This is an extraordinary journey into Bhutan, the fabled land of the Thunder Dragon. You will experience week-end bazaars and Bhutanese hospitality at its finest. The highlight of this trip is the Ura Valley Tsechu. Tsechus are local festival dances that are medieval in nature, spiritual in content and laced with an exotic array of color too breathtaking to behold.

Days 01 : Arrive Paro from KTM, Drive to Thimphu
Fly onboard Druk Air to Paro, Bhutan. On a clear day the panoramic views of the Himalaya are sensational, including Everest, but particularly exciting is the approach through the Bhutanese foothills and the landing, including a few steep turns to land at the tiny airstrip of Paro. On arrival, after completing formalities, you will be met by windhorse representative and transferred to Thimphu (2 hrs). Hotel Wangchuk

Days 02 : Thimphu sightseeing
There are a good many things to see in the capital which has a very relaxed, laid-back feel about it. Thimphu is relatively small, no traffic lights and the streets are wide and tree lined. The most important sights include; the national library, thangkha painting school, traditional medicine hospital, nunnery at Zilukha, Memorial stupa, gold and silver smith's workshop, handicraft centers. Try also a cup of coffee in the Swiss Bakery ! Hotel Wangchuk

Days 03 : Drive to Jakar (Bumthang)
This is a long day's drive of 9-10 hours but it is a journey you are not likely to forget. The road winds over high mountain passes and the scenery is certainly stunning. We make occasional stops in the course of the journey to take incursion into the roadside villages, temples, weaving centers and any special events that may be taking place.
Mountain Lodge

Days 04 : Jakar - URA FESTIVAL Mountain Lodge
Bumthang valley is one of the most sacred in the Kingdom and innumerable legends surround the area. It is here that the kings are cremated and the present royal family trace their ancestry back to the famous saint, Pemalingpa. Visits to; Jambay, Kurjey, Tamshing temples, castle of the "White Bird". Also worth seeing are the woodcraft workshop, homopaethic hospital, and the cheese factory. Mountain Lodge.

Days 05 : Jakar ( Bumthang ) sightseeing.
Leaving Jakar, we return west for some 7-8 hours, stopping to visit the Chendebje Chorten, a large white monument said to conceal the remnants of an evil spirit vanquished here. Continuing across the spectacular Pele La pass we come to Wangdue where we take a short break for tea and snacks. From Wangdue, it's a short drive to your hotel hotel (approx. 25 mins). Meri Phuensum Resort

Days 06 : Drive to Punakha.
In the morning, we will walk to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of Lama Drukpa Kunley, otherwise known as the divine mad monk who is one of Bhutan's favourite saints. It is a beautiful walk across paddy fields and pass a small village. The temple can be visited and there is a tree outside which is said to have sprouted up after Drukpa Kunley sent a thunderbolt from an adjoining valley to kill some evil spirits who had gathered at the site. You may also be able to visit Punakha Dzong, depending whether or not the monks are in residence, and if they permit you to enter their monastery. Situated at the confluence of the Mo (female) and Pho (male) rivers, the large fortress with its temples, courtyards, hall and towers overlooks the town and provides excellent views. Built in 1637 it served as the seat of the government until the mid 20th century. Over the centuries it has suffered damage from several fires and flooding but still remains one of the most impressive dzongs in Bhutan. Permission to enter the dzong is not usually granted to tourist when the monk body moves here from Thimphu in winter, but it is still worth viewing from the courtyard. Evening drive to Thimphu (3 hours). Hotel Wangchuk

Days 07 : Punakha sightseeing, drive to Thimphu
In the morning drive to Paro (2hrs). Hike to the site of the famous Tiger's Nest, the Taktsang Monastery where the legendary Guru Padmasambhava is believed to have flown from Tibet on the back of a tiger to defeat the demons who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan. The walk is long, and can be steep in places, but the views are stunning. Hotel Holiday Home

Days 08 : Drive to Paro, excursion to Tiger's Nest Monastery (4hours) Sightseeing in Paro; includes tour of Bhutan's national museum, a fascinating place housed in an old watchtower above the huge Paro Dzong (monastery/fortress). The museum holds a fantastic collection of Bhutanese national treasures ranging from ancient armour to textiles and thangkha paintings Then, we drive to the head of the valley and visit Drukgyel Dzong built in a location that was chosen for its control over the route to Tibet. A spectacular view of Mount. Jumolhari (23,996ft /7314m) can be seen. Hotel Holiday Home

Days 09 : Paro sightseeing
Early morning transfer to airport in Paro for departure flight

Days 10 : Gangtey - Thimphu ( 148 KM, 6 hour drive)

Days 11 : Tango Cheri hike (Local)

Days 12 : Thimphu - Paro (63 KM, 2 hours drive)

Days 01 : Kathmandu - Paro
Fly onboard Druk Air to Paro, Bhutan. On a clear day the panoramic views of the Himalaya are sensational, including Everest, but particularly exciting is the approach through the Bhutanese foothills and the landing, including a few steep turns to land at the tiny airstrip of Paro. On arrival, once you have cleared formalities, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Accommodation. After lunch, visit to the National Museum, a fascinating place housed in an old watchtower above the huge Paro Dzong (monastery/fortress). The useum holds a fantastic collection of Bhutanese national treasures ranging from ancient armour to textiles and thangkha paintings. Hotel Holiday Home.

