Bhutan Mystic Tour – 9 Days

DAY 01: ARRIVE AT PARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
PARO – THIMPHU 1 1/2 HRS

The flight to Bhutan takes you close to the great Himalayas and offering dazzling scenic views of some of the world’s highest glacial peaks. As you enter Paro valley, you will sweep past forested hills with the silvery Pa Chu (Paro river) meandering down the valley below. Paro Dzong (fortress) and Ta Dzong (watchtower) on the hills above the town will be a fine sight. Our representative your tour guide will receive you and will drive towards the capital city, Thimphu. Stop at Tachogang Lhakhang (Temple) to enjoy the breathtaking view of tachogang Lhakhang with the silver mica mountains behind the tample. Tachogang tample was built by Thangthong Gyalpo(king of empty place) in the fifteenth century. The temple was likely constructed in 1421 While the Tibetan master was meditating at this sites. During the time of mediation he had a vision of an emanation of God of Compassion in Sanskrit Avalokiteshvara and decided to build a temple along with the iron suspension bridge at the site. Later the new temple at Tachogang was built in the seventeenth century by the Fourth Druk Desi (Governor) Tenzin Rabgye,as the original was destroyed after it served as the main seat for the Five Groups of Lamas, a coalition of local leaders who had opposed the Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel (Founder of Bhutan who unified Bhutan). Next stop at Chuzom: The confluence of Paro (Pachu) and Thimphu (Wangchu) rivers. You can see 4 different types of Stupas – Bhutanese, Tibetan Ladakee and Nepalese.
Evening visit to Tashichho Dzong the impressive fortress which houses the secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty the King and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of the Chief Abbot and central monk body. Witness the Flag lowering ceremony before you enter the Dzong.

Dinner & Overnight at Hotel in Thimphu.

DAY 02: THIMPHU SIGHTSEEING

Visit National Memorial Chorten The building of this landmark was envisaged by the third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, as a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it is both a memorial to the Late King (”the father of modern Bhutan “) and a monument to world peace. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.

Drive to Kuenselphodrang (Buddha Point) where world’s tallest Buddha Statue (169 feet) sits overlooking the Thimphu Valley. Enjoy the spectacular view of Thimphu city. After visit the Takin Preservation (National Animal of Bhutan) enclosure at Motithang. The unique animal is only seen in Bhutan. Zorig chusum (meaning 13 arts and crafts) which is popularly known as the painting school. Students in this institute learn 13 different traditional arts and crafts like painting, sculpture, wood carving, weaving, embroidery, etc. Visit to Folk Heritage Museum and Royal Textile Academy and Museum: Was instituted in May 2005 under the patronage of Her Majesty Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck as a non-government, non-profit organization with the aim to educate, promote and preserve Bhutanese Textiles. It showcases the traditional methods of weaving and has large collection of dresses from the Royal family. In Evening visit Centenary Farmer’s Market – popularly known as the weekend vegetable market where the local farmers sell their farm products.

Overnight at hotel in Thimphu.

DAY 03: THIMPHU-GANGTEY/PHOBJIKHA 5-6 HRS

After morning breakfast Drive up to Dochu-la pass (3,100m/10,130ft) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the 108 chortens, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, the high Himalayan peaks towards the north east will be revealed in all their glory. On a clear day, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendegang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m), Jejegangphugang (7,158m), Kangphugang (7,170m), Zongaphugang (7,060m) a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana, and finally, Gangkar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m. Continue drive to Phobjikha valley. This valley is famous for potatoes which is one of the cash crops of the region and an important export to India. Phobjikha is also famed for the migratory black-necked cranes that make it their winter home. This endangered species of birds arrives from Tibet towards the end of October. Known as ‘Thrung Thrung Karmo’ by the Bhutanese, the locals have great affection for these beautiful birds and are featured in many folk songs. Their departure by the end of February is marked by songs of lamentation. Details of their habitat and habits are available at the Crane Observation and Education Center. If you visit the place at the time when the birds are in residence, you may be able to get a close view from the hides specially constructed for this purpose.
• Visit the Gangtey Monastery. Gyaltse Pema Thinley, the grandson and mind reincarnation of Pema Lingpa founded the Temple in 1613, and Tenzin Legpai Dhendup, the second re-incarnation, built the temple. Hike Gangtey nature trail along fields where black nack crane feeds.

Overnight at hotel in Phobjikha

DAY 04: GANGTEY/PHOBJIKHA-PUNAKHA 3-4 HRS
Morning Visit the Black Necked Crane Information Centre and then drive to Punakha.Enroute visit Chime Lhakhang: This Lhakhang (Temple) dates back to 1499 which was built by Lama Drukpa Kinley who is till this day known as a Divine Madman. Located beautifully on a hilltop, it is about 30 to 40 minute walk passing through a charming village set in lush terraced fields. Lama Drukpa Kinley is believed to have subdued a demoness residing in Dochu La with his ‘magic thunderbolt of wisdom’ and a wooden effigy of this is preserved within. Devotees receive blessings from his wooden phallus and iron Bow and arrow that lie here and childless women are said to have their wish fulfilled after visiting this Lhakhang. Evening visit Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the junction of two rivers. Punakha was Bhutan’s capital until 1955 and Punakha Dzong still serves as the winter residence of the central monk body. Bhutan’s first king, Ugyen Wangchuck, was crowned here in 1907. The fortress has withstood damage from fire, earthquake and flood over the centuries. The latest flood, in October, 1994, caused great damage to the fortress but miraculously spared its most holy statue.
Dinner&Overnight in hotel in Punakha.

