Enriching Bhutan Tour-11 Days

Today, we will do Folk Culture and History Discovery tour in Thimphu. You will visit 4 Thimphu city highlights today: Institute for Zorig Chusum – See local students learning traditional handcrafting skills in this art school.Coronation Park – Take a stroll in this serene and beautiful park to relax yourself. The Folk Heritage Museum(Phelchey Toenkhyim) – This museum houses the relics and documents related to the educational history and ancient Bhutanese people’ daily life. A restored three-storey traditional rammed mud and timber house is the highlights in the museum.Changangkha Lhakhang – You can have a fascinating view of Thimphu Valley there. Thimphu National Institute for Zorig Chusum (School of Arts and Crafts), established by the Government of Bhutan in 1971, is an institute that nurtures exemplary craftsmanship in Zorig Chusum (13 Arts and Crafts). In the Institute, thirteen skills are taught to students. These thirteen art forms are Traditional Painting (Lhazo), Sculpturing (Jinzo), Wood Carving (Shagzo), Calligraphy (Yigzo), Papermaking (Dezo), Bronze Casting (Lugzo), Embroidery (Tshemazo), Weaving (Thagzo), Carpentry (Parzo), Masonry (Dozo), Bamboo and cane weaving (Tshazo), Gold/Silver Smithy (Trozo), Black smithy (Garzo). Folk Heritage Museum (Phelchey Toenkhyim) was established on July 28th, 2001 with the initiative of Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck (the Queen Mother of Bhutan). It is set inside a three-storied, 19th-century traditional house and provides visitors with a glimpse of the traditional Bhutanese lifestyle, artifacts from rural households, collection of typical household objects, tools, and equipment. The museum also organizes regular demonstrations of rural traditions, skills, habits, and customs as well as hosts educational programs for children. Changangkha Lhakhang is an ancient fortress-like temple built in the 12th century which is visited by a large number of locals daily. It is strategically located on a ridge above the city of Thimphu, southeast of Motithang. Traditionally, Bhutan parents used to visit Changangkha Lhakhang to get auspicious names for their newborn babies or blessing for their young kids from the protector known as Deity Tamdrin. The parents usually bring incense, whiskey, biscuits, and sacks of snacks as an offering. You will be lucky to witness an excellent event if your visit coincides with a Buddhist ceremony. The temple also offers an amazing view of Thimphu from the courtyard. Coronation Park (Centenary Park) is located in Thimphu on the banks of the Wangchu River. It was built to honor King His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck and was inaugurated by Ashi Chimi Yangzom Wangchuck on 26th September 2006. There is a 45 feet tall statue of a walking Buddha. The park has over sixty species of flowers and trees, cute swings and slides, a mini basketball court, and a small sand football ground. It is a popular picnic spot for Bhutan people from young to old.  

Today, you will be transferred to Gangtey, which is considered to be the most beautiful place in Bhutan. The sceneries along the road will not make you feel bored. The far views of 7 giant mountains (around 7000 meters high) and 108 chortens or stupas are the rewards while driving through the Dochu-la pass. After lunch, visit the Gangtey Valley and Monastery before finally getting to the Black Necked Crane Information Center, where are equipped with high-power telescope and spotting scopes. These facilities allow you to catch every move of the Black Necked Cranes. Dochula Pass (108 memorial chortens) is a place in honor of 108 Bhutanese Soldiers, there are 108 stupas called the "Druk Wangyal Chortens" representing each soldier's life that was lost in the war of December 2003. The pass is decorated with colorful prayer flags which are symbols of veneration and the best wishes for peace and prosperity for Bhutan. If the weather is good, the Dochula Pass will become the best platform to get breathtaking views of the snow-covered Himalayas. In Black Necked Crane Information Centre , you can enter the observation room and use the telescope and spotting scopes to watch the Black-necked crane (Grus nigricollis). Every year (Oct. to Feb.), over 300 cranes migrate from Tibet to Bhutan for their winter months in Phobjikha Valley. As an indigenous Himalayan species, the black-necked cranes are the holy bird in the eyes of local people as it is a symbol of longevity. It was helpful for the center to protect and conserve the Black-necked crane and its species since 2003. It is a nice place to know more about the cranes and study their behavior.

