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.
Day 2 Paro Sight Seeing
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 3: 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.
Day 4: Thimphu Sight Seeing
Thimphu is a young city with a modern development history of
just around 3 decades old. It was primarily an agricultural
valley dotted with many Dzongs/Fortress and Monateries. Trashichho
Dzong/Fotress is important one as it houses the central monastic
body and the King of Bhutan. There are number of other important
religious sites in the peripheries of the City. Of which, Tago
has Bhutan's only higher learnign Buddhist institute.
Day 5: 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 6: Punakha - Trongsa:
A journey from Punakha to Trongsa 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 7: Trongsa - Bumthang
A journey from Trongsa to Bumthang is enchanting one. It passes
through high pass of Yotongla and gradually descending towards
to first of valley of Bumthang through lush green forest of
blue pine and Rhododendrons.
Day 8: 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 9: Bumthang - Mongar
Enroute to Mongar, one passes through Thrumshingla National
Park and Thrumshingla pass which is the highest pass by motor
road in Bhutan. The National Park has some of the rarest animals
on the planets ranging from Royal Bengal Tigers to Leopards
and Red Pandas to Himalayan Black Bear, all which are classified
as critically endagered species in the world. The park also
has numerous species of plants which are not yet identified.
Latest discovery from that list is the unique berry which is
now official named as Snowberry. Further, the route encouters
beautiful waterfalls and perhaps the most toughest road to drive
in Bhutan.
Day 10: Mongar - Lhuntse
(Khoma)
Day excursion to the valley of tradiotional handloom village
where weaving is the art of living. It is here the most exotic
and intricate textiles are being produced. Weaving skills have
passed down from generations to generations, family to family
and mother to daughter.
Day 11: Mongar - Trashigang
Route passes through the land of Sharchops (easterners) with
different spoken dialect. Two important landmarks along this
routes are Korila pass and beautiful Yadi zigs through a chirpine
forest. Korila is known for rich habitat. Destination town,
Trashigang is the commercial and economic hub of the Trashigang
and Trashiyangtse. The majestic Trashigang Dzong or Fotress
overlooking the Dangmichhu river is built on top the ridge.
It is the seat of District Administrator and monastic institute.
Day 12: Trashigang - Trashiyangtse
A day excursion to Trashiyangtse is rewarding in terms of religious
and cultural sight seeings. Enroute to Trashiyantse, the sacred
temple dedicated to Guru Padma Sambhava (the great tantric master)
can be witnessed. Trashiyangtse is designated by the Royal Government
of Bhutan as Cultural & Heritage town where only traditional
Bhutanese structures are allowed to built. Further, Trashiyangtse
is only the second confirmed site where rare and endangered
Black-necked Cranes winters. Local cultural and religion is
dominated by large Nepali styled Stupa right at entry of the
town. Every year there is a huge religious gathering commemorating
the victory good over evil spirit.
Day 13: Trashigang - Samdrup
Jongkhar
Drive to Samdrup Jongkha passes through number of settlements
such as Kanglung, Khaling, Womrong, Deothang and other hamlets.
The route traverse through different altitudes with varied vegetations
- from cool temperate - warm broadleaf and finally subtropical
- almost tropical forest. Samdrup Jongkhar located at border
of India and Bhutan, is the gateway to eastern Bhutan.
Day 14: Samdrup Jongkhar - Guhati
(India)
Drive to Paro airport. All necessary assistance will be provided
till you depart.
Tashi Delek and Thank you |
