Our trip coincides with a festival in central part of Bhutan under Bumthang district at Jakar Dzong. At this Jakar Festival, Mask Dances are performed by both monks and lay person in brilliant costumes re-enacting the legendary events, accompanied by blaring horns, booming drums, and clashing cymbals as they whirl and leap around the courtyard. During the intervals, young women in their best of dress perform the folk dances that they believe is another way of offering which enables them to receive blessings and earn good karma.  Crowds of people gather in their finest hand woven dress, brightly patterned cloth for which Bhutan is renowned, creating an intensely colorful and exciting atmosphere that had remained unchanged in its traditional purity for centuries. Local people attend this festival to be blessed and to earn good karma and are also an occasion to see people and to be seen.

This trip allows the travelers to enjoy the daily lives of friendly Bhutanese people by visiting villages, temples, monasteries, and gigantic fortresses. It gives you a chance to meet people, enjoy the pristine forest with rare glimpse of wildlife and observe the ancient old traditions of arts and crafts. We would be traveling through the less frequented areas of Bhutan. Our journey starts from Paro Valley where our flight from Bangkok will land and continue by road through the lush valley of Thimphu and to Punakha.  Continue our overland journey to the enchanting valleys of Trongsa and Bumthang, which played a key role in influencing Bhutanese history, culture and religion. In the Bumthang valley we spend three nights to attend the Thangbi festival which is locally known as Tangbi Mani.  And then to Phobjikha valley, a winter habitat to the rare black-necked cranes that migrate from Tibetan plateaus in winter. This route will take us through the temperate zone with great biodiversity, ranging from lush forest of conifer, rhododendron and magnolia to orchid draped oaks, banana trees and cactus plants. During clear weather, the high passes we cross, provides spectacular views of high snow capped peaks that go up to 25,000 feet.  There will be ample opportunities to interact with the friendly people of Bhutan and learn their philosophy of “GROSS NATIONAL HAPINESS”.

DAY  01          SEP 18^th    ARRIVE PARO & DRIVE TO THIMPHU
FLIGHT  TIME 2:20 hrs
PARO ALTITUDE 7,600 feet / 2,280 meters
THIMPHU ALTITUDE 7,730 feet / 2,320 meters
DISTANCE PARO – THIMPHU = 54 kilometers / 33.75 miles time taken 2 hours

Fly from Bangkok / Delhi / Kathmandu to Paro on Druk Air. From a left 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 start our two hours drive to Thimphu, the road winds along with the Paro River, until you arrive at the confluence of Paro and Thimphu River. From here we start north along the Thimphu River passing through paddy fields, villages and Apple orchards until we see the Capital City from a distance. We check in to our hotel, if time permits we will have sightseeing around Thimphu Valley. This will solely depend on the arrival time of the Druk Air. Overnight at Wangchuk Resort or similar.

DAY  02          SEP 19^th    THIMPHU SIGHTSEEING

Thos who do not wish to participate in a day hikiung can have sightseeing around Thimphu city by visiting Thimphu weekend market, which is in a permanent set of stalls; vendors from throughout the region arrive on Friday afternoon and remain selling their goods until Sunday night. It’s an interesting place to visit, where village people jostle with well-heeled Thimphu residents for the best  - and cheapest – vegetables and foodstuffs. This is the only time that fresh produce is easily available and the shopping is enhanced by the opportunity to catch up on the week’s gossip. At the northern end of the market is a collection of stalls called the indigenous goods and handicrafts section. Here you will find locally produced goods, including religious objects, baskets, fabrics and different hats from various minority groups. Continue your sightseeing to Zangdopelri temple, the Changlimithang where you can witness young Bhutanese practicing their favorite archery game. Return to hotel for lunch, after lunch we drive back to Paro. Rest of the day free.

OPTION II : For those who wish to take a day hike will start 40 minutes drive North of Thimphu, we than cross a lovely traditional bridge that spans the Wang/Thimphu Chhu River and start our hike uphill towards the Cheri Monastery, this walk will take one hour of uphill, where you will come across tame deer and soaring birds that are looked after by the monks of this monastery. This monastery was built in 1620 by Shubdrung Nawang Namgyal and is the first monastic establishment in Bhutan. After visiting around we will hike back to the road side, then take the car drive for about 15 minutes to the road head from where we will start our hike to Tango Monastery which will take again about one hours. This Temple was built in the 12^th century, however, the present building was established in 15^th century.
                 We will then return to road side and serve the picnic lunch. After lunch we will start our drive south from the road where we cam in for about 20 minutes at Begana Hydro workshop, from where we will take another hike, this will not involve steep climbing, but a gradual ups and down to Pangri Zampa, two imposing white buildings in a grove of giant cypress trees. This temple was founded in early 16^th century and presently it houses the monastic institute for astrology studies.
                From here our car will drive back to the hotel which will take only about 20 minutes. Overnight Thimphu.
 

