Bhutan With Family

Day 1: Arrive in Paro (2,200 m) | Drive to Thimphu

Upon arrival in Paro, clear customs and immigration. Meet your Guide and driver outside the terminal building and transfer to Thimphu. Before you drive to Thimpu visit the oldest temple Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro and attend the special welcome ceremony especially organized for you. Get blessing from the local lama priest and leave for Thimpu. In Thipmu time permits stroll around the capital city after check-in to the hotel in Thimphu. Overnight in Thimphu.

Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro: Tibetan King Songtsen Gompo in the 7th century miraculously built 108 temples, along with Jorkhang in Lhasa. Kyichu is considered to be one of them and is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan.

Drive from Paro to Thimphu: The distance of about 65 km from Paro town takes about little more than 1 hour. Drive south following Pachu river to the river confluence at Chuzom, which is also the hub of road network going to Paro, Ha, Thimphu and Phuntsholing. From Chuzom, the drive takes about 1 hour, staying close to the Wangchu River in the valley floor, as you pass through villages and suburbs to the capital, Thimphu. En-route, you can stop to view Tachogang temple and the nunnery at Sitsina.

Thimphu (2,300 m): Was a wooded farming valley until 1961, when it became Bhutan’s official national capital. The massive Tashicho Dzong, about 700 years old, was carefully revamped in the 1960s by the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk to house the royal and main government offices. Even today, it still only has a few streets and no traffic lights with estimated population of 105,000 people.

Accommodation: Overnight hotel, Thimphu

Day 2: In Thimphu

Full day sightseeing in Thimphu. Visit Memorial Chorten, Takin Sanctuary, Buddha Point, handmade paper factory and weekend market. Towards end of the day visit Tashicho
Dzong. Overnight in Thimphu.

Memorial Chorten: This landmark of Thimphu was built in 1974 in the memory of third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who is popularly regarded as Father of Modern Bhutan. It is a four-storey tall white building, containing statues and iconography of deities from complex tantric teachings and serves as an important place of worship for Thimphu residents, as well as from other parts of the country. Takin Sanctuary: Takin (Budorcas taxicolor) has been chosen as the national animal of Bhutan is based both on its uniqueness and its association with country’s history and mythology. It is said that Devine Madman, a popular saint is said to have created it with his magical power at a large congregation of devotees. It resembles like a cow from back and goat in the front and continues to befuddle taxonomists, who cannot quite relate to other animal.

Buddha Point: This is a new monument and main highlight of Thimphu valley. It has 165 meter high Buddha Statue

Paper Factory: Traditional papers were made from the daphne plant, using simple methods. Weekend Market:The colorful weekend market of Thimphu is held from Friday-Sunday. Residents of Thimphu and country sides come to shop for food and clothes. There are some handicrafts and gifts shop as well, and provide a great photography scene.

Tashichhodzong: This fortress serves as the office of the King, ministers and various government organizations. It also is the headquarters for central monastic body of Bhutan. Bhutan’s spiritual leader Je-Khenpo and the monks of both Thimphu and Punakha reside here during summer. It is also the venue for Thimphu Festival in the fall season.

Accommodation: Overnight hotel, Thimphu

Day 3: Drive Thimphu – Punakha (74 km | 2.25 hrs)

Drive to Punakha (3 hours). In the afternoon, easy hike to the Fertility Temple (Chimi Lhakhang)and explore the local village. Overnight in Punakha.

Drive from Thimphu to Punakha/Wangdue: The drive from Thimphu (75kms) takes about 3 hours. The road climbs from Thimphu to Dochula pass and descends through ever changing forests into the semi-tropical valley of Punakha and Wangdi at around 1200m. En-route stop at Dochula pass (3050m) where you can view the eastern Himalayas, including Bhutan’s highest mountain, Gangkar Punsum (7,550m).

