DAY 01: Arrival Paro
On arrival at Paro International Airport, the representative of Radhi Bhutan Tours will receive you and escort/drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan (1 ½ hrs). Overnight at Thimphu, elevation 2280m.
DAY 02: Thimphu Sightseeing
Visits:
- National Memorial Chorten (Chorten means Stupa). The monument was built in 1974 in memory of the 3rd King of Bhutan.
- Folk Heritage Museum, Textile Museum and the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School), where students undergo a 6-year training course in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts.
- Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts shops known as Craft Bazar, which displays wide assortment of beautifully hand-woven textiles, crafted products, thangkas, masks, ceramics, slate and woodcarvings, jewellery, and other interesting items made from local materials by the local Artisans.
- Giant Buddha at Kuenselphodrang. This massive statue of Shakyamuni (51.5 meters), making it one of the largest statues of Bhutan in the world.
- Takin (national animal of Bhutan) preserve located in Motithang.
After 1700 hrs, visit Tashichhodzong, “the fortress of the glorious religion”. This is the center of government and religion, site of the monarch’s throne room and seat of the Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Later, depending on the interest of the group, short talk on the philosophy of Gross National Happiness in Bhutan can be arranged. Overnight at Thimphu
DAY 03: Thimphu-Excursion to Tango Monastery
This sacred monastery is located about 40 minutes drive to the North of Thimphu and hike uphill for about 1 ½ hours. Tango monastery is the highest center of Buddhist learning in the country; almost every Je Khenpo (religious head of Bhutan) completed the 9-year program there. After completing that program, monks traditionally spend 3 years, 3 months and 3 days in meditation at the nearby Cheri Goemba retreat, built in 1619 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the founder or first unifier of Bhutan. After the lunch in Kabesa village, attend an oral transmission of Buddhist philosophy and basic meditation practices lead by the senior monks. Overnight at Thimphu.
DAY 04: Thimphu-Phobjikha, Wangduephodrang (3 ½ hrs drive)
Drive to Phobjikha, Wangduephordang crossing Dochula pass (3,140m). From this pass, on a clear day, one can have a superb view of the highest peaks in Bhutan. En route, visit new Wangduephodrang Dzong. Overnight at Phobjikha, elevation 2900m.
DAY 05: Phobjikha, Wangduephodrang-Sightseeing
Phobjikha valley is one of the most beautiful high altitude U-shaped glacial valleys in Bhutan. It is also known as the home of black-necked cranes, migrating from the Tibetan plateau in winter. Visit Gangtey Gompa Monastery and beautiful Phobjikha village. There are many optional short walks and hikes in Phobjika. Overnight at Phobjikha.
DAY 06: Phobjikha-Jakar/Bumthang (4 hrs drive)
Drive to Jakar/Bumthang across Pele La Pass (3420m), the border between western and central Bhutan. En-route visits Trongsa Dzong. The first and second kings ruled the country from this ancient seat. All five monarchs were invested as Trongsa Penlop (“governor”) prior to ascending the Throne. Standing above this fortress is Ta Dzong, a watchtower, which once guarded this place from internal rebellion. A visit to Ta Dzong gives further insights into the significance of Trongsa in Bhutan’s history. Continue your journey to Bumthang crossing Yutong-la pass (3,425m). Overnight at Jakar, elevation 2600m.
DAY 07: Bumthang-Sightseeing
Bumthang is the general name given to a group of four valleys – Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura, with altitudes varying from 2,600 to 4,000m/8,530 to 13,125ft.
- Visit Jambay Lhakhang, the 7th century old Temple, built by the Buddhist Tibetan King Songtsen Goempo to pin down an ogress believed to have thwarted the spread of Buddhism.
- Kurjey Lhakhang, where the saint’s body is imprinted on a rock, and Tamshing Monastery.
- Evening, mindfulness and meditation practice lead by the senior monk in the monastery and leisure in the town. Overnight at Jakar.
DAY 08: Bumthang–Sightseeing
Half day Trek: Bumthang Bush Man Trail trek, which has been introduced recently, is one of the most interesting treks in the valley. The hikes start from Swiss Guesthouse junction – traverses through the pine forest to the hilltop, where we can have a good view of Bumthang valley. At the end of the hike, you can visit the Bebzur Chupoi Mei (House of the novelty of Bebzur) in Tang valley, which has been turned into a Museum. Also visit membartsho (Burning lake), where Pema Lingpa revealed several termas (treasures) hidden by Guru Rinpoche. A large rock features carvings of Pema Lingpa and his two sons. Below the rock is a small cave that virtuous people can enter regardless of their size. Overnight at Jakar.
DAY 09: Bumthang-Punakha (5 hrs drive)
Drive to Punakha and visit Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the junction of two rivers. Punakha was Bhutan’s capital until 1955, and Punakha Dzong still serves as the winter residence of the central monk body. Bhutan’s first king, Ugyen Wangchuck, was crowned here in 1907. Overnight at Punakha, elevation 1240m.
DAY 10: Punakha-Paro (3 hrs drive)
Drive to Paro. En route visit Chimmi Lhakhang, the Abode of the “Divine Madman & Fertility” and from Dochula pass, hike to Lungchutse Goemba, situated at 3566m. Two hours hike is one of the most rejuvenating and picturesque. Overnight at Paro, elevation 2280m.
DAY 11: Paro-Sightseeing
Drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought off Tibetan invaders in 17th century. The snowy dome of sacred Jhomolhari, “mountain goddess” (7314 m) can be seen in all her glory from the approach road to the Dzong on a clear day. Along the way, visit the Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by the Tibetan King in 7th century. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. Later, visit Ta Dzong, originally built as a watchtower, which now houses Bhutan’s National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangkas paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts. Overnight at Paro.
DAY 12: Excursion to Taktsang Monastery
Taktsang Monastery (Taktsang means Tiger’s Nest), which is 900m high above the floor of Paro valley. According to the legend, it is said that Guru Rinpoche, popularly known as second Buddha flew to the site of the monastery on the back of a flying tigress in 8th century, and mediated for three months.
Overnight at Paro.
DAY 13: Paro-Fly Out
Drive to Paro international Airport for your onward flight.
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