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Paro Rinpung Dzong
Rinpung Dzong or the "fortress on a heap of jewel" was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang
Namgyel in 1646. Its majestically on a hill overseeing the Pa chhu(river) and offers a
panoramic view of Paro valley.
Taa Dzong
Taa Dzong or watch tower was built in 1645 by Paro penlop La Ngoenpa Tenzin Drukda
together with Desi Minjur Tempa. It was built to protect the Dzong(fortress) and the
valley from unceasing attacks from outside. The watchtower was converted to a national
museum in 1967. The museum has an exhibit several antiques and relics of Bhutan, they
also exhibits the natural history and cultural practices.
Thimphu City
Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan and is one of the last few capital cities without
traffic lights and the traffic still managed by traffic policemen. Thimphu is the most
populated city with about 100,000 people and truly a combination of the ancient and the
modern. While strictly maintaining the traditional style of architecture in modern
building, there are also very old temples and numerous monasteries in and around the
city, and few discotheques and Karaoke.
Memorial Chorten
The beautiful Memorial Chorten/stupa in town is another favorite with the tourists and a
regular site for congregation of devout Buddhists circumambulating the Chorten from dawn
till dusk. The main statue of the Buddha inside the Chorten is said to grant wishes for
the earnest and honest hearted!
Buddha Doerdenma
A 51 meter bronze Shakyamuni Buddha statue gilded in gold, overseeing the valley of
Thimphu. Enjoy the panoramic view of the Thimphu valley from the site of the gigantic
Lord Buddha. The site was completed in sept. 2015. We have alternative hike around the
statue with beautiful view of the valley, you could prefer to hike one of the trails.
These trails are popular for mountain biking/cycling.
Simply Bhutan Museum
The Museum is a living studio showcasing the typical life-style and practices of
Bhutanese culture and tradition. You will also witness some folk dances by the team at
the museum and you can disguise yourself with our national attire and try out archery
(national sport).
Takin Preserve
The takin enclosure is located in the Thimphu is a wildlife reserve area for takin the
national animal of Bhutan. Originally a mini-zoo, it was converted into a preserve when
it was discovered that the animals refrained from inhabiting the surrounding forest even
when set free. The reason for declaring takin as a national animal of Bhutan on 25
November 2005 (Budorcas taxicolor) is attributed to a legend of the animal`s creation in
Bhutan in the 15th century by Lama Drukpa Kuenley.
Tashichho Dzong
The fortress was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1641. It was enlarged by desi
Tenzin Rabgay in 1694 and further renovated several times over the years. The entire
Dzong was rebuilt in 1962 under the royal command of the third king, his majesty Jigme
Dorji Wangchuck. It houses the dragon throne room of the king of Bhutan,the office of
the Je-khenpo (chief abbot), and other government agencies. It is also used as summer
residence of the monk body.
Centenary Farmers Market
If you want to join with the Bhutanese people and interact with local farmers amongst
the aroma of organic fruits and vegetables, the Centenary Farmers Market is the place to
be. Smiling tourists wonder as locals bargain with the vendors and you could even stock
up on your organic fruits for the coming days.
Dochu la (Pass)
The serene view of the eastern Himalayas greets you with beautiful eye-catching sight of
108 small stupas built over a small hill. The collections of the stupa were built in
2005 as atonement for the loss of life caused by the flushing out of Assamese militants
in southern Bhutan. On clear weather you could see many of those highest snowcapped
mountains of Bhutan.
Chimi Lhakhang
The site of the temple is a pleasant 30 minutes walk through mustard and paddy fields.
Standing on a picturesque hilltop the Lhakhang is famous for its fertility wish grants
to couples. Inside the walls of the Lhakhang are beautiful frescoes depicting the
colorful life of Lama Drukpa Kuenley, the Divine Madman regarded for his crazy methods
of teaching which included blessing women in the form of copulation!
Gangtey and Phobjikha Valley
Beautiful valleys of Gangtey and Phobjika, the surrounding villages are located in one
of the most beautiful glacial valleys of Bhutan and it is a favorite tourists place. The
valleys are also home to the endangered and graceful Black Necked Cranes in the winter
and you can see them in the marshes in the middle of the valley. In the summer the
cranes fly back to Tibet.
