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Day 01. Arrive Paro:
The flight into Paro on our 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:
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. 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.
Day 03. 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 go
back to the Hotel, check out and drive to Thimphu. Over
night in Hotel.
Day 04. Paro - Jele Dzong (Start of Trek):
Today is a short trek. The trek begins above the
National Museum; we climb till we reach camp. If the weather
is clear the Paro valley and the snow-capped mountains can
be seen. The campsite is near the old Jele Dzong. If the
caretaker is there you can visit the Dzong. Altitude 3,350m;
Distance 10 Km; Time 3 - 4 hours.
Day 05. Jele Dzong - Jangchulakha:
The trek starts with a short climb and then passes
through a thick alpine forest of rhododendron and gradually
climbs till we reach camp. You may see yak herders around
your campsite. Altitude 3,700m; Distance 12 Km; Time 4 - 5
hours.
Day 06. Jangchulakha - Jimilangtso:
The trail follows the ridge and on a clear day the views
of the mountains and valleys are beautiful. Our camp is
close to Lake Jimilangtso. These lakes are known for their
giant sized trout, and if lucky, you may enjoy well-prepared
trout for dinner. Altitude 3,800m; Distance 16 Km; Time 6/7
hours.
Day 07. Jimilangtso - Simkota. (4-5hours):
The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees
past the lake of Janetso. Overnight camp.
Day 08. Simkota - Phajoding - Thimphu (4-5hours):
From here we slowly descend down to Phajoding Monastery
from where Thimphu town is visible at the valley floor.
Overnight camp.
Day 09. Thimphu Sightseeing:
The day begins with a 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). We finally visit the
Handicrafts Emporium followed by shopping for souvenirs in
the shops of Thimphu. Over night in Hotel.
Day 10. 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 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". Overnight in Hotel.
Day 11. Punakha - Thimphu - Paro:
After breakfast, drive to Paro via Thimphu. Lunch at
Thimphu. Afternoon, free for shopping. In the evening, drive
to Paro. Over night in Hotel.
Day 12. Departure:
Early morning, drive to the airport and farewell. |
