Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

Welcome to incredible” Land of the Thunder Dragon” - the charming yet confounding ‘happy’ Kingdom opened up to visitors not too long ago & that casts a spell on most visitors.

Asia is a spiritual space. From the nomadic steppes of Kazakhstan to the frenetic streets of Hanoi, Asia is a continent so full of intrigue, adventure, solace and spirituality that it has fixated and confounded travellers for centuries.

As dawn breaks, pots of rice bubble over & the smoke of incense wafts from earth to heaven. Barefoot monks embark on their call to alms among the faithful; the muezzin's call reverberates from mosques urging devotees to prayer; and family altars are flush with fruit & flowers for the guardian spirits. The region’s great monuments were wrought from divine inspiration, from Angkor’s heaven incarnate to Bagan’s shimmering spires to Paro Taktsang Tiger’s Nest atop steep cliff-side of the upper Paro valley in Bhutan. The spiritual side of life is omnipresent & travellers can boost their karmic balance at meditation retreats or by hiking to a golden temple atop a sacred mountain.

Arrive in the charming town of Paro, site of the country’s only International Airport.

Your much awaited Bhutan travel experience commences the moment you enter the air space around the Himalayan mountain range near Bhutan. You will be instantly struck by the beauty & splendor of the 360 degree view around you as you watch from your Druk Airline plane window. The Antediluvian Jumolhari & Jichu Drake peaks are a visual feast in themselves. Moments before you land, the beautiful Paro valley will gently glide into your line of sight. Be sure to look for it & take in the once-in-a-lifetime views.

One can see the Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchanjunga, Mt. Makalu & other peaks in Bhutan such as Mt.  Chomolhari, Mt. Jichu Drakay, & Mt. Tsherimgang. The green wall of hills known as the doors or gateways into Bhutan from the plains climbs continually higher as down the forested mountainsides, and to the north, the great snowcapped peaks of the inner Himalayas rise up to the sky. Moments before you land, the beautiful Paro valley will gently glide into your line of sight. Be sure to look for it and take in the once-in-a-lifetime views.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? – Paro International Airport, subsequent to Immigration & Customs, you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel, help you settle in and provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area as well as discuss the program.

Arrive at the hotel, Check-in & relax.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

Bhutan is no ordinary place. It is the last great Himalayan kingdom, shrouded in mystery & magic, where a traditional Buddhist culture carefully embraces global developments.

Ancient Civilisation| Landscapes & Biodiversity | Last Shangri-La?  

For years, the small Asian nation of Bhutan has defined success not through its economy, but through happiness. The Buddhist nation pioneered the idea of "Gross National Happiness" to measure the country's well-being, & supposedly, its Prime Minister once touted Bhutan as the "happiest nation in the world".

The charming historic town of Paro with many sacred sites & historical buildings scattered through the area, lies on the banks of the Paro (or Pa) Chhu, west of the capital Thimpu, in the verdant Paro Valley recognized a one of the most beautiful in all Bhutan.

However, apart from the main street only built in 1985 (constructed of traditional wooden structures), the bazaar area is lined with colorfully painted wooden shop fronts & restaurants. Although these appear under threat as the town grows & a nondescript hodgepodge of concrete multi-story buildings that are totally bereft of charm & character, continue to propagate.

Along with Jakar & Punakha, Paro forms the 'golden triangle' of popular tourist destinations in Bhutan. Paro, the most beautiful of all Bhutan's valley, was also historically the center of two of the most important trade routes to Tibet. For now, Paro remains one of the best Bhutanese towns to explore on foot

Enjoy a lavish lunch featuring Bhutanese & continental cuisine,

Accompanied by the Tour-guide, drive or walk to the imposing Paro Dzong just a short distance away. Feel free to take lots of pictures as evidence!

Built on a steep hillside in 1644, Paro Dzong ranks as a high point of Bhutanese architecture. Perhaps the most iconic building in Bhutan (you will see it most Tourism advertising or Photography books). The Dzong's formal name, Rinchen Pung Dzong (usually shortened to Rinpung Dzong), means 'Fortress on a Heap of Jewels'.

Constructed on the foundation of a Monastery built by Guru Rinpoche, its massive buttressed walls tower over the town are visible throughout the valley, especially when floodlit at night. The Fort was used on numerous occasions to defend the Paro valley from invasions by Tibetan invaders & the British political officer John Claude White reported that in 1905, there were old catapults for throwing great stones stored in the rafters of the Dzong's veranda.

It was formerly the meeting hall for the National Assembly & now, like most Dzongs, houses both the Monastic body & district government offices, including the local courts. Most of the Chapels are closed to tourists but it is worth a visit for its stunning architecture & picturesque views. The attached Monastery, by the way, is fully functional as an administration center & school for about 200 Monks & is a classic example of a traditional abode in which "the church & the state" co-exist in harmony.

The Utse (central tower) inside the Dochey (central courtyard) is 5 storeys tall & was built in the time of the first Penlop (governor) of Paro in 1649. The richly carved wood, painted in gold, black & ochre and the towering whitewashed walls reinforce the sense of established power & wealth.

