The tiny Kingdom of Bhutan in the Eastern Himalaya, or the 'Thunder Dragon Kingdom', has successfully remained isolated from the outside world for many centuries. Only at the time of the previous King's coronation (1974) was the first trickle of foreigners allowed in.
Prior to the building of the road from India to Thimphu even visiting Indian presidents took 6 days on horseback to visit the King. It still remains a secretive Kingdom and the new king is keen to preserve its unique customs and traditions.
Its history is a capsule of all that is mystical about the Himalaya; re-incarnate rulers who used black magic to defeat Tibetan aggressors, lama-saints who foretold the future and who fought demons opposed to the spread of Buddhism, and civil wars between powerful district governors, or Penlops, who laid plot and counter-plot in an endless cycle of strife and assassinations.You will travel in Toyota luxury bus OR similar but the drives are on twisting mountain roads and over passes. By its nature it is an unpredictable, challenging adventure to a place that is only just emerging into the twentieth century.
GLIMPSES OF BHUTAN
Day 01: BKK /PARO - Sightseeing Paro: This beautiful valley encapsulates a rich culture, scenic beauty and hundreds of myths and legends. It is home to many of Bhutan's oldest temples and monasteries, the country's only airport, and the National Museum. Mt. Jumolhari (7,300m) reigns in white glory at the northern end of the valley, its glacial waters plunging through deep gorges to form the Pa Chu (Paro river). The Paro valley is one of the kingdom's most fertile, producing the bulk of Bhutan's famous red rice from its terraced fields. On your arrival, the representative of the tour company will met and transfer to your hotel.
After a relaxed morning we then continue for the first sightseeing of the valley: 1. National Museum (Ta Dzong) which was once used as the watchtower for the Dzong. 2. Paro Rimpung Dzong, one of Bhutan's most impressive and well-known Dzongs. (The walk from Dzong to the old traditional covered wooden bridge takes you 10 minutes and is worth a beautiful walk downhill) 3. Kyichu Lhakhang, the oldest Buddhist temple in Bhutan, built in the 7th century by the first king of Tibet. Afternoon free to stroll in the town on your own. Overnight in Hotel
Day 02: Paro - Thimphu (Sightseeing) After breakfast drive to Thimphu, the capital. On nyour drive to Thimphu the capital town of Bhutan, you will pass by the Tachog Lhakhang founded by Thangthong Gyalpo who is popularly known as Iron chain bridge builder. Thimphu: The capital town with a population of just about 80,000 people is the center of government, religion and commerce; Thimphu is a lively place, an interesting combination of tradition and modernity. Home to civil servants, expatriates and the monk body, Thimphu maintains a strong national character in its architectural style. A day to explore the sites of this least visited of Himalayan capitals & your visit includes:
National Memorial Chorten: Originally the vision of Bhutan's third king, H.M. Jigme Dorji Wangchuck ("the father of modern Bhutan"), who had wished to erect a monument to world peace and prosperity, but was unable to give shape to his idea in his lifetime. After His Majesty's untimely death in 1972, the Royal families resolved to fulfill his wishes and erect a memorial that would perpetuate his memory and also serve as a monument to peace and was later consecrated on July 28, 1974. The finely executed wall paintings and delicately fashioned statues within the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.
Changangkha Lhakhang: which is focus of daily worship for many Thimphu residents. Motithang mini zoo where you can see the National animal of Bhutan called "Takin" Drupthob Nunnery monastery. One of the oldest living institutions for the Nuns founded by His Holiness the Dilgo Khantsye Rinpoche in the early 1970's. Other highlight includes the visit to Changlimithang archery Ground to see the national game of Bhutan.
National Library: Established in the late 1960s primarily to conserve the literary treasures which form a significant part of Bhutan's cultural heritage. It now houses an extensive collection of Buddhist literature mostly in block-printed format, with some works several hundred years old. This collection, known as the Choekey Collection, mainly comprises Buddhist literature written in Choekey, the religious script of Northern Buddhism, but also includes works written in Tibetan and in Dzongkha, Bhutan's national language. Handicraft emporium: where you can see and purchased the unique textiles of Bhutan General post office if you are interested in stamps. It has beautiful collection of stamps Traditional handmade paper factory: the old traditional method of making paper, which is the living art of Bhutan's 13 different arts & crafts. Tashichhodzong: The "fortress of the glorious religion" was initially erected in 1641 and rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the 1960s. Tashichhodzong houses some ministries, His Majesty's secretariat, and the central monk body. It is open to visitors after 5 pm after the office hours.
Day 03: Thimphu - Punakha Sightseeing. This morning drive to Punakha, (approx 3- 4 hours), the old winter capital. The drive climbs a series of zigzags over the Dochu La Pass, 10,500ft/3,200m. The views of the eastern Himalayas can be seen on the clear day. Dochu la is also marked with 100 Stupas, which are beautifully designed on a small hillock. The road drops down through varied forest finally emerging into the highly cultivated Punakha valley.
Punakha: served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and still it the winter seat of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot). Blessed with a temperate climate and fed by the Pho Chu (male) and Mo Chu (female) rivers, Punakha is the most fertile valley in the country.
Visit to Punakha Dzong located on the confluence of the Mo (female) & Pho (male) Chu rivers. The Dzong built in 1637 AD houses the district administration offices and is also the winter residence of the State Monastic Body and its Chief Abbot, the Je Khenpo. Punakha was the former capital of Bhutan.
A short 30 minutes gradual walk to Chimi Lhakhang, built by Drukpa Kuenley's popularly known as the "Divine Madman" It is famous for the fact that infertile women visit this temple to pray for children. Overnight in Hotel
THE "DIVINE MADMAN" - Drukpa Kuenley (1455-1520) In Bhutanese mythology, Drukpa Kuenley is one of the most beloved and revered sages of Tibetan Buddhism. Many are the legends that surround him and he followed a wandering lifestyle and was both an eccentric and a highly regarded saint. He was renowned for his shocking behavior and his ability to perform miracles. He talked a form of Tantric Buddhism and advocated that sexual freedom was at the centre of Truth. The wooden phalluses that hang from the corners of Bhutanese houses and the paintings of penises that you often see on either side of the front door of houses are a relic of his teachings.
Day 04: Punakha - Paro Drive back to Paro. En route visit Wangduephodrang Dzong, which is perched on a spur at the confluence of two rivers. The position of the Dzong is remarkable as it completely covers the spur and commands an impressive view both up and down the valley. Wangdue district is famous for its fine bamboo work, stone carvings, and slates. Tonight, we organize typical Bhutanese dinner and the cultural programme with the Bhutanese host as we say goodbye to this magical kingdom.
Day 05: Paro - Departure After breakfast drive to the Airport for your departure
Druk Path Trek is one of the popular treks in Bhutan. The trek usually begins from paro and ends in Thimphu or vice versa. It is a short and scenic trek with some of the best views of the Himalayan Mountains .....
