Bhutan
Area:38,394 sq km Population:634,982 Capital:Thimphu Language:Dzongkha (English is widely understood & spoken) Currency: Ngultrum (1 USD = 43(approx)
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Druk Path Trek, 16 days Day 1 Arrival by Druk Air - Paro Day 2 Paro - Sight-seeing Day 3 Paro - Jeli Dzong Day 4 Jeli Dzong - Jangchulakha Day 5 Jangchulakha - Jimilang Tsho Day 6 Jimilang Tsho - Simkota Day 7 Simkota - Phajoding Day 8 Phajoding - Thimphu (afternoon) - Sightseeing Day 9 Thimphu - Sightseeing/after lunch drive to Punakha Day 10 Punakha - Trongsa Day 11 Trongsa - Bumthang Day 12 Bumthang - Local Sightseeing Day 13 Bumthang - Local sightseeing. Day 14 Bumthang - Gangtey Day 15 Gangtey - Paro Day 16 Paro - Bon voyage. Day 1: Arrival at Paro by Druk Air During this flight, one will experience breathtaking views of the Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Mount Jumolhari and Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, the representative of Sky Travels will receive you and take you to the Hotel through the enchanting valley of Paro. Overnight at the Hotel in Paro. Top Day 2: Paro Sightseeing Drive north-west up the Pa-chu to Drukgyel Dzong. This Dzong was built in the year 1649 and later destroyed by fire in 1951. This Dzong which now lies in ruins was built to commemorate the victory over the Tibetan invaders in the 17th century. On a clear day the sacred Mt. Jumolhari can be viewed in the back ground of the fortress. On the way back, we will visit a typical Bhutanese farmhouse and experience rural life in Bhutan. After lunch, we'll drive to Ta-Dzong, the National Museum. Thereafter, we will visit the Paro Dzong and then walk down to see the traditional Bhutanese cantilever bridge. Overnight at Paro. OR Make a day long excursion to Taktsang. We will drive through Paro Town to Satsam Chorten and continue on the feeder road leading towards 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, you will be on your own for the rest of the evening. Overnight at Paro. Top Day 3: Paro to Jeli Dzong Today’s trek will be a short one, but involving a steep climb towards the end of the day. On a clear day, the Paro valley can be seen from the top of Jeli Dzong. The campsite will be very close to the Jeli Dzong and we will be able to visit the Dzong occupied by a Priest and a small group of young monks. This Dzong is located at an altitude of about 3490M. The trekking distance is about 10KM and will take about 4-5 hours. Top Day 4: Jeli Dzong to Jangchuklakha The first part of the trek is a gradual ascent through thick alpine forests and rhododendron trees. It’s a fairly easy day. If the weather holds good, one will be able to view Mount Jumolhari. We will either camp very close to the yak herder’s camp ground or go further up on the hillside. This camp site is loccated at an altitude of 3750M. The distance for the day is about 10KM and will take about 4-5 hours. Top Day 5: Jangchuklakha to Jimilang Tsho (lake) The trail now follows a ridge and we will be climbing to higher grounds and if weather is clear we will be able to view the spectular mountain ranges of the eastern Himalayas. Although the trek is arduous, you will enjoy it as you will get to view some of Bhutan's most beautiful and spectular mountain landscapes. After a long climb up the mountain (4180M), we will descend into the valley of Jimilangtsho, a lake filled with rainbow trouts. The camp-site is located at an altitude of 3880M. The trekking distance is about 12KM and will take about 5-6 hours. Top Day 6: Jimilang Tsho to Simkota The trail climbs through dwarf rhododendrons to the lake of Ja-nya Tsho. We will stop for a picnic lunch by the lake side at a beautiful seasonal yak-herders camp. After lunch we will make a short climb along the ridge and therefater descend to the camp site which is locate beside the Simkota Tsho at an altitude of 4040M. In this sector, you will also come across some yak herders and get to see their way of life (this is seasonal). The trekking distance is about 11KM and will take about 5-6 hours. Altitude 3000Mts. Top Day 7: Simkota to Phajoding Today the trek starts with a gradual climb to a saddle, at an altitude of 4180M. The descent from here brings us to a small lake, follwed by a gentle climb and descent into another valley. If the weather is good, one can view Bhutan's highest mountain Gangkhar Punsum. If we are trekking towards the end of May, the valley will be in full bloom with rhododendrons. Hereafter, the trek is farily easy and we will start descending to Phajoding once we reach the Phumela pass. The Phumela pass is marked by a lone stupa and surrounded prayer flags. The views of the Thimphu valley and the surrounding mountains are magnificient. From here we will descend past Thujidrag Goemba, a meditation center and reach the camp site near the Phjoding temples at an altitude of 3870M. We will visit the beautiful temples here either in the evening or next morning. The trekking distance is about 11KM and will take about 5-6 hours. Top Day 8: Phajoding to Thimphu In the morning we will explore around and then trek down into the Thimphu valley. The hike downhill is through thick forests, mixed with Spruce, Juniper, Rhododendron and Blue Pine. After trekking for about 2-3 hours we will reach a point in upper motithang where our vehicles will pick us up and take us to the hotel. We will spend rest of the day in the capital city Thimphu. As you enter into Thimphu you will see traffic being controlled by traffic policemen rather than traffic lights. We will visit the Memorials Stupa in Thimphu, a beautiful landmark in the Thimphu valley, built in memory of the late King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. If time permits we will visit Changgangkha, one of the oldest temple in Thimphu. This temple was built in the 15th century by one of the first founders of the Drukpa school of Buddhism. Then we will continue to the Nunnery where you will be able to see the dedicated women practitioners. Overnight at Thimphu. Top Day 9: Thimphu to Punakha (departure in the afternoon after local sightseeing in Thimphu) City sightseeing, including visits to the National library, Folk Heritage Museum, and Textile Mueseum. In the afternoon drive to Punakha. 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. If time permits, we will visit the Punakha Dzong. 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. Top Day 10: Drive from Punakha 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. Top Day 11: Drive from 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. The Bumthang valley is composed of four alpine valleys, namely, Chummey, Chhokhor,Tang and Ura. Top Day 12: Local sightseeing in Bumthang 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. Top Day 13: Continue sightseeing in Bumthang Full day excursion to Ura. Today we will visit the Membar Tsho a deep gorge, through which the Tang River flows. This is the place where the great treasure discoverer Pema Lingpa discovered most of the hidden treasures. Continue drive to Ura valley to visit the Ura Lhakhang and in the evening back to Bumthang. Top Day 14: 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. Top Day 15: 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. Top Day 16: Departure from Paro Our guide will help you with the departure formalities at the airport and bid you goodbye with Tashi Khadhar. Top Tashi Delek and Bon Voyage
