Arrive in Paro. Visit the National Museum, located on a ridge, overlooking the Rinpung Dzong. Unlike the rectangular shape of the Dzongs, Ta Dzong is conical, more like that of a European castle, since 1967 the Dzong was re-established as the National Museum and holds a fascinating collection of art, relics thangkha paintings and Bhutans’s Exquisite stamps. Rinpung Dzong, also known as the “ fortress of the heap of jewels.” It was built during the time of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 after the small Hungrel fortress built by Lam Drung Drung was offered to Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel.
Hike to Taktsang Gompa. This monastery is built on a cliff, it is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and mediated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognized as most sacred and visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. The Monastery built in 1692 caught fire on 19th April 1998, it was renovated later.From the road point the hike up to Taktsang, on a well maintained path, is quite uphill and it takes 4-5 hours at an average walking speed for to & fro journey. Visit the Kyichu Lhakhang, this is one of the 108 temples built by the Tibetan Songtsen Gyampo in the 7th Centuryto subdue the ogress that lay across the whole of the Himalayas. This temple has a orange tree that bears fruits, which is quite amazing because no where in the valley you can find orange tree bearing fruits. Drugyal Dzong this Dzong, with a delightful village nestling at its foot, was built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over the Tibetans invasions. The Dzong caught fire in 1951 and now it only remains as ruin.
Drive Paro - Thimphu. Visit Simtokha Dzong, seven kms away from Thimphu city, it was built in 1629 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, today it houses the school for Buddhist studies. the Memorial Chorten built in 1974 by Her Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who is popularly regarded as the Father of Modern Bhutan. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide deep ingight into Buddhist philosophy. The chorten is one of the most visited religious structures in Thimphu. and the Changangkha temple, built in the 12th century on a site chosen by Lam Phojo Drugom Zhigpo, who came from Ralung, Tibet. It is an old fortress like temple perched on a ridge above the Thimphu and it has a beautiful view of Thimphu from the Courtyard. The main chapel houses a unique statue of the seated Avalokiteshvara, the Buddha of Compassion. the Post Office, where you can see varieties of stamps collection, postcards etc. Visit the paper factory where you can see the production of the original Bhutanese paper & drive up to the BBS tower view point, from this point you can see the entire city of Thimphu, evening would be best time to view. Visit the mini Takin zoo, Takin is the national animal of Bhutan.After 5 pm visit the TashichhoeDzong, initially erected in 1702 by Sherab Wangchuk, the 13th Desi and later in 1955 after moving the capital to Thimphu from Punakha, this Dzong was redesigned and sections were rebuilt. It houses the main secretariat building and the central monk body.
Drive Paro - Thimphu. Visit Simtokha Dzong, seven kms away from Thimphu city, it was built in 1629 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, today it houses the school for Buddhist studies. the Memorial Chorten built in 1974 by Her Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who is popularly regarded as the Father of Modern Bhutan. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide deep ingight into Buddhist philosophy. The chorten is one of the most visited religious structures in Thimphu. and the Changangkha temple, built in the 12th century on a site chosen by Lam Phojo Drugom Zhigpo, who came from Ralung, Tibet. It is an old fortress like temple perched on a ridge above the Thimphu and it has a beautiful view of Thimphu from the Courtyard. The main chapel houses a unique statue of the seated Avalokiteshvara, the Buddha of Compassion. the Post Office, where you can see varieties of stamps collection, postcards etc. Visit the paper factory where you can see the production of the original Bhutanese paper & drive up to the BBS tower view point, from this point you can see the entire city of Thimphu, evening would be best time to view. Visit the mini Takin zoo, Takin is the national animal of Bhutan.After 5 pm visit the TashichhoeDzong, initially erected in 1702 by Sherab Wangchuk, the 13th Desi and later in 1955 after moving the capital to Thimphu from Punakha, this Dzong was redesigned and sections were rebuilt. It houses the main secretariat building and the central monk body.
Drive Thimphu - Punakha. Visit Punakha Dzong, the Dzong was built in 1637 and it was named as Pungthang Dechen Phodrang( Palace of Great happiness).The war materials captured during the Tibetan invasion can be found inside the Dzong. It is beautifully located in between the two rivers called Pho( Male) and Mo( Female) Chhu( River).It was the capital of Bhutan till 1955.It continues to be the winter residence of the Je-Khenpo( Chief Abbot) and the central monk body. Chimi Lhakhang :Chi-med lhagang it is a small 15th century temple famous for its fertility endowments/rites due to the blessings of Lam Drukpa Kuenley. The Temple houses the Lam’s iron bow and arrow, a small altar chorten made by him and some of his personal effects and scriptures. A wooden effigy of Drukpa Kuenley’s male organ is used to bless pilgrims, particularly childless couples
Drive Punakha - Gangtey. The Black Necked Crane centre and Gangtey Gompa Gangtey is a beautiful place of rolling hills and green meadows surrounded by snow-capped mountains. It is at an altitude of 3000m. From Gangtey, one can closely view the picturesque Black Mountain ranges as well as the beautiful Phobjikha valley. Gangtey Gompa is perched atop a small hill that rises from the valley floor. The monastery is surrounded by a large village inhabited mainly by the families of the 140 Gomchens (Lay Monks). The Gangtey Gompa is the only Nyingmapa Monastery on the western side of the Black mountains and is also the biggest of its kind. Gangtey is also the winter home for the famous Black Necked Cranes who migrate here from Tibet during the winter months. While the cranes reside in the valley for 4/5 months the village folks are not allowed to make loud noises or fish in the river that runs through the valley. At Gangtey, you get to visit the Gangtey Monastery and the Black Necked Crane centre. Overnight Evening hike back to hotel
Drive Gangtey - Bumthang ,the drive is very exciting with the crossing of Pelela. On the way, you will come across Rukhubji village which has the shape of a giant snake, after crossing this village you will come across Chendebji chorten situated on a river confluence.
