Summary:
A visit to Bhutan is not just confined to treks, cultural trips, landscape and the Kingdom’s exotic flora and fauna. There are a one can do, and experience the various mediums and modes of entertainment. If you want to feel and taste what most Bhutanese do, here is the package.
Duration: 6 days
Exit and Entry: Paro
Places: Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Wangduephodrang
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive at Paro
You will experience an unforgettable flight and an adrenaline rush as you see views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Jomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake, before you land at Paro International Airport. The landing at Paro, considered one of the most challenging will also be an enthralling experience.
Our company’s representatives will receive and escort you to a hotel. After a brief stopover, your Bhutanese expedition will begin with visits to places of historical importance in Paro. It will be the National Museum of Bhutan, the Majestic Paro Rimpong Dzong and Kyichu temple, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan built by King Songtsen Gyempo of Tibet in 659AD.
Towards the evening, there will be a bonfire dinner and a Bhutanese cultural program. You can watch and participate in the Bhutanese dances. The steps are not very difficult. From the old and traditional note to modern music, you will hear all the genres.
The last dance of every program called as the “Tashi Labey” is a song of gratitude and prayers for a good life and the opportunity to meet again. Usually, everyone is expected to participate in this last dance.
Night halt at hotel.
Day 2: Paro Halt – Taktshang Excursion and a game of Degor
After breakfast, we drive to Taktsang view point and begin the hike up to Taktsang Monastery – “The Tiger’s Nest.” We follow an ancient path marked by river powered prayer wheels to the holiest Buddhist Shrine in Bhutan and the ultimate point of pilgrimage. A blend of the spiritual and architectural wonder, the monastery is perched on a 1000m cliff overlooking the valley. Legend has it that the great Indian saint, Guru Padma Sambhava, flew from Tibet to Taktsang on the back of a tigress to tame five demons, who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan in 746 A.D.
On the way back, we visit Drugyel Dzong,”Castle of the Victorious Drukpa,” located 16 kilometers from Paro town. In ruins now, this Dzong was built to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over the invading Tibetan forces in the 16th and 17th centuries.
En-route to the hotel, amidst the beautiful pine trees and the Paro Chhu (river) nearby, we will play a game called Degor, a traditional Bhutanese game which is often mistakenly referred in literatures as a kind of shot put by foreign authors. It differs from shot put in many ways. It is played with a pair of spherical flat stones that are hurled at two targets (pegs) fixed in the ground at a distance of about 20 meters apart. The game is played all over Bhutan, but is normally played more in rural areas. Although there are no restrictions, the game is normally played in Bhutan by men.
The only required equipment for playing the game is a pair of flat spherical stones for each player. The size and weight of the stones differ from player to player depending on his choice and strength. A player can have as many stones of any size as he wants, but can play only two at a time.
Degor can be played as a team game or individual game. If there are three persons, the game is played as on individual gaming basis. If there are four or more persons, it is preferred to be played in two teams that compete against each other. There is no fixed numbers of players on the teams, but too many players make the game slower and cumbersome. So, normally seven players on each team is the maximum number for an ideal game.
Unlike shot put, each player hurls a pair of spherical stones to the targets from one end to the other by swinging the arm below the shoulders. The target pegs are nailed into the ground with their tips at ground level. As in horseshoes, the players try to make their stone land and remain closest to the target peg. A point is scored if the distance between stone and the peg is less than the distance between the thumb and middle finger of an outstretched palm. If two or more stones of opponent teams fall in same range, the closest stone will score the point. If all stones in the range belong to one team, then the team will score as many points as the number of stones. There is no fixed point score at which the game ends, but it is normally fixed at odd numbers up to 21, depending on the number of the players and the time the teams have.
Unlike in archery, in Degor the best players play first to occupy the areas near the target. The players playing later are allowed to hit the stones of opponent players that have been played before with their own stones to displace them from the target and replace them with their stones. But it is more difficult if the stones played beforehand are heavy and solid. So, players prefer heavier stones so that these cannot be easily displaced or can be used as a better force to displace other players’ stones.
Betting on the game differs from region to region and the occasion of the game being played. If the game is being played between villages, there may or may not be a bet. At times it is just played for the fame of victory. However, the game is mostly played to celebrate some occasions such as New Year and other major holidays. On such occasions, the betting is normally fixed on a grand feast and party where the loser will have to stand for the party solely or major chunk while the winner could share a little part. This kind of betting usually occurs for merrymaking and socializing within the communities or among the friends.
Night halt at hotel.
Day 3: Paro- Thimphu
After an hour journey, we reach Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. We will check into a hotel and then visit some of the capital’s landmarks.
Thimphu has lots to offer and the pick for you will firstly be the Memorial Chorten, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful stupas, built in memory of the Third King, Late His Majesty Jigmi Dorji Wangchuck, known as the Father of Modern Bhutan. A short drive from there will take you to Buddha Point, where the statue of the World’s largest Future Buddha (Maitreya) will be seen.
From there we will move to the Handicraft’s Emporium, Weaving Centre and Changangkha monastery, one built in the 12th century. There will also be visits to the Takin zoo, Sangaygang, which offers a view point of Thimphu valley and a Nunnery.