Day 1 Arrival by Druk Air - Paro Day 2 Paro - Sight-seeing Day 3 Paro - Jeli Dzong Day 4 Jeli Dzong - Jangchulakha Day 5 Jangchulakha - Jimilang Tsho Day 6 Jimilang Tsho - Simkota Day 7 Simkota - Phajoding Day 8 Phajoding - Thimphu (afternoon) - Sightseeing Day 9 Thimphu - Sightseeing/after lunch drive to Punakha Day 10 Punakha - Trongsa Day 11 Trongsa - Bumthang Day 12 Bumthang - Local Sightseeing Day 13 Bumthang - Local sightseeing. Day 14 Bumthang - Gangtey Day 15 Gangtey - Paro Day 16 Paro - Bon voyage.
Day 1: Arrival at Paro by Druk Air During this flight, one will experience breathtaking views of the Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Mount Jumolhari and Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, the representative of Sky Travels will receive you and take you to the Hotel through the enchanting valley of Paro. Overnight at the Hotel in Paro. Top Day 2: Paro Sightseeing Drive north-west up the Pa-chu to Drukgyel Dzong. This Dzong was built in the year 1649 and later destroyed by fire in 1951. This Dzong which now lies in ruins was built to commemorate the victory over the Tibetan invaders in the 17th century. On a clear day the sacred Mt. Jumolhari can be viewed in the back ground of the fortress. On the way back, we will visit a typical Bhutanese farmhouse and experience rural life in Bhutan. After lunch, we'll drive to Ta-Dzong, the National Museum. Thereafter, we will visit the Paro Dzong and then walk down to see the traditional Bhutanese cantilever bridge. Overnight at Paro. OR Make a day long excursion to Taktsang. We will drive through Paro Town to Satsam Chorten and continue on the feeder road leading towards 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, you will be on your own for the rest of the evening. Overnight at Paro. Top Day 3: Paro to Jeli Dzong Today’s trek will be a short one, but involving a steep climb towards the end of the day. On a clear day, the Paro valley can be seen from the top of Jeli Dzong. The campsite will be very close to the Jeli Dzong and we will be able to visit the Dzong occupied by a Priest and a small group of young monks. This Dzong is located at an altitude of about 3490M. The trekking distance is about 10KM and will take about 4-5 hours. Top Day 4: Jeli Dzong to Jangchuklakha The first part of the trek is a gradual ascent through thick alpine forests and rhododendron trees. It’s a fairly easy day. If the weather holds good, one will be able to view Mount Jumolhari. We will either camp very close to the yak herder’s camp ground or go further up on the hillside. This camp site is loccated at an altitude of 3750M. The distance for the day is about 10KM and will take about 4-5 hours. Top Day 5: Jangchuklakha to Jimilang Tsho (lake) The trail now follows a ridge and we will be climbing to higher grounds and if weather is clear we will be able to view the spectular mountain ranges of the eastern Himalayas. Although the trek is arduous, you will enjoy it as you will get to view some of Bhutan's most beautiful and spectular mountain landscapes. After a long climb up the mountain (4180M), we will descend into the valley of Jimilangtsho, a lake filled with rainbow trouts. The camp-site is located at an altitude of 3880M. The trekking distance is about 12KM and will take about 5-6 hours. Top Day 6: Jimilang Tsho to Simkota The trail climbs through dwarf rhododendrons to the lake of Ja-nya Tsho. We will stop for a picnic lunch by the lake side at a beautiful seasonal yak-herders camp. After lunch we will make a short climb along the ridge and therefater descend to the camp site which is locate beside the Simkota Tsho at an altitude of 4040M. In this sector, you will also come across some yak herders and get to see their way of life (this is seasonal). The trekking distance is about 11KM and will take about 5-6 hours. Altitude 3000Mts. Top Day 7: Simkota to Phajoding Today the trek starts with a gradual climb to a saddle, at an altitude of 4180M. The descent from here brings us to a small lake, follwed by a gentle climb and descent into another valley. If the weather is good, one can view Bhutan's highest mountain Gangkhar Punsum. If we are trekking towards the end of May, the valley will be in full bloom with rhododendrons. Hereafter, the trek is farily easy and we will start descending to Phajoding once we reach the Phumela pass. The Phumela pass is marked by a lone stupa and surrounded prayer flags. The views of the Thimphu valley and the surrounding mountains are magnificient. From here we will descend past Thujidrag Goemba, a meditation center and reach the camp site near the Phjoding temples at an altitude of 3870M. We will visit the beautiful temples here either in the evening or next morning. The trekking distance is about 11KM and will take about 5-6 hours. Top Day 8: Phajoding to Thimphu In the morning we will explore around and then trek down into the Thimphu valley. The hike downhill is through thick forests, mixed with Spruce, Juniper, Rhododendron and Blue Pine. After trekking for about 2-3 hours we will reach a point in upper motithang where our vehicles will pick us up and take us to the hotel. We will spend rest of the day in the capital city Thimphu. As you enter into Thimphu you will see traffic being controlled by traffic policemen rather than traffic lights. We will visit the Memorials Stupa in Thimphu, a beautiful landmark in the Thimphu valley, built in memory of the late King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. If time permits we will visit Changgangkha, one of the oldest temple in Thimphu. This temple was built in the 15th century by one of the first founders of the Drukpa school of Buddhism. Then we will continue to the Nunnery where you will be able to see the dedicated women practitioners. Overnight at Thimphu. Top Day 9: Thimphu to Punakha (departure in the afternoon after local sightseeing in Thimphu) City sightseeing, including visits to the National library, Folk Heritage Museum, and Textile Mueseum. In the afternoon drive to Punakha. 