Western, Central & Southern Bhutan-10 Days

Today we will drive from Paro city to the start point of the hiking route of the Tiger's Nest Monastery. It takes about 2.5 hours to reach Tiger's Nest by foot (5 hours for a round trip), and you can have a rest at the view terrace which is located at the halfway point of the hiking road. Also, you can choose to ride a horse(self-paying) from the camp base to the Taktsang Cafeteria (lunch spot). Then visit Ta Dzong after trekking. Farewell dinner with Bhutan Culture Dance Show in Paro. 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. 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.

This morning we will drive to Haa Valley which is known as the "Hidden-Land Rice Valley", after the sightseeing with Chele La Pass,Mini Tiger's Nest, Lhakhang Nagpo, Lhakhang Kharpo, Haa Dzong we will head to Thimphu, capital of Bhutan. Enjoy the welcome dinner with the Bhutan culture dance show. Chele La Pass (3988m) is the highest motorable road pass in Bhutan and can be reached by a two hours’ drive from Paro. As the spot with incredible views of the high Himalayan Mountains, you may get the chance to see Mount Jomolhari(6706m), the most sacred peak of Bhutan, Jichu Drake, as well as the majestic sights of the Tsherimgang Mountains. Also, Chele La Pass is the best site to discover the rare White Poppy native to this region. Mini Tiger's Nest (Dzongdrakha Goempa, Dzongdrakha Monastery) is a cliff-side temple complex on the western side of the Paro Valley. Built-in the 16th century by the first local king, Chogay Dragpa, it is said that when Guru Rinpoche visited Bhutan, first landed at Drakarpo, and then Dzongdrakha before arriving at Paro Taktshang (Tiger's Nest). Dzongdrakha Monastery is often referred to as the second Taktshang (Tiger's Nest) mainly due to its location which is perfect to get a good view of Paro Bondey valley. Don't forget to visit the cave where Drubthog Gyonpo Dorji, the founder of the Lhakhang has meditated. Lhakhang Nagpo (The Black Temple) is about 10 mins walk away from the Lhakhang Karpo. It's said that around the 7th century Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo released a white and black pigeon preparing to build temples wherever the pigeons landed. This Lhakhang was built where the black pigeon landed. The walls are painted in black, with horizontal stripes of red and white that symbolize the tantric practices of the valley in ancient times. Lhakhang Karpo (The White Temple), one of the oldest temples around, is located in the foothills of the Meri Puensum mountains, and its walls adorned with exquisite murals and paintings, embody the values of kindness and Dharma. According to the legend, it was King Songtsen Gampo who built this temple at the place the white pigeon landed. Haa Dzong (Wangchuck Lo Dzong), built in 1915 to replace the smaller Dumcho Dzong that burned to the ground in 1913, is an administrative center for the Bhutan Royal Family. According to a local legend, this Dzong was also constructed to protect the people and their livestock from the evil influences of the 108 serpent deities that live around this area. Since the 1950s, this Dzong is the headquarters of the Indian Military Forces and their training ground which also functions as a military school. We can admire the Dzong from afar with its exquisite modern construction on a gentle slope that leads to the pristine Haa Chhu River.

• Altitude:2400m/7874ft
• Duration:2 hrs
• Accommodation:Hotel

A full day to explore Bhutan’s capital city Thimphu via a visit to Takin Sanctuary, Trashichho Dzong, Buddha Dordenma Statue, National Memorial Chorten. Takin Sanctuary (Motithang Takin Preserve, Takin Zoo) is a wildlife reserve for Takin (Budorcas taxicolor), the national animal of Bhutan. Drukpa Kunley (Divine Madman), the famous Tibetan saint, is said to be responsible for the creation of Takin which has the head of a goat and the body of a cow. Tashichho Dzong (Thimphu Dzong) is located on the right side of the Wangchu River in the northern part of Thimphu city. As the "Fortress of the glorious religion", it houses the throne room of His Majesty the King, government offices, and the central monk body. Thimphu Dzong was initially erected in 1641 and rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the 1960s. There are two main entrances in the Tashichho Dzong. One leads to the administrative section to the south and the other one (at the north) leads to the monastic quarter where festivals and dances are performed. Buddha Dordenma Statue (Kuenselphodrang, Buddha Point) is a landmark of Thimphu city and you can have a great view of the Thimphu Valley there. With 51.5m in height, built of bronze and gilded in gold, the statue is famed as the largest sitting Shakyamuni statue in the world and there are 125,000 smaller Buddha statues placed within it. The statue was finished in 2015(built for 9years) to fulfill an ancient prophecy to emanate an aura of happiness and peace all over the world. National Memorial Chorten is the most visited landmark of Thimphu which was built in 1974 in memory of the Third King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk(the Father of Modern Bhutan) by his mother. Due to the idea of Jigme Dorji, this stupa is dedicated to world peace and prosperity. It is a Tibetan-style chorten with amazing paintings and brilliant sculptures, you can see the classical stupa pattern like the pyramidal pillar crowned by a crescent moon and sun. It is also a good place to meet local Bhutanese people circumambulating the Chorten throughout the day in a clockwise direction for praying.

