Bhutan Cultural Journey

During the flight, on a clear day, you can see breathtaking views of the Himalaya Mountains, including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan. Thimphu (2,320m), the capital city of Bhutan. On the way to Thimphu,(1 hr 15 minutes drive) on the opposite side of the river, you will see a temple owned by the descendants of Dubthob Thangtong Gyalpo (iron bridge builder). He was responsible for building numerous iron bridges throughout Bhutan. Upon reaching Thimphu visit some of the capital's attractions, according to the group's interests or have your own time to explore the town.

King'smemorialChorten(Monument) Buddha Point at Kuenselphodrang Changgangkha Monastery (one of the oldest monastery in the valley) National Mini Zoo or the Takin Centre Folk Heritage Museum and the Textile Museum School of Arts and Crafts (also known as the painting school) Traditional Paper Factory (made from Daphne plant) The textile weaving centre Thimphu week end market.

After breakfast, travel to the base camp of Tango Monastery and hike up to the Monastery. Tango is the center for higher studies for monks. The hike up will take approximately 45 minutes. The view from Tango Monastery is breathtaking. Drive back to Thimphu and in the late afternoon visit the Trashicho Dzong the office of His Majesty the King of Bhutan. Evening free to relax / stroll around Thimphu town.

After breakfast you will drive to Wangduephodrang, with a stop en route for tea at Dochu La pass(3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Himalayas. On the way you will stop stop at Metshina Village and take a 20-minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lakhang, which is a fertility temple. After lunch you will drive to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan, and visit Punakha Dzong, which is noteworthy both for being one of the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan and also for having been built by the first Shabdrung in 1637.

After breakfast you will drive to drive to Trongsa via Pele la pass at an altitude of 3,150 metres, a wonderful opportunity for photographs. Commanding the Mangde Chu at an altitude of 2,200 metres Trongsa Dzong is the most impressive dzong in Bhutan. Built in 1644 by the Shabdrung, the dzong is an architectural masterpiece. After lunch, travel to Bumthang, the religious heartland of the nation, with lush valleys and hilly forests. Bumthang consists of four valleys--Chumey, Choekhar, Tang, and Ura--with altitudes varying from 2,600 to 4,000 meters. Overnight at hotel in Bumthang Jakar.

Jambay Lhakhang, built in the 7th century by the King Songtsen Goempo of Tibet. In his effort to propagate Buddhism he had a plan to build a total of 108 temples in Tibet and neighboring kingdoms. Chakhar Lhakhang. Besides the main road, a short distance beyond Jambay Temple is Chakhar (Iron Castle) Lhakhang. Although it is easy to mistake it for a house and drive right by, this is an interesting temple and is worth a short visit. It is one of the 108 monasteries built by him to subdue evil spirits in the Himalayan region. Kujey Lhakhang (Kujey means, "Body imprint"). The temple to the right is the oldest and was built by Minjur Tempa in 1652. It was built around the cave in which Guru Rimpoche meditated and left his body imprint. Tamshing Lhakhang. This temple is also known as Tamshing Lhendrup Chholing (Temple of the Good Message). 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, and the hill was chosen as the site for a monastery and for Jakar Dzong. The fortress is now used as an administrative center of the valley and summer residence of Trongsa monks. In the evening stroll around the beautiful landscape of the Bumthang Jakar valley.

After breakfast, Excursion to the beautiful valley of Ura and visit Uma Temple.

After breakfast, travel to Gangtey Gompa. Visit Gangtey Gompa, which now houses one of the only Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan. The valley is also the winter home to the rare black-necked cranes (Grus Nicorocolis), which migrate, from remote parts of Tibet, China and Siberia during winter to this valley.

After breakfast, walk around Phobjikha valley, this is one of the most beautiful valley with green pasture during the spring. Enroute the botanical park at Lamperi if time permits.

After breakfast, visit the Ta Dzong, a circular fortress that once protected this valley from the Tibetan invasion. It is now the National Museum with an excellent collection of Bhutanese antiquities. A short drive back to the Paro Rinpung Dzong which was built and consecrated in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. This Dzong is also the administrative seat of the district of Paro and it also contains a state monastic community of about 200 members.After lunch, will drive up to visit Drugyel Dzong which is located upstream to the end of the paved road. This Dzong was also built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1647 to commemorate his victory over the Tibetans in 1644. In fine weather the Mount Jumolhari, 7314 meters or 24000 feet high, appears as a back drop. This mountain which marks the frontier with Tibet, is sacred ,as are all the mountains in Bhutan and it is the dwelling place for Goddess Jhomo. This mountain was never climbed till the submit and it is now a protected peak. In 1951 the Dzong was caught in a terrible fire started by a butter lamp which fell over the altar and Drugyel Dzong became no more than a dramatic silhouette falling into ruins. While coming back from Drugyel Dzong & Kitchu monastery. The evening ends with a walk through the Paro's main shopping district. The local shops sell a variety of goods-groceries, textiles as well as prayer flags. We will then return to the hotel.

After early breakfast, take a ride to road end at the base of Taktshang (Tiger’s Nest) and start gradual ascent towards Taktshang about 2 hrs of hike to Temple. Tiger nest is one of the most sacred temple for Buddhist which was founded by a Great Indian Buddhist master known under the name of Guru Padmashambhava, who was born as a eight year old boy from the blue lotus in a lake at Danakosha, During eight century this great master arrived here in Takshang riding on the flying tigress in the form of Drojidroley (fierce thunderbolt) subsequently meditate here for about three month and subdued many evil spirits.This temple hang on the face of sheer cliff about 900 m above the PARO valley, the view from the temple courtyard is spectacular. Walk back to road point and take a ride to town . Evening Stroll in Paro Town.