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant, after which we visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved and the Wood Craft and Painting school.
In the evening, we will visit Tashichho Dzong, the main secretariat building. This massive structure houses part of the government Ministries, the office of the King and the Throne Room. It also houses the State Monastic Body and the living quarters of the Chief Abbot and the senior monks.
Thimphu has several discotheques and entertainment centers. In the evening, we will visit some of them, especially the Drayangs, which are entertainment centers, whose popularity is steadily rising.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 4: Thimphu – Punakha/Wangduephodrang
We begin the journey to Punakha early morning.
About 45 min from Thimphu, is the Dochula pass (3,100m), offering visitors their first glimpse of the eastern Himalayan range, snow-capped peaks with elevations of 6000m to 7554m. It is a spectacular sight and the beauty is augmented by the 108 stupas (chortens) at Dochula pass.
The journey further descents down to the low lying sub tropical valley of Punakha, which served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and still is home of the Chief Abbot in winter months. On the way to Punakha, you will hike for about one hour (round trip) to Drukpa Kuenley’s monastery, built in the 15th century. A monastery where the Phallus is worshipped, it is associated with Lam Drukpa Kuenley, the “Divine Madmonk”.
Punakha Dzong (Fortress), built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal has played a prominent role in the civil and religious life of the Kingdom. From far, it resembles a giant ship, rocked on a mass of still water as it is built at the confluence of two rivers – the Pho (male) and Mo (Female) rivers. Destroyed four times by fire and an earthquake in 1897, the Dzong has been now been fully restored in its original splendour. The Fortress contains some of the most sacred and significant religious relics of the nation.
We check into a hotel and after lunch, we will play Bhutan’s traditional and national game, archery.
Traditional Bhutanese archery differs from Olympic standards in technical details such as the placement of the targets and atmosphere. The distance to the target is about 130 metres (430 ft). The relatively small targets are cut from wood and brightly painted, usually measuring about 3 feet (91 cm) tall and 11 inches (28 cm) wide. Traditionally, Bhutanese bows are made of bamboo, and arrows from bamboo or reeds, fletched with feather vanes. Arrows may be painted and tipped with metal arrowheads. The quiver may be wooden, with an animal hide covering and a woven strap.
Bhutanese archery teams number at 13 players; teams take turns shooting two arrows at a time first in one direction, then in the opposite direction. The first to score 25 points wins, however because the scoring system is complicated, winning can take a very long time. For example, a second hit by an opponent can invalidate the other player’s score. In addition, the interplay of wider socializing and festivities, with archery as the nominal focus, give Bhutanese archery competitions an excruciatingly slow pace. In the past, the most traditional matches could last for as long as a month, though modern matches tend to span a number of days.
Traditional Bhutanese archery is a social event and competitions are organised between villages, towns, and amateur teams. There is usually plenty of food and drink complete with singing and dancing. Attempts to distract an opponent include standing around the target and making fun of the shooter’s ability.
You can also try Khuru. “Khuru” means “Darts” in Bhutan.
It’s a popular traditional Bhutanese sport. It involves throwing darts outdoors with a target approximately 10 meters (33 ft) to 20 meters (66 ft) away.
While playing the game players actually stand near the “Target” as other players are throwing the darts from far away using all their strength.
Every time when they hit the paperback-sized target players “Sing and Dance” .
Usually “Khuru” player builds their own pair of Khurus. As you can build your own Khurus without a lot of effort. People of all status can play Khuru.
Night halt at hotel
Day 5: Punakha – Thimphu
We begin our journey back and en-route we will visit ruins of the majestic Wangduephodrang Dzong, which was razed to the ground by a tragic fire in 2012. We will have lunch at Lamperi National Park.
Upon arrival at Thimphu, we will stroll around the town. A cultural program, including “Chhams”, (religious dances) will be organized during dinner.
Night halt at hotel.
Day 6: Thimphu- Paro Airport
Early morning, you will be driven from Thimphu to Paro for your onward journey out of Bhutan. Our representative will escort you.
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Summary:
Despite its size, Bhutan is a diverse country comprising of people speaking different dialects. The reason behind this is the Bhutanese terrain and the scores of rivers cutting the country into different parts. Without a road network, Bhutanese in the past lived in their own communities, hardly interacting with people from other regions. This and the climate led to the development of different cuisines in the Kingdom. Just as a plant or animal is associated with a part of the country, different regions in Bhutan have their own specialties.
In general, rice is a common ingredient of all Bhutanese dishes. It is served together with different curries. The most popular is “Ema datsi”, chilly mixed with cheese. The most distinctiveness characteristic of Bhutanese cuisine is its spiciness. Chilies are an essential part of nearly every dish and are considered so important that most Bhutanese people would not enjoy a meal that was not spicy. For one thing, the country has an obsession with chilies, treating them as vegetable rather than a spice. Vegetables commonly eaten include Spinach, pumpkins, turnips, radishes, tomatoes, river weed, onions and green beans. Soups and stews of meat, rice, ferns, lentils and dried vegetables spiced with chili peppers and cheese are favorites during the cold seasons.