Fertility Temple (Chimi Lhakhang): a monastery and fertility temple dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, a Tibetan Buddhist saint known popularly as “the divine madman” and considered a folk hero in Bhutan for his unconventional ways. Drukpa Kuenley originally built a chorten on the site in the 14th century, on which a temple was later built in 15th century. The temple, flanked by nearly 100 tall prayer flags, sits atop a picturesque hill. It has long been a pilgrimage site for childless couples. This easy walk takes about 1⁄2 hour each way.

Accommodation: Overnight hotel, Punakha

Day 4: In Punakha

Morning : Visit historical Punakha Dzong – the sacred site of Royal Wedding.
Afternoon: Free for individual activities. Overnight in Punakha.

Punakha Dzong: Or Pungthang Dechen Phodrang “Palace of Great Happiness” popularly known as Punakha Dzong, located on the confluence of two rivers; Pho and Mochu was built in 1637 by Shubdrung Nawang Namgyal. It serves as winter residence for the Central Monastic body, which migrate from Thimphu to Punakha in the winter. It is also the venue for Punakha Festival held in February or March.

Accommodation: Overnight hotel, Punakha

Day 5: Drive Punakha – Gangtey (Phobjikha) (80 km | 2.6 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Gangtey (Phobjikha). En route stop briefly at old Wangdiphodrang town. On arrival in Gangtey, visit Gangtey Gompa (monastery) and take a walk in the valley if time permits. Overnight in Phobjikha.

Drive from Punakha to Gangtey (Phobjikha): Drive to Gangtey (Phobjikha) takes about 2 1⁄2 hours covering distance of 60 km. The road climbs from Wandue, drive uphill almost crosses over Pele La pass 3400m. Before, reaching the pass, the road diverges and we take the road least traveled by. This eventually leads into the ‘hidden valley’ containing the stunningly beautiful monastery of Gangtey Gompa. Phobjikha Valley: Phobjikha (3000m) is a wide-glacial and beautiful valley, designated as conservation
zone within the Black Mountains National Park, a natural habitat for wildlife, including nesting blacknecked cranes from Central Asia (mid autumn till early spring). Because of the conservation measures, there is no electricity in the valley. The lodges use solar powered cells or generator to light which is turned of after dinner. Hot water is provided in the bucket and rooms are heated with wood stoves.

Gangtey Gompa: Gantey Gompa monastery sits atop a hillock that overlooks the Phobjikha valley. It is headed by the ninth Gangtey Trulku and is the largest Nyingma monastery in western Bhutan. It was founded in 1613 by Gyalse Pema Thinlay, a grandson and reincarnation of influential treasure finder Pema Lingpa. Incarnate line of Pema Thinlay, representing the body aspects of Pema Lingpa, contrasted with mind and speech emanations. The monastery has been recently built and surrounding the
monastery are village homes and hermitages.

Black-necked Crane: ‘Thrung Trung Karmo’ as this bird is passionately called in Bhutan is subject of many Bhutanese songs and folklore. They are seen among the painting on the walls of temples and Thankga. These endangered species of cranes migrate from Tibet in late autumn and typically stay till the mid march. About 3-400 cranes reside in the wetland in the center of the valley. The Observation & Education Centre (open 7-7pm – Mon-Fri) has informative display about the cranes and conservationeffort in the valley.

Accommodation: Overnight hotel, Gangtey

Day 6: Drive Gangtey – Jakar (143 km | 3 hrs)

Drive to Jakar (Bumthang). Stop at Chendebji Chorten (stupa) enroute. Enjoy lunch at Trongsa and drive to Jakar. Overnight in Jakar.

Drive from Gangtey to Jakar: The drive to Jakar (Bumthang) takes about 5-6 hours covering distance of approx. 160 km. The road climbs again to Pele La pass (3400m) where we make stop for views of the snow clad peaks, including that of Bhutan’s sacred peak Mt. Chomolhari. After crossing Pelela pass, descend and pass through the villages of Rukubji, Chendebji, Sephu, Langtel and several other villages and arrive in Trongsa for lunch.

From Trongsa, the drive to Jakar takes about 2 1⁄2 hrs. Climb from Trongsa to Yotong La (3,551m) and descend into Chumey valley (2,700m), the first of four Bumthang valleys. Then it is another 45 minutes, past the villages of Zugney and Prakar, and across Kiki la pass (2,860m) to arrive at Jakar, the administrative center of Bumthang district.

