| Day
1 |
Arrive Paro |
| |
On arrival at Paro airport, received by our representative and transfer to Thimphu. O/N at hotel. |
| Day
2 |
Paro sightseeing |
| |
Paro
sightseeing, visit to Ta Dzong, built in 17th century as a watch tower
for Paro Dzong. This Dzong was later converted into the National Museum
in 1967, and is filled with antique thangkha paintings, textiles
weapons and armour. Also visit the Rinpung Dzong, built in 17th century
to defend valley against Tibetan invaders. It is now used as an
administrative centre and home of monastic community. Afternoon drive
to Drukgyel Dzong, situated at the end of Paro valley and built by
Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over Tibetan
invaders. Kyichu Lhakhang, the oldest monastery of the Kingdom is
another place of interest. Overnight at the hotel in Paro. |
| Day
3 |
Paro - Thimpu |
| |
Drive
to Thimphu, the modern capital of Bhutan. About 7 km before Thimphu, on
a breezy hilltop rises Simtokha Dzong, Bhutan's most ancient fortress.
After lunch, visit the Memorial Stupa of the Late King, built in 1974,
the Traditional Medicines are still practiced, the Painting School
which is particularly famous for thangkha paintings, the National
Library that house ancient Buddhist texts, manuscripts. Also visit
Tashichhodzong, the "fortress of the glorious religion". Overnight at
the hotel in Thimphu |
| Day
4 |
Thimpu - Tongsa |
| |
Drive
to Tongsa via Dochula pass (3,100m). From this pass, on a clear day,
one can have a superb view of the highest peaks in Bhutan such as
Gangkar Puensum, table mountain, Jele Khang, Masagang, Gangchey Ta.
Drive further to Wangdiphodrang town which is also your lunch stop.
Then proceed to Tongsa crossing 3,300, Pelela pass. Overnight at lodge
in Tongsa. |
| Day 5 |
Tongsa - Bumthang |
| |
Morning
visit to striking Tongsa Dzong, ancestral abode of Bhutan's Royal
family. Then visit the Ta Dzong, built as watch tower to guard Tongsa
Dzong. Proceed to Bhumtang and in afternoon visit here, the Jakar Dzong
built in 17th century during the time of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the
first religious and temporal ruler of Bhutan. Then visit the Kurje
monastery, where Guru Padmasambhava left his body imprint in the 8th
century. The temple was later built in 17th century. Overnight at the
lodge in Bumthang. |
| Day 6 |
Bumthang - Ngang Lhakhang |
| |
The
trek starts today. Trek route follows the Chamkhar Chu river, coming
across many villages and temples, meadows, forests of blue pine and
scrub bamboo. Today is very relaxing and easy day. Arrive at the
village camp at the altitude of 2,900m. Walking time about 6 hours. |
| Day 7 |
Ngang Lhakhang - Ugyenchholing |
| |
A
trail ascends gradually towards the Phephe la pass, walking through the
forests of junipers, until you arrive at the pass at an altitude of
3,340m. After the path descend to Tang valley, finally arrive at
Ugyenchholing village. Camp by the side of the river at the altitude of
2,850m. Walking time 7/8 hours. |
| Day 8 |
Ugyenchholing - Bumthang |
| |
Morning
walk upto the Ugyenchholing Dzong. Visit the Dzong and surrounding
village, then drive to Jakar (Bumthang) following the Tang Chu river
until arriving at main road. On the way visit the Membertsho lake where
Terton Pemalingpa, is suppose to have discovered religious treasures in
the 12 century. This lake is very sacred and visited by many Bhutanese
people on auspicious days to offer butter lamps. Overnight at the lodge
in Bumthang. |
| Day 9 |
Bumthang - Punakha |
| |
Morning
visit to Jambey Lhakhang, the monastery built in 7th century by Tibetan
King, Songtsen Gembo, believed to be the reincarnation of Buddha of
compassion. Tamshing Lhakhang, located on opposite side of the river is
important place to visit, housing interesting religious paintings.
Drive to Punakha with lunch enroute. Overnight at the hotel in Paro. |
| Day 10 |
Punakha - Paro |
| |
Today is the relaxing day. Arrive Paro by lunch time. Evening take a stroll around Paro market. Overnight at the hotel in Paro. |
| Day 11 |
Drive to Paro Airport for departure |
