An adventure in the Himalayas' last hidden kingdom -
Druk Yul, "Land of the Thunder Dragon."
This cultural tour takes you into the hidden kingdom of Bhutan, where
the charming and hospitable people have steadfastly clung to their traditions
and spiritual heritage. This stunning Himalayan country is a treasure-trove
of natural wonders such as mountain vistas and lush green valleys. The
winding roads, traditional white-washed homesteads and the rich cultural
heritage of monasteries make it a special destination for the adventurous
as well as cultural tourists. Life here is infused with ancient traditions,
which may seem unreal to a first time visitor.
Trip Style: Touring
Duration: 12 days
Accomodation: Hotels
ITINERARY
DAY 1: DELHI-PARO
Fly to Paro, Bhutan, on Druk Air, the national airline of Bhutan. If you
get a seat on the left side of the plane and it is not cloudy, you can
witness spectacular views of the high peaks of the eastern Himalaya, including
peaks in Bhutan such as Chomolhari, Jichu Drakye, and Tsering Kang. After
visa formalities at the Paro airport, we drive to our hotel. The rest
of the day is free to rest and relax. (L, D) Tenzinling Resort
DAY 2: PARO
After breakfast we will drive to the base of the foot hill where we will
begin our hike or pony ride to the viewpoint of Taktsang Monastery, 'tiger's
nest', perched on a cliff 2,740 feet above the Paro valley. The climb
will take about 2 hours going up to reach the viewpoint, and for those
wishing to climb up farther, it will be another hours walk. We will have
lunch here before returning to Paro.
Taktsang was destroyed by a fire in April 1998, but it is now completely
rebuilt. Those not wishing to hike will have the option of visiting the
National Museum, housed in an old watchtower above Paro Dzong (a dzong
is a fortress-monastery). The museum's collections include displays of
spectacular thangkas, bronze statues, Bhutan's beautiful stamps, and the
Tshogshing Lhakhang (Temple of the Tree of Wisdom), with its carvings
depicting the history of Buddhism. (B, L ,D) Tenzinling Resort
DAY 3: THIMPHU
After breakfast, we will drive above Bondey to a trailhead where we can
walk about 50 minutes to Dzongdrakha, a small monastery overlooking the
Paro Valley built in the 16th century by the first local king, Chogay
Dragpa. This monastery is one of five in the area. There is also a large
stupa similar to that of Bodhnath in Kathmandu, Nepal. After lunch, we
drive to Thimphu. The rest of the day is free to rest and relax. (B, L,
D) Hotel KISA
DAY 4: THIMPHU
After breakfast we drive towards the north road and hike 2 hours up a
steep hill to visit Cheri Monastery which was built in 1620 by Shabdrung
Ngawang Namgyal. More than 80 monks are undergoing their three-year, three-month
retreat here. Inside is a silver chorten holding the ashes of the Shabdrung's
father. On our return we'll visit Tango Goemba, founded in the 12th century.
The present building was constructed in the 15th century. It is now a
Buddhist institute for higher learning. (B, L, D) Hotel Kisa
DAY 5: PUNAKHA
We drive across the Dochu La 'pass' where we might see the snow-covered
peaks of the eastern Himalaya if the weather permits. The pass is marked
by hundreds of colourful fluttering prayer flags and is an awesome sight
of one hundred and eight stupa. We continue to Punakha, winter seat of
the highest lama in Bhutan until the 1950s. We will visit the ancient
Punakha Dzong dating back to the 17th century, which is spectacularly
situated at the confluence of the Mo and Phu Rivers.
We will also have an optional short hike across the rice paddies to visit
nearby Chimi Lhakhang, built by Lama Drukpa Kunley. Legend has it he subdued
the demoness of the Dochu La with his 'Magic Thunderbolt of Wisdom.' A
wood effigy of the lama's thunderbolt is preserved in the lhakhang, and
childless women go to the temple to receive a wang (blessing) from the
saint.
(B, L, D) Hotel Zangthopelri or Punastangchu
DAY 6: BUMTHANG
We drive to central Bhutan via Pele La (11,152' )for views of snow-clad
peaks, including Chomolhari (24,000'), Bhutan's 'sacred mountain.' Descending
the pass, we'll visit the Chendebje chorten, then We cross another pass,
the Yotong La (11,234') and possibly do a little shopping with the weavers
of the Chummi Valley before arriving in Bumthang (9,000'). Padma Sambhava
(known as Guru Rinpoche, 'precious master') introduced Buddhism to Bhutan
here in 746, and the area continues to thrive as a spiritual center.
(B, L, D) Wangdicholing or Jakar Village Lodge
DAY 7: BUMTHANG
This is the cultural heart of Bhutan and the most beautiful valley in
Bhutan. Many monasteries and pilgrimage sites are located here, making
it the cultural and historic center of Bhutan. One could spend weeks exploring
this fascinating valley. We can see a lot from 8th century. The Treasure-Finder,
Terton Pema Lingpa, found the sacred Ters of Buddhist texts after diving
into Membartsho Lake, which we can visit on an optional hike. We will
visit the Jakar Dzong, and the Jambey and Tamshing Lhakhangs, two of the
oldest temples, dating as far back as the 8th century, and Kurje Lhakhang.
(B, L, D) Wangdicholing or Jakar Village Lodge
DAY 8: TRONGSA
After breakfast we drive to Trongsa through a valley where we will see
numerous waterfalls. Trongsa is dominated by the large Trongsa Dzong,
built in 1644 by Chhogyel Minjur Tenpa, the official who was sent by the
Shabdrung to unify eastern Bhutan. The dzong is one of the most impressive
in the kingdom, and can be seen from a great distance in its lofty perch
above the Mangde Chu. (B, L, D) Sherubling Tourist Lodge
DAY 9: WANGDUE PHODRANG
After breakfast to we drive to Wangdue Phodrang, the site of an impressive
monastery perched on a promontory on the other side of the river. Wangdue
Phodrang Dzong is noted for its silver-shingled roof and narrow courtyards
with long balconies. (B, L, D) Dragon's Nest Hotel
DAY 10: THIMPHU
Today we'll spend the morning exploring the beautiful monastery Wangdue
Phodrang. The sightseeing will take two hours, then we drive to Thimphu,
stopping on the way for lunch at the Cafe. After lunch, we continue to
Thimphu, set at 7,725 feet in the Wang Chu Valley and check into our familiar
hotel . (B, L, D) Kisa hotel
DAY 11: DELHI
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Delhi. Transfer to your hotel with the rest of the day free. Lunch and dinner on your own.
DAY 12: FLY HOME
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