Happiness with Butter Tea

Day 1 27.43° N, 89.42 °E (2200Mts)
Arrival in Paro Airport.
Drive towards Thimphu.
Check-in to the hotel in Thimphu on arrival. Visit few places of interest

Itinerary/Program
National Memorial Chorten (Stupa)
This well-known landmark in Thimphu was build in 1974 in the memory of the third king by his mother. This Stupa serves as an important place of work ship and religious gatherings for the locals of Thimphu. One of the picturesque location in Thimphu.

Buddha Dordenma Statue
This siting Buddha bronze and gilded in gold statue majestically stands at a height of 51.5m, overlooking the Thimphu Valley. It was recognized as the tallest sitting Buddha statue in the world. Inside this gigantic Buddha, sits another 100,000 smaller Buddha statues. This place serves as an important religious event gathering place in the country.

Takin Enclosure
The national animal of Bhutan, Takin is an interesting specimen. Known locally as “Drong gim tse”. Legend has it that the Buddhis yogi, Drukpa Kuenley created this animal with his powers. This species of animal is found in high ranges of the Himalayas including Bhutan and india.

Day 2: Thimphu Bhutan
After breakfast we drive towards the Buddha Point, from here you will hike on the Kuensel Phodrang trail ( 3hours)
After the hike we will head to town for a local lunch at a Bhutanese restaurant. In the afternoon we will visit the institute of traditional arts, the local farmers market and the Dzong.

Itinerary/Program

Kuensel Phodrang Hike
This trail starts from the Buddha Dordenma point. You will hike through the forest area towards Changgankha temple overlooking the Thimphu Valley. With clean air and birds chirping sounds, this trail takes around 3 hours light hike.

National Institute of Zorig Chusum
The National institute of traditional arts and craft offers training courses to the youth in the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. This institute plays an important role in the preservation of traditional culture and also the promotion of the National heritage. Skill set such as painting, wood carving, weaving etc… are taught in this institute overseen by the Ministry of Education. There is a shop in the institute that sells the products made by the students for the guests.

Centenary Farmers Market
A visit to this beautiful farmers market is crucial. Local produce are brought here by the farmers as well as produce from the nebighouring country. The residents of Thimphu are dependent on the local farmers for their daily vegetables, cereals and fresh produce needs.

Tashichhodzong Visit
Your first glimpse and experience of a Bhutanese Dzong in this journey. In the afternoon after our programs are completed we will visit the Thimphu Dzong. This gigantic fortress structure houses the office of the King and the residence of the head abbot and the monk body. Located next to the Thimphu river, it functions as the summer residence of the central monastic body. The popular annual Thimphu Tshechu festival is hosted in the court house of this Dzong.

Swiss Restaurant Dinner
We have the opportunity to taste Swiss food in this restaurant before we embark on our journey next day towards other cantons. A good conversation with Mr. Tshering Maurer the chef and owner over dinner. He is the first generation of Swiss Bhutanese. Son of Mr. Fritz Maurer, Tshering runs his Swiss restaurant in Thimphu with his wife.

Day 3: Punakha Bhutan
27.5921° N, 89.8797° E (1350mts)

After breakfast and check out, you will start your journey towards Punakha. (3hours) Dochu La Pass Visit
Coffee break at Dochula Pass and visit the 108 stupas.
Visit to the Diving Madman Temple ( Chimmi Lhakhang), Punakha Punakha Dzong visit
Itinerary/Program Dochula Pass
Dochula Pass divides Punakha from Thimphu. La means High Pass in Bhutanese. From the
pass one can view the breathtaking glance of the Himalayan range. Perched at an elevation of 3100mts one can on a clear day, view the tallest un-climbed mountain in the world and other Bhutanese majestic peaks. Druk Wangyel Chorten. These 108 stupas was commissioned in 2003 by the queen mother after the Country witnessed skirmish with insurgents in the Southern border. Led by the fourth King, the mission was a success. As a tribute to the soldiers who lost their life this 108 stupas were consecrated and a yearly special mask dance festival is organized in this vicinity.

