The Magic of Bhutan

Paro & Our program will start with the Tadzong museum. The Tadzong building was partially damaged by the September 2011 earthquake. Nevertheless all the important artefacts are on display in the new museum building. The collection consists of antique textiles, old painting, embroideries, statues and photographs. Next we will stroll through Paro Dzong. A dzong is a large building that can hold around 500 people during the medieval days. The dzongs functioned as forts and also as seat of the monkhood. Now the district administrator occupies half of the dzong while the other half is used by the monks. This is typical of all dzongs of Bhutan. After the dzong visit take a nice walk down the cobbled steps that culminate at the wooden cantilever bridge.

Later, we will drive to Thimpu
Upon arrival in Thimpu, check into Thimpu River View Resort

Overnight at Thimpu River View Resort
Day 02: Thimphu

We start the day with a visit to the textile museum to see old collections of textile. Next visit the handicraft centres, traditional paper making factory and the memorial temple which depicts the Buddhist teachings in form of paintings and statues. Originally the memorial temple was initiated by the Third King, revered by his subjects as “Father of Modern Bhutan”. He knew that lots of negative elements would come with modernity so as a protection against such elements this temple was planned. His son the Fourth King completed the temple after the demise of the Third King. So it is commonly known as the memorial temple. Have lunch in one of the town restaurants.

After lunch we visit the weekly farmers’ market. Here we watch farmers selling their farm products. Just few minutes from the Farmers’ Market is the National Stadium. Take a moment to watch some Bhutanese archers at the game. Then we proceed for a visit to Zilukha Nunnery. In the same vicinity we visit Takin enclosure. Takin is the National Animal of Bhutan (an animal that looks half goat and half cow). Towards evening we will drive to the Buddha hill to enjoy the great view of Thimphu valley and absorb the sanctity of the gigantic Buddha.

Overnight at Thimpu River View Resort
Day 03: Thimpu / Punakha

We drive to Punakha over the Dochhula pass 3050 meters above sea level. On clear days there is a magnificent view of the snow-clad peaks of Bhutan. This drive is interesting as you spiral down to the valley at 1200m above sea level from Dochhula’s 3050m. Driving onto Punakha valley you will see the sub-tropical vegetation the notable one being the chir pine. The drive takes close to 3 hours. The drive takes you through one of the scenic areas of Himalayas. Enjoy some moments at Dochhula pass, 3050m above sea level. On clear days you can view almost all the snow clad peaks of Bhutan. Lots of colourful prayer flags are seen on this pass. 108 monuments built by the eldest Queen-mother is another highlight here. We stop here for a tea and toilet break. Little further from here is the Royal Botanical garden, enjoy a short walk here. This is a beautiful place for a picnic lunch.

After lunch we proceed for another hour and half drive. This drive gives us an experience through altitudinal vegetation. Punakha (1300m) is almost sub-tropical so the drive from temperate vegetation at Dochhula is really an experience. While at Punakha, we will take advantage of the mild clime of Punakha. We take a walk to a special temple called Chimi Lhakhang. The temple also known as Divine Madman Temple is situated on a hilltop. The Divine Madman aka Drukpa Kinley happened to stay in this valley in the 15th century. He was a great teacher with whom the phallic symbol is much associated. The childless couples in Bhutan often go there to get blessed with children. Miraculously there are many stories of success. Once a Japanese couple did that and were blessed with a daughter. Several American couples visited this temple and were blessed miraculously with children. This is a place where faith and coincidence play an important role. The walk back to the car amongst the ripening rice field is an experience of a lifetime. We choose to stay at Punakha as Wangdi Phodrang does not have good accommodation. If time permits we can take a drive to see the ruins of Wangdi Dzong being in restoration.

Overnight at Punatsangchhu Resort
Day 04: Punakha / Wangdi / Punakha

Morning, we drive to WANGDUEPHODRANG (1,300m/4,265ft) (30-40 mins drive from Punakha) Located south of Punakha and the last town before central Bhutan, Wangduephodrang is like an extended village with a few well-provisioned shops.  The higher reaches of the Wangduephodrang valley provide rich pastureland for cattle.  This district is famous for its fine bamboo work, stone carvings, and slate which is mined up a valley a few km. from the town. Visit the restoration site of the Wangdue Phodarng dzong. This dzong was razed to the grounds few years ago by a violent fire accident. The restoration works have begun now that gives a wonderful orientation into Bhutanese architecture. The restoration is done in the traditional design using lots of wood, stones and mud walls Drive back to Punakha

Later, we will enjoy an excursion to Khamsum Yuelling temple. It is an hour’s walk uphill but worth a visit. Nowhere in Bhutan will you see the magnificence of statues and paintings like here. The temple top is designed with an open turret. From here you can enjoy the million dollar 360 degrees view of the upper Punakha valley. We will then walk back to the car. Return to the hotel for lunch.

After lunch we drive a little down south and visit the Great Punakha Dzong. This dzong served as Bhutan’s capital from 1637 until 1955. This dzong is considered very important because all kinds of cultural, social, economic and political foundation took birth here. You will have your own description of this magnificent structure. If you have some time, take a short walk to Bhutan’s longest Suspension Bridge. Talk a walk over it and experience the views and breeze that wafts through this valley.

Overnight at Punatsangchhu Resort
Day 05: Punakha / Paro

The drive takes around 5 hours. We will have lunch before reaching Paro at a place called Sisina. There is an old farmhouse here and the group can visit inside and even take photos. After lunch we proceed to Paro. We are on the road through Chuzom confluence which divides the road to Haa, Thimphu, Paro and Phuntsoling. Bhutanese believe that much negative energy meet at the junction where rivers and spurs intersect.  Triangulated aerial view of such junctions is called Nam-go-dru-sum taken to mean ‘sky’s triangle door’. This belief comes from the astrological directions and might have some connections to mysteries such as the ones of ‘Bermuda Triangles’, if explored.  Respect of such a belief has inspired the Bhutanese to build the three styled Chortens here. Chorten is literally a stone monument translated as the “Relic of the faith”. Devotees believe that such would ward off negative complexities.

As we proceed towards Paro it is worth a visit to walk to Tachogang temple. This temple is important because the man who taught building Iron-chain bridges lived here in the 15th century. We will actually walk over the bridge that was restored with the pieces iron-chain collected from across the country. Then we continue to Paro and check in our hotel.

Overnight at Udumwara Resort
Day 06: Paro

Taktsang which is a sacred pilgrimage site where the great tantric mystic, Padma Sambhava, flew on the back of the tiger and brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan (mythical believe) is a holy site for all Buddhists. The Monastery clings to a cliff soaring 3000 ft. above the valley floor at an altitude of 10,000 ft.

We will hike up to the temple and have lunch at the cafeteria. Today we will hang prayer flags with multiple colours. This is to wish ourselves or others good tidings. And send a message to everyone. We all look for positive energy and use colour therapy when troubled. Unhappiness happens when we cannot balance greed, anger, ignorance, ego and jealousy. Use of colour therapy to create balance of the above attributes enhances happiness. Walk down slowly as the autumn-sun fades behind the far pavilions. It is farewell for all the colours, experiences and memories from the journey. It is also a welcome for the new life that has just started. The Sun Rises Again!

Overnight at Udumwara Resort
Day 07: Paro / Departure

Though the check out time is 12 noon, every effort would be made to retain rooms till as late as possible without additional charges.

Transfer to the airport to board your onward flight

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