Enchanting Bhutan

Highlights

• • Visit Thimphu, the heart of Bhutan which is a blend of both tradition and modernity. Enjoy 01 hour of yoga session in Thimphu. • Visit Temples, Monasteries and picturesque villages of Punakha. • Indulge in meditation and interaction with monks at Nalanda Monastery in Punakha. • Enjoy a Yoga Session at Dochu la Pass. • Go on a Nature Trail Hike in Gangtey. • Get mesmerized by the beauty of nature at Bumthang. • Enjoy a cooking demonstration and delicious lunch at a farmhouse with the local Bhutanese Family in Paro. • Hike up to Tiger's Nest Monastery, or Paro Taktsang - one of the most prominent Buddhist sites in Bhutan. The Hike offers mesmerizing views of the Paro Valley. Enjoy 01 hour of yoga session in Paro

What's this trip about?

Day 1 Paro Arrive at Paro International airport. Welcome to Bhutan. Upon arrival, be greeted by representative and get escorted to the capital Thimphu (Distance 54 kms – 1 hours travel time by car) On a clear day, the flight to Paro is breathtaking, with views of major Himalayan peaks such as Everest, Kanchenjunga and Makalu, and on the final approach Bhutan’s own snowy peaks, the sacred Jhomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tserimgang. On arrival at Paro airport and after completion of airport formalities, you will be met by your representative. Drive from Paro to Thimphu. Perhaps the most unusual capital city in the world, is the seat of government. This bustling town is home to Bhutan’s royal family, the civil service, and foreign missions with representation in Bhutan. It is also the headquarters for a number of internationally funded development projects. On arrival, check-in at the hotel, leisure and overnight at hotel. Meals Included: Dinner at Thimphu Hotel Overnight at Thimphu Day 2 Thimphu Today’s full day of sightseeing in Thimphu valley includes visits to: Sitting on top of a hill overlooking Thimphu, visit the Buddha Dordenma statue. The Statue of Shakyamuni Buddha is one of the tallest in Asia (51.5 m). The site offers unobstructed views over the capital town and the Thimphu valley below.(Closes Daily Nov-Feb at 4pm & Mar-Oct at 5pm) Visit National Memorial Chorten- the building of this landmark was originally envisaged by Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who wanted to erect a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it is both a memorial to the Late King (“the father of modern Bhutan”), and a monument to peace. (Closes Daily Nov- Feb at 4pm & Mar-Oct at 5pm) Visit National Institute for Zorig Chusum – watch the students of the National Institute of Zorig Chosum (Arts and Crafts) as they learn the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. Visit Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan – a state of the art textile Museum showcasing an exemplary display of the art of weaving and textiles. Currently the Museum also has on display the bridal dress and the hand crafted shoes worn by Her Majesty Queen Jetsun Pema during the royal wedding in 2011. Visit Zilukha Nunnery – Built more than half a century ago, Zilukha Nunnery is also known as Druthob Goemba. Housing around 60 nuns in its premises, a visit to the site energizes the soul because of its peaceful surroundings, which lures one's mind to never leave the site. From here, the spectacular view of Tashichho Dzong can be captured in a camera to make for a beautiful photo album. Also known as the Thangthong Dewachen Nunnery, the Zilukha Nunnery is the biggest nunnery in Bhutan. Visit Tashichho Dzong: The “fortress of the glorious religion” was initially erected in 1641 and rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the 1960s. Tashichho Dzong houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body. It is open to visitors during the Thimphu Tsechu (held in autumn) and while the monk body is resident in its winter quarters at Punakha Dzong.(Open: Mon-Fri [Mar-Oct after 5:30pm] [Nov-Feb after 4:30 pm] / Open on Sat, Sun, Govt. Holidays) Weekend Market: Most of the Thimphu’s population and many valley dwellers converge on the bustling weekend market, held down by the river. A wide range of foodstuffs and local arts and crafts are sold at the market, which runs from Friday afternoon to Sunday. A visit to the market provides great photo opportunities, as well as the chance to mingle with local people and perhaps buy souvenirs. (Open Fri-Sun) In the evening, enjoy 01 hour Yoga session in Thimphu. Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner Overnight at Thimphu Day 3 Thimphu - Gangtey After an early breakfast, check out from hotel and set off for Phobjikha, driving up to Dochu-la pass (3,088m/10,130ft) Enjoy Yoga Session at Dochu La Pass. At Dochu la Pass take in the view and admire the chortens, Mani walls, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, the high Himalayan peaks towards the northeast will be revealed in all their glory. If the day is very clear, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendegang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m), Jejegangphugang (7,158m), Kangphugang (7,170m), Zongaphugang (7,060m) a Table Mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana, and finally, Gangkhar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m. Then continue onwards, reaching Wangduephodrang town in time for lunch. From here, it is a long, winding descent into the Wangduephodrang valley, which is about 1,700m below the pass. Continuing on the highway, we follow the scenic Dang Chhu before climbing through forests of bamboo and oak, and just before crossing the Pele La pass, en- route Radak Shang Temple and finally you will find the hidden Phobjikha Valley.There will be occasional breaks along the journey to stretch your legs and take pictures and toilet stops. On arrival, check in to hotel, leisure and overnight at hotel. Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner Overnight at Gangtey Day 4 Gangtey This morning, visit Gangtey Gompa (Monastery), the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan. Then we will proceed on a easy hike to explore the Gangtey Natural Trail (1.5 hrs hike), considered as the most beautiful and shortest of the existing nature trails in Bhutan. The trail hike starts from the mani (like Chorten) stone wall to the north of the Ganagtey Gompa and ends in Khewa Lhakhang. The hike takes about 1.5 hrs. and will take you across the marshlands and give you a chance to see these beautiful birds. Starting from the Prayer-wall on the northern side of Gangtey monastery, the trail leads down towards a sloping area of green grass, flanked by pine trees on either side. At this point the Semchubara village should be visible on the opposite side, at roughly the same height. The path continues to descend until it crosses a river, called the Bara Chhu. The loud babbling of the Bara Chhu river meets the silent meandering Nake Chhu river. After the Bara Chhu Bridge, the trail passes through the lower parts of the Bara village and by a lonely chorten/stupa. Here you will have a good view of Bara village on your left and Gangtey monastery to your right. As you reach Semchubara village, there is a small shed for resting below the trail. Walking further from there, you reach the edge of the wetland where the Cranes roost in the winter. After few minutes’ walk you are opposite to the crane information center. Continue walking and you will reach Khewang Lhakhang, which makes an interesting visit and provides additional insight into the religious and cultural history of Phobjikha/Gangtey Valley. Gangtey is considered one of the most beautiful glacial valleys in Bhutan (3000m/9800ft). The area is best known as the home of the rare Black-necked Cranes that migrate to Bhutan from Tibet in November and leave by March, and thus is a protected area for wildlife. On arrival visit to the Black Neck Crane Center and dependent on the season, time spent in the Center’s nearby hide is a must to view the breeding cranes. Various other walks or village visits can be arranged in this magnificent valley(at an additional cost). Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner Overnight at Gangtey Day 5 Bumthang After breakfast, check out from hotel and travel to Bumthang by Air Conditioned vehicle. Bumthang is also known as Religious Heartland of Bhutan. Home to four beautiful mountain valleys and an array of ancient monasteries and temples, Bumthang takes its place as the most historic of all districts in Bhutan. On arrival, check in to hotel, leisure and overnight at hotel. Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner Overnight at Bumthang Day 6 Bumthang Breakfast at Hotel. Today we will go for sightseeing of Bumthang Valley. Kurjey Lhakhang: Located in the Bumthang Valley by a mountain river, Khurje Lhakhang is a temple complex consisting of three beautiful temples. The oldest temple contains the rock which has the imprint of Guru Rinpoche's body and hence is considered to be the holiest. Jambay Lhakhang: Jambay Lhakhang is considered to be one of the oldest and the most sacred temples in Bhutan and is also where a number of festivals are held. Tamshing Lhakhang: Tamshing Lhakhang is just across the river from Kurjey Lhakhang, in the Bumthang district of central Bhutan. For those interested in art and paintings, this site is a must-visit. Mebar Tsho (The Burning Lake): This is considered to be a sacred site for pilgrimage as it is said to be where Guru Rinpoche's hidden treasures were found by Pema Lingpa. It holds great spiritual significance for the pilgrims, marked with colourful prayer flags and butter lamps offered by them. Ogyen Choling Palace Museum: The gem of Tang valley in Bumthang, Ogyen Choling Palace Museum holds great significance to both Bhutanese and Tibetans. It is a wonderful place that preserves and shows the rich history and values of Bhutan. Red Panda Brewery & Cheese Factory: Situated right next to each other in Bumthang, Red Panda Brewery and Cheese Factory are quite interesting to visit. The site produces Emmenthal and Gouda using state-of-the-art cheese making machines. At the brewery, one can witness the process which results in unfiltered Weiss Beer. Apple cider and wine are also available.(Since it is not brewed every day, prior calling and confirmation have to be done). Later come back to hotel. Leisure and overnight at hotel. Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner Overnight at Bumthang Day 7 Bumthang – Punakha After breakfast, check out from hotel and transfer to Punakha, a low-lying subtropical valley. Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955, and is still the winter residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and central monk body. On arrival, check in to hotel. Leisure and overnight at hotel. Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner Overnight at Punakha Day 8 Punakha Breakfast at Hotel Today’s sightseeing includes: Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery, perched on a ridge with spectacular views of the Punakha and Wangdue valleys.The temple houses a 14-foot bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara, one of the biggest in the country.The statue was handcrafted exclusively by local artisans. The temple houses a complex for higher studies and meditation center for nuns. Apart from religious trainings, the nuns are also provided skills such as embroidery, tailoring and statue making.You may also engage with the nuns who provide life skill training. strong>Explore the picturesque villages of Talo or Nobgang, the ancestral home of the Queen Mothers of Bhutan. The villages are scattered along a ridge above the Punakha valley at an altitude of around 2,800m and is known amongst Punakha villages for its neat and clean appearance. The women here are particularly known for their beauty. Visit Nalanda Monastery where the monks are pursuing higher Buddhist studies and learning English as well. You may interact with the monks and chat with them. They will be more than happy to practice their English language skills with you. Also enjoy a Mediation session at Nalanda Monastery with the monks. Rest of the day at leisure. Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner Overnight at Punakha Day 9 Punakha -Paro After breakfast, check out from hotel and proceed to Paro once again crossing over Dochu la Pass. Continue to Paro. This beautiful valley encapsulates a rich culture, scenic beauty and hundreds of myths and legends.It is home to many of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries and the country’s only airport. Mt. Jhomolhari (7,300m) reigns in white glory at the northern end of the valley, its glacial waters plunging through deep gorges to form the Pa Chu (Paro River).The Paro valley is one of the kingdom’s most fertile, producing the bulk of Bhutan’s famous red rice from its terraced fields. On arrival, check in to hotel. In the evening, you may take a stroll in the Paro Market. Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner Overnight at Paro Day 10 Paro After early breakfast, visit Kichu Lhakhang one of the oldest temples in the country. The temple is one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo to subdue a demoness in the 7th century. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. Then proceed to visit the National Museum. The National Museum of Bhutan is the pride of the country. Flaunting art and traditions, it has six floors, each of them narrating a unique tale from the past. You can see paintings, art pieces, animal masks and many more facets of the rich culture. Constructed in 1649 as a watchtower against Tibetan soldiers, it was converted to the National Museum in 1968, preserving the rich history of Bhutan within its walls ever since. (Closed on Govt. Holidays) In the afternoon, visit a farmhouse and join the family for a cooking demonstration and tasting. Enjoy a delicious lunch of fresh yak-butter tea, and home-brewed liquor - fiery arra or sweet Xinchang. Help them make ema datsi (cheese chili), and pancakes with red rice, served along with hot chili curries. After lunch help the family with their daily chores such as taking care of the livestock and crops. Over 85% of Bhutanese still practice subsistence farming and this affords an authentic encounter with the Bhutanese traditional way of life. Later visit Rinpung Dzong – One of the finest examples of architecture, the Rinpung Dzong, also known as the Paro Dzong, has a very spiritual environment. Beautifully lit-up at night, the dzong has many illustrations portraying the life of Buddha. A hike to the top of the fortress welcomes you with the spectacular view of nearby valleys. The dzong also holds the colorful annual festival Paro Tshechu which makes it even more impressive than it already is. On the way back also watch a game of archery at the archery grounds in Paro – A great way of viewing Bhutanese culture in action. (Subject to availability) Meals Included: Braekfast & Dinner Overnight at Paro Day 11 Paro In the Morning go for Taktsang Hike also called as Tiger’s Nest. Every walking guest find this trip little challenging because of the elevation gain and the dramatic walks through the gorge. We start the day with a 30 minutes’ drive to the starting point of Taktsang hike. Start the uphill walk slowly so that you can get use to with the altitude, which is 600-700 meters above the valley floor. In an hour’s time we should get to the cafeteria, which is like 3 kms. Have refreshment here and enjoy a scenic hike for another 3 kms uphill till the temple. We walk uphill till for half the journey and then fairly easy till the last view point. From here we will walk down the gorge and up till the temple. Visit the temple and come back to the cafeteria for lunch. This will take around 2-3 hours and if you think you need a horse ride up the hill, please let your guide know well in advance. We would have done an average of 12kms for all the up and down walks. In the evening, enjoy 01 hour yoga session in Paro. Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner Overnight at Paro Day 12 Paro After breakfast, check out from hotel, get transferred to Paro airport and board your onward international flight to tour native place or plan it for another destination (Reach International airport before 3 hours) Meals Included: Breakfast

What's excluded

• Any Internationa Air fare

Accommodation