Bhutan Extravaganza Vacation

Assistance upon arrival and transfer to your hotel.

After breakfast we will depart for Paro. On the way we will visit the famous Kharbandi Gonpa, from where we will have the scenic view of the plains of India. We will pass numerous small town of Gedu, Chukha and Chunzom, the confluence of Pa Chu and Thin Chu. Enjoy the rest of the scenic drive along the Pa Chu to reach one of the most beautiful valley in Bhutan, Paro. Rest of the time at leisure.

After breakfast drive 20 minutes to the end of the valley to Drukgyel Dzong from where one can see the towering peak of Jomolhari (7,316m, 24,003 ft). This mountain, also revered as a powerful goddess, forms the border with Tibet and provides magnificent background to the ruined Drukgyel Dzong and village. Drive to Rumthangka and stop for the photo stop of the Taktsang Monastery. Taktsang Monastery, clinging on the steep rock, is one of the holiest temple in Bhutan. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche flew on the Tigress back and meditated here. The trek to the temple through the pine tree and sweet aroma of the air is indeed a very special and memorable event. The return hike will take about 05-06 hours. On Our way back, we will visit Kyichu Temple (built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gompo in the 7th century). Afternoon visit the National Museum which houses and impressive collection of fine arts, paintings, bronzes, textiles, jewellery and handicrafts sections as well as galleries of stamps for which the Country is very popular. Also visit the Rinpung Dzong, the Fortress of the Heap of Jewels, built in 1645 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. It is an imposing square fortress, representative of typical Dzong architecture, with a central tower and courtyards housing the administrative (Dzongkhag) and has a community of about 200 monks. A hike down the moderate slope to the cantilever bridge, one of the finest specimens in Bhutan with its shingle roof and two guard-houses at each end. isit the National Museum which houses and impressive collection of fine arts, paintings, bronzes, textiles, jewellery and handicrafts sections as well as galleries of stamps for which the Country is very popular. Also visit the Rinpung Dzong, the Fortress of the Heap of Jewels, built in 1645 byShabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. It is an imposing square fortress, representative of typical Dzong architecture, with a central tower and courtyards housing the administrative (Dzongkhag) and has a community of about 200 monks. A hike down the moderate slope to the cantilever bridge, one of the finest specimens in Bhutan with its shingle roof and two guard-houses at each end.

After lunch depart for the Capital of the Country, Thimphu. The scenic drive along the Pa Chu till we reach the confluence at Chunzum is a photographers delight. Climb onwards to cross the villages of Khasadrapchu and Simtokha to reach the Capital. Upon arrival check in at the hotel.

After breakfast visit Memorial Chorten: This stupa was built in the memory of Bhutans third king, His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan. Folk Heritage Museum: Established in year 2001, it provides deep insight to classical Bhutanese rural lifestyle by displaying original artifacts. National Library: The history of Bhutan lies imprinted in archaic texts, which are preserved at the National Library. Besides thousands of manuscripts and ancient texts, the library also has modern academic books and printing blocks for prayer flags. Arts & Crafts School: This school teaches the techniques of traditional thangkha paintings. On a visit, one can see students at work producing intricate design on cloth. Visit the Takin sanctuary to have a glance at the national animal of Bhutan, Takin.

After breakfast depart for Punakha drive to Dochu La Pass (3050m). If the weather permits you can see a range of high peaks toward the north east. The recently built 108 chortens gives the ridge a very beautiful and charming presence. On the way is Chhimi Lhakhang, the temple of the Divine Monk, Drukpa Kuenley. The approach to the temple is an easy walk through the village. Continue drive to Punakha and check in at the hotel. Visit Punakha Dzong, the most beautiful Dzong in Bhutan. Punakha Dzong is built in 1637 by Shabdrung, the spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan prior to the present dynasty. It is an old capital which still serves as the winter residence of the monk body. The first King, Ugyen Wangchuck, was crowned here in 1907. From the distance this Dzong look like a giant ship on sail.