Chendebji Chorten (Stupa): This chorten stands majestically along the high way connecting west to east. The ground by the side serves as famous site for picnic lunch. This monument was believed to have been built to subdue demons dwelling around the area. It has architectural resemblance to famous Boudha Nath of Nepal.

Bumthang Valley: is justifiably regarded as the cultural heartland of the kingdom with its many temples, holy sites, languages and traditions. It is here that most kings, rulers or priest were buried or cremated. There are four valleys and Jakar at 2,800m in Chokhor valley is the administrative center and the main town of Bumthang district.

Accommodation: Overnight hotel, Bumthang

Day 7: Jakar (Bumthang) sightseeing

After breakfast explore the Valley by visiting the famous Jampay Lhakhang (temple), Kurjey temple complex, if time permits and if you walk to Tamshing. After visit to Tamshing, walk down through the local Bhutanese villages and farms to Swiss Farm to see beer making and cheese making in progress.

Later you will also visit Jakar Dzong. Evening free to stroll around. Overnight in Jakar.

Places of interest in the Valley:
Jambay Lhakhang: is another one of the geomantic temples (like Kichu in Paro) founded in 7th century by a Tibetan King Songtsen Gompo, this time on the ‘left knee of the ogrees’. Guru Rinpoche is said to have taught the local king Sindhu Raja from the temple roof in the 8th century.

Kurjey Lhakhang: Kurjey is named after the sacred power place where Guru Rinpoche (8th century) left the imprint of his body on the solid rocks, which can be seen from inside the shrine. There are three large temples within the complex surrounded by a perimeter comprising of 108 stupas. Upon entering, the first temple to the right is Guru Lhakhang (which houses the cave) dating from 1652. The middle temple Sampalundrup was built by the first King Ugyen Wangchuk in 1900, during his tenure as Trongsa Penlop. The third temple is recently constructed under patronage of Her Majesty queen mother Ashi Kesang Wangchuk.

Tamshing Temple: Located opposite Kurjey Lhakhang this temple was founded by Bhutan’s own religious treasure discoverer, Terton Pema Lingpa in 1501. Believed to be the reincarnation of Guru Rinpochey, he discovered many religious treasures around the country. The original murals on the walls still survive, which are considered to be the oldest extant painting in Bhutan.

Jakar Dzong: “Jakar Dzong” literally meaning castle of the white bird is in a picturesque location overlooking the Chokhor valley. The current structure was built in 1667 and later refurbished in 1683, is said to be one of the largest dzong in Bhutan, with impressive fortress walls, elegant structure but rather simple interior.

Swiss Farm Area: There is a small factory on the other side of the river which produces Swiss Cheese, Bumthang honey and apple wine and local beer called ‘Red Panda’. It is an interesting place to visit and taste some local made products, started by a Swiss Bhutanese.

Accommodation: Overnight hotel, Bumthang

Day 8: Drive Jakar – Trongsa (67 km | 2 hrs)

Drive from Jakar to Trongsa is 69 km takes about 2 1⁄2 hours. You will drive across Kikila pass and another highest pass Yotongla at 3,551 m en route and finally descend down to Trongsa.

Afternoon visit Trongsa Dzong and if interest further visit Ta Dzong or get back to your hotel and enjoy the panorama view of the Valley. Overnight in Trongsa.

Trongsa: Trongsa (2,200m) lies at the geographical center of Bhutan. The town of Trongsa has been developing since 1980’s, with many of the shops being owned by Bhutanese of Tibetan decent. This small town located is on the face of the ridge and at the cross-road junction of lateral east-west highway, and the road leading south to Shemgang.

Trongsa Dzong: or Choekhor Rabdentse is the largest and most impressively situated dzong in Bhutan, perched high on a cliff above the deep Mangdechu river gorge. It was built in 1648 on the site of temple which was built in 1543. The huge many-level fortress with its intricate wood carvings has a maze of courtyards and covered passages that follow the contour of the ridge. First and second King ruled the country from this fort and all successive Kings have held the post of Trongsa Penlop, (honorary governor) prior to being crowned as the King.

