Day 1 : Paro
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 short drive to Paro town. Stroll leisurely in Paro Bazaar(town). Tour Briefing and route presentation over dinner.
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Day 2 : Paro
Excursion to Taktshang
Day Hike or Mule ride to Taktsang 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. In the evening, leisurely stroll in Paro Bazaar
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Day 3 : Paro - Ha
The route begins with a slow climb up to Cheli La Pass through mixed forests of blue pine, cypress, larch, fir and rhododendron. This route offers an ideal place for brdwatching as well as alpine flower viewing including rhododendrons,edelweiss,primulas,iris among others. The fabled national flower of Bhutan ; Blue Poppy once considered a myth is also found in this area.
Slowly the landscape changes to one of alpine pastures with carpets of mountain flowers including Bhutan's national flower, the blue poppy. On clear day at Cheli La Pass (3900m) there are panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayas. This beautiful valley only opened to tourists in 2002 and remains a seldom visited destination. The winding road descends through pastureland dotted with yaks, to Haa itself where fields of millet, barely, potatoes and wheat cover the valley floor. Unique architecture is reflected in the large farmhouses beautifully adorned with intricately painted cornices, frames and three- tiered windows.Lhakhang Karpo(white temple) and Nakpo(black temple). It was built by the king Songtsen Gampo during the seventh century. The legend recounts how local nomads from the border Tibet had built in a single day, giving the valley its name Ha (Sudden).
Afternoon Valley Walk or Mountain Biking/Cycling in the serene backroads of Haa. |
Day 4 : Ha - Thimphu
We drive to Thimphu the capital which is 3.5 hours drive from Ha following the Wangchu River and at the confluence where Thimphu River meets the Paro river with the three styles of stupas commonly found in the Himalayas.These kinds of monuments are built to ward off evil spirits believed to be haunting the places where rivers and spurs meet. These kinds of monuments are also used as trail markers. Most of these monuments are built by high monks or by a layman who dedicate the monuments to the deceased relatives and also contains holy Buddhist relics.
Thimphu, is an exciting blend of tradition and modernity. Visit the traditional handmade paper factory which displays the Bhutanese paper making process.
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Day 5 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 Prof.Michael Hawley from MIT USA ,the biggest book in the world is displayed here.
Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as Painting School): Here, 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 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.
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 |
Day 6 : Thimphu - Punakha
3 hour scenic drive via Dochula pass (3050m) to Punakha. 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 Punakha valley, which is about 1,700m below the pass. This district is also famous for its agricultural produce grown in its alluvial fields.
Tour of the 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.
Walk past villages and rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang-temple of the Divine Madman who is popularly known as Drukpa Kuenly. He inherited the Divine madman title since he revolted against the orthodox Buddhism in his time. He is believed as a symbol of fertility and most childless couples make visit to this temple for blessing. |
Day7 : Punakha - Trongsa
Drive to Trongsa en route visit Wangduephodrang valleys, which is about 1,700m and explore the last town on the central highway before central Bhutan.
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 |
Day 8 : Trongsa - Bumthang
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. It is 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. |
Day 9 : 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. |
Day 10 : Bumthang - Mongar
Today will be the longest drive to eastern Bhutan. It is most densely populated region, eastern Bhutan remains the kingdom`s hinterland. The road reaches the major town, but there are numerous remote and isolated valleys hidden among the hills. The dominant language is sharchop, although there are many local dialects. It is one of the most spectacular drives in the country. It climbs and winds in and out of side valleys covered in dwarf bamboo and mostly fir with under growth of several varieties of Rhododendrons.
On fine weather we can view the Gangkar Puensum(7541m) ,the highest unclimbed peak in the world from the Thrumshing la Pass(3350m), the highest pass in Bhutan. The road switches back through the forest and enter the village called Sengor. The village has settlements about 20 houses. The next stretch of road is the wildest in Bhutan and it offers the views of a variety of birdlife. The road descends down into the upper valley of Limithang. We pass through extensive cornfields and descend down through the rice terraces until the vegetation becomes much tropical near to the floor valley of Limithang. On the opposite side of the road at a top is a view of ruins of Shongar Dzong. This is believed to have been one of the earliest and largest Dzongs perhaps built in early 1100.A few kilometers is Limithang and Kuri Chu(One of the longest rivers in Bhutan).