DAY  03          SEP 20^th    THIMPHU-PUNAKHA
PUNAKHA : ALTITUDE : 4,162 feet / 1,250 meters
DISTANCE : 71 Kilometers / 44.38 miles
TIME TAKEN ; 2.5 hours driving
ALTITUDE GAIN : 2,730 feet  & ALTITUDE LOSS 6,298 feet

After breakfast we will start our drive to Punakha early before the clouds come in and bloke the views of the Bhutan’s Snowcapped Mountain seen from the Dochula Pass. Leaving Thimphu the road climbs steeply through a forest of pine and cedar, festooned with hanging lichen high up near Dochula pass (10,460 feet / 3,140 m). This pass offers panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges, as we descend along a series of hairpin bends to the fertile valley of Punakha (1,350 meters/ 4,162 feet). We start our hike from the pass down hill to a stupa, this hike will take about 2 hours and then start drive down to Chimi Lhakhang, which will take about an hour of driving. We then began our hike to Chimi Lhakhang temple, this temple is dedicated to the great Yogi in 14th century known as Drukpa Kuenley or popularly known as “Divine madman” to the westerners. It is believed that this temple blesses women who seek fertility; it is about one hour of round trip walk which will take about one hour and then drive to hotel for lunch. After lunch we will drive to visit Punakha Dzong, after the Dzong visit we will hike back towards hotel for about 2 hours alongside the river. This will be a beautiful hike as in the evening you will come across many birds. Overnight at Kyichu / Meri Puensum or similar

DAY  04          SEP 21^st    PUNAKHA – TRONGSA
TRONGSA : ALTITUDE : 7,259 feet / 2,180 meters
DISTANCE : 143 Kilometers / 89.38 miles
TIME TAKEN ; 6 hours driving

We will have a heavy breakfast today as our lunch will be late and simple. The drive to Trongsa takes approximately 6 hours. We start early for the fabulous drive to the central valleys of Bhutan through the breathtaking beauties and serenity of Bhutan’s rich flora and fauna.  As we cross the fertile valley of Punakha and enter into the valley of Wangdue Phodrang, we take an opportunity to photograph the majestic fortress of Wangdue Dzong, which stands on a spur of a hill at the confluence of the Tsang Chu and Dang Chu rivers. We then climb steadily passing through semi-tropical vegetation and then to Pele la Pass (3,300 m/ 10,989 ft.)  With an alpine environment of rhododendrons and dwarf bamboo, the Pass is traditionally considered the boundary between West and East Bhutan. During the clear weather we can view the high snow capped peaks specially the Mount Chomolhari (7,314 m/ 24,355 ft.). From here we will hike downhill through forest of dwarf bamboo and quite often Yaks grazing with gradual descend, the hike will be little more than two hours to Rukubji Village. At the village, we will visit the village temple and the village houses, our picnic lunch will be served here. We continue our hike till the highway where our car will be waiting for us. From here we continue our drive to Chendebji Chorten, where we will make a brief stop. This Chorten or Stupa was built in 18th century by a Lama known as Shida, in order to nail into the ground a demon that had been terrorizing the inhabitants of this valley and the Ada valley just over the ridge. Continue your drive to Trongsa, as you enter Trongsa valley, the huge fortress of Trongsa makes you wonder if you will ever reach it. Backing on mountain and built on several levels, the Dzong fits narrowly on a spur that sticks out into the gorge of the Mangde River and overlooks the routes south and west. The view from the Dzong extends for many miles and in former times nothing could escape the vigilance of its watchmen. Arrive Trongsa and overnight at Yangkhil Resort, this resort offers a superb view of the soaring mountains and the majestic Trongsa Dzong.
 

DAY  05          SEP 22^nd    TRONGSA – BUMTHANG (JAKAR)BUMTHANG 
ALTITUDE : 8,591feet / 2,580 meters
DISTANCE : 71 Kilometers / 44.38 miles
TIME TAKEN ; 2.5 hours driving
ALTITUDE GAIN : 1,245 meters / 4,145 feet  & ALTITUDE LOSS 845 meters 2,814 feet

After breakfast we will drive to visit the majestic Trongsa Dzong, built in 1647, by Shubdrung Nawang Namgyal, this Dzong was the source of many important historical events in making of Modern Bhutan. Our car will drop us at the junction of the road to Bazaar and the dzong, you will walk from here to the Dzong. After the visit the car will pick you and drive to the trail head for our hike up hill to Dorje Gompa, this hike is uphill and takes about 2-3 hours. At Dorji Gompa you will be served with Picnic lunch. After lunch we will than resume our drive to Bumthang crossing the Yotongla Pass and into the first four valley of Bumthang known as Chumey, we will visit Domkhar Palace, this palace was used as the summer residence of 2^nd king Jigme Wangchuk. Lunch will be served here in the open ground. We will make another stop at Tsungney village, where we will observe the weavers weaving the famous Bumthang fabric known as Yathra. Continue our drive for an hour and arrive at the Chokhor Valley, if time permits your car will drop you at the Chamkhar Bazaar, from where you can walk back to the hotel after sightseeing around the market. Overnight at Yu-Gharling Resort.
 