A stairway leads down to the monastic quarter. The Kunrey, which functions as the Monks' classroom, is on the southern side & centered around an image of Buddha when he was aged 16.

Left of the exterior vestibule, is the mural of the 'mystic spiral', a uniquely Bhutanese variation on the mandala. Other murals here depict Mt Meru, the legendary center of the universe, surrounded by 7 mountain ranges & 4 continents. The large Dukhang (prayer hall) opposite has lovely exterior murals depicting the life of Tibet's poet-saint Milarepa.

Outside the Dzong, is a massive stone-paved festival ground where masked dancers perform the main dances of the Tsechu. A Thondrol - a huge Thangka (painted or embroidered religious picture on an18 sq metres single piece of fabric) of Guru Rinpoche, is unfurled shortly after dawn on the final day of the Tsechu - you can see the huge rail upon which it is hung. It was commissioned in the 18^th century by the 8^th Desi (secular ruler of Bhutan), also known as Druk Desi, Chhogyel Sherab Wangchuck.

Below the Dzong, a traditional wooden covered bridge called Nyamai Zam spans the Paro Chhu river. This is a reconstruction of the original bridge, which was washed away in a flood in 1969. Earlier versions of this bridge were removed in times of war to protect the Dzong. The most picturesque photos of Paro Dzong are taken from the west bank of the river, just downstream from the bridge.

An interesting side note: scenes from Bernardo Bertolucci's 1993 film Little Buddha were filmed here.

Next, visit the Ta Dzong, built in the 17^th century as a watchtower for the Paro Dzong, which was later in 1967, converted into the National Museum filled with antique Thankha paintings, Textiles, Weapons & Armor. Enjoy a rare collection of Bhutanese art, crafts, paintings & sculptures from a by-gone era carefully preserved for posterity. The Museum is especially famous for the amazing range of colors & shades used in the fabrics on display many of which probably don't even have a name.

Northwest of here are the remains of a defensive fortress, Drukgyel Dzong, dating from the 17^th century.

Return to the hotel (& if time permits), stop enroute at Kichu Lhakhang, Bhutan's oldest temple & the most sacred religious shrine in the country. Built in 659 A.D. by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo, it is believed that Kichu Lhakhang was the place from where Buddhism first set foot in the country.

Balance of the evening is at leisure to relax or to walk around the town on your own.

Overnight. L D 

After a sumptuous breakfast at the hotel, with Bhutanese breakfast delicacies as well as traditional continental fare, meet the Tour-guide at 08.00 am & depart for Thimpu, the capital of Bhutan, driving through a very scenic route.

Arrive at the hotel & Check-in & relax.

Thimphu is a small, charming capital city, probably the smallest capital in the world, resting in the heart of the Himalayas. It sits in its own valley fanning out from the river. The skyline hardly changes as new buildings are all constructed in traditional Bhutanese style.

Strung out along the Wang Chhu, Thimphu is Bhutan's own mini-metropolis, an expanding bubble of shopping complexes, monasteries & chalet-like apartment buildings that reverts quickly to blue-pine forest at the city limits.

Travellers expecting a medieval mood may be disappointed – Thimphu's traditional houses are fast being replaced by multi-storey towers – but linger a while & the Capital's Bhutanese soul will shine through.

Though a small town, Thimphu is a charming place. Every shop is stacked with multiple products - from grocery to textiles to shoes & handicraft products. Increasing number of shops sell imported goods brought in from Thailand, Hong Kong & Singapore because of Druk Air's connection to Bangkok. The town is also filled with bars selling all kinds of alcoholic drinks.

Although the Thimphu Valley has supported small settlements for many centuries & a Dzong has existed there since 1216, the city didn't really develop until the King declared Thimphu the new capital in 1961. Vehicles first appeared on the streets a year later & slowly the city began to adapt to its role as the nation's capital.

Currently the town is undergoing massive development. New tree-lined streets are being laid & the clock tower area in the center of the city has been transformed into a park-cum-open air theater where live cultural performances take place. In 2008, the National Stadium was completed together with a new river-side Park. The area around the Dzong & government buildings is a particularly green & an attractive district.

After freshening up, accompanied by the Tour-guide, proceed for 4 hour tour.

Walk to the 12^th century Changangkha Lhakhang - the traditional Bhutanese temple perched like a fortress on a ridge above central Thimphu.   Dedicated to Chenrigzig - Buddha of Compassion - humming with pilgrims coming here to get auspicious names for their newborns or blessings for their young children from the protector deity Tamdrin. Children are blessed by the priest touching a phurba (ritual dagger) & given a sacred thread. The interior murals are particularly fine. Give the resident Astrologer your birth date & he will consult divination charts to decide what kind of protective prayer flags will benefit you.

Don't leave without checking out the shrine to the Tshomen (mermaid) in the central courtyard & then taking in the excellent view from the kora (circumambulation) path around the compound.

Then, walk to the King's Memorial, built in memory of the 3^rd king of Bhutan who reigned for 3 decades from 1952 - 1972. The Memorial Chorten, a whitewashed structure with a gold spire, is a revered Buddhist shrine dedicated to the king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, regarded as the founder of modern day Bhutan.

