Day 1: Arrival – Paro
Altitude in Paro: 2300 m / 7544 ft above sea level.
Paro sightseeing should always start with the visit to the National Museum housed in the Ta dzong (watch tower). The intriguing collection of artefacts serves as a great introduction to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom. The National Museum boasts a rich variety of exhibits collected from all over the country and belonging to different eras, some as early as 2000 B.C. A visit through the galleries shows the country’s transition from the later Stone Age to a modern Mahayana Buddhist kingdom.
From the museum we will drive down to visit the Paro Dzong and take in the amazing architecture of this 17th century monument, a premier example of Bhutan’s architecture. Paro Dzong was built in 17th century to defend Paro from the Tibetan invasion. This fine example of Bhutanese architecture now serves as a central monastic and administrative seat of the Paro district.
From the Dzong, a leisurely walk back into Paro town crosses the scenic Nyamai Zampa, a unique model of Bhutan’s traditional cantilever bridge.
Next, visit the auspicious Kyichu Monastery. The seventh century monastery is one of the oldest and most sacred temples in the Kingdom. The Tibetan King, Songsten Gampo ordered the establishment of monasteries in the Himalayan region to subdue evil spirits and to spread Buddhism. Of the 108 monasteries two were built in Bhutan namely the Kyichu Lhakhang and the Jampa Lhakhang in Bumthang.
After the visit we will drive up north to take a walk around the Drukgyel Dzong. The Dzong was built in 1649 to celebrate a decisive victory over Tibetan forces and to stop further invasions. Under the leadership of Zhabdrung, the Bhutanese fought twelve battles with the Tibetans in different parts of the country, whereof one took place in Drukgyel Dzong. In the later years, the Dzong became an administrative center under the Dzongpon (Lord of the Dzong) until gutted by a fire in 1951. Now it’s being rebuilt with financial help of Indian government.
Overnight in Paro.
Day 2: Paro.
Today’s exploration of Paro valley begins with an early hike to Taktsang Goemba (Tiger’s Nest monastery) 4-5 hrs. hike.
The monastery is one of Bhutan’s most revered monuments. It literally hangs off the face of a cliff 900 meters above the valley floor. The legend states that Guru Rinpoche flew into Paro valley on a mythical tigress and meditated in a cave where Taktsang stands today. The Taktshang Goempa is built around the cave. The hike offers spectacular views of the Goempa and the valley below. Horses or mules can be arranged on request to help lighten the journey.
Towards evening we will stroll around Paro Town is a must for all visitors who come to this valley. The town dates back from 1985 and its lined up by souvenir shops and café. If you are in for a good cup of café, stop at Mountain Roastery. They serve the best coffee in Bhutan.
Overnight in Paro.
Day 3: Transfer to Bumthang.
Distance: 322 km
Flight time: 30 minutes domestic flight offers beautiful view of the Himalayas of Bhutan.
Altitude in Bumthang: 2800 m / 9186 ft above sea level.
Bumthang is the most eastern point of your pilgrimage through the Land of the Thunder Dragon. It is considered by the Bhutanese as the spiritual hub of the country. The four valleys of Bumthang Choekhor, Tang, Ura and Chhume offer numerous experiences whether you want to hike, bike, discover temples, or learn more about Bhutanese lifestyle and culture. We hope you will enjoy exploring the magical Bumthang Valley.
After landing, the exploration of the Bumthang valley begins with visit to the Jakar Dzong. The Dzong was founded by Ngagi Wangchuk as a small hermitage in 1549. It was expanded in 1646 to help consolidate the Zhabdrung’s expanding power into the eastern region. Scouting for a place for the dzong, a small white bird was seen perched on a hill, which was taken as an auspicious sign, and hence the name Jakar, meaning the “white bird”. The dzong is now the seat of district administration and monastic body of Bumthang valleys.
From the dzong we will take a short drive to stretch and hike into the pine woods following the Nature Trail all the way to a local Bhutanese farm house for lunch. There the food is not just traditional Bhutanese food but serves Bumthang specialties made from local products such as buckwheat. By the time, you arrive at their house, the lady of the house will have spent the entire morning preparing a range of local dishes, including a taste of their home-made local wine (ara).
From the farm house, we wil continue our hike to visit the auspicious Jampa Lhakhang. The monastery is believed to have been built in the year 659 by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo, on the same day as Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro, in order to subdue a Tibetan demoness. It was here that Guru Rinpoche conducted the first sermon on Tantric Buddhism for his host King Sindhu Raja, the local ruler and his family. The place where Guru Rinpoche sat during the sermon can still be seen.
