Land of the Dragon Tour | 21D

[Day 1]

PARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT – 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 museumTaa 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.
• Dungtse Lhakhang
Visit the impressive 3 storied Dungtse Lhakhang/temple, built in the mid 1430’s by Thangtong Gyelpo, the iron bridge builder, to subdue a demon and the temple is firmly chained to the ground. The three floors of the temple represent hell, heaven and earth and house some of the finest murals in Bhutan. 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.This will depend on your flight otherwise, you will directly check in to your hotel for the night.
• Evening stroll around Paro main town.
• Overnight in Paro

[Day 2]

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

If you wish you can go for a stroll through the valley or rest in hotel.

[Day 3]

PARO – HAA VALLEY EXCURSION (3 HRS)

Today you will drive over highest motorable pass (Chelela Pass) 3989m
• Haa Valley
Haa's major feature is the Haa Valley. The name "Haa" depicts mysterious hiddeness. An alternative name for the district is "Hidden-land Rice Valley". The main crops grown in the valley are rice, wheat and barley. Other cash crops such as potatoes, apples and chillies are also cultivated.Even though Haa is an exclusive destination excursion of Haa still remains on the fringes of mainstream tourism and is not much visited by tourists. Stroll through the valley, visit the few shops, interact with the locals and yet again enjoy your visit and stay at a traditional farmhouse with all modern facilities and amenities.

• kila Gomba
The Kila Gomba Nunnery below the Pass is also located on a cliffside and consists of several small temples and retreat huts. The nuns here live in a self imposed isolation either in meditation or chanting and reading the holy scriptures.

• Chelela Pass (3989m)
Chelela Pass is the highest motorable pass in Bhutan. with its serene views of both paro and haa valleys, you could even see one of the highest mountains of Bhutan on a clear weather.
From the pass drive for an hour till you reach the picturesque and remote Haa valley. Excursion of Haa valley is truly an off the beaten path experience and has been only recently introduced into the treasure chest of tourism in Bhutan.
• Overnight in Haa

[Day 4]

HAA VALLEY EXCURSION- THIMPHU (5HRS)

• Chorten Karpo and Nagpo (White and Black Temple)
Both the temples are believed to be built in 7th century. Now the White temple is converted into a fortress where it serves as both secular and monastic body. Both the temples is located nearby so you could walk from one temple to another.

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.s
• Memorial Chorten/stupaThe 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 5]

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
• 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 6]

EXCURSION OF TANGO AND CHERI MONASTERY



After breakfast, drive towards north of Thimphu till you reach the base of Tango and Cheri Monasteries. Tango Monstery is a buddhist monastery located 14 km to the north of capital city of Thimphu.
• Tango and Cheri Monasteries.
Built on adjacent hills both the monasteries are about one hour hike along well maintained pathways. You can visit the Tango Monastery which also serves as a university of Buddhist higher studies. It was founded by Phajo Drugom Zigpo in 13th century and built in its present form by Desi Tenzin Rabgay (the 4th secular leader) in 1688.
If you want you can also hike upto Cheri Monastery or return back to Thimphu and continue exploring Thimphu valley. Cheri Monastery is located same as Tango Monastery. It is a buddhist monastery which was established in 1620 by Zhabdrung Rinpoche (The unifier of the country).
You can prefer to have picnic lunch if you hike to both the temples, it would be a beautiful outdoor trip in the nature.
In the evening drive back to hotel and walk through the main streets and visit the many shops selling local and imported good.
• Overnight in Thimphu.

[Day 7]

THIMPHU – PUNAKHA VALLEY (3HRS)



• 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.
• Lungchutse Hike
Hiking Time: 4 hrs, Hiking Level: Moderate, Altitude: 3600m
You will start your hike from Dochula Pass (3100m). The trail slowly climbs through a forest of Hemlock, Junipers, Birch and Rhododendrons. You will have 3600 view of the Himalayas including the highest unclimbed virgin peak (Gangkhar Puensum - 7520m) in the world from Lungchutse Temple. Later you will hike down the same trail till you get to Dochula Pass.
• 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 Park winds down to the warm and fertile valleys of Punakha and Wangdue.


