Foothills Tour | 15D

[Day 1]

PARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT – THIMPHU (1hr30 min) | Your first glimpse of Bhutan

• On arrival at the Paro International Airport you will be welcomed by your tour guide and driver. Check into your hotel and after a brief rest, start your magical experience of Bhutan
• Paro Rinpung Dzong (Fortress on heap of a jewel).
  Rinpung Dzong or the ‘fortress on a heap of jewel’ was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1646. Its majestically on a hill overseeing the Pa chhu(river) and offers a panoramic view of Paro valley.
• Taa Dzong/Watchtower/National museum
  Taa Dzong or watch tower was built in 1645 by Paro penlop La Ngoenpa Tenzin Drukda together with Desi Minjur Tempa. It was built to protect the Dzong(fortress) and the valley from unceasing attacks from outside. The watchtower was converted to a national museum in 1967. The museum has an exhibit several antiques and relics of Bhutan, they also exhibits the natural history and cultural practices.

Afternoon drive to Thimphu (capital city of Bhutan)

• Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan and is one of the last few capital cities without traffic lights and the traffic still managed by traffic policemen. Thimphu is the most populated city with more than 100,000 people and a combination of the ancient and the modern.
• Memorial Chorten/stupa
  The national memorial chorten was built in memory of third Druk Gyalpo and is dedicated to World peace. It was initiated by Her Majesty Phuentsho Choden and erected in 1974. It’s one of the mostly visited places by the devotees, circumambulating the stupa from dawn until dusk.
• Overnight in Thimphu

[Day 2]

THIMPHU VALLEY EXCURSION

• Buddha Doerdenma statue / Buddha Point
A 51 meter bronze Shakyamuni Buddha statue gilded in gold, overseeing the valley of Thimphu. Enjoy the panoramic view of the Thimphu valley from the site of the gigantic Lord Buddha. The site was completed in sept. 2015. We have alternative hike around the statue with beautiful view of the valley, you could prefer to hike one of the trails. These trails are popular for mountain biking/cycling.
• Simply Bhutan Museum,
The Museum is a living studio showcasing the typical life-style and practices of Bhutanese culture and tradition. You will also witness some folk dances by the team at the museum and you can disguise yourself with our national attire and try out archery (national sport).
• Takin Preserve
The takin enclosure is located in the Thimphu is a wildlife reserve area for takin the national animal of Bhutan. Originally a mini-zoo, it was converted into a preserve when it was discovered that the animals refrained from inhabiting the surrounding forest even when set free. The reason for declaring takin as a national animal of Bhutan on 25 November 2005 (Budorcas taxicolor) is attributed to a legend of the animal’s creation in Bhutan in the 15th century by Lama Drukpa Kuenley
• Bhutan Postal Museum
The Bhutan Postal Museum was opened on 7 November 2015 in the capital city Thimphu. The postal museum narrates the story of the evolution of communication, transportation and postal services in Bhutan's history. The story is told through the collection of various anecdotes, artifacts and the rich assortment of stamp Bhutan has produced over the years. You can personalize your own stamp and write back home to your love ones with your pictures on it.
• Tashichho Dzong/fortress of the Auspicious Religion
The fortress was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1641. It was enlarged by desi Tenzin Rabgay in 1694 and further renovated several times over the years. The entire Dzong was rebuilt in 1962 under the royal command of the third king, his majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. It houses the dragon throne room of the king of Bhutan,the office of the Je-khenpo (chief abbot), and other government agencies. It is also used as summer residence of the monk body.
• Centenary Farmers Market
If you want to join with the Bhutanese people and interact with local farmers amongst the aroma of organic fruits and vegetables, the Centenary Farmers Market is the place to be. Smiling tourists wonder as locals bargain with the vendors and you could even stock up on your organic fruits for the coming days.
• Stroll through the market places and the craft bazaar
• Overnight in Thimphu

[Day 3]

THIMPHU - PUNAKHA - PHOBJIKHA VALLEY (6HRS)