Days 02 : Paro Sightseeing.
Morning we drive to the head of the valley and visit Drukgyel Dzong (ruins) built in a location that was chosen for its control over the route to Tibet. Also visit the impressive Rinpung Dzong, Kyichu Lhakhang (till the courtyard).

En route visit a typical Bhutanese farm house including paintings) and stroll around the small town. Hotel Holiday Home Option: Excursion to Taktsang

Days 03 : Drive to Thimphu, sightseeing Morning drive for 2 hours to the least visited of all the Himalayan capitals, Thimphu, en route visit Simtokha Dzong- the oldest monastery/fortress of the Kingdom.

Afternoon sightseeing includes; visits to the Memorial Chorten, folk heritage museum, Drubthob Nunnery at Zilukha, the handmade paper factory, mini zoo to see the Golden Takins (national animal of Bhutan), Zangtopelri Lhakhang and the local handicraft center for varieties of textiles, thangkha paintings, masks, jewellery etc. on display. Overnight at Hotel Wangchuk, Thimphu.

Days 04 : Thimphu sightseeing
In the morning make a excursion to Cheri Gompa. The name of this monastery is Cheri Dorji Dhen. The Shabdrung (first ruler of Bhutan) built this Gompa in 1620 and established its first order of monks here. It is usually possible to enter Cheri courtyard and the temples. It takes almost 2 hours to reach the gompa from where there are wonderful views. This is a gentle leg stretching day that also allows us to see the countryside and villages of the Thimphu Valley. After lunch, visit the colorful weekend vegetable market. Overnight at Hotel Wangchuk.

Days 05 : Drive to Punakha sightseeing
Today we drive to Punakha, the old winter capital. The drive takes about 3 hours and crosses the 3100m high Dochu La. If the weather is clear there are wonderful Himalayan views from the pass. On the way to Punakha, we will stop for the short walk to Chimi Lakhang. It is a pleasant 20min stroll through fields to the temple that occupies a commanding position in the centre of the valley. The temple has special significance due to its association with Lama Drukpa Kunley, one of the most popular saints in Bhutan. From here, we proceed to Punakha and the imposing dzong that lies at the confluence of the Mo and Pho rivers. The large fortress with its temples, hall and towers overlooks the town and provides excellent views. Overnight at Meri Puensum Resort.

Days 06 : Drive to Bumthang.
This is a long day's drive of 8-9 hours depending on road conditions, but it is a journey you are not likely to forget. The road drops down through varied forest finally emerging into the highly-cultivated Wangdi valley and from here, the road winds up through varied forest up to the Pele La pass from where the views are spectacular. The journey then continues along a road in places literally carved out of impressive cliffsides, to Tongsa. In Tongsa, we have chance to wander around this pleasant township and explore Ta Dzong and the courtyard of Trongsa Dzong. From Tongsa, we drive across the Yotung La (3425m) and descend eventually into the valley of Bumthang, the heart of the Bhutanese weaving industry. The area, centered around the town of Jakar, is of great spiritual significance and encompasses four valleys. Overnight at Mountain Lodge

Days 07 : URA FESTIVAL . Mountain Lodge

Days 08 : Bumthang Sightseeing
A full day in Bumthang to explore the valley; hike to Tamshing Gomba, the most important Nyigma Gomba with a visit to the Yatha weaving center. It may also be possible to take some of the local village walks - a visit to the homeopathic hospital, the cheese factory, the castle of the 'White Bird', one or two local temples and a walk around Jakar township Also worth seeing in Jakar are the woodcraft workshop, dying workshop, and the five water-wheels behind Wangdicholing Old Palace. Overnight Mountain Lodge, Jakar

Days 09 : Drive to Thimphu ( 10 hours )
Leaving Jakar, we return west, stopping for lunch at the Chendebje Chorten, a large white monument said to conceal the remnants of an evil spirit vanquished here. Continuing across the spectacular Pele La Pass we come to Wangdi. Take some time to stroll the little town of Wangdi and continue to Thimphu. Overnight Hotel Wangchuk.

Days 10 : Drive to Paro via Haa (a town in the west newly opened to the tourists) Explore Haa valley, one of the oldest and historical place of Bhutan. Farewell dinner at Hotel in Paro. Overnight at Hotel, Paro.

Days 11 : Paro - Kathmandu or Own Country
Early morning departure flight to Kathmandu

home  |  traveler's info  |  other services  |  company info  |  inquiry  |  faq  |  contact

Site updated on : April 28, 2006
Powered by : NOMAD-EXPEDITIONS.COM

Copyright © 2005 nomad-expeditions.com.
All rights reserved.