Welcome to the land of the Thunder Dragon. Our ground team will welcome you and we will be heading towards Thimphu, the Capital city of Bhutan. The drive takes around an hour following the Wangchu river upwards passing through several villages. Thimpu is a unique city which maintains a balance between the esoteric and espresso with a warm soul. On our way to Thimpu, the biggest attraction of our sightseeing is Tacho Goemba Monastery, which dates back to the early 15th century built by the saint who is popularly known as the Iron chain maker. To go to the temple, one must cross an iron bridge dating back to 15th century built by the same saint. We will also be visiting the biggest Buddha statue in Kuensel Phodrang, 15 Century Chortens of the Bhutanese, Nepalese and Tibetans, the Memorial Chorten in honor of the third king of Bhutan, Changangkha Lhakhang, and Tashi Cho Dzong. Peek at the Folk Heritage Museum to glance through the traditional and authentic lifestyle of the Bhutanese people. And if you are planning to commence your journey between Friday to Sunday, we will be lucky to witness the local market and traditional textiles in Centerary Farmer's Market. Overnight stay in Thimphu.
Today we will be heading towards the earlier capital of Bhutan, Punakha. Adorned by Pho and Mo Chu rivers and colored by the green of the valley Punakha is like a hidden retreat. The way to Punakha from Thimpu is one of the most beautiful road tracks of the country, where we will be gliding through the labyrinths of blue pine, oak, and rhododendrons with the background canvas of the mighty Himalayas and profound valleys. On the way, we will be crossing the longest suspension bridge of the country and the famous 108 stupas. Punakha is at a lower elevation than Thimpu at 1200mts amsl and is generally warmer. In the spring the lilac-colored jacarandas and the green shades of the paddy fields make it more enchanting. Today we will be taking some short beautiful hikes and the hike to Chimmi Lhakhang (The Temple of Divine Madman) passing through Lobesa village is considered to be one of the most beautiful hikes of the country. We will be taking a short walk to Sobsokha village to witness the simplicities of the daily lives of the local people. Following that, we will be taking a 45 minutes hike through paddy fields and pine forests to Khamsum Yuelay Namgyal Chorten which provides a magnificent view of the entire valley. Finally, we will end the beautiful day by visiting the Punakha Dzong which has been the place of coronation of most of the kings of Bhutan. Overnight stay in Punakha.
A ride of 90 km from Punakha will take us to the quaint terrain of Phobjikha where the simplicity and smiling faces will warm and win your heart. In Phobjika ( which is also known as Gangtey) there is no touristy razzmatazz and a large section of the area has been preserved as a conservation area for the endangered black-necked cranes which migrate to Bhutan from Central Asia during the winters. Visit the Centre to learn more about the conservation of this endangered species and use the powerful spotting scope to spot them. Also, the visit to the Gangtey Goemba, the most important monastery of the Nyingmapa school of Buddhism to know about the multifarious dimensions of Tibetian Buddhism. Later, we will explore the valley through a pleasurable hike from the Gangtey Monastery through the flower meadows of Semchubara village, pristine forests - open valleys and after passing by a Chorten and Khewa Lhakhang, we will be reaching our accommodation. Get a good and sound sleep today as tomorrow will be the longest drive of the entire trip. Overnight in Phobjikha.
We will leave early today for the long drive from Phobjikha to Gangtey via Trongsa which will take us approximately 5 - 6 hours. The drive will take us through lush green scenic mountains with spectacular views and will cross three high mountains passes, several villages and small towns before reaching Bumthang. This holiest and beautiful township is also a vantage point for enjoying the breathtaking view of the four scenic valleys of Ura, Chumey, Tang, and Choekhor. On the way to Bumthang, we will be crossing the Pele La Pass which runs at an altitude of 3,400m amsl and cut through the valley of Yak Herders which is a paradise for bird lovers. Ta Dzong the ancient watchtower which is now the present National Museum would be a new window to glance at Bhutan's glorious and fascinating past. On the way, we will also make halts at Chendebji Chorten, Trongsa Dzong, and Trongsa Town. Visit the Chummey weaving center run by some local families who are still keeping the traditional skills and craftsmanship of weaving alive. Overnight stay in Bumthang.