Gangtey Monastery and Nature Trail Hike
Visit the Gangtey Monastery located atop a hill overlooking the valley. Gangtey Gonpa is
an important Monastery of the Nyingmapa school of Buddhism. Hike through the serene
Gangtey Nature Trail for about an hour.
Excursion of Gangtey, Phobjika and neighboring villages, stroll through the valley and
visit few traditional houses.
Chendebjee Chorten
The Stupa in Chendebjee is said to be a replica of the Boudanath Stupa of Nepal.
Trongsa Dzong
The fortress has been witness to various significant events that would eventually lay
the foundation for the unification of Bhutan as a nation. The first and second kings of
Bhutan ruled the country from this ancient seat. Trongsa fortress is the largest
fortress in Bhutan built by Minjur Tenpa after he was appointed as Trongsa Penlop
(governer) in 1647. It was built on the site where a temple was built in 14th century by
Yongzin Ngagi Wangchuk.
Chumey Weaving Center
Bumthang is very popular for its unique traditional woolen products. You can visit the
weaving center watching the locals weaving different kinds of woolen clothings. You can
purchase some if you like to take as souvniers.
Jakar Dzong
Jakar fortress or Fortrss of the White Bird derives its name from the account of Lam
Ngagi Wangchuk, Zhabdrung's great grandfather, witnessing an auspicious omen of a white
bird landing on the site where he was building a temple. Yab Tenpai Nima later expanded
but it was only in 1646 that a larger fortress was built by Desi Minjur Tenpa where the
temple stood.
Jambay Lhakhang
One of the oldest twin temple in Bhutan, which dates back to 7th century built by a
spiritual king of Tibet. It is believed to be two of the 108 temples built by him over a
span of one night along the Himalayan region.
Kurjay Lhakhang
This temple dates back to 7th century where Guru Padmasambhava (the patrion saint who
established buddhism in the country) meditated in that cave where the temple stands now.
By leaving his body imprints on that cave later the name of the temple was also so
called Kur-jey which translates "body imprints".
Tamzing Lhakhang
It is a majoy Nyingma monastery in central Bhutan which was founded in 1501 by Pema
Lingpa (he is believed to be the spiritual son of Guru Padmasambhava).
Mebar Tsho (The Burning Lake)
Pema Lingpa is also a treasure revealer, this sacred lake is the place where he revealed
a treasure from beneath the lake by carrying a burning lamp in his hand where it kept
burning when he came out and so the place was named as the Burning Lake.
Tang Valley
Tang valley is one of the most remote valleys in Bumthang and today you will spend the
whole day at Tang visiting the traditional houses, the Main temples and monasteries and
the Museum and enjoy your picnic lunch at the Eco park.
It is about 3 hours drive on rugged terrain from the main town in Bumthang and enroute
you can stop at the nunnery, visit the temple and interact with the nuns. You will come
across villages on the way to Tang.
Duer - Gorsum
Walking Distance: 18 km, 6-7 hours, 380m ascent, camp altitude 3,120m
The trek route follows the Yoleng Chhu, a river known for its abundance of trout. The
trail from Bumthang to Gorsum is a gradual climb..
Gorsum - Lungsum
Walking Distance: 12 km, 5 hours, 40m ascent, camp altitude 3,160m
The trail leads through a dense forest of Spruce, Hemlock, Cypress, Juniper and Maple.
It ascends gradually to the campsite.
Lungsum - Tsochenchen
Walking Distance: 15 km, 6-7 hours, 620m ascent, camp altitude 3,780m
The vegetation along the route is similar to places crossed the previous day. Near the
campsite the vegetation thins out and the camp is made above tree line.
Tsochenchen - Duer Tsachu
Walking Distance: 18 km, 8-9 hours, 1,340m ascent, 1,530m descent, camp altitude
3,590m
The trek from Tsochenchen is uphill all the way until Juli La (4,700m). If the day is
clear, you will have a great view of the surrounding mountains from the pass. After
crossing the pass, the trail descents towards hot spring.