The road gradually climbs up to your hotel past sub-tropical forests. |
Day 11 : Mongar
Day Excursion : weaving & textile tour to Lhuentse(1700m)
The valley is very rural and the region is ancestral home of the royal family. The weaving industry is particularly important and village women spent most of the time at a loom. Many of the best and most expensive hand made textiles are produced here using age old traditions and techniques . This area was once an important hub for cross border trade, but in recent years it has been totally closed. En route visit Umling, here it is said there is the remains of an ancient underground stone castle built by Bangtso Gyalpo(King of the region)Lhuentse is an isolated district with many sizeable villages.
Lhuentse Dzong : It is one of the most picturesque Dzongs in Bhutan. Originally the saint Pema Lingpas son built the temple at this site in early 16th century. Now it is the houses the regional offices of district administration and monk body. Drive back to Mongar and visit Mongar Dzong. The present Dzong was built in 1930, although the centre tower dates back earlier, to replace the original Shongar Dzong.
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Day12 : Mongar - Trashigang
We drive to Trashigang is about 3.5 hours. It is easy stretch that passes through rhododendron, orchids and blue pine forests. Kori La Pass (2400m) has an array of prayer flags and newly built chorten.
The road descends until chazam,this place was named after the original Chain Link Bridge, said to have been built by the Tibetan bridge builder Thangtong Gyalpo in 15th century. The road climbs up to the Trashigang town.
En route there is also good view point for the Dzong. Trashigang.(1150m), is densely populated nestling in the forested slopes and valley floor of Mithidang chu. It is the largest and business town in eastern Bhutan. The vegetation is tropical with people mainly growing maize, rice and some fruits. Trashigang Dzong. Built in 1667 by Minjur Tempa , the third Desi. Located on the ridge overlooking the confluence of Drangme chu and Gamri chu. This is the center of district administration and monk body of Trashigang.
Drive to Radi Village.The road is about 16 kilometers to reach Rangjung Town. Above the town is the Rangjung Wodsel Chholing Monastery, a Nyingmapa Goemba built in 1990 by Garab Rinpoche. Most of the women folk here are weavers who specialize in fabrics made from Bura(Raw Silk). The road ends at Phongme .From here a trail to Merak and Sakteng, inhabited by semi nomadic tribes of men called Brokpas.
Meak and Sakten are currently both closed for visitors in order to safeguard their unique way of life and culture . |
Day 13 : Trashigang
Excursion to Trashiyangtse. The drive to Tashiyangtse is about 1.45 hours. Gom Kora,is a small sacred meditation place associated with Guru Rinpoche where he left his left his body print on the rock like one in kurjey Lhakhang in Bumthang.
Duksum is a small town and shops mostly dealing in textile fabric woven by the women of the village using the traditional back strap loom. Behind the village is an old abandoned iron chain bridge. It is last surviving bridge of those built by the Saint Thangtong Gyalpo.The Yangtse valley is known for its excellent wooden cups and bowls made using water driven and treadle lathes and lacquer .
Institute of 13 arts and crafts . The arts and crafts course covers for six years.
Trashiyangtse Dzong, is on the ridge overlooking the valley. It was newly built and has less historical significance. Chorten Kora. It is a large stupa Bodhnath built in 1740 by Lama Ngawang Lodey. The Chorten was built for the purpose to subdue the evils and devils at here in those days. The chorten kora festival held here each year is among one of the biggest cultural attractions in eastern Bhutan. |
Day 14 : Trashigang – Samdrupjongkhar
climbs the ridge through Pam and Rongthong villages to enter Kanglung. Kanglung is the site of the premier college in Bhutan offering degrees in Arts,commerce ,sciences and computer sciences . Beside the university is Zangtopelri Goemba built in 1978.
After the valley there is a view of Drametse monastery. The road climbs to Yonphula (2190m). Above the road is an a rmy camp and an abandoned airstrip hidden behind the ridge.
Descending down we arrive at Khaling Village. In the centre of the valley is the National Institute for the Disabled. The Institute assimilates students from all over Bhutan who are blind or handicapped into the local educational system providing special resources and training. After a few kilometers is the National Handloom Development Project operated by the National Women Association of Bhutan. The weaving centre utilizes only natural dyes from various plants to produce each color. Take in the beautiful vistas until we arrive at Deothang erstwhile known as Dewangiri. In 1865 this area was the battle field between Bhutanese and British. At this point there is the view of the plains below. Finally reach Samdrupjongkhar town. It is main trading area of the entire eastern Bhutan since it borders the Indian city of Guwahati.
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Day15 : S/Jongkhar – Guwahati
After completion of immigration formalities start for Guwahati airport located 5 hours away from the border.
Or Retrace the journey back to Paro. |