Continue on to visit the most prominent building in town - Trashicho Dzong, the Secretariat, also known as the Fortress of the Glorious Religion. Initially built in 1641 AD & later remodeled by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk in 1965, the Dzong is the home of the main secretariat of the Government. The office of His Majesty, the King of Bhutan, is situated here. The National Assembly Hall is in a modern structure on the other side of the river. During summer, the main monk group led by His Holiness, the Je Khenpo, reside in this Dzong. Its remarkable construction is in traditional Bhutanese style, without the use of nails or metal of any kind. 

You will visit the Zilukha Nunnery (also known as the Drubthob Goemba Monastery) which imparts teachings of Buddhism & when the Nuns graduate, they devote their life to community service. Visitors have the opportunity to witness what a Bhutanese Nunnery looks like & also to interact with the Nuns & learn more.

Pass by the National Library of Bhutan which houses a treasure trove of the world's most rare ancient & priceless Buddhist manuscripts.

Stop by at the Bhutan School of Arts & Crafts which is also called the Painting School where children are taught centuries old crafts. For art lovers, the visit to the Painting School is a treat & you are welcome to interact with the students & faculty since you share a common canvas. Let us know in advance and we will formally arrange a guided tour for you.

Then, drive to see the Takin Zoological Garden, which houses the national animal - Takin - that is only found in Bhutan. The Takin lives only on the Himalayan slopes. Its head looks like that of a goat & the body resembles that of a cow or yak. There are other animals in the zoo that are unique to Bhutan.

Finally, you will drive to Sangay Gang View Point which is approximately 2685 meters above sea level to enjoy a stunning view of the entire Thimphu Valley.  This is a spectacular place to take pictures but that is one thing you can say about all of Bhutan for sure.

After a day of exploring the nation's capital, you will return to the hotel by afternoon.

Balance of the day free to relax or walk around on your own (we will be happy to offer suggestions).

Wandering around in the late afternoon, you will see the Bhutan you were expecting: devotees in traditional garb, crimson-robed monks & farmers from the hills coming into town to trade.

Thimphu offers an opportunity to enjoy Bhutan's best dining, shopping & nightlife. In place of the traditional, Thimphu offers the realisation of the Bhutanese dream: contented people embracing the modern world, but doing so on their own terms.

You may also drive to BBS Tower (Bhutan Broadcasting Service) which is one of Bhutan's tallest buildings & has an Observation Deck offering marvelous views of the Thimphu valley.

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Overnight. B L D 

Morning, meet the Tour-guide again at 08.00 am & proceed for another 8 hour tour of Thimphu.

First stop will be the National Textile Museum to get an understanding of the beautiful hand woven Bhutanese textiles.

One of Thimphu's best Museum, it is part of the Royal Textile Academy featuring a stunning display of ancient & modern textiles & illustrates the rich traditions of Bhutan's national arts of thagzo (weaving) & tshemzo (embroidery)

The ground floor focuses on royal ghos, including the wedding clothes worn by the 4^th King & his 4 wives. The upper floor introduces the major weaving techniques, styles of local dress & type of textiles made by / for women & men.

The Museum shop offers some interesting books & fine textiles. Across the courtyard is the Royal Textile Academy Conservation Center, where you can watch a small group of weavers working their looms. No photography is allowed.

Walk to the National Folk Heritage Museum to get an insight into the typical Bhutanese way of life. The Museum strives to disseminate the rich Bhutanese cultural heritage & rural history across generations by preserving it in different forms - exhibits, demonstrations, educational programs.

The Museum is set inside a three storied, 19^th century traditional house. This restored 3 storey, rammed-earth & timber building replicates a traditional farmhouse & is furnished as it would have been about a century ago to provide an interesting glimpse into rural Bhutanese life. Details that jump out include the antique noodle press, the leopard skin bags & Brokpa yak-hair 'spider' hats.

The Museum gives you a glimpse of the traditional lifestyle, in addition to artifacts from rural households & also displays an impressive collection of typical household objects, tools & equipment. It does a remarkable job of recapturing the rural setting & ambiance of a traditional household by setting up paddy, wheat & millet fields, a traditional water-mill with mill stones more than 150 years old, traditional style kitchen gardens with vegetables that were typically grown during the past 100 years & even one of the traditional hot stone baths that are famous throughout the country.

The activities of the Museum follow a seasonal rhythm, just like the activities of a true rural household, offering visitors something new to see every time. In an effort to maintain the knowledge of indigenous natural resources, native trees & plants that had domestic uses in a rural Bhutanese household is grown, creating an oasis of greenery, right in the heart of the capital city of Thimphu.

The Museum also organizes regular demonstrations within the Museum premises, of rural traditions, skills, habits & customs as well as hosting educational programs for children. These include demonstrations of the traditional way of extracting oil or Markhu Tsene, brewing ara or Ara Kayne, roasting rice or Zaw Ngowni and pounding rice or Tham Dhungni.