Chhimi Lhakhang
This monastery was built in 1499 by Ngawang Choegyel. It was built after the place was blessed by the divine madman saint, Drukpa Kuenley. The temple sits atop the hill overlooking Lobesa valley. This temple has significant importance to the Bhutanese. The temple is also called the temple of fertility. People come to this temple to get blessing from a special wooden phallus, in-order to have success in conceiving a child. As tale of this fertility temple spread, a lot of childless people both locals and foreigners have made visits here for blessing and had children.

Punakha Dzong
“ The Palace of Great Happiness” is located at the confluence of the river, Phochhu and the Mochhu ( Male and female river) it was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal
( 1594-1651). This dzong houses the residence of the monk body of Punakha as well as the winter residence of the central monk body. The government offices of Punakha are also inside the dzong. This dzong holds historic significance in the country. As per tradition all the Kings are crowned here in this dzong. The wedding of the current king was also held here. In this Dzong there are centuries old statue of the Buddha, Guru Rinpoche and Zhabdrung.

Day 4 Punakha

Khamsum Yuell Namgyal Temple visit
Rafting down Pho Chu
Local Market visit
Technical Training Institute Visit
Khuruthang Nunnery visit

Itinerary/ Program

Khamsum Yuelle Namgyel Temple Visit
This 3 storey temple was recently commissioned by Her majesty the Queen Mother, Tshering Yangden Wangchuck. This temple houses representations of tantric Buddhist deities from Bhutan. The temple was built for the protection and prosperity of the country and the current king. The temple sits atop a hill and provides a excellent view of the valley below.

Rafting down the Pho Chhu
The male river “ Pho Chhu” flows from the glaciers in the Lunana region and meanders down the punakha valley till it joins with the Mo Chhu ( Female river) at the confluence of the Dzong. A 16km down river rafting from the road point takes you all the way down at the edge of the Punakha Dzong. Rapids of class 2 and 4 can be experience on this stretch. The rafting experience takes you down the meandering river with breath taking scenery and a joyful experience.

Technical Training Institute Visit
After rafting and having a hearty lunch by the river front, next you will visit the technical training institute in Khuruthang. Skill like, welding, electrical and mechanical courses are offered here by the Ministry. A visit here will show you how the Bhutanese youth are trained and taught in technical skills.

Sangchhen Dorji Nunnery
A visit to this nunnery gives you an idea of the practice of Buddhism by Nuns. Consecrated in 2010, by Yab Ugyen Dorji and Yum Thuji zam( maternal grandparents of the current king). As this region did not have any nunnery, the Yab stressed for a place of workship for the nuns benefit, hence on this sacred land. The nunnery was build. Today it houses around 200 nuns, their hostels and classes.

Day 5: Phobjikha Bhutan
27.4594° N, 90.1802°E ( 3000 Mts)

After check out you will be driven towards Phobjikha Valley ( 2hours)
Visit Gangtey Monastery.
Gangtey natural trail hike.
Dinner at Local house with hot-stone bath experience

Itinerary/Program

Gangtey Goenpa Monastery
After check-out you will then head towards Phobjikha Valley. The drive takes around 2 hours. The beautiful monastery of Gangtey Goemba sits perched atop a verdant hillock in Wangdue Phodrangs Phobjika Valley. The monastery is one of the school of Nyingma tradition of Buddhism. As per the prophesy of Terton Pema Lingpa, his grandson Pema Trinle ( 1564-1642) built the monastery at the present site.
Phobjikha valley is famous as the winter nesting ground of black-necked cranes which migrate there from Tibet. A popular legend states that they circle the Gangteng Monastery three times on their final landing approach, then do the same upon departure at the season.

