ITINERARY

Day 1: Paro ~ Thimphu

Arrive Paro International Airport. During the flight one will experience breathtaking views of Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Mount Jumolhari and Jitchu Drake in Bhutan. Received at airport by your tour representative and escorted to hotel for lunch and check-in. After lunch visit the National Museum (Ta-Dzong) once the watchtower for the Rinpung Dzong, it was converted into the National Musuem 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 the home for the monastic school. The central tower (Utse) of the Dzong, with its superb woodwork. Evening: Drive to Thimphu (2-hour drive) Capital of Bhutan. Overnight: Thimphu Hotel

Day 2: Thimphu Sightseeing

After breakfast we visit the Bank of Bhutan to exchange currency as well as stop at the post office; here are elaborate and unique Bhutanese stamps for your option to purchase. Today we visit - Memorial Chorten and the exceptional Textile Museum, featuring masterpieces from the Royal Family of Bhutan and splendid fabric and exquisite Thangkas. We will visit the National Library which houses many ancient manuscripts and tour the unique paper factory. Tonight your host in Bhutan, Sonam, welcomes you for a reception dinner.

Day 3: Thimphu ~ Punakha/Wangdue ~ Gangtey
(Black Neck Crane Roost)

Enjoy breakfast and then we depart onwards to Punakha and Wangduephodrang across Dochula pass (10,500ft). On a clear day you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Eastern Himalayan mountain range. Lunch at Lobesa After lunch visit the Punakha Dzong; former winter capital and present administrative seat of the district. Also the winter residence of the central monastic body and its Chief Abbot. The Dzong lies between two rivers, the Pochu and Mochu, male and female rivers. It was built in 1637 AD. After Punakha Dzong drive to Gangtey in the Phobjikha valley 60 Km/ 2 hours. This is a scenic drive through dense forests of oak trees and rhododendrons; Bhutan is the least deforested county in the world; 70 % of Bhutan is covered with virgin Blue Pine forest.

Phobjikha Valley is 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 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. Overnight: Hotel in Phobjikha

Day 4: Gangtey ~ Trongsa ~ Bumthang

Visit the Information Centre for the Black-Necked Cranes, maintained by the Royal Society for the Protection Nature. The Black Neck Crane roost in the swampy marshland can be viewed from the Observatory overlooking the fields. View these magnificent birds in their winter nesting home. These endangered birds fly south from Siberia each fall to winter in the marshlands of Phobjikha. The calls of the Black-Necked Crane locally know as Thrung Thrung Karm has inspired folklore for generations. The Royal Society for the Protection of Nature and the Phobjikha Community are now working together to protect the habitat of endangered Black Necked Cranes. To injure one of these magnificent birds is to be imprisoned for life.

Depart towards Trongsa. 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 Jhomolhari (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 and tour medieval dzongs along our route.

Tonight we overnight at the local River Lodge in Jakar valley of Bumthang; Bhutanese family hospitality at its finest!

Day 5: Jakar ~ Tang valley to Chojam Rabney Festival

Drive to the road head in Tang Valley (1 hour) and walk about 40 minutes to attend Chojam Rabney Festival; a small village festival! Chojam Rabney festival was established by Chojam Lama in 1970. The festival commemorates the works and deeds of Lama Namkha Samdrup, a Tibetan saint who came to Bumthang Tang on a religious mission. The great Yakcham (dance) and the male-female Cham (Dance) of the deities are the most important events of the festival. The People of Tang gather to attend the festival and bring plenty of wine and rice pan cake to share with their relatives and friends. Masked dancers whirl in medieval religious purification dance and evoke blessings on all who attend. You are transported and enchanted. Overnight stay in guest house in Ugyenchholing Palace.

Day 6: Tang- Jakar

In the morning we visit the family museum at Ugyenchholing Dzong, a very unique "Family Museum" not to be missed. Return to the festival. Besides the regular mask and folk dancers, the local people also do a special yak dance symbolizing the local deity. Meet Chojam Lam to discuss Buddhism. Drive back to Bumthang village. Overnight at River Lodge.