There's hardly any better way to understand a place and appreciate its beauty than taking a stroll or hike down the off the beaten tracks. Quite early in the morning, we will leave for a 4 hours trek to Peseling Goemba. The monastery was built in 1769 which still stands on top of a steep mountain ridge overlooking Chamkhar town. Before starting the trek we will be visiting Jambay Lhakhang one of the oldest temples in the country built in 7th Cent. On the way, we will also visit Kurjey Lhakhang complex, Tamshing Lhakhang and Jakar Dzong. As we set off for the trek to Peseling Goemba, the hikers are presented with breathtaking views of the valley and large species of flora and fauna are found along the way which keeps the journey interesting. After crossing some beautiful meadows there will be a steep ascent to reach the remarkable monastery. The view from Peseling will take your breath away. Overnight stay in Bumthang.
The mist of magic, shrouds of silence and unspoiled natural beauty is what summarises the Ura valley. Nestled at an altitude of 3100m the Ura village is like a hidden gem of Bhutan. The quaint hamlet comprises of not more than 50 traditional huts with winding cobblestone street connecting those like dots. The people, their warm smiles and the livestock will transport you to a different time and space altogether. The rolling green meadows open up to vast valleys fenced by the snow-capped Himalayas. To reach Bumthang, we will be taking the Ura La pass (3600m) which provides a magnificent view of Mount Gangkar Puensum. After reaching Ura village take short hikes to explore the village and Ura Monastery. We will be also visiting Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake), Phrumsengla National Park Visitor Centre and Chamkhar Town. Overnight stay at Bumthang.
Today we will be taking a domestic flight from Bumthang to Paro. Not just because of the charming scenic beauty of the place but it is also famous for being the home of one of the oldest and revered monasteries of Bhutan. It is the gateway of the famous Tiger's Nest monastery. In Paro, we will be experiencing the simplicity and gleefulness of Bhutanese village life from a close proximity. The surroundings are clustered with painting-like-farmhouses. Take a leisurely stroll down the village paths and witness the calmness of the village lifestyle, their traditions, beautiful farmhouses and relish the relish the delicious home-cooked Bhutanese authentic cuisine. We will be having a short visit to the Lampelri Royal Botanical Park where the Rhododendron festival is held and the historic Wangduephodrang Dzong built in 1638. Overnight stay in Paro.
It's going to be a grand and eventful day. We will be visiting the most ancient architectural marvels in Bhutan's history and the highest motorable pass in the country. Paro Rimpung Dzong, the fortress which is said to have been constructed on a heap of Jewels by Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyel in 1646, will be our first stop today. Then we will be further heading towards Ta Dzong, the ancient watchtower built in 1651, now transformed to be the National Museum housing rich collection art, relics, and thangka. In the excursion, we will be also visiting Dumtseg Lhakhang, Dzongdra temple, Drukgyal Dzong and Kichu Lhakhang. On our final leg of the trip, we will be driving up to the Chelala Pass, the highest motorable road (3990 meters) in Bhutan. From the Chelala Pass, you will enjoy the magnificent view of the Mt. Jhomolhari (7300m). You will also be able to spot the Tiger’s Nest and the beautiful views of two districts Paro and Haa. Overnight stay in Paro.
One of the major attraction of Bhutan trip has been kept reserved for today. An early morning departure we will be going on a 5-6 hours of return hike to the famous Tiger’s Nest. A one-hour hike will bring you to the cafeteria, stop for a cup of tea and toilet break. The cafeteria offers you the stunning view of the monastery, prayer flags adorn the cliffs. Your lunch will be served in the cafeteria on your way back. It is usually a day’s hike but if you are still left with some time and energy after the hike you can visit Kichu Lhakhang, the 7th cent. Jowo temple of Kyichu. Tonight, you are invited to a cocktail dinner to witness a grand cultural show, which will show-case age-old folk dances & songs, religious mask dances, cultural dramas and many more. Enjoy your night with our representatives. Overnight stay in Paro.
After the breakfast, our representatives will bid a fond farewell to the magical kingdom in the sky and wish you a happy journey back home. Depart for Paro airport for your onward flight with full of Bhutanese nostalgia.
At zerodegreel
every moment will someday make you look back and want to experience it all over again.
