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Day 01. Arrive Paro (By
Druk Air flight):
The flight into Paro on national carrier, Druk Air, is a
befitting introduction to the spectacular beauty of our
country. In clear weather, magnificent views of the world's
highest peaks, give way to the lush green Paro valley as you
land. Your Bhutanese escort will greet you on arrival, and
then drive you the short distance to the hotel.
Day 02. Paro sightseeing:
Your journey into the Thunder Dragon kingdom will truly
begin with a drive in the morning to the ruins of the
Drukgyal Dzong 16 km up the valley. Built in 1647 by the
great Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, father and unifier of
medieval Bhutan, the dzong was destroyed by accidental fire
and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great
victories it was built to commemorate. Explore the ramparts
and on a clear day experience an unforgettable view of Mt.
Jhomolhari (7,314 m). On the way back, visit Kichu Lhakhang,
built in 659 A.D by the Tibetan king Srongsen Gampo. This
Monastery is one of the 108 monasteries built across the
Himalayan region by the Tibetan King to subdue the Demoness
that lay across the Himalayan region. The rest of the
monasteries lie in other neighbouring countries. After
lunch, visit Ta Dzong (built in1656 and renovated in 1968),
an ancient watchtower, which now houses the National Museum.
Below the museum is the Paro Rimpung Dzong (literally
meaning "Heap of Jewels", built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang
Namgyal, the centre of civil and religious authority in this
valley. A short walk takes you to the base of the dzong and
across a traditional cantilevered, covered bridge. A short
distance further is one of the innumerable archery grounds.
(Archery is the national sport of Bhutan). If we are lucky,
we may catch a match in action. The evening ends with a walk
through Paro's main shopping district. Over night in a Farm
House to experience a Bhutanese way of life. The Students
also gets an opportunity to take a Hot Stone bath.
Day 03. Paro, Excursion to Taktsang Monastery:
A very special day, with an excursion to view the
spectacular Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) monastery - After
breakfast a short drive takes us to Satsam Chorten, from
there a 2 hour horse ride till the viewpoint point of the
monastery. The trail climbs through beautiful pine forest,
many of the trees 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 see,
clearly and seemingly within reach, Taktsang monastery. The
primary Lhakhang was built around Guru Rimpoche's meditation
cave in the 1684by the Penlop of Paro Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgay,
this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock
cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. Legend
has it that Guru Padmasambhava, the tantric mystic who
brought Buddhism to Bhutan, flew here on the back of a
flying tiger, Dorji Drolo, said to be his favourite consort.
Lunch will be served at the cafeteria. After Lunch, we drive
to Chelela pass. Over night in Hotel.
DAY 04. Thimphu Sightseeing:
After breakfast, visit to the National Memorial Chorten
(1974) built in honour of our late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk
and the Dupthop Lhakhang one of the few surviving nunneries
in Bhutan. We then visit the National Library, stocked with
ancient Buddhist manuscripts, and the Painting School where
traditional art is still kept alive through instructions in
the art of painting Thangkas (sacred Buddhist religious
scrolls). After lunch we drive to the Traditional Medicine
Institute where medicines are prepared according to ancient
practices, and to Lungtenzampa to observe the Royal silver
smiths and Bhutanese paper factory at work. Other highlights
include a visit to the Tashichho Dzong, seat of the national
government and the Central Monastic Body, including the
summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan).
The Tashichho Dzong is open to visitors only in winter when
the Je Khenpo and the Monk Body move to Punakha the ancient
winter capital of Bhutan. We finally visit the Handicrafts
Emporium followed by shopping for souvenirs in the shops of
Thimphu. Over night in Hotel.
Day 05. Thimphu Sightseeing:
After breakfast, visit Folk Heritage Museum, Textile Museum,
Changangkha Lhakhang and Philatelic office. After lunch,
visit Silver smith at work and Hand made paper factory. Over
night in Hotel.
Day 06. Thimphu - Punakha: (72 Kms, 3 hours drive).
After breakfast, Drive to Punakha via Dochula pass. If the
weather is clear, we stop for a while at Dochula pass to
view Higher Himalayas. Lunch at Punakha. After lunch, visit
Punakha Dzong built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and
is situated between Pho Chu (Male river) and Mo Chu (Female
river). For many years until the time of the second king, it
served as the seat of the Government. The construction of
the Dzong was foretold by Guru Rimpoche, who predicted, "…a
person named Namgyal will arrive at a hill that looks like
an elephant". There was a smaller building here called Dzong
Chu (Small Dzong) that housed a statue of Buddha. It is said
that Shabdrung ordered the architect, Zowe Palep, to sleep
in front of the statue, while Palep was sleeping, the
Shabdrung took him in his dreams to Zangtopelri and showed
him the palace of Guru Rimpoche. From his vision, the
architect conceived the design for the new Dzong, which in
keeping with the tradition, was never committed to paper.
The Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace
of Great Happiness). The war materials captured during the
battle with Tibetans are preserved here. Punakha is still
the winter residence of Je-Khenpo and King Jigme Dorji
Wangchuk convened the new national Assembly here in 1952. In
the evening, visit Khamsung Yulley Namgyal Choling
Monastery. Overnight in Hotel.
DAY 07. Punakha - Gangtey:
After breakfast drive to the beautiful valley of Gangtey. On
the way, stop a while to view Chime Lhakhang, which was
built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley. He subdued the demons with his
" Magical Thunder bolt". The Temple is also known as "the
Temple of Fertility". Enroute sightseeing in the valley of
Wangdiphodrang, it includes: visit to Wangdiphodrang Dzong
(from outside) built in 1638. Legend relates that as the
people were searching for the site of the Dzong, four ravens
were seen flying away in four directions. This was
considered auspicious sign, representing the spread of
religion to the four points of the compass. The Dzong is
situated at the confluence of Mo Chu and Tang Chu rivers.
Drive to Gangtey. Picnic lunch would be served enroute. On
arrival check in to Gangtey Gompa House. Visit Gangtey Gompa
Monastery, from outside. Gyaltse Pema Thinley, the grandson
and mind reincarnation of Pema Lingpa founded the Temple in
1613, and Tenzin Legpai Dhendup, the second re-incarnation,
built the temple. The present Abbot, Kunzang Pema Namgyal is
the ninth re-incarnation. It is a Nyingmapa monastery and is
affiliated to other Nyingmapa monasteries including Tamshing
in Bumthang. Explore Phobjikha valley, famous for the Black
Necked Cranes during winter. Dinner and overnight at the
Guest House.
DAY 08. Gangtey - Trongsa - Bumthang:
After breakfast, drive to Trongsa. Visit Trongsa Dzong, the
most impressive dzong in Bhutan, built in its present form
in 1644 by Chogyal Minjur Tempa, the official who was sent
by Shabdrung to unify eastern Bhutan and enlarged at the end
of the 17th century by Desi Tenzin Rabgay. Trongsa Dzong is
the ancestral home of the present Royal Family and first two
hereditary kings ruled Bhutan from this Dzong. Then Visit Ta
Dzong, an ancient watch tower. The chapel inside the Ta
Dzong is said to be dedicated to the Trongsa Penlop Jigme
Namgyal. After Lunch, drive to Bumthang. Over night in
Hotel.
DAY 09. Bumthang Sightseeing:
After breakfast, visit Jakar Dzong, which literally means
"The Castle of White Bird". The current structure was built
in 1667 and is said to be the largest Dzong in Bhutan and
then visit Lamey Goemba, a large palace and monastery built
in 18th century by Dasho Phuntsho Wangdi. Visit Jambay
Lhakhang said to have been built by King Srongsen Gampo of
Tibet in the year 659 on the same day as Kichu Lhakhang in
Paro. The temple was visited by Guru Rimpoche during his
visit to Bumthang and was renovated by Sindhu Raja after
Guru Rimpoche restored his life force. Under the temple is
said to be a lake in which Guru Rimpoche hid several Terma.
In October one of the most spectacular festival, "Jambay
Lhakhang Drup" is staged here. After lunch, Visit Chakhar
(Iron Castle) Lhakhang, it is the site of the palace of the
Indian King, the Sindhu Raja who invited Guru Rimpoche to
Bumthang. The Original palace was made of Iron and hence the
name Chakhar. The saint Dorji Lingpa built the Current
building in 14th century. Its correct name is Dechen
Phodrang. We then visit Kurjey Lhakhang that is named after
body print of Guru Rimpoche, built in 1652 by Minjur Tempa.
Visit Tamshing Lhakhang (Temple of the good message),
established in 1501 by Pema Lingpa and is the most important
Nyingmapa temple in the kingdom.
DAY 10. Excursion to Shingkhar & Back to Bumthang:
After breakfast, drive to Shingkhar village. In the evening,
visit Membartsho (Literally means "Burning Lake"), a short
distance up the road leading to Tang valley. The Terton Pema
Lingpa discovered several of Guru Rimpoche's hidden Terma /
relics here. Over night in Hotel.
Day 11. Bumthang - Thimphu (212 kms):
Early breakfast, drive to Thimphu. Over night in Hotel.
Day 12. Thimphu:
After breakfast, excursion to Tango and Cheri Monastery.
After lunch, Visit Mini Zoo and Sangay Gang view point. Over
night in Hotel.
Day 13. Thimphu - Paro:
After breakfast, visit Simtokha Dzong built in 1627 by
Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. This Dzong is the oldest Dzong in
Bhutan and presently houses a Monastic school. The stroll in
the town/visit Handicraft emporium. After Lunch, drive to
Paro. Over night in Hotel.
Day 14. Departure:
Early morning, drive to Airport and Farewell. |