Day 7: Jakar to Nalakhar Tshechu
Enjoy a full day at this unique remote festival. The Tsechu is a festival in honor of Padmasambhava-"one who was born from a lotus flower", popularly known under the name of "Guru Rimpoche", the Precious Teacher. This Indian saint contributed enormously to the diffusion of Tantric Buddhism in the Himalayan regions of Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan and surrounding regions around 800 A.D. He is the founder of Nyingmapa, the "old school" of Lamaism which still has numerous followers. The biography of Guru Rimpoche is highlighted by 12 episodes on the model of the Buddha Shakyamuni's life. Each episode is commemorated around the year on the 10th day of the month by "The Tsechu" which has become the name of a very popular festival. The dates and the duration of the festival vary from one district to another but they always take place on or around the 10th day of the month according to the Bhutanese calendar

During Tsechus, the dances are performed by monks as well as by laymen. The Tsechu is a religious festival and by attending it, it is believed one gains merits. It is also a yearly occasion for social gathering where the people come together to rejoice dressed in all their finery.

Day 8: Jakar, Bumthang Sightseeing

Enjoy breakfast and get ready to explore Bumthang village. Meet with textile weavers at looms as they weave their Bhutanese fabric and textile on toe strap looms with hand spun and dyed threads. Here is the best place for purchase of textile. Tour historical Jakar Dzong, Palace of the White Bird, as well as Jambay and Kurjey Lhakhang. A short walk to Flamming Lake to visit this religious and holy pilgrimage spot. Photo stops along the way. Visit a Stone flour grist water mill and a beer and cheese factory. We also will visit a local schoolhouse and delight in Bhutanese children at study. English is mandatory in all Bhutan’s school. Return to lodge for relaxation and dinner. Overnight River Lodge.

Day 9: Bumthang ~ Wangdue

Depart Bumthang proceeding west towards Wandgue for our overnight at hotel. Camera stops along the way: look for yaks! In Trongsa we stop to view the Watch Tower, located directly above the Trongsa Dzong. Here we may encounter a Bhutanese archery match; very exciting! Tonight we will visit the courtyard of the impressive Wangdue Dzong perched high on a hilltop overlooking the rivers and valley below. Overnight Wangdue Resort.

Day 10: Wangdue ~Thimphu

Early morning drive to Thimphu. Enroute visit the Semtokha Dzong. Check into your hotel, relax and enjoy lunch. The afternoon is yours to Explore Thimphu town; visiting Bhutanese handicraft shops, bookshops and specialty boutiques. Your expert Bhutanese guide will assist you with Any special request. A visit to the House of Incense is a unique experience. Overnight Thimphu hotel.

Day 11: Tango Monastery Hike
Enjoy a leisure breakfast and we depart to see the Tarkin, National animal of Bhutan. We are now on our way to the path to hike to the Tango Monastery. Embark on a vigorous 2- hour hike up the mountain to Tango Goemba Monastery, one of my favorite experiences in Bhutan. Tango is one of Bhutanese’ most important Buddhist Colleges. Its name, meaning ‘horse’s head’, is derived from the horse-head shaped rock at the top. It is a Beautiful dzong built in the 18h century by the 8th Desi, Druk Rabgye. Today Tango is home to the Eight-year-old reincarnate Lama, Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgye. Return to our hotel to unwind and enjoy Hotel hospitality and dinner.

Day 12: Check out of our hotel and prepare for market; the famous Thimphu weekend market place. Here you will stroll and shop with local Bhutanese This marketplace thrives with fresh and colorful produce, Bhutanese handicrafts and jewelries and the many enchanting Bhutanese locals who come to shop; a very social gathering. Enjoy your shopping spree. Departing Thimphu towards Paro we now drive to the path to hike to famous Tigers Nest Monastery, Taktsang Monastery. The monastery is perched on a rocky ledge with a sheer drop of nearly 800 meters. It is said that in the second half of the 8th century, Guru Padma Sambhava alighted here upon the back of a tigress. Lunch at cafeteria at viewpoint. Optional Hot stone bath in the evening. Overnight Paro Hotel.

Day 13: Transfer to Paro airport for departure. Thank you and Tashi Delek!

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