Today you arrive into Paro, Bhutan’s only international airport.
The flight into Bhutan takes you close to the great Himalayas; offering dazzling scenic views of some of world’s highest glacial peaks. As you enter the Paro valley, you will pass forested hills with the slivery Pa Chu (Paro River) meandering down the valley below with the Paro Dzong (fortress) and Ta Dzong (watch tower) on the hill above the town.
As you exit from the arrival hall of Paro airport, you will be met by your guide and chauffeured to your hotel in Thimphu (1 hour drive). En-route you will stop to visit the Tamchogg Lhakhang and marvel at the iron bridge reconstructed using original chain links from the famous Tibetan bridge builder Thangtong Gyelpo.
Drive onwards to your hotel for check in. Rest of the morning is at leisure.
In the afternoon, you will visit the National Memorial Chorten. This landmark of Thimphu was built in 1974 in the memory of third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who is popularly regarded as Father of Modern Bhutan. It is a four-storey tall white building, containing statues and iconography of deities from complex tantric teachings and serves as an important place of worship for Thimphu residents, as well as from other parts of the country.
Drive onwards to Buddha Dordenma – a gigantic Shakyamuni Buddha statue. The statue is filled with over one hundred thousand smaller Buddha statues, each of which, like the Buddha Dordenma itself, but made of bronze and gilded in gold. At a height of 51.5 metres, it is one of the tallest Buddha statues on the world.
Then end the day with a visit to the Takin Preserve in Motithang. Takin is the National animal of Bhutan and looks like a cross breed between a cow and a goat. Legend has it that the animal was created by the great Buddhist yogi, Drupa Kunley or Divine Madman, and this particular species of Takin is found only in Bhutan and nearby areas.
Overnight - Amankora, Thimphu - Suite including all meals
You begin the day with drive to take a short hike to Tango Goenpa. Situated north of Thimphu, one way it takes about 30 minutes’ drive and an hour long walk through shaded rhododendron forests to reach the monastery. The site of the monastery was founded in 12th century and later Lama Drukpa Kuenley (Divine Madman) established the present building in 15th century. The great saint called Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, in 1616 meditated in a cave near the monastery and helped ensure the defeat of an invading Tibetan army. Tango currently functions as a Buddhist university with 280 monks studying there.
Return to the hotel for lunch and short rest.
In the afternoon, visit the the Textile Museum. Weaving is an integral component of the culture and tradition of Bhutan. With the aim to preserve and promote this living art, the Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan was instituted in May 2005 under the patronage of Her Majesty Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck as a non-government, non-profit organization. The Academy will also provide in bringing about a National Centre for weaving and educating young students in textiles, fabric designs and museum studies. It will also serve as a centre for tourists, introducing the nation’s masterpiece to its visitors, while expanding the nation’s resource for cultural tourism.
Followed by a visit to the Jungshi paper making factory. It is located approximately 1 km from Thimphu City. The factory uses the bark of two tree species, the Daphne tree and Dhekap tree in the manufacture of traditional paper. Visitors can observe the entire process of producing handmade paper using ancient traditional methods that have been practiced for generations. You can even try your hand at this ancient craft and make some paper of your very own as a souvenir. Deh-sho paper was originally used by monasteries for woodblock and manuscript books and also for writing prayer books.
Later, drive past the Tashichho Dzong known as the "Fortress of the Glorious Religion" it was initially built in 1641. The Dzong houses, main secretariat building which houses the throne room of His Majesty, the King of Bhutan. The Dzong also functions as a winter residence for a central monastic body. The National Assembly hall is housed in a modern building on the other side of the river from the Dzong.
Overnight - Amankora, Thimphu - Suite including all meals
After an early breakfast this morning, you will be transferred to Punakha (3 hour’s drive). The road climbs steeply through a scenic forest of pine and cedar trees, to Dochu La pass (10,000 feet). The pass offers panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges.
Stop at Dochu La to visit the 108 stupas built on this 3,150 meter high pass in honor the fallen Bhutanese soldiers.