Bhutanese eat a variety of meat too, the most common being pork, beef and chicken. These are prepared in different ways. Popular beverages include butter tea, tea, locally brewed ara (rice wine) and beer. Spices include cardamom, ginger, chili peppers, Thingay (Sichuan pepper), garlic, turmeric and caraway.
A journey across the country will bring different Bhutanese dishes to your table.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive at Paro international airport
You will land at Paro international Airport, after having experienced one of the most thrilling journeys of your lifetime – the flight to Paro, during which you experience a breath taking view of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Jomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake. The landing at Paro, considered one of the most challenging is an enthralling experience.
At the airport, you will be received by our company’s representatives. You will check in to the hotel and then served Bhutanese tea (Suja), which comprises Bhutanese tea leaves, salt and butter. After this, you will begin a sojourn of Paro valley, which includes visits to the National Museum of Bhutan and Paro Rimpong Fortress.
Lunch will then be served at a local hotel and you can choose Bhutanese delicacies, such as ema datsi (chilly and cheese), beef/yak pa (roasted beef or yak), beef/yak curry, roasted pig or pig curry. Roasted chicken or chicken curry can be served, too. Soup made from boiled bones and added spices, such as coriander is also a delicacy. Paro is Bhutan’s rice bowl and so you can choose between a variety of rice, including red rice, white ones etc. You will be served Bhutanese curd along with the meal.
After lunch, you can visit other places in Paro, such as ruins of Drugyel Dzong, Kyichu Lhakhang and then take a stroll around d town. You can treat yourself to Bhutanese tea and “zow” (a derivate of rice.) Later at dinner, you can help yourself to “ara”, locally brewed alcohol.
Day 2: Paro – Haa
During breakfast you will be served Bhutanese tea and “desi”, rice with butter, sugar and other ingredients such as cardamom. Another alternative can be “shamday”, rice mixed with minced meat and spices. You can also taste “Thub”, porridge made of rice mixed with pepper. If you do not want hot (spicy) dishes, alterations can be made.
After breakfast, we begin our journey to Haa and cross Chelela (Pass), Bhutan’s highest road point at an altitude of about 4,000 meters. The flora and fauna of the area will make your drive exciting.
Upon arrival at Haa, we will check into a hotel and order lunch. Haa is famous for its Hoentoe, aromatic buckwheat dumplings stuffed with turnip, greens, datsi (cheese), spinach and other ingredients. This is a dish that the people of Haa Valley serve when they celebrate a festival called as Lomba, the region’s New Year. Other than this, you can taste common Bhutanese dishes served with rice, such as pork, chicken, beef, yak and even fish delicacies. Another common dish is “Momo,” dumplings stuffed either with meat or cheese.
After lunch, we will visit regions of importance in Haa, such as the abode of Aap Chundu (protecting deity of the region.) We can feast on the valleys beauty, before retiring for the day.
Night halt in hotel.
Day 3: Haa to Thimphu
You again have the choice to select Bhutanese dishes served for breakfast. After travelling through thick forests composed of pine trees, we reach Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. We will check into a hotel, after which lunch will be served.
All Bhutan delicacies will be available and you can select what you want to have.
This will be followed by visits to the weaving centre, Memorial Chorten (a huge stupa) built in memory of the third King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, Changangkha monastery, built in the 12th century, Takin zoo, Buddha Point, where the statue of the world’s largest Buddha is being constructed; a Nunnery and the Arts and Craft school. You will also be taken to Sangaygang, a place from where you can have a bird’s eye view of Thimphu town and the surroundings. You will also visit the majestic and historic Tashichho Dzong, the main secretariat building, built in 1642. Today, this massive structure houses the office of the King, the Throne Room, some government Ministries and the State Monastic Body. It is also the summer residence of the Chief Abbot and senior monks.
Night halt will be at a hotel in Thimphu.
Day 4: Thimphu – Punakha/Wangdue
Your journey to Punakha, which is about 3 hours, will then begin. In about 45 minutes, you will reach the Dochula Pass (3,100m), from where visitors on a clear day can have a breathtaking glimpse of the eastern Himalayan range that consists of snow capped peaks with elevations ranging from 6000m to 7554m. Apart from this, the 108 stupas (chortens) at Dochula pass add to the beauty of the pass. The Pass is also exotic in flora and fauna.
The onward drive is a gradual ascend through beautiful forests of rhododendron and fields of dwarf bamboo, green meadows, beautiful wildflowers, gushing waterfalls and constantly changing vegetation. Lunch will be served at Lamperi and you can once again choose some of the Bhutanese delicacies served.
Before reaching Punakha/Wangdue, you will encounter several stalls on the way selling vegetables and Wangduephodrang district’s specialty, locally called as “Maykhu”. This resembles a pancake and is made from beaten rice.
