Day 1: Bangkok to Paro
Today after you check in at the airport, you will board your plane for a spectacular
flight into Bhutan. Ascending over the High Himalayan Mountains you view
in awe the sacred Mount Jumolhari, "The Goddess Peak" and Jitchu
Drake. Excitement mounts following your descent in altitude over a large
mountain ridge. You have arrived at Paro International Airport, Bhutan, altitude
7,500 ft. Your visa will now be processed and you are met by tour representative.
Check into your quaint Bhutanese style Paro hotel and then we enjoy our lunch.
Converse with your expert Bhutanese guide and go over your itinerary. We
then depart to visit the National Museum (Ta-Dzong) once the watchtower for
Rinpung Dzong. It was converted into the National Museum in 1968. The museum
stands on a promontory overlooking the Paro valley in all its glory. On the
way back visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong. A flagstone path rises gradually from
a beautiful wooden bridge with shingle roofing and abutted by two guardhouses,
to the Dzong. Today the Dzong is the seat of the district administration
as well as home for the monastic school. The central tower (Utse) of the
Dzong displays superb woodwork Evening stroll through Paro town and dinner
at a local cozy restaurant. Overnight: Paro Hotel.
Day 2: Paro to Thimphu
Departing your hotel in Paro we begin our drive towards Thimphu, Capitol of Bhutan.
Along our route we take a side trip and drive to the path to hike to Taktsang
Monastery. The name Taktsang means "Tiger's Nest'. The monastery is perched
on a rocky ledge with a sheer drop of nearly 800 m. It is said that in the second
half of the 8th century, Guru Padma Sambbava alighted here upon the back of a
tigress. Picnic lunch will be served at Taktsang cafeteria. We also will visit
the Drugyel Dzong - ruined fortress. The Dzong, although in ruins, holds great
historical significance in Bhutan. It was from this fortress that the Bhutanese
repelled many Tibetan invasions. On a clear day this spot offers a magnificent
vista of Mount Jumolhari, "Mountain of Goddess". Afternoon drive to
Thimphu (2 hours) Check into your Thimphu hotel and relax and rest. This evening
we attend a reception welcome dinner with your Bhutanese host, Sonam. Overnight
Thimphu Hotel.
Day 3: Thimphu Sightseeing
In the morning we first stop at Bhutan’s National Bank to exchange currency
as well as visit the post office to view and purchase elaborate and exquisite
Bhutanese collector item stamps. We then will visit the National Memorial Chorten
which was built in 1974 in memory of the third king. Also, the National Library
where ancient manuscripts are preserved and the Takin Reserve which protects
the national animal of Bhutan. After lunch visit the Textile Museum and the Arts
and Crafts School. A visit to the House of Incense and House of Paper are always
favorites as well. Overnight: Thimphu Hotel.
Day 4: Thimphu to Wangdue
Today we will depart for Wangdue. The drive takes about 3 hours. En route stop
at Dochula Pass, (10,000 ft) for tea and biscuits and enjoy a view of the Eastern
Himalayan Mountains amongst hundreds of fluttering prayer flags and beautiful
hilltop chortens. We enjoy our scenic drive and stop for lunch in Lobesa. We
now check into our hotel in Wangdue. Rest and relax and enjoy the pristine views
from your room. Later we visit the Punakha Dzong. This is the winter residence
of Bhutan’s spiritual leader, the Head Abbot, and the Central Monastic
Body. The Dzong is built between two rivers known as Phochu (Male River) and
Mochu (Female River). After Punakha take a short hike to Chhi-Med Lhakhang in
the picturesque Lobesa valley, to visit the temple of one of Bhutan’s foremost
saints, Lama Drukpa Kunley, also known as the Divine Madman. Overnight: Resort
Day 5: Wangdu to Gangtey:
After lunch we drive to Gangtey in Phobjikha, a glacial valley on the western
slopes of Black Mountain national park. The valley is a designated conservation
area and borders the Black Mountain National Park. Because of the large flock
of black-necked cranes that winter here (from late October to late March), it
is one of the most important wildlife preserves in the country Phobjikha Valley
is circled by beautiful pine covered mountains. Along the way, look for nocturnal
red pandas that sleep in the trees during the day. At the valley’s center,
rising dramatically from a small ridge, stands Gantey Gompa, one of the oldest
Nyingma Bhuddist monasteries in Bhutan. Gantey Tulku Rimpoche, the head lama
of Gantey Gompa, is the ninth incarnation of Terton Pemalingpa, the famous 14th-century
Treasure Revealer from Bumthang, one of Bhutan’s famous Buddhist saints
and an ancestor of the ruling Wangchuck dynasty. Visit the Gangtey monastery
overlooks the large green expanse of Phobjikha Valley. The extensive complex
consists of the gomba itself, the monks’ quarters, meditation centers,
and schools.
