Day 1 : Arrival
and Sight Seeing
Flying to Bhutan is one of the most remarkable experiences one
can have. Remarkable becuase of the enchanting and rare views
of Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Jhomolhari,
Mt. Jichu Drake and Mt. Tsrim Gang towering above the cloud
lines. At the Paro airport, one will be greeted by Bhutan's
unpolluted fresh air and smile of the experienced guides who
will be taking care of you throughout your stay in Bhutan. Paro
is one of the most beautiful valleys in the country with abundant
paddy fields and meandering Pachhu river flowing through. It
has country's only Mesuem and the Airport. It is also rich in
culture and history - from massive Drukgyel Dzong (now in ruin)
to the most beautiful Taktshang Monastery (Tiger's Nest, a blessed
by glorious Guru Rimpoche in 8th Century) and many others.
Day 2: Paro - Thimphu:
Driving from Paro - Thimphu (Capital City) takes around 2 hours
for 54km through a mountanious road. Enroute to Thimphu, there
are ample sight seeing opportunities. Thimphu is a young city
with a modern development history of just around 3 decades.
It was primarily an agricultural valley dotted with many Dzongs
and Monateries.
Day 3: Thimphu - Punakha :
A drive to Punakha from Thimphu is said to be very interesting
owing to different landscapes rich in flora and fauna. Journey
starts from Thimphu valley and ascends till Dochula pass from
where one can witness the Great Bhutanese Himalayan Ranges.
Dochula pass is a home to many beautiful stupas from different
eras, ancient to modern. Descending to Punakha valley is most
refreshing as one passes through cool and warm broadleaf forest
within a short span of time.
Day 4: Punakha - Bumthang:
A journey from Punakha to Bumthang will be done using the East
- West Lateral Highway which has a traffic volume of only about
100 vehicles per day. Asian Development Bank which has funded
the rehabilitation of this highway considers the highway as
sunken cost as there is very little traffic with almost zero
economic return. Yet this highway is seen as a lifeline to the
people of eastern Bhutan. Along the highway, there are number
of cultural and historical sites such as Wangdue Dzong, Pelela
pass, Chendebji, Trongsa and Yotongla pass. The highway passes
through some of the most sensitive ecological areas which harbours
rare and endemic flora and fauna of Bhutan.
Day 5: Bumthang
Bumthang is considered as the heartland of Bhutanese Mahayana/
Tantric buddhism. The Bumthang valley is virtually surrounded
from all sides by Temples and monasteries where monks and nuns
master the buddhist philosophy. It is believed that Buddhism
was introduced in Bumthang by Guru Padma Sambhava, the great
Tantric Master. Hence it is one of the most sacred pilgrimage
sites in Bhutan. Other hand, Swiss aid workers affectionately
call Bumthang as second switzerland.
Day 6: Bumthang - Ura
Ura is the valley of sheperds and Yak herders. It has the finest
examples of clusttered settlements in Bhutan. The people in
the valley observe a unique festival which is held sometimes
in April. It is the center of attraction for many visitors.
Ura is in close proximity to Thrumshingla National Park. Hence,
there are possibilities of seeing number of wild animals and
unique apline flowers.
Day 7: Ura - Trongsa
Trongsa is centrally located with impressive and large Dzong/fotress
overlooking the rapidly flowing Mangdechhu river. It was once
the center and seat of Bhutanese political power in ancient
time. The lineage of present monarchy rose to the power from
this very seat.
Day 8: Trongsa - Wangdue
Enroute to Wangdue, excursion to the valley of Black-necked
Cranes is irresistible. It is here, every winter, the most endangered
and rare Black-necked Crane spend their winters escaping the
harsh winter of Tibet/China.
Day 9: Wangdue - Paro
Return to Paro. While in Paro, there are possibilities of arranging
varities of social and cultural entertainments which includes
witnessing Rare Mask Dances and watching traditional sports.
Day 10:
Drive to Paro airport. All necessary assistance will be provided
till you depart.
Tashi Delek and Thank you |
