DAY 01: Arrival Paro, Bhutan
On arrival at Paro International Airport, the representative of Radhi Bhutan Tours will receive you and escort you/group to the hotel. Overnight at Paro, elevation 2280m.
DAY 02: Paro-Sightseeing
Drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought off Tibetan invaders in 17th century. The snowy dome of sacred Jhomolhari, “mountain goddess” (7314 m) can be seen in all her glory from the approach road to the Dzong on a clear day. Along the way, visit the Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by the Tibetan King in 7th century. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.
Later, visit Ta Dzong, originally built as a watchtower, which now houses Bhutan’s National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts. Overnight at Paro.
DAY 03: Paro/Taktsang-Haa (70 KM)
Morning hike up to the Taktsang Monastery (Taktsang means Tiger’s Nest), which is 900m high above the floor of Paro valley. According to the legend, it is said that Guru Rinpoche, popularly known as second Buddha flew to the site of the monastery on the back of a flying tigress in 8th century, and mediated for three months. Afternoon, drive to Haa District (2 ½ hrs) through a steep winding forested road to a Chele-la pass (3,988m), the highest motorable road in Bhutan. Overnight at Haa, elevation of 2679m.
DAY 04: Haa-Thimphu
Haa valley situated in the south-western region of Paro is a picturesque hamlet in Bhutan adorned with pristine alpine forest and Majestic Mountain peaks. The beautiful landscape and forested hills of Haa provides an ideal place for hiking. There are numerous hiking trail and many important temples including the Chhundu Lhakhang, temple dedicated to the protective deity of Haa and very popular two temples known as white and black temples. Afternoon proceed to Thimphu (3 ½ hrs), the capital town of Bhutan. Overnight at Thimphu, elevation 2320m.
DAY 05: Thimphu-Sightseeing
Visits:
- National Memorial Chorten (Chorten means Stupa). The monument was built in 1974 in memory of the 3rd King of Bhutan.
- Folk Heritage Museum, Textile Museum and the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School), where students undergo a 6-year training course in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts.
- Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts shops known as Craft Bazar, which displays wide assortment of beautifully hand-woven textiles, crafted products, thangkas, masks, ceramics, slate and woodcarvings, jewellery, and other interesting items made from local materials by the local Artisans.
- Giant Buddha at Kuenselphodrang. This massive statue of Shakyamuni (51.5 meters), making it one of the largest statues of Bhutan in the world.
- Takin (national animal of Bhutan) preserve located in Motithang.
After 1700 hrs, visit Tashichhodzong, “the fortress of the glorious religion”. This is the center of government and religion, site of the monarch’s throne room and seat of the Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Later, depending on the interest of the group, short talk on the philosophy of Gross National Happiness in Bhutan can be arranged. Overnight at Thimphu.
DAY 06: Excursion to Tango Monastery
This sacred monastery is located about 40 minutes drive to the North of Thimphu and hike uphill for about 1 ½ hours. Tango monastery is the highest center of Buddhist learning in the country; almost every Je Khenpo (religious head of Bhutan) completed the 9-year program there. After completing that program, monks traditionally spend 3 years, 3 months and 3 days in meditation at the nearby Cheri Goemba retreat, built in 1619 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the founder or first unifier of Bhutan. After the lunch in Kabesa village, attend an oral transmission of Buddhist philosophy and basic meditation practices lead by the senior monks. Overnight at Thimphu
DAY 07: Thimphu-Punakha (Approximate 85KM)
Drive to Punakha via Dochula pass (3,140m). On a clear day, one can have a superb view of the highest peaks in Bhutan. From the pass, hike to Lungchutse Goemba, situated at 3566m. Two hours hike is one of the most rejuvenating and picturesque. Overnight at Punakha, elevation of 1240m.
DAY 08: Punakha-Trongsa (135 KM)
Visit Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the junction of two rivers. Punakha was Bhutan’s capital until 1955, and Punakha Dzong still serves as the winter residence of the central monk body. Bhutan’s first king, Ugyen Wangchuck, was crowned here in 1907. The fortress has withstood damage from fire, earthquake and flood over the centuries. Afternoon, drive to Trongsa (4 hrs) across Pele-la pass (3,420m). Overnight at Trongsa.
DAY 09: Trongsa-Jakar/Bumthang (60 KM)
Visit Trongsa Dzong. The first and second kings ruled the country from this ancient seat. All five monarchs were invested as Trongsa Penlop (“governor”) prior to ascending the Throne. Standing above this fortress is Ta Dzong, a watchtower, which once guarded this place from internal rebellion. A visit to Ta Dzong gives further insights into the significance of Trongsa in Bhutan’s history. Afternoon, continue your journey to Bumthang crossing Yutong-la pass (3,425m). Overnight at Jakar, elevation 2600m.
DAY 10: Jakar/Bumthang-Sightseeing (60 KM)
Bumthang is the general name given to a group of four valleys – Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura, with altitudes varying from 2,600 to 4,000m.
- Visits: Holy monasteries including Kurjey Lhakhang, where the saint’s body is imprinted on a rock, Jambey Lhakhang built in 7th Century, Nunnery Monastery and Tamshing Monastery.
- Evening, mindfulness and meditation practice lead by the senior monks in the monastery and leisure in the town. Overnight at Jakar.
DAY 11: Jakar-Sightseeing
Half day Trek: Bumthang Bush Man Trail trek, which has been introduced recently, is one of the most interesting treks in the valley. The hikes start from Swiss Guesthouse junction – traverses through the pine forest to the hilltop, where we can have a good view of Bumthang valley. At the end of the hike, you can visit the Bebzur Chupoi Mei (House of the novelty of Bebzur) in Tang valley, which has been turned into a Museum. Also visit membartsho (Burning lake), where Pema Lingpa revealed several termas (treasures) hidden by Guru Rimpoche. A large rock features carvings of Pema Lingpa and his two sons. Below the rock is a small cave that virtuous people can enter regardless of their size. Overnight at Jakar.
DAY 12: Jakar-Phobjikha, Wangduephodrang (160 KM)
Drive to Phobjikha (5 hrs) valley, surely one of the loveliest high altitude valleys in Bhutan. Phobjikha is one of Bhutan’s few glacial valleys, and chosen winter home of black-necked cranes, migrating from the Tibetan plateau in winter. Explore Phobjikha valley and also visit Gangtey Gompa (Monastery). Overnight at Phobjikha , elevation 2900m.
DAY 13: Phobjikha, Wangduephodrang-Sightseeing
There are many optional short hikes in this beautiful valley. This valley is mostly covers with high altitude dwarf bamboo, pine trees and impress art and wood carving Farm Houses. Overnight at Phobjikha.
DAY 14: Phobjekha, Wangduephodrang-Paro (175 KM)
Drive to Paro (5 hrs). En-route visit Chimmi Lhakhang, the Abode of the “Divine Madman & Fertility” lies on the periphery of the expansive valley of Lobesa. Overnight at Paro.
DAY 15: Paro – Fly Out
Drive to Paro International Airport for your onward flight.
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