Next, from the farm house we will hike to the Aman lodge. On the way, we will stop to visit Kurjey Lhakhang. The monastery is named after Guru Rimpoche left his body print in the cave where he meditated in 746 A.D. There are three temples; the oldest temple was built in 1652 on the rock face where Guru Rinpoche meditated. The body imprint of the great master can be seen distinctly in the rock cave enshrined in the temple. The second was built in 1900 by the first King when he was the Governor of Trongsa. The third temple was built in 1990 with the support of the Royal grandmother. A wall of 108 chortens surrounds the temple grounds and symbolizes Buddha’s victory over the evil spirits. The Cypress tree which is seen near the temple is believed to have grown from the Guru’s walking stick.
From this monastery, our car will pick us up and drive to visit the Tamshing monastery where we can still see the Oldest Fresco painting dating back to 15th Century It was built by Pema Lingpa in 1501 and it is the most important Nyingma monastery in the Kingdom. Being a skilled tantric master and an artist, Pema Lingpa sculpted the main statues and painted the frescoes, which can be seen even today, mostly in original state.
Overnight in Bumthang.
Day 4: Bumthang.
Tang valley excursion with lunch at Ogyen Chholing Palace.
Tang is the most remote of the Bumthang Valleys and due to poor soil quality, agricultural yields are scanty. However, the people of the valley raise sheep and the area turns bright pink in October when the Buckwheat is in bloom. A full day excursion to Tang Valley can include a visit to the Burning Lake, a nunnery, Takrimochen Lhakhang as well as the Ogyen Chholing Palace which was recently turned into a museum.
Just after the turnoff to the unpaved road leading to Tang, you will see the stop off for Membartsho or “The Burning Lake.” From here, the walk down to the lake takes about five minutes. Continuing from Membartsho, the road takes you past Pema Tekchok Chholing Nunnery, and then further up the mountainside, before it continues along the river to Kitzum towards the end of the valley. From here, the Ogyen Chholing Museum is visible on a hill across the river, a 45 minutes climb up the mountain. After crossing the bridge, the path leads through a small charming group of farm houses before it starts climbing up the hill towards Ogyen Chholing. Driving back from Tang, you will pass Ta Rimochen Lhakhang on your right.
Membartsho (The Burning Lake): The story has it that Pema Lingpa had a dream that he would find a treasure where a wooden bridge spans across the trapped river-water pool. He later ventured into the river pool carrying a burning butter lamp in his hand saying if he were an apparition of evil the lamp would be snuffed out and if not, it would continue to burn on his resurfacing from the water. He dove into the pool and returned with the treasures and the lamp still burning. Since then the lake has been known as Membartsho. It is believed that on a lucky day, if you lie down on the rock and look really closely into the water, you might still see parts of the treasure on the bottom. To this day pilgrims’ light lamps and release them into the pool.
Pema Tekchok Chholing Nunnery is a small nunnery in Tang Valley currently under major expansion and reconstruction. About 90 nuns aged eight to 40+ reside and study at the temple.
Ogyen Chholing Palace was originally built in the 16th century, however several parts were rebuilt after an earthquake in 1897. The family who currently owns Ogyen Chholing turned it into a museum a few years back, and opened a charming guest house on the palace grounds. The exhibition is laid out on three levels starting at the upper one where you can circle the floor before you continue to the floor below. The exhibits offer a rare insight to Bhutanese culture, lifestyle, history and religion. After having a look at the many artefacts, the Kitchen will be ready with your lunch which can be enjoyed outside the palace overlooking Tang Valley, or inside the traditional cabin-like living room. If you are interested, the Kitchen will gladly demonstrate the preparation of the Bumthang specialties, khuley (traditional Bumthang buckwheat pancakes) and/or puta (buckwheat noodles). (This needs to be booked in advance).
Ta Rimochen Lhakhang was built by Pema Lingpa in the 14th century. The temple is dominated by an enormous rock at which Guru Rimpoche meditated. There are footprints of Guru Rinpoche and his consort Yeshi Tsogyal several places around the temple; some imprints are also said to have been made during one of the Guru’s sexual acts.
Overnight in Bumthang.
Day 5: Transfer to Phobjikha valley.
Distance: 160 km
Driving time: 6 hrs drive.
Altitude in Phobjikha valley: 2900 m / 9514 ft above sea level.
Phobjikha Valley is one of the most stunning areas in the country. The wide flat valley without any trees after the hard climb through dense forest is an extremely rare experience in Bhutan. In contrast to some parts of Bhutan, where modern development is already very apparent, Phobjikha is a place with natural beauty, untouched scenery, local traditions and culture, and unconstrained peacefulness.
Today our pilgrimage takes us back towards west Bhutan following the only east west highway over Yotong la Pass into Trongsa valley. There briefly visit the Trongsa Museum housed in the Ta Dzong (watch tower). This watch tower on the hill above the Dzong has been converted in to a state of art museum in 2008.