Well before reaching Punakha stop en route and walk through paddy fields and the village of artists to Chimi Lhakhang (Fertility temple), which is on a small hilltop. The temple was dedicated to the great Yogi in the 14th century, known as Drukpa Kuenley, also known as the “Divine madman.” He is known for dramatizing Buddhist teachings using songs. It is believed that this temple blesses women who seek fertility.
Afterwards, you will be driven to your hotel for check-in and lunch.
In the late afternoon, proceed back towards Punakha and visit the beautiful Punakha Dzong. Constructed in 1637, this was the second of Bhutan’s Dzong and for many years its seat of government. From this spectacular setting you can look back to see the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Temple perched on the hillside far in the distance.
Overnight - Amankora, Punakha - Suite including all meals
At around 7.00 am, you drive to the suspension bridge from where you begin a hike to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten with a packed breakfast. You can also start your hike from the hotel and walk all the way to the chorten through beautiful farm lands and virgin forests. This three storey lhakhang was built by Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon for the protection of the country. It has an impressive view of Punakha valley. The deities represented here belong to a teaching cycle of Dudjom Rinpoche, a great Nyingmapa master (1904-87). The functions of the deities are to subjugate enemies and harmful influences and also to spread peace and harmony. The lhakhang is a 45 minute hike from the main road.
Optional – Hike to Giligang village from here instead of returning to the hotel. Hike will take about 4 hours to complete.
Afterwards drive back to the hotel and rest of the morning is at leisure.
Later this afternoon, you will drive to visit the Sangchhen Dorji Lhendrup Lhakhang Nunnery. Perched on a ridge amid pine trees gleams the magnificent structures of Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang(temple). The temple houses a 14-foot main bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara (Chenrigzig chagtong chentong). Other statues include those of Guru Padmasambawa, Gautama Buddha, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, Tsela Namsum, the 21 Taras and Tsepamay (Buddha of longevity). The Avalokiteshvara statue, one of the biggest in the country, was the handiwork of entirely local Bhutanese artisans. The temple complex also houses a permanent higher learning and meditation center for nuns where, apart from religious trainings, it provides life skill training such as tailoring, embroidery, statue making and thangka painting.
Here you will have a Tshewang (blessing) ceremony. It is a prayer for personal empowerment, wish fulfilment and a healthy life. The prayer will last approximately 30 minutes, during which you will participate in the lighting up of butter candles as well.
Overnight - Amankora, Punakha - Suite including all meals
Early this morning, after breakfast, you will be chauffeured to Gangtey (3 hours’ drive). The road takes you through the fertile valley of Wangdue (4,430 feet).
Crossing Wangdue the road once again gradually climbs to Lawa La pass, which offers the magnificent views of Jhomolhari (7300m) mountain and Jichu Drake (6700m). There is an abrupt change in vegetation as we drive, with mountain forest replaced by high altitude dwarf bamboo. Enroute stop at Nobding village and later at the pass for the fabulous views.
Gangtey is a beautiful valley and is the winter home of endangered black-necked cranes that migrate from the arid plains in the north to pass their winter in milder climate. These winged visitors begin arriving around the last week of September and start going back by around end of February/ early March. Phobjikha is at an altitude of 2900 m above sea level and on the periphery of the Black Mountain National Park.
On reaching Gangtey check in to the hotel, soak in the beautiful views of the Gangtey valley and relax over lunch. If you are feeling a little more adventurous, opt to free wheel down from Lewa La pass on mountain bikes which can be organised from the lodge or hike down about 40 mins through the forest to the lodge.
Afternoon is at leisure for you to acclimatise to this altitude.
Later in the evening, visit the Shedra where 300 monks are undergoing training, to attend a prayer service (Donation not included). This will be only possible if the Shedra has not already gone on their winter vacation.
Overnight - Gangtey Lodge, Gangtey - Suite including all meals
After breakfast, visit Gangtey Goemba (monastery), which enjoys the valley's prime real estate, on a forested hill overlooking the green expanse of the entire Phobjikha valley. Pema Thinley, the grandson and reincarnation of Pema Lingpa, founded the Nyingma temple here in 1613 and today the Goemba is the seat of the 9th reincarnation of the body of the Terton (Treasure discoverer) Pema Lingpa. There are 300 lay-monks studying the Nyingma sect of Buddhism in this Goemba.
