Bhutan Cultural Tour

^{8 Days / 7 Nights}

Itinerary (Paro - Thimphu - Tongsa - Bumthang - Punakha -Paro)

INTRODUCTION :
Bhutan is an independent kingdom in the eastern Himalayas. It borders India, to the south and the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China to the north. King Jigme Singe Wangchuck is the present monarch and the fourth ruler of the dynasty founded by his great-grandfather in December 1907. Bhutan is a Buddhist kingdom and practice Mahayana Buddhism of the Drukpa Kagyupa sect.
Because of its strict regulations and monitoring system, it was always difficult for outsiders to enter this Himalayan Kingdom. Centuries of isolation have kept the Bhutanese religion and culture to its original state. It is the most isolated country in the Himalayas, having opened up to tourism in 1974. Two and a half decades have not brought much of a Western or industrialized influence into the Bhutanese society. Most of its natural resources have not been exploited for commercial development as yet. Ancient Dzong fortresses and monasteries, unspoiled landscape, lush green hills and valleys, turcoise blue mountain lakes, clean rivers, and sharp snow-capped mountains are among the attraction here.
The highest mountain in Bhutan is 7,200 m. Mt. Chomolhari. A 7 to 15 day trek will take you very close to its base, where nomadic Yak herders still live. Blue sheep, Tibetan snow cock, numerous different species of birds and Langur monkeys are among the fauna seen along the Chomolhari trek routes.
The attraction of Bhutan include its clean environment, friendly people and great hospitality, well preserved tradition and culture, as well as sparsely populated and highly controlled tourism. Tsechu festivals are held in honor of Padma Sambhava, the Buddhist saint who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan in the 11th century. The festivals consist of 3 to 5 days of spectacular mask dances performed by monks. These festivals are held in the months of February, March, April, June, September, October, November and December, usually between the second and the fourth week of each month. The Bhutanese gather in their finest clothing and jewelry in the courtyards of Dzong fortresses to witness and celebrate the sacred teachings of the Buddha. Tsechu festivals are the best times to visit Bhutan. Formal dress is required for all festivals.

Day 1 : Arrive Paro
The flight into Bhutan takes you over the great Himalayas, offering the most spectacular scenery of the world’s highest peaks. As you enter Paro valley, you will see the silvery Pa Chu (Paro River) meandering down the valley, the Paro Dzong (fortress) and Ta Dzong (watch tower). On arrival, received by our representative and transfer to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan.

Day 2 : Thimphu
Today’s full day of sightseeing in Thimphu valley includes, visit to the National Library; it holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts, manuscripts, modern academic books and printing blocks for prayer flags. Painting School, famous for traditional Thangkha paintings. Traditional Medicine Institute; the rich herbal medicines abundant in the Kingdom is prepared here. The institute also imparts the art of herbal medicines to would be practitioners. Memorial Chorten; the beautiful stupa built in the memory of Bhutan’s third King. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy. Tashichodozing; the beautiful medieval fortress/monastery which houses Secretariat building, King’s Throne room and other government 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 3 : Thimphu - Tongsa

After early breakfast, drive to Dochula pass (alt. 3,100m). If the weather permits, you can see a range of high Himalayan peaks towards the north east. Following peaks can be seen from this pass, on a clear day, Masagang (7,158), Tsendagang (6,960), Terigang (7,060), Jejegangphugang (7,158m), Kangphugang (7,170), Zongaphugang (7,060m), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana, and finally Gangkar Punsum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m. Further drive onwards arriving Wangiphodrang town for lunch. The descent from Dochula into Wangdiphodrang valley is quite long as the altitude difference is 1700 meters. Proceed to Tongsa across Pelela pass (alt. 3,300m), the traditional boundary between east and west. The pass is marked by a large prayer flag and the ground is covered with high altitude dwarf bamboo. Stop en-route at Chendbji Chorten, which was built in the 18^th century by a lama named Shida. It is Nepalese in style with eyes painted at four cardinal points. Arrive Tongsa and check into the lodge, Dinner and overnight at the lodge in Tongsa.

Day 4 : Tongsa - Bumthang
After breakfast walk by Tongsa Dzong, built by Shabdrung in 1647 and visit the Ta Dzong (watch tower), dedicated to Buddhist epic hero, King Gesar of ling. Then drive to Bumthang which is about 3 hours. 29 Kms from Tongsa road reaches the Yutong La pass (alt. 3,400m). Further 13 kms ahead, the road enters into a wide, open, cultivated valley known as Chumey valley. On arrival in Bumthang, check into the lodge. After lunch, visit to Kurje Lhakhang (where the saint Padsambhava subdued a local demon and left his body imprint on a rock), the Jambey Lhakhang (7^th 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 5 : Bumthang - Punakha
After breakfast explore fascinating valley of Bumthang. Then proceed to Tongsa where lunch would be served in local restaurant famous for its cuisine. Before arriving Punakha visit Wangdiphodrang Dzong and town en-route. Evening at leisure. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

Day 6 : 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, 94 caused great damage to the fortress but miraculously spared the statue of Buddha Jojampa. After lunch proceed to Paro, en-route 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.

Day 7 : Paro
Today’s full day sight seeing in Paro valley includes, visit to ta Dzong, the National Museum (which in the past served as watch tower for the Paro Dzong), the Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong), built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. After lunch drive to Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1647 by the Shabdrung to commemorate Bhutanese victory over the Tibetan in war of 1644. Also en-route visit to Kyichu Lhakhang (built by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gompo in the 7^th century). Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 8 : Paro Depart
Early breakfast in the hotel and drive to the airport for flight to onward destination.