Punakha was Bhutan’s capital until 1955 and is still home of the Chief Abbot during the winter months. Punakha Dzong (Fortress), built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, stands like a giant ship on an ocean from afar. Build at the confluence of two rivers, Pho Chhu (male river) and Mo Chhu (female river), the Dzong was destroyed four times by fire and an earthquake in 1897. However, it has now been restored to its original splendor. The Dzong is an epitome of Bhutanese architecture.
Before reaching Punakha, you will visit the ruins of Wanduephodrang Dzong (Fortress), which was destroyed by a tragic fire in 2012. It was built in 1638 by the Zhabdrung.
Night halt will be at a hotel in Punakha.
Day 5: Punakha – Bumthang
After an early breakfast, we travel east crossing Pepela (Pass), traditionally the boundary between eastern and western Bhutan. We will stop for lunch at Chendebji, where a stupa resembling the one in Kathmandu stands. In what will be a buffet lunch, you will be served all dishes common in Bhutan, including the “Goep”(Tripe). Like most other meat dishes, it is cooked with plenty of spices, including chilies.
En-route, we will visit Trongsa Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most historical fortresses, from where the unification of Bhutan surfaced. We will also visit the Ta Dzong, formerly a watch tower.
Upon arrival at Bumthang, we will move into a hotel and proceed for dinner.
Bumthang is Bhutan’s premier producer of buckwheat and thus, the district has a couple of special dishes made from buckwheat. The most famous include, “Puta”, which is served in the form of noodles. Curd is usually served with the dish.
Another specialty is “Khuli”, Buckwheat pancakes, which is often served as an alternative to rice, along with ema-datsi.
During dinner, you can have a taste of these dishes.
Day 6: Bumthang halt
Just as rice was and still is the staple food of western Bhutan, maize is associated with eastern Bhutan. Most families of eastern Bhutan dry corn kernels in bamboo shoots and then ground it coarsely to make ‘Kharang’, which is mixed with rice and served with curry. Kharang is a dish that is recommended for diabetic patients.
A derivative of “Kharang” is “Kharang Bokpi,” flour that is produced during the making of “Kharang.” From Kharang Bokpi, one can prepare a special porridge called as “Yomri.” This is served especially as breakfast and as a dish for the sick who cannot take in solid food. One can also mix rice with the dish.
You can try this dish during breakfast.
After breakfast you can explore Bumthang valley, a blend of the abstract and concrete with innumerable legends surrounding the area.
You will be visiting Kurje Lhakhang where the Great Indian Saint Guru Padsambhava subdued a local demon and left his body imprint on a rock. The other is Jamphel lhakhang, which was built in the 7th century by Songsten Goembo, the Tibetan Buddhist King. Jakar Dzong (the fortress of white bird) built in the 17th century by Tenzin Rabgay (the fourth Desi) is another famous landmark.
You will also be visiting, Tamshing lhakhang built in 1501 by Terton Pema Lingpa (the founder of religious treasures). Kunchosum lhakhang and Membertsho (the flaming lake) are other places. Legend has it that Pema Lingpa discovered several religious text from the lake.
Lunch will be served in a local restaurant, where you will find other special dishes of the east. One is the “Bokpi,” flour smashed and then cooked and fried for a few minutes. Based on the ingredient, you can have “Kharang Bokpi”, a corn derivative; “Khu Bokpi”, rice derivate and those made from buckwheat and even wheat. These are served as alternatives to rice, along with curry.
Another dish is the “Bathu,” a semi-porridge consisting of small flour dumplings mixed and cooked in water consisting of bones. The flavor coming out of the bones make this disk special. Spices are also mixed and this dish is served especially when the weather is cold. It warms up the body.
During lunch, you can try out these dishes, too.
After lunch visit the cheese factory and take a stroll of Bumthang town.
Day 7: Bumthang – Thimphu
This will be a long journey back to the Kingdom’s capital. Lunch will be served at Chendebji and once again you can try out the Bhutanese dishes.
Halt at hotel in Thimphu.
Day 8: Thimphu- Paro (Departure)
After breakfast, you will be driven to Paro airport for your journey out of the country. Our representative will escort you.
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Duration: Seven days
Start: Paro Chhu (river), Paro
End: Dang Chhu (river), Wangduephodrang
Rivers: Paro Chhu, Wangchu, Tamchhu, Punakha Chhu, Dang chhu.
Craft: Kayaks and Rafts
Summary
Experience the fascination of getting into the Himalayan Kingdom’s clean and pristine rivers, which can sometimes be rough. Feel the energy of the glacial formed rivers as you raft and kayak along and against the currents of some of the world’s least explored rivers.
Day 1: Kathmandu/Bangkok/Delhi-Paro
In one of the best flights you would have experienced, you will see the spectacular beauties of the Himalayan ranges such as, Mt Everest, Jomolhari, Jitchu Drake and others as you fly to Paro. The landing is a thrill. At the airport our representative will meet you and escort you to the hotel. After a brief rest, you will visit places of historic importance in Paro, such as the National Museum, Paro Rinpong Dzong, Kyichu Lhakhang and the Drugyel Dzong (Castle of the Victorious Drukpa).
