Bhutan - The Definitive Cultural Experience!
This trip offers the perfect introduction to Bhutan! The itinerary has been designed to give you a wide variety of experiences though it will be an adventure enjoyed in comparative comfort because every night is spent either in a hotel or a comfortable lodge. The hikes are gentle as compared to a trek and will have an interesting objective taking you to many temples, hermit retreats, old palaces, and village homes or simply into lovely scenery.
There are also exciting road journeys taking you slowly on twisting mountain roads, over passes and when it gets monotonous, we will make stops to take incursions into the roadside villages and come in contact with the people and nature.
Day 01: Fly to Paro, Bhutan.
Paro is scenically situated in a pretty terraced valley. Drive to Thimphu the least visited of all the Himalayan capitals. The journey of some 65km takes approximately 1 hour 15 minutes passing via Simtokha village and Dzong.
In the evening, you will be treated to a cultural program of traditional folk songs, dance and music!
Hotel: Hotel Kisa or similar.
Day 02: Thimphu - Explore Bhutan's Capital.
The capital of Bhutan is situated on the west bank of the Thimphu river (Thimphu Chhu) in a wooded valley at an elevation of 2320m. Prior to 1961, Thimphu was only an insignificant village. But since the country emerged from isolation its importance has grown and it has many official buildings. The Secretariat, King's offices and some ministries are housed in the Tashichho Dzong next to which one of the world's highest golf courses (9 hole) is located. With a population of not more than 100,000, Thimphu is an easy place to wander around and will enable the visitor to appreciate the details of Bhutanese architecture.
Places to visit:
King's Memorial Chorten: Every day many Bhutanese come to this Tibetan style chorten to honor the memory of the third king. Inside there are numerous religious paintings and statues of different Buddhist deities.
Folk Heritage Museum: This is an outdoor museum which gives an insight into rural life. It is centered around a mud and timber farm house.
National Textile Museum: A brief introductory video explains the complexities of Bhutanese dress before entering the exhibition of dress and textiles from around the country.
Zorig Chusum Institute (Thirteen Crafts): It was established in 1971 by the Royal Government in order to preserve the invaluable heritage and promote the arts of Bhutan. The institute teachers train their students in the field of painting, calligraphy, embroidery and wood carving.
Semtokha Dzong: This is the oldest fortress in Bhutan, built in 1629 A.D. by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. It also houses the largest monastic school in the country.
Changangkha Lhakhang: This is a fortress like temple and monastic school perched on a ridge overlooking the Thimphu valley.
Mini Zoo: This large grassy and tree enclosure holds several takins. Takins are an unusual looking animal and is Bhutan’s national animal that normally migrates to high alpine valleys in summer.
Drubthob is a nunnery at Zilukha.
Hand-made Paper Factory produces traditional Bhutanese paper for local use as well as for export.
Tashichhodzong: This Dzong suffered damage from both fires and earthquakes. The king ordered the restoration of the Dzong in the 1960s. It is the summer residence of the central monk body and ministries and as such entrance is not always permitted.
Handicraft Emporium and the Local Handicraft Centers: These centers display varieties of textiles, thangka paintings, masks and jewelry.
In the evening you will be treated to a talk on Buddhism by a learned Bhutanese scholar (min. of 10 pax).
Hotel: Hotel Kisa or similar.
Day 03: Thimphu to Punakha
Scenic drive of 3 hours over the Dochu La Pass (10,000 ft) to the Punakha Valley. From the pass, one can have panoramic views of the eastern Himalayas including Bhutan's highest mountain, Gangkar Punsum, 24,770ft/7,550m in clear weather.
Tour of Punakha Dzong situated at the confluence of the Mo (Female) and Pho (Male) rivers. The large fortress with its temples, courtyards, hall and towers overlooks the town and provides excellent views. Built in 1637 it served as the seat of the government until the mid 20th century. Over the centuries it has suffered damage from several fires and flooding but still remains one of the most impressive dzongs in Bhutan.