• After breakfast check out of your hotel and drive for about three hours to Punakha valley. En route stop over at the Dochulaa Pass (3100 meters) and enjoy the spectacular views of the snow capped Himalayan Mountains.
• Dochu la (Pass)
The serene view of the eastern Himalayas greets you with beautiful eye-catching sight of 108 small stupas built over a small hill. The collections of the stupa were built in 2005 as atonement for the loss of life caused by the flushing out of Assamese militants in southern Bhutan. On clear weather you could see many of those highest snowcapped mountains of Bhutan.
• Lampari Botanical Park
Lamperi Botanical Park is the only recreational park in Bhutan. The wild life bio-diversity in the park is very rich and there are 29 species rhododendrons which is native to that park. This park consists of an area of 47km2. Visit botanical park information center for more information.
The road from the Pass winds down to the warm and fertile valleys and after a brief rest visits the Fertility Temple / Chime Lhakhang.
• Chimi Lhakhang/Fertility temple
The site of the temple is a pleasant 30 minutes walk through mustard and paddy fields. Standing on a picturesque hilltop the Lhakhang is famous for its fertility wish grants to couples. Inside the walls of the Lhakhang are beautiful frescoes depicting the colorful life of Lama Drukpa Kuenley, the Divine Madman regarded for his crazy methods of teaching which included blessing women in the form of copulation!

Afternoon drive towards Phobjikha & Gangtey valley (3hrs)

• Gangtey and Phobjikha Valley
Beautiful valleys of Gangtey and Phobjika, the surrounding villages are located in one of the most beautiful glacial valleys of Bhutan and it is a favorite tourists place. The valleys are also home to the endangered and graceful Black Necked Cranes in the winter and you can see them in the marshes in the middle of the valley. In the summer the cranes fly back to Tibet.
• Gangtey Monastery and Nature Trail Hike
Visit the Gangtey Monastery located atop a hill overlooking the valley. Gangtey Gonpa is an important Monastery of the Nyingmapa school of Buddhism. Hike through the serene Gangtey Nature Trail for about an hour.
Excursion of Gangtey, Phobjika and neighboring villages, stroll through the valley and visit few traditional houses.
• Overnight in Gangtey valley

[Day 4]

PHOBJIKHA / GANGTEY VALLEY - TRONGSA (5HRS)

The 5 hour drive from Gangtey to Trongsa valley is scenic via the Pelela Pass at 3420 meters and across quaint little highland villages of Sephu, Rukubjee, Chendebjee, Tangsibjee and many other small rural settlements along the way.
The Stupa in Chendebjee is said to be a replica of the Boudanath Stupa of Nepal.
At the Trongsa viewpoint, enjoy the view of the majestic Trongsa Dzong/Fortress of the Vanguard of Warriors and the neighboring villages.
• Trongsa Fortress (Fortress of Vanguard of Warriors)
The fortress has been witness to various significant events that would eventually lay the foundation for the unification of Bhutan as a nation. The first and second kings of Bhutan ruled the country from this ancient seat. Trongsa fortress is the largest fortress in Bhutan built by Minjur Tenpa after he was appointed as Trongsa Penlop (governer) in 1647. It was built on the site where a temple was built in 14th century by Yongzin Ngagi Wangchuk.
• The National Museum (Taa Dzong)
The watch tower (Taa Dzong), which once guarded Trongsa Dzong from external threats, stands strategically above the Trongsa Fortress. Its was built by Chogyel Minjur Tenpa in 1652. The meusum houses various galleries that display the historical significance of the Dragon Kings of Bhutan and some very rare historical artifacts.
• Overnight in Trongsa

[Day 5]

TRONGSA - TINGTIBI (3-4HRS)

• Today you will be driving to Zhemgang which will take around 3-4 hrs to reach the small town called Tingtibi but we will be stopped on the way for many nature sightseeing and you will also spot the rare species of monkey (Golden Langur).
• You can choose either at local homestay or camping in Tingtibi for the night.