Gangtey Natural Trail Hike ( 4km)
After visit to the Monastery, a short hike down the Gangtey Natural Trail leads you towards the wide open valley of Phobjikha. This hike down takes you through the pine forest leading towards the valley. A beautiful scenery of Phobjikha valley on the right side of the trail gives you the view of the pristine marsh lands where the black neck crane roosts during season.

The Black Neck Crane Center
This center was built by the Royal Society for Protection of Nature. The crane center will give you abundant insight about this magnificent bird, its travel pattern, roosting and the number of crane visits to the valley every year.

Local farm House Dinner & Hot-Stone Bath
To end the day after a grueling hike and walk around the valley, a traditional hot-stone bath awaits you at a local farm house. With relaxed muscles and vibe after this bath, a traditional Bhutanese meal with local homemade organic spirit will awaken your taste buds. After dinner you will be headed back to your hotel.

Day 6:Trongsa 27.5002°N 90.5081°E (2200mts)
After check-out you will be driven towards the next destination of Trongsa. 2 hours drive.
Visit Chendebji Stupa on-route.
In Trongsa visit to the splendid Trongsa Dzong.
Local Farmers Market visit.

Itinerary/Program

Chendbeji Stupa
This Stupa lies on-route to Trongsa, Chendebju Chorten was built in the sytle of Nepalese stupa
such as the famous Boudhanath in Kathmandu. It was built around the 18th century by Lam Oensey Tshering Wangchuk, to repel the demon Ngala.

Trongsa Dzong
Trongsa Dzong is the largest dzong in Bhutan. Built on a spur overlooking the gorge of Mangde River. A temple was first established at the location in 1543 by lam Nagi Wangchuk. In 1647, zhabdrung constructed the first dzong. The dzong has been renovated in 1927 and 1999. Today it holds office of the dzongkhag of Trongsa and the monastic body. The kings of Bhutan prior to their crowning, are given the title of Trongsa Penlop in this dzong.

Farmers Market
There is a small bustling local farmers market, which caters to the local community of Trongsa town. A visit there will see many farmers bringing their produce to sell.

Day 7: Bumthang, Bhutan 27.5493° N, 90.7538 °E (2500mts)

After check-out you will travel towards Bumthang Dzongkhag. (2hours)
Trongsa Ta Dzong( Watch tower) visit, converted into a museum.
On-route to Chamkhar town visit the Technical Training Institute in Chumey.
Visit Jakar Dzong.

Itinerary/Program

Trongsa Dzong watch tower Museum.
The Ta Dzong, which overlooks the Dzong, used to function as a watch tower for the dzong in earlier times. Today it has been converted to a Museum. There are eleven galleries’ inside this Museum dedicated to Buddhist masters, saints and the current the monarchy lineage.

Technical Training Institute Chumey (TTIC)
Visit to this training institute on route to Chamkhar town. This institute has had close relation with Switzerland. The company WALO from Switzerland, has over the years supported this institute in terms of tools donation, trainings and exchange programs and contributed significantly in bringing changes to this institute.

Day 8: Chamkhar Bumthang

Itinerary/Program

Jakar Dzong
The Jakar Dzong houses the monastic body of Bumthang region and the government offices. This fortress was built by lam Nagi Wangchuck (1517-1554). Oral history mentions that a white bird perched on-top of the current location of the dzong, signified the local head monks looking for a place to construct the dzong on this place.

Kurjey Monastery Visit
Kurjey Lhakhang is one of the most holy and sacred Buddhist site in the country. The temple is surrounded by 108 chorten walls. The temple has three revered lhakhangs in its surroundings. A Magnificent architecture of Buddhist temple one can see.

Jampay Lhakhang
The Jampa Temple of Maitrey Buddha is located in Bumthang. It is said to be one of the 108 temples built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in 659 AD. . Visiting this sacred temple in the month of November, visitors can witness the traditional dance called ‘Ter-Chaam’ which is practised only by women seeking for babies.
Kenchosum Lhakhang
Kenchosum Lhakgang known as Tsilung is a Buddhist Monastery in Bumthang valey. The monastery was founded around 1039. The modern structure is truly magnificently built and one of the important monasteries in Bumthang.