Then from the Goemba you will walk along the Gangtey Nature Trail, quite popular amongst the visitors to the valley. Crossing streams and rhododendron gardens you cross Sumchubara village, afterwards you enter the Pine covered forest, which opens at a canopy that affords fabulous views of the valley. Further down, the trial passes the village of Khewang and later you will cross the Nake Chu where you will be picked up by your car.
From here you will be taken to the Crane Information Center a short drive on the way back to the lodge. It gives you the detailed information regarding the valley and the black necked-crane. The center is also equipped with binoculars, installed to watch the cranes. There is a good chance that the last few might still be there at this time. Also enjoy a 15-minute documentary about the endangered bird – “The Birds of Heaven”, if interested.
Return to the lodge for lunch and the rest of the afternoon is at leisure.
Tyr your hand at some traditional archery or darts (khuru) this afternoon on the lodge grounds.
Overnight - Gangtey Lodge, Gangtey - Suite including all meals
This morning you will go on the Longteng Hike. It is a 30 minute drive from Gangtey to the starting point in Longteng village on the East-West highway. Start by walking downwards following the path to the right of the road. The path will lead through bush bamboo towards a small cluster of village houses. There are beautifully coloured rhododendron forests on both sides of the valley, and in the winter months, yaks graze in the area. Continue straight through the village upwards until you reach the start of mystifying old-growth rhododendron forest.
The last part through the forest is slightly steeper uphill until you reach the pass with impressive views of the Gangtey Goemba, the Shedra, the lodge and the rest of the valley down below. You will then continue on the path as it slopes down the valley towards the idyllic Kumbu village. It is possible to get picked up from here, or you may continue down to the Shedra or all the way down to the valley.
The other option will be to ride Mountain bikes from Kumbu village back to the lodge. Please let your guide know the previous evening if you would like the bikes to meet you at Kumbu village after the hike.
This hike will take about 5 hours and you should be back in the lodge by lunch time. Rest of the day is at leisure or you can go for a Mountain bike ride down to the Gangtey valley and come back.
Overnight - Gangtey Lodge, Gangtey - Suite including all meals
Today early morning, you will be transferred to Paro (6 - 7 hours). Lunch will be en route at a local restaurant.
Paro is a historic town with many sacred sites and historical buildings scattered through the area. It is home to many of Bhutan's oldest temples and monasteries, National Museum and the country's only airport. Mount. Jhomolhari (7,314m) reigns in its white glory at the northern end of the valley and its glacial water plunge through deep gorges to form the Pa Chhu (Paro river). Paro is also one of the most fertile valleys in the Kingdom producing a bulk of the locally famous red rice from its terraced fields.
In the late afternoon, visit a local farmhouse. It is a traditional village house. The beauty of Paro valley is embellished by cluster of old fashioned farm houses. Bhutanese farm houses are very colourful, decorative and traditionally built without the use of single nail. All houses follow the same architectural pattern. A visit to Farm House is very interesting and offers a good glimpse into the lifestyle of a farmer.
You will also have a cooking lesson here where you will be taught to make authentic Bhutanese dishes like momos (dumplings), red rice, emma datshi (Chilli and cheeze), etc. This can be organized either at the farmhouse or the hotel.
Overnight - Uma by COMO, Paro - One-Bedroom Villa including all meals
After breakfast, you take a short drive to the north of Paro Valley to Ramthankha, and start your hike to the Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s Nest).
The trail climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche, founder of Buddhism in Bhutan flew from Eastern Bhutan on a tigress, bringing Buddhist teachings with him and meditated here on this cliff. This is one of the most venerated and sacred of all Buddhist sights around the world.
This hike is takes about 5 hours with an approximate 900 meter gain in altitude.
Afterwards you hike down to the car park before returning to the hotel.
Drive back to your hotel and rest of the afternoon is at leisure.
Overnight - Uma by COMO, Paro - One-Bedroom Villa including all meals
This morning you depart Bhutan.
You will be transferred to the Paro airport to board your onward flight.
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