DAY  06          SEP. 23^rd    ATTEND THANGBI FESTIVAL

After breakfast we will drive to Thangbi village to witness the ongoing festival, the drive will take about 20 minutes. The festival is celebrated annually by the people of Jakar valley. During the festival various spiritual mask dances are performed and local people with their picnic lunch participate the festival in their finest dress. This is a season when you would like to see and be seen.  Evening return to hotel at Jakar.

DAY  07          SEP 24^th    BUMTHANG SIGHTSEEING  

After breakfast we will start our sightseeing around Chokhor valley. We begin our walk around the valley from our Lodge carrying our day pack towards the Jambay Lhakhang temple through scattered and clustered villages of Jakar. A Tibetan King, Songtsen Gonpo, built this temple in the 7^th century. Your next stop will be Chakar Lhakhang, which was built in the 8^th century. This House was a castle of the King Sindhu Raja who used to rule the Bumthang Valley. Continue your hike to Kurjey monastery, it is here, the great tantric saint Padmasambhava had meditated and subdues a local deity known as Shelging Karpo. Continue your hike north and cross the Chamkhar River over a suspension bridge and we will arrive at Tamshing Lhakhang. Terton Pemalingpa built this temple in 1500s. Rest of the day free.

DAY  08          SEP 25^th    BUMTHANG – TRONGSA

After breakfast we will start our drive back to Trongsa, this drive will take about two and half hours. En route we will stop at Tsungney village and see the weavings once again. Continue our drive back to Trongsa, Check into hotel, and after lunch we will drive south to Kungarabten. This small village had once played a very important role in the history of Bhutan. This place was the winter retreat of the Royal families. We will visit the small winter palace, and then start walking towards the Monastery of Nuns that is located above. This monastery is the home to over 100 nuns, who study and meditate here. We will visit the shrine, hostel, and maybe join for a short prayer with the nuns and return to hotel. Overnight at Yangkhil Resort.

DAY  09          SEP 26^th    TRONGSA - PHOBJIKHA

After breakfast we will start our drive back towards west taking the same lateral highway from where we drove in. From Pele Pass we will take the left hand road to beautiful glacial valley of Phobjikha. This valley is the designated winter home for 100s of endangered black-necked crane that migrate here from the Tibetan plateaus. This valley is also known for produce of best potatoes in Bhutan. From the Phobjikha Pass we will start walking downhill to Gangtey Monastery. If you enjoy the nature then this is a beautiful walk. If lucky you may encounter the precious Red Panda and many bird species. We will visit the magnificent Gangtey Monastery that overlooks the valley. This monastery has recently under gone a major renovation and has been built into a very magnificent Monastery. Dewachen Hotel or Phuntsholing Farm

DAY  10          SEP 27^th     PHOBJIKHA – THIMPHU

After breakfast we will start our 4 hours drive to Thimphu, we will have several stops en route for pictures and leg stretch. Our lunch will be served at Dochu La Cafeteria, if weather permits; we will be able to see the northern snowcapped mountains of Bhutan from here. Continue our drive to Thimphu. Rest of the day free for shopping in the capital city, overnight at Hotel Pedling or similar.

DAY  11          SEP 28^th    THIMPHU

After breakfast our car will shuttle us to the Radio station from where we will start our hike up hill to Phajoding Monastery, this hike will take about 2-3 hours. Phajoding Temple is situated at around 12,000 feet, a large monastic complex with 10 shrine rooms and 15 monastic residences, many of them used for extended meditation retreat. This Monastery was founded in 13^th century by Togden Phajo Drugom Shigpo, a saint from Tibet. Looking back you will see the whole valley of the capital city. Return to hotel.
 

DAY 12           SEP 29^th    PARO SIGHTSEEING

After breakfast we will drive back to Paro, this will take about 2 hours, check into hotel and then we will start our sightseeing of Paro valley by first visiting Drukgyal Dzong built in 1647 by Shubdrung Nawang Namgyal, the Dzong was destroyed by fire and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate. On a clear day you can get a magnificent view of the Mount Chomolhari, alt. 7314 m / 23,990 ft. Go round the fortress, it is a 30 minutes leisurely hike, this is a beautiful walk. Drive south to Satsam Chorten, built in memory of the late Dilgo Khentse Rinpochey, and continue on to Kyichu Lhakhang, built in seventh century by a Tibetan King, Songtsen Gonpo. After lunch visit the National Museum of Bhutan, (Ta Dzong) which contains works of art, handicrafts, costumes, armors and rare stamps. Take a leisurely hike down to Rimpung Dzong. You will walk through a traditional covered bridge across the river to your waiting car and drive to your hotel.

DAY  13          SEP 30^th    EXCURSION TO TAKTSANG MONASTERY.

After breakfast our car will drop us 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 Tantric 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. After lunch we start our hike back to Paro valley, if time permits we will have some more sightseeing or a free day for more shopping in the small Bazaar. Overnight at Dechen Hill Resort or similar.  

DAY 14         OCT 01st    DEPART BHUTAN.
After breakfast our car will drop us at the Paro International airport for our flight back to Bangkok