The Museum also organizes an open air buffet lunch and dinner offering visitors a taste of traditional cuisine. The menu consists of a variety of traditional dishes from every region of the Kingdom. Your lunch today can be arranged here.

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Then there is the Handicraft Emporium with its famous weaving, wood-carving & paintings & where you can purchase exquisite hand-woven fabric in a million colors & decorations for your living room.   

Are you a stamp collector by any chance?

A visit to the Post Office is a must for Bhutan’s exquisite world-renowned stamps. We won't call you a philatelist because that sounds way too esoteric. Surprising as it may sound, Bhutan has a rather rich tradition of postage stamps which dates back several hundred years. You can purchase rare postage stamps in any one of several shops in this area around the two Museums.

After lunch at the Folk Heritage Museum, proceed to visit the National Institute of Traditional Medicine where ancient medication & acupuncture is still practiced. Medicinal herbs, which grow in the region, & minerals that are found in the kingdom, are scientifically processed and administered to patients by qualified traditional pharmacists & doctors who have been trained in the science of natural & alternate medicine. This unique healing method is popular among Bhutanese people as well as foreigners. The Tour-guide will gladly schedule a consultation for you if you wish. Bhutan also has several modern state-of-the-art allopathic hospitals many of which provide world-class services.

Next stop will be the Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory. Come & see how Bhutan protects its environment through long-term sustainability. Paper products are manufactured from mulberry plant bark called "daphne" in the local language. This factory manufactures a special watermark paper as well as products such as lampshades, envelopes and other objects made of traditional Bhutanese paper. They make great gifts to take home with you and are genuinely unique. It is not just the texture of these handmade paper products that will intrigue you, but also their unique earth tones and natural hews.

The Simtokha Dzong will be your next stop. Simtokha Dzong is the oldest and the most secure fortress in Bhutan. It offers you an amazing backdrop to take pictures.

Return to the hotel.

Enjoy a full-course dinner & some little "me" time in the evening.

Feel free to go out on your own since Bhutan is a very safe country for everyone including tourists.

Overnight. B L D 

Morning, depart for Punakha - the old capital of Bhutan and presently the winter residence of the central monk body. Travel over the Dochu La pass at 3200 metres (10,500 ft). 

From the top of the pass we will have magnificent views of Himalayan peaks along Bhutan’s northern border. 

Along the way, we will visit the newly built Druk Wangyal Khangzang Chortens, a unique cluster of 108 Namgyal Khangzang chortens that spiral up to the main monument chorten. This is a tribute & monument to the selfless service & visionary leadership of the King.  The chortens are also a celebration of the stability & progress brought to the nation.  These chortens form a new landmark for travellers as they cross the Dochu La, the first mountain pass into the interior of the country. Notice their architectural beauty & the manner in which they have weathered the four seasons over the years. If the weather decides to cooperate, you can admire the glory of the snow-capped Himalayan Ranges from this vantage point.

Arrive at the hotel in Punakha & Check-in.

Punakha is a town in the Himalayas of Bhutan. It was the capital of Bhutan until the 1960's & still retains the serene atmosphere of a place with a regal past. Although, it is known mainly for the Punakha Dzong, a 17^th century majestic fortress built strategically on an Island at the juncture of the Pho & Mo Chhu rivers, there are also other sites of interest in & around this pleasant little town. In the surrounding Punakha Valley, temples include the fertility-focused Chimi Lhakhang and the hilltop Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, which has river and mountain views.

Shortly after, accompanied by the Tour-guide, proceed to explore the quaint little town. All attractions in the town (including the Dzong) can be reached on foot.

Cross the mainland on an arched wooden suspension bridge to arrive at the Punakha Dzong. The Dzong serves as the religious & administrative center of the region. One of the most photogenic of all Bhutan's ancient fortresses, you will see pictures of it hanging in hotels & restaurants throughout the country.

One of the largest Dzongs in Bhutan. Punakha Dzong was initially called Druk Pungthang or Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness), for many years until the second king of Bhutan assumed power. It was also the seat of the Government for a long time & continues to serve as the winter residence of Je-Khenpo, the country's spiritual leader. King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk convened the National Assembly here in 1952

It contains many precious relics from the days when successive kings reigned in the kingdom from this valley. The fortress also hosts the annual Punakha Tshechu, a religious festival featuring masked dances & music.

It was damaged by four catastrophic fires & an earthquake, however it has been fully restored by the present King (please note that the Dzong is frequently closed without notice. Depending on our timing for today, we may visit the Dzong tomorrow).

Next, drive just outside the town to Chimi Lhakhang Village to explore another of Bhutan's famous Buddhist monastery, Chime Lhakhang. Visiting this Monastery involves a 20 minute walk along a muddy & dusty path through agricultural fields of mustards & rice, leading to a hillock where it is situated.

It stands on a round hillock and was built in 1499 by the 14^th century Drukpa hierarch, Ngawang Choegyel, after the site was blessed by the "Divine Madman" the maverick saint Drukpa Kinley (1455 - 1529) who built a chorten on the site. The spiritual leader inherited the accolade since he revolted against the principles of orthodox Buddhism. Prayer flags are lined all along the road from the tiny village hamlet. All houses in the village have paintings of phalluses on their exterior walls. The lama Kunley had called the hillock where the Monastery exists as the breast of a woman because of its round shape.

