Day 1: Arrival in Paro (2280m.)
Day 2: Paro to Thimpu (2320m) 65 km./ approx 1 hr.
first stop you will see the magnificent view of Tachocho Lhakhang which is known as the hereditary place of worship for Bhutan’s Iron Bridge Builder.Then drive to Chuzom marks by the confluence of Paro Chu (river) and the Wang chu. Three protecting chortens each built in a different style. Evening stroll through the market and mingle with the local people and visit shops.
Day 3: Thimpu to Punakha (1300m): 77KM/APPROX 2 ½ hr.
Continue the journey east onwards
to Punakha through some of the Kingdom’s richest agricultural
land and most dramatic river valleys.
It offers to see you Hongtsho
Goemba to view the stunning 15th century wall paintings
before heading over Dochu La, 3050meters pass, snow-capped
eastern Himalayan ranges can be seen on a clear day.
The beauty is further enhanced by the Druk Wangyal
Chorten 108 stupas built by the eldest Queen Mother
and then winding our way down into the Punakha Valley.
On the way you will stop at Mitsina village and visit
Chimi Lhakhang the monastery of fertility. In the afternoon
you will visit Punakha Dzong which stands majestically
at the junction of the two rivers Pho Chu and Mo chu.
Overnight stay Hotel, Punakha.
Day 4: Punakha (1300m)
Today drive into the glacier valley of Phobjikha the
valley is one of the most important wildlife preserves
in the country, because of the large flock of black-necked
cranes in winter. The valley also has a very interesting Nyingmapa monastery
dates back to the 17th century. On the route, you will have a brief visit to Wangdue Phodrang
which is located south of Punakha. You will continue drive to Phobjika valley and you
can do short walk leads downhill from mani stone wall
just north of Gangtey Goenpa to the Khewa Lhakhang.
The trail descends to Semchubara village and keeps straight
at the Chortens into the edge of the forest, before
descending to a square Chorten and the Lhakhang. From
here you can cross over the metal bridge to the community
school.
Overnight stay at hotel, Gangtey.
Day 5: Punakha to Trongsa (2316m): 135kms/ 5hours
Morning you will attend the annual Black – necked Cranes
festivals at Gangtey Goenpa. This is to promote community
based-sustainable tourism in the valley and to raise
awerness among the visitors. It is also an occasion
for local people socialize, rejoice, and celebrate the
arrival of crane in their valley.
In the afternoon you will drive to Tronga passing over
Pele La, 3390 meters pass. Trongsa forms the central
hub of the kingdom and is historically the place from
where attempts at the unifying the country were launched.
As you continue onwards you can view the incredible
massive Trongsa Dzong, an architectural Wonder! Trongsa
medieval watch tower and the great Mangde Chu enhance
the Trongsa dzong in its exceptional beauty.
Overnight stay at Hotel, Trongsa.
Day 6: Trongsa to Bumthang (2600m – 4000m): 68KM/APPROX
2 ½HR
In the morning you will visit Trongsa Dzong, the dzong
was built in 1648; it was seat of power over central
and eastern Bhutan. Both the first and second kings
ruled the country from this ancient seat. Visit Ta Dzong
preached above the Trongsa Dzong this is watchtower
which once stood guard the Trongsa Dzong. This is now
restored from ground up and it is the museum presenting
the rich historical and religious heritage of Trongsa
Dzong.
After lunch you will drive to Bumthang passing Yotong
La, 3425 meters pass. Here you get you first glimpse
of the Black mountains and high Himalayan Mountains
such as Jumolhari are in view and pass is marked by
hundreds of prayers flags blessings abound.
Then our journey proceed continue through the lush
valley and hilly forests. Along the way we will stop
at a yathra the textile weaving handloom, where the
yathras are designed with patterns unique to Bumthang,
and we can even watch some of the weavers at their looms.
In the evening we can stroll in Bumthang town and visit
shops.
