Bhutan - “The Dragon Kingdom”
The Buddhist Kingdom of Bhutan lies along the lofty ridges of the eastern Himalayas, bordered by China (Tibet) to the north and northwest, and by the Indian states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, West Bengal and Sikkim on the east, south and west respectively.
With an area of 46,500 square km., the mighty Himalayas protected Bhutan from the rest of the world and left it blissfully untouched through the centuries. The Drukpa Kagyupa school of Mahayana Buddhism provided the essence of a rich culture and a fascinating history. The Bhutanese people protected this sacred heritage and unique identity for centuries by choosing to remain shrouded in a jealously guarded isolation.
The kingdom is peopled sparsely, with a population approaching 700,000. The written history of the kingdom dates back to the 8th century, with Guru Padmasambhava’s legendary flight from Tibet to Bhutan in 747 AD on the back of a tigress. The Guru, also considered as the second Buddha, arrived in Taktsang (Tigers Nest), on the cliffs above the valley of Paro, and from there began propagation of the Tantric form of Mahayana Buddhism. In the ensuing centuries many great masters preached the faith, resulting in the full bloom of Buddhism in the country by the middle ages. Although sectarian at first, the country was eventually unified under the Drukpa Kagyupa sect of Mahayana Buddhism in the early 17th century, by the religious figure, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The Shabdrung codified a comprehensive system of laws and built dzongs which guarded each valley during unsettled times, and nowadays serves as the religious and administrative centers of their respective regions. In the next two centuries, the nation was once again fragmented into regional fiefdoms with intermittent civil wars.
At the end of the 19th century, the Tongsa Penlop, Ugyen Wangchuck, who then controlled the central and eastern regions, overcame all his rivals and united the nation once again. He was unanimously accepted as the first hereditary monarch of Bhutan in 1907.
Bhutan is the only extant Mahayana Buddhist kingdom in the world of today, and the teachings of this school of Buddhism are a living faith among its people. The air of spirituality is pervasive even in urban centers where the spinning of prayer wheels, the murmur of mantras and the glow of butter lamps are still commonplace features of everyday life. Bhutan’s religious sites and institutions are not museums, but the daily refuge of the people.
One of the most striking physical features of Bhutan is its architecture. The characteristic style and color of every building and house in the kingdom is a distinct source of aesthetic pleasure. The dzongs - themselves imposing 17th century structures built on a grand scale without the help of any drawings and constructed entirely without nails - are outstanding examples of the best in Bhutanese architecture. Patterns of rich colors adorn walls, beams, pillars and doors in traditional splendor.
As with its architecture, art and painting are important aspects of Bhutanese culture and they bear testimony to the spiritual depth of Bhutanese life. Whether it is on a wall, or one of the renowned thangkhas, painters use vegetable dyes to give their work an unparalleled subtle beauty and warmth. Bhutan also boasts a wealth of cottage industries, and the skills of its wood carvers, gold and silversmiths, and weavers (to name only a few) are all representative of highly developed art forms.
One of the main attractions of the kingdom is its annual religious festivals, the tsechus celebrated to honor Guru Padmasambhava (more commonly referred to as Guru Rinpoche). For local people, tsechus are an occasion for reverence and blessing, feasting and socializing. Two of the most popular tsechus are held at Paro and Thimphu, in spring and autumn respectively, but others are held all the year round at temples, dzongs and monasteries throughout Bhutan. Attendance at one of these religious events provides an opportunity for the outsider to experience the extraordinary.
Nowhere in the Himalayas is the natural heritage more rich and varied than in Bhutan. In historical records, the kingdom is referred to as the Valley of Medicinal Herbs, a name that still applies to this day. The countries richly diverse flora and fauna result from its unique geographic location in the eastern Himalayas where the Tibetan plateau meets South Asia, its annual rainfall which is significantly higher than in the central and western Himalayas, and its considerable altitudinal variation, from 200m above sea level in the south to over 7,000m above sea level in the north, and consequent dramatic climatic variations. Because of the deep traditional reverence, which the Bhutanese have for nature, the kingdom is one of the leading countries in environmental conservation. Over 70% of Bhutans land area is still under forest cover. Many parts of the country have been declared wildlife reserves, and are the natural habitats of rare species of both flora and fauna.
