ZenTravels - Bhutan - Himalayan Splendor

Tashichho dzong

Memorial Chorten built in the memory of Bhutan's third King. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy. Tashichho dzong the beautiful medieval fortress/monastery, which houses Secretariat building, King's Throne room and other government's offices. It is also the summer residence of Chief Abbot. Handicrafts Emporium it displays wide assortment of beautifully hand woven and crafted products. Dinner and over night at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 03: THIMPHU - TRONGSA
Drive to Dochula pass (alt. 3050 m). If the weather permits, you can see a range of high Himalayan peaks towards the northeast. Following peaks can be seen from this pass, on a clear day; Masagang (7158m), Tsendagang (6960 m), Terigang (7060m), Jejegangphugang (7158m, Kangphugang (7170m), Zongaphugang (7060m), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana - and finally Gangkar Punsum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7497 m. Further drive towards Wangdiphodrang town for lunch.

Dochula chorten

Proceed to Trongsa across Pelela pass (alt. 3300m). A large prayer flag marks the pass and the ground is covered with high altitude dwarf bamboo. Stop on the way at Chendbji Chorten, which was built in 18th century by a lama named Shida, it is Nepalese in style with eyes painted at four cardinal points. Arrive Trongsa and check into the lodge. Dinner and overnight at the lodge in Trongsa.

Kurje Lhakhang

Day 04: TRONGSA - BUMTHANG
Trongsa Dzong, built by Shabdrung in 1647 and visit the Taa Dzong (watch tower), dedicated to Buddhist epic hero, King Gesar of Ling. Then drive to Bumthang, 29 Kms from Trongsa road reaches the Yutong La pass (alt. 3400 m). Further 13 kms ahead, the road enters into a wide, open, cultivated valley known as Chumey valley.

Arrival in Bumthang, check into the lodge. After lunch, visit to Kurje Lhakhang (where the saint Padsambhava subdued a local demon and justify his body imprint on a rock), the Jambey Lhakhang (7th century), Tamshing Monastery (one of the oldest monastic school), the Jakar Dzong (administrative centre of the region) and Swiss Farm House. Dinner and overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.

Day 05: BUMTHANG - PUNAKHA
Explore fascinating valley of Bumthang. Then proceed to Tongsa for lunch. Before arriving Punakha visit Wangdiphodrang Dzong and town enroute. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

Day 06: PUNAKHA - PARO
Morning visit Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the junction of two rivers. It was the capital of Bhutan until 1955, and still serve as the winter residence of the monk body. The first King, Ugyen Wangchuck, was crowned here in 1907. The fortress has withstood several damages from fire, earthquake and flood. The latest flood of Oct 1994 caused great damage to the fortress but miraculously spared the statue of Buddha Jojampa. After lunch, proceed to Paro on the way visit traditional Bhutanese Farm House which offers good insight into lifestyle of local people and their culture. On arrival in Paro, check into the hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Typical Bhutanese Farm house

Paro Taa Dzong

Day 07: PARO
Taa Dzong, the National Museum (which in the past served as watch tower for the Paro Dzong ) Rinpung Dzong “the heap of Jewels” built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1647 by the Shabdrung protect from the invasion of Tibetans. Kyichu Lhakhang one of 108 temples in Himalayas also the oldest and most scared shrines built by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gompo in the 7th century. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 08: PARO depart
Early breakfast in the hotel and drive to the airport for flight to onward destination.

Cost : US$ 2000.00 in the group of 3+pax.

Included in the cost:

Accommodation on full board
Sightseeing and Transportation as per the itinerary
Kathmandu – Paro – Kathmandu airfare