Central Bhutan Odyssey

The flight to Paro offers spectacular views of Himalayan Mountain ranges including our sacred Mount Jomolhari and Jichu Drake only on clear weather. On arrival at Paro International Airport our representative will be there to welcome you and after that start your drive to our only capital city of Bhutan,Thimphu which takes about 1 hour. On the way if the time permits stop at one of our oldest iron bridge built in 15^th century by Drupthob Thangthong Gyalpo and again stop at Chuzom (the confluence of Paro and Thimphu River). After reaching Thimphu visit Centenary farmers market and stroll freely in Thimphu city and experience the lifestyle of the people. Overnight in the hotel.

After breakfast visit National Memorial stupa (built in the memory of the third king of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), the giant Buddha statue overlooking Thimphu valley with 169 feet/51.5 meters and its tallest of its kind, Takin reservation center, Institute of thirteen arts and crafts, Folk heritage museum Tashi Chodzong meaning “fortress of glorious religion” built in 1641 by the unifier zhabdrung. Overnight in the hotel.

After breakfast drive to Punakha district, our ancient capital city before Thimphu and stop at one of the most beautiful pass in the country called Dochula Pass(3100m) adorned with 108 Druk Wangyel chortens and colourful  prayer flags surrounded by spectacular views of Himalayan ranges on clear weather. Continue driving to Punakha valley and on the way you can stop at Lobesa to hike up to Chimi Lhakhang through rice paddy fields and through metsina village with colourful painted Phallus on the walls to bless the household with fertility and to ward off evil spirits. The temple is dedicated to the accomplished master in the 15^th century known as Drukpa Kuenley or the “Divine Madman,” who is believed to bless women who seek fertility. After this visit Punakha Dzong, one of the most beautiful dzong in the country with intricate metal and wood carvings situated between male and female rivers like an anchored ship built in 1637 by Zhabdrung and then visit one of the longest suspension bridge.

Start your journey to Trongsa via Pelela pass which is at 3300m. Enroute stop at Chendebji stupa and willing café for lunch and enjoy waterfall at the café. After lunch visit Trongsa dzong which is one of the largest dzong in the country. Trongsa means”New village” in dzongkha and it is located in the central Bhutan about 5 hours drive from Punakha. The rulers of trongsa, the penlops(governors) of wangchuck dynasty, who resided at Trongsa dzong were very powerful as they control over east-west trade for centuries until the first king of Bhutan was elected unanimously in 1907 and the only way to eastern and western Bhutan was through the courtyard of the dzong. Trongsa dzong was initially founded as small meditation temple by lama Ngagi Wangchuk(The great grandfather of Zhabdrung) in 1543 on the spur overlooking the gorge of Mangde river. Lama Ngagi wangchuk came to trongsa in 1541 and when he was meditating nearby in the village called Yuling, he witnessed a light on the spur where now present dzong stands. He found small spring on the spot believed to be used by protective deity Mahakali (Palden Lhamo). Another version of the history says he found the hoof prints of a horse that belonged to the protective deity Palden Lhamo. He believed this to be auspicious sign and founded small meditation temple on the spur. And visit five storey Ta Dzong(“ watchtower”) built by Choeje Minjur Tenpa, the first governor of trongsa in 1652. From 2005 to 2008 it underwent extensive structural and interior designing work in order to become a museum as there is no exterior threat since then.

Bumthang is one of the 20 districts formed by 4 beautiful ancient glacier valleys: Ura, Chumey, Tang and choekhor. It is a religious heartland of the nation and home to many holy sites that are centuries old. Drive to Bumthang crossing Yotong la (3400m) and numerous villages. On the way if time permits stop at yathra (textile weaving) factory, yathras are unique textiles designed in Bumthang. Continue driving to the beautiful Ura valley and explore the valley. After lunch drive back to Bumthang and visit Mebar Tsho (burning lake) on the way. Overnight in the hotel.

Bumthang is one of the 20 districts formed by 4 beautiful glacier valleys: Ura, Chumey, Tang and choekhor. It is a religious heartland of the nation and home to many holy sites that are centuries old. After breakfast visit Jambay Lhakhang which is believed to be one of the 108 temples built by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century. You will also visit the Kurjey Lhakhang monastery complex, where Guru Padmasambhava, the great tantric master blessed and meditated. One can still see his body imprint on a rock created by his long retreat. From the temple you will take a short interesting walk towards the Tamshing Lhakhang crossing a small suspension bridge over the Chamkar Chhu River. The Tamshing Lhakhang holds some of the oldest Buddhist wall paintings in Bhutan. On the way to the town, you will visit the Red Panda local beer and Swiss cheese factory. Afterwards visit Jakar Dzong followed by a stroll in the Bumthang Township visiting handicraft stores bringing your day to an end. Overnight in the hotel.

After breakfast drive to the beautiful valley of Phobjikha which is the winter home of the vulnerable black necked cranes. Most importantly Gangtey monastery sits on the hill top which is the main seat of great treasure revealer Pema Lingpa and it is the famous nyingma school of Buddhism established in 1613 by Rigzin Pema Thinley, the great grandson of terton Pema Lingpa. After visitng the monastery enjoy nature hike through villages and the beautiful glacier valley which takes about 1 hour.

In the morning drive back to wangdue Phodrang and the same way that we came through, passing Dochula pass and the outskirt of Thimphu city and onward to Paro district. After lunch visit national museum of Bhutan which was built to serve as watch tower in 1649 and later in 1968 the ancient watch tower was renovated and converted into national museum under the command of His Majesty, the third king Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, visit Paro Rinpung Dzong meaning “The fortress on the heap of jewels” built in 1646 by our unifier Zhabdrung. Along the wooden gallaries lining the courtyard of Rinpung Dzong are the fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore and visit Kichu Temple which is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan built in 7^th century by the Tibetan Buddhist king Songtsen Gonpo. In the evening stroll Paro town and local handicraft shops. Overnight in the hotel.

After breakfast drive to the base of Taktshang(Tiger’s Nest) Monastery  which will take about 20 minutes from your hotel and start hiking the famous Taktshang Monastery perched on the hanging cliff at about 3100 meters. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktshang monastery now stands. The monastery is situated at about 900 meters above Paro valley. We will walk back the same way and the lunch will be served in Taktshang cafeteria or walk down to valley floor and enjoy lunch in the town. In the evening visit farmhouse and try traditional hot stone bath to heal the joint pains after your hike and try traditional Bhutanese meals. This is fantastic conclusion of your stay in Bhutan! Overnight in the hotel.

In the morning, you will drive to the airport for departure. Our representative will bid you farewell.