[Day 6]

TINGTIBI – PANBANG (4-5HRS)

• Drive takes about 4 – 5 hrs passing through the stunning views of the amazing temperate forest and typical tribe villages.
• Arrival at eco resort of Panbang, located near the confluence of the DrangmeChhu and MangdeChhu (below which it is the Manas Chhu).
• Check in at the eco lodges and have some lunch. Afternoon you will leisurely explore birds and fly fishing in the designated fishing spot or hike around park.
• Overnight: Eco resort.

[Day 7]

PANBANG – ROYAL MANAS NATIONAL PARK (11 KM)

• Today, drive to explore Manas National Park, you will be taking a boat to cross the manas river to go to park. There are no network and its completely restricted from noise and hunting.
• You will be hiking or doing an elephant safari to see the rich biodiversity of flora and fauna, and also activities includes wildlife safari, eco-trail, bird-watching and picnic lunch in the woods.
• Afternoon, white river rafting or fly fishing.
• Overnight in Manas.

[Day 8]

PANBANG – ZHEMGANG (2-3 HRS)

• Depart to Zhemgang and along the route you will look for more birds and golden Langur. On arrival, you will check in at the hotel and have some lunch.
• Afternoon, explore the Zhemgang valley and the fortress.
• Evening at leisure.
• Overnight in Zhemgang.

[Day 9]

ZHEMGANG – TRONGSA (4-5 HRS)

• Transfer to Trongsa, drive takes about 3-4 hours.
• You will see lot of Golden Langur.
• Picnic lunch along the route.
• Visit KuengaRabten Palace and Nunnery Institute located above the palace. Drive to Trongsa and at the close vicinity; you will see views of impressive Trongsa Dzong.
• Drive to your hotel and evening at leisure.
• Overnight in Trongsa.

[Day 10]

TRONGSA – BUMTHANG (2HRS)

From Trongsa it is another 2 hours to Bumthang via the Yotongla Pass at 3400 meters. Enroute stop over at the Yathra Weaving center in Chumey village where you can watch men and women weavers at their loom weaving yak and sheep wool products.
• Bumthang Valley
Bumthang is compared to Switzerland for its beautiful landscape and is the spiritual heartland of Bhutan. In the ancient times the people of Bumthang used to be frequently disturbed by demons, wandering ghosts and negative forces.
Starting from the 7th Century, Guru Padmasmbhava and numerous religious saints and monks visited Bumthang, subdued the demons and converted these demons into local protecting deities. Hence there are numerous temples and monasteries each with its own legend and significance.
• Chumey Weaving Center
Bumthang is very popular for its unique traditional woolen products. You can visit the weaving center watching the locals weaving different kinds of woolen clothings. You can purchase some if you like to take as souvniers.
• Jakar Fortress (Fortress of the White Bird)
Jakar fortress or Fortrss of the White Bird derives its name from the account of Lam Ngagi Wangchuk, Zhabdrung's great grandfather, witnessing an auspicious omen of a white bird landing on the site where he was building a temple. Yab Tenpai Nima later expanded but it was only in 1646 that a larger fortress was built by Desi Minjur Tenpa where the temple stood.
• The Chu Dzong (Water Tower)
The Water Tower that has a sheltered passage that leads to a well that serves as a access point of water during invasions. Its about 20 minutes walk from the fortress till we get to the water tower.
• Beer Brewery and Swiss Cheese Factory
Locally brewed Red Panda beer and Swiss Cheese processing factory are located just a mile away from the main town. You can pay a visit to see the work in progress and blend in with some local brewed beer and cheese.
• Overnight in Bumthang

[Day 11]

