Enchanted Bhutan

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  PARO-THIMPHU

  Welcome to Bhutan, Land of the Thunder Dragon. Your journey begins with a flight on Druk Air or Bhutan National Airlines, followed by a meeting with the Always Bhutan representative at Paro airport. Transfer to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, passing through hills and stunning landscapes. Thimphu is located in a large valley crossed by the Wangchu River and shaded by high peaks. On the way, view of the Tachogang Monastery, "temple of the excellent horse," built by Thangthong Gyalpo (the builder of the iron chain bridges in Bhutan), and visit the iron chain bridge, which is one of the most remarkable examples of ancient craftsmanship from the Middle Ages. Before arriving at Chunzom, you will visit some cultural sites and walk along the main street of Thimphu.

• day 2

  THIMPHU

  You will take part in a wide variety of interesting activities, which represent many aspects of Bhutanese culture. You will take the road to visit Kuensel Phodrang and the Buddha statue, 169 feet high, symbolizing indestructibility and constituting one of the most remarkable religious monuments built in recent years. The view of the Thimphu valley from Kuensel Phodrang is spectacular. The National Memorial Chorten was built in honor of the third king of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Elderly devotees flock throughout the day to perform circumambulation and spin the prayer wheels. You will take a drive to visit the takin enclosure to observe the national animal of Bhutan. You will also visit the Art and Craft Institute, a vocational training institute for students who learn some of the 13 arts, thus contributing to the preservation and production of a skilled workforce. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant in Thimphu. In the afternoon, you will visit the Textile Museum, "the living art of Bhutan," which houses ancient textiles and Bhutanese art objects from different regions and tribes of the country. Finally, you will take a short drive to Tashicho Dzong, the fortress of the glorious religion, seat of the national government and the central body of monks.

• day 3

  THIMPHU-PUNAKHA

  The pass of the Eastern Himalayas, in clear weather, is dotted with numerous colorful prayer flags and chortens. Walk around the pass and stop for a light refreshment at the Dochula cafeteria. Descend through the forest of rhododendrons and magnolias, passing through the villages of Lumitsawa, Thinleygang, and the fertile valley of Lobesa. You will take a gradual hike through the rice fields, about an hour from Chime Lhakhang, a monastery built in the 15th century and dedicated to the famous saint Drukpa Kuenley, also known as the "Divine Madman." It is one of the popular pilgrimage sites for all Bhutanese and visitors, particularly revered by women for its fertility powers. Departure for lunch in Lobesa. In the afternoon, you will visit the Dali Gompa, one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan, and you will have the opportunity to interact with the monks to learn more about their experience. On the way back on foot, you will stroll through the rhododendron forest and drive to your hotel.

• day 4

  PUNAKHA/WANGDUE VALLEY

  Morning on the road through the Punakha valley to visit the Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngwang Namgyel and named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang, "Palace of Great Happiness." The Punakha Dzong is the former capital of Bhutan and played an essential role in shaping its political history. It is ideally located between two rivers: Pho Chu ("Male River") and Mo Chu ("Female River"). Punakha is still today the winter residence of the Je-Khenpo (chief abbot and central monk body). Departure for lunch in one of the restaurants. In the afternoon, you will get back on the road to visit the Wangduephodrang Dzong, built in 1638. The entire Wangdue Dzong was destroyed by fire on June 24, 2012, and restoration work is still ongoing today. Depending on the time available, you may take a short walk in the valley. Free evening.

• day 5

  PUNAKHA-PARO

  Transfer to Paro via Thimphu and a car journey of about 4 to 5 hours over the Dochula pass. You descend to Thimphu and continue your journey to Paro. Depending on your schedule, you will have lunch in Thimphu or head to Paro in less than 2 hours. Paro retains its bucolic character despite the existence of development projects. Green or brown fields cover most of the valley floor, while hamlets and isolated farms dot the landscape. On the way, you will see the Tachogang Monastery, "the temple of the excellent horse," built by Thangthong Gyalpo (builder of the iron chain in Bhutan), and visit the iron chain bridge, which is one of the most visible handcrafted works of the Middle Ages. You will continue your journey to Paro and, upon arrival, check in at the hotel.

• day 6

  PARO

  On the way north of the Paro valley up to Ramthangkha, a hike is planned to visit the Taktsang Monastery. The trail climbs through a beautiful pine forest, where many trees are adorned with moss and where you sometimes find groves of fluttering prayer flags. This monastery is one of the most revered and sacred Buddhist monuments in the world. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche (the holy founder of Buddhism) came from eastern Bhutan flying on a tigress and meditated there for three months. After visiting the monastery, you will descend to the cafeteria for lunch. In the afternoon, walk down to the base, then drive to Paro.

• day 7

  DEPARTURE

  Breakfast at the hotel, then head to the airport for a return flight to your destination. Tashi Delek!