Visit Bhutan

<p>Fly over to spectacular dragon kingdom Paro passing by Mountains of 5500 meters to Paro. Paro is a beautiful valley and is home to many of Bhutan’s oldest monasteries and temples, and the country’s only international airport. The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world, with a constantly changing panorama of some of the highest mountains on earth including Mount Everest, Mount Kanchenjunga, Mount Chomolhari and Jitchu Drake peak. Paro Airport has been described as “the most difficult commercial airport in the world”. 1980 meter runway length presents a double challenge, due to the extremely low density altitude at the site. So, only a handful of well experienced pilots are certified to operate commercial airplanes here thus, making least number of flights in a day. After immigration and custom formalities, check out from the departure lounge. There you will meet one of the representatives of Nature Trail Travels & Tours, Trekking & Expedition who will greet you and then escort you to your respective hotel where you will stay overnight. Before lunch, at the hotel there will be an orientation on Bhutanese etiquette by your guide.</p><p>Visit to Ta Dzong Museum for a colorful introduction to Bhutanese art, history and culture. This Museum houses many religious relics, works of art and handicrafts offering a great orientation into Bhutan’s historical, cultural, and religious past. This Dzong was converted into the National Museum in 1968 which boasts antique thangkas, textiles, weapons and armor, household objects and rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts. Here you can also learn about Bhutan’s history. Then we will visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning ‘fortress of the heap of jewels’ to see the painting of the great saint Milarepa, considered as the master of meditation by the Bhutanese and believed to have attained enlightenment in a lifetime. The Dzong was built in 1645 to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders and is recently used as an</p><p>administration center and school for monks.</p>

<p>You need to the famed Taktsang monastery. Taktsang is a prominent sacred Buddhist site and temple complex perched on the edge of upper Paro Valley. It is also known as the Tiger’s Nest and considered to be the most sacred place. This magical monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff 300 meter above the valley. Legend has it that the great Guru Padmasambhava flew to this spot on back of a tigress and meditated in a cave during the 8th century for 3 months. When the Guru finished his meditation, he instructed to build the monastery. The temple was built around the cave and is a hallowed shrine for Bhutanese pilgrims. The spectacular view along the way and the historical sites draw many tourists to this imposing monastery. There are also a number of temples scattered along the route. Later we descend down to the Drugyal Dzong (Bhutan Victory Fort), which was built in 1646 by Shabdrung to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over Tibetan invaders during the 1600s. Historically and strategically this Dzong withstood all its glory and had captured western eyes in 1914 vide National Geographic magazine. On a clear day we can see Mount Chomolhari, Bhutan’s second-highest mountain, at 7,314 meters.</p><p>Drive to the capital of Bhutan, Thimphu following the Pachu River. Once a rustic village sitting in a broad, fertile river valley, Thimphu is today the nation’s bustling capital. At evening, we walk around the National Memorial Chorten built in 1974 in honor of the late King. This temple was first initiated by the Third King as a protection from the negative elements of modernization, and as a monument to world peace. The Royal Queen Mother completed it as a memorial Stupa for the Third King who passed away in 1972. The Memorial Chorten is an impressive monument with its golden spires shining in the sun, its bell tinkling in the wind and an endless procession of elderly people circling around it. Later visit Zilukha Nunnery where the nuns meditate and practice Buddhism. We will stay overnight at Thimphu.</p>

<p>Then drive 14 miles towards northern end of the valley for about ½ an hour from Thimphu to Cheri Mountain where the road comes to a dead end at the foot of a mountain. The trail starts by crossing a lovely covered bridge that spans the Wang Chhu. You can perceive some stunning work of Bhutanese architecture before the main zigzag trail to Cheri. The hike is through the shades of pines and firs. Then hike for about 1 ½ hours gently passing through paddy fields and woodland following the Wangchu River to reach Cheri monastery. Cheri Monastery is considered very sacred as it contains the remains of Tempi Nima, the father of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Zhabdrung built the monastery in 1620 in memory of his father and spent three years in strict retreat at the monastery and it’s a renowned meditation place even today. The first community of monks in Bhutan was established here. The monastery is now a major teaching and retreat center of the Drukpa Kagyu sect, and serves as the monastic school for study of Buddhist Philosophy and other Buddhist studies. Many of the important priests of Drukpa Kagyu lineage passed periods here, and so it is an important pilgrim site for Bhutanese. You might spot goral (wild goat) jumping and walking the rocky cliffs nearby the monastery.</p><p>Then proceed to visit Tango Monastery, a Buddhist monastery near Cheri Mountain. It was founded by Phajo Drugom Zhigpo (1184 – 1251) in the 13th century and built in its present form by Tenzin Rabgye, the 4th Temporal Ruler in 1688. In 1616, the Tibetan lama Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal meditated in its cave. The self-emanated form of the wrathful Hayagriva is deified in the monastery. It belongs to the Drukpa Kagyu School of Buddhism in Bhutan. This monastery is built in the Dzong fashion, and has a characteristic curved (semi-circular) outside wall and prominent main tower with recesses. It covers the caves where originally meditation and miracles were performed by saints from the 12th century onwards. Behind the series of prayer wheels are engraved slates. Inside the courtyard is a gallery, illustrating the leaders of the Drukpa Kagyupa lineage. The Yarney (‘Yar’ means “summer” and ‘Ney’ means “To stay”) represents monks’ summer retreat time and is an important annual festival that is held in this monastery. During this period, which lasts for one-and-a-half-months, the monks observe special vows and the strictest monastic disciplines. In this time, common people make food offerings to the monks. At evening, return to Thimphu for overnight stay.</p>