From here (strictly dependent on the Tour-guide’s discretion), you can travel the Hot springs (tsachu), located not too far near the village of Mitesgang. There are three bathing pools covered by simple roofs,

Come back to the hotel.

Balance of the day is at leisure to relax or for independent exploration.

Overnight. B L D 

Early morning depart for Gangtey Valley, enroute passing through the beautiful & lush Wangdue (also known as Wangdi phodrang) driving through the idyllic countryside dotted with villages & paddy fields and crossing rivers & forests.

Stop at Wangdue, a bustling town with a pretty view of the valley & the Dzong.

Wangdue is important in the history of Bhutan because in the early days it was the country's second capital & played a critical role in unifying the western, central & southern districts in the 17^th century. Legend says that the Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the 1^st Rinpoche, while searching for the best location for a dzong to prevent incursions from the south, met a small boy named Wangdi playing in the sand on the banks of the Punak Tsang Chhu & was moved to name his new dzong Wangdi - later Wangdue  Phodrang (Wangdi's Palace). The town is still known colloquially as Wangdi..

The little town is popular for the tales of shaman culture, ornamental speeches or Lozeys of Shaa, ancestral home of Pema Tshewang Tashi, the knight whose lozey still remains a favourite amongst the Bhutanese. The higher reaches of the valley provides rich pastureland for cattle. The district is also known for its fine bamboo work & its slate carvings. The exotic black necked cranes can be seen in Wangdue.

Notable for the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong founded by the Zhabdrung in 1638 atop a high ridge between the Punak Tsang Chhu & the Dang Chhu, clearly chosen for its commanding view of the valleys below.

Legend relates that as people searched for a site for the Dzong, four ravens were seen flying away in four directions. This was considered an auspicious sign, representing the spreading of religion to the four points of the compass. After Trongsa Dzong was established in 1644, the penlop (governor) of Wangdue Phodrang became the 3^rd most powerful ruler, after Paro & Trongsa. The Dzong's strategic position gave the penlop control of the routes to Trongsa, Punakha, Dagana & Thimphu.

The Monastery complex consists of the main monastery, monk’s quarter, meditation centers & a small guest house. As of 2016, the three-storey kunrey (assembly hall) had been rebuilt but was not open to visitors.

Sadly the Dzong caught fire in 2012 & was virtually destroyed save for the lower walls. The mammoth task of rebuilding is expected to continue until 2021. Shortly after the fire, more than 1000 Japanese sympathizers donated an equivalent of over US$134,500 to the Wangdue Phodrang Reconstruction Fund. & other donations are still continuing. However, due to the planned renovation, most of the historical relics had already been put into storage and were thus saved from destruction.

After spending an hour, continue on towards the Valley of Gangtey, your next vantage point for extraordinary views. Its beauty is striking in spite of the fact that it has very few trees and the the vast spaces & a feeling of ‘close to nature’ openness are unique.

On arrival, visit the Gangtey Monastery, the largest & only Nyingmapa monastery on the western side of the Black Mountain. Surrounded by a village inhabited primarily by families of the 140 Gomchens who are the traditional caretakers of the Monastery, it was built in 1913 by Pema Trinley, the grandson of Pema Lingpa, the popular Nyingmapa saint of Bhutan. The ancient beliefs & traditions of Pema Lingpa have been preserved here to this day. The second Tulku, Tenzin Legpa Dondrup (1645 - 1726 AD), increased the geographical size of Gangtey, while maintaining friendly relationships with the Drukpas. He rebuilt & renovated the monastery in the shape of a Dzong.

From here, drive further north to Phobjikha.

Phobjikha Valley is the winter home of black necked cranes that migrate from the arid plains to spend the winter months in a relatively less harsh climate in this region.

Situated at an altitude of 2900 meters above sea level, the valley has two rivers named Nakay Chhu (Chhu Naap - black water) and Gay Chhu (Chhu Karp - white water). According to a local belief, the rivers symbolize a snake & a boar who raced with each other on a dare that if the snake (Nakay Chhu) won, the Phobjikha Valley would cultivate rice and if the boar won, then rice could never be grown there. Most unfortunately, the snake lost the race since it had to crawl all the way. Since then, rice is not cultivated in the valley even today. The valley continues to wait for a holy man to arrive & cast off the spell.

Arrive at the hotel by evening & Check-in.

Balance of the day at leisure to just walk around in the vicinity & enjoy the view.

Overnight. B L D 

Early morning depart for Bumthang,

Arrive in Bumthang & Check-in at the hotel.

Bumthang Dzongkhag comprises four spectacular valleys: Chokhor, Tang, Chhume & Ura. Ura is perhaps the pick of these with a traditional village & almost medieval atmosphere. The wide & scenic valleys were gently carved by the ancient glaciers. These fertile valleys are covered in fields of buckwheat, rice & potatoes. Apple orchards & dairy farms are also common sights here. This serene region is one of the most peaceful places in the kingdom.