There will be a picnic lunch and then we begin the expedition to one of Bhutan’s most revered places, Paro Taktshang (Tiger’s Lair), which is built on a hair raising ravine perched on a hill (1000m) overlooking the valley. It is said that the great Indian Saint of the 8th century, Guru Padma Sambhava came flying on a tigress to subdue evils who were obstructing the spread of Buddhism and in one of the caves within the temple accomplished the task. The trek is a five hour hike (round trip).
Night halt in hotel at Paro.
Day 2: Paro Chhu (River) Excursion
(Bondey-Isuna Bridge)
Location: Paro Valley, Western Bhutan
Length: Approximately 10 km (3 hours)
Difficulty: Class III-IV
Flow: About 500 cfs
Season: March – April
Craft: Kayaks recommended due to narrow and steep rapids
After breakfast, we begin exploring the beauty and challenge of traversing through Bhutan’s sublime waters. We take a short drive to Bondey and start kayaking from there.
It will be a beautiful experience negotiating along the Paro river till Isuna, a small settlement on the way to Thimphu. Taking about three hours, the flow is not very swift. We exit at Isuna, where we will have our lunch.
Lower Paro Chhu (Isuna Bridge – Chhuzom)
Location: Paro Valley, Western Bhutan
Length: 7 km (1 hour)
Difficulty: Class II – III, with one V
Flow: Approximately 500 cfs
Season: March-April
Craft: Kayaks (too small for rafts)
This is the second part of the Paro river excursion and is just an-hour adventure along a valley flanked by steep ridges on the one side and the Paro-Thimphu highway on the other.
We stop at Chhunzom, the confluence of the Paro and Wangchu rivers.
Wang Chhu – Upper Run (Chhuzom Confluence –
Lower Tam Chhu, Dobji Dzong)
Location: Thimphu/Paro/Phuentsholing Highway, Western Bhutan
Length: Approximately 4 km (2 hours)
Difficulty: Class IV, one class V
Flow: 800 -1000 cfs
Season: March – April, November – December (Caution: a high water in this section is extremely dangerous. Not recommended for amateurs)
Craft: Only Kayak
Wang Chhu – Lower Run (Tam Chhu – 4 km Downstream)
Location: Thimphu/Paro/Phuentsholing Highway, Western Bhutan
Length: 4 km (1 hour)
Difficulty: Class III
Flow: 800 -1000 cfs
Season: March – April, November – December (Tips: a high water run is possible with good scouting)
Craft: Kayaks, Rafts
In what would be the third part of our first day kayaking, we continue downstream from Chhunzom till Tam Chhu. The water is swift here and the adventure is recommended only for experts. After approximately two hours we arrive at Tam Chhu and then begin the second part of the excursion downstream, which would take us an hour. We could try trout fishing here.
We then move to Thimphu.
Night halt at Thimphu.
Day 3: Glimpse of Thimphu
Bhutan’s capital and most modern city is home to some of the country’s most significant and historical icons. We begin the day by visiting the memorial chorten (stupa), one of Bhutan’s most beautiful stupas of the Nygmipa sect, built in memory of the Father of Modern Bhutan, Late Third King, Jigmi Dorji Wangchuck. From there we will drive to Buddha Point, where the world’s largest Buddha statue stands, overlooking Thimphu valley. The next destination will be the 12th century Changangkha Lhakhang (monastery) and then the Takin Zoo. We will also visit a nunnery, Sangaygang(which offers a panaromic view of Thimphu) and the Textile museum.
After lunch at a hotel, we will visit the grand TashiChho Dzong (Fortress), which houses the King’s office, Throne Room and some ministries. It is also the summer residence of the Chief Abbot (Je Khenpo) and the central Monk body. We then proceed to visit the Parliament of Bhutan.
Night halt in Thimphu.
Day 4: Thimphu-Punakha/Wangduephodrang
It is a three to four hour journey through beautiful landscape comprising of rhododendron bushes, meadows, water falls and changing vegetation.
Forty five minutes from Thimphu, we arrive at Dochula pass (3100m), which offers the first glimpse of the eastern Himalayan Ranges, consisting of snow-capped peaks, with heights ranging from 6,000m-7,554m. Dochula is also a centre of diverse flora and fauna. Additionally, the 108 stupas, build around a mound makes the pass a beauty.
From Dochula, the road descends all the way to Punakha valley. Before reaching Punakha, we will see the ruins of Wangduephodrang Dzong (Fortress), which was razed by a tragic fire in 2012.
Next, we hike (1 hour round trip) to Chimi Lhakhang, a 15th century temple associated with Lam Drukpa Kuenley, the Divine Madmonk. A temple where the Phallus is worshipped, hundreds of barren women receive blessings from a phallus there.
We will have lunch at the temple and then proceed to Punakha, where we visit the historic Punakha Dzong (Fortress), an architectural masterpiece, built at the confluence of two (Pho (male) and Mo(female) rivers.
Night halt at hotel in Punakha.
