12 NIGHTS DISCOVERING BHUTAN JOURNEY

12 NIGHTS DISCOVERING BHUTAN JOURNEY

Day 1- Thimphu

Day 2- In Thimphu

Day 3- Drive to Gangtey

Day 4- In Gangtey

Day 5- Travel to Bumthang

Day 6- In Bumthang

Day 7- In Bumthang

Day 8- Drive to Punakha

Day 9- In Punakha

Day 10- Drive to Paro

Day 11- In Paro

Day 12- In Paro

Day 13- International Departure.

Day 1- Thimphu

Distance: 53kms /32 miles

Drive: 1 hour approx.

Altitude: 2350m / 7709 ft.

Transfer to Thimphu from the airport

Visit Paper factory also known as Jungshi handmade paper factory in the capital city of Thimphu. In Bhutan paper is mainly made from the bark of the Daphne bush. You can see the entire process, from soaking to drying and it takes three days to produce one sheet of paper.

The National Textile Museum was inaugurated in 2001 by her Majesty Gyalum (Queen Mother) Sangay Choden Wangchuck. With the aim to preserve and promote this living art, the Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan was instituted in May 2005 as a non-government, nonprofit organization. It showcases some of the best royal dresses and crowns with a brief introduction about Bhutan’s Kings.

Followed by The National Library established in 1976 for the purpose of “preservation and promotion of rich cultural and religious heritage” of Bhutan. The building is a fine example of traditional architecture and holds more than 10,000 volumes of scriptures in classical language as well as 4500 foreign collections. On the top floor, rare and sacred classical texts written in gold and silver letters are displayed.

 

Day 2- In Thimphu

Phajoding is a difficult hike, yet one of the most popular and enjoyable hiking destinations around Thimphu due to its commanding location above the valley. Phajoding was at one time one of the richest monasteries in the county. It was founded in the 13th century by a Tibetan yogi looking for a place to meditate. Most of the buildings were constructed by the 9th Je Khenpo in the first half of the 18th century.

If you are interested you can continue on the one hour journey along the mountainside to Pumola Monastery (12170ft / 3710m) 3.5 hours climb to Phajoding and 2 hours hike down to Takin Preserve.

 

Day 3- Drive to Gangtey

Distance: 146kms / 91 miles

Drive: 6 hours approx.

Altitude: 3000m / 9800 ft

Lunch: Picnic /at the Hotel

Stop at Dochula on your way to Gangtey from Thimphu. The pass is a popular location not just among tourists but also for the locals as it offers a spectacular 360-degree panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range. On a clear beautiful day usually during winter days, you can capture beautiful pictures of the snowcapped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the tranquility of the 108 chortens gracing the mountain pass.

 

Day 4- In Gangtey

We start our day with a drive to Gangtey Goemba a 16th-century monastery situated attractively at the hilltop at the edge of Gangtey village. Followed by Nature trail an easy pleasurable walk giving you a nice feeling for Phobjikha valley. Starting from the small hilltop overlooking Gangtey Gomba, you walk downhill through flower meadows to Semchubara village and ending on the Tabeding football ground where your driver waits for you. It will take about 2 hours.

If you wish you can visit the Black Necked Crane information center on the way to your next hike “Tongphoshing hike” and meet Karma, the injured crane. These endangered species of cranes migrate from Tibet in late autumn and typically stay till mid-march.

Tongposhing hike is another beautiful leisurely 1-2 hours walk through the pine forest, farmland and the villages.

 

Day 5- Travel to Bumthang

Distance: 188kms / 116 miles

Drive: 6 hours approx.

Altitude: 2500m / 8200 ft.

Lunch: Picnic / at a local hotel

Visit Trongsa Dzongkhag on the way to Bumthang. Trongsa Dzongkhag (2200m) is located near the center of Bhutan and was considered crucial in controlling the kingdom in earlier years due to its strategic position. This town is situated on a steep ridge and offers spectacular views of the deep valleys surrounding it. Trongsa is one of Bhutan’s most historic towns and often known as the gateway to the east of the country.

The Trongsa Dzong or ‘Fortress on the tip of a Conch’ is the longest Dzong in the country. Dzong was built in 1644 served as the original seat of power of the House of Wangchuck before it became rulers of Bhutan in 1907. All the Kings of Bhutan first becomes the Trongsa Penlop (governor) before being named Crown Prince and eventually King. Higher yet on the mountainside is a watchtower, called “Ta Dzong” to guard the dzong against enemies.

A five-day festival known as the Trongsa Tsechu is held in the northern courtyard during the month of December or January. Below are the other few things to do in Trongsa Dzongkhag:

Trongsa Museum is definitely worth a stop on the way to or from Bumthang. The museum is located in the Taa Dzong or “Watch Tower”, with splendid views of Trongsa and the Trongsa Dzong- the longest fortress in the Kingdom.

Chendbji Chorten was built in the 18th century by Lama Zhida, patterned on Kathmandu’s Swayambhunath Stupa with eyes painted at the four cardinal points.

Yutong-La Pass is a 3425m high in the east of Trongsa town and the road enters the Chhume valley.

 

Day 6- In Bumthang

Duration: 2-3 hours

Today we will do temple tour combined visit to Red Panda brewery and lunch at the farmhouse.