Ta Dzong:The watchtower above the town area is shaped like tower with wings. It contains a shrine dedicated to Gesar, the legendary epic warrior king, and another named after Jigme Namgyal, the father of the first king. The views from the tower of the dzong and town is spectacular and in ancient times, all approaches could be monitored from here.

Accommodation: Overnight hotel, Trongsa

Day 9: Drive Trongsa – Punakha (137 km | 4 hrs)

After breakfast, you will drive to Punakha via Chendebji Chorten and across Pelela pass. Overnight in Punakha.

Drive from Trongsa to Punakha:
The distance is 145 km and takes about 5 1⁄2 hours to reach Punakha. Leaving Trongsa, the road winds for 14 kms north west via Tsamkhar to cross Mangde chu river at Bjizam. After driving for nearly one hour, you can still see the Trongsa Dzong, so close enough that you feel as though you can touch. Retrace through the villages of Tangsibji, the chorten at Chendebji stupa, and then though villages of Sephu Nikachu, Rukubji and climbing up the nomadic settlements, and Yak country to Pele la pass (3,420m). From the pass, the road downhill through changing vegetation takes you to Wangdiphodrang and then to Punakha.

Accommodation: Overnight hotel, Punakha

Day 10: Drive Punakha – Paro (115 km | 3.25 hrs)

Today, you will drive back to Paro via Thimphu. After lunch at Thimphu, continue drive to Paro. In the afternoon you have time to explore down town Paro on your own, do shpping etc. Overnight in Paro.

Drive from Punakha to Paro via Thimphu: The drive takes about 5 hours covering a distance of 142 km. From Punakha, drive west and climb up to Dochula pass (3,050m), where you have another opportunity to view the peaks of the eastern Himalayas. Descend to Thimphu from Dochula takes about 40 minutes. The western branch of lateral highway from Thimphu, runs close to the Wangchu river in the valley foor, through the suburbs and villages of Thimphu to arrive at the river confluence of Chuzom, which is also the hub of road network going to Paro, Ha, Thimphu and Phuntsholing. From Chuzom, it is north-west for about 1⁄2 hour, following Pa Chu river upstream, passing Tachogang temple on the other side of the river, then through relatively straight road, into the villages and farm houses of Paro valley.

Paro Town: Paro is one of the most beautiful valleys in the country with Bhutan’s only airport located here, among the terraced fields, and elegant farm houses. Willow trees line many of the roads, contrasting with bright colors of the fields and the most popular and important sites also found within Paro district. Paro town (2,280m) is still a small with one main street and less then one hundred small family-run shops. The weekend market in Paro is held on Saturdays.

Accommodation: Overnight hotel, Paro

Day 11: Paro – Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery

Today you will be taken for a hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest Monastery). Overnight in Paro.

Hike to Taktsang: Drive to north of Paro town for about 1⁄2 hr and embark on a trek to the famed Taktsang (Tiger’s lair) monastery. Taktsang monastery is located on the face of a 1,000m seemingly impossible sheer, vertical cliff, above Paro valley. The trail begins near the Satsam (2650m) and climbs steeply uphill to the Cafeteria (2,940m), an area of exposed ridge with panoramic view of Takstang. This takes little more then an hour. (Ponies are provided on request to ride up till this Cafeteria, but rest of way, including return downhill must be on foot.) You can get a good view from the Cafeteria or hike further uphill for another hour or so to the temple itself. There are several other temples and sites within the vicinity. Lunch is served at the tea house. The return trek to the road head is quite steep downhill, where you will be met by the transport and drive to the hotel.

Accommodation: Overnight hotel, Paro

Day 12: Fly Paro – Kolkata – Depart

After breakfast drive to the airport with wonderful memories of Bhutan to catch the outgoing flight to Kolkota.

Tour Cost: US$ 2365 per person

Single supplement: US$ 275

Visa fee: US$ 40