Day 5: Punakha Chhu (River) Excursion
Upper Pho Chhu (Wangthangkha – Samdingkha)
Location: Punakha Valley, Western Bhutan
Length: 12 km, 5 -7 hours with scouting
Difficulty: Class V
Flow: 1000 cfs
Season: February/December. (Caution: higher than medium flows makes this run dangerous. High water runs not recommended for amateurs)
Craft: Kayaks only (too steep for rafts)
This is perhaps one of the most exciting places to kayak, and also a dangerous one. We begin this expedition early morning, after which we stop for lunch, for the next part.
Lower Mo Chhu (Khamsum Yuling Namgyal Chhorten
– Below Punakha Dzong)
Location: Punakha Valley, Western/Central Bhutan
Length: 6 km (1 hour) (Note: In Spring, high winds and small currents makes this stretch longer and harder)
Difficulty: Class I – II
Flow:800 -1000 cfs
Season: March – April, November – December (Tips: with good scouting, runs at higher flows possible)
Craft: Kayaks and Rafts
Before venturing on this route, we will visit the Khamsum Yuling Namgyal Chorten (stupa), one of Bhutan’s most exquisite chortens. We then kayak all the way down to Punakha Dzong. The river is filled with trouts.
In the evening we move to Wangduephodrang and halt the night there.
Day 6: The Wangduephodrang Expedition
Upper Dang Chhu (Wangduephodrang Downstream –
Kichu Resort)
Location: Wangduephodrang, Western/Central Bhutan
Length: Approximately 3 km (2 hours with scouting)
Difficulty: Class IV -V at medium flows, V -V at higher flows
Flow: 400-500 cfs
Season: March – April, October – November (Caution: high water makes this run dangerous. Not recommended for amateurs)
Craft: Kayaks only (too small and steep for rafts
Middle Dang Chhu (Kichu Resort – Dang Chhu Down-
stream)
Location: Wangduephodrang, Western/Central Bhutan
Length: 5 km (1.5 hours)
Difficulty: Class IV with three class V scouts
Flow: 400 – 500 cfs
Season: March – April, November – December
Craft: Kayaks. (Tips: rafts possible but only with crew and
portages. It is time consuming but there are great runs at
stretches)
Lower Dang Chhu (Wangduephodrang Upstream –
Puna Tsang Chhu Confluence)
Location: Wangduephodrang, Western/Central Bhutan
Length: Approximately 17 km (4 hours)
Difficulty: Class III-IV at most flows
Flows: 5000 – 7000 cfs
Season: March – April, November – December (Tips: high water makes this run more difficult but reasonable as well)
Craft: Kayaks and Rafts
Starting early morning, this excursion is in the waters of Dang chhu (river) and involves extreme as well as easy kayaking. After more than half a day, we move to Thimphu for the night halt.
Day 7: Thimphu-Paro
Early morning, you will be driven to Paro airport for your next destination.
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Duration: 12 days
Best Seasons:April-September
Starting Point: Paro, western Bhutan
Furthest Destination: Bumthang, central Bhutan
Highlights:Biodiversity Centre (Thimphu), Botanical Park (Lamperi), Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Park, Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park, and Thrumshingla National Park.
Summary:
Visit the small Himalayan Kingdom that houses over 5,400 species of plants, including 300 species of medicinal plants, some species thriving even at 3,700m above.
Explore the 369 species of orchids that Bhutan has, of which 82 are unique to the mountain country. See and feel the 46 species of rhododendrons in the country.
The tropical evergreen forests growing below 800m are repositories of a unique biodiversity. The tropical vegetation of the lower zones gives way to dark forests of oak, birch, maple, magnolia and laurel. Above 2,400m altitude is the home of spruce, yew, and weeping cypress, and higher still, growing up to the tree line, is the east Himalayan fir.
At about 5,500m are low shrubs, rhododendrons, Himalayan grasses and flowering herbs. Bhutan’s national flower, Blue Poppy grows above the tree line 3,500 – 4,500m elevation.
ITINERARY
DAY 1: Bangkok/Kathmandu/Delhi-Paro
DAY 2: Paro
DAY 3: Paro-Chelela-Thimphu
DAY 4: Thimphu
DAY 5: Thimphu-Dochula-Lamperi-Punakha
DAY 6: Punakha-Wangdue
DAY 7: Wangdue-Phobjikha
DAY 8: Phobjikha-Bumthang
Day 9: Bumthang– Ura-Bumthang
Day 10: Bumthang
Day 11: Bumthang–Thimphu
Day 12: Thimphu – Paro
Summary
Get the adrenaline rush and experience the beauty of biking through a landscape where the air is naturally filtered and the highways mostly free from the mechanical inventions. Test your endurance as you pedal at a height of 3,100 meters. Ride along one of the world’s best landscapes.
DAY 01. Arrival at Paro
If flying in from Bangkok, one will experience breath taking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, and other Himalayan peaks including Bhutan’s sacred Mount Jumolhari and Jichu Drake. On arrival at the airport, representatives of Tour Company will receive and escort to Hotel. Lunch at local restaurant. Be at leisure to explore the small town of Paro, than visit the Dzong, the National museum, overnight at hotel.
DAY 02. Paro-Thimphu (65km.)