Visit also the Trongsa Dzong. This commanding Dzong is perhaps the biggest and the most spectacular sited Dzong in Bhutan. The Dzong’s strategic location gave it great power over this part of the country. It is the ancestral home of Bhutan’s royal family. The first two hereditary kings ruled from this dzong.
After the visit, continue driving through the alpine forest of fir, juniper, hemlock and rhododendron. On the way briefly visit Chendebje Chorten. The chorten is at a lovely spot by the river side. Built in 19th century by a lama from Tibet to cover the remains of an evil spirit. Chendbji is considered as boundary between eastern and western Bhutan.
The journey continues over Pelela pass and winding into glacier valley of Phobjikha filled with dwarf bamboos. The valley is one of the most important wildlife preserve in the country, because of the large flock of black necked cranes that migrates from Tibet in the winter.
In the evening experience Traditional Hot stone Bath followed by dinner at the Farm House.
Overnight in Phobjikha.
Day 6: Phobjikha valley.
In the valley we will visit the famous 16th century Gangtey Goemba that overlooks the large green expanse of the valley. The monastery is surrounded by a large village inhabited mainly be the families of the Gomchens (lay monk) who take care of the monastery.
We will stretch by hiking the Gangtey Nature Trail, two hours of easy walking. This pleasurable walk will give you a nice feel of Phobjikha valley. From the small hilltop overlooking Gangtey Goemba, you head downhill through flower meadows to Semchubara village and from here through beautiful forests and into the open valley. The trail ends after the Khewa Lhakhang. The lone monastery in the valley.
On our way, back to the hotel we will stop to visit the Crane observation and education center. There we can watch the short documentary on the magnificent black necked crane.
Overnight at Phobjikha valley.
Day 7: Transfer to Punakha.
Distance: 87 km
Driving time: 3 hrs drive.
Altitude in Punakha: 1300 m / 4264 ft above sea level.
The sub-tropical valleys of Punakha and the surrounding mountain sides offer a large variety of attractive places to explore and discover monasteries and the most impressive Dzong in the country.
After two hours of descend we will arrive Wangdiphodrang province. There we will visit the Wangdiphodrang Dzong which was burnt down by fire in 2012. The original Dzong was built in the 17th century by Zhabdrung (the one who unified Bhutan).
We will also hike to the famous Chimi Lhakhang (Fertility temple). 1 hr hike. The 30-minute walk from the road to the lhakhang is through open farmland and rice paddies. It is believed that a demoness who had been terrorizing the valley transformed herself into a black dog to escape the wrath of Drukpa Kuenlay, the Divine Madman. However, he caught the dog and buried it under a pile of earth shaped like a woman’s breast. He then built a chorten on top of this mount and prophesied that a temple would one day be consecrated over it. True to the prophecy, his brother, Lam Ngawang Chogyal, built Chime Lhakhang in 1456. If you are wishing for a child, it is believed by the Bhutanese that a visit to the Divine Madman’s temple, Chime Lhakhang, might help increase your chances! Thousands of people visit this temple on pilgrimage and numerous couples visit the lhakhang to pray to become pregnant and receive a wang (blessing) from the saint with the magic thunderbolt of wisdom. Many parents also bring their newborn children to receive the baby’s name from the local lama.
In the evening stroll around Khuruthang town and the vegetable market.
Overnight in Punakha.
Day 8: Punakha.
After early breakfast we will travel up the valley north and cross the Mo Chhu to hike up and pay respect to the grand Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, The Chorten is 30 meters (100 feet) tall and can be seen in the distance when driving or walking up from the footbridge towards the lodge. The three-leveled chorten took eight and a half years to build and was consecrated in 1999. Dedicated to the Fifth King, it was built to remove negative forces and to provide peace, stability, and harmony in an ever- changing world. It is therefore filled with every form of colorful protector imaginable.
After Picnic lunch by the riverside we will drive down valley to visit the stunning Punakha Dzong. The Dzong is considered one of the most important and also one of the most beautiful Dzongs in the Kingdom. It was built by Zhabdrung in 1637, and was the seat of the government every winter until Thimphu was established as the permanent capital in 1955. It is still the winter residence of the Central Monastic Body.
Next, we will drive at a hill top to visit a Sangchhen Dorji Lhendrup Lhakhang (Nunnery) built by maternal grandfather of the king. The Nunnery also serves as higher learning institute and meditation center for Nuns. It is perched on a ridge overlooking the Punakha and Wangdi valley.
Overnight in Punakha.
Day 9: Transfer to Thimphu.
Distance: 71km
Driving time: 3 hrs drive.
Altitude in Thimphu: 2400 m / 7872 ft above sea level.
