JOURNEY ACROSS BHUTAN (15 days)
Designed for the travelers with a longer holiday program and a desire for a deeper insight into Bhutanese culture. This tour begins in the gentle valleys of the west, passes across central Bhutan and traverses through the rugged east. This is a special and unique tour for the enthusiastic travelers who want to discover the true Bhutan.

DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO, PARO-THIMPHU
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular of all mountain flights, with constantly changing panorama of some of the highest mountains on earth. While on air fill up your disembarkation form and immigration/declaration forms. Your address in Bhutan is Bhutan Travel Bureau. On arrival at the visa check in please call your visa clearance no. which we will send along with the tickets. This facilitates you to check out fast. The guide awaits you at the exit door. Paro is at an altitude of 2300m above sea level and this valley serves as an ideal spot for rice growing. The special red rice from this valley has found its place in some of the restaurants in America too. Of fruits, this valley is famous for strawberry, apples, pears, plums and peaches. After lunch in visit the Ta-Dzong or the museum. This museum offers a great orientation in Bhutan's in history, cultural, religious, natural and economic life. Next, visit the Rimpong Dzong specially to see the painting of the great saint - Milarelpa is considered as the master of meditation by the Bhutanese and is believed to have attained enlightenment in a lifetime. We will walk to the bridge and see the cantilever wooden bridge still in use. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

DAY 02: PARO
Today after breakfast drive to the ruins of the Drukgyel Dzong which was once a historic monument built as a symbol of victory for the Bhutanese against the northern invaders. Now it stands in ruins. In 1914 issue of National Geographic magazine Drukgyel Dzong was shown in its glory. This was the first time Bhutan appeared in western news which probably gave rise to the idea of having the University of Texas EI Paso buildings constructed in Bhutanese Dzongs' style. Along the way, see 7th c. Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples constructed by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo, and one of the two oldest in Bhutan (the other is in Bumthang). Kyichu is built in a manner similar to the Jokhang in Lhasa. Inside there is a great golden image of Buddha Shakyamuni. In the evening at leisure scroll around the small town of Paro, it will be interesting going around the small handicraft shops and seeing the way of people live in Bhutan. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

DAY 03: PARO
Today after breakfast hike to Taktsang. The trail is broad and the walk uphill takes you a little more than a 1000ft above the Paro valley. The view of Taktsang monastery built on the cliff is a spectacular sight. It is a great pilgrim site for the Buddhists and also it is one of the most sacred sites in the Himalayan world, a pilgrimage destination for devout Buddhists. For a close look at the cliff-hanging site, hike about 2 hrs up hills to a view points directly opposite the monastery a hilltop filled with prayer flags. From here Taktsang is clearly seen, clinging to a sheer rock wall 3000 ft above the valleys floor, at an altitude of 10,000ft. Beyond the viewpoint, the path is narrow and steep as it climbs to a point above the temple, from where walkers descend to the building itself. Restoration after a fire in 1998 is now   completed. The main deity of Taktsang is Dorje Drolo, the wrathful form of Guru Rimpoche, the precious Teacher, also known as Padmasambhava .The great tantric mystic is said to have flown here on the back of a tiger, a manifestation of his consort, Yeshi Tsogyal, when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th c. The image of Dorje Drolo inside the temple is shown standing on a tiger. There are 13 sacred sites at Taktsang, and several meditation caves in the cliffs above. Many saints have meditated here, not only Guru Rimpoche but also Milarepa and the female yogin Machig Labdronma. Here you can meditate awhile before beginning the descent. Nearby there is a teahouse, where you can stop for lunch or a snack. Evening at leisure as guest will be tired after the day hike. Overnight stay at the hotel in Paro.

DAY 04: PARO- THIMPHU
This morning after breakfast we drive to Thimphu the capital which is 2 hours drive from Paro following the Pa Chu River and at the confluence where Thimphu River meets the Paro river we have three styled stone monument. Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese styled. These kinds of monuments are built toward off evil spirits believed to be haunting the places where rivers and spurs meet. These kinds of monuments are also used as trail markers. Most of these monuments are built by high monks or by laymen who dedicate the monuments to the deceased relatives. In modern times people with evil intentions have been ransacking these monuments. You will see many of these monuments desecrated for want of jewelries and other precious items.
After lunch we will visit the school for arts and crafts where the children were taught to master in the 13 types of arts and crafts of Bhutan, post office which has Bhutan's beautiful stamps and then visit traditional hospital. The national library is another sight to see the collection of Bhutanese scriptures some dating back from the 8th century. The Folk heritage museum is replica of medieval farm-house and is patronized by HM the Queen Sangay Choden Wangchuck to protect the textile heritage of Bhutan. There are some old collections along with the display of vegetable dyes and materials used for Bhutanese textiles. The traditional paper factory displays the Bhutanese paper making in process.
Other sights in Thimphu are visiting the memorial Chorten which depicts the Buddhist faith in form of paintings and statues. This temple was first initiated by the Third King as a protection from the negative elements of modernization. The temple has one door at four directions. The Royal Grand Queen Mother completed it as a memorial stupa for the third King who passed away in the year 1972. Next visit Changangkha temple which was built in the 12th century on a site chosen by Lam Phajo Drukgom Shingpo, who came from Ralung in Tibet. Overnight stay at the hotel in Thimphu.

