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Views of Himalayan Bhutan Happiness Tour

Tour Name: Views of Himalayan Bhutan Happiness Tour (11 nights 12 days)

(Paro-Thimphu-Punakha-Phobjikha-Bumthang-Thimphu–Paro)

Day 01 : Paro

On arrival at Paro airport, you will be received by our representative. Paro district encapsulates within itself a rich culture, scenic natural beauty and a number of Bhutan’s most sacred, revered and oldest monasteries and temples, and also the county’s only international airport. This district is located at an altitude of 2200m/7218ft.Paro is one of the most fertile valleys in the kingdom producing a bulk of the locally famous red

 

Then visit Ta Dzong/National Museum

Built in 1651 as a watchtower to defend Rinpong Dzong. This fortress was inaugurated as the national Museum of Bhutan in 1968.This museum located on a hill overlooking Rinpung Dzong houses ancient Bhutanese relics, religious painting, artifacts, armors, handicraft, coins, stamps of Bhutan and a small natural history collection.

 

Rinpung Dzong

Paro Dzong also known as Rinpung dzong, is one of the main attractions of Paro district. This fortress was built in 1646 by the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. This fortress now houses the district administration offices and the monastic body of the district. You will cross a traditional wooden bridge on the way to this fortress and you can marvel at the architectural wonder of this fortress. The annual Paro Tshechu festival is held once a year in the spring.

 

Dumtse Lhakhang(Temple)

It is an unusual Chorten (Stupa) like temple that was built in 1433 by the iron bridge builder Thangthong Gyelpo from Tibet to subdue a demons and so chained firmly to the ground. Its three floors represent hell, earth and heaven. The paintings inside are said to be best in Bhutan.

 

0vernight at Paro.

Day: 2 Hike to (Taktsang Tiger nest Monastery 3 ½ hours)

After early breakfast, hike to Taktsang monastery (Tiger Nest) which is perched on an edge of a steep cliff at 900m above Paro valley, Taktsang(Tigers Nest) monastery is Bhutans most sacred and revered monastery.Guru Rinpoche,who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan,is said to have arrived here on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuentse eastern part of Bhutan and mediated in a cave for three months where Taktshang monastery today stands. All the Bhutanese people make it a point to visit this monastery at least once in their lifetime. On 19th April 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of the building but now this Bhutanese jewels has been able to restored to its original glory.

Special Programs:

-Offering butter lamp in the temple of talking statue Guru Rinpochhe (The lamp contains butter as it will get more merit than oil lamp)

-Self-meditation of your own in the temple of talking statue Guru Rinpoche after offering the butter lamp.

Then hanging prayer flags for your good luck while coming back from Tiger nest.The prayer flag should get blessing from the temple.

Lunch will be served on the way back from the monastery at the cafeteria halfway.

 

Then Visit Kyichhu Lhakhang

It is one of the oldest and most scared shrines of the kingdom during back to 7th century (the other one is Jambay Lhakhang in Bumthang) the lhakhang complex is composed of two temples. The first temple was built by Tibetan King, Songtshen Gampo in the 7th century and in 1968.Her Majesty, Ashi Kesang , the Queen Mother of Bhutan, built the second temple in original pattern.

Then you will be drive to Thimphu the capital city of Bhutan, which will take around (1 ½ hour).

 

Thimphu :located at an altitude of 2400m, Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan,It is the most populated district of Bhutan with about 135,000 people. Thimphu is the center of commercial hub where you can see mixture of people from all the places. It is the seat of Government, home for civil servant and foreign missions with representation in Bhutan. It is also the headquarters for a number of internationally founded development projects. You can visit a number of sights, and attractions in Thimphu, including museums, handicrafts shop, archery fields, monasteries and Dzongs.

Then leisure time at the town.

Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 3 : Thimphu – sightseeings

The Buddha Dordenma Statue is a 169 feet tall statue of Buddha, built at the foot of the hills in Thimphu. This iconic gold and bronze statue is visible from almost anywhere in Thimphu and is among the best tourist places in Bhutan.

