Bhutan: 10 Day Cultural Tour

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Overview

Eight days of cultural tours including Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Trongsa, Gangtey, Jakar, Ura Valley and a half-day hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery. Add a day to this tour and attend a Tshechu (Festival).

Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Paro, transfer to Thimphu

Upon arrival at the airport and after necessary immigration formalities your Bhutanese escort will greet you and drive you 1.5 hours through the beautiful Paro valley to your hotel in Thimphu. You can spend the rest of the evening exploring Thimphu soaking in the Bhutanese way of life.

Day 2: Tour Thimphu

Sightseeing in Thimphu includes the visit to the National Library, which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts, the School of Thanka Paintings, and the traditional Medicine Institute where centuries old healing arts are still practiced. Then, visit the Handicrafts Emporium to see the exquisite artistry of traditional crafts and textiles and take a stroll through the streets for a little shopping.

After lunch visit the memorial Chorten to His late Majesty (King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk). Later, take a 15 minute drive to Dechenchohhling to witness the gold and silversmiths at work. Then, visit the Tashichho Dzong (fortress of the Glorious Region) built in 1641 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and reconstructed in 1961, using traditional methods, without the use of any nails or plans or paper, under the Late King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, regarded as the Father of Modern Bhutan.

As well as the main sites of Thimphu, you can also spend a day hiking to Tango and Cheri, two magnificent monasteries on the edge of the Thimphu valley. Or, you may like to visit Phajoding monastery with its stunning views over the valley, touring the markets and monasteries that flourish in this uniquely tranquil national capital. Shop for textiles, puppets and paintings that are handcrafted as they have been for centuries.

Day 3: Drive to Punakha and Tour

The old capital of Bhutan stands at the confluence of Mo Chhu and Po Chhu rivers. The Punakha Dzong is Bhutan's second oldest, and is arguably the country's most beautiful. Construction of the dzong began in 1637, and was completed the following year. It is more properly called the Pungthang Dechen Phodrang or the Palace of Great Happiness.

Day 4: Drive to Trongsa

Drive to Trongsa (142 km.), it takes about 6 hours. Overnight at a hotel in Trongsa.

Day 5: Tour Trongsa, Drive to Jakar

Visit Trongsa Dzong, the ancestral home of the royal family, and its watch tower. It was built in 1649. Now it is the administrative seat of the district and the home of the monastic school. This architectural wonder was a vigilance point for both the eastern and western routes. The watch tower, located directly above the dzong, has on display many interesting armors and other war parapharnelia used by ancient warriors. Drive for 2 1/2 hours to Jakar.

Day 6: Tour Jakar, Excursion to Ura Valley

Enjoy from View Point the beautiful outlook of Jakar Dzong , also known as the Castle of the White Bird. It was built in 1646 by Minjur Tenpa, the third Druk Desi (temporal ruler). In 1683, it was extended by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgay, the fourth Desi.

A full day excursion to Ura Valley. Drive upto Ura (68 km - 2 hrs) and take a leisurely stroll through the charming and clustered village. Take your time to visit a beautiful Buddhist Monastery. You will have the opportunity to see yaks grazing in the rich pastureland. Overnight at hotel in Jakar.

Day 7: Tour Jakar, Drive to Gangtey

Visit several ancient and sacred monasteries such as Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, Kencho Sum Lhakhang, Tmashing and Pema Samba Lhakhangs. Also visit Member Tso, "The flamming Lake,"which is considered one of the most important pilgrimage spots. A trip to the Bumthang Swiss farm is also interesting.

Afternoon, drive for 4 hours to Gangtey (125 km). Overnight at hotel in Gangtey.

Day 8: Tour Gangtey, Drive to Paro

Gangtey is a beautiful meadow (3000 m altitude) where you can appreciate breathtaking views of the Black Mountain range. Phobjikha, the valley stretching boundlessly from the below Gangtey, is the winter habitat of the rare and endangered Black Necked Cranes.

Afternoon, return to Paro, it will takes about 5 hours. Ovenight at hotel in Paro.

Day 9: Tour Paro

Visit Ta Dzong, the national museum housed in an ancient watchtower, which has superb antiquities on display. You can see a fine collection of thankas, paintings, textiles, and artifacts.

Hike to Taktsang viewpoint, a superb vantage point that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding granite cliffs and valley. On a clear day, the white dome of the sacred Chomolhari (Mountain of Goddess) can be seen. The Taktsang Monastery, also known as the Tiger's Nest monastery, clings to a sheer cliff. Severely damaged in a fire in 1998, the monastery has been completely restored.

Tour Drukgyal Dzong, whose massive ruins offer insight into the unique construction of Bhutan's famous dzongs. The Dzong is also of great historical importance as it was from its ramparts that the Bhutanese repelled Tibetan invaders.

DESTINATIONS

Tours

Preparation