DAY 01 ARRIVE PARO BHUTAN
Fly to Paro on Druk Air. From a window seat on clear days you can experience a spectacular view of Himalayan peaks as you approach Paro. On arrival you will be received by our representative, and then drive to Thimphu, which will be approximately 1.5 hrs drive. Thimphu is situated at an elevation of 2500 meters / 8200ft. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu.
DAY 02 SIGHTSEEING OF THIMPHU VALLEY
Visit King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk Memorial Chorten, Dupthop Lhakhang ( Monastery for the nuns), National Library, the Painting School where traditional art is still kept alive through instructions in the art of painting Thangkhas ( sacred Buddhist religious scrolls), and the Medicine Institute where traditional medicines are prepared according to ancient practices. After lunch you will visit Lungtenzampa to observe the traditional silver smiths plying at their crafts and tour the Bhutanese traditional paper factory. Return back to town to visit the handicraft stores and stroll around the tiny capital city. Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 03 THIMPHU-PUNAKHA-THIMPHU
Leaving Thimphu the road climbs steeply through a forest of pine and cedar, festooned with hanging lichen high up near Dochula pass (3,050 m). This pass offers panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges. Your car will drop you at the mule track, from where you will hike through the Rhododendron, Magnolia, juniper and pine forest with chirping sounds of the many rare species of birds that are found in Bhutan. Your picnic lunch will be served at a good spot. You will then be driven to Lobesa where you will make another hike to Chimi Lhakhang Temple on small hill. This temple is dedicated to the great Yogi in 14th century known as Drukpa Kuenley or popularly known as “Divine madman” to the westerners. We will proceed to old Punakha town to view the majestic Dzong ( fortress), situated between the two rivers Pho Chu and Mochu (male and Female River). This fortress is now used as the winter seat of the Je Khenpo ( the Spiritual head of Bhutan). In the past this Dzong was the capital seat of the Kingdom. Evening drive back to Thimphu.
DAY 04 THIMPHU - HAA
After breakfast drive to Haa, the drive is through terraced rice field, apple orchards. Make several stops during the drive to visit a farm house or to talk with small school going children who would be very excited to practice their few words of English with you. Afternoon sightseeing around the Haa valley. Overnight at family run guest house.
DAY 05 HAA – KHADEY GOM 10,611 feet
After breakfast our car will shuttle us to Yangtong, where we will meet our porters and trekking crews. After an hour of baggage loading and arranging we will start our trek. It is a steep climb to Yangtong Gompa set on a hilltop. This big temple surrounded by a few houses is believed to be 300 years old and is dedicated to Guru Rinpochey and his eight manifestations. From here it is more or less a level trail through pine forest which will bring you back to the main trail to the valley below Saga La ( La – Pass). Here the Makhang River flows through the region called Talung, consisting of three beautiful villages known as Tsenka Gom, Tsenka Wom and Langlo. The track winds along the farmland that is fenced with cobblestone walls to protect the farmland from wild animals. We will climb to a wooden bridge, Chagdo Zam, cross more meadows and some forests until you reach a rock with twin eyes and a distorted mouth. It is believed that a Tibetan saint known as Thangtong Gyalpo, in the 14th century subdued the Nyela Demon and turned it into this rock. Ever since, the travelers using this trail have walked across without any fear of the Demon. This holy rock is located in the Khadey Gom meadow, where tonight’s camp is situated.
DAY 06 KHADEY GOM – DONGNEY TSHO 10,496 via Saga La 12,200 ft
After breakfast we start a gradual hike for about 1 hour through meadows and coniferous forest followed by 2 hour climb to the Saga La Pass 12,200 feet. It is customary to take a gift for the pass, so either pick a rock or break off a twig/flower to pile it on the mini stupa built by thousands of former travelers. Once you reach the top of the pass, shout “Lhagyelo” (God be victorious) and you will be blessed. During a good weather there is spectacular view from both sides of the Pass, The view towards Paro (east) includes Mount Jhomolhari (23,993 feet), Mount Chaterake (18,270 feet) and below in the valley the Drukgyal Dzong and the sacred Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Looking to the west the peaks of Haa forming the borders with Tibet can be seen. From the Pass it is good two hours downhill hike through mixed conifers and rhododendrons , the camp is set at an open meadow at Dongney Tsho, surrounded with tall firs. To the left is the black Choshola mountain, a holy place from which a lake escaped.
DAY 07 DONGNEY TSHO 10,496 feet – DRUKGYAL DZONG (8,460 feet)
After breakfast we start our hike steep downhill for about 1.5 hours until we are at Genchu Zam (Bridge). The hike is through thick vegetation with chances of encountering laughing thrushes, magpies, nutcrackers and pheasants. You will cross a beautiful village comprised of eight households and a temple at the left side of the trail known as Chodeyphu, set picturesquely at the base of Mount Lamp Baja (Foggy Mountain, inhabited by mountain goats) Another 1 hour will bring you to Balkan Chu where the ancient Haa Planters’ Trail ends. From the road head you will be picked by your car and shuttle to your hotel.
DAY 08 EXCURSION TO TAKTSANG MONASTERY
After breakfast your car will drop you at the starting point of the excursion to view the spectacular Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s lair). The trail to the monastery climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. You stop at the cafeteria for a rest and refreshments and continue the hike (if not tired) for short while until you see, clearly and seemingly within reach, the remains of Taktsang monastery. Built in 1600s, this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. The history states that Guru Padmasambhava, the Tantrum mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, landed here on the back of a flying tiger. Looking at the monastery flying tigers doesn’t seem so impossible after all. Lunch will be served at the cafeteria. Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 09 DEPART PARO BHUTAN
Morning drive to Paro International Airport for departure to your onward destination. |
As one of the rarest and most unique of travel destinations, Bhutan offers the experience of the Buddhist tradition in a setting of unique architecture, and breathtaking Himalayan landscape. The friendly people of Bhutan share with you their traditional lifestyle untouched by outside influence. A trip to Bhutan is a unique opportunity to experience Himalayan Buddhist culture uninfluenced by the outside world. Leave the multitudes behind and enter the Land of the Thunder Dragon.