This morning, we will drive from Thimphu to Gangtey (130KM, about 4hrs) the winter home of the Black-Necked Cranes (Grus nigricollis), immersing yourself in the beautiful Phobjikha Valley via a visit to Black Necked Crane Center and Gangtey Monastery. 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. Gangtey Monastery (Gangtey Goemba, Gangtey Gonpa) was first built in 1613 by Pema Thinley, the grandson, and re-embodiment of Pema Lingpa (the reincarnation of Guru Rinpoche, 1450-1521). It is a beautiful temple architecture that stands on the hilltop and is a great spot to view the picturesque Phobjikha Valley. It is said that the Black-necked cranes circle the monastery three times when they arrive and three times when they leave. Each year on Nov. 11, the Black-necked Crane Festival with local songs, dramas, and masked dances is held at the courtyard of Gangtey Goemba to celebrate the arrival of the endangered bird migrating from the Tibetan Plateau.

• Altitude:2900m/9514ft
• Duration:6 hrs
• Accommodation:Hotel

This morning, we will have a light hike on Gangtey Nature Trail (4km, 1.5-2hours) that start from Gangtey Monastery(3030m) and ends in Khewang Lhakhang(2850m). It is the most beautiful and shortest of the existing nature trails in Bhutan. You can immerse yourselves in the beauty of the Phobjikha Valley(2840m) with farmhouses, dense pine forests, rhododendron forests, and bamboo plants on foot. After the hiking, we will depart Gangtey and drive to Bumthang via a visit to Trongsa Dzong (160km, about 5 hours) on the way. Then check in at your hotel in Bumthang (2590m). By the way, Bumthang, also known as Jakar is located in central Bhutan. It is famous for the production of honey, cheese, apples, wheat, buckwheat, potatoes, and yatra (woolen materials). Pele La Pass is 14km away from Gangtey Monastery.As the gateway to Central Bhutan, Pele La pass has a chorten and prayer flags fluttering across the hills. At an elevation of 3423m, Pelela Pass is one of the highest mountain passes in Bhutan, it takes over Black Mountain, the boundary between Western and Central Bhutan. 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:2630m/8628ft
• Duration:6 hr
• Accommodation:Hotel

Sightseeing day in Bumthang. As the home of some of the oldest Buddhist temples and monasteries like Kurje Lhakhang and Jambay Lhakhang, Bumthang is one of the most historic districts in Bhutan. What is more, it was here the place that Buddhism was first introduced into Bhutan. Sure we will also explore the Jakar Dzong and the Yathra Weaving Center today. 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. 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.

Today we will drive to Punakha from Bumthang (220km, about 6.5h) and explore the Rinchengang Village on the way. Rinchengang Village is located opposite to the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong and Punatsangchhu runs along the highway. Believed to be one of the oldest villages in Bhutan dating back to the Zhabdrungs era., Rinchengang Village is famous for its proficiency in traditional means of stonework and its Bhutanese architectural designed houses. The village is also famous for its houses being close to each other and the space between the houses is barely enough to walk through. Meet local people and know more about the history of the Rinchengang village.

• Altitude:1,296m/4,251ft
• Duration:7 hr
• Accommodation:Hotel

Today, we will explore Punakha first then head to Paro with the visit to Khamsum Yueley Namgyal Chorten, Punakha Dzong, Chimi Lhakhang, Dochula Pass, Tamchog Lhakhang Iron Bridge. Khamsum Yueley 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. 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. 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. 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. Tamchog Lhakhang Iron Bridge (Tamchog Lhakhang, Tachog Lhakhang) is located by the Paro river on the way to Thimphu from Paro. To get to the temple we must walk across a unique iron chain bridge with colorful fluttering prayer flags. Both the Lhakhang and the iron bridge are built by the saint Thangthong Gyalpo (1385-1464, Tibetan polymath). As the "King of the Empty Plain", Thangthong Gyalpo is now commonly known as the "Iron Bridge Maker". Enjoy his pioneering old-aged buildings left till today.

• Altitude:2200m/7217ft
• Duration:6 hr
• Accommodation:Hotel

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!