DAY 05: PUNAKHA SIGHTSEEING

In Morning best time to hike Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten. after early breakfast you will begin with a hike up through fields of rice along the banks of the Mo Chhu to the upper end of the valley to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a stunning monument recently built by the Queens and consecrated in 1999. The temple is located on a hill with stunning views of the valley, paddy fields and the Mo Chu River that gently meanders through the valley floor. It is an hour walk through rice fields and forest.
The 160 meters Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge is known for the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan, which gives you spectacular views of Punakha Dzong and the Pho Chhu Valley,en-route visit Sangchen Dorji Lhendrup Nunnery, perched on a ridge with spectacular views of the Punakha and Wangdue valleys. The temple houses a 14 foot bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara, one of the biggest in the country. The statue was handcrafted exclusively by local artisans. The temple houses a complex for higher studies and meditation center for nuns. Apart from religious trainings, the nuns are also provided skills such as embroidery, tailoring and statue making
• Evening at leisure. Take rest or you can walk along the riverside and enjoy the nature around. By 4pm to 6.30 pm enjoy the hot stone bath. Tea/coffee or local drinks “Ara” would be served with snacks.

Dinner &Overnight at Punakha:

 DAY 06: PUNAKHA-HAA 6-7 HRS

Drive towards Haa. The district of Haa was opened to tourists recently and is one of the least visited districts though it is close to Paro International Airport. on the way visit the Dobji Dzong. Built in 1531 by Ngawang Chogyal, the brother of Lama Drukpa Kuenley popularly known as the “Divine Madman”, the Dzong is situated at an altitude of 6,600 feet on the way to Haa in western Bhutan. It also once served as a central jail in the recent years. It now houses about 50 monks.
Continue to Haa. lhakhang Karpo & Nagpo: These two temples/monasteries are probably the most important site in Haa valley. Lhakhang Karpo (white Temple) is the official residence of Haa monastic body (Rabdey). Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple) on the slopes nearby is a smaller chapel with a small pond (supposedly a lake) inside the shrine. Both the temples are said to have been built by Pigion emanation of Tibetan King Songsten Gampo in 7th century in a single day. Evening free or can visit the Haa town with a street of typical Bhutanese traditional buildings.

Overnight at a hotel or at a farm house.

DAY 07: HAA-PARO 3-4 HRS

In the morning Drive to Paro via Chelela Pass the Kingdom’s highest Motor able pass (3988m). Enjoy the spectacular view of the Paro and Haa valleys on either side of the pass. En route enjoy the beauty of nature with different vegetation as you climb up the mountain.
Afternoon visit  Ta Dzong : Built in 1656 as a watchtower for Rinpung Dzong is now used as the National Museum which is a repository of not only precious works of art but also costumes, Armour and other hand crafted objects of daily life that provide a good snapshot of the rich cultural traditions of the country. It opens 7 days a week except on National Holidays. Rinpung Dzong: Built in 1646 by Lama Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyal and strategically located to thwart Tibetan incursions into the rest of the country, this Dzong became one of Bhutan’s strongest and most important fortresses.

DAY 08: PARO-TAKTSHANG HIKE 5HRS

Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery: The hike to Taktshang Monastery perched on a cliff at 3100M takes anywhere from 4 to 5 hours as per your hiking ability. It is an uphill hike to the Monastery. In between you can stop to cafeteria for tea and coffee. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava (the great Buddhist master) with his magical powers came to Taktshang in the eighth century, flying from the east of the country on the back of a tigress (a form that one of his consorts is believed to have taken). He is said to have meditated for about three months in a cave on the cliff and subdued the evil spirits. The primary Lhakhang was built around Guru Rimpoche’s meditation cave in the 1692 by the fourth Desi Tenzin Rabgay. This incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below.

Kyichu Lhakhang: It was built in 659 by the first Dharma King theTibetan King Songtsen Gampo. The temple fell into disrepair but was superbly restored in 1839 by the 25th Je Khempo (Chief Abbot). He also contributed the outstanding statue of Avalokiteshwara, with eleven heads and thousand arms, which is located in the sanctuary.
• Overnight at your Hotel in Paro.

• Drukgyal Dzong: The ruins Dzong was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate the victory over the Tibetan invaders in 1644; thus the name Drukgyal meaning “Victorious Drukpas”. The Dzong was used as an administrative center until 1951 when a fire caused by butter lamp destroyed it. Most of the Tibetan Invasions including the Mongolian Invaders led by the Famous Mongolian General, Gushri Khan were repelled back from this Dzong which has a strategic Defense location. The Dzong is now being rebuilt to its former glory.
• Overnight at your Hotel in Paro.

DAY 09: DEPARTURE.

Your guide will reach you at airport and access you if you have any migration help.

Thank you and kardinchay for experiencing Bhutan with us. From the team of Yidam Bhutan tours and treks wish you a safe and sound journey.