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. If time permits, we will visit the Punakha Dzong. 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. Top Day 10: Drive from Punakha 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. Top Day 11: Drive from 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. The Bumthang valley is composed of four alpine valleys, namely, Chummey, Chhokhor,Tang and Ura. Top Day 12: Local sightseeing in Bumthang 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. Top Day 13: Continue sightseeing in Bumthang Full day excursion to Ura. Today we will visit the Membar Tsho a deep gorge, through which the Tang River flows. This is the place where the great treasure discoverer Pema Lingpa discovered most of the hidden treasures. Continue drive to Ura valley to visit the Ura Lhakhang and in the evening back to Bumthang. Top Day 14: 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. Top Day 15: 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. Top Day 16: Departure from Paro Our guide will help you with the departure formalities at the airport and bid you goodbye with Tashi Khadhar. Top Tashi Delek and Bon Voyage
Day 2: Paro Sightseeing Drive north-west up the Pa-chu to Drukgyel Dzong. This Dzong was built in the year 1649 and later destroyed by fire in 1951. This Dzong which now lies in ruins was built to commemorate the victory over the Tibetan invaders in the 17th century. On a clear day the sacred Mt. Jumolhari can be viewed in the back ground of the fortress. On the way back, we will visit a typical Bhutanese farmhouse and experience rural life in Bhutan. After lunch, we'll drive to Ta-Dzong, the National Museum. Thereafter, we will visit the Paro Dzong and then walk down to see the traditional Bhutanese cantilever bridge. Overnight at Paro. OR Make a day long excursion to Taktsang. We will drive through Paro Town to Satsam Chorten and continue on the feeder road leading towards 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, you will be on your own for the rest of the evening. Overnight at Paro. Top Day 3: Paro to Jeli Dzong Today’s trek will be a short one, but involving a steep climb towards the end of the day. On a clear day, the Paro valley can be seen from the top of Jeli Dzong. The campsite will be very close to the Jeli Dzong and we will be able to visit the Dzong occupied by a Priest and a small group of young monks. This Dzong is located at an altitude of about 3490M. The trekking distance is about 10KM and will take about 4-5 hours. Top Day 4: Jeli Dzong to Jangchuklakha The first part of the trek is a gradual ascent through thick alpine forests and rhododendron trees. It’s a fairly easy day. If the weather holds good, one will be able to view Mount Jumolhari. We will either camp very close to the yak herder’s camp ground or go further up on the hillside. This camp site is loccated at an altitude of 3750M. The distance for the day is about 10KM and will take about 4-5 hours. Top Day 5: Jangchuklakha to Jimilang Tsho (lake) The trail now follows a ridge and we will be climbing to higher grounds and if weather is clear we will be able to view the spectular mountain ranges of the eastern Himalayas. Although the trek is arduous, you will enjoy it as you will get to view some of Bhutan's most beautiful and spectular mountain landscapes. After a long climb up the mountain (4180M), we will descend into the valley of Jimilangtsho, a lake filled with rainbow trouts. The camp-site is located at an altitude of 3880M. The trekking distance is about 12KM and will take about 5-6 hours. Top Day 6: Jimilang Tsho to Simkota The trail climbs through dwarf rhododendrons to the lake of Ja-nya Tsho. We will stop for a picnic lunch by the lake side at a beautiful seasonal yak-herders camp. After lunch we will make a short climb along the ridge and therefater descend to the camp site which is locate beside the Simkota Tsho at an altitude of 4040M. In this sector, you will also come across some yak herders and get to see their way of life (this is seasonal). The trekking distance is about 11KM and will take about 5-6 hours. Altitude 3000Mts. Top Day 7: Simkota to Phajoding Today the trek starts with a gradual climb to a saddle, at an altitude of 4180M. The descent from here brings us to a small lake, follwed by a gentle climb and descent into another valley. If the weather is good, one can view Bhutan's highest mountain Gangkhar Punsum. If we are trekking towards the end of May, the valley will be in full bloom with rhododendrons. Hereafter, the trek is farily easy and we will start descending to Phajoding once we reach the Phumela pass. The Phumela pass is marked by a lone stupa and surrounded prayer flags. The views of the Thimphu valley and the surrounding mountains are magnificient. From here we will descend past Thujidrag Goemba, a meditation center and reach the camp site near the Phjoding temples at an altitude of 3870M. We will visit the beautiful temples here either in the evening or next morning. The trekking distance is about 11KM and will take about 5-6 hours. Top Day 8: Phajoding to Thimphu In the morning we will explore around and then trek down into the Thimphu valley. The hike downhill is through thick forests, mixed with Spruce, Juniper, Rhododendron and Blue Pine. After trekking for about 2-3 hours we will reach a point in upper motithang where our vehicles will pick us up and take us to the hotel. We will spend rest of the day in the capital city Thimphu. As you enter into Thimphu you will see traffic being controlled by traffic policemen rather than traffic lights. We will visit the Memorials Stupa in Thimphu, a beautiful landmark in the Thimphu valley, built in memory of the late King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. If time permits we will visit Changgangkha, one of the oldest temple in Thimphu. This temple was built in the 15th century by one of the first founders of the Drukpa school of Buddhism. Then we will continue to the Nunnery where you will be able to see the dedicated women practitioners. Overnight at Thimphu. Top Day 9: Thimphu to Punakha (departure in the afternoon after local sightseeing in Thimphu) City sightseeing, including visits to the National library, Folk Heritage Museum, and Textile Mueseum. In the afternoon drive to Punakha. 