Bhutan Bliss

Day 2

In Thimphu – Tango Cheri Hike

• Walking hours: 3-4 hours.
• After breakfast, visit the Simtokha Dzong (Atop a Demon), one of Bhutan’s oldest fortresses constructed to ward away an evil spirit.
• Simtokha is believed to be the first dzong built in Bhutan and is the gateway to Thimphu Valley.
• Continue the drive for another 40 minutes to north of Thimphu and enjoy a hike to a sacred monastery.
• It is an hour and a half’s hike to Cheri Temple, the highest Buddhist learning centre.
• This is a place where the elusive Goral (wild goat) can be seen.
• The riverbanks at Cheri are the haunts of Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, Rufous-bellied woodpecker, Mrs. Gould’s Sunbird, and many others.
• Enjoy a picnic lunch by the riverside.
• Hike to the Tango Temple, or take an option of a more gradual one - the valley walk.
• Explore an hour’s walk through forests following the Thimphu River.
• We can extend the walk through the farm road.
• In the evening, you are free to stroll around or get some rest.
• Overnight at Thimphu [B/L/D]

Day 3

Thimphu

• After Breakfast, you will be transferred to visit Kuensel Phodrang, Buddha Point, located atop a hill in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park overlooking the Southern entrance to Thimphu Valley.
• The statue fulfills an ancient prophecy dating back to the 8th century A.D that was discovered by Terton Pema Lingpa (Religious Treasure Discoverer)
• Continue to Kuensel Phodrang and Changangkha: The hike takes us through populated blue pine forests, with the perfect view of Thimphu Valley.
• It was initially intended to be a cycling trail, but it is excellent for hiking as well.
• The hike will take about 2 hours through a pine forest.
• This trail is part of the 60th birth anniversary celebration of the fourth king of Bhutan.
• Visit Motithang Takin Preserve and Memorial Chorten
• Motithang Takin Preserve to observe Takin, the national animal.
• Formerly a zoo converted to a preserve by the fourth King of Bhutan in sync with the Bhutanese culture and values.
• As the zoo was dismantled, the animals being held there were freed to go back into the wild.
• Interestingly, the flock of Takin, which lived in the zoo, had been tamed, resulting in them roaming around the city of Thimphu for food.
• It was then decided to put them back into the preserve.
• The best time to visit this place is in the mornings to see the animals gather around the fences to feed.
• Visit the Memorial Chorten, also known as the Thimphu Chorten, a large Tibetan-style Buddhist Monastery with its golden spires and bells.
• It was built in 1974 to honor the memory of King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.
• The architecture of the chorten has been designed as a religious structure in Thimphu.
• Later in the evening, visit Tashichho Dzong.
• Located on the northern edge of the city of Thimphu, on the western bank of the Wang Chu, Tashichho Dzong is Bhutan's seat of the Druk desi or ‘Dharma Raja’, the head of Bhutan's civil government.
• It houses the throne room of His Majesty the King of Bhutan and is the summer residence of the venerated monastic community.
• The current dzong is a redesign of the original medieval structure sanctioned by the Third King, His Majesty King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, when he moved the capital to Thimphu from Punakha.
• The Fortress of the glorious religion houses the throne room of His Majesty the King, the main secretariat building, and the central monk body.
• Its courtyard is open to visitors during the Thimphu Tshechu and when the monk moves to his winter residence in Punakha.
• Overnight at Hotel, Thimphu [B/L/D]

Note: Tashichho Dzong is open during weekdays after office hours (5 pm onwards) and from 9 am to 5 pm on weekends