Opened for tourism in 1974, after the coronation of the present King, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, Bhutan is perhaps the worlds most exclusive tourist destination. The country still retains all the charm of the old world, and travelers experience the full glory of this ancient land as embodied in the monastic fortresses, ancient temples, monasteries and stupas which dot the countryside, prayer flags fluttering above farmhouses and on the hillsides, lush forests, rushing glacial rivers, and � perhaps most important of all � the warm smiles and genuine friendliness of the people. Each moment is special as one discovers a country, which its people have chosen to preserve in all its magical purity
Day 01
New Delhi / Kolkata – Paro – Thimphu
This morning transfer to airport for flight to Paro -
New Delhi – Paro 0900 - 1305 hr
(Mondays, Thursdays & Saturdays only)
Kolkata – Paro - 0840 - 1020 hr
(Mondays, Thursdays & Saturdays only)
Request for seats on left side of the aircraft to enjoy the spectacular view of Himalayan ranges.
As the aircraft enters the Paro valley, look down and you will see the Paro Dzong on the hillside overlooking Paro Chu (river) with Ta Dzong, formerly a watchtower and now the National museum, above it.
On arrival in Paro, traditional welcome awaits you where in “Khadar”; a kind of scarf is put around your neck. You will meet your guide/escort for the entire trip upon arrival. Once you have collected your bags, he will escort you to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan.
The road runs down through the valley, to Chuzom (Confluence) at the entrance to the valley, where the Paro – Thimphu rivers meet at Chuzom. Three Chortens on the riverbank at this place, each in different style, mark the confluence of two rivers. Shortly before reaching Chuzom, you will see on your left Tschogang Lhakhang, “the temple of the excellent horse”. It is a private temple, built in 15th century, as the result of visitation from Balaha, the excellent horse, a manifestation of Chenrezig, the compassionate Buddha. The road passes along a narrow valley with high, rocky cliffs on the left, and then the valley opens out into farmland on the approach to Thimphu.
Upon arrival check-in at the hotel. Lunch at the hotel.
If you feel like you could also drive down to city center and just walk around a bit to get the feel of it.
Dinner will be served in the hotel.
Stay overnight in Thimphu.
Day 02
In Thimphu
This morning enjoy your breakfast at the hotel and then proceed for full day tour of Thimphu city.
Start the tour with Memorial Chorten built in memory of the late King; Visit the handicrafts Centre School of Fine Arts (Thangka painting and other traditional arts) where the traditional arts are being revived by the government, also visit the Indigenous Medicine Hospital, where herbal medicine, acupuncture and the ancient art of healing that was passed down from Tibet is still being practised today.
Return to the hotel for lunch.
In the afternoon visit the Changgangkha temples; Drubthrob nunnery; Folk and Textile museums; and then visit the Tashichhodzong, seat of the Royal Government and Central Monastic Body, it was rebuilt in the early 1960's after a fire destroyed most of the building. The amazing thing about this building is that it was built without a single drawing or a single nail!
Dinner will be served in the hotel.
Stay overnight in Thimphu.
Day 03
Thimphu – Dochula Pass – Punakha
This morning enjoy an early breakfast at the resort and then take a scenic drive on mountain route to Gangtey Valley, passing through Dochula Pass.
Soon you will reach Dochula Pass at 10,000 feet where a large Chorten and a forest of prayer flags greet you. On a clear day you can view an endless chain of Himalayan Peaks such as Gangar Punsum (24,000 ft), the highest unclimbed peak in the world, Ganchenta, Teri gang, table mountain among other all above 20,000 ft. From there you descend 5,5000 ft through
temperate forests coloured with rhododendrons and magnolias down to the semitropical zone of oranges, banana and cactuses.
On the way down you will see the magnificent Punakha Dzong, the winter residence of the Je Khenpo and the monks of Tashichhodzong. The Dzong is situated at the confluence of the two mighty glacial rivers, Mo Chu and Pa Chu, which descend from the lofty heights of the Himalayas.
Upon arrival check – in at the hotel and proceed for hot lunch.
Later walk up for 30 minutes or so to Chhimi Lhakhang situated near the river on a small plateau. It was built by the famous "divine madman" Drukpa Kuenley; a famous pilgrim site for infertile women who wish to bear children.
Dinner will be served in the hotel.
Stay overnight in Punakha.
Day 04
Punakha – Phobjikha – Trongsa
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel and then drive to Phobjikha Valley (Gangtey). The drive is up a winding mountain road through oak and rhododendron forest, and over a high pass down into the Phobjikha valley, surely one of the loveliest high altitudes valleys in Bhutan. Phobjikha is one of Bhutan’s few glacial valleys, and chosen winter home of black-necked cranes, migrating from Tibetan plateau.