• Overnignt in Punakha

[Day 8]

PUNAKHA VALLEY EXCURSION



• 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 fortress of Great Bliss was built by 1673 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.
• Enroute you will also be walking through a suspension bridge over the Puna Tsang Chhu – Punakha River.
• 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!
• Overnight in Punakha

[Day 9]

PUNAKHA – GANGTEY & PHOBJIKHA VALLEY (3 HRS)



Today you drive for about 3 hours to the serene and beautiful valleys of Gangtey and Phobjika. Gangtey, Phobjika and the surrounding villages are located in one of the most beautiful glacial valleys of Bhutan.
• 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 10]

GANGTEY/PHOBJIKHA – 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 11]

TRONGSA – BUMTHANG (2 HRS)



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 8th 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 12]

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 13]

TANG VALLEY EXCURSION (3HRS)



• Tang Valley
Tang valley is one of the most remote valleys in Bumthang and today you will spend the whole day at Tang visiting the traditional houses, the Main temples and monasteries and the Museum and enjoy your picnic lunch at the Eco park.
It is about 3 hours drive on rugged terrain from the main town in Bumthang and enroute you can stop at the nunnery, visit the temple and interact with the nuns. You will come across villages on the way to Tang.
• Enjoy your picnic lunch at the Eco park.
• Tang Ugyencholing Palace/Museum
Today you will experience a typical homestay at Tang Ugyencholing Palace, it has been converted into museum to attribute to the preservation and promotion of Bhutan's historical and cultural heritage and in so doing supports the social and economic well being of local community.
• Overnight in Tang Ugyentsholing

[Day 14]

BUMTHANG – MONGAR/AUTSHO (7HRS)



Today you will be driving further east towards Mongar. Places from hereon are very rural and you will notice the glaring difference between the Western and Eastern Bhutan. It is about 7 hours drive from Bumthang to Monggar through high mountain passes and rural villages. You will be driving through Phrumshing La pass which is about 3700m. You will come across Ura village which is a clustered settlement and you can walk through the village and visit the main temple.
• The drive from Ura leads up to Phrumshing La Pass at 3,780 meters – the second highest driving point in Bhutan (the first being the Chelela Pass in Paro). Continue drive through Sengor village, Namling ridge, Yonkola, Thridangbi villages till you reach the warm village of Lingmithang. Located by the riverside Lingmithang is very warm so you can take a breather in the hot air after your cold drive till then.
• From Lingmithang drive for another hour till you reach Autsho village also located by the riverside.
• An evening stroll through the single line of shops with minimum road traffic will help your body relax after a long drive.
• Overnight in Mongar/Autsho

[Day 15]

LHUENTSE VALLEY EXCURSION (3HRS)



• Lhuentse (Kurtoe)
In the north-eastern region of Bhutan lies the ancient region of Kurtoe or Lhuentse as it is known today. It is ancestrial home of our kings and hosts several of the sacred sites. It is located 77 kms from Monggar (3 hrs drive) and is one of the most isolated districts in Bhutan approximately 1700m above sea-level. This district is very popular for their art of weaving silk products. You can spend the night in Khoma village in home stay, interacting with locals and see the way they weave the silk products. These silk hand woven textiles are very beautiful and intricate in design and you will find both men and women working on their looms.
• Autsho
Autsho village falls at 980 meters and is located near a Tibetan styled brick Chorten surrounded by 108 smaller Chorten to the riverside. Animals like the Rhesus monkey and black cormorants have been spotted in these areas.
• Takila (Giant Statue of Guru Padmasambhava)
Drive for 2 hours to Tangmachu village where a huge statue of Guru Padmasambhava overlooks the entire valley. The golden154-ft tall statue of the patron saint of Buddhism Guru Rinpoche seated on a 38-ft high lotus-base has been only recently completed and consecrated. Drive on to Lhuentse Dzong located on a spur overlooking the small town of Lhuentse. Lhuentse is the ancestral home of the Wangchuck Dynasty.
• In the evening drive back to your hotel in Autsho/Mongar
• Overnight in Mongar/Autsho/Khoma home stay

[Day 16]

MONGAR – TRASHI YANGTSE (3HRS)