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. If time permits, we will visit the Punakha Dzong. 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. Top Day 10: Drive from Punakha 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. Top Day 11: Drive from 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. The Bumthang valley is composed of four alpine valleys, namely, Chummey, Chhokhor,Tang and Ura. Top Day 12: Local sightseeing in Bumthang 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. Top Day 13: Continue sightseeing in Bumthang Full day excursion to Ura. Today we will visit the Membar Tsho a deep gorge, through which the Tang River flows. This is the place where the great treasure discoverer Pema Lingpa discovered most of the hidden treasures. Continue drive to Ura valley to visit the Ura Lhakhang and in the evening back to Bumthang. Top Day 14: 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. Top Day 15: 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. Top Day 16: Departure from Paro Our guide will help you with the departure formalities at the airport and bid you goodbye with Tashi Khadhar. Top Tashi Delek and Bon Voyage
Day 3: Paro to Jeli Dzong Today’s trek will be a short one, but involving a steep climb towards the end of the day. On a clear day, the Paro valley can be seen from the top of Jeli Dzong. The campsite will be very close to the Jeli Dzong and we will be able to visit the Dzong occupied by a Priest and a small group of young monks. This Dzong is located at an altitude of about 3490M. The trekking distance is about 10KM and will take about 4-5 hours. Top Day 4: Jeli Dzong to Jangchuklakha The first part of the trek is a gradual ascent through thick alpine forests and rhododendron trees. It’s a fairly easy day. If the weather holds good, one will be able to view Mount Jumolhari. We will either camp very close to the yak herder’s camp ground or go further up on the hillside. This camp site is loccated at an altitude of 3750M. The distance for the day is about 10KM and will take about 4-5 hours. Top Day 5: Jangchuklakha to Jimilang Tsho (lake) The trail now follows a ridge and we will be climbing to higher grounds and if weather is clear we will be able to view the spectular mountain ranges of the eastern Himalayas. Although the trek is arduous, you will enjoy it as you will get to view some of Bhutan's most beautiful and spectular mountain landscapes. After a long climb up the mountain (4180M), we will descend into the valley of Jimilangtsho, a lake filled with rainbow trouts. The camp-site is located at an altitude of 3880M. The trekking distance is about 12KM and will take about 5-6 hours. Top Day 6: Jimilang Tsho to Simkota The trail climbs through dwarf rhododendrons to the lake of Ja-nya Tsho. We will stop for a picnic lunch by the lake side at a beautiful seasonal yak-herders camp. After lunch we will make a short climb along the ridge and therefater descend to the camp site which is locate beside the Simkota Tsho at an altitude of 4040M. In this sector, you will also come across some yak herders and get to see their way of life (this is seasonal). The trekking distance is about 11KM and will take about 5-6 hours. Altitude 3000Mts. Top Day 7: Simkota to Phajoding Today the trek starts with a gradual climb to a saddle, at an altitude of 4180M. The descent from here brings us to a small lake, follwed by a gentle climb and descent into another valley. If the weather is good, one can view Bhutan's highest mountain Gangkhar Punsum. If we are trekking towards the end of May, the valley will be in full bloom with rhododendrons. Hereafter, the trek is farily easy and we will start descending to Phajoding once we reach the Phumela pass. The Phumela pass is marked by a lone stupa and surrounded prayer flags. The views of the Thimphu valley and the surrounding mountains are magnificient. From here we will descend past Thujidrag Goemba, a meditation center and reach the camp site near the Phjoding temples at an altitude of 3870M. We will visit the beautiful temples here either in the evening or next morning. The trekking distance is about 11KM and will take about 5-6 hours. Top Day 8: Phajoding to Thimphu In the morning we will explore around and then trek down into the Thimphu valley. The hike downhill is through thick forests, mixed with Spruce, Juniper, Rhododendron and Blue Pine. After trekking for about 2-3 hours we will reach a point in upper motithang where our vehicles will pick us up and take us to the hotel. We will spend rest of the day in the capital city Thimphu. As you enter into Thimphu you will see traffic being controlled by traffic policemen rather than traffic lights. We will visit the Memorials Stupa in Thimphu, a beautiful landmark in the Thimphu valley, built in memory of the late King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. If time permits we will visit Changgangkha, one of the oldest temple in Thimphu. This temple was built in the 15th century by one of the first founders of the Drukpa school of Buddhism. Then we will continue to the Nunnery where you will be able to see the dedicated women practitioners. Overnight at Thimphu. Top Day 9: Thimphu to Punakha (departure in the afternoon after local sightseeing in Thimphu) City sightseeing, including visits to the National library, Folk Heritage Museum, and Textile Mueseum. In the afternoon drive to Punakha. 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. If time permits, we will visit the Punakha Dzong. 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. Top Day 10: Drive from Punakha 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. Top Day 11: Drive from 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. The Bumthang valley is composed of four alpine valleys, namely, Chummey, Chhokhor,Tang and Ura. Top Day 12: Local sightseeing in Bumthang 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. Top Day 13: Continue sightseeing in Bumthang Full day excursion to Ura. Today we will visit the Membar Tsho a deep gorge, through which the Tang River flows. This is the place where the great treasure discoverer Pema Lingpa discovered most of the hidden treasures. Continue drive to Ura valley to visit the Ura Lhakhang and in the evening back to Bumthang. Top Day 14: 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. Top Day 15: 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. Top Day 16: Departure from Paro Our guide will help you with the departure formalities at the airport and bid you goodbye with Tashi Khadhar. Top Tashi Delek and Bon Voyage