Upon arrival visit the beautiful Gangtey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan. Walk through the village and visit the Black necked crane centre.
Enjoy hot lunch at Dewachen Resort and then continue your road journey to Trongsa. The road begins its climb up to the Pelela Pass. Just before the pass you may, on a clear day, see the high range of the Himalayas, particularly the peak of Jhomolhari, at 23,685 ft, to the west. After you descend from the pass the road comes down to the bottom of the valley, the road soon enters Trongsa district where it follows the river along a narrow, enclosed valley for about 10 kilometres. On the right hand side is the picturesque village of Chendebji, which is reached by an ancient bridge roofed with bamboo matting.
A great, whitewashed stone Chorten appears at a bend in the road. Chendebji Chorten is in Nepali style with eyes painted at the four cardinal points. It was built during the first half of the 18th century by a lama named Shida, in order to nail into the ground a demon that had been terrorising the inhabitants of this valley. On the left side, the Queen Mother constructed a Chorten in Bhutanese style in 1982. From Chendebji to Trongsa, the road emerges from a gorge and follows the Mangde River valley, as it turns and heads straight for Trongsa. The landscape is dramatic and the road is hewn into the side of the rock with a sheer drop on the other.
You will see Trongsa Dzong at the bottom of the valley 20 kilometres before reaching it. Trongsa Dzong is the most impressive Dzong of Bhutan. This Dzong was built in 1647 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel and is a masterpiece in architecture that includes countless courtyards, passageways and corridors, in addition to the 23 temples inside the Dzong. Drive further taking about than 2 hours to cover the 68 kilometres. The road passes through Trongsa town just beneath the Ta Dzong or watchtower and then rises rapidly through a series of hairpin bends. The view of Trongsa and the Dzong is marvellous on this side of the valley as well.
Upon arrival in Trongsa, check in at the hotel of your stay.
Dinner will be served in the hotel.
Stay overnight in Trongsa.
Day 05
Trongsa – Bumthang
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel and then drive on to Bumthang.
At a distance of 29 kilometres from Trongsa is the Yotong La Pass at 11,155 ft. There is now a dense forest of conifers, which stretches as far as the eye can see. After 13 kilometres, the road comes out into a wide, open, cultivated valley. This is Chumey valley, the first of Bumthang's four valleys. Bumthang is different from all the valleys in Bhutan, being very spacious and open. Bumthang has numerous beautiful and important Buddhist monasteries and pilgrimage sites.
Upon arrival check in at the hotel of your stay and relax for sometime.
Lunch will be served in the hotel.
In the afternoon, visit the valley and start with Jakar Dzong, the Dzong of the White bird; the 8th century Jambay and Tamshing Lhakhang, which dates back to the origins of Buddhism in Bhutan and is one of the two oldest temples in the kingdom. This will be followed by visit to Kurjey Lhakhang, the temple where the kings of Bhutan are taken for final cremation rites.
Dinner will be served in the hotel.
Stay overnight in Bumthang.
Day 06
In Bumthang Valley
Enjoy the breakfast at the hotel and then proceed to visit Thangbi Monastery. The relatively easy walk begins at the bridge above Kurjey Lhakhang, with an hour’s walk along the road. Then cross the suspension bridge and after another half hour’s walk you will be in Thangbi valley. Explore the village as you walk through on your way to the temple. Thangbi monastery belongs to the Nyingmapa sect. Along the way you can see rock carvings of the Karmapa sect. The village and temple are situated in a beautiful area of woodlands, meadows and farms known as Ngang Yul, or Swan Land, because of a local legend.
Return to hotel for lunch.
Afternoon and evening is free for you to relax or just walk around a bit.
Dinner will be served at the hotel.
Stay overnight in Bumthang.
Day 07
In Bumthang – Hike to Ngang Lhakhang
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and today proceed for a hike to Ngang Lhakhang with packed lunches.
Three hours walk from Thangbi Goenpa is a small region of Ngang Yul, “Swan Land” and this temple is 100m above the valley floor. Guru Rinpoche visited the site and Lama Namkha Samdrup, contemporary of Pemalingpa, built present temple in 15th century.
Return early evening to hotel and relax.
Dinner will be served in the hotel.
Stay overnight in Bumthang.
