promontory above the town. It was built by Chhoje Minjur Tempa, the first governor of Trongsa in 1652. It has four observation pints resembling Tiger, Lion, Garuda, and Dragon. Climb up the path to visit Ta Dzong which now houses a shrine dedicated to the epic hero, King Gesar of Ling. A visit to this former watchtower provides visitors with an insight into the significant of Trongsa in Bhutan’s history. As of date the Ta Dzong of Trongsa is the most fascinating museum of the country. After lunch, drive to Bumthang en en route Youtongla pass. On the way to Chamkhar, visit CHUMMY YATHRA CENTRE where one can observe the process of yathra production, from pure wool of sheep and yaks.
Day 4: Bumthang Sightseeing
Breakfast in hotel visit JAKAR DZONG or “Castle of the White Bird” dominates the Chamkhar valley and overlooks the town. Constructed in 1549, by the Tibetan lama Nagi Wangchuk . The dzong plays an important role as the fortress of defense of the whole eastern districts. It also became the seat of the first King of Bhutan. A special feature of the dzong is the approximately fifty meter high Utse or Central Tower, which is distinct from all the dzongs in Bhutan. The other unique feature of the dzong is that of a sheltered passage, with two parallel walls, interconnected by fortified towers, which gave the population of the fortress access to water in the case of a siege. The protected water supply is still intact to this day. JAMBAY LHAKHANG, this monastery was built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King, Songtsen Gompo. It is one of 108 monasteries which he built to subdue the giant ogress who tried to demolish Buddhism in Tibet.
Its present architectural appearance dates from the early 20th century. KURJE LAKHANG, located further along the valley, Kurje Lhakhang compresses three temples. The one on the right was built in 1652 against the rock face, where Guru Rinpochhe meditated in the 8th century. The middle temple was built on the site of a cave containing with the rock imprint of Gurus body, and is therefore, considered to be the most holy . The temple on the left was built by the Queen Mother, Ashi Kesang Choden in 1990. This three temples are surrounded by 108 chorten walls. TAMSHING LAKHANG, located across the river from Kurje Lhakhang, this temple was founded in 1501, a Terton (treasure revealer) Pema Lingpa, who was the re-incarnation of Guru Rinpochhe There are very old religious painting around the inner wall, which was restored at the end of the 19th century. This temple can be approached from Kurji Lhakhang with a short walk crossing through the suspension bridge.
THANGBI GOMPA, this temple can be approached with 30 minute walk from Kurje Lhakhang, situated in the middle of a wide fertile plateau overlooking the river. Founded in 1470, by Shamar Rinpochhe of the Karma Kagupa religious school. The building compresses two sanctuary and a temple of terrifying deity. The sanctuary on the ground floor contains the statue of the past , present , and the future Buddha and three clay statues probably dating to the end of the 15th century. On the upper floor, the vestibule contains two remarkable paintings of Guru Rinpochhe’s heaven and the Buddha Amitabha’s heaven.
Day 5: Bumthang - Phobjikha Valley
Early breakfast in hotel and drive back to Phobjikha, the winter home of Black Necked Cranes flying in from Tibet and Siberia. On arrival, visit the famous GANGTAY MONASTRY established in 17th century. After finish visiting the monastery hike across the wide valley called TONGPHUSHING TRAIL, this is a beautiful leisurely walk through the pine forest, farmland and the villages. The hike starts from Gangtay and continues through Tokha village all the way to the Phobjikha valley. The walk provides insight into village life, farming and also offers great views of the Phobjikha valley.
Day 6: Phobjikha Valley - Punakha
Breakfast in hotel and go around the heavenly valley of Phobjikha to observe the Black Necked Cranes in its roosting place till lunch. Visit the BLACK NECKED CRANE INFORMATION CENTRE, you will get a loads of information about the crane, even a short 3-4 minute documentary will be available regarding the Black Necked CraneThe lunch will be served at hotel in Phobjikha. Visit the Wangdue Dzong on the way to Punakha for night, the old capital of Bhutan till 1955.
