Bhutan had in the past defended its sovereignty through ways of skillful mediation, war, and other means of defense strategy. Punakha Festival depicts one of such victories, which have resulted in what Bhutan is today. Our trip coincides with the sacred pageantry and dance festival, which commemorates the great victory over the invading Tibetan troops in the 17thcentury. The festival begins with colorful mask dances and ends with grand procession that dramatizes the Bhutanese troops marching into the battlefield against the Tibetan troops.
Visiting villages, temples, monasteries, gigantic fortresses, meeting people, enjoying the pristine forest with rare glimpse of wildlife and observing the ancient old traditions of arts and crafts. We would be traveling through the less frequented areas of Bhutan. Our journey starts from Paro Valley where our flight from Bangkok will land and continue by road through the lush valley of Thimphu and to Punakha.
We continue to explore the country through Phobjikha valley, winter home to the rare black-necked cranes. And then to the enchanting valleys of Trongsa and Bumthang, which played a key role in influencing Bhutanese history, culture and religion. This route will take us through the temperate zone with great biodiversity, ranging from lush forest of conifer, rhododendron, magnolia to orchid draped oaks, banana trees and cactus plants. During clear weather, the high passes we cross, provides spectacular views of high snow capped peaks that are 25,000 feet and below.
* Itinerary
- Day 1 (Bangkok to Paro Bhutan)
Fly from Bangkok to Paro on Druk Air (Bhutan National Airline). From a window seat on clear days you can experience a spectacular view of Himalayan peaks as you approach Paro. On arrival you will be received by our representative, and then transfer to Hotel. Overnight at hotel.
(D)
- Day 2 (Paro Sightseeing)
After breakfast visit, Drukgyal Dzong built in 1647 by Shubdrung Nawang Namgyal, the Dzong was destroyed by fire and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate. On a clear day you can get a magnificent view of the Mount Chomolhari, alt. 7314 m / 23,990 ft. Drive south and stop at the Taktsang Monastery view point, from here you will get birds eye view of the monastery.
Continue your drive to Satsam Chorten, built in memory of the late Dilgo Khentse Rinpochey, and continue on to Kyichu Lhakhang, built in seventh century by a Tibetan King, Songtsen Gonpo. Return to hotel for your lunch, after lunch the sightseeing will be in the Paro market and visit the nearby village to get insight of Bhutanese village life. Evening drive to Thimphu the Capital city at an elevation of 2500 meters / 8200 foot. Overnight at hotel.
(B) (L) (D)
- Day 3 (Thimphu Sightseeing)
Visit King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk Memorial Chorten, Dupthop Lhakhang ( Monastery for the nuns), continue your drive to National Library, the Medicine Institute where traditional medicines are prepared according to ancient practices, the traditional incense factory. After lunch you will visit Lungtenzampa to observe the traditional silver smiths plying at their crafts and tour the Bhutanese traditional paper factory. Visit the handicraft emporium and other places of interest. Overnight at Hotel.
(B) (L) (D)
- Day 4 (Drive to Punakha and attend Festival)
Leaving Thimphu the road climbs steeply through a forest of pine and cedar, festooned with hanging lichen high up near Dochula pass (3,050 m). This pass offers panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges, as we descend along a series of hairpin bends to the fertile valley of Punakha (1,350 meters/ 4,430 feet). Continue your drive to Punakha Dzong (Fortress) and attend the on going festival.
This festival is celebrated annually by the people of Punakha known as Dromchoe and is dedicated to two main protector deities of Bhutan, Yeshi Gompo (Mahakala) and Palden Lhamo (Female Deity). The festival is not a pageant or entertainment but a serious religious ceremony that is performed to seek the protection and happiness of themselves and all sentient beings.
(B) (L) (D)
- Day 5 (Sightseeing of Punakha and Wangdue Valley)
After breakfast drive to Lobesa and hike to Chimi Lhakhang temple on a small hilltop. This temple is dedicated to the great Yogi in 14th century known as Drukpa Kuenley or popularly known as "Divine madman" to the westerners. It is believed that this temple blesses women who seek fertility.