Ride to Thimphu, this will take approximately 05 hrs depending on the level of professionalism and biking skills. The ride is all along the lined willow trees and the beautiful villages of Paro. All along you ride parallel to the river banks. On arrival at Thimphu you be at leisure or just explore the Thimphu city, the weekend market would be in progress where the residents of Thimphu do their weekly marketing and farmers and vendors all over the country visit this market to sell their handicrafts and farm produce.
DAY 03. Thimphu – Punakha (71km.)
Do some quick sightseeing and places of interest before heading for the Dochula pass, this will take about 02-03hrs uphill, But once you reach the Pass at 3000m, views and hard work is rewarding with the Eastern Himalayan range weather permitting. After that it is all downhill till you reach the warm and lush valley of Punakha region. Can visit the Chimmi lhakhang/monastery of the divine mad man or the temple of fertility. Lunch at local restaurant.
Explore the fertile and flat valley of Punakha, ride north towards the Crown Prince’s Monastery perched on a strategic location on a hill top overlooking the rich rice terraced fields. Visit the Punakha Dzong, which is located on the confluence of two rivers. This Dzong used to be the former capital of Bhutan and till date still used as the winter capital by the clergy. Overnight at hotel
DAY 04. Punakha – Gangtey (83km.)
Ride to Phobjikha valley, the abode of the black necked cranes, enroute visit Wangdue Dzong, all along you ride and see the villages of Sha. The backup vehicle will always there following the cyclists and at any point of time riders get exhausted you can continue on the back up car.
DAY 05. GAangtey – Paro (205km.)
Visit the Gangtey monastery and biking toward Paro via Wangdue and Thimphu. You can bike certain stretch of the road and use the backup car to reach Paro. End of your biking tour farewell dinner. You can have a hot- stone bath at the end to relax your tired muscles!.
DAY 06 Paro – Taktsang monastery hike
After breakfast drive half an hour and start hike. It takes about 5 hour round trip. Follow an ancient path marked by river powered prayer wheels to the site of the famous Tiger’s nest, the Taksang Monastery, tragically wrecked in a fire early in 1998, rebuilt, it is perched some 1000m/3,000ft up on a cliff overlooking the valley. It was said to be where the legendary Indian saint, Guru Padma Sambhava, flew from Tibet on the back of a tiger to defeat five demons, who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan in 746 A.D. On the way visit the Drugyel Dzong, located 16 Km. away from the Paro town. Although in ruins, this Dzong is of great historical importance. It was here that the Bhutanese finally defeated the invading Tibetans and drove them back. From here, the peak of Chomolhari “Mountain of the Goddess” can be seen on a clear day (Alt. 7,329m/24,029ft.). Strolls through town and visit the Paro Rimpong Dzong, it was built in 1646, Kyichu Monastery the oldest in Paro valley, built in 659 A.D. Overnight at the hotel
DAY 07: Paro – Bangkok
After breakfast drive to Paro international Airport and fly out.
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Summary:
Seek and find solace in any one of the Himalayan Kingdom’s revered religious sites. Have a communion with the spiritual part of life by traversing through some of Bhutan’s most revered meditation and religious centers, such as the Tiger’s Lair (Taktsang, Paro) and Cheri monastery (Thimphu).
Itinerary:
Day 01: Bangkok – Paro – Thimphu
Cherish your flight to Paro and get enthralled as you observe some of the Himalayan Ranges’ spectacular structures like Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Jomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by a representative of our company, who will escort you to the Hotel. After lunch at the hotel, you will be driven to Thimphu.
Overnight at a hotel.
Day 02 – Thimphu stopover
Thimphu is a historically significant city, not just because it is Bhutan’s capital but because of several historical treasures that it houses. Thus, the first day of your tour will be devoted to seeing most of the city’s landmarks. You will visit Buddha Point, where the World’s largest Buddha statue stands. Also included in the day’s trip will be visits to the Memorial Chorten, one of the most beautiful stupas built in memory of the third king of Bhutan, Jigmi Dorji Wangchuck, known as the Father of Modern Bhutan. Changangkha monastery built in the 12th century, Takin zoo, Weaving Center, Nunnery and Sangaygang, from where you will have a spectacular view of the entire Thimphu valley will be other places that you will visit.
After lunch, we will visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved, the Wood Craft and Painting school where traditional arts and crafts are still kept alive, the Folk Heritage museum and the Tashichho Dzong, the main secretariat building. This massive structure houses part of the government Ministries, the office of the King and the Throne Room. It also houses the State Monastic Body and the living quarters of the Chief Abbot and the senior monks.
Overnight at the hotel
Day 03 & 4– Cheri Monastery – the spiritual communion
It is time to delve into the world of meditation and you will thus be taken to one of Bhutan’s most revered meditation centers. It will involve a 30 minute drive and a hike to Tango monastery, built in the 12th century, which is today a Buddhist University. There are meditation houses above the monastery. However, you cannot enter inside. Nonetheless, you can meditate for some time within the monastery. Away from the hustle and bustle of city life and enveloped by Nature in its purest form, you will have a great experience.