Day 4: Jeli Dzong to Jangchuklakha The first part of the trek is a gradual ascent through thick alpine forests and rhododendron trees. It’s a fairly easy day. If the weather holds good, one will be able to view Mount Jumolhari. We will either camp very close to the yak herder’s camp ground or go further up on the hillside. This camp site is loccated at an altitude of 3750M. The distance for the day is about 10KM and will take about 4-5 hours. Top Day 5: Jangchuklakha to Jimilang Tsho (lake) The trail now follows a ridge and we will be climbing to higher grounds and if weather is clear we will be able to view the spectular mountain ranges of the eastern Himalayas. Although the trek is arduous, you will enjoy it as you will get to view some of Bhutan's most beautiful and spectular mountain landscapes. After a long climb up the mountain (4180M), we will descend into the valley of Jimilangtsho, a lake filled with rainbow trouts. The camp-site is located at an altitude of 3880M. The trekking distance is about 12KM and will take about 5-6 hours. Top Day 6: Jimilang Tsho to Simkota The trail climbs through dwarf rhododendrons to the lake of Ja-nya Tsho. We will stop for a picnic lunch by the lake side at a beautiful seasonal yak-herders camp. After lunch we will make a short climb along the ridge and therefater descend to the camp site which is locate beside the Simkota Tsho at an altitude of 4040M. In this sector, you will also come across some yak herders and get to see their way of life (this is seasonal). The trekking distance is about 11KM and will take about 5-6 hours. Altitude 3000Mts. Top Day 7: Simkota to Phajoding Today the trek starts with a gradual climb to a saddle, at an altitude of 4180M. The descent from here brings us to a small lake, follwed by a gentle climb and descent into another valley. If the weather is good, one can view Bhutan's highest mountain Gangkhar Punsum. If we are trekking towards the end of May, the valley will be in full bloom with rhododendrons. Hereafter, the trek is farily easy and we will start descending to Phajoding once we reach the Phumela pass. The Phumela pass is marked by a lone stupa and surrounded prayer flags. The views of the Thimphu valley and the surrounding mountains are magnificient. From here we will descend past Thujidrag Goemba, a meditation center and reach the camp site near the Phjoding temples at an altitude of 3870M. We will visit the beautiful temples here either in the evening or next morning. The trekking distance is about 11KM and will take about 5-6 hours. Top Day 8: Phajoding to Thimphu In the morning we will explore around and then trek down into the Thimphu valley. The hike downhill is through thick forests, mixed with Spruce, Juniper, Rhododendron and Blue Pine. After trekking for about 2-3 hours we will reach a point in upper motithang where our vehicles will pick us up and take us to the hotel. We will spend rest of the day in the capital city Thimphu. As you enter into Thimphu you will see traffic being controlled by traffic policemen rather than traffic lights. We will visit the Memorials Stupa in Thimphu, a beautiful landmark in the Thimphu valley, built in memory of the late King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. If time permits we will visit Changgangkha, one of the oldest temple in Thimphu. This temple was built in the 15th century by one of the first founders of the Drukpa school of Buddhism. Then we will continue to the Nunnery where you will be able to see the dedicated women practitioners. Overnight at Thimphu. Top Day 9: Thimphu to Punakha (departure in the afternoon after local sightseeing in Thimphu) City sightseeing, including visits to the National library, Folk Heritage Museum, and Textile Mueseum. In the afternoon drive to Punakha. 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. If time permits, we will visit the Punakha Dzong. 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. Top Day 10: Drive from Punakha 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. Top Day 11: Drive from 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. The Bumthang valley is composed of four alpine valleys, namely, Chummey, Chhokhor,Tang and Ura. Top Day 12: Local sightseeing in Bumthang 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. Top Day 13: Continue sightseeing in Bumthang Full day excursion to Ura. Today we will visit the Membar Tsho a deep gorge, through which the Tang River flows. This is the place where the great treasure discoverer Pema Lingpa discovered most of the hidden treasures. Continue drive to Ura valley to visit the Ura Lhakhang and in the evening back to Bumthang. Top Day 14: 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. Top Day 15: 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. Top Day 16: Departure from Paro Our guide will help you with the departure formalities at the airport and bid you goodbye with Tashi Khadhar. Top Tashi Delek and Bon Voyage
Day 5: Jangchuklakha to Jimilang Tsho (lake) The trail now follows a ridge and we will be climbing to higher grounds and if weather is clear we will be able to view the spectular mountain ranges of the eastern Himalayas. Although the trek is arduous, you will enjoy it as you will get to view some of Bhutan's most beautiful and spectular mountain landscapes. After a long climb up the mountain (4180M), we will descend into the valley of Jimilangtsho, a lake filled with rainbow trouts. The camp-site is located at an altitude of 3880M. The trekking distance is about 12KM and will take about 5-6 hours. Top Day 6: Jimilang Tsho to Simkota The trail climbs through dwarf rhododendrons to the lake of Ja-nya Tsho. We will stop for a picnic lunch by the lake side at a beautiful seasonal yak-herders camp. After lunch we will make a short climb along the ridge and therefater descend to the camp site which is locate beside the Simkota Tsho at an altitude of 4040M. In this sector, you will also come across some yak herders and get to see their way of life (this is seasonal). The trekking distance is about 11KM and will take about 5-6 hours. Altitude 3000Mts. Top Day 7: Simkota to Phajoding Today the trek starts with a gradual climb to a saddle, at an altitude of 4180M. The descent from here brings us to a small lake, follwed by a gentle climb and descent into another valley. If the weather is good, one can view Bhutan's highest mountain Gangkhar Punsum. If we are trekking towards the end of May, the valley will be in full bloom with rhododendrons. Hereafter, the trek is farily easy and we will start descending to Phajoding once