Depart from Thimphu after breakfast. We set out on a scenic drive to Punakha with a stop at Dochu La pass (3,100m), where on a clear day we can get spectacular views of the Himalayas such as the Gangkar Puensum, table mountain, Jeje Khang, Masakhang Gangchey. This pass often offers panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges. From the pass, we drive downhill through rhododendron, cedar, fir, pine and hemlock forests. We stop at Lobesa and hike through rice paddies to Chimi Lhakhang temple. This temple is dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley, or the ‘Divine Madman’, who is believed to bless women who seek fertility. Overnight in Punakha.
Drive from your hotel to see the beautiful Punakha Dzong (fortress) built between the confluences of two rivers the Pho (male) river and Mo (female) Chu. This Dzong is the winter home of the state monastic body and houses the District Administration office. On the way back to your hotel at Wangdi, take a short walk to the Chimmi Lhakhang temple of the Divine Madman Lam Drukpa Kuenley where couples unable to have siblings come here to pray and their prayers are granted.
Afternoon: Walk for 55 Mins to see the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten (50 Mins) – temple built by the Queen of Bhutan for peace and stability in this ever-changing world. Overnight hotel.

On the following day, we drive to Trongsa. Trongsa is the gateway to central Bhutan at 2,180 metres. Set amid spectacular scenery, Trongsa Dzong, the ancestral home of Bhutan’s royal family, commands the eye from miles away. The drive to Trongsa is approximately six hours crossing Pelela Pass (3,300 m) and Yotong la Pass (3,400 m). “The Central Road”, across the Black Mountains, was completed thirty years ago, and it brought about great changes to the people in central Bhutan. We pass Wangdue, one of the major towns and district headquarters of Western Bhutan where we make a short stop to view Wangdue Phodrang Dzong dramatically located on the spur of a hill at the confluence of the Tsang Chu and Dang Chu rivers. We then climb steadily passing through semi-tropical vegetation and then to Pele la Pass (3,300m) with an alpine environment of rhododendrons and dwarf bamboo. This pass is traditionally considered the boundary between West and East Bhutan. If the weather is clear the Himalayan ranges can be seen, particularly the peak of Jomolhari (7,314m) to the west. Enroute we cross Chendebji Chorten built many centuries ago to suppress a demon. You’ll also be able to visit Ta Dzong, which is the newly opened museum in the watchtower. Commanding the Mangde Chu at an altitude of 2,200 metres Trongsa Dzong is the most impressive Dzong in Bhutan. Built in 1644 by the Zhabdrung, the Dzong is an architectural masterpiece. Dedicated to the Wangchuk dynasty, it tells the stories of the Dzong and the valley, featuring personal belongings of the kings and queens of Bhutan. Arrive Trongsa and check in at a hotel.

Continue through some of Bhutan’s most idyllic landscapes to Bumthang, an area of high valleys that sits between 2,580 – 3,100 metres. One will cross Yutong La Pass (3,400m) further 13 kilometer ahead; the road enters into a wide, open, cultivated valley known as Chumey valley. Bumthang is also known as the heartland of Buddhism. The Guru and his lineage of Tertons, treasure finders, have led to the sprouting of many temples in the valley. On arrival at Bumthang, you will stay in a local farmhouse where you’ll experience a genuine slice of Bhutanese life and hospitality. The facilities here are quite basic, but the accommodation is exactly how a typical Bhutanese family live; and the food are in no way adapted for tourists. After lunch, hike to Thangbi valley across the suspensions bridge and visit the Thangbi Lhakhang built in the 14th century, dinner and overnight stay at hotel.

<p>This is one of the most spectacular valleys in Bhutan and also the heartland of Buddhism. Today you will visit the valley of Bumthang. The wide valley provides ample trails for lovely hikes. The Guru and his lineage of Tertons (treasure finders), have led to the sprouting of many temples in the valley. In the morning we visit Jambay Lhakhang (one of the oldest temple in Bhutan built in 7th century) and visit Kurjey Lhakhang (where the Guru Rinpoche subdued a local demon and left his body imprint on a rock). Hike to visit the Tamshing Monastery (one of the oldest monastic schools built by Terton Pema Lingpa), on the way back visit Jakar Dzong, (seat of the district administration). Take a short drive across the Chamkhar bridge to visit Tamshing Goemba. In the evening, visit the local shops where you will get locally brewed beer, apple juice and peach brandy. You can also visit the Udee Furniture and Woodcarving Factory where you will find traditional furniture like intricately carved tables. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel.</p><p></p><p></p>