Then embark on a short walk to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of Lama Drukpa Kunley, otherwise known as the “Divine Mad Monk” who is one of Bhutan's favorite saints. It is a beautiful walk across rice paddies and through a small village. The temple can be visited and there is a tree outside which is said to have sprouted up after Drukpa Kunley sent a thunderbolt from an adjoining valley to kill some evil spirits who had gathered at the site.
A visit to a school will complete the day in Punakha. This will be an opportunity to interact with the students and teachers and to learn about education and schooling practices in Bhutan.
Hotel: Hotel Zangtopelri or similar.
Day 04: Punakha to Trongsa
Drive to Trongsa (6-7 hrs drive), enjoying views of snowy peaks and passing through dense forests of oak trees and rhododendrons. En route stop by Gangtey valley, the winter home to the rare and endangered black necked cranes. Visit the Gangtey Gompa which is the imposing 17th-century monastery and continue on a spectacular road to Trongsa via the Pele La Pass at 3,300 m. In places the road is literally carved out of impressive cliffs. Descending from the other side, it is a long way down from Trongsa which can be clearly seen for many distant miles.
Hotel: Yangkhil Resort or similar.
Day 05: Trongsa to Bumthang
Visit the most impressive dzong in Bhutan! Trongsa Dzong, built in 1644, is the ancestral home of the present Royal Family. The first two hereditary kings ruled Bhutan from this Dzong. Traditionally, the King of Bhutan first becomes the Penlop (governor) of Trongsa before being named Crown Prince and eventually King. Built on a mountain spur high above the gorges of the Mangde Chhu (river), the dzong controlled east-west trade for centuries. The only road connecting eastern and western Bhutan passed through the courtyard of the dzong. At the command of the Penlop, the massive doors could be shut, dividing the country in two.
Also visit the Ta Dzong, an ancient watch tower (now converted into a natural history museum) built even higher up the mountainside to protect the dzong from enemies. It has an unusual architecture with two aisles protruding from the main building, something not found elsewhere.
From Tongsa, we drive across the Yotung La (3425 m) and descend eventually into the valley of Bumthang, the heart of the Bhutanese weaving industry (3 hours). En route we visit the weavers of the Chumey valley.
This evening you will interact with the monks at Lhoda Karchu Monastery and / or attend a prayer session.
Hotel: Hotel Wangdicholing or similar.
Day 06: Bumthang
Explore the monasteries and pilgrimage sites of the Bumthang valley, the spiritual and cultural center of the country, including dinner at a local village home with a family.
Your sightseeing includes:
Jakar Dzong is in a picturesque location overlooking the Choskhor Valley. The current structure was built in 1667 and is said to be the largest Dzong in Bhutan, with a circumference of more than 1500 m. Its official name is Yuelay Namgyal Dzong, in honor of the victory over the troops of the Tibetan ruler, Phuntsho Namgyal.
Kurjey Lhakhang is named after the body print of Guru Rinpoche which is preserved in a cave inside the oldest of the three buildings that make up the temple complex. The first temple is the oldest and was built in 1652 by Mingyur Tenpa, when he was Penlop of Trongsa. The second temple was built by Ugyen Wangchuk, the first king of Bhutan in 1900 when he was still Penlop of Trongsa. The third building in the complex is an elaborate three story lhakhang built by Ashi Kesang Wangchuk, in 1984 under the guidance of Diglo Khyentse Rimpoche
Tamshing Goemba also known as Tamsing lhendup Tsholing, literally (‘Temple of the Good Message’) was established in 1501 by Pema Lingpa and is the most important Nyingmapa Goemba in the kingdom. Pema Lingpa built the structure himself with the help of Khandroms (female celestial beings) who made many of his statues.
Note: Most places in Bumthang (Jakar) can be covered on foot which involves gentle walks along the village path and across the suspension bridge. This is usually carried out to make the exploration more interesting.
In the evening you will visit a traditional Bhutanese farm house and have dinner with the family. Eating at a local farmhouse gives a slightly different variation and a chance to see the inside of such a home, rather than just the brightly decorated exteriors.
Hotel: Hotel Wangdicholing or similar.