Day 9 Bumthang Tang

Itinerary/program

Visit to ”Membar Tsho” (the Burning Lake)
Day Excrusion to Tang Valley
Ogyen Choling Musuem visit Tang

Membar Tsho
Membar Tsho, is a holy site, revered as the place where Pema Lingpa, Bhutan’s great treasur revealer (Terton) discovered several of Guru Rinpoches hidden treasure texts.

Ogyen Choling Musuem Tang
This manor was built in 1898, a historic, cultural site with its origin going back to the 14th Century. The central tower of the manor was converted to become the first private museum in Bhutan. it was opened in 2001.
Day 10: Wangduephodrang Bhutan

Drive towards Wangduephodrang ( 5hours)
Visit to the Wangduephodrang Dzong

Today you will be driving back to Wangduephodrang. In the afternoon a visit to the Wangdue Dzong would be undertaken.
A rural farm house visit in Wangdue will give you the glimpse of traditional way of life in the village. Set away from the city, this small village overlooks the Wangdue Dzong.
Overnight Stay Wangdue Farm House/ Dragon Nest Resort, Wangduephodrang Dzongkhag

Day 11 Thimphu Bhutan

Travel Back to Thimphu (3hours)
Visit Simtokha Dzong
Leisure at Thimphu

Today you will drive back to Thimphu across dochula pass.

Simtokha Dzong
A 16th century dzong built by Zhabdrung atop a hill, majestically looking the Thimphu valley. Leisure in Thimphu/Hotel

Day 12 Paro Bhutan

Drive towards Paro. ( 2hour)
Visit Tachog Monastery on-route.
National Museum Paro.
Paro Rimpung Dzong visit.

Tachog Monastery
Tachog Lhakhang is one of the several temples build by the Tibetan king Thangtong Gyalpo ( 1385- 1464) known as the “Iron Bridge builder” for his engineering works including chain-link suspension bridges. Around 1433 he build the “Tamchog Chakzam” “Iron Bridge” to commute from both direction. The temple perched on the hill top has been in the hands of his descendants who comprise of the Tachog Choeje, one of the noble families of Paro. The temple was burnt down in the 17th Century and rebuilt.

National Museum
A visit to the national Museum of Bhutan is a must for all travelers. This place was used as a watch tower in earlier times for the dzong. Now it houses as the national museum.

Paro Rinpung Dzong
Paro Dzong functions as the office of the district and residence of the monastic body of Paro. It is a beautiful dzong overlooking the Paro river.
Leisure at Paro town.

Day 13 Paro Bhutan

Hike to tigers nest

Today you will hike to the famous Tigers Nest monastery in Paro. Located towards the north side of Paro Dzongkhag. ( 4 hours)
Drugyel Dzong Visit
A visit to this old dzong towards the north of paro. This dzong had faced many Tibetan invasions from the north during earlier times. It caught fire numerous times as per history. Now it is being restored to its former glory. One can see mount Jomolhari from this site.
To end the days tiring journey. Dinner will be arranged at a local farm house with Hot-stone bath experience to relax your tired body.

Day 14 Paro Bhutan.

Scenic drive towards Chelela pass. Visit Kichu lhakhang temple.
Leisure time in paro town.
Today you will visit Chelela pass, a scenic drive up the mountains. At round 3000mts, it is the higest motorable pass in Bhutan. A beautiful landscape unfolds and once can see the different vegetation of the high pass. A picnic lunch on this high pass creates the best experience.
After lunch you will visit Kichu Lhakhang monastery. This is one of the oldest temples in the country.

In late afternoon you can visit the town for any shopping. Start packing for the journey back home.

Day 15 Exit Paro