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Thimphu
Capital to the tiny Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, Thimphu is one of the smallest capitals in the world. For most part of its history, Bhutan has tried consciously to save its culture from the influences of the western world. It is not that modernity has not reached this region but is being introduced in a phased and balanced manner that is unheard of at any place in the world. All these make Thimphu and other parts of the country a unique destination.
Buddha View Point
A place from where you can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley is from the Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). You can pay your obeisance and offer prayers to the Buddha Statue, the largest in the country and then walk around and take a glimpse of the valley.
Simtokha Dzong
The monastery was built in 1627 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. It houses the Institute for Language and Cultural Studies. The carvings behind the prayer wheel in the courtyard are a major attraction of this temple.
Memorial Chorten
It is also known as the Thimphu Chorten and is located on Doeboom Lam in the southern-central part of the city near the main roundabout and Indian military hospital. After taking rest for some time take a tour of the town.
Trashi Chhoe Dzong
Also called Fortress of the Glorious Religion, it is situated north of the city on the west bank of the Wang Chhu. The Dzong was the site of the lavish formal coronation of the fifth King in 2008 and hosts the city’s biggest annual bash, the colorful tsechu festivities.
National library
It is a major scriptural repository and research facility dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the rich literary, cultural and religious heritage of Bhutan. The scripture and document collection held in our library and archives is a national treasure and a fundamental source for Bhutanese History, Religion, Medicine, Arts and Culture.
Institute for Zorig Chusum (Traditional Art & Craft School)
The art taught today in Bhutan was introduced by the Great Treasurer Discoverer Terton Pema Lingpa in the Fifteen century. These traditional Crafts represents hundreds of years of Knowledge and ability that has passed down the generation.
Zorig Chusum
Bhutan unique artistic traditions have played a vital role in mounding its distinct cultural heritage. This tradition is best reflected in the “Zorig Chusum” or Thirteen Crafts. Textiles Museum (Handicrafts Shops)(Closed on Saturday, Sunday & National Holidays) - A wide assortment of colourful, hand woven textiles and other craft products is available for purchase at the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and many smaller crafts shops around the town.
Takin Mini Zoo
The Takin is the national animal of Bhutan and looks like a cross between a cow and a goat. Legend has it that the animal was created by the great Buddhist yogi, Drupa Kunley, and it can be found only in Bhutan and nearby areas. In the evening free time to explore Thimphu City.
Valley of Gangtey
It is one of the most beautiful spots in Bhutan. The surprise of finding such a wide, flat valley without any trees after the hard climb through dense forests is augmented by an impression of vast space, and extremely rare experience in Bhutan where most of the valleys are tightly enclosed. The valley boasts two beautiful meandering rivers, Nakay Chhu (Chhu Naap-black water) and Gay Chhu (Chhu Karp-white water). According to a local legend, the two rivers actually represent a snake and a boar. The two animals once raced each other with an agreement that if the snake (Nakay Chhu) won., Phobjikha valley would be able to grow rice, but if the boar won, then rice could never be cultivated in the area. The snake lost since it had to meander all the way during its journey. Rice cannot be cultivated in the valley even today.
Phobjikha
A few kilometers beyond the Gangtey Monastery, on the valley floor lie’s the village of Phobjikha. This place is the winter home of black necked cranes that migrate from the arid plains in the north to pass winter in milder and lower climate. Phobjikha, at an altitude of 2900 m, falls under the district of Wangdiphodrang and lies on the periphery of the Black Mountain National Park.
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. The centre also offers display information that outline the natural and cultural history of the area. There is a small gift shop, which sells handicrafts produced by the local people.
Gangtey Goempa
Perched on a small hill that rises from the valley floor, the Gangtey Monastery is the only Nyingmapa monastery on the western side of the Black Mountain’s Gangtey valley, Bhutan and also the biggest Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan.
Punakha Dzong
Majestically standing on an island between the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, the city's dzong is one of the most photogenic of all Bhutan's ancient fortresses, and you will see pictures of it hanging in hotels and restaurants throughout the country. The dzong is joined to the mainland by an arched wooden bridge and contains many precious relics from the days when successive kings reined the kingdom from this valley.
Chimi Lhakhang
Situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who in the late 15th century used humor, songs and outrageous behavior to dramatize his teachings 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 very soon. It’s a pleasant 20-minute walk across fields from the road at Sopsokha to the temple. You will cross an archery ground before making a short climb to the temple.
Taktsang Lhakhang (Tiger's Nest)
The hike which is all the way uphill takes about 2½ hrs to 3Hrs one way through pine forests. The monastery clings to a huge granite cliff 900 meters from the Paro valley. It is one of the most famous of Bhutan's monasteries. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called "Tiger's Nest". This site has been recognized as a most sacred place and visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April, 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendour.