After breakfast depart towards Trongsa. Enroute we will visit the impressive Wangdue Dzong built in 1638 by the Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel and enlarged in 1683 by the fourth Temporal Ruler of Bhutan, Desi Tenzin Rabgye. The silver shingled roof, narrow courtyards and tranquil ambience give it a very special feeling. Continue the drive via the Pele La Pass (3300m 10800ft) crosses the Black Mountains, the traditional boundary between west and central Bhutan.) crossing the pretty villages of Rukubji and Chendebji to reach the huge 18th century Chendebji Chorten patterned on Kathmandus Swayambhunath Stupa, with eyes panted at four cardinal points. It was built by Lama Shida from Tibet to cover the remains of an evil spirit that was subdued at this spot. Further drive to Trongsa with the beautiful view of Trongsa Dzong while approaching Trongsa. Upon arrival check in at the hotel.

After breakfast visit the Tongsa Dzong located on a spur overlooking the Mangde River. Built in 1648, it was the seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan. Both the first and second King of Bhutan ruled the country from this ancient seat. All five Kings were invested as Trongsa Penlop (governer) prior to ascending the throne. The Dzong is a massive structure with many levels, sloping down the contours of the ridge on which it is built. Also visit the Ta Dzong (watch tower), dedicated to Buddhist epic hero, King Gesar of Ling. Continue drive to Bumthang ascending quickly with an impressive of the Trongsa Dzong, passing the forest of Rhododendrons and old decimated trees. After the Yuto La Pass (3400m 11155ft), the dramatic scenery changes to gentle spruce and fir covered slopes, reminiscent of the Alps. We will have a brief stop at Zugney to watch the ladies weaving yatras, the speciality of the region. These brightly coloured wool fabrics are displayed outside the houses for sale. Continue the drive over Kiki La (2900m 9515ft), we will have a birds eye view of Jakar Dzon and the Bumthang Valley. Upon arrival check in at the hotel. Rest of the time at leisure.

Today after breakfast visit Jampey Lhakhang, Kuje Lhakhang, and Tamsing Monastery. Jampey Lhakhang is one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan built in 07th century. Kuje Lhakhang is where Guru Rinpoche left the imprint of His body in the cave He was meditating. Tamsing Monastery is the private monastery where we can wash our sins if we carry the coat of nail thrice around the shrines. This coat of nail is made my Pemalingpa Himself. Also visit the Jakar Dzong, the Fortress of the White Bird, founded in 1549 by the Drukpa Lama Ngagi Wangchuck who saw a white bird landing there when he was looking for a place to build a temple. The headquarters of the Bumthang district is established here but there are no resident monks.

Early morning start for Mongar crossing over the highest pass in Bhutan, Thrumshingla pass touching 4000Mts. The journey continues eastwards, winding through more rugged terrain. The drive, with spectacular views, will take about seven hours. Pass through Ura village in Bumthang before climbing sharply to the highest motor road pass - 12,465 ft on a bridge over the Kurichu. Climb again through pine forests, maize fields and eastern hamlets to Mongar town. The Mongar Dzong, albeit built not to long age, still maintains the architectural traditions of the old Dzongs. Upon arrival check in at the hotel.

Morning drive to Trashi Yangtshi, en route visit the historical Gom Kora Chorten, a popular pilgrim site where Guru Rimpoche had meditated and subdued the demon that dwelt in the vicinity. This is also the venue for Gom Kora Festival held in early spring Drive further till we arrive the quite little village of Trashiyangtse. Visit the Dzong and Chorten Kora. Chorten Kora was constructed in 1740 by Lama Ngawang Lodey. They say there are three replicas of the Boudhanath Temple of Nepali n the world, one in Tibet, one in Arunachal Pradesh and the last one in Bhutan which is Chorten Kora. The village is also famed for the local wood carving and interesting purchase in terms of the wooden products can be made here. This is another (nearby Bomdilling) area where the Black Necked Crane has made their home when they fly in from Tibet.

Today we will depart for Trashigang. Trashigang, the second largest district in Bhutan and the main market place for the Eastern districts including the people from Merak & Sakten who will be seen with their unique little yak hair hats and yak leather coat. From Trashigang we will take an excursion to the village of Radi and visit the weaving center. You will find that most of the woven fabrics in Bhutan come from this part of Bhutan. Retrace back to Trashigang and visit the impressive Dzong. Visit Trashigang Dzong, a 17th century fortress standing at the extreme end of the spur, overhanging the Gamri River.

The road from Tashigang to Samdrup Jongkhar was completed in the early 1960s. The road descends with its own abruptly through thick jungle before arriving at Samdrup Jongkhar. Along the way see Sherubste, the first college of the country, the blind school and the weaving center in Khaling and the sleepy town of Wamrong.

Early after breakfast transfer to the onward Destination.