Day 1 - Paro - Thimphu
The flight to Bhutan offers scenic views of some world’s highest peaks.
Paro is at an altitude of 2280m above sea level and this valley serves as an ideal area for rice, apple, wheat, potatoes and vegetable growing.
Our representative will meet you at Paro airport, and after completion of arrival formalities we take a scenic drive to Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu, which is about 90 mins drive.
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Day 2 - Thimphu
Sightseeing in Thimphu valley
National Library: It 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. Bhutan – A visual odyssey conceived and printed by Professor Michael Hawley from MIT USA ,the biggest book in the world is displayed here.
Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as Painting School) : Here, the students undertake a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. The Institute has recently started to take in international students as well.
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 visualized by the third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck the architect of Modern Bhutan, 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 offers deep insight into Buddhist beliefs.
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, arts and craft products.
In the evening explore the vibrant Thimphu Bazaar.
Weekend add-ons
Visit Thimphu weekend market where farmers from all over Bhutan come to this market place to sell their products. It’s an interesting place to visit, where village people jostle with well-heeled Thimphu residents for the best bargains on vegetables and foodstuffs.
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Day 3 - Thimphu- Trongsa
Depart for Trongsa via Dochula pass (3050m). This pass offers a panoramic view of the eastern Himalayan ranges on the clear days. Stop briefly here to take in the view and admire the 108 stupas built to honor His Majesty the King, world peace and for the benefit of all living beings and multi hued prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. We break the journey at the Cafeteria for refreshments and to take in the stunning view. From the pass, it is a long, winding descent into the sub-tropical Wangduephodrang valley, which is about 1,700m below the pass. This district is also famous for its agricultural produce grown in its alluvial fields.
Visit Wangduephodrang Dzong. Many legends are associated with its construction in 1638 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal,the then spiritual and political ruler of Bhutan. It sits atop a high ridge between Punatshang Chu and Dang Chu .The site was selected for its strategic view of the valley below. The route continues to Trongsa across Pele-la pass (3,300m) on the Black Mountain ranges, the traditional boundary between east and west. The pass is marked by a large monument and many prayer flags.
There is an abrupt change in vegetation at this point, with mountain forest replaced by high altitude dwarf bamboo. The journey passes through farm house and road side villages. This area is a favored habitat of the Yaks.
Most scenes of the only and first movie entirely shot in Bhutan for western audiences “Travelers and Magicians” was filmed on location here for its tranquil scenery.
Photo stop at Chendebji Chorten, replicated on Kathmandu’s Swayambhunath Stupa, with eyes painted 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.Break for lunch at the Cafeteria
Arrive at Trongsa in the late afternoon.
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Day 4 - Trongsa - Bumthag
Trongsa (2300m) literally meaning new town forms the central hub of the nation and historically the place from where attempts at unifying the country were launched. The first and the second king had ruled the country from Trongsa. The crown prince of Bhutan holds the position of the Trongsa penlop(governor) prior to ascending the throne.
Visit Trongsa Dzong. Built in 1648. The biggest of all the fortresses in the country.
It is the most impressive and aesthetic with magnificent work of tradition architecture in the Kingdom. It was the seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan. This Dzong is the ancestral home of Bhutan`s royal family. Both the first and second Kings of Bhutan ruled the country from this ancient seat. All five Kings were invested as Trongsa Penlop (‘governer’) prior to ascending the throne. The monastric body shifts to Trongsa for the winter and to Bumthang in the summer. Above the town is Ta Dzong(watch tower) presently it is under renovation works to make way for the new Museum on Bhutanese Monarchy.
After the tour of Trongsa, drive to Bumthang, 68 km away from Trongsa, a journey of about 3 hours, over the Yutong-la pass (3,400m). 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. Stop in Chumey village there are many shops selling yathra, a wollen textile. Bumthang is famous for; yathra is a distinctive strip of woven woolen fabric in numerous colours and patterns mostly made using ancient dyeing techniques .The Road follows the valley down and it cimbs through blue pine forests to Kiki La (2860m). Then descent down to the Choekor Valley or central Bumthang.