Rather than driving to the beautiful temples in Bumthang, we recommend walking if the weather permits. You can start your walk from Jambay Lhakhang, believed to have been built in year 659 by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo, on the same day as Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro, in order to subdue a Tibetan demoness.

Continue from Jambay, through fields and meadows to Kurjey Lhakhang. The monastery got its name after the body (kur) print (jey) of Guru Rinpoche who was invited to meditate here in 746 AD to subdue evil spirits and demons. Followed by Kurjey Drupchhu is believed to be holy water and cures all our sins and illnesses.

Next stop is Tamshing Lhakhang (Temple of Good Message), built by Pema Lingpa in 1501 and is the most important Nyingma Lhakhang in the Kingdom. We then continue to Kenchosum Lhakhang by walk or ride. This Lhakhang is a rural looking temple which has its roots in the 7th century.

In the evening you can easily stroll into town to have a look at the shop’s cum bars cum restaurants.

 

Day 7- In Bumthang

Time: 5-6 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

We will visit some of the most sacred locations in Tang valley combined with bushman trail and lunch at Ogyen Chholing Palace. The palace was originally built in the 16th century, however, several parts were rebuilt after an earthquake in 1897. The family who currently owns Ogyen Chholing turned it into a museum a few years back and opened a charming guest house on the palace grounds.

Bushman trail has been introduced as a biking trail and is a pleasant and fairly easy hike. The hike starts from Kharchu Dratshang meditation junction, climb upward for around 20-30 minutes. The path then traverses through pine forest to the hilltop from where we can have a good view of Chamkhar valley.

At the end of the trail, you can see the Zangdopelri (Paradise of Ugyen Guru Rimpoche) at Dungmithang. At the end of the hike, you can visit the Bebzur Chukpoi Mei (House of the novelty of Bebzur), which has been turned into a Museum.

After lunch, visit the Pema Tekchok Chholing Nunnery which is a small nunnery in Tang Valley currently under major expansion and reconstruction. About 105 nuns aged eight to 40+ reside and study at the temple.

We will stop at Membartsho (The Burning Lake): The story has it that Pema Lingpa had a dream that he would find a treasure where a wooden bridge spans across the trapped river-water pool. Ta Rimochen Lhakhang was built by Pema Lingpa in the 14th century.  The temple is dominated by an enormous rock at which Guru Rimpoche meditated.

 

Day 8- Drive to Punakha

Distance: 212kms / 131.7 miles

Drive: 8 hours approx.

Altitude: 1300m / 4265 ft.

Lunch: Picnic / at a local hotel

Drive to Punakha and evening at the hotel

 

Day 9- In Punakha

 

Difficulty level: Strenuous

Duration: 5 hours

Lunch: Picnic

Today we are up for a combination of visits to the beautiful Khamsum Chorten, followed by old hilltop temple Giligang, Punakha Dzong and last but not the least the longest suspension bridge.

Khumsum Chorten standing majestically on the hill above Punakha valley while admiring the gorgeous traditions and architecture of Asian country with the beautiful view of the valley.

Giligang Temple is a 300-year old privately owned monastery which has been taken care by the same family for generations.

The majestic Punakha Dzong, also known as ‘the palace of great happiness or bliss’ is the second largest dzong in Bhutan. Constructed on the 8th day and 8th month of the Fire ox year in 1673.

End the day by exploring the longest suspension Bridge in Bhutan. The bridge is built over the Pho Chhu River and serves as the main thoroughfare between Punakha town and the surrounding villages.

 

Day 10- Drive to Paro

Distance: 143kms / 88 miles

Drive: 4.5 hours approx.

Altitude: 2250m / 7382 ft

Lunch: Picnic

Stop at Chimi Lhakhang on the way to your next destination. Chimi Lhakhang built in 1499 is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kinley, also known as ‘the Divine Madman’ or the ‘Mad Saint”. He is also the saint who advocated the use of phallus symbols as paintings on walls and carved wooden phalluses on housetops

 

Day 11- In Paro

After breakfast we will visit Ta Dzong, once a watchtower built to defend Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars of the 17th century.

Just a short stroll below lays the dominating Paro Dzong, a premier example of Bhutan’s architecture.

From the Dzong, a leisurely walk back into town crosses the scenic Nyamai Zampa (Bridge), a unique model of Bhutan’s traditional cantilever bridge. Continue to the town temples, Tshongdue Lhakhang and Drukchholing Lhakhang, with its fascinating altar and paintings. The wall paintings and unique design of Dungtse Lhakhang plus a visit to the revered Kyichu Lhakhang, which pins down the left foot of a treacherous Ogress, are a great finish to this day of cultural immersion.

In the evening takes a stroll around Paro Main Street to buy some souvenir.

 

Day 12- In Paro

Hike Duration: 4.5 hours approx.

Today we will hike to Taktsang Monastery and later visit Drugyel Dzong.

Perched on the side of a vertical cliff at 3000m altitude north of Paro, the beautiful Taktsang monastery also known as the ‘Tiger’s Nest” is the most famous and an unofficial symbol of Bhutan.

The Drukgyel Dzong was an administrative center till 1951 until a fire caused by a butter lamp engulfed the Dzong and completely destroyed it. Currently undergoing renovation.

 

Day 13- International Departure.

Departure towards your onward journey.