Visit Jambay Lhakhang,This is one of the 108 temples built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo on the same day as Paro Kichu Lhakhang.The temple hosts Guru Joyo Jampa, the future Buddha as its main statue. One of the most sacred festivals Jampey Lhakhang Drup takes place here every year. visit the Kurjey lhakang,the name ‘Kurjey’translates into ‘kur’ means body and’ Jey’ means print.Guru Rinpoche has left his body print on a rock inside the main, old Kurjey Lhakhang. The big cypress tree is believed to be the walking stick of Guru Rinpoche. The great Guru also created a holy water hole beside the temple which people frequent either for religious or medical purposes. the Tamshing Gompa, This Lhakhang is located opposite Kurjey Lhakhang on the other side of the river, it was founded in 1501 by Terton Pema Lingpa. The temple was restored at the end of the 19th century. Konchogsum Lhakhang, Then visit kunchosum lhakhang and membertsho (the flaming lake) in fact it is a gorge where the river runs through but the story says that pema lingpa discovered religious text from this lake. Jakar Dzong, it is built on a ridge overlooking the valley. Inside the Dzong there still remains the tunnel which was used to fetch water during war. It is believed that Lam Ngagi Wangchuk had chosen the site for the construction of the Dzong.Ja’means bird and Kar means white. Later in 1646, Choegyal Minjur Tempa enlarged the Dzong.
Drive Bumthang - Mongar :After Breakfast the drive will take you through the pine forests keeping the Jakar Dzong view behind us. Taking a half hour drive you will cross the Tang Chu climbing towards and through Tangsebi village. The drive reaches Ura valley the highest and most eastern part of Bumthang. It takes around 2 hours drive through blue pine trees, villages and onto the high pass of sheltheng la 3600m/11800 ft. Looking towards the north in clear weather one can see the high white Gangkar Punsum (7541m/2974ft) the highest peak in Bhutan. The landscape of Ura valley is different from that of the others, with round sweeping slopes, fertile pastures and wide fields. At the bottom you will see the large and unusual village with its cluster of big houses united by the paved flagstone alleys, a rare sight in Bhutan. The big community monastery dominates the village. It is dedicated to Guru Rimpoche (the great teacher). The drive from here will take you through the National Park. There is also the Rhododendron Flower Park this way (only worth seeing in spring time). Today you will cross the highest point of the road in Bhutan. The Thrumshing La Pass at around 3800 m. and you will see a lot of changes in vegetation and villages. Overnight at the lodge in Mongar.
Drive Mongar - Trashigang :After breakfast visit Mongar Dzong, this was established in 1930’s. Drive to Trashigang, crossing a low pass between these two Districts called Kori – La Pass 2400 m. You will go through villages like Yedi and cross the Chazam, the iron Bridge. Trashigang is considered to be one of the Biggest Districts in Bhutan and it holds the headquarters of Trashigang. The 3rd Temporal Ruler of Bhutan Menjyur Tempa built it in the 17th century overlooking the convergence of Drangme Chu & the Gambri Chu. Overnight in the hotel, Trashigang
Visit Gom Kora which is 53 kms away from Trashigang. It is the small temple in the east and its correct name is Gomphu Kora. Gomphu means the sacred meditation site of Guru Padmasamva and Kora means circumambulation. The Guru meditated here and left a body impression on the rock and drive to Trashigang.
Drive Trashigang - Bumthang :After breakfast follow the same route back to Mongar and having free time on this day, explore anything you have missed
Drive Bumthang - Wangdi. On the way visit Trongsa Dzong ,a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture. Built in 1647, it is the most impressive Dzong in Bhutan. Also see Ta Dzong, the watchtower built to defend this Dzong now houses the Museum.
Visit Wangduephodrang Dzong ,founded by Shabdrung in 1639,where we will stop to visit the remarkable Wangduephodrang Dzong, stretched along a spur at the confluence of two rivers. We will also see along the journey the local village houses, to gain insight into the lifestyle of the people and drive to Paro
Excursion to Haa Valley crossing the highest pass in the western region, chelela 3820m. Visit lhakhang karpo and Chundu Lhakhang dedicated to protective deity. and drive back to Paro
Day free until departure transfer to the airport for onwards journey