Day 08
Bumthang – Wangdue/Punakha
This morning after your breakfast, drive down to Wangdue. It will be a long day so we suggest that you start early.
Lunch will be served enroute.
Upon arrival check – in at the hotel and relax.
In the evening you could go to the local market and walk around for sometime.
Dinner will be served in the hotel.
Stay overnight in Wangdue/Punakha.
Day 09
Wangdue/Punakha – Paro via Simthoka Dzong
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel and then drive back to Paro enroute stopping at Simthoka Dzong.
Upon arrival check-in at the hotel of your stay and proceed for hot lunch.
In the evening if you like, you could walk around the town or just stay indoor.
Dinner will be served in the hotel.
Stay overnight in Paro.
Day 10
In Paro
This morning after breakfast, we hike up to Taktsang monastery (The Tiger’s Nest), for people unaccustomed to the altitude it takes about three hours at an average walking speed to reach the temples. Enroute stop at teahouse for a refreshing drink and have an excellent view of the monastery. The path may at times appear to somewhat hair-raising but it is well defined and there is no danger whatever of falling off. Taktsang monastery is one of the most venerated pilgrim sites of the Himalayan world and it contains 13 holy places. Taktsang, the “Tiger’s Lair”, gets its name from the story of its foundation. In the 8th century, Guru Rinpoche came to Taktsang in a miraculous manner, flying on the back of a tigress from Khenpajong in the region of Kurteop. According to Bhutanese tradition, the tigress was a form taken by one of the Master’s consorts for the occasion. Guru Rinpoche meditated for three months in a cave at Taktsang and converted the Paro valley to Buddhism.
Lunch will be either served in Taktsang cafeteria or back in the hotel.
In the afternoon proceed to northern part of the valley to Drukgyel Dzong ruins that was once a strategic post to withhold invading Tibetan forces from the north. Thereafter visit the Ta Dzong, originally built as watchtower, which now houses National Museum. The extensive collection included antique Thangka paintings, textiles, weapons & Armour, household object and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts. Later visit the Paro Dzong, also called Rinpung Dzong – Fortress of a Mountain of Jewels, which is now the seat of administration and an institute for monks
Dinner will be served in the hotel.
Stay overnight in Paro.
Day 11
Leave Paro
This morning in time proceed to airport to board Druk Air flight for onward journey.
Paro – Kolkotta 1140 - 1220 hr (Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays only)
Paro – Delhi 1355 - 1700 hr (Wednesdays, Fridays & Sundays only)
END OF PROGRAM
Our per person price ( in Euros ) :
| Number of Pax |
Rates |
| Rates valid from 01st January till 30th April 2013 |
| Solo Traveller |
Euro 2450.00 |
| Each of 02 Paying |
From Euro 2300 Per Person |
| Each of 03 - 06 Paying |
From Euro 2100 Per Person |
| Single Room Supplement |
From Euro 424 Per Single |
| Rates valid from 01st July till 30th April 2013 |
| Solo Traveller |
From Euro 3100 |
| Each of 02 Paying |
From Euro 2940 Per Person |
| Each of 03 - 06 Paying |
From Euro 2700 Per Person |
| Single Room Supplement |
From Euro 484 Per Single |
| Air Fare Supplement |
| Supplement for Delhi - Paro - Delhi fares |
| - for January and February 2011 |
From Euro 621 Per Person |
| - from March till December 2011 |
From 808 Per Person |
| Supplement for Kolkata - Paro - Kolkata fares |
| - for January and February 2011 |
From 397 Per Person |
| - for March till December 2011 |
From 512 Per Person |
Rates include the following :
- Accommodation on twin sharing basis for a total of 10 nights.
- All meals as per the program ( Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner ).
- Escorted English speaking guide for the entire trip.
- Entrance fees to the monuments.
- Transport as mentioned above.
- Mineral Water in coach during the surface journey only.
- Bhutan government Royalty Fee of € 65 per person/per night as per the present rules.
- Visa Fee of US$ 20 per person as per the present rates.
- Bhutan Tourism Development Fee of € 10 per person as per the present rules.
- Surcharge in case of 01 person traveling @ € 40 per person/per night and € 30 per person/per night in case of 02 people.
- Inter-line permits as required.
Rates do not include the following :
- Any expenses of personal nature such as laundry, table drinks, telephone calls, etc
- Any tips or gratuities either at airport/hotel or to driver/guide.
- Any airfare, quoted seperately which changes as per the period.
- Any insurance of any kind.
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