Besides natural beauty, the four valleys are blessed with some of the oldest Buddhist temples in the kingdom. It was here that Buddhism was first introduced to Bhutan & where the legendary saint Pema Lingpa was born, to whom the Bhutanese royalty trace their descent. The area is the religious heartland of the nation and here, the great teachers meditated & left in their wake many sacred grounds.

The area is the religious heartland of the nation and home to some of its oldest Buddhist temples & monasteries. Tales of Guru Padmasambhava & his lineage of the tertons (religious treasure-discoverers) still linger in this sacred region & have led to the sprouting of many temples in the valley.

This dzongkhag is one of the most richly endowed districts in terms of historical & spiritual legacy. Some of Bhutan’s oldest & most venerated temples are found in Bumthang, including Jambey Lhakhang. According to legend this ancient temple was built by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo in 659 A.D. as part of a chain of 108 simultaneously constructed temples in order to subdue an evil demoness that lay over the Himalayan region. It is the oldest lhakhang in Bhutan.  There are numerous other temples & shrines worth visiting in Bumthang & many of them are linked to Guru Rinpoche’s visit in 746 A.D.

The Valleys also contain Mebartsho gorge, known as ‘the flaming lake’ is where Pema Lingpa is said to have found the treasures hidden by Guru Rinpoche.

On the far side of the Black Mountains you will enter a part of the country that until the 1970s was only accessible by mule and foot trails. You will find quaint farming villages with closely clustered houses, sheep pastures and potato fields.

After relaxing for an hour in the hotel, accompanied by the Tour-guide, proceed for a sightseeing of the Valley.

First stop will be the Jambay Lhakhang, built in the 7^th century by the King Songtsen Goempo of Tibet, believed to be the reincarnation of the Buddha of Compassion. In his effort to propagate Buddhism & to subdue evil spirits in the Himalayan region, he had a plan to build a total of 108 monasteries in Tibet & neighboring kingdoms. Its present architectural appearance dates from the early 20th century.Its one of the oldest Buddhist temple in Bhutan

Besides the main road, a short distance beyond Jambay Temple is Chankhar Lhakhang (Iron Castle), the site of the palace of the Indian King Sindhu Raja. Because of its simplicity it looks like an ordinary village house, it is easy to mistake it for a regular house & drive right by, but this is an interesting temple & is worth a short visit. The original palace was built of iron & this is why it is known as the Iron Castle. It was rebuilt in the 14^th century by a Saint called- Dorji Lingpa.

Drive up the valley to Kurjey Lhakhang. Kurjey means, “Body imprint”.

The history of the temples at Kurje is associated with Sendha Gyab, popularly known as Sindhu Raja & the visit of Guru Rinpoche to Bumthang in 746 AD. The king invited Guru Rinpoche from Yanglayshey (meditation cave of Guru) in Nepal to Bhutan.

The reason behind the invitation was to subdue the evil spirits & demons harming the people and especially to get back the King’s soul from the guardian deity named Shelging Karpo who had cursed the King with a terrible illness. Upon this invitation, Guru Rinpoche came to Bumthang & meditated there in a cave named Dragmar Dorji Tsegpa, meaning a red colored cave that resembles a pile of vajras (dorjis).

After subduing the evil spirits and demons and having restored the soul of the King, imprints of the Guru Rinpoche’s body remained. Thereafter, the name came to be known as Kurje meaning-imprint of the body. The present place of the Lhakhang remains as a blessed and historical site.

There are three main temples at Kurje. The oldest temple was constructed by Minjur Tenpa in 1652 around the cave in which Guru Rimpoche meditated & left his body imprint. The second temple was founded by Trongsa Penlop Ugyen Wangchuck in 1900 while serving as the 13^th Trongsa Penlop. The third temple was built in the 1990s. It was sponsored by the Queen Mother Ashi Kezang Choden Wangchuck.

A few minute walk will take you to the other side of the river over a small suspension bridge, where you can see Tamshing Lhakhang (Temple of the Good Message). This temple was founded in 1501 by Terton Pema Lingpa, the re-incarnation of Guru Padsambhava. The temple was restored at the end of the 19^th century & the monastery’s inner walls contain the original un-restored ancient religious paintings like 1,000 Buddhas & 21 Taras (female form of Buddhistava).

Continue to visit Jakar Dzong, “castle of the white bird”.

According to legend, when the lamas assembled in about 1549 to select a site for a monastery, a big white bird rose suddenly in the air and settled on a spur of a hill. This was interpreted as an important omen & the hill was chosen as the site for a monastery & for Jakar Dzong. It was built as a Monastery by the great grandfather of Zhabdrung (who unified the country) & later in 1646 it was expanded & restored by the Trongsa Penlop (Governor) who built the main Tower of the monastery fortress. The Dzong is now used as an administrative center of the valley & summer residence of Trongsa monks.

If you want & time permits, you can visit the Swiss Farm / Cheese & Red Panda Beer factory.

