A VALLEY
OF EARTHLY DELIGHTS (8 days)
Experience the diversity of the Bhutanese
culture and environment through the western valleys of Paro,
Thimphu, and Punakha to the central valleys of Trongsa and Bumthang.
This cultural and sightseeing tour visit temples, monasteries,
markets, farm houses, schools and provides opportunities to
meet local folks.
DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO, PARO-THIMPHU
The flight into Bhutan takes you close to the great Himalayas,
offering dazzling scenic views of some of world's highest glacial
peaks. As you enter Paro valley, you will sweep past forested
hills with the slivery Pa Chu (Paro river) meandering down the
valley below. Paro Dzong (fortress) and Ta Dzong (watch tower)
on the hill above the town will be fine sight. Our Bhutan Travel
Bureau representative will meet you at Paro airport, and after
completion of arrival formalities you will be transferred to
Bhutan's capital, Thimphu, an exciting blend of tradition and
modernity. Dinner and overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.
DAY 02:
THIMPHU
Today's full day of sightseeing in Thimphu valley includes visits
to: National Library, which holds a vast collection of Buddhist
texts and manuscripts, some dating back several hundred years,
as well as modern academic books mainly on Himalayan culture
and religion: Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly Known as
the Painting School) where student undertake a six-year course
on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan: National Institute
of Traditional Medicine (outside only), where the medicinal
herbs abundant in the kingdom are compounded and dispensed,
and traditional medical practitioners are trained: National
Memorial Chorten: The building of this landmark was envisaged
by the third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, as a monument
to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely
death, it is a both a memorial to the late king ('the father
of modern Bhutan'), and a monument to world peace. The painting
and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into
Buddhist philosophy; Tashichhodzong: this impressive fortress/monastery
house the secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty,
the king and various government offices. It is also the summer
residence of the chief Abbot and central monk body; Folk Heritage
and National Textile Museums: These museums, both of which opened
in 2001, provide fascinating insight into Bhutanese material
culture and way of life. Handicrafts Emporium: This government-run
enterprise displays a wide range of beautifully hand-woven textiles
and craft products. It also carries a small collection of books
on Bhutan, Buddhism and Himalayan culture. Dinner and overnight
at the hotel in Thimphu.
DAY 03:
THIMPHU-TRONGSA
After early breakfast, drive up to Dochu-La pass (3,088m/10,13ft)
stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the Chorten,
mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point
on the road. It skies are clear, the high Himalayan peaks towards
the north east will be revealed in all their glory. On a clear
day, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to
right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendegang (6,960m) a table mountain
that dominates the isolated region of Lunana, and finally, Gangkar
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.
Take lunch at Wangduephodrang town, and then continue on to
Trongsa across Pele-la pass (3,300m/10,830ft), the traditional
boundary between east and west. The pass is marked by a large
white Chorten and prayer flags. There is an abrupt change in
vegetation at this point, with mountain forest replaced by high
altitude dwarf bamboo. Stop en route at Chendebji Chorten, patterned
on Katmandu's Swyambhunath Stupa, with eyes painted at the four
cardinal points. It was built in the 18th century by Lama Shida
from Tibet, to cover the remains of evil spirit that was subdued
at this spot. Arrive at Trongsa late afternoon and check into
the lodge for the night.
DAY 04:
TRONGSA - BUMTHANG
After breakfast, walk by Trongsa Dzong (built by Shabdrung Ngawang
Namgyal in (1647) and climb up a steep path to visit the Ta
Dzong (watchtower), dedicated to the epic hero, king Gesar of
ling. Then drive to Bumthang, 68 km, from Trongsa, a journey
of about 3 hours, over the Yutong- la pass (3,400/11,155ft).
The road wind steeply up to the pass, 28 km, from Trongsa, then
runs down through coniferous forest into wide, open, cultivated
valley known as the chumey valley. On arrival in Bumthang, check
in at your lodge. After lunch, visit Kurje Lhakhang (where the
saint's body is imprinted on a rock), Jambay Lhakhang (7th century),
Tamshing Monastery (housing some of the oldest wall painting
in Bhutan), and Jakar Dzong (administrative center of the region).
Stroll in the village, visit the little handicrafts shop at
the entrance to the town, and perhaps take refreshments at a
local restaurant. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
DAY 05:
BUMTHANG - PUNAKHA
After breakfast, explore further the fascinating valley of Bumthang.
Then proceed, stopping along the way at Trongsa for lunch, which
will be served in a local restaurant famous for its cuisine.
Visit Wangduephodrang Dzong and town en route to Punakha, which
we will reach late afternoon. Dinner and overnight at the hotel
in Punakha.
DAY 06:
PUNAKHA- PARO
Morning visit to Punakha Dzong, a massive structure build 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. The fortress has withstood damage
from fire, earthquake and flood over the centuries. The latest
flood, in October, 1994, caused great damage to the fortress
but miraculously spared its most holy statue. After lunch, proceed
to Paro, en route visiting Simtokha Dzong en route. The Dzong,
built in 1627, is the oldest in Bhutan. It now houses the Institute
for Language and Culture studies. On arrival in Paro, check
into the hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
DAY 07:
PARO
Today's full day of sightseeing in Paro Valley include morning
visit to Ta Dzong, which in the past served as watchtower for
Paro Dzong and now houses the National Museum, and Paro Dzong
(Rinpung Dzong), built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
After Lunch, we drive up the valley to Drukgyel Dzong, built
in 1647 by the Shabdrung to commemorate the Bhutanese victory
over the Tibetans in the war of 1644. En route, we also visit
Kyichu Lhakhang, built in the 7th century by the Tibetan king,
Songtsen Gampo. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Paro.
DAY 08:
DEPART PARO
After early breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport for
flight to onward destination.
For more information, please
email tours@btb.com.bt