Today the journey brings you to the booming metropolis of Thimphu. Situated at an altitude of 2,300 m, it is home to 140,000 Bhutanese. Since it was established as the country’s capital in 1961, Thimphu has gone through drastic changes and has settled into a well-balanced mix of old and new, traditional and modern. It is the only world capital without traffic lights. The capital offers much more than just shopping. Below we have listed a variety of places of interest to visit and experience in this exuberant city.
After driving approximately one and half hour we will stop at Royal Botanical park at Lam Pelri. The park features walk through Rhododendron garden and other orchid plants. 46 species of Rhododendron have been recorded in the country and 29 species are found in the park.
After the short stretch we will continue the drive over Dochula mountain pass (3050 meters above sea level). From there if weather permits, we will have spectacular view of the extended eastern Himalayas in Bhutan. Stop to stretch and enjoy a cup of tea before the visit to Druk Wangyel Monastery located just few meters above the cafeteria. It was built by the Queen mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk.
Once we arrive Thimphu, we will spend our time circumambulating the sacred National Memorial Chorten. This is a Tibetan-style chorten built in 1974 in memory of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk who passed away in 1972. It is one of the most visible religious structures in town and for many people it is the focus of daily worship. Remember to walk around the Chorten at least once to gain merit and good luck.
Next, we will drive up a ridge to visit the Biggest Buddha Statue at Kunesel Phodrang in Thimphu. This statue of Buddha measures 52 meters. It is one of the largest statues in the world. The statue is made of bronze and is gilded in gold. There are many smaller Buddha statues placed inside.
From the Buddha point we will drive to visit the Changangkha Lhakhang. The monastery is the old fortress-like lhakhang perched on a ridge above the city with great views of Thimphu town. The 12th century temple, which still remains one of the main centers of worship for the locals, is the home to the statue of the 11-headed Avalokitesvara, the God of Compassion. The lhakhang is frequently visited by families as it is believed that if you bring a sick child to the temple, it will not take long before it recovers. Many go to pray for their child’s protection.
We will also browse the striking collection of intricate textiles at the National Textile museum. The Museum introduces you to the living national art of weaving. The exhibition displays the major weaving techniques and styles of local dress and textile made by the Bhutanese women and men.
After the museum, we will drive to visit Tashichhoe Dzong and have glimpse king Jigme’s Palace. The Dzong is popularly known as Thimphu Dzong. It is the seat of the government and the center of all religious affairs of the Kingdom. It houses the office and the throne room of His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck.
In the evening you can stroll in the town, visit the Local Craft market just above the Textile museum and visit local handicraft shops.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 10: Thimphu.
After breakfast we will briefly visit Semtokha Dzong. The oldest dzong in the country (built in 1629) stands on a soaring ridge 5 km away from Thimphu. Its strategic position is evident as it controls all the approaches to and from Thimphu. Notice the contrast of traditional and modern as you enter the dzong grounds; the white painted dzong with the growing city in the background and the newly constructed 52 m tall Buddha statue perched on the hill right behind.
After lunch visit the Bhutanese Paper Factory. The art of handmade paper in Bhutan dates back to the 8th century, although usage was limited mainly to religious purposes. Today it is considered an important element in the preservation of Bhutan’s cultural heritage. The factory allows guests to view the paper making process and purchase gifts from their show room.
We will drive to the National Post Office for stamps. Bhutan is famous for producing unique and innovative stamps. After selling peculiar ‘CD-stamps’ Bhutan’s Post office now offers personalized stamps; we invite you to surprise your family and friends with your custom-made stamp made with one of your favorite holiday photographs!
Next, we will take in more of kingdom’s rich culture at the Folk Heritage Museum. The museum is a restored three story traditional rammed mud and timber house inaugurated as a museum by Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk in 2001. It showcases the traditional artifacts used now and, in the past, which helps connect people to the Bhutanese rural life.
Typical Bhutanese Lunch at the Museum restaurant.
Next, we will stretch by hiking to the ancient Wangditse Goemba. It is an easy hike thru pine forest and with good overview of King Jigme’s palace. (2 hrs. hike) Wangditse Goemba was founded in 1750 by the attendants of Bhutan’s 8th desi, Yeshey Rabgye. It was renovated in 2002 after it suffered serious damage in a windstorm in 1995. The monastery is further undergoing major renovation after it was destroyed by the earthquake in 2011.
On our way back, we will stop to visit the Mini Zoo. The zoo used to exhibit various indigenous wild animals, which were later released back into the wild by order of the 4th King who declared that such a facility was not in keeping with the Bhutan’s environmental and religious convictions. The zoo now only features the Takin, which is the national animal of Bhutan. The Takins were originally released with the rest of the animals, but had become so familiar with people that they were found wandering around Thimphu looking for food. The only solution was to put them back into captivity.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 11: Transfer to Paro for International departure.