This is a statue of Buddha and it’s a giant one at the top of the mountains in Thimphu and it’s also known as the Kunzang Phodrang. The presence of this giant statue of Buddha symbolizes the dominant religion of Bhutan. This very religion plays a solid part in this country and in the everyday life of the country people.

Buddha Dordenma is one of the largest sitting Buddha statue in the world today and it’s 51.5 meters tall and made of bronze. The statue will house over one lakh twenty five thousand smaller Buddha statues, each of which like the Buddha Dordenma itself

Key attractions: The 169 feet tall Buddha statue, thousands of smaller bronze and gold statues of Lord Buddha, and the surrounding Kuensel Phodrang nature park.

 

National Memorial Chorten:

This stupa was built in 1974 in memory of the Father of Modern Bhutan, the Third King of Bhutan, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck who reigned from 1952-1972. The statues and paintings inside this stupa provide a deep understanding of Buddhism in Bhutan.The stupa is being now home for daily worship for the people of Thimphu.

 

Changangkha Lhakhang (Monastery)

It is one of the oldest temple perched on a ridge overlooking Thimphu,a temple look like a fortress, this 12th century Buddhist temple built by Lama Phajo Drukgom shigpo from Ralung in Tibet provides a fascinating view of the whole of Thimphu valley. Chenrigzig or God of compassion /Avalokeshterivara is the central statue of this temple. A parent usually brings their new-born babies to get blessing and auspicious name from the protector deity Tamdrin.

Special Programes :

– Offering white scarf to the main statue Chenrigzig (God of compassion)

Self-meditation/chanting prayers of your own in the temple.

 

Motithang Takin Preservation

At the Takin Preservation, you can see the Takins, the National Animal of Bhutan. This animal is smaller than a yak with short legs and resembles a moose with a big face and thick neck. It looks like a cross between cow and goat. It was chosen as national animal of Bhutan based on its uniqueness and strong association of our countrys religious history and mythology. It can be found only in Bhutan and nearby by areas. You can also see some barking deer too.

 

Folk Heritage Museum

At the Folk Heritage Museum, you can explore the traditional Bhutanese home, Bhutanese culture and traditions, and the agricultural tools that were used in Bhutan in the olden days.

 

Zilukha Nunnery

Zilukha nunnery is also called as Drubthob Goemba monastery,is located on the slopes, looking down at Golf course and Tashicho Dzong with around 70 resident nuns. The monastery was founded by later reincarnation of Druthob Thangtong Gyalpo or Drubthob Chakzampa, who in the 15 century was known all over Tibetan Buddhist world for building iron bridges.The main statues inside is statue of Drupthop Thangtong Gyelpo himself and the 21 Tara statues wish fulfilling god.

Program:

-Offering milk to 21 Tara statues known as wish fulfilling female goodness.

– Offering white scarf. -Self-meditation/chanting prayers of your own in the temple

 

Postal Museum:

Postal Department is one of the oldest Govt.organization in Bhutan.It was started in 1962 as soon as after the road was opened in 1961.

Bhutan Postal Museum,was established in November 2015 to celebrate the 60th Birth Anniversary of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck.

The main objective of the museum is to tell the story of Bhutan’s progress and development through the lens of the evolution of communications and postal system in the country.  The story is told through anecdotes, artifacts and the rich assortment of stamps the country has produced over the years.

 

Evening visit Trashichho Dzong:

Literally meaning, fortress of the glorious religion, Trashichho dzong, was first built in 1641 by Zhabdrubg Ngawang Namgyel, and later rebuilt in its present form in 1965 by the third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. This fortress houses the throne room \His Majesty the King of Bhutan, civil official and is the seat of the government and the summer residence for the monastic body. Options: Round trip easy hike from Sangay gang to Wangdi Tse to Sangay gang ( 1 ½ hour) view to Thimphu city.

 

Overnight at Thimphu

Day 4: Thimphu – Punakha Old capital of Bhutan (85km 4 ½ hours)

After breakfast, drive to Punakha, across Dochula pass (3,140m). In Bhutan, the passes are marked by a large Bhutanese Chortens (Stupas) and prayer flag. Dochula pass offers the most spectacular view over the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas on a clear day.