DAY 05: THIMPHU
Today after breakfast we will visit Dodeyna and do a hike to Tango monastery. The drive of 20kms till the end of road offers varieties of scenes. The Old Dechencholing Palace (for view only and no entry) where our present King was born in the year 1955 can be seen, the farming villages of Begana and Kabjisa and the temples on the hill-slopes. After lunch guest will visit Drubthob monastery which houses the Zilukha nunnery and then drive to the view point to see the view of Thimphu town and on the way back take a visit at the nursing pen for the Takin-the national animal of Bhutan. Later in the evening visit Tashichhoe Dzong the centre of both the administration and of the religion (open to tourists only after 5pm in summer & 4pm in winter). This represents the dual system incorporated in the 17th century where religion and political system is separate. The chief abbot called Je-khenpo heads the religion. The political side is head by Desi till 1907, by the King till 1997 and then by the Prime Minister (one year term) since 1998. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

DAY 06:   THIMPHU - PUNAKHA
Today the guest will be traveling towards the olden capital of Bhutan "Punakha" guest will drive over the 10,000ft Dochu La pass (about an hour outside Thimphu) into the balmy Punakha valley (about 3 hrs total time). The drive through the countryside affords a glimpse of everyday life in this most remote of Himalayan kingdoms. In the Dochu la area there are vast Rhododendron forests, which grow to tree size and bloom in late April/early May, covering the mountains in a riot of glorious spring color .From the height of the pass, with its sweeping view of the snow peaks in clear weather. Guests can have a coffee at the point and then drive down the pass towards Punakha, on reaching Lobesa check in your hotel and take some rest and then visit Punakha Dzong built in 1637. After visiting the Dzong; on the way back to Lobesa visit the small Lhakhang known as Chimi Lhakhang built in 15 th century famous for its fertility endowments/rites due to the blessings of Lam Drukpa Kuenley. The temple houses the lam's iron bow and arrow, a small altar Chorten made by the lam himself and some of his personal effects and scriptures. A wooden effigy of Drukpa kuenley's male organ is used to bless pilgrims, particularly childless couples or those who have suffered miscarriages or early deaths of their children. Overnight stay at the hotel in Lobesa.

DAY 07: PUNAKHA - GANGTEY/ PHOBJIKHA
Today guest will visit the Wangduephodrang Dzong on their way to Gangtey, the road descends into the lush green Wangduephodrang Valley. Visit Wangduephodrang Dzong which was built in the year 1639 by Zhabdrung. Wangdue Dzong is perched on a spur at the confluence of two rivers. Then drive up a winding mountain road through oak and rhododendron forest, and over a high pass down into the Phobijikha valley, surely one of the loveliest high altitude valleys in Bhutan. Phobijikha is one of Bhutan's few glacial valleys, and chosen winter home of black necked cranes , (November - March) migrating from the Tibetan plateau. Explore Phobijikha valley and also visit Gangtey Gompa (Monastery), the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan. Overnight at hotel in Phobjikha

DAY 08: GANGTEY/ PHOBJIKHA - TRONGSA
Early morning watch the black necked cranes, if you are there at the right time of the year. Later drive to Bumthang across Pele la passes (3,300m). This pass is traditionally considered the boundary between western and central Bhutan. Further down the road, stop to visit Chendebji Chorten erected in the 18th century by Tibetan lama to cover the remains of an evil spirit that was subdued at this spot. After lunch in Trongsa visit Trongsa Dzong. Overnight stay at the hotel in Tongsa.

DAY 09: TRONGSA - BUMTHANG
After breakfast proceed towards Bumthang, one the most spectacular valleys in Bhutan and also the holy heartland of Buddhism. The road winds steeply up to Yo - tong la pass (3,400m/11,155ft), then runs down through dense coniferous forest to enter a wide, open, cultivated valley, known as Chummey valley. From here it is about an hour to Bumthang, a most pleasant run in the soft, late afternoon light. A day spent in peaceful and lovely Bumthang, the culture and historic heart of Bhutan. Its barley field, apple groves and meadows lie below the huge hills which climb up towards the Himalayan mountain wall separating Bhutan from Tibet. The beautiful architecture unique to Bhutan is evident in the many large farmhouses and temples. Bumthang is associated with Guru Rimpoche (also called Padmasambhava) and with Terton Pemalingpa. Tertons are people chosen to discover treasures in the forms of religious teaching or artifacts. Some of the most important sites in the valley are Jaker Dzong (Dzong of the white Bird); and Tamshing, where Pemalingpa 'heavy coat of mail is kept in the Vestibule. People are permitted to try it on, and it is said that if they can circumambulate the inner sanctuary three times while weaving it, some of their sins will be forgiven. There are many other small temples in the valley and in the hills above which can be reached by hiking. Also walk around the sacred and slightly eerie pool of Mebartso, the Lake of fire, (where Pemalingpa, founder of the Nyingmapa (old) sect, is said to have found treasure hidden by Guru Rimpoche which he retrieved carrying a lamp which continued to burn even after being plunged into the water). Legend says the key to Shangri la will be found here someday. The relatively new monastery build by Namkai Nyingpo, Pema Sherab Choeling Gompo, has a magnificent site above the river and Town with wonderful views overlooking the entire area. There is a highly successful farm project in Bumthang, where locally grown apples are processed into Juice, and huge wheels of cheese is delicious. Also near by is a farm where beautiful golden horses are bred. The textile dye workshop is the source of the nature dyes used in the traditional hand-woven textiles, their source are local trees ,plants and flowers ,and in the case of the red dye called iac, insects. Overnight at lodge in Bumthang.