we reach the Phumela pass. The Phumela pass is marked by a lone stupa and surrounded prayer flags. The views of the Thimphu valley and the surrounding mountains are magnificient. From here we will descend past Thujidrag Goemba, a meditation center and reach the camp site near the Phjoding temples at an altitude of 3870M. We will visit the beautiful temples here either in the evening or next morning. The trekking distance is about 11KM and will take about 5-6 hours. Top Day 8: Phajoding to Thimphu In the morning we will explore around and then trek down into the Thimphu valley. The hike downhill is through thick forests, mixed with Spruce, Juniper, Rhododendron and Blue Pine. After trekking for about 2-3 hours we will reach a point in upper motithang where our vehicles will pick us up and take us to the hotel. We will spend rest of the day in the capital city Thimphu. As you enter into Thimphu you will see traffic being controlled by traffic policemen rather than traffic lights. We will visit the Memorials Stupa in Thimphu, a beautiful landmark in the Thimphu valley, built in memory of the late King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. If time permits we will visit Changgangkha, one of the oldest temple in Thimphu. This temple was built in the 15th century by one of the first founders of the Drukpa school of Buddhism. Then we will continue to the Nunnery where you will be able to see the dedicated women practitioners. Overnight at Thimphu. Top Day 9: Thimphu to Punakha (departure in the afternoon after local sightseeing in Thimphu) City sightseeing, including visits to the National library, Folk Heritage Museum, and Textile Mueseum. In the afternoon drive to Punakha. 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. If time permits, we will visit the Punakha Dzong. 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. Top Day 10: Drive from Punakha 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. Top Day 11: Drive from 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. The Bumthang valley is composed of four alpine valleys, namely, Chummey, Chhokhor,Tang and Ura. Top Day 12: Local sightseeing in Bumthang 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. Top Day 13: Continue sightseeing in Bumthang Full day excursion to Ura. Today we will visit the Membar Tsho a deep gorge, through which the Tang River flows. This is the place where the great treasure discoverer Pema Lingpa discovered most of the hidden treasures. Continue drive to Ura valley to visit the Ura Lhakhang and in the evening back to Bumthang. Top Day 14: 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. Top Day 15: 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. Top Day 16: Departure from Paro Our guide will help you with the departure formalities at the airport and bid you goodbye with Tashi Khadhar. Top Tashi Delek and Bon Voyage
Day 6: Jimilang Tsho to Simkota The trail climbs through dwarf rhododendrons to the lake of Ja-nya Tsho. We will stop for a picnic lunch by the lake side at a beautiful seasonal yak-herders camp. After lunch we will make a short climb along the ridge and therefater descend to the camp site which is locate beside the Simkota Tsho at an altitude of 4040M. In this sector, you will also come across some yak herders and get to see their way of life (this is seasonal). The trekking distance is about 11KM and will take about 5-6 hours. Altitude 3000Mts. Top Day 7: Simkota to Phajoding Today the trek starts with a gradual climb to a saddle, at an altitude of 4180M. The descent from here brings us to a small lake, follwed by a gentle climb and descent into another valley. If the weather is good, one can view Bhutan's highest mountain Gangkhar Punsum. If we are trekking towards the end of May, the valley will be in full bloom with rhododendrons. Hereafter, the trek is farily easy and we will start descending to Phajoding once we reach the Phumela pass. The Phumela pass is marked by a lone stupa and surrounded prayer flags. The views of the Thimphu valley and the surrounding mountains are magnificient. From here we will descend past Thujidrag Goemba, a meditation center and reach the camp site near the Phjoding temples at an altitude of 3870M. We will visit the beautiful temples here either in the evening or next morning. The trekking distance is about 11KM and will take about 5-6 hours. Top Day 8: Phajoding to Thimphu In the morning we will explore around and then trek down into the Thimphu valley. The hike downhill is through thick forests, mixed with Spruce, Juniper, Rhododendron and Blue Pine. After trekking for about 2-3 hours we will reach a point in upper motithang where our vehicles will pick us up and take us to the hotel. We will spend rest of the day in the capital city Thimphu. As you enter into Thimphu you will see traffic being controlled by traffic policemen rather than traffic lights. We will visit the Memorials Stupa in Thimphu, a beautiful landmark in the Thimphu valley, built in memory of the late King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. If time permits we will visit Changgangkha, one of the oldest temple in Thimphu. This temple was built in the 15th century by one of the first founders of the Drukpa school of Buddhism. Then we will continue to the Nunnery where you will be able to see the dedicated women practitioners. Overnight at Thimphu. Top Day 9: Thimphu to Punakha (departure in the afternoon after local sightseeing in Thimphu) City sightseeing, including visits to the National library, Folk Heritage Museum, and Textile Mueseum. In the afternoon drive to Punakha. 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. If time permits, we will visit the Punakha Dzong. 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. Top Day 10: Drive from Punakha 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. Top Day 11: Drive from 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. The Bumthang valley is composed of four alpine valleys, namely, Chummey, Chhokhor,Tang and Ura. Top Day 12: Local sightseeing in Bumthang 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. Top Day 13: Continue sightseeing in Bumthang Full day excursion to Ura. Today we will visit the Membar Tsho a deep gorge, through which the Tang River flows. This is the place where the great treasure discoverer Pema Lingpa discovered most of the hidden treasures. Continue drive to Ura valley to visit the Ura Lhakhang and in the evening back to Bumthang. Top Day 14: 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. Top Day 15: 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. Top Day 16: Departure from Paro Our guide will help you with the departure formalities at the airport and bid you goodbye with Tashi Khadhar. Top Tashi Delek and Bon Voyage