The Swiss Farm is a development project established by Swiss Fritz Maurer, one of the first foreigner to work in Bhutan & is now run by his son. The project introduced brewing, farming machinery & fuel-efficient, smokeless wood stoves to the valley, as well as its Bhutan’s first tourist guesthouse. The milk from large Jersey cattle is used in Bhutan's only commercial cheese factory & Bhutan's only native beer, Red Panda, is brewed here.

Return to the hotel.

Relax or walk around the beautiful landscape of the Bumthang valley.

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Morning, meet the Tour-guide at 09.00 am & proceed for a tour to see some other interesting places.

Bumthang is also famous for its Weavers.

Weaving is an ancient art in Bhutan. Taking root in a rural & rustic setting, a uniquely rich tradition of weaving has evolved & flowered over time. With skills handed down from generation to generation, mother to daughter, from family to family, weaving in Bhutan is today an art form that is representative of the very heart & soul of the country. Fabrics fashioned in the looms, a veritable feast of magical colors & intricate designs & patterns, are symbolic of the Bhutanese society & the Dragon Kingdom.

The art of weaving although widespread is particularly impressive in Central & Eastern regions of Bhutan. In the villages of these regions, the “thump thump” of the handloom is a common sound & it will be an exceptional household where a woman does not weave clothes for the family & for earning extra income. But essential as these tasks are to the family, they do not convey the actual significance of weaving in society. So deeply is weaving ingrained in the psyche of the Bhutanese people that the woven cloth & dress is closely associated with status, etiquette, as well as social, cultural & religious events as well as occasion of import of

After a short rest, proceed with the Tour-guide to village of Zungney in the Chumey valley to visit Yatha Weaving Center. A group of 33 enterprising women from three local villages decided to form the weaving Co-operative. With sparse agricultural fields & limited income opportunities, combined with the ongoing threat of wildlife damage to existing crops, the women came together to establish a weaving group that would generate income and gain self-sufficiency. However, as they lacked the startup funding necessary to start, the National Women Association of Bhutan felicitated.

Yatha is colorful wool weaving, a pattern native of central Bhutan with deep colors. You may be able to see the dyeing of wool using natural dyes & other processes.

Outside Yatha Weaving Center, you can see strips of traditional woolen yatha hang on racks in the sunshine. Inside, a handful of women sit at back-strap looms, picking out intricate patterns in colored wool as they weave with nimble fingers. The weavers deftly spin the Yatha’s geometric designs in yak & sheep wool. The thick distinctive fabric is perfect to withstand the rigors of a Bumthang winter & is widely loved throughout Bhutan.

Traditionally, each home .in the Valley has its own looms & girls learn to weave at an early age. Here you can experience the locals spinning, dyeing & weaving Yatha. The brightly colored wool fabrics are displayed outside the houses. Quality, patterns & color vary widely.

You can buy one as souvenir. The fabric can be used to stitch jackets, bags, table cloths, sofa covers, scarf, etc.

Come back to the hotel.

Balance of the day is at leisure.

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Early morning, meet the Tour-guide at 06.00 am & depart for Wangdue, driving through the idyllic countryside dotted with villages & paddy fields and crossing rivers & forests.

You assed through Wangdue earlier 4 days back on your way to Bumthang.

Today, you will spend time here to explore the picturesque Valley & the rural communities, each with their own distinct living styles & culture.

Arrive at the & Check-in.

Balance of the day free to wander around the town at your own pace. Meet the friendly shop owners, many of whom speak English & trade stories with them. This is the perfect time to shop for gifts & haggle for the right price. You will have plenty of good time left over in the evening for dinner & leisure.

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Early morning depart for Paro enroute stopping at Thimphu. You will drive via Pele la pass at an altitude of 3,150 metres, a wonderful opportunity for photographs.

In Thimphu, visit Simthokha Dzong. This is the oldest & the most secure fortress in Bhutan & offers you an amazing backdrop to take pictures.

Also known as Sangak Zabdhon Phodrang (Palace of the Profound Meaning of Secret Mantras), it is a small Dzong built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, who unified Bhutan. The site is said to guard a demon that had vanished into the rock nearby, hence the name Simtokha, from simmo (demoness) and do (stone). The site was also a vitally strategic location from which to protect the Thimphu valley & entryway to the Dochu La & eastern Bhutan.

In fact, there were dzongs in Bhutan as early as 1153, but this was the first dzong built by the Zhabdrung, was the first structure to incorporate both monastic & administrative facilities, and is the oldest dzong to have survived as a complete structure. Just above the dzong is the Institute for Language & Culture Studies.

During its construction Simthokha Dzong was attacked by an alliance of Tibetans & five Bhutanese lamas from rival Buddhist schools who were opposed to the Zhabdrung's rule. The attack was repelled & the leader of the coalition, Palden Lama, was killed. In 1630 the Tibetans again attacked & took control of the dzong. The Zhabdrung regained control when the main building caught fire & the roof collapsed, killing the invaders. Descriptions of the original Simtokha Dzong were provided by the two Portuguese Jesuit priests who visited here in 1629 on their way to Tibet.