DAY 10: BUMTHANG
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. In the morning we will visit Kurje Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places in the kingdom as Bhutan's 'patron saint', Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava) meditated here. From Kurje monastery, a tarmac road heads south along the right bank of the river to Jambay Lhakhang. This temple, erected by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century, is one of the two oldest in Bhutan (the other being Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro). After lunch, we will visit Tamshing Lhakhang, founded in 1501 by Pema lingpa. It contains interesting and ancient Buddhist wall painting. Later on we will visit Jakar Dzong, 'the castle of the white bird', and then take a stroll through Bumthang's market area before returning to the lodge. Dinner and overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.

DAY 11: BUMTHANG -MONGAR
The journey continues eastwards, winding through more rugged terrain. The drive to Mongar takes about 6 hours, with spectacular view en route. We will drive up into the hills above the valley and then past Ura village, before climbing sharply to the highest point on Bhutan's motor able road network, Thrumsing -la pass (4,000/13,125ft). From here, the road gradually descends to the alpine valley of Sengor, with wonderful views of cascading waterfalls and the hills of eastern Bhutan along the way. Vegetation changes from alpine to subtropical with the loss of height, and bamboos and luxuriant ferns overhang the road as we drop down to the valley floor. The descent stops at 700m/2,300ft, where we cross the kuri Chu (river). We ascend again through pine forests, maize fields and eastern hamlets to reach Mongar town, high on a gentle slope above the valley, picnic lunch at a scenic spot en route to monger. We visit Mongar Dzong, built in the 1930s and one of Bhutan's newest Dzong, but constructed in the same way as all previous Dzong, without either plans or the use of nails. Overnight at the lodge in Mongar.

DAY 12: MONGAR - TRASHIGANG
This trip of about 96km, takes only 3 hours. The first part of journey is through leafy forest filled with ferns. After driving through the kori-la pass (2,450m/8,040ft), marked by a pretty Chorten and Mani wall, we descend rapidly through corn field and banana groves to reach the famous road zigzag just below Yadi, a fairly recent and now fast- growing settlement.
Tashigang is the principle township of the biggest and most populated district in the country.
After lunch, we will visit Tashigang Dzong, standing at the extreme end of a rocky outcrop far above the river gorge. It serves as the administrative seat for the district and part of the Dzong is occupied by the local monastic community. Overnight at the lodge in Tashigang.

DAY 13: TASHIGANG (excursion to Tashiyangtse)
After breakfast we visit the temple of Gom Kora, set on a small alluvial plateau, overlooking the river, 24km, from Tashigang. Gom Kora is a famous place, as Guru Rimpoche is said to have subdued a demon here, trapping it in a rock. We continue on down the road to Doksum village, where you can see women busily weaving traditional Bhutanese fabric, and a chain-link swing bridge dating back to the 15th century. The road turns into the hills here, running up the side of a winding river valley to Tashiyangtse. In former times, Tashiyangtse was an important center because it lays on one of the caravan routes leading from western and central Bhutan. Tashiyangtse is now a rapidly growing town and the administrative center for this district. The area is famous for its wooden containers and bowls, which make inexpensive, attractive and useful souvenirs of a visit to this remote region. The old maps and signs place Tashiyangtse at the site of the old Dzong which was built around 1656 but was renovated in 1970s. The real town has always been near Chorten Kora, 3Km to the north. We will visit NEW Tashiyangtse Dzong, which overlooks the town and was built in the late 1990s when the new district was created. If time permit, we will also visit the dazzling white stupa of Chorten Kora on the riverbank below the town, and the nearby institute for Zorig Chusum, where student are trained in Bhutan's 13 traditional arts and crafts. In the evening we return to Trashigang. Dinner and overnight at the lodge in Trashigang.

DAY 14: TRASHIGANG - SAMDRUP JONGKHAR
Today after breakfast we will drive back to Samdrup Jongkhar, it is the gateway to eastern Bhutan as well as to Assam, India. It is about 9 hours drive from Trashigang. However, there are many beautiful villages, fields, houses, on the way. Overnight stay at the hotel in Samdrup Jongkhar.

DAY 15: SAMDRUP JONGKHAR - GUWAHATI
After breakfast, your guide will arrange an Indian vehicle for the guest, and then drive to Guwahati, the capital town of the Indian north-eastern state of Assam, for your flight to Delhi/Kolkata.  

For more information, please email tours@btb.com.bt