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Bhutan – The Himalayan Jewel ( 09 Night / 10 Days Tour, Thimphu – Trongsa –
Bumthang – Gangtey – Phobjikha – Wangduephodrang – Punakha – Paro )
Day 01 : Arrive Paro by Druk Air
 The
flight into Bhutan takes you close to the great Himalayas, offering dazzling
scenic views of some world’s highest glacial peaks. As you enter Paro
valley, you will sweep past forested hills with the silvery Pa Chu (Paro
river) meandering down the valley below. Paro Dzong (fortress) and Ta Dzong
(watchtower) on the hills above the town will be a fine sight. Our
representative will meet you at Paro airport, and after completion of
arrival formalities you will be transferred to Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu, an
exciting blend of tradition and modernity.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 02
: Thimphu
Today's full day of sightseeing in Thimphu valley includes, visit to ;
National Library, which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts
and manuscripts, some dating back several hundred years, as well as modern
academic books mainly on Himalayan culture and religion;
Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as Painting School) where
students undertake a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts
of
Bhutan;
Textile and Folk Heritage Museum: These museums,
both of which opened in 2001, provide fascinating insights into Bhutanese
material culture and way of life.
National Memorial Chorten: The building of this landmark was envisaged by
the third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, as a monument to world
peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it is both
a memorial to the Late King (“the Father of modern Bhutan”) and a monument
to world peace. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep
insight into Buddhist philosophy.
Trashichhodzong: This impressive fortress/monastery houses Secretariat
building,
the throne room of His Majesty, the King and various government offices. It
is also the summer residence of Chief Abbot and central monk body.
Handicrafts Emporium: This government-run enterprise displays a wide range
of beautifully hand-woven textiles and craft products. It also carries a
small collection of books on Bhutan, Buddhism and Himalayan culture.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 03 : Thimphu / Trongsa ( 200 Km, 6 hours drive)
After early breakfast, drive up to Dochu-la pass
(3,088m/ 10,130 ft) stopping
briefly here to take in the view and admire the chorten, mani wall, and
prayer flags which decorate
the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, the following peaks can
be seen from this
pass
(left to right): Masagang (7,158m),
Tsendagang
(6,960m), Terigang (7,060m ),
Jejegangphugang (7,158 m ), Kangphugang (7,170 m ),
Zongphugang (7, 060 m ), a table mountain that dominates the
isolated region
of Lunana - finally Gangkar puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m.
Then continue onwards, reaching Wangduephodrang town in time for lunch. From
Dochu-la pass, it is a long, winding descent into the Wangduephodrang
valley, which is about 1,700m below the pass. Take lunch at Wangduephodrang
town, then continue on to Trongsa across Pele-la pass (3,300m/10,830 ft),
the traditional boundary between east and west.
The pass
is marked by a large white chorten prayer flags. There is an abrupt change
in vegetation at this point, with mountain forest replaced by high altitude
dwarf bamboo.
Stop en route at Chendbji Chorten, patterned on Kathmandu’s Swayambhunath
Stupa, with eyes panted at four cardinal points. It was built in the 18th
century by Lama Shida from Tibet, to cover the remains of an evil spirit
that was subdued at this spot.
Arrive at Trongsa late afternoon and check into the lodge for the night.
Day 04 : Trongsa / Bumthang ( 68 Km, 3 hours drive )
After breakfast, visit Trongsa Dzong. Built in 1648 it was the seat of power
over central and eastern Bhutan. Both the first and second Kings of Bhutan
ruled the country from this ancient seat. All four Kings were invested as
Trongsa Penlop (‘governer’) prior to ascending the throne, and the present
Crown Prince now holds the post. The Dzong is a massive structure with many
levels, sloping down the contours of the ridge on which it is built.
Then
drive to Bumthang, 68 km from Trongsa, a journey of about 3 hours, over the
Yutong-la pass (3,400m/ 11,155 ft). The road winds steeply up to the pass,
28 km from Trongsa, then runs down through coniferous forest into a wide,
open cultivated valley known as the Chumey valley.
On arrival in Bumthang, check in at your lodge.
Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.
Day 05 : Bumthang
Bumthang is the general name given to combination of four valleys – Chumey,
Choekhor, Tang and Ura with altitude varying from 2,600m to 4,000m. It is
home to many of prominent Buddhist temples and monasteries.
Visit to Kurje Lhakhang, where the saint Padmasambhava subdued a local demon
and left his body imprint on a rock., the Jambey Lhakhang (7th century
temple), Tamshing Lhakhang (housing some of the oldest wall paintings in
Bhutan) and Jakar Dzong (administrative center of the region). Stroll in the
village, visit the little handicrafts shop at the entrance to the town, and
perhaps take refreshments at a local restaurant.
Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.
Day 06 :
Bumthang / Gangtey / Phobjikha (190 km, 7 hours drive)
After breakfast drive to Gangtey / Phobjikha. In the mountains east of
Wangduephodrang lies the beautiful Phobjikha valley, on the slopes of which
is ituated the great monastery of Gangtey, established in the 17th century.
The village of Phobjikha lies a few km, down from the monastery, on the
valley floor. This quite, remote valley is the winter home of black necked
cranes, which migrate from the arid plains of Tibet in the north, to pass
the winter months in a milder climate. Explore Gangtey village and Phobjikha
valley.
Overnight at the lodge in Gangtey / Phobjikha.
Day 07
: Gangtey / Phobjikha / Punakha (70 km, 3 hours drive)
After breakfast drive to Punakha.
Afternoon visit Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the junction of
two rivers. Punakha was Bhutan’s capital until 1955, and Punakha Dzong still
serves as the winter residence of the central monk body. Bhutan’s first
King, Ugyen Wangchuck, was crowned here in 1907. The fortress has withstood
several damages from fire, earthquake and flood over the centuries. The
latest flood, in October, 1994, caused great damages to the fortress but
miraculously spared its most holy statue. Also visit Khamsum Yulley Namgyal
Chorten, the newly built stupa.
Overnight at the hotel in Punakha / Wangduephodrang.
Day 08
: Punakha / Paro (125 km, 4.1/2 hours drive)
After breakfast, drive to Paro en route visit Simtokha Dzong. This dzong,
built in 1627 is the oldest in Bhutan. It now houses the Institute for
Language and Culture Studies.
Afternoon visit to Ta Dzong, which in the past served as watchtower for Paro
Dzong (Rinpung Dzong) and now houses the National Museum. Then walk down the
trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal ,
the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan, the Dzong houses the
monastic body of Paro, the office of the Dzongda (district administrative
head) and Thrimpon (judge) of Paro district. The approach to the Dzong is
through a traditional covered bridge called Nemi Zam. A walk through the
bridge, over a stone inlaid path, offers a good view of the architectural
wonder of the Dzong as well as life around it. It is also the venue of Paro
Tshechu, held once a year in the sprng.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 09
: Paro
After breakfast, drive up the valley to Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1647 by the
Shabdrung to commemorate the Bhutanese victory over the Tibetans in war of
1644.
Then take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery view point. It is one of the
most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m
above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on
the back of a ti gress
and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’.
This site
has been recognised
as a most sacred
place and visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by
all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime.
While returning to hotel visit en route, Kyichu Lhakhang, built in the 7th
century by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 10
: Depart Paro
After early breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to
onward destination.
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