Expansion & restoration of the dzong was performed by the third Druk Desi, Mingyur Tenpa, in the 1670s. It has been enlarged & restored many times since, most recently by a team of Japanese architects. The dzong is about 60 sq metres & the only gate is on the south side (though the original gate was on the west side).

The utse is three storeys high, and behind the usual prayer wheels around the outside there is a line of more than 300 fine slate carvings depicting saints & philosophers. The large central figure in the central lhakhang is of Sakyamuni, flanked by the eight bodhisattvas. The dark murals inside this lhakhang are some of the oldest & most beautiful in Bhutan. In the western chapel are statues of Chenresig, green & white Taras, and an early painting of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, which was cleaned in 1995 but is still cracked. Check out the tigers' tails & guns hanging from the pillars in the eastern goenkhang. The protector chapel is dedicated to the protectors of Bhutan, Yeshe Goenpo (Mahakala) and Pelden Lhamo.

After spending an hour, continue on to Paro.

Check-in at the hotel on arrival.

Balance of the day is at leisure.

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Finally, it is time to explore the raison d’etre for travelling to Bhutan. Well, not only, but one of the main reasons.

The Taktsang Palphug Monastery is the most famous touristic destination of the country & the cultural icon of Bhutan & also its most photogenic, hanging onto what looks from afar like a sheer vertical cliff.

Early morning, accompanied by the Tour-guide, proceed on an excursion to visit Taktshang Monastery.

The short trek to the Monastery passes through a dense pine forest where you can hear the insects chirp as you pass along the clearly marked & maintained pathway.

You will stop at a traditional Bhutanese cafeteria for rest & refreshments royal Bhutanese style. You will then continue the hike till you arrive at the ancient Taktsang monastery. This abode of traditional Buddhist religious prayer & worship was built in the 17^th century AD & it literally hangs from the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. According to a legend, Guru Padmasambhava, the Tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, came to Bhutan from India flying on a tiger.

Also known as Tiger’s Nest Monastery, the Buddhist temple complex clings to a cliff, 3120 meters above the sea level on the side of the forested upper Paro Valley. Tradition says that the building is anchored to the cliff-face by the hairs of khandroma (dakini; female celestial beings), who transported the building materials up onto the cliff on their backs.

Visiting the Paro Taktsang Monastery is an unforgettable experience thanks to its unique location & the views of surrounding majestic mountains & emerald green valleys.

The main peculiarity of the Monastery is its isolated location, only accessible by a steep trek along rutted mountainous paths. The remote location of the monastery makes it amazingly beautiful & unique, but also creates technical difficulties. No wonder, that when you are looking at the Monastery from Paro valley or from the bottom of the cliff, it seems almost impossible to reach the Monastery.

When on April 19, 1998 a fire started in the Monastery it was burned down completely: the temple was hard to access & emergency assistance was impossible.

In fact, there are three paths leading to the holy place. The first path is a trail passing through the pine forest & decorated with bright, prayer bannerettes symbolizing protection from evil forces, positive energy, vitality & good luck. The other two paths are passing through the plateau, called "a hundred thousand fairies’ plateau".

The refined architectural appearance of the Monastery is shaped in the best traditions of Buddhist. The complex has white buildings with golden roofs. Paro Taktsang Monastery consists of the 4 main temples and several dwellings.

All buildings are interconnected by staircases with steps carved into the rock. Almost every single buildings of the monastery complex has a balcony with a breathtaking view of the surrounding area. The main shrine of the monastery -the prayer wheel is located in the courtyard of the temple. Every morning at 4.00 am, it is being rotated by monks to mark the beginning of a new day.

There are 8 Caves in the Monastery; 4 of them are comparatively easy to access. The cave where Padmasmabhava is believed to have entered first, on the back of the tiger, is known as “Tholu Phuk” cave & the one where he meditates is known as the “Pel Phuk”. Monks of the monastery are supposed to live & meditate in these caves for 3 years. They very rarely visit the adjacent Paro valley.

The interior design of the temple impresses with its luxurious beauty: gold-plated dome & flickering lights that are illuminating golden idols. In the Hall of Thousand Buddha’s, which is carved into the rock, a large statue of a tiger is located. The tiger is respected as the symbol of Paro Taktsang because of the legend, according to which the location of the Monastery was chosen by a tigress. The tigress brought here on her back the founder of Bhutan’s Buddhism guru Padmasmabhava.

Enjoy Lunch and refreshments at the Monastery cafeteria, taking in the amazing views of Bhutan's majestic peaks and valleys as you enjoy your meal. The hike may be quite a challenge for the uninitiated and your tour guide can arrange for a pony for you at a nominal expense. The pony ride is very safe and an experience in itself.

Come back to the hotel by afternoon.

Alas, this wonderful glimpse of Bhutan comes to end & it is time to say good-bye to the "Happy Kingdom" & go home.  We sure hope that you may want to discover a bit more of Bhutan on your next visit.

Check-out of the hotel by 12:00 noon (if the departure time is later in the evening, we will request the hotel to allow use of the hotel facilities & to leave the luggage at the Bell Desk). 

In time, you will be met by a Journeys Rep, who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to Terminal? - Paro International Airport for your onward journey. B

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