 

Then Short walk visit to Chhimi Lakhang( Temple) 45 minutes .

It is suited on a hillock in the center of the valley, is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who in the late 15th century used humor, songs and outrageous behavior to dramatist his teaching and due to this also known as Divine madman.This temple is also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple,they are usually blessed with a child every soon. It is about 30 minute walk across field from the road to the temple. The trail leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana,meaning Filed. It then follows a tiny stream downhill to Yoaka and across more fields before making a short climb to Chimi Lhakhang.

Lunch at Chhimi Lhakhang Cafeteria.

After lunch visit Punakha Dzong

Built strategically at the junction of Pho Chhu (Male)and Mo Chhu (Female) rivers in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, Punakha Dzong is the main attraction in Punakha. This is the biggest and second dzong built by the Zhabdrung in 1637.It is the old capital of Bhutan. Today it houses the administration offices of the Punakha district and serves as a winter residence of the Je Khenpo(Chief Abbot) and the monastic body who migrate from Thimphuevery winter. Punakha Dzong is one of the most beautiful fortresses in Bhutan.

 

Overnight at Punakha

Day 5: Punakha – Phobjikha valley 5 ½ hours

After breakfast,Visit to Sangchhen Dorji Lehndrup Lhakhang Nunnery.
It is one of a very beautiful nunnery monastery perched on a ridge amid pine and overlooking valleys of Punakha and Wangdiphodrang gleams the magnificent of Sangchhen Dorji Lehndrup Lhakhang (Temple),The temple houses a 14-foot main bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara (Chenrigzig chagtong chentong) god of compassion 1000 arms and 1000 eyes. Other statues included those of Guru Rinpochhe,Gautama Buddha,Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel,Tse-la Namsum 21 Taras and Tsepamey (Buddha of longevity)

 

Then drive to Phobjikha valley,before reaching the valley,visit to Gangtey Monastery

It is Perched on a small hill that rises from the valley floor, the Gangtey Monastery is the only Nyingmapa monastery on the western side of Gangtey valley, and also the biggest Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan. The Monastery is surrounded by a large village inhabited mainly by the families of the 140 Gomchens who take care of the Monastery.Gangtey was founded by Pema Trinley, the grandson of Pema Lingpa, the famous Nyingmapa saint of Bhutan. In 1613, Pema Trinley establishes the monastery and became the first Gangtey Tulku. The religious traditions of Pema Lingpa still taught there. The second Tulku, Tenzin Legpa Dondrup (1645 to 1726), enhanced the size of Gangtey while keeping up good relations with Drukpas, and rebuilt the monastery in the form of a Dzong.

 

Gangey Natural Trail

Natural trail hiking from Gangety monastery to Phobjikha valley is one of the beautiful and easiest hikes climbing downhill, which will take about 2 hours.

This pleasurable walk provides opportunity to get nice feel of Phobjikha valley.from the small hilltop overlooking Gangtey Goemba, you will be passing through flower meadows towards village and through beautiful forests and into open valley. The trail ends at the local community school after passing Chorten and khewa Lhakhang.

Distance: 5 km. Time: approx..2 hours. Difficulty level: Easy.

 

Overnight at Phobjikha

Day 6: Phobjikha – Bumthang( 8 hours)

After early breakfast,vist Black Necked Crane Information Centre,Situated on the edge of the forest and wetland along the main road of Phobjikha valley, the black-necked crane information Centre has an observation room equipped with high power telescope and spotting scopes for catching the best view of the cranes. 

 

Then drive to Bumthang,On the way to Bumthang,visit Trongsa Museum:

This watchtower (ta dzong) overlooking the dzong now houses an excellent museum. The five floors of displays focus on Buddhist art and royal memorabilia, including such as the football boots used by the teenaged fourth king.

 

Overnight at Bumthang

Day 7 :Day excursion to Tang Valley Bumthang.

Located at an altitude of 2600m-4500m/8530ft-14765ft.The place is very beautiful and also known as the Switzerland. Bumthang is one of the famous religious place in Bhutan.It is the home for Pema Lingpa the 15th century treasure discovered, the great Buddhist saint. Many temples and monasteries, some of which are the most scared and oldest in Bhutan. Bumthang valley.