BUMTHANG VALLEY EXCURSION

After a typical Bumthang breakfast, walk at a leisurely pace to the three temples of Jambay Lhakhang/temple, Kurjey Lhakhang and Tamzhing Lhakhang. All the monasteries are ancient and with their unique history and beauty.
• Jambay Lhakhang
One of the oldest twin temple in Bhutan, which dates back to 7th century built by a spiritual king of Tibet. It is believed to be two of the 108 temples built by him over a span of one night along the Himalayan region.
• Kurjay Lhakhang
This temple dates back to 7th century where Guru Padmasambhava (the patrion saint who established buddhism in the country) meditated in that cave where the temple stands now. By leaving his body imprints on that cave later the name of the temple was also so called Kur-jey which translates "body imprints".
• Tamzing Lhakhang
It is a majoy Nyingma monastery in central Bhutan which was founded in 1501 by Pema Lingpa (he is believed to be the spiritual son of Guru Padmasambhava).
• Mebar Tsho (The Burning Lake)
Pema Lingpa is also a treasure revealer, this sacred lake is the place where he revealed a treasure from beneath the lake by carrying a burning lamp in his hand where it kept burning when he came out and so the place was named as the Burning Lake.
• In the evening stroll around the main town and keep it leasure.
• Overnight in Bumthang.

[Day 12]

BUMTHANG –TRONGSA- PUNAKHA (7-8 HRS)

After Breakfast you will be driving all the way back to Punakha which is about 7-8hrs drive. On the way back you can enjoy your drive with the views of scenic mountains and nature. If you prefer to have packed hot lunch along, you could spot lots of beautiful places for lunch.
Towards the evening when you reach Punakha check in a your hotel and if you have time take a leasure walk.
• Punakha
Punakha valley (1300m) was the old capital city of Bhutan till 1955. The valley falls in sub-tropical region so it has rich vegetation. The people in Punakha used to harvest rice twice in a year. The rivers in Punakha are popular for river rafting and kayaking. Punakha is more warmer compared to Paro and Thimphu.
• Overnight in Punakha.

[Day 13]

PUNAKHA-THIMPHU- PARO (4-5HRS)

• Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten
Walk for about an hour to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten stupa. It is a beautiful walk through the pine trees, the stupa is stunning and so is the view from there.
• Punakha fortress (fortress of great bliss)
Punakha valley was the old capital city of Bhutan and the Punakha Dzong meaning the "Palace of Great Bliss" was built by 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel (the first spiritual & political leader of Bhutan) to commemorate the final victory against numerous Tibetan invasions. Located on a piece of land between two rivers Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu (literally meaning male and female rivers), the Dzong is massive, huge and magnificent in all its massive architectural work. Although ravaged by flood, fire and earthquake many times, the Dzong was always rebuilt with its original pattern and design. The Dzong has hosted significant events such as the crowning of the first king of Bhutan, The Royal Wedding ceremony of the Fifth King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck to Jetsun Pema on 13th October 2011 was conducted in Punakha Dzong and important religious ceremonies are still held in the Dzong. <

Afternoon drive to Paro

• Overnight in Paro

[Day 14]

PARO VALLEY

TAKTSANG MONASTERY/TIGER’S NEST –The highlight of your holiday to Bhutan

• Taksang Monastery (Tiger's Nest)
Your highlight of the tour and a day excursion to one of the most petrified sites in Bhutan, Taktsang Monastery / Tiger’s Nest which is about 3 hours uphill and 2 hours down. It is located around 900 meters above the Paro valley. In the 8th Century Guru Padmasambhava – the patron saint of Buddhism established the most sacred place in Bhutan and meditated with his consort Khandro Yeshey Tshogyal. It is believed that Guru flew on a female tigress in pursuit of a demon which he subdued at the current site of the Monastery.
You can have your lunch, tea/snacks at the cafeteria midway.
• Kichu Lhakhang
Before you drive back to your hotel visit the Kyichu Lhakhang/temple, one of the oldest temples built in the 7th Century by the Tibetan King Songsten Gyembo.
• Local Experience
In the evening visit a traditional farmhouse replete with paddy fields, vegetable garden and farm animals. Enjoy a hot stone bath in a wooden tub, get some cooking tips and help in preparing your dinner which you will eat in the traditional Bhutanese style with the whole family. If you wish you can go for a stroll through the valley or rest in hotel.
• Overnight in Paro

[Day 15]

DEPARTURE

• After breakfast drive to Paro International Airport where your guide and driver will bid you farewell and hope you had a pleasant holiday and hope to see you in Bhutan again.

TASHI DELEK