Day 4

Drive to Gangtey

• Altitude: 3000 m/ 9842 ft
• Distance: 124 kms / 77 miles
• Drive time: approx. 4 hours
• After breakfast, drive to Gangtey/Phobjika, a glacial valley (3,000 m) on the western slopes of the Black Mountains.
• It is one of the most important wildlife preserves in the country and is described as "the most beautiful spot in the Himalayas," where large flocks of black-necked cranes come in winter.
• Hang a prayer flag at the pass to promote peace, compassion, strength, and wisdom.
• The flags do not carry prayers to gods; rather, it is believed that the prayers and mantras will be blown by the wind to spread goodwill and compassion into the all-pervading space.
• Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.
• Later visit Gangtey Gonpa Monastery complex with five temples that surround the main central tower.
• It is one of the main seats of the religious tradition based on Pema Lingpa's revelations and one of the two main centers of the Nyingmapa school of Buddhism in Bhutan.
• In the evening, explore the valley while walking down the streets.
• Join the evening prayer session in the Shedra (monastery), followed by a meditation.
• The Shedra is home to approximately 250 monk students ranging in age from 12 – 40 years old.
• Mainly Buddhist religious studies as well as basic English courses are taught. The monk students are also responsible for the day-to-day housekeeping tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and laundry.
• The Evening Prayer takes place every evening from 18:30-19:15.
• After the prayer session, the monks have free time before retiring to their rooms. It is possible to combine with the 17:30 meditation class.
• After the prayer session, you are invited to discuss any topics you wish with the monks.
• Overnight at Gangtey [B/L/D]

Day 5

In Gangtey Sightseeing

• After breakfast at the hotel, drive to the famous Gangtey Artificial Gangtey Nature Trail (Walking time: 2hours), which leads through the beautiful, broad, and U-shaped glacial valley.
• It is known for its scenic natural trail and cultural uniqueness.
• From the small hilltop overlooking Gangtey Goemba, head downhill through flower meadows to Semchubara village through beautiful forests.
• Visit the Black Necked Crane Information Centre in the Phobjikha Valley, which offers visitors a chance to learn about these rare birds.
• The Centre has exhibits about the birds, their migration paths and behavior, and about the ecology of the valley.
• In the observation room, visitors can use high-powered telescopes to observe the birds.
• Overnight at Gangtey [B/L/D]

Day 6

Drive to Punakha

• Altitude: 1300 m / 4265 ft
• Distance: 72 km / 44 miles
• Drive time: approx. 2 hours
• After breakfast, drive to Punakha.
• Upon reaching Punakha and before you check in, walk through the Metshina Village and take a 20-minute walk through the rice fields to the Divine Madman’s Monastery, Chimi Lhakhang, flanked with hundreds of prayer flags, which sits on a round hillock near Punakha.
• The monastery, built in 1499, is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kinley, also known as ‘the Divine Madman’ or the ‘Mad Saint'.
• Best known for his unorthodox ways of teaching Buddhism, which included singing and humor.
• Later, visit Punakha Dzong, known as Pungtang Dechen Phodrang Dzong (meaning ‘the palace of great happiness or bliss’)
• It is the administrative centre of Punakha dzongkhag in Punakha, Bhutan.
• Constructed by Zhabdrung (Shabdrung) Ngawang Namgyal on the 8th day and 8th month of the Fire ox year in 1673, it is the second oldest and second largest dzong in Bhutan.
• Punakha Dzong was the administrative centre and the seat of the Government of Bhutan until 1955, when the capital was moved to Thimphu.
• It is a six-storied structure with a central tower or Utse at an average elevation of 1,200 metres (3,900 ft) with a scenic, mountainous background.
• The materials used in building the Dzong consisted of compacted earth, stones, and timber in doors and windows.
• The Dzong was constructed as ‘an embodiment of Buddhist values’.
• The first King of modern Bhutan was crowned in Punakha Dzong. Punakha Dzong remained the centre of government until it was relocated to Thimphu.
• In 2011, the wedding of the 5th King was held in this fortress.
• Overnight at Punakha [B/L/D]

Day 7

In Punakha – Hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten.

