CULTURAL TOUR
Adventurous West to East
Bhutan Adventurous West to East
21 days of adventurous tours in mysterious Bhutan
What’s included?
All meals, tea and snacks, complementary bottled water in car, hotels, transport, guide, government levy, visa fee, entrance fees, permits and sightseeing. On trek includes – sleeping tents, dinning tents, toilet and shower tents, toilet seats, mats, duffle bags, cooking utensils, all meals, guide, trek chef assistants and horses.
What’s NOT included?
Flight tickets, insurance, tips, drinks and beverages, sleeping bag on trek, laundry, internet, phone and other bills of personal nature.
Day 1
Arrive Paro
During the flight to Paro, you will experience breath taking views of Mount Everest(8848m), Kanchenjunga(8586m) and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Mountain Jhomolhari(7314m) and Jichu Drake(6989m) in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by Bhutan VIP Travel representatives and transfer to hotel for check-in. After lunch, we will visit Paro Dzong and the National Museum. You can also walk through the market in Paro town and meet with the local people. Overnight in Paro.
Day 2
Paro (Hike to Taktshang Monestary)
After early breakfast, we will hike to Taktshang Monastery which is located at about 3100m above the sea level. Literally it means “Tiger’s Lair” and is one of the holiest and most sacred Buddhist temples in the world. It is located in the middle of the cliff offering the best view of Paro valley. The Tantric master Guru Rinpoche, who brought Buddhism to Bhutan transformed into one of his 8 different forms and flew from eastern Bhutan to here and then meditated here in a cave for three months. Before driving back to the hotel, visit the Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songsten Gyembo. Overnight hotel in Paro.
Day 3
Paro – Haa
Today after breakfast, drive to Haa valley which is about 3hour drive over the Chelela Pass at 3810m, the highest motorable pass in Bhutan. From the top, the Pass also offers a spectacular view of both Haa and Paro valley on both sides. Visit the Kila Gomba Nunnery below the Pass which is located on a cliffside and consists of several small temples and retreat huts. The nuns here live in a self-imposed isolation either in meditation or chanting and reading the holy scriptures. After that, visit the White and Black Temples in Haa and stroll through the valley. Overnight at traditional farmhouse in Haa.
Day 4
Haa Valley – Thimphu
The drive from Haa to Thimphu is about 4-5 hours through many small beautiful villages and settlements. Enjoy the ride through the spectacular landscape and stop over for photography all the way to Thimphu. In the afternoon, we will visit the Tashichho Dzong (Fortress of Glorious Religion) and the Centenary Farmers Market (open from Thursday to Sunday) where the farmers from nearby villages come to sell their local goods. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.
Day 5
Thimphu
We will start our sightseeing with visit of Buddha Dordenma, one of the largest Buddha statues in the world. Then to Memorial Chorten and Nunnery Temple to see the statue of Thangthong Gyelpo, one who built iron bridges in Bhutan. After that, visit the National Library where we can check out the copy of the world’s largest published books and the institute for Zorig Chhusum, commonly known as Institute of Thirteen Arts and Crafts, where a six-year training course is given in the 13 traditional arts. Later, visit traditional handmade paper factory. In the evening, spend your leisure time in the town. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 6
Thimphu – Punakha
After breakfast we will drive to Punakha. En route we will stop at Dochula Pass, located at 3100m above sea level. We will spend some time here walking round the 108 stupas. After exploring the pass, we will hike to Lungchu Tsey Temple for about 4hour round trip from Dochu La to see 360 degree view of Himalayan ranges. It is a small temple located at about 3600m above sea level. After lunch, continue drive to Punakha. Overnight hotel in Punakha.
Day 7
Punakha
In the morning, drive to the north of Punakha for about 30 minutes and hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten. The 30m-tall chorten is dedicated to our present king and serves to protect the country. Along the way, we will spot some black pepper plants. Go to the roof of the chorten for fine views of the valley. Afternoon, visit Punakha Dzong which was located on a piece of land between two rivers Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu (literally meaning male and female rivers). It was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel (the first spiritual & political leader of Bhutan) to commemorate the final victory against numerous Tibetan invasions. The Royal Wedding ceremony on 13th October 2011 of the Fifth King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck to Jetsun Pema was conducted in Punakha Dzong. Overnight in Punakha.
Day 8
Punakha – Phobjikha
After breakfast, we will drive to Phobjikha Valley, also called Gangtey Goenpa. Upon arrival, visit Gangtey Goenpa, the only Nyingmapa Monastery in western Bhutan. Later in the afternoon, we can set out for exploratory walk in the vicinity villages and absorb the life of the farmers and will walk further to the Crane Information Centre which has information displays about the Black-Necked Crane which migrate from Tibet to this valley in winter. Overnight in Phobjikha.
Day 9
Phobjikha – Trongsa
Today we will drive to Trongsa. The route is along a spectacular winding road, crossing 3400m high Chele La Pass. If we are lucky, we may see monkeys (macaques) along the roadside looking for food. After lunch, visit Trongsa Dzong, the masterpiece of Bhutanese architectural. Trongsa Museum, the museum is dedicated to our Monarch and also we will see some of the rare antic used by our forefathers. In the late afternoon, browse through the shops in Trongsa town. Overnight in Trongsa.
Day 10
Trongsa – Tang Valley
Following breakfast, we will drive to the most remote of Bumthang’s valleys – Tang Valley. Farmers here grow buckwheat every year and you will get the chance to try the Bumthang buckwheat pancake. The people at Tang Valley also raise sheep and yaks. En route, we will stop at Yotong La Pass (3425m) where we may see yaks. After that, drive down to reach Chumey village and stop at Yathra (Textile Weaving) factory. Yathras are designed with pattern unique to Bumthang and even we can watch some weavers at their looms. Overnight at Ogyen Chholing Palace at Tang valley.
