MYSTIC BHUTAN
The
Central Bhutan Mystic Tour
12 nights/11 days
Day 1: Arrival in Bhutan
Your flight to Paro will give you an introduction to the spectacular beauty
of our country. In clear weather, views of the world’s highest peaks,
including Mt. Everest and other magnificent Himalayan snow peaks, will then
give way to beautiful Paro valley as you land. You will then be escorted by
our tour coordinator. Rest at Paro Lodge.
Day 2: Paro
Based on the mirror-like cliff at a height of 900 meters above the lush
valley of Paro is one of the most sacred places in Bhutan. Guru Rinpoche,
the second Buddha, flew here on a flaming Tigress for his second visit to
Bhutan and meditated here in the 8th century. Here he propagated Vajrayana-Mahayana
Buddhism (Bigger Wheel), which was prophesied by the Buddha at the time of
attaining to Nirvana. In April 1998, a fire destroyed the main structure of
the building and the religious contents. A complete restoration was done and
resulted in a carbon copy of the original. This place beholds the history of
The Hidden Land. The walking time is approximately five hours to and from.
You will spend the evening back at the lodge.
Day 3: Drive to Thimphu and
Sightseeing
In the afternoon we drive to a memorial chorten (stupa) built in the memory
of His late Majesty King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. He is regarded as the father
of Modern Bhutan We will also visit the National Library, which holds
ancient Buddhist texts, historical books, and some very famous manuscripts
written in gold ink. Take a look at the Painting School where traditional
art is kept alive through instructions in the art of painting, embroidery,
carving, weaving and statue making. A three-minute drive to the Traditional
Medicine Institute will show you where medicines are prepared from plants,
flowers and animal bones according to ancient practices and acupuncture.
Lungtenzampa is next to be visited and observe the Royal Silver Smiths.
Other highlights include a visit to Changangkha Lakhang (Monastery), which
was built in the 12th century to get an enchanting view of Thimphu and
Tangoand Chari Monastery. Our last stop is the Handicrafts Emporium for
shopping.
Day 4: Drive to Punakha
Drive to Punakha via Duchula Pass overlooking the high Himalayas and the
lush green valleys of Talo and Mendigang. Lunch in Punakha and visit the
exquisite Punakha Dzong (a must for its astonishing beauty). Hike for half
an hour to the nearest village over a 150-meter suspension bridge. Overnight
at Punakha Hotel.
Day 5: Drive to Bumthang
In the morning drive to Wangdue, the last district before entering Eastern
Bhutan. You will pass The Palilla Pass, the highest pass in the country, and
here you will observe a drastic change to alpine vegetation. Here you will
come across nomads and their yaks in the meadows of Magnolia, Juniper,
rhododendrons and dwarf bamboos. We will have a packed lunch at Chendebjee
Stupa, an exemplary structure of the Boddhinath Stupa of Nepal. We will then
pass by the Trongsa district and there will provide a welcome rest stop.
This place has a strong tie to our Royal Family as our first and second King
ruled the country from here. Trongsa Dzong is an impregnable fortress. The
Dzong contains the temples and offices holding court over the local
communities. It was built on many levels into the sides of the hills
heralding its strength as a defensive stronghold. A 3-hour drive will lead
you to your destination the holiest place, Bumthang. Overnight stay at the
Hotel.
Day 6: Excursion in Bumthang
Bumthang is holiest of the holy; with lots of Buddhist monasteries, temples,
Dzongs and villages, which date back to the 7th century. In the morning we
will drive to Jambay lhakhang built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in
the 7th century. It is one of the 108 monasteries built by The King to
flourish the Buddhist teaching and to subdue the evils. Then we're off to
Kurje Lhakhang where Guru meditated in the café and left his body print on
the rock. From there, we travel to Tamshing Lakhang founded in 1501 by the
Treasure discoverer Terton Pema Lingpa, the true heart son of Guru Rimpoche.
Day 7: Sightseeing in Bumthang
Visiting Ura Valley, which is
an hour and a half hour drive from Bumthang. There are lots of places to
visit and we can include the burning lake in Tang, Jakar Dzong, Kenchosum
Lhakhang, and the Swiss Farm Night at the hotel and/or do some shopping for
things that would be more expensive in Thimphu.
Day 8: Drive to Gangtay Gompa and Rest
We drive to Gangtay Gompa with a Picnic Lunch. Visit to Gangtay Gompa,
which now houses the Ningmapa Monastery. The valley is also the winter home
for the rare and endangered Black Necked Crane, which migrates from remote
parts of Tibet, China and Siberia. Our over night at the Guesthouse.
Day 9: Drive to Thimphu
Day at leisure. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 10: Drive to Paro
Sightseeing in the valley of Thimphu. Lunch and Drive to Paro.
Day 11:
Departure
In the morning our representative will bid you farewell at Paro airport.
Click here to go back to Mystic Voyage
Other
Destination Available Upon Request
Rates Available Upon Request
Our Website is
Best viewed with Internet Explorer 5.0 or later and 1024 x 768 screen
resolution.
2005 © Pagan Nomads Tour Management & Travel Consultancy
All Rights Reserved