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The drive on this is an exhilarating eight hours from Thrumshing La (3800 m, 12,465 feet above sea level) once again you will see the spectacular views of the Himalayan range on the clear day. Your journey to Mongar will take you past quaint little villages and over one of the highest passes in the country, the Thrumshing La pass (3,800m). The highway is right across the Thrumshing La National Park which is home to about 40 species of the wild rhododendrons. You will descend down to the pastoral settlement of Sengor. From here, you will see a dramatic change in the vegetation from the alpine forest to sub- tropical bamboo. You will then come upon farms and fields of maize and rice terraces, before you reach the bustling town of Mongar, perched on the hilltop. The drive continues to Mongar, the gateway to Eastern Bhutan and you can wander around Mongar town. Mongar is the district headquarters and it is the first town which is built on a mountain side instead of a valley.

Drive toward Lhuntse, another isolated district in Bhutan. It takes two and half hours’ drive from Mongar to Sumpa Zam (suspension bridge). An hour’s brisk walk from the bridge will bring us onto the main road of Lhuentse and further to the Khoma village, the best known weaving village in the country. The region is famed for its weavers and special textiles with intricate designs in the country and basket made from the bamboos. After spending an hour or two visiting the home of the weavers as there are no factories for weaving but only at the homes of the villagers, we drive back to Mongar.

This journey takes 96 kms and takes three hours until Korila pass (2,450 m; 8,000 feet) which is marked by a pretty Chorten and stone wall and the journey is through a leafy forest filled with ferns. Your drive will cross over the old Chazam (iron bridge), Tashigang Dzong comes into view at the top of a spur overlooking the river. After Thimphu, Trashigang is the biggest urban center in mountainous Bhutan. It is located 3775 feet above sea level. Visit the Trashigang Dzong overhanging the Gamri River. Unlike most other Dzong it has only one courtyard and serves as the administrative seat for the district and also Drukpa Monastic Community occupies part of the Dzong.

In the morning, you will slowly make your way to the remote district of Trashi Yangtse. Until few years ago, no visitors were allowed to visit this corner of the country. You will pass along the small village of Doksum and the old Trashi Yangtse Dzong before you come upon the lovely Chorten Kora Stupa and the small town of Trashi Yangtse. The people are known for making wooden bowls and containers, which are said to be best in Bhutan. Just below the town is the Chorten Kora. Chorten kora is one of the attractions of this valley in Eastern Bhutan. It is a great Chorten built in 1740 and modeled on the style of the Boudhnath Stupa in Nepal. Its annual Tsechu (religious festival) attracts enormous crowds. Along the way to Trashi Yangtse you will come across the lovely Gom Kora, a large boulder with the hidden cave where the revered 18th Century Indian Saint, Guru Padmasambhava is believed to have meditated and subdued the demons. It is said that Guru Rimpoche meditated in the cave in the rock and that you can see the impression of his thumb, his hat, and his body on the rock. Drive back to Trashigang. Visit the surrounding villages and meet the locals.

On the following day, we drive for about six to seven hours in order to reach Samdrup Jongkar. The Trashigang to Samdrup Jongkhar road was completed in 1965; distance is 180 kilometers. Along the way we pass Sherabtse College in Kanglung, which is founded in 1978 and is a degree granting institute affiliated to the University of Delhi. Enroute visit Khaling Blind Schooland weaving handicrafts. Further drive will take you to Deothang. The road then descends fairly rapidly to the plains through the dense tropical forest with an abundance of teak, bamboo and ferns.

On the last day of your tour, you will depart from Samdrup Jongkhar to the eastern border. Our representative will help you with the exit formalities and bid you farewell.
Discover the delightful city of Bhutan, which is famously known as the only capital city in the world without traffic lights. During this tour, apart from exceptional art and architectures of monasteries, you will also spot Bhutan’s national animal, Takin. This tour can also be termed as pilgrimage tour for people who devoted Buddhist. This tour is an ideal tour for the person who loves to see the Bhutanese Culture, society, glorious mountains scenery as well as low land with dense forest and you can click on main images of Bhutan while doing this tour. Your visit will feature on exploration of authentic culture and lifestyle of Bhutanese, which is so close to nomadism. You will witness and capture the moments firsthand up close on how people live and work in the Land of Thunder Dragon. The districts of Mongar, Lhuntse, Tashi Yangtse, Tashigang and Samdrup Jongkhar include the eastern circuits. This tour offers you lot of spiritual festivals that include some of the rare animist rituals and Bon practices. Explore the hub of the country’s unexplored destination. This itinerary is a sample itinerary intended for the travelers with longer holiday and who have a desire for deeper insight into untouched Bhutanese cultures. This tour begins from the open valley from the west, through central Bhutan and ends in the rugged east. We have designed this itinerary including the best cultural and natural aspects of this country. We can further customize the itinerary to suit your specific interest and needs to our valued customers.