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-Thimphu
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 Thimphu (60 KM), the capital town of Bhutan. Overnight at Thimphu, elevation 2320m.
DAY 04: Thimphu-Sightseeing
Visits:
- National Memorial Chorten (Chorten means Stupa). The monument was built in 1974 in
memory of the 3
rd 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 05: 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 06: Thimphu-Punakha (Approximate 85KM)
Drive to Punakha across 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. En-route to Punakha, visit Chimmi Lhakhang, the Abode of the “Divine Madman & Fertility” lies on the periphery of the expansive valley of Lobesa. Overnight at Punakha, elevation of 1240m.
DAY 07: Punakha-Sightseeing
Drive to Nyenzegang (15 kms) and hike 1 hour from the road point to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal chorten, four stories, pagoda-style chorten, built to protect Bhutan from evil forces and help
bring peace to the world. The Chorten sits majestically on above Punakha valley with a spectacular view of the country side and hills below. Afternoon, 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. Overnight at
Punakha, elevation of 1240m.
DAY 08: Punakha–Phobjikha, Wangduephodrang (78 KM)
Drive on a winding mountain road through oak and rhododendron forest, and over a high pass down into the Phobjikha 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 09: Phobjikha, Wangduephodrang-Sightseeing
There are many optional short walks and 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 10: Phobjekha, Wangduephodrang-Jakar/Bumthang (160 KM)
Drive to Bumthang across Pele-la pass (3,420m). This pass is traditionally considered the boundary between western and central Bhutan. En-route visits 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. Continue your journey to Bumthang crossing Yutong-la pass (3,420m). Overnight at Bumthang, elevation 2600m.
DAY 11: Jakar-Sightseeing
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.
DAY12: 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. Overnight at Jakar.
DAY 13: Jakar-Nanglhakhang
Visit to Dhur village, one of the biggest villages in Bumthang. Evening – drive to Nanglhakhang village (2 hours drive) for an overnight stay in the village guesthouse (Home stay), to experience the life style of the Bhutanese farmers. Overnight at Farm House, Nanglhakhang.
DAY 14: Trek from Nanglhakhang-Ogencholing (Distance 16 km, 7 hours)
One day trek: You’ll begin the trek by crossing verdant meadows and with a beautiful view of the valley below. Climb gradually to Phephe La (3,360m), the highest point of the trek route. Descend to Tang Valley, the most remote valley of Bumthang. Overnight at Ogencholing Guesthouse, Tang, elevation of 2895m.
DAY 15: Ogencholing–Jakar
Visit 16th century Ugen Chholing manor, which was recently turned into museum. The exhibits in the building are captioned with informative descriptions of the life style and art of a Bhutanese noble family. Drive to Jakar in the afternoon. On the way, visits Nunnery monastery and 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 16: Jakar-Mongar (193 KM)
The journey continues eastward (6 hours) through numerous sheer drop – one of the most impressive and one of the highest point on Bhutan’s motorable road network, Thrumsing-la pass (3750m). From the pass, the vegetation changes from alpine to subtropical with the loss of height, and bamboos and luxuriant ferns overhang the road. The descent stops at Kuri Chu (river) at an elevation of 700m. We ascend again through pine forests, maize fields and eastern hamlets to reach Mongar town, Overnight at Mongar, elevation of 1700m.
DAY 17: Excursion to Lhuntshi
In the north-eastern corner of Bhutan lies the ancient region of Kurtoe or Lhuntse as it is known today. It is the ancestral home of our Kings and hosts several of the sacred sites of pilgrimage in the country. It is located 77km from Mongar (3 hours drive) and is one of the most isolated districts in Bhutan. The landscape is spectacular, with stark cliffs towering above river gorges and dense coniferous forests. The region is famous for its weavers, and their distinctive textiles are generally considered to be the best in the country. Kurtoep women are especially adept at weaving a textile called Kishuthara. This mighty fortress, popularly known as Lhundub Rinchentse sits upon a hill overlooking the Kurichu River. The fortress was constructed in 1654 and sand it served as the administrative and the religious centre of the district. You can also visit Takila Guru Statue – The world’s largest statue of Guru Padmasambhava (173
fts), which is one of the most beautiful scenic spots in Lhuntse District, overlooking the entire valley of Tangmachu. Overnight at Mongar.
DAY 18. Mongar-Trashigang (92 KM)
Trashigang is the biggest and most populated district in the country. The first part of journey is through leafy forest filled with ferns. Crossing Kori-la pass (2,400m), marked by a pretty chorten and a mani wall, we descend rapidly through corn fields and banana groves to reach the famous road zigzags just below Yadi. Afternoon, visit Trashigang Dzong, standing at the extreme end of a rocky outcrop far above the
river gorge. It serves as the administrative seat for the district and part of the dzong is occupied by the local monastic community. Overnight at Trashigang or Ranjung, elevation of 1570m.
DAY 19: Trashigang-Excursion to Radhi
Radhi village is known as rice bowl of Trashigang and famous for raw silk, a fabric known as “bura”. It is interesting to walk from house to house to see the different patterns of fabric and how the women are weaving. Afternoon visit Rangjung Woesel Chholing Monastery, a large Nyingma Goemba founded in 1990 by His Holiness Garab Rinpoche. If you are interested, you can practice mediation together with the monks from the monastery. Overnight at Trashigang or Ranjung.
DAY 20: Excursion to Merak Or Sakteng (2 hours)
The people living in Merak and Sakteng (3500 m) are semi-nomadic yak herders with a unique and fascinating culture in the world. They speak a different dialect, have their own deities and wear a unique style of dress. They are known as Brokpa meaning highlander”. Merak and Sakteng fall under Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the protected areas in Bhutan. The Sanctuary is typical of the diversity of Himalayan terrestrial ecosystems, combining alpine meadows, temperate forests and warm broad leaf forests. Two villages share a boundary with the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh in the east. Overnight at Trashigang or Ranjung.
DAY 21: Trashigang-Samdrup Jongkhar (175 KM)
The journey to Samdrupjongkhar, the border town with India takes about 6 hours. Along the way, we pass Yonphula domestic airport and many villages including Deothang, which is remembered in history as the site of a famous 19th century battle fought during the Duar Wars, in which the forces defeated the British. The road then descends rapidly to the plains through dense tropical forest with an abundance of teak, bamboo and ferns. Overnight at Samdrup Jongkhar, elevation 170m.
DAY 22: Samdrupjongkhar-Guwahati/New Delhi (approximate 100 KM):
Drive to Guwahati International Airport, the capital town of the Indian north-eastern state of Assam, for your onward flight to New Delhi, India.
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