Return back to the highway and drive to Wangdue, enroute a short hike to Rinchengang Village, This small clustered village is popularly known for their skill in the stonemasonry work throughout the country. Drive to Wangdue and visit the small town, your lunch will be served here. After lunch, you will hike along the riverside to observe the varieties of ducks that migrate here during winter. Overnight at hotel.
(B) (L) (D)
- Day 6 (Punakha Festival)
After breakfast drive to Punakha town and observe the procession ceremony. This procession is to commemorate the victory over the Tibetan invading troops in the 16th century. Afternoon sightseeing of the valley. Overnight at hotel.
(B) (L) (D)
- Day 7 (Punakha - Phobjikha - Trongsa)
After breakfast you will begin your journey to Gangtey Monastery, it is about 3 hrs drive from the hotel. This village known as the Phobjikha Valley is one of the most beautiful glacial valleys in the Kingdom. It is also the home to the rare black-necked crane that migrates from Tibet in the winter.
Your car will drop you at the Monastery where you will visit the surrounding village and the monastery. You will than hike downhill to the valley floor where you will see the beautiful cranes dancing in the marshy ground while some are feeding themselves on the bamboo roots. The car will meet you at the valley and resume your drive to Trongsa. Overnight at Hotel.
(B) (L) (D)
- Day 8 (Trongsa - Bumthang - Trongsa)
The drive from Trongsa will take approximately two hours, you will stop at Zungney village, here you will find many weavers with their scarves tied on their heads in the Bumthang style, they weave woolen Yathra on a pedal loom as well as belts on back strap looms. Bumthang is the general name given to a complex of four valleys-Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura. Choekhor and Chumey are agricultural valleys while Tang and Ura depend mostly on the animal husbandry.
Nestled in the barley fields and apple groves, Bumthang has an individuality that charms its visitors and separate it from other regions. Comprising of four smaller valleys, the deeply spiritual regions of Bumthang is shrouded in religious legend. Bumthang is also the traditional home to the great Buddhist teacher Pema Lingpa. Almost whole day will be spend here visiting the places of interest. Return back to Trongsa in the evening. Overnight at Norling Hotel or Sherubling Lodge.
(B) (L) (D)
- Day 9 (Trongsa - Punakha)
After breakfast you will visit the ancient tower overlooking the Trongsa valley. Visit the small Temple of Gesar, the hero of a great epic, however, be prepared, that you will have to climb the ladder like steps that takes you to the Temple. Stroll the small town of Trongsa and resume your journey back to Punakharetracing the road you had come into Trongsa. There will be several stops for you to take picture of the landscape etc. Overnight at Hotel
(B) (L) (D)
- Day 10 (Punakha - Paro)
After breakfast resume your journey to Paro. Crossing Dochula Pass you will arrive at Simtokha dzong, visit the old fortress, now used as the Institute for traditional studies for lay men and women. Continue your drive to Thimphu, lunch will be served here. After lunch resume your journey to Paro, en route visit the 15th Century Tamchogang Temple. Overnight at Hotel.
(B) (L) (D)
- Day 11 (Excursion to Tiger's Nest)
After breakfast your car will drop you at the start point of the hike to Taktsang monastery (Tiger's Nest). The trail to the monastery climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. You stop at the cafeteria for a rest and refreshments and continue the hike (if not tired) for short while until you see, clearly and seemingly within reach, the remains of Taktsang monastery. Built in 1600s, this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below.
The history states that Guru Padmasambhava, the Tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, landed here on the back of a flying tiger. Looking at the monastery flying tigers doesn't seem so impossible after all. Lunch will be served at the cafeteria, followed by a short walk back to the road. The car will take you to your hotel. Rest of the days will be free. Overnight at hotel.
(B) (L) (D)
- Day 12 (Depart Paro Bhutan)
Depart Paro Bhutan
(B)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
* Cost includes
- twin sharing accommodation with full board
- all transfers as per the itinerary
- English speaking guide
- monument fees and govt
- taxes
* Cost excludes
- Visa fees
- Excess baggage
- laundry
- phone calls
- medical, insurance and any other expenses that are not mentioned above
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Bhutan
Cultural Journey
Ecotourism
|
| Check out these similar vacation offers: |
|
|