• After your breakfast you will drive to Trashi Yangtse which is a small quiet town well known for making one of the best wooden bowls and containers in the country. On the drive you will pass through pristine small villages of Yadhi, Sherichu Settlement, Trashigang chazam, Doksum and then you finally reach Trashi Yangtse. On the way you can even visit lemon grass factory where they produce some local lemon grass products like soap, lemon grass oil, scents and also other herbal products.
• Gom Kora
Gom Kora is one of the oldest petrified site of Guru Padmasambhava (A patron saint who introduced Buddhism in Bhutan). It dates back to 8^th century.
• In the evening you can stroll around town and see some locals carving wooden bowls and containers.
• Overnight in Trashi Yangtse

[Day 17]

BOMDILING NATIONAL PARK EXCURSION



• Today after breakfast you will walk to the main office of the Bomdiling National Park which is about 2 hours hike through the villages and by the river banks. On the way you will also see men making the wooden cups and bowls for which Trashi yangtse is famous for. During the winter season (from late October – late March) you will also see a lot of the endangered Black Necked Cranes. Gangtey and Bomdeling are the 2 winter roosting grounds for the Cranes in Bhutan. In the summer they fly to the colder regions of Tibet. The Park covers an area of 1545 sq.km spanning to the regions of Tibet in the north to India in the Northeast. It contains coniferous forests, glacial lakes, scrublands and alpine pastures. It has over 100 species of mammals including rare animals like the Himalayan Black bear, Snow leopard, Bengal Tiger and Red Panda. From Mid November to early March it is a paradise for Bird watchers & lovers. There you will get to see some of the rarest butterflies on earth besides the National Butterfly of Bhutan “The Swallowtail” which is said to have been rediscoved after 75years and more than 100 unknown species are expected to be thriving here. The Park’s sheer beauty is worth a visit and you will even find religious landmarks like the mystic Singye Dzong, Rigsum Gompa/temple and Dechenphodrang Lhakhang/temple.
• Overnight in Trashiyangtse

[Day 18]

TRASHIYANGTSE – TRASHIGANG(2 HRS)



• Chorten Kora
Right after your breakfast you will go to visit the famous Chorten Kora which was built in 1740; it starkly resembles the Bodhisattva temple of Nepal. The temple has beside it a black rock which has the imprint of Guru Padmasambhava’s thumb print, hat and his body, which is a sight you must visit. Pilgrims from all corners of Bhutan and from the Indian state of Arnachula Pradesh come to attend the famous annual Tsechu/festival where everyone circumambulate the Chorten all night long.
• In the evening drive to Trashigang, the biggest district in Bhutan.
• Overnight in Trashigang

[Day 19]

TRASHIGANG VALLEY EXCURSION



• Rangjung Monastery
After an early breakfast your day begins with a visit to The Rangjung Woedselcholing Monastery. From there climb up to the beautiful valley of Radi which is amidst fields of rice paddy and corn fields, you will find women weaving raw silk textiles called the ‘Bura’. If you are lucky you will also come across the highland natives called the “Brokpas”. They are from the highlands they come to the Radi town to barter and sell yak products. They have their own unique culture and tradition and wear yak embroidered clothing along with spiked (downwards) hats made of yak hair.
• In the evening return back to your hotel in Trashigang.

[Day 20]

TRASHIGAND – SAMDRUP JONGKHAR (6 HRS)



• Today’s drive is a 6-7 hour drive from the temperate Himalayas to the tropical foothills of the Himalayas. You will notice the sharp change in vegetation and climate. The drive is supposed to be one of the most beautiful drive with scenic landscape and it is a well known for sighting different species of exotic birds.
• Samdrup Jongkhar also known as the gateway to eastern Bhutan holds the distinct honor of being the oldest town in Bhutan. It falls on the sub-tropical region 250m above sea level.
• In the afternoon follow-up your exit permits and other documentations .
• Stroll around town
• Overnight in Samdrup Jongkhar.

[Day 21]

DEPARTURE



• After breakfast you will drive for about 2 hours from Samdrup Jongkhar to Guwahati International Airport where your guide and driver will bid you farewell. We hope you enjoyed your holiday and hope to see you in Bhutan again.

TASHI DELEK