Bumthang is actually the name of district or Dzongkhag which consists of four major valleys such as Ura, Chumey, Tang, and Choekhor. It is also known as Jakar. Because of its wide coverage, it is rich in history, spiritual, and vegetation legacy that locates between the elevations of 2,600 meters to 4,500 meters.
Bumthang is actually the name of district or Dzongkhag which consists of four major valleys such as Ura, Chumey, Tang, and Choekhor. It is also known as Jakar. Because of its wide coverage, it is rich in history, spiritual, and vegetation legacy that locates between the elevations of 2,600 meters to 4,500 meters. Bumthang is a cultural and spiritual heartland, home to ancient Buddhist monasteries and temples. In 746 AD Guru Rinpoche visited Bhutan with the sole purpose of flourishing Tibetan Buddhism. Guru Rinpoche and his disciples discover the religious treasures in these sacred valleys of Bumthang. Since that time the establishment of temples and monasteries became popular and Buddhist religion came to practice in Bhutan.
On leaving Kathmandu enjoy amazing views of the Himalayas as you fly to Paro Bhutans tiny airport. At the airport, we will be greeted by a representative from our Bhutanese agents who will escort you to your hotel. After lunch in the afternoon we visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning ‘fortress of the heap of jewels’.From here we move on to Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country and then on to the Drugyal Dzong (Bhutan Victory Fort), which was built in 1646 to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over Tibetan invaders during the 1600s. On a clear day there are good views of Mount Chomolhari, Bhutan’s second-highest mountain, at 7,314meters.
Today is a lovely day as we drive through the Paro Valley to the confluence of Paro and Thimphu rivers where many colourful chortens are found at the confluence. We continue continue on to Punakha crossing Dochu La Pass, where on a clear day there are spectacular views of the Himalayas. From the pass we drive downhill through rhododendron, fir and hemlock forests stopping to visit Chimi Lhakhang, a fertility temple dedicated to the Divine Madman or Lama Drukpa Kuenley. Overnight Hotel Punakha.
We spend the day on a tour of Punakha to begin we visit Punakha Dzong was built between 1637-1638 and is the second oldest and the second largest dzong in Bhutan. Later drive to a beautiful hillock to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. The chorten contains elaborate paintings dedicated to the old sect of Buddhism. We also visit the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup nunnery which is situated in a splendid location on a mountain ridge where there are spectacular views of the surrounding valleys.Overnight Hotel in Punakha.
We say goodbye to Punakha in the morning on our way to Trongsa passing through Wangdi province on the way where we visit the Wangdi Dzong (fortress), which happens to be the only dzong in Bhutan with its original roof. From here we continue our drive over Pele La pass at 3300m, the pass is part of the Black mountain range that divides the country into east and west. On the way we may take a short break to visit the remote village of Rujubji. It is a long drive today but we are more than rewarded with the outstanding beauty around us. Overnight Hotel in Trongsa.
Early in the morning we make our way to Bumthang through beautiful lush valleys and forestsed hills. We stop at a yathra (textile weaving) factory, to watch some of the weavers at their looms. Here yathras are designed and made with patterns unique to Bumthang, Overnight Hotel Bumthang.
After Breakfast we spend a day on a hike to Ngang Lhakhang temple. We follow up the crystal clear Bumthang River from Thangbi Gompa to the small region of Ngang Yul (meaning Swan Land). The temple is located some 100 meters above the valley. It is believed to have been built by Lama Namkha Samdrup in the 15th century. After touring the area we hike back to Bumthang to spend the night. Overnight Hotel Bumthang
We begin our hike to Petseling Monastery after breakfast. We need to hike up a steep trail that provides some fantastic panoramic views of the central Bumthang Valley. After visiting the monastery, we cross the ridge a little further beyond to catch the scenic views of the nearby mountains as well as the monastery. Later, we hike back to town and end today’s hike at Tamshing Lhakhang temple. Overnight Hotel Bumthang.
We leave Bumthang for the beautiful Phobjikha Valley. The valley is the winter habitat and protected sanctuary for the endangered black-necked cranes. On arrival we visit the Gangtey Gompa, a 15th century monastery which provides an excellent view of the valley. Overnight Hotel Phobjikha Valley.
Today we explore the beautiful Phobjikha valley arguably the most beautiful place in Bhutan. We visit several villages in the valleyto truly get a flavor of local Bhutanese life. The valley is also rich in faunal biodiversity and has, apart from the globally threatened black-necked cranes, thirteen other globally threatened species as habitants. Overnight Hotel Phobjikha Valley.
Wangdiphodrang is a large village noted for its many traditional Bhutanese houses and other nearby villages known for their slate and stone carvings. We visit Wangdiphodrang Dzong located at the confluence of the Mo and Tang Rivers. This large dzong is dominantly striking with excellent views across the valley. Overnight Hotel Wangdiphodrang.
We leave for Thimphu today Bhutan’s capital early in the morning. On reaching Thimphu, we check-in to our hotel before embarking on a tour of a few of the cities landmarks including Changangkha Monastery, the majestic Tashichhodzong and the giant Buddha statue. Overnight Hotel Thimphu.
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In the morning, we visit Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), we also visit the nunnery temple. Other landmarks include The National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Bhutanese traditional painting school, the Folk Heritage Museum and the traditional paper factory. Some of the landmarks are closed on the weekend (Saturdays and Sundays). During the weekend, we use any extra time by exploring the Weekend Market . Overnight Hotel Thimphu
After breakfast, we either hike for 4 to 5 hours to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery or you can stop at a refreshment café to admire the Monastery after an hour or so.Taktsang is Bhutan’s most famous monastery situated at 3,180 meters. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where the Taktsang Monastery now stands. Lunch will be served in the Cafeteria Restaurant, located about halfway up the mountain. After having explored the monastery, we hike down to the valley floor. Overnight in Paro.
Today we say goodbye to this tiny Himalayan Kingdom and her friendly people for the flight back to Kathmandu. Druk Air generally departs in the early morning to avoid adverse weather conditions. Soon after breakfast, we will be taken to the airport in the morning for final departure. On arrival in Kathmandu our staff will be there at the airport to greet you and transfer you to your Kathmandu Hotel.
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