Day 7: Punakha Sightseeing
Today you drive to Kabje Sirigang about 30 minutes and then hike about 2 hours to CHORTEN NINGPO SHEDRA. This is a beautiful walk, visiting a lovely villages, there are orange groves and a temple which dates Back to ‘The Devine Madman’ Drukpa Kuenley. The temple can be visited and it is now a winter residence of the incarnated Desi Tenzin Rabgay, which now had be restored. Way back take the trail of the Sinchula trek route for an hour until tongchena village. After lunch hike to CHIMI LHAKHANG, it is a pleasant 30-40 minute walk from the road head, through cultivated fields and up a gentle slop. This lhakhang dates back to 1499 and was built by Lama Drukpa Kinley, when he visited this valley. Lama Drukpa Kinley is believed to have subdued the demoness residing at Dochu La with his ‘magic thunderbolt of wisdom’ and a wooden effigy of this is preserved within.
Day 8: Punakha Festival
Today, after your breakfast in the hotel drive to Punaka Dzong to witness the 3rd day colorful festival. The whole day you will be in the festival and in the evening walk around the market around the dzong.
Day 9: Punakha Festival (Optional Sightseeing After Lunch)
The 4th day festival and after lunch drive further north of Punakha Dzong to visit KHAMSUM YUELI NAMGYEL CHORTEN, there is no temple in Bhutan built elaborately as this. This fascinating temple was built by the queen mother of the 5th Kingto bring universal peace in this world. The best of the spiritual art was painted on the inner walls. There are also paintings of Buddhist teacher and tutelary deities of the country.
This is the great temple to study the symbolic meaning from frescoes and sculptures. In the evening if time permits drive to visit NALANDRA MONASTERY, Nalandra Monastery was founded by Gyelwa Shakya Rinchen while he was 40 years of age. The place was called Nalandra because Gyelwa Shakya Rinchen had a pure vision of the clarifiers of the teaching of Buddha known as the Six Ornaments and the Two Supreme Ones of India, conducting religious discussions at this place. So, when the monastery was established, it was named Nalandra after the great Buddhist Monastic University in Ancient India.
Day 10: Punakha Festival (Optional Rafting/Kayaking After Lunch)
Today enjoy the last day festival of Punakha and after lunch if interested you can have a wonderful white river rafting through the Mo Chu (female) river that flows through the Punakha Dzong.
Day 11: Punakha - Paro
After the breakfast make a short drive to Wangduephodrang to visit WANGDUE PHODRANG DZONG, founded by Zhandrung in 1639. Situated on a hill commanding a breath-taking view of the valley, it is believed that Bhutan's protective deity, Yeshey Gonpo told Zhabdrug Rimpoche that if he constructs a dzong on this ridge, he would be able to command the entire country. The literal meaning of Wangdue is to bring under one's power'. Drive to Paro and after reaching Paro visit is the WATCH TOWER (NAMSEL BANGDZE) of Paro Dzong, which is now the National Museum. The museum preserves rare Bhutanese artifacts, remnants of the rich culture and history.
After this, continue to RINPUNG DZONG (or Paro Dzong), which means "fortress of the heap of jewels." This particular complex has the administrative and religious headquarters for the Paro district. A short scene of Bernardo Bertolucci's famous movie, "Little Buddha," was shot inside this Dzong. From here, you can take a leisurely walk to the Pa-chu river and cross over a traditional cantilever (wooden covered) bridge to the other side. Post lunch; take a short drive to DRUKGYAL DZONG, a dilapidated fortress located around 16 km away from Paro. Although in ruins, this Dzong is a significant historical landmark. It was at this fort that the Bhutanese decimated the invading Tibetans and drove them back to their wilderness. From this place, the majestic peak of Jumolhari, the 'Mountain of the Goddess' can be admired on a sunny day (Alt. 7,329 m /24,029 ft.). In the evening stroll around the town.
Day 12: Hike to the Famous Tiger’s Nest
This part of your journey takes you to TAKTSANG MONASTRY (the Tiger's lair). The trail to the monastery passes through patches of a lush pine forest. You will stop at the nearby cafeteria for rest and refreshments and continue the hike till you see what remains of the ancient Taktsang monastery. Built in 1600s, this great monastery literally hangs from the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, the Tantric mystic, who brought Buddhism to the land, came to Bhutan flying on a tiger. On the way back, don't miss the 'KYICHU LHAKHANG', the oldest and the most sacred shrine of Bhutan built in 8th century by Tibetan Monarch Songtsen Gampo.
Day 13: Board Your Flight Back Home
A sensational take off..