Evening: Visit the Black-necked cranes roost in the swampy marshland from observatory
overlooking the fields. Overnight: Hotel
Day 6: Phobjikha to Bumthang
Enjoy an early morning visit once more to view the magnificant Black Neck Crane.
We then depart towards the village ofTrongsa. The drive from Phobjikha to Trongsa
takes about two and half hours. Our route crosses Pele La (11,155 feet), which
is marked by a chorten and an array of prayer flags. If the weather is clear
we should see Mt. Jumolhari (23,684 feet) and other peaks from the pass, which
marks the boundary between western and central Bhutan as well as the western
border of Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park. Beyond Pele La is Longte Valley
where people raise sheep and yaks. We'll come to the village of Rukubji Valley,
with its big school and Gompa.
The houses here are clustered amid extensive fields of mustard, potatoes, barley,
and wheat. As we drive down through rhododendrons and ferns, we’ll reach
Chendebji village. This was a night halt for mule caravans traveling from Trongsa
during the reign of the 2nd King of Bhutan. Just below Chendebji village is the
Chendebji chorten, a large white structure beside a stream. This chorten is modeled
after Swayambhunath in Kathmandu and was built in the 19th century. The last
village before we reach Trongsa is Tangsibji, which affords us a full view of
Trongsa Dzong and its distinctive yellow roof. Built in 1648 AD it is presently
the administrative seat of the district and the home of the monastic school.
Built at split-levels on a narrow spur, the Dzong is an architectural wonder.
The view from here extends for many miles and in the old days, it was a vigilance
point for both the eastern and western routes. Thus, the strategic importance
of this Dzong. Continue onwards to central Bhutan. Today is a long day of driving
to reach our destination tonight in Jakar. We will take ample breaks and rest
stops. Tonight we overnight at local River Lodge in Jakar valley of Bumthang;
Bhutanese family hospitality at its finest!
Day 7: Bumthang Sightseeing
Morning: Visit the historical Jakar Dzong, built in 1646 A.D. by MinjurTenpa,
the third Druk Desi (Temporal Ruler). In 1683 A.D. it was extended by Gyalse
Tenzin Rabgay, the fourth Desi. Visit several ancient and sacred monasteries
such as the Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, Kencho Sum Lhakhang, Tamshing Lhakhang
and Jakar Dzong. Return to our lodge for lunch and in the afternoon we take an
excursion to the Thangbi Monastery, an 18th Century temple Evening: Visit a local
farm house and enjoy Bhutanese hospitality; perhaps try a local favorite; Arak!
Stops along our way to watch expert textile weavers at their ancient oe and back
strap looms; here is the best place for purchase of quality Bhutanese textiles.
Overnight: River Lodge.
Day 8: Bumthang to Mongar
After an early breakfast, gear up for a fantastic drive to Mongar. The journey
is long and crosses Thrumshing La, which at 3,800 mtrs, is the highest pass.