Monastery of Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple)
The Central Shrine in Lhakhang Nagpo is said to have no difference with that of Lhasa JOWO in Tibet. The construction of the Lakhang Karpo is believed to have been assisted by the locality.
Day 1: Arrive at Paro and Proceed to Thimphu (55 kms | 1hour)
Once you arrive in Paro, you will be received by our representative and guide who will transfer you to your hotel in Thimphu.
Day 2: Sightseeing in Thimphu
After breakfast, proceed for Thimphu sightseeing viz. Buddha View Point, Simtokha Dzong, Memorial Chorten, Trashi Chhoe Dzong, National library(Closed on Saturday, Sunday & National Holidays), The Indigenous hospital, Textiles Museum (Handicrafts Shops), Takin Mini Zoo. Overnight at Thimphu.
Day 03: Thimphu - Gangtey excursion – Punakha / Wangdi
Early morning after breakfast drive to Wangdi (Wangdiphodrang) (1350Mts / 4430Fts, 70 KMS / 03 to 3½ hrs One way) after a full day excursion to Gangtey & Phobjikha Valley (3000Mts / 9845fts, 85Kms / 3 to 3½ Hrs One way). Wangdi is the last town on the highway before entering Central Bhutan. The drive is over Dochu La pass (3080Mts / 10102Fts) which is very scenic with fascinating view of mountains of Bhutan. Stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the Chorten, Mani wall, and Prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, the following peaks can be seen from this Pass (Left to Right): Mt. Masagang (7,158Mts / 23478Fts), Mt. Tsendagang (6,960Mts / 22829Fts), Mt. Terigang (7,060Mts / 23157Fts), Mt. Jejegangphugang (7,158Mts / 23478Fts), Mt. Kangphugang (7,170Mts / 23518Fts), Mt. Zongphugang (7,060Mts / 23157Fts), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana - Finally Mt.Gangkar Puensum (7,497Mts / 24590Fts), the highest peak in Bhutan. Overnight at Punakha.
Day 4. Punakha
After having breakfast visit Punakha Dzong. In the evening, return to your hotel and enjoy a comfortable overnight stay. Overnight at Punakha.
Day 5: Punakha – Paro (160 kms | 5 hours)
After breakfast this morning, check-out of the hotel and proceed to Paro. On the way visit Chimi Lhakhang. Upon arrival in Paro, check-in at the hotel. In the evening free time to explore Paro town. Overnight at Paro.
Day 6: Full Day Hike to Taktsang Lhakhang (TIGER`S NEST)
Start the day early for a day hike to Taktsang Lhakhang (Tiger's Nest). The hike which is all the way uphill takes about 2½ hrs to 3Hrs one way through pine forests. Guest can also opt for Ponies on direct payment basis but for guest who are unable to make it to the top even reaching to the cafeteria area which in almost half way is very fulfilling. You can have lunch at the Taktshang cafeteria from where you get a spectacular view of the monastery. Nearby you can also visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, a temple of historical significance and one of the most sacred shrines in Bhutan. Overnight at Paro.
Day 7: Paro – Haa Valley excursion – Paro
Start the day early for a full day excursion to Haa via Chele-la pass (3800Mts / 12465Fts, 65 Kms / 02 to 03Hrs – One way) with packed or early breakfast. Drive for 4 Kms away at Bondey village the road to Haa diverts towards the right hand side and ascends towards the Chele-la pass starts. After driving through Blue Pine & Rhododendron Forest for 45 km, reach Chele-la pass (3988Mts / 13081Fts). From this point one can have a superb view of Mt. Jhomolhari (7134Mts / 23400Fts) & Mt. Jichu Drake (6989Mts / 22924Fts). This is a very good place to walk around for few minutes enjoying the view. Drive on to Haa, descending all the way for another 22 km (under an hour’s drive), finally reaching Haa. The Haa Dzong is presently occupied by military, but the view from outside is stunning. After refreshment break, one will visit the famous Monastery of Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) followed by visit to Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple). Evening you drive back to Paro. Overnight at Paro.
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast this morning, you will be transferred to Paro Airport to board your flight back Home.
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I called Kaushal at the last minute to put together a plan for Bhutan in the next 5-6 days. I was a bit stressed but he responded enthusiastically and turned it around with hardly a sweat. His personal trips and connections ensured we got the most out of our time. Bookings and places of interest were suggested taking into account personal tastes and preferences. Kaushal continued to remain in touch throughout in case any unforeseen event occurred.
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Nirav Vakil, From Mumbai