Day 07: Bumthang to Punakha
Leaving Bumthang, we return west for some 7-8 hours, stopping to visit the Chendebji Chorten, a large white monument, said to conceal the remnants of an evil spirit vanquished here. Continuing across the spectacular Pele La pass, we come to Wangduephodrang. Visit the imposing 17th century dzong and continue on a short drive to Punakha.
Hotel: Hotel Zangtopelri or similar.
Day 08: Punakha to Thimphu (3 hrs drive)
Take an early morning drive to Dochu La Pass for morning views over the Eastern Himalayas. After a short break over tea/coffee and snacks, we travel through blossoming hills and pine forests to Thimphu where we will spend the afternoon hiking to Cheri Monastery built by the Shabdrung (first ruler of Bhutan) in 1620. This is a wonderful outing and a soft trek on the outskirts of Thimphu valley that also allows us to see the countryside and villages of Thimphu valley.
In the evening attend a prayer session at the Drubthob Nunnery.
Hotel: Hotel Kisa or similar.
Day 09: Thimphu to Paro
Drive to Paro. Explore Paro valley visiting the several sacred sites dotting the beautiful landscape including a visit to an archery event (if taking place).
Places to visit:
National museum: This museum is a fascinating place housed in an old watchtower above the huge Paro Dzong (monastery/fortress). The museum holds a fantastic collection of Bhutanese national treasures ranging from ancient armor to textiles and thangka paintings.
Paro Rinpung Dzong: A flagstone path rises gradually from a beautiful wooden bridge with shingle roofing 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 the superb woodwork, is one of the most beautiful in the nation. The dzong was built in 1645 A.D
Drugyel Dzong: Although in ruins, this dzong holds great historical significance. It was from this fortress that the Bhutanese repelled many Tibetan invasions. The name means the victorious Bhutanese. This spot offers a magnificent vista of Mount Chomolhari, "Mountain of Goddess" (Alt.7329 m).
Kyichu Lhakhang is one of the most sacred Lhakhangs dating back to the 7th century AD.
Hotel: Janka Resort or similar.
Day 10: Paro
Hike to Taktsang Monastery ("Tiger's Nest"). Early morning, we head out of town straight to Satsam Chorten to start our hike to Taktsang, the Tiger's Nest Monastery, perched high on a cliff and one of the most important places in Buddhism. While flying on the back of a tiger, Guru Rinpoche identified Taktsang as a sacred place and meditated in a cave for three months. Guru Rinpoche is also known as Padmasambhava, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan in 747 AD. Today it is perhaps the best known monastery in the world because of its stunning location. It is the unofficial symbol of Bhutan. The monastery was built around the meditation cave in 1684 by the Penlop of Paro and although a fire destroyed most of the original buildings in 1998, these have since been painstakingly restored to their former glory. The hike to Taktsang is a steep walk and takes 2 - 2 ½ hours to reach. The trail climbs through a beautiful pine forest. Many of the trees are festooned with Spanish moss and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. We stop for a rest and light refreshments at the Taktsang Jakhang (cafeteria) and then walk a short distance until we gain an incredible view of the Monastery, perched precariously on the edge of the sheer 800m cliff!
Walk back to your car and drive to your hotel in Paro. Time permitting stroll around Paro town in the evening!
Farewell dinner and drink session at the hotel!
Hotel: Janka Resort or similar.
Day 11: Departure by flight.
You will be taken by private transfer to the airport in Paro in time for your flight to your onward destination.
Trip Facts:
No of days: 11
No of nights: 10
Trip Grade: easy to moderate
Group Minimum: 2
Group Maximum: 16
Quotes (land only) valid from March - May & September -November 2012:
2 pax: $2910 per person
3-10 pax: $2510 per person
11 pax & above: $2475 per person
Single supplement: $460
Quotes (land only) valid from January - February & June -August & December 2012:
2 pax: $2460 per person
3-10 pax: $2110 per person
11 pax & above: $2070 per person
Single supplement: $405
Quote Includes: standard room on twin sharing basis, meals, sightseeing, private transfers, English speaking local guide, entrance fees, visa and permits, complimentary bottled water in car
Quote Does Not Include: flights, table drinks/beverages, insurance coverage, laundry, tips, and expenses of personal nature.