You will then hike to Cheri monastery, which was built in the 16th century by the Shabdrung. There will be a picnic lunch on the way at a beautiful spot. Cheri is also a renowned meditation center. You will be spending the night at a meditation house above the monastery.
The next day you have all the time to engage yourself in meditation. In the evening, you will return to Thimphu.
Day 05: Thimphu – Punakha/Wangdue
After breakfast, your journey to Punakha, which is about three hours, begins. There will be a stopover after 45 minutes at Dochula pass (3,100m), which offers visitors their first glimpse of the eastern Himalayan range, apart from the 108 stupas( chortens) of the pass. You will have a panoramic view of the snow-capped peaks, with heights ranging from 6000m to 7554m.
Before reaching Punakha, you will be taken to Chimi Lhakhang(Temple), a 15th century structure, associated with Lam Drukpa Kuenley, the “Divine Madmonk.” It is an hour hike, round trip, from the road. At the lhakhang, you will get the opportunity to relax and find peace in meditation.
We will lunch at a local restaurant and then visit Punakha Fortress, an architectural masterpiece built in 1637 by the Shabdrung. It served as Bhutan’s capital till 1955 and houses some of the most precious Buddhist relics. You can get inside the giant temple located within the dzong and devote some time meditating.
Overnight at a hotel
Day 06: Punakha/Wangdue – Trongsa
Early morning, we drive to Trongsa via Wangduephodrang across Pelela pass (alt. 3,300m), the traditional boundary between eastern and western Bhutan. We will stop enroute at Chendbji Chorten, which was built in the 18th century by a lama named Shida. It has a Nepalese chorten resemblance, with eyes painted at four cardinal points. It will be our lunch spot.
Overnight at a hotel in Trongsa.
Day 07: Trongsa – Bumthang
After breakfast, we will walk to the historic Tongsa Dzong, built by Shabdrung in 1647. There are several temples within the Dzong and you can choose one to engage in meditation. We will also visit the Ta Dzong (watch tower) and then drive to Bumthang, which is about 3 hours.
On arrival in Bumthang, we check into a hotel.
Day 08: Bumthang
One of the most sacred regions in the Kingdom, Bumthang valley is a blend of the abstract and concrete with innumerable legends surrounding the area.
You will be visiting Kurje Lhakhang where the Great Indian Saint Guru Padsambhava subdued a local demon and left his body imprint on a rock. The other is Jamphel lhakhang, which was built in the 7th century by Songsten Goembo, the Tibetan Buddhist King. Jakar Dzong (the fortress of white bird) built in the 17th century by Tenzin Rabgay (the fourth Desi) is another famous landmark.
You will also be visiting, Tamshing lhakhang built in 1501 by Terton Pema Lingpa (the founder of religious treasures). Kunchosum lhakhang and Membertsho (the flaming lake) are other places. Legend has it that Pema Lingpa discovered several religious text from the lake.
A spiritually rich valley, one has the option to engage in meditation in any of the sacred places.
Overnight at the hotel
Day 09: Bumthang – Trongsa – Gantey / Phobjikha
After breakfast, we proceed to Gantey/Phobjikha via Trongsa. The approach to Phobjikha valley is through a forest of Oak and Rhododendron. Phobjikha is one of the few glacial valleys in Bhutan and home of the black necked cranes which migrate from the central Asiatic Plateau in winter.
Overnight at the hotel
Day 10: Gantey / Phobjikha – Wangdue – Thimphu- Paro
After breakfast you can explore Phojikha valley and visit Gangtey Monastery, one of the Nyigmapa sect of Buddhism’s holiest temples. We then drive to Paro via Wangduephodrang. Lunch will be served at Doclula pass. Uppon arrival at Paro, we will visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, Rinpung Dzong and Paro’s market. Overnight at hotel
Day 11 – 15: Paro – Takstang monastery hike
This is going to be one of your most memorable experiences as we visit Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Lair), a work of art, blending the spiritual with architectural splendor. One of the holiest shrines in Bhutan, the Monastery is perched on a hill (1000m) overlooking the valley. It is said that the great Indian Saint and Tantric Buddhism’s Master, Guru Padma Sambhava came to Taktsang riding a tigress, in one of his most fearful forms, to subdue demons that were obstructing the spread of Buddhism. Several Buddhist masters have meditated at the site.
Overnight at Meditation house nearby monastery.
We will be spending the next couple of days here, immersing ourselves in the world of meditation.
On the way back, we visit Drugyel Dzong,”Castle of the Victorious Drukpa,” located 16 kilometers from Paro town. In ruins now, this Dzong was built to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over the invading Tibetan forces in the 16th and 17th centuries.
On a clear day, one can see the Jhomolhari Peak, “Mountain of the Goddess” from here.
Day 16 Paro
It will be a day of leisure for you. You can stroll around Paro town.
Day 17 Paro – Drakarpo
In the morning, we drive 30 minutes and hike to Drakarpo. It is said that Guru Padma Sambhava meditated in a cave there. The cave is visible even today. You can spend some hours meditating.
Halt at hotel in Paro.
Day 18 Exit from Paro
After breakfast, you will be driven to the airport for your flight out of Bhutan