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Day 5 - Bumthang
Bumthang valley is comprised of the 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 and it is also the traditional home to the great Buddhist teacher, Pema Lingpa to whose decendants the present dynasty traces its origin.
Jakar Dzong built in 1667 and it`s seat of district administration and regional monastic body of Bumthang.
Jambay Lhakhang founded in 7th century by the Tibetan king Songsen Gampo and it is one of the oldest monasteries in the country.
Kurje Lhakhang, where the patron saint of Buddhism in Bhutan subdued a local demon and left his body imprint.
Tamshing founded in 1501 by Terton(Treasure Revealer) Pema Lingpa , the incarnation of Guru Rinpoche .The monastery has very ancient religious paintings like 1000 Buddhas and 21 Taras (female form of Buddhisattvas) in Bhutan. Visit a nearby farmers house for refreshments and observe the traditional way of living.
Visit Swiss farm. The farm produces both cottage and swiss cheese, honey and a large variety of fruit juice and spirits. The Brewery that manufactures the famous Red Panda Beer(weiss beer) is also located here.
Leisurely walk in chamkhar town.
Nature drive to see the burning lake (me-bar tsho).
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Day 6 - Bumthang-Punaka
Retrace the route to Punakha. Punakha is at around 1300 meters of altitude is almost sub-tropical. Blessed with temperate climate and owing to its natural fertile soil produce abundant crops and fruits. Punakha served as the capital until 1955 and still it is the winter seat of Je Khenpo(the chief of abbot)
En route visit Chimi Lhakhang.It is a gentle walk through beautiful farm houses and vast plains of rice fields ,for about half an hour. This monastery is dedicated to the divine madman who is popularly known as Drukpa Kinley. He inherited the divine madman title since he revolted against the orthodox Buddhism in his time. The temple is regarded as a sanctum of fertility and most childless couples usually make a visit to this temple to seek the fertility blessings blessings.
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Day 7 - Punaka-Paro
Tour Punakha Dzong. Before driving back to Paro visit Punakha Dzong is a massive stricture built on the junction of two river Pho chu (Male River) and Mochu(Female river).Punakha was the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and the dzong serves as the winter residence of the central monk body. Bhutan`s first king was crowned in this dzong in 1907.Damaged by four catastrophic fires and earthquakes and flood, the dzong has been fully restored by the fourth king. The famed Punakha Tsechu/Domchoe festival is held here in the courtyard every year in February.
On arrival at Paro visit Ta Dzong, which in the past served as watchtower for Paro Dzong and now houses the National Museum. It holds fascinating collection of arts, relics, religious thangka paintings and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps.
Paro Dzong. Built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan, the Dzong houses the monastic body and district administration . The traditional approach to the Dzong is through a 16th century traditional cantilever bridge called Neay Zam. A walk through the bridge, over a stone cobbled path, offers an up close view of the architectural wonder of the Dzong as well as life around it. |
Day 8 - Paro
Day Hike or Mule ride to Tigers Nest Monastery. One of the most venerated places precariously perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. Guru Rinpoche arrived at spot on a back of tigress and meditated here in a cave and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognized as the most spiritual of sites in Bhutan and many eminent saints have meditated in this area. Now it is visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their life time. Lunch and refreshments at the cafeteria which offers an imposing view of the cultural landmark.
Nature drive to Drukgyal Dzong (victory fortress). This Dzong with a charming village nestling at its foot was built in 1647 by the Shabdrung to commemorate the Bhutanese victory over the Tibetans in war of 1644.The glory of Drukgyal Dzong remains to this day even after it was destroyed by fire in 1951. On clear sky days, one can see the mount Jumolhari(7314 mts) from here.
Kyichu Lhakhang. Built in the 7th century by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo is one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in the kingdom.
Evening leisurely stroll in Paro Bazaar |
Day 9 - Paro - Onward Destination
Transfer to Paro Airport. Check-in two hours prior to flight departure to ensure the best seats on board Druk Air.
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