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Bumthang
Tour 15
Days
Day - 1 Arrive Paro. Overnight at hotel / Guest House.
The hotel provides a spectacular view of the Paro valley. The hotel is
of traditional architecture with modern facilities. Reception by Bhutan Cultural
Tours & Treks with local musicians.
Day - 2 Morning free. Lunch at the guest house.
Afternoon: Visit the National Museum (Ta-Dzong). This was actually the watch
Tower of the Paro Rinchen Pong Dzong. It was converted into the National Museum
in 1968.
Rinchen Pong Dzong. This massive fortress is located in the Paro valley and
houses the District Administration office and the Monk Body. It was built in
1645 AD.
If time permits, visit Drugyal Dzong, 15km from Paro Town. The name Drugyal
means " Victorious ". The Dzong was built in 1650 AD by Shabdrung
Ngawang Namgyel, the founder of Bhutan, to commemorate his victory over the
Tibetan army and it formed one of the chain of defensive fortresses against
Tibetan invasion. The Dzong was burnt down by accident in 1950. It is now under
renovation.
Tea at guest house and leave for Thimphu (Capital). Thimphu is 65 km
from Paro and takes about 2 hours to drive.
Check in at hotel Riverview/Druk. These two are the best hotels in Thimphu.
Day - 3 Morning: Visit the Memorial Chorten, a huge Stupa built in
memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned the Kingdom from 1952-1972.
National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved.
The Painting school where traditional art is still kept alive through
instruction in the art of painting Thankas (Sacred Buddhist scroll).
The Handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts are
displayed and can be purchased.
Lunch at Hotel Druk/Riverview.
Afternoon: Visit Simtokha Dzong. This is one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan.
It also houses the largest Monastic schools in the country. It was built in 1629
AD. Visit Tashichho Dzong. This massive structure houses part of the Government
Ministries, the office of the King and the Throne Room. It also houses the State
Monastic Body and the living quarters of the Chief Abbot. Tashichho Dzong is the
main Secretariat building.
Day - 4 Drive to Mendaygang - 60 km from Thimphu.
On the way, halt at Dochula pass (26 km) for tea and snacks and to enjoy the
most spectacular view of the eastern Himalayan mountains.
Check in at Mendaygang Resort. This is a beautiful resort with comfortable
cottages and traditional stone bath facilities.
Lunch at Mendaygang.
Afternoon: Visit Punakha, the former Capital of Bhutan. Punakha Dzong lies
between the rivers Phochu and Mochu, "Male River and Female." The
Dzong now houses the District Administration office and the winter residence of
the state monastic body and its chief abbot. It was built in 1637 AD. Visit
Wangdiphodrang Dzong which is 13 km. from Punakha. Wangdiphodrang Dzong and its
small town is perched on a hill between two rivers. This is another District
Administration office housed in a fortress ( Dzong ). It was built in 1638 AD.
Day - 5 Drive from Mendaygang to Trongsa. (139 km.)
Overnight in Trongsa.
Day - 6 Morning: Visit Trongsa Dzong.
This Dzong was the ancestral home of the ruling dynasty. It is also the District
Administration office. It was built in 1648 AD.
Visit the Ta-Dzong, the watch tower where displays of Mongol armors can be
seen.
Lunch at Trongsa.
Afternoon: Drive to Bumthang (Jakar) 68 km. The journey takes about 3 hrs.
and is over one of the most scenically beautiful route in Bhutan. Check in at
the Guest House.
Day - 7 A full day excursion of Bumthang valley. The visitors can
visit the historical Jakar Dzong built by Minjur Tenpa, the Third Druk Desi in
1646 AD. It was later repaired and expanded by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgay, the Fourth
Desi, in 1683 AD. " Desi " means temporal ruler appointed by Shabdrung.
It is Probably the biggest Dzong in Bhutan with the surrounding walls about 1
km. in circumference. The central tower (Uchhi) is about 150 ft. high. Visit
several ancient and sacred Buddhist Monasteries, Bumthang sheep farm, Diary
farm, Juice factory, Membar Tso (flaming lake ), and other places of interest.
Day - 8
Morning: More sight seeing in Bumthang.
Lunch in Bumthang and drive to Trongsa.
Overnight stay in Trongsa.
Day - 9 Drive to Gangtey Gompa. (174 km)
Overnight halt in Gangtey Guest House. Gangtey is a beautiful place situated at
an altitude of 3000m. From Gangtay, one can view the nearby picturesque black
mountain ranges as well as the beautiful Phobjikha valley. The place was
inaccessible except on horse back or on foot until recently.
Bumthang Trek: 3 days
Day - 10 Begin the three day trek. (Riding ponies can be provided if
required) Gangtey Gompa - Gogona The trail winds through meadows and fields and
then climbs through a mixed forest of juniper, bamboo, magnolia, and
rhododendron to the Tselela pass. (3320m) Overnight in camp. Altitude: 3000m,
Distance: 14 km, Time: 5-6 hrs.
Day - 11 Gogona - Khotokha A gentle climb leads to Shobjula pass (3390
m). The descend leads to a wide valley, reminiscent of the big sky views of the
mountains. Distance: 16km, Time: 6-7 hrs.
Overnight camp.
Day - 12 Khotokha - Chuzomsa A short ascent will bring you to the
Tashila pass ( 2780 m ). Be sure to fill your water bottles shortly after
crossing the pass, as the descend is dry. You walk through an ever changing
landscape into the drainage of Dangchu river.
Overnight camping along the Dangchu.
Day - 13 Chuzomsa to motor road which is only about 45 minutes
walk and from there we will drive to Paro. Lunch on the way in Thimphu and drive
on to Paro. Thimphu falls on the way with only a 6km diversion.
Check in At the guest House.
Day - 14 Drive up to Satsam Chorten (10 km from the hotel ) and from
there walk up to Taktsang Monastery. The name Taktsang means "Tiger’s
Nest." The Monastery is perched on a rocky ledge with a sheer drop of
nearly 4000ft. and overlooks the Paro river. The round trip hike takes about 4-5