12-days Cultural Tour of Western and Central Bhutan
Many places offer beautiful sceneries and show-case interesting architecture and colourful cultures. However, few can match Bhutan
for its primeval
and age-old medieval way of life. It’s probably the only country in the world where tourism has not left its mark.
Day one: Arrive Paro, Bhutan
The flight into Bhutan will take you over the vast plains of the Indian subcontinent and then over the dense green vegetation of the Kingdom’s
sub Himalayan ranges. You will get breathtaking views of the worlds highest and most majestic peaks as the plane approaches the Dragon Kingdom’s
cloud scrapping airstrip at the Paro International airport at an altitude of 7330 ft.
Moments before the landing you can catch glimpses of the fertile valley of Paro and the winding Paro Chu (river) and the historical Rimpung
Dzong (fortress) more popularly known as Paro Dzong. As you step out of the aircraft, you can catch your first breath of the fresh crisp Himalayan
air.
The Sky Travels representative will receive you once you have completed the necessary immigration and visa formalities. Our guide will take you
to your hotel and after check in and quick refreshment, if time permits you can make a stroll through Paro Town. Overnight Paro.
Day two: Paro local sightseeing
The day begins with a drive through Paro valley to see the Drukgyel Dzong, a historical Dzong which now lies in ruins. This was the place where
the last of the Tibetan invaders were repelled, hence the name “Drukgyel Dzong” meaning the “Fortress of the victorious Drukpas”.
On a clear day one can see the 24000 ft domed majestic Jumolhari in the background of the fortress, blessing the Paro valley. It is believed
that the goddess Jumo resides on this sacred mountain.
On the way to Drukgyel Dzong, you will be able to see the Kichu Lhakhang, which was built in 659 (7th century) by the Tibetan King
Tshongtsen Gampo. It is believed he built 108 temples across the Himalayas and Kichu happens to be one of the last remaining ones. Further
up the valley you will see the majestic Taktsang (Tigers Lair), clinging onto bare rock face.
After lunch visit the National Museum, located in the Ta Dzong (old watch tower for the Paro Dzong), originally built in 1656.
This is the only museum in Paro and has the country's best collection of ancient Thankas (religious wall hangings), religious paintings
and artefacts, fine textiles, weapons and stamps. It also houses the unique temple of the tree of life, representing the four different
sects of Buddhism, as practised in the country. If time permits, we can go for a promenade through Paro Town. Overnight at Paro.
Day Three: Full day Excursion to Taktsang “Tiger’s Lair”
After breakfast drive through Paro town and to Satsam Chorten and further continue on the new feeder road to the base of Taktsang.
If some of the group members are interested,riding ponies can be arranged. Generally, most people prefer to hike. It takes about two and half
hours to reach the Taktsang view point. The view of the surrounding mountains and the valley below is just awesome. We stop at the Taktsang view
point for tea and snacks and enjoy the view of the Tigers Lair. Special visit permits can be arranged if notified in advance. Following the visit,
lunch will be served at the Taktsang cafeteria. After lunch we will descend down to the valley and if time permits, the group will have time to be
on their own for the rest of the evening. Overnight at Paro.
Day Four: Paro to Thimphu and local sightseeing
Rise early morning, have breakfast and drive to Thimphu(2500M), the capital city of Bhutan. The drive will take about one and half hours.
The first part of the journey will follow the Paro river with lots of photo opportunities. After about half an hour of driving you will reach the
confluence of two rivers, one from Thimphu and the other from Paro. From this junction onward, we follow the Thimphu river for another one hour.
As you enter into Thimphu, you will see the first traffic, controlled by traffic men as there are no traffic lights in Bhutan. Overnight at Thimphu.
After lunch we will visit the Memorial Stupa in Thimphu, a beautiful landmark in the valley. The stupa was built in memory of the late King
Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Then continue our drive to one of the oldest temple Changangkha, built in the 12th century, by the son of the founder of
the Drukpa Kagyud School. After this we will drive to the Thimphu view point and continue to the Nunnery where you will be able to see dedicated
Buddhist women practitioners. In the evening, depending on the interest of the group, we will either visit the market place or the handicrafts
emporium. Overnight at Thimphu.
Day Five: Thimphu local sightseeing
Today we will visit the Institute of Traditional Medicine and take a tour of the facility. Here you will have the opportunity to see all kinds
of herbs used for processing into medicines. If interested a consultation can be arranged. Traditional medicine is very popular among visitors for
its holistic approach to healing. After this we will visit the National Library and the Painting School. After lunch we will visit the silver
crafts centre and you will have the opportunity to see craftsmen at work and buy silver souvenirs. Therafter, a program of folk and mask dances
will be performed by a professional dance troupe for the group. This is a special complimentary arrangement hosted by the company. Overnight at
Thimphu. You will be free for the rest of the afternoon to explore the city on your own.
Day Six: Thimphu to Punakha
Today we will start early for Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan. The journey will take about three hours. It will take you across the Dochula
Pass (3050M) with a spectacular view of the eastern Himalayas. The pass is also marked by 108 stupas dedicated to world peace by Her Majesty Ashi
Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, Queen of Bhutan. The descent will take us through sub tropical vegetation and into Punakha. After check-in and lunch, we
will visit the Punakha Dzong and Khamsumyelung Temple. The hike to Khamsumyelung will take about 45 minutes. Here you will see some of the finest
work of Bhutanese art.