Day 7: Simkota to Phajoding Today the trek starts with a gradual climb to a saddle, at an altitude of 4180M. The descent from here brings us to a small lake, follwed by a gentle climb and descent into another valley. If the weather is good, one can view Bhutan's highest mountain Gangkhar Punsum. If we are trekking towards the end of May, the valley will be in full bloom with rhododendrons. Hereafter, the trek is farily easy and we will start descending to Phajoding once we reach the Phumela pass. The Phumela pass is marked by a lone stupa and surrounded prayer flags. The views of the Thimphu valley and the surrounding mountains are magnificient. From here we will descend past Thujidrag Goemba, a meditation center and reach the camp site near the Phjoding temples at an altitude of 3870M. We will visit the beautiful temples here either in the evening or next morning. The trekking distance is about 11KM and will take about 5-6 hours. Top Day 8: Phajoding to Thimphu In the morning we will explore around and then trek down into the Thimphu valley. The hike downhill is through thick forests, mixed with Spruce, Juniper, Rhododendron and Blue Pine. After trekking for about 2-3 hours we will reach a point in upper motithang where our vehicles will pick us up and take us to the hotel. We will spend rest of the day in the capital city Thimphu. As you enter into Thimphu you will see traffic being controlled by traffic policemen rather than traffic lights. We will visit the Memorials Stupa in Thimphu, a beautiful landmark in the Thimphu valley, built in memory of the late King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. If time permits we will visit Changgangkha, one of the oldest temple in Thimphu. This temple was built in the 15th century by one of the first founders of the Drukpa school of Buddhism. Then we will continue to the Nunnery where you will be able to see the dedicated women practitioners. Overnight at Thimphu. Top Day 9: Thimphu to Punakha (departure in the afternoon after local sightseeing in Thimphu) City sightseeing, including visits to the National library, Folk Heritage Museum, and Textile Mueseum. In the afternoon drive to Punakha. 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. If time permits, we will visit the Punakha Dzong. 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. Top Day 10: Drive from Punakha 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. Top Day 11: Drive from 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. The Bumthang valley is composed of four alpine valleys, namely, Chummey, Chhokhor,Tang and Ura. Top Day 12: Local sightseeing in Bumthang 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. Top Day 13: Continue sightseeing in Bumthang Full day excursion to Ura. Today we will visit the Membar Tsho a deep gorge, through which the Tang River flows. This is the place where the great treasure discoverer Pema Lingpa discovered most of the hidden treasures. Continue drive to Ura valley to visit the Ura Lhakhang and in the evening back to Bumthang. Top Day 14: 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. Top Day 15: 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. Top Day 16: Departure from Paro Our guide will help you with the departure formalities at the airport and bid you goodbye with Tashi Khadhar. Top Tashi Delek and Bon Voyage
Day 8: Phajoding to Thimphu In the morning we will explore around and then trek down into the Thimphu valley. The hike downhill is through thick forests, mixed with Spruce, Juniper, Rhododendron and Blue Pine. After trekking for about 2-3 hours we will reach a point in upper motithang where our vehicles will pick us up and take us to the hotel. We will spend rest of the day in the capital city Thimphu. As you enter into Thimphu you will see traffic being controlled by traffic policemen rather than traffic lights. We will visit the Memorials Stupa in Thimphu, a beautiful landmark in the Thimphu valley, built in memory of the late King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. If time permits we will visit Changgangkha, one of the oldest temple in Thimphu. This temple was built in the 15th century by one of the first founders of the Drukpa school of Buddhism. Then we will continue to the Nunnery where you will be able to see the dedicated women practitioners. Overnight at Thimphu. Top Day 9: Thimphu to Punakha (departure in the afternoon after local sightseeing in Thimphu) City sightseeing, including visits to the National library, Folk Heritage Museum, and Textile Mueseum. In the afternoon drive to Punakha. 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. If time permits, we will visit the Punakha Dzong. 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. Top Day 10: Drive from Punakha 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. Top Day 11: Drive from 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. The Bumthang valley is composed of four alpine valleys, namely, Chummey, Chhokhor,Tang and Ura. Top Day 12: Local sightseeing in Bumthang 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. Top Day 13: Continue sightseeing in Bumthang Full day excursion to Ura. Today we will visit the Membar Tsho a deep gorge, through which the Tang River flows. This is the place where the great treasure discoverer Pema Lingpa discovered most of the hidden treasures. Continue drive to Ura valley to visit the Ura Lhakhang and in the evening back to Bumthang. Top Day 14: 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. Top Day 15: 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. Top Day 16: Departure from Paro Our guide will help you with the departure formalities at the airport and bid you goodbye with Tashi Khadhar. Top Tashi Delek and Bon Voyage
We will spend rest of the day in the capital city Thimphu. As you enter into Thimphu you will see traffic being controlled by traffic policemen rather than traffic lights. We will visit the Memorials Stupa in Thimphu, a beautiful landmark in the Thimphu valley, built in memory of the late King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. If time permits we will visit Changgangkha, one of the oldest temple in Thimphu. This temple was built in the 15th century by one of the first founders of the Drukpa school of Buddhism. Then we will continue to the Nunnery where you will be able to see the dedicated women practitioners. Overnight at Thimphu.