• Driving Distance: 12 km
• Walk: 2 hours approx.
• After breakfast, drive 12 km north of Punakha and hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a fine example of Bhutanese architecture and artistic traditions.
• An hour hike to the Chorten, through a moderately inclined trail surrounded by pine trees, offers a beautiful view of the Punakha Valley.
• The Chorten, built to remove negative forces and promote peace, stability, and harmony, dominates the upper Punakha Valley with views across the Mo Chhu towards the mountainous peaks of Gasa and beyond.
• A fine example of Bhutanese architecture and artistic traditions, the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten stands out on a beautiful ridge above the Punakha valley.
• This 4-storey temple was built by Her Majesty the Queen Mother, Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck, as per the Holy Scriptures, and took 9 years to complete.
• This temple has been dedicated to the well-being of the kingdom, its people, and all sentient beings.
• Also, visit the village of Talo along the hill slopes, known for its cleanliness and hygiene among Punakha villages.
• Talo Sangnacholing is built on a plateau and has a majestic view of the surrounding villages.
• The beautiful farmhouses of the village have their flower gardens and, on the hill, slope corn and sweet peas are grown in abundance.
• Enjoy rafting in Punakha valley, which is the most popular soft adventure in Bhutan.
• The stunning view of the picturesque Punakha valley, dotted with quaint villages and the Punakha Dzong anchored like a majestic ship between the Mo (female) and Pho (male) Chhu Rivers, is why it is a must-try activity in Bhutan.
• Each second on the raft will serve your eyes with beautiful snippets of Punakha.
• The first river, Pho Chu, is 16km long with 15 rapids of class 2-4. The second river Mo Chu, is 10 km long with 10 rapids of class 2 and 2+.
• Pho Chhu River is one of the most popular rafting spots amongst tourists.
• You'll pass through stunning landscapes of Punakha valley and see rare exotic birds such as White-Bellied Herons and Kingfishers.
• Rafting will meander along the upper Pho Chhu and a series of Class IV rapids immediately below the village of Wangthangkha.
• Further downstream, experienced rafters will enjoy the Class III rapids as the fast-flowing river eases and slows.
• The rafting takes about 1.5 hours to complete.
• Overnight at Punakha [B/L/D]

Day 8

Drive to Paro

• Distance: 144 km/ 89 miles
• Drive Time: 4 hours approx.
• Altitude: 2,250 m / 7,382 ft
• Today you will drive back to Paro.
• Later in the afternoon, visit Paro Dzong, also known as Ringpung Dzong, meaning ‘Fortress on a heap of jewels’.
• This impressive dzong is the finest example of Bhutanese architecture.
• Located close to the Paro Airport, the Kyichu Lhakhang is an important Himalayan Buddhist Temple.
• Built in the 7th century, this is one of Bhutan’s oldest religious sites.
• The temple is one of 108 built by the Tibetan emperor Songtsen Gampo to subdue a demoness who prevented the spread of Buddhism.
• Temples were built across the Himalayas to pin her body down.
• Kyichu Lhakhang pins down her left foot, and Jamba Lhakhang in Bumthang her left knee.
• Offer butter lamps at the Monastery because the light from the flame symbolizes the wisdom of the awakened mind, dispels the darkness of delusion and mental obscuration.
• Overnight at Paro [B/L/D]

Day 9

In Paro - Hike to Taktsang Monastery

• Hike Duration: approx. 4.5 hours
• After breakfast, hike to Taktsang Monastery for approximately 4.5 hours.
• Perched on the side of a vertical cliff at 3000 m altitude north of Paro, the beautiful Taktsang Monastery is also known as the ‘Tiger’s Nest’.
• It is the most famous and an unofficial symbol of Bhutan.
• Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche (Guru Padmasambhava) flew to this location from Khenpajong, Tibet, on the back of a tigress and subdued a demon.
• He then meditated in a cave here for three months and emerged in eight incarnated forms (manifestations) and blessed the place.
• Guru Padmasambhava is known for introducing Buddhism to Bhutan.
• Today, Paro Taktsang is the best known of the thirteen caves in which Guru Padmasambhava meditated.
• Taktsang Monastery is a pilgrimage site for both tourists and locals.
• The journey up to the monastery is filled with spiritual bliss.
• An hour hike up to a small wooden teahouse called Cafeteria provides a close view of the monastery.
• A further and rather challenging hike leads you to the glorious Taktsang Monastery.
• Later, pay a visit to the local Farm House (traditional village house).
• The beauty of Paro valley is embellished by a cluster of quaint farmhouses.
• Bhutanese farmhouses are very colorful, decorative, and traditionally built without the use of a single nail.
• A visit to Farm House is very interesting and offers a good glimpse into the lifestyle of a farmer.
• Enjoy a cup of tea at the colorful farmhouse of Paro that overlooks an amazing view.
• Soak in the unique ambience and indulge in a delightful interaction with the locals.
• Overnight at Paro [B/L/D]

Day 10

Departure

• Altitude: 1,400 m / 4,600 ft.
• After Breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.