After breakfast,visit to Membertsho (Burning Lake)

Mebartsho or the burning lake takes about 20 minutes walk from the parking road. Terton (Treasure revealer) Pema Lingpa (Re-incarnation of Guru Rinpoche) is said to have discovered several religious treasures in the 15th century from this lake. This lake is very scare and revered and an extensive array of prayer flags flutter above the lake, along with numerous tsa tsa or clay tablets that decorate the rock niche. It is a lovely sport where nature religion and history blur into one. This is one of greatest pilgrimage sites of Bhutan.

 

Then drive to Tang valley ,day excursion about 3 ½ hour.

It is about 60 km from Bumthang 3 ½ hourr drive.The road climbs up hill and then down .it is one of the remotest and beautiful valleys in Bumthang.You will passing road through village and enjoy the scene. Pema Lingpa, the re-incarnation of Guru Rinpochhe,(treasure discoverer) the famous saint, was born in the Tang valley of Bumthang. The people of this valley raise sheep and Yaks, at higher elevation,as the soil in this region is not so rich for agricultural activities.

 

Overnight at Bumthang

Day 8 : Bumthang sightseeing

Kurje Monastery comprises of three temples. The one on the right was built in 1652 on the rock face where Guru Rinpoche mediated in 8th century. Second temple was built on the site of a cave containing a rock with the imprint of Gurus body and is therefore considered as most holy. The third temple was built in 1990s by Ashi Kesang the queen mother. These three temples were surrounded 108 stupas.

Special Programs:

-Offering butter lamp in the temple of imprint of Guru Rinpochhe’s body towards the cave.This is one of the amazing and most holy temple.

-Self-meditation of your own in the temple after offering the butter lamp.

-Offering white scarf to the imprint of Guru’s body to the cave

 

Jambey Lhakhang (Temple)

It is one of an oldest temple in Bhutan.This monastery was built in the 7th century by Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo.On the same day as Kyichu Lhakhang in paro.It is one of the 108 monasteries that were built to subdue evil in the Himalayan region.

 

Evening leisure around town of your own.

Note: The diner will be serve in local farm house.

Over night at Bumthang.

Day 9: Bumthang – Thimphu

After dinner,live musical show at the club in the town.

Overnight at Thimphu

Day 10 : Day Excursions around Thimphu

After early break fast, drive towards Tango Monastery:
It is around 2.5 km uphill walk from the base and. founded in the 12th century by Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpoa, Tango Monastery was built in the 15th century by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, the Divine Madman.Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel mediated in a cave near the monastery in 1616 that ensured the defeat of invading Tibetan forces.

 

Day 11: Drive back to Paro

Haa District day Excursion via Chela – la – Pass (5 hours )

Haa valley is one of the most picturesque places in the Kingdom, spread over an area of 1706 sq. km. During pre-Buddhist era, Haa valley was known for its animist tradition. Inhabitants then were enthused in offering animal blood to their local deities. Such animist belief however was transformed into peaceful Buddhist tradition in 8thcentury by Guru Padmasambhava. The tantric master, Guru Padmasambhava, subdued the local deities like Ap Chundu and made the guardians of the Buddhist tradition. However, the traces of this belief system are still noticed in the form of festivals and rituals.
The Haa valley was opened for the first time to foreign tourists in 2002. It is culturally rich valley and some of famous sites in this region are: 7th century Lhakhang Karpo (White temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo(Black temple) at the foothills of a venerated three brotherly mountains known as Meri Puensum. The grand annual Haa Tshechu is also performed here at Lhakhang Karpo on the 8th-10th day of the 8th Bhutanese month.

Wangchucklo Dzong

The Haa Wangchuklo Dzong built in 1915 after the Dumchog Dzong was razed to the ground by fire is worth visiting. The other place of interest which involves some walking includes the hike to the 8th century Juneydrag, Katsho Goempa, Drana Trashidingkhag, Yangto Goempa, Jamtoe Goempa, Shelkardrag, Takchu Goempa and Haa Goempa.

Over Night at Paro

Day 12: Transfer to airport for destination.

Thank you & Safe Journey,

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