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Bhutan – The Last Himalayan Kingdom
Duration
Overview
A land of snow-capped peaks, enormouslakes and green terraced valleys Mystic and magic of the valleys and cultural identity that is well preserved and cherished by locals Dzong architecture, a type of massive fortress featuring courtyards, Buddhists monasteries, offices and towers
Detailed Itinerary
Fly from Delhi / Kolkata / Kathmandu to Paro. Arrive at Paro Airport and transfer to Timphu (2,320 m / 7,655 ft). Relish the magnificent views of the ancient monasteries and stupas, in the valleys and mountain tops.
Make a trip to the Arts and Crafts school and the Traditional Medicine Institute. Visit the Memorial Chorten built in memory of late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the Father of Modern Bhutan. Youngsters can hike up to see Thimphu Valley to get a spectacular view of the countryside.
Drive to Phobjikha Valley in Black Mountain Natural Park. It is the winter home to rare and endangered black-necked cranes that come in large flocks from Tibet and China. You can also catch a glimpse of other wild animals including wild boar, barking deer, black bear, red fox and leopard.
Go to Nature Education center and the Sacred Gangtey Monastery that dominates the valley. Thereafter, head towards Central Bhutan and stay overnight in Trongsa.
Do a sightseeing trip of Trongsa, the ancestral home of Bhutan’s Royal Family. Trongsa Dzong, is the best sited dzong in Bhutan. It was first built in 1648 and later enlarged. It is strategically located on the only connecting route between the Eastern and Western sectors. Go to the ancient watch tower of Ta Dzong, above the town and then drive Bumthang via Chumey Valley that is renowned for tales of Guru Padmasambhava. Check out Jakar Dzong, the Castle of White Bird.
Bumthang consists of the four main valleys of Chumey, Tang, Ura and Chhoekhor. It is very different from the other valleys in Bhutan. It is spacious and open; ranging in altitude, from 2,600 to 4,000 m / 8,530 to 13,125 ft. It is supposedly in the shape of the vessel of holy water that is found on the altar of a lhakhang. Hike around there to soak in the view.
Go further East towards into Ura Valley, at an altitude of 3,100 m / 10,170 ft for a day trip. This ancient village has retained a medieval atmosphere. You must visit Ura Village and the Temple.
Enjoy a full day drive to Punakha with sightseeing en-route. Overnight stay in Punakha.
Punakha was Bhutan’s winter capital for over 300 years.ShabdrungNawang Namgyal, the first political-religious leader of Bhutan built Punakha Dzong in 1637. He unified Bhutan as a nation and as a cultural identity. In the afternoon drive back to Paro where you go to the DrukGyal Dzong and Kyichu Lakhang Temple, dating back to the 8th century.
In the morning hike up to Taktsang, popularly known as Tiger’s Nest Monastery (3,100 m / 10,170 ft). It is revered as one of the holiest Himalayan pilgrimage place. Head back to Paro and visit the National Museum.
Enjoy a full day trip to Haa Valley, “The hidden-land rice valley” and then drive across to Pelela Pass and enjoy the scenic view of the valley. Stay overnight in Paro.
Head back from Paro to Delhi / Kolkata / Kathmandu.