The Punakha Dzong, built in 1637, was once the old capital of Bhutan and is today the winter residence of the Central Monastic Body. The Dzong
occupies an important place in the history of monarchy in Bhutan as the first King of Bhutan, Ugyen Wangchuck was crowned here in 1907. The Dzong
also houses Bhutan's most sacred relic, the Ranjung Kharsapani (the self created image of Avolokitesvara). The inner-most sanctum of the temple
houses the Marchen Lhakhang, containing the embalmed body of the Shabdrung, the first secular leader of Bhutan. Today the Dzong also serves as
the headquarter to the District Administration. Overnight at Punakha.
In the evening, the group can indulge in traditional hot stone water bath for experience. It can be arranged upon request with the hotel
management on payment basis. Overnight at Punakha.
Day 7: Punakha - Wangdue to Trongsa
Today’s drive will take around six hours to reach our destination and we will be on the road to central Bhutan. The first half hour of the
drive will bring us to the town of Wangdue Phodrang. The Dzong here was built in 1638 by the great Shabdrung Nawang Namgyel who unified the
country under one rule in the 17th century. After passing through Wangdue Phodrang, we will gradually climb up to the Pela-la pass, at an
elevation of 3400M. After crossing the pass, we will gradually drive down into the valley and stop for our picnic lunch nearby a beautiful
stupa built in the 17th century by one of the Siddhas. After lunch we will drive for about two and half hours to reach our destination.
The magnificient Trongsa Dzong can be seen from a distance as we continue on the narrow, meandering road. Overnight at Trongsa.
Day 8: Trongsa to Bumthang
We will drive from Trongsa to Bumthang – one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan. The drive will take us around three hours, through
Yotongla and Kikila passes and beautiful valleys filled with rural farmsteads and temples.
Day 9: Excursion to Kunzang-Drag or local sightseeing in the Bumthang valley
Kunzang-Drag Excursion - We will spend the day exploring the valley, practising meditation and going on an excursion to the holy site of
Kunzang-Drag, believed to have been blessed by Guru Rimpochey. On our way back, we will also visit the holy Membar Tsho (literally meaning the
burning lake), a deep gorge, from where the great treasure discoverer Pema Lingpa discovered many hidden treasures(relics).
Local sightseeing in Bumthang - Visit Kurjay Lhakhang. Kurjay is named after the body imprint left by Guru Rimpochey. It is believed that
Guru Rimpochey meditated in the cave and left his body imprint here. “Ku" means body and “Jay” means print. As we enter the gate, on the left
hand side we have the monks living quarters and three large Lhakhangs against the hill on the right hand side. The third temporal ruler
Chogyel Minjur Tempa is said to have built the first temple on the right hand side in 1652. The second temple was built by the first king
Ugyen Wangchuck in 1900 in dedication to Guru Rimpochey's victory over evil. It is called the temple of Sambha-Lhendrup, meaning wish-fulfilling
temple. The third temple along with the 108 stupas were built by Her Majesty the Queen Mother Ashi Kesang Wangmo Wangchuck in 1990. Every year
in May/June there is a special festival dedicated to Guru Rimpochey marking the defeat of the evil Shenging Karpo. During the festival a large
Thongdrel of Guru Rimpochey and his eight manifestations is also unfurled in the early hours and taken off just before sunrise. People of
the valley gather to receive blessings from this sacred Thongdrel.
Visit to Jambay - This temple was built in 659 by King Tshongtsen Gampo who also built the Kichu Lhakhang in Paro at about the same time.
The temple is dedicated to the future Buddha “Jamba”, Maitreya in Sanskrit. Next we will visit the Kharsum dratsang which is a monastery school,
fully sponsored by one of the reincarnations of the first twenty five disciples of Guru Rimpochey, namely, Namkhai Nyingpo. The monastery is built
on a small mound, opposite the Jakar town. Enroute to the monastery we will also visit the Swiss farm shop and buy some Swiss cheese. If time
permits, we will also visit the Tamshing monastery.
Day 10: Bumthang to Gangtey
We will start our journey back to West Bhutan and enroute we will drive to Gangtey valley. Visit the Gangtey monastery, built by Pema Thinley,
the lineage holder of the great treasure discoverer, Pema Lingpa. The valley is also home to the endangered Black Necked Cranes that come to stay
in Bhutan for five to six months, to escape the harsh winter of the Tibetan plateau. In order to protect the habitat of the crane, the government
has intorduced stringent measures, like prohibitions on the use of barbed wires, over head cables, etc.
Day 11: Gangtey to Paro
Drive from Gangtey to Thimphu. Have lunch at the Swiss Bakery and continue journey to Paro. After lunch, if the group so wishes we can visit
some handicraft shops to buy Bhutanese souvenirs. Overnight Paro.
Day 12: Departure
Our guide will help you with the departure formalities at the airport and bid you goodbye with traditional Tashi Khadhar.
Tashi Delek and Bon Voyage