Overnight stay at Hotel, Trongsa.
Day 7: Bumthang (2600m – 4000m)
Jambay Lhakhang Drub, this festival held in the striking
valley, many local people attend to get blessing for
the year. The mask dances will perform by lay monk and
traditional dances by local dancer.
Overnight stay at Hotel, Trongsa.
Day 8: Bumthang to Phobjikha valley (3000m): 125 kms/ approx
5 ½ hours
Today’s exploration of the Bumthang Valley, this valleys
are general name for the four valleys of Ura, Chumey,
Tang and Chokhor and is considered to be one of the
most beautiful and sacred valleys of Bhutan.
The valley is also called mini Switzerland of Bhutan.
Your visit in Bumthang includes Jakar Dzong, the administrative
center of the valley; Jambay Lhakhang, one of the oldest
monasteries in the Bhutan, dating from the introduction
of Buddhism in Bhutan; and Kujey Lhakhang, one of the
most sacred places, where Guru Rinpoche left his body
imprint on the cave when he was meditating.
From there we will hike 30minutes to Tamshing Lhakhang
lies on the other side of the river opposite the Kurje
Lhakhang. It was built by Terton Pemalingpa the treasures
discover, he was the ancestors of Royal Family; Kenchosum
Lhakhang; and Mebar Tsho (Lake of Burning Fire), and
this is a sacred lake for the Bhutanese who believe
that Pema Lingpa discovered religious treasures from
the lake.
Overnight stay at Hotel, Bumthang.
Day 9: Phobjikha valley – Thimpu (2320m): 95 kms/approx
4 ½ hours
Today’s drive will be quite long and relaxing in car
but you can stop at some point to stretch your legs
and photograph.
You will stop at Dochu La for lunch, from there you
can enjoy the view of Himalayan ranges and snow peaks.
You will also visit Druk Wanggyal Lhakhang built by
the eldest Queen mother; the past and future appear
to merge in the details of the Lhakhang that tells the
story of a supreme warrior figure whose vision pierces
the distant future. Continue drive to Thimphu capital
city of Bhutan. Evening freely stroll in Paro town and
mingles with the local people.
Overnight stay at Hotel, Thimphu.
Day 10: Paro tiger's nest hike.
After breakfast you will drive through the beautiful
Paro Valley and stunning hike on foot to the Taktsang
Goemba or Tiger’s Nest viewpoint. The hike which is
all the way uphill takes about 2 hours through pine
forests.
The Goemba which clings to a huge granite cliff 900
meters, it is believed that the great saint Padmasambhava
came in the 7th century on a flying tigress and meditated
in a cave for 3 months. It is a pilgrimage site for
every Bhutanese to visit once in their life time.
In the afternoon you will visit the auspicious Kyichu
Lhakhang the sacred monastery dates back to 7th century,
Drugyel dzong, and the fort defended the Paro valley
from the Tibetan invasion from the north in the early
17th century. On clear weather Mountain Jhomolhari 7314
meters can see. In the evening we will have typical
Bhutanese dinner at farm house to experience the living
of Bhutanese farmer.
Overnight stay at Hotel, Thimphu.
Day 11: Paro departure.
Early morning drive to the Paro International Air port
for onward journey.
;
Bhutan
People are Buddhist. This festival tour starts from the Paro Valley
and continue east through the stunning valleys of Thimphu, Punakha,
Wangdue, Trongsa and to Bumthang. During your tour ,it offers to
visit you villages, temples, monasteries and festivals. You will
see their spiritual life of myth, legend, superstition and folklore.
The Jambay Lhakhang Drup is festival which held in the striking
valley of Bumthang gained its attraction from the visits of tourist
in the recent years because of its uniqueness than any other festivals
held in Bhutan. The Jambay Lhakhang is the oldest monastery built
in the year 659 is known for its two special events that is "Mewang"
(Fire blessing ceremony). Apart from the lay monks and community
dances.