Day 11
Tang Valley – Bumthang
In the morning, visit the museum at Ogyen Chholing Palace which was built in the 16th century by the governor of Trongsa and now is run by a descendant of the Terton Dorji Lingpa.From the museum, hike down to Kizum bridge through blue pine forest where our car will be waiting for us. Then proceed to Bumthang. Later in the afternoon, stroll in the market of Bumthang and try some yak cheese and home based Bumthang Red Panda beer. Overnight hotel in Bumthang
Day 12
Bumthang – Ura Valley
Bumthang is the spiritual heartland of the country. From the 8th Century, Guru Padmasmbhava and numerous religious saints visited Bumthang, subdued the demons and converted these demons into protecting deities. Hence there are numerous temples and monasteries each with its own legend and significance. After breakfast, walk to the three temples, Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang and Tamzhing Lhakhang. If time permits, visit Jakar Dzong. Later in the afternoon, drive to Ura Valley. Overnight guest house in Ura Valley.
Day 13
Ura Valley – Autsho
In the early morning, drive to eastern Bhutan. Eastern Bhutan is very different from the west as it is less developed and most of the houses that you will see are built on the mountain. It is about 7-hour drive from Ura Valley to Autsho through high mountain passes and rural villages. The drive from Ura leads up to Thrumshing La Pass at 3780m – the second highest driving point in Bhutan. We will arrive at Autsho in the evening. Overnight guest house in Autsho
Day 14
Autsho – Lhuentse – Mongar
After breakfast, drive to Lhuentse. Lhuentse is the ancestral home of the Wangchuck Dynasty. Take a diversion and drive to Tangmachu village where a huge statue of Guru Padmasambhava overlooks the entire valley. The golden 154-ft tall statue of Guru Rinpoche seated on the lotus-base has been only recently completed and consecrated. Then drive on to Lhuentse Dzong located on the top of the mountain. Finally, visit Khoma village which is well-known for its hand-woven textiles. These silk hand woven textiles are very beautiful and intricate in design and we will find women working on their looms. Visit few of the traditional houses and try some local wine-Ara. In the afternoon, drive to Mongar. Overnight in Mongar.
Day 15
Mongar
After breakfast, visit Mongar Dzong. Although it was built in the 1930s and one of Bhutan’s newest dzongs, it is constructed in the same way as all earlier dzongs, without plans or nails. However, unlike the earlier Dzongs, that are located in strategic positions, Mongar Dzong is located on a small gentle slope just above the town. A visit to Mongar Dzong shows one how traditional Bhutanese architecture has continued to thrive through the centuries. Then visit to Yakgang Lhakhang. This temple was built in the 16th century by the son of Pema Lingpa. Enjoy the good view from the top of the Temple. Overnight in Mongar.
Day 16
Mongar – Drametse – Trashigang
After breakfast, we will drive to Trashigang. En route take a detour to explore the 15th century Drametse Lhakhang from which originated the Drametse Nga Chham (the dance of the drums). This dance has been recognized by UNESCO as a masterpiece of oral and an intangible world Cultural Heritage. Furthermore, Drametse has produced a lineage of famous religious personalities including the popular Bhutanese saint Pema Lingpa. From Drametse the views of the numerous surrounding villages located on adjacent and opposite hills are spectacular. Overnight in Trashigang.
Day 17
Trashigang – Trashi Yangtse
After breakfast we will drive to Trashi Yangtse which is a small quiet town well-known for making one of the best wooden bowls and containers in the country. We will stop at Gomphu Kora Temple, where Guru Rinpoche meditated and left a body imprint on the black rock behind the Temple. Take a diversion and visit the old Dzong of Tashi Yangtse. After lunch, visit Chorten Kora which was built in 1740. In the evening stroll through shops and meet local people. Overnight in Tashi Yangtse.
Day 18
Trashi Yangtse – Trashigang
After breakfast, drive to the Bomdiling National Park. During the winter season (from late October – late March) we will see a lot of the endangered Black Necked Cranes. Gangtey and Bomdeling are the two winter roosting grounds for the Cranes in Bhutan. After that, drive back to visit a painting school where 13 different arts and crafts are being trained. After lunch, drive to Trashigang. Overnight in Trashigang.
Day 19
Trashigang
Today we will begin our day with a visit to the Rangjung Woedselcholing Monastery. From there drive up to the beautiful valley of Radi which is amidst fields of rice paddy and corn fields. We will find women weaving raw silk textiles called the Bura. Along our drive, we may come across the highland natives called the “Brokpas”. They are from the highlands and come to the Radi town to barter and sell yak products. They have their own unique culture and tradition and wear yak embroidered clothing along with spiked (downwards) hats made of yak hair. After lunch, visit Trashigang Dzong. Overnight in Trashigang.
Day 20
Trashigang – Samdrup Jongkhar
After breakfast, we will drive to the border town of Samdrup Jongkhar. It is one of the most beautiful drives with scenic landscape and it is well known for sighting different species of birds. Since it is located on subtropical foothills, climate is much warmer and we will also notice the change in vegetation. This town is also known as the gateway to eastern Bhutan and one of the oldest towns in Bhutan. En route stop at Khaling to see the Handloom Development Center. Overnight in Samdrup Jongkhar.
Day 21
Departure
After early breakfast, you will drive for about 3 hours from Samdrup Jongkhar to Guwahati International Airport in India. Our representatives will bid you farewell.