• Altitude:3088m/10131ft
• Duration:3 hr
• Accommodation:Hotel

Drive through dense forests of oak and blue pine trees to Bhumthant from Gangtey, admiring and taking photo of the sceneries of rural Bhutan along the road. After lunch continue your travel to Bumthang passing through Yotong La Pass. You will see local people weaving Yathra, a kind of colorful, hand-woven woolen cloth before finally arriving in Bumthang, where you will stay overnight. Yotongla Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3,436m above sea level, located in the Bumthang District of Bhutan. It falls within the Black Mountain range and connects Trongsa and Bumthang. Trongsa and Bumthang served as the summer and the winter capitals respectively and the pass was thus used frequently by the King and his traveling entourage. The road to Yotongla Pass is one of the highest mountain roads in the country. It's called Bumthang-Ura Highway and was built in the 1990s. The pass is covered with mist and prayer flags most of the time. It is worth a stop for a photo break. Yathra Weaving Centre is a sales outlet showcasing textiles woven from sheep and yak wool. You will see women weaving intricate designs on their backstrap loom, wool dyeing in a natural way, and other processes there. Yathra is traditional wool weaving with intricate patterns native to Chumey Valley in Bumthang of central Bhutan. Almost every family in Chumey owns a backstrap loom. Girls around 8 years old are learning to weave. Yathra products are unique souvenirs, they are the main income for the people of Bumthang.

• Altitude:2800m/9186f
• Duration:3 hrs
• Accommodation:Hotel

Today you will learn about local history and religions in the Jambay Lhakhang and Kuraj Lhakhang first. They both have a history of over 1200 years. Continue your tour to the Burning Lake – Mebartsho, where local people float small butter lamps to makes wishes. Today’s last destination is the Jakar Dzong, a monastery with a history of 450 years. Kurjey Lhakhang consists of three buildings facing south namely: Guru Lhakhang (built-in 1652), Sampa Lhundrup Lhakhang (built-in 1900), and Ka Gon Phor Sum Lhakhang (built-in 1900). It is said that, in the 8th century, the Saint Guru Padmasambhava(Rinpoche) meditated here for three months. The upper floor of the Kurjey Lhakhang houses 1000 small statues of Guru Rinpoche. There is also a huge cypress tree near the entrance of the temple which is believed to have sprouted from Guru Rinpoche's walking stick. It is a must-visit Lhakhang in Bumthang. Jambay Lhakhang is one of the 108 monasteries built on a single day by Tibetan King Songtsen Goenpo in 659 AD to subdue evil spirits in the Himalayan region while spreading Buddhism over the Himalayas. It was believed that Jambay Lhakhang was built to pin down the left knee of the ogress. There is an annual festival called Jambay Lhakhang Drup held here to honor Guru Rinpoche who consecrated the Jambay Lhakhang. Visitors can enjoy watching the mask dance of Bhutan. It is worth seeing the beautiful statues, fascinating relics, and preserved murals in this Lhakhang. Jakar Dzong (Jakar Yugyal Dzong), literally meaning "Castle of the White Bird", was initially built as a monastery in 1549 by Lam Ngagi Wangchuck (1517-1554), a Tibetan who came to Bhutan to spread the Drukpa Kagyupa Buddhist order. It was also the seat of the first King of Bhutan. As the dzong or fortress of the Bumthang district, it is located on a ridge above Jakar town that can give a spectacular view of the Chamkhar (Chokhor) Valley. Jakar Dzong is now the administrative center for Bumthang valley and houses the regional monk body.

It takes 2 hours to drive to Trongsa, where you can visit the most impressive dzong in Bhutan. Built in 1644 by the Shabdrung, the Trongsa Dzong is an architectural masterpiece, as well a museum. Trongsa Dzong (1920m), built in 1648, is the ancient fort where the first and the second King of Bhutan ruled the kingdom due to its strategic position. All successive Kings of Bhutan hold the post of Trongsa Penlop (governor) before being crowned as the Prince and the King. This Dzong is considered one of the longest and the largest fortresses in Bhutan. It also provides an extraordinary view of the Mangde River. There is a Ta Dzong (built in 1652) that served as the watchtower for Trongsa Dzong from internal rebellion and it is now a heritage museum focused on Buddhist art and Royal memorabilia which is worth a visit.

• Altitude:2300m7545f
• Duration:2 hr
• Accommodation:Hotel

Today, you need to spend 5 hours for a car ride to Punakha from Bumthang. After arrival in Punakha, you will admire the fertility shrine in Chimi Lhakhang and the highest-standard woodworks in the Punakha Dzong. Chimi Lhakhang (Fertility Temple, Chime Lhakhang) is located on a hillock among the rice field and is a pilgrimage for a childless couple to seek blessings. The monk there blesses the couple with a wooden phallus that is believed to have the power to help the childless couple conceive a child. This temple is associated with the famous Drukpa Kunley (1455-1529, Divine Madman, Tibetan saint), who is famed for using his phallus to guide people to enlightenment and subdue demons. That is why you can see the symbol of phalluses scattered everywhere. You can buy handicraft souvenirs here with the phallic symbol in various colors, shapes, and sizes. Punakha Dzong stands at the junction of two great rivers called the Pho Chu river (father river) and Mo Chu river (mother river). As the palace of great happiness or bliss, it is also known as the most beautiful Dzong in Bhutan. It was first built in 1637 by the founder of Bhutan, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, and was played as the administrative center and the seat of the Bhutanese official till the capital city was moved from Punakha to Thimphu in 1955. Now, this Dzong is served as the winter residence for Je Khenpo, Chief Abbot of the Central Monastic Body. In 2011, the Dzong witnessed the royal wedding ceremony of the 5th Bhutan's King, His Majesty Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck to Queen Jetsun Pema. If you visit Bhutan in May, you will be amazed by the breathtaking purple-blue jacaranda blooms outside the fortress.