Day 9: Thimphu to Punakha (departure in the afternoon after local sightseeing in Thimphu) City sightseeing, including visits to the National library, Folk Heritage Museum, and Textile Mueseum. In the afternoon drive to Punakha. 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. If time permits, we will visit the Punakha Dzong. 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. Top Day 10: Drive from Punakha 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. Top Day 11: Drive from 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. The Bumthang valley is composed of four alpine valleys, namely, Chummey, Chhokhor,Tang and Ura. Top Day 12: Local sightseeing in Bumthang 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. Top Day 13: Continue sightseeing in Bumthang Full day excursion to Ura. Today we will visit the Membar Tsho a deep gorge, through which the Tang River flows. This is the place where the great treasure discoverer Pema Lingpa discovered most of the hidden treasures. Continue drive to Ura valley to visit the Ura Lhakhang and in the evening back to Bumthang. Top Day 14: 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. Top Day 15: 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. Top Day 16: Departure from Paro Our guide will help you with the departure formalities at the airport and bid you goodbye with Tashi Khadhar. Top Tashi Delek and Bon Voyage
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.
Day 10: Drive from Punakha 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. Top Day 11: Drive from 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. The Bumthang valley is composed of four alpine valleys, namely, Chummey, Chhokhor,Tang and Ura. Top Day 12: Local sightseeing in Bumthang 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. Top Day 13: Continue sightseeing in Bumthang Full day excursion to Ura. Today we will visit the Membar Tsho a deep gorge, through which the Tang River flows. This is the place where the great treasure discoverer Pema Lingpa discovered most of the hidden treasures. Continue drive to Ura valley to visit the Ura Lhakhang and in the evening back to Bumthang. Top Day 14: 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. Top Day 15: 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. Top Day 16: Departure from Paro Our guide will help you with the departure formalities at the airport and bid you goodbye with Tashi Khadhar. Top Tashi Delek and Bon Voyage
Day 11: Drive from 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. The Bumthang valley is composed of four alpine valleys, namely, Chummey, Chhokhor,Tang and Ura. Top Day 12: Local sightseeing in Bumthang 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. Top Day 13: Continue sightseeing in Bumthang Full day excursion to Ura. Today we will visit the Membar Tsho a deep gorge, through which the Tang River flows. This is the place where the great treasure discoverer Pema Lingpa discovered most of the hidden treasures. Continue drive to Ura valley to visit the Ura Lhakhang and in the evening back to Bumthang. Top Day 14: 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. Top Day 15: 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. Top Day 16: Departure from Paro Our guide will help you with the departure formalities at the airport and bid you goodbye with Tashi Khadhar. Top Tashi Delek and Bon Voyage
Day 12: Local sightseeing in Bumthang 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. Top Day 13: Continue sightseeing in Bumthang Full day excursion to Ura. Today we will visit the Membar Tsho a deep gorge, through which the Tang River flows. This is the place where the great treasure discoverer Pema Lingpa discovered most of the hidden treasures. Continue drive to Ura valley to visit the Ura Lhakhang and in the evening back to Bumthang. Top Day 14: 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. Top Day 15: 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. Top Day 16: Departure from Paro Our guide will help you with the departure formalities at the airport and bid you goodbye with Tashi Khadhar. Top Tashi Delek and Bon Voyage
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 13: Continue sightseeing in Bumthang Full day excursion to Ura. Today we will visit the Membar Tsho a deep gorge, through which the Tang River flows. This is the place where the great treasure discoverer Pema Lingpa discovered most of the hidden treasures. Continue drive to Ura valley to visit the Ura Lhakhang and in the evening back to Bumthang. Top Day 14: 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. Top Day 15: 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. Top Day 16: Departure from Paro Our guide will help you with the departure formalities at the airport and bid you goodbye with Tashi Khadhar. Top Tashi Delek and Bon Voyage
Day 14: 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. Top Day 15: 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. Top Day 16: Departure from Paro Our guide will help you with the departure formalities at the airport and bid you goodbye with Tashi Khadhar. Top Tashi Delek and Bon Voyage
Day 15: 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. Top Day 16: Departure from Paro Our guide will help you with the departure formalities at the airport and bid you goodbye with Tashi Khadhar. Top Tashi Delek and Bon Voyage
Day 16: Departure from Paro Our guide will help you with the departure formalities at the airport and bid you goodbye with Tashi Khadhar. Top Tashi Delek and Bon Voyage
Tashi Delek and Bon Voyage