Duer Tsachu
Camp Altitude: 3,590m
As the highlight of the trek, today will be spent resting at the Duer Tsachu. After a
late breakfast, relax in the rejuvenating hot springs or take a leisurely hike around
surrounding areas.
Duer Tsachu - Tsochenchen
Walking Distance: 18km, 8-9 hours, 1,530m ascent, 1,340m descent, camp altitude
3,780m
Return by the same route taken on day four. The journey will be even tougher than before
as there is slightly more climbing than descending.
Tsochenchen - Lungsum
Walking Distance: 15 km, 5 hours, 620 m descent, camp altitude 3,160m
Return by the route taken on day three of the trek.
Lungsum - Gorsum
Walking Distance: 12 km, 4 hours, 40m descent, camp altitude 3,120m
The trail descends gradually from the campsite. It leads through dense forest of Spruce,
Hemlock, Cypress, Juniper and Maple.
Gorsum - Duer Village
Walking Distance: 18km, 6 hours, 380m descent
From Gorsum the trail descends gradually until the bridge near Duer village, where you
reach the road head.
Bumthang - Trongsa - Punakha
After Breakfast you will be driving all the back to Punakha which is about 7-8hrs drive.
On the way back you can enjoy your drive with the views of scenic mountains and nature.
If you prefer to have packed hot lunch along, you could spot lots of beautiful places
for lunch.
Punakha valley was the old capital city of Bhutan and the Punakha Dzong meaning the
fortress of Great Bliss, was built by in 1673 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel (the first
spiritual & political leader of Bhutan) to commemorate the final victory against
numerous Tibetan invasions. Located on a piece of land between two rivers Pho Chhu and
Mo Chhu (literally meaning male and female rivers), the Dzong is massive, huge and
magnificent in all its architectural grandeur. Although ravaged by flood, fire and
earthquakes many times, the Dzong was always rebuilt with its original pattern and
design.
The first King of modern Bhutan was crowned in Punakha Dzong. Important religious
ceremonies are still held in the Dzong. The Royal Wedding ceremony on 13th October 2011
of the Fifth King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck to Jetsun Pema was conducted in Punakha
Dzong.
After visiting the Punakha Dzong/Fortress of Great Bliss, drive to the Nunnery and enjoy
the spectacular views of Punakha and Wangdue valleys.
Punakha - Thimphu - Paro
After an early breakfast drive for a 20 minutes up north and walk for about an hour to
Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten stupa. The walk is beautiful through the pine trees, the
stupa is beautiful and so is the view from there. Enroute you will also be walking
through a suspension bridge over the Puna Tsang Chhu - Punakha River.
Afternoon drive to Paro
Stop at dochula pass for lunch/tea snacks
Taksang Monastery
Your highlight of the tour and a day excursion to one of the most petrified sites in
Bhutan, Taktsang Monastery / Tiger`s Nest which is about 3 hours uphill and 2 hours
down. It is located around 900 meters above the Paro valley. In the 8th Century Guru
Padmasambhava - the patron saint of Buddhism established the most sacred place in Bhutan
and meditated with his consort Khandro Yeshey Tshogyal. It is believed that Guru flew on
a female tigress in pursuit of a demon which he subdued at the current site of the
Monastery.
You can have your lunch, tea/snacks at the cafeteria midway.
Kichu Lhakhang
Before you drive back to your hotel visit the Kyichu Lhakhang/temple, one of the oldest
temples built in the 7th Century by the Tibetan King Songsten Gyembo.
Local Experience
In the evening visit a traditional farmhouse replete with paddy fields, vegetable garden
and farm animals. Enjoy a hot stone bath in a wooden tub, get some cooking tips and help
in preparing your dinner which you will eat in the traditional Bhutanese style with the
whole family. If you wish you can go for a stroll through the valley or rest in hotel.
Departure
After breakfast drive to Paro International Airport where your guide and driver will bid
you farewell and hope you had a pleasant holiday and hope to see you in Bhutan again.