• Altitude:1,220m / 4,055ft
• Duration:5 hr
• Accommodation:Hotel

Your first activity today is hiking to Khamsum Yuelley Namgel Chorten, which was built in a painting-like Punakha Valley. Local people believe the Chorten can remove negative forces and promote peace, stability and harmony in the changing world. Drive to the Limbukha Village after lunch to see the fields of red rice, which is of high medicinal values. You will feel the local people’s love towards peace and tranquility there. Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten is on the west bank of the Mo Chhu river. After across a suspension bridge, it is about 45mins' walk from the main road to the Chorten(stupa). The stupa was built in 1990 by Ashi Tsering Yangdon Wangchuck(the mother of the 5th King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck) to drive off evil forces and bring peace to Bhutan and the world. This Chorten was a typical combination of the art, architecture, and traditions of Bhutan. It took Bhutanese carpenters, painters, and sculptors 9 years to finish this Bhutan-style pagoda. Also, you will get an excellent view of the Punakha Valley and Punakha Dzong there. Limbukha Village (Optional for Sept. & Oct. during rice season) is known for its love of peace and tranquility. During the annual festival, the Limbuk men are found carrying peace flags instead of swords and fireworks. We can walk along its red rice fields and have an idea about Bhutan's famous red rice which is supposed to have medicinal value. Also, you may meet local farmers in their tradition Gho or Kira working in the field with a pure smile on their face.

Today you will go back to Paro, where you entered Bhutan 8 days ago without taking any sightseeing activities. Explore the National Museum, where houses lots of exquisite local artworks and Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong), where offers you beautiful river view. National Museum of Bhutan (Ta Dzong) is famed as Bhutan's tallest building (a cylindrical structure), which is 22 meters (72 feet) high and has 6 floors. It was completed in 1649 as a watchtower on the hill above the Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong). It was converted into the National Museum of Bhutan in 1968 with a rich collection of ancient artifacts like pottery, armor, thangkas, masks, stamps, photos, statues, costumes, relics, stone axes, and religious paintings... Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzon), the "fortress of the heap of jewels", is built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and is located near the crystalline Paro Chu (Paro River). Through a traditional wooden cantilever bridge, we can reach it to get panoramic views of the Paro Valley. As the office of the district administration and monastic body of Bhutan, the annual religious festival Paro Tsechu also takes place in its courtyard.

• Altitude:2200m/7217ft
• Duration:5 hr
• Accommodation:Hotel

Around 2.5 hours’ hiking are needed to reach Taktsang Monastery, the most famous religious relic in Bhutan. It is possible to take a rest at the view terrace, which is located on the half point of the hiking route. Pay a visit to a local people’s farmhouse or visit Kyichu Temple to continue your tour. It is incredible that there is not a single nail used to build a farmhouse, which offers a good glimpse into the lifestyle of a farmer. Tiger's Nest Monastery (Taktsang Goemba, Takhtsang Lakhang, Paro Taktshang), first built in 1692, is the iconic landmark of Bhutan. As a world cultural heritage, it is sited on the side of a cliff at a height of 900m above the Paro valley. It is said that Guru Rinpoche (a Buddhist saint) rode a tigress to the current site of the monastery and meditated in a cave for 3 years 3 months and 3 days. Now it is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Bhutan and a sacred religious site for Bhutanese to pilgrimage at least once in a lifetime. Kyichu Lhakhang (Kyichu Temple) is one of the oldest monasteries that marks the beginning of Buddhism in Bhutan. It was built in 659AD by King Songtsen Gompo (Tibetan Emperor) as one of the 108 monasteries he made. In 1971 a Guru Temple was added by Her Majesty Azhi Keshang Choden Wangchuck, the wife of the Third King of Bhutan. You can see the original 7th-century Jowo Sakyamuni Statue (the same era as the one in Lhasa's Jokhang Temple) and Chenrezig with 11 heads and 1000 arms there. There is also a magical orange tree outside the courtyard that is said to bear fruits all year round.

Time to say goodbye to Bhutan, the beautiful Himalayan country. Our Good Karma Trekking representative will meet you at your hotel and send you to the international airport. Happiness is a place, wish you get happiness and great memories from the Bhutantrip with us. We look forward to seeing you again, Tashi Delek!