Check in at hotel/guest house. Mongar is the district headquarters but hardly
more than a transit town. It is also the first town built on a slope instead
of the usual valley. This is characteristic in eastern Bhutan where there are
few valleys. The true homeland of the Eastern People; the Sharchogpas, begins
from Mongar. Overnight: Guest House
Day 9: Mongar Festival
Visit the Mongar Dzong to attend a full day at the remote and unique Mongar Festival.
Today you will witness Mongar Festival- Bhutanese “country style”.
Mongar Dzong is a new Dzong just completed recently. It was built in the 19th
century, restored in 1953 and again in 1990 after being demolished by a fire.
The administrative scat and the monk body reside in the Dzong. Enjoy and evening
stroll through Mongar quaint village. Overnight: Guest House
Day 10: Mongar to Trashigang Festival
From Mongar we drive to Trashigang; we stop for lunch and continue onwards to
visit the Trashigang Dzong and attend Trashigang Festival. Again your senses
are awakened and you are transported into another time and place. Converse with
Bhutanese locals as you gain merit from the religious ritual of purification
you now witness. Good Fortune is yours. Overnight: Guest House.
Day 11: Trashigang Festival
Return to attend the last day of the Trashigang Festival; you are fully immersed
in Bhutan’s rich culture. Masked dancers whirl in medieval religious purification
dance and evoke blessings on all who attend; your camera is snapping away. Overnight:
Guest House
Day 12: Trashigang -Day excursion to Khaling
After an early breakfast, drive to Khaling. Enroute, visit Sherubtse, Bhutan's
only college and the sacred Zangtokpelri Monastery.
At Khaling, visit the blind school and Traditional weaving centre
and return to Trashigang in the evening; Dinner in Kanglung at a local
house and then return to Trashigang for overnight hotel
Day 13: Trashigang to Bumthang
Begin our return drive westward as we today drive back to Bumthang.
We enjoy many stops along our route and watch for photo opportunity
and local yak herds. Overnight: River Lodge
Day 14: Bumthang to Wangdue
Departing Bumthang we drive to Wangdue. Stop in Trongsa town for lunch
and arrive in Wangdue to check into our hotel. Tonight we will tour
the Wangdi Dzong courtyard; a most impressive Dzong perched strategically
high on a hilltop. Tonight you may hear the sound of jackals in the
nearby hills.
Overnight Resort.
Day 15: Wangdue To Thimphu
Depart Wangdue and enjoy a leisure drive to Thimphu. Stop at the high
pass along the route for tea and snack. Arrive Thimphu and check into
your hotel. This afternoon after lunch is your free time for shopping
and we visit Dechen Phodrang Monastic School and paper factory to see
hand-made paper. Evening at your leisure; ask your expert Bhutanese
guide to assist you in your special request. Overnight Thimphu Hotel
Day 16: Thimphu to Paro
This morning we attend the famous Thimphu “weekend market”.
Load your camera and get ready to mingle with Bhutanese locals; this
is a favorite Bhutanese open shopping market; the marketplace bustles
with excitement as local Bhutanese farmers sell their produce and family’s
get together to shop and socialize. This is a colorful market and a
wonderful opportunity to experience a true Bhutanese experience. Fun
and lively, guaranteed to please! Lunch and depart Thimphu towards
Paro.
Along our route we take an excursion to Taktshang Monastery; the most
famous monastery in Bhutan; Tigers Nest. Here you will embark on a
path and hike up to the cafeteria viewpoint for Taktsang Monastery.
The monastery is perched on a rocky ledge with a sheer drop of nearly
4,000 feet. It is said that in the second half of the 8th century,
Guru Padma Sambhava, the saint who converted Bhutan to Buddhism, alighted
here upon. Returning to our vehicle we continue on to Paro and enjoy
farewell dinner tonight in a cozy restaurant in Paro village. Overnight
Paro Hotel
.
Day 17: Paro Departure
This morning we leave for Paro airport and onwards to your next destination.
We hope you have enjoyed your Bhutan adventure into the Land of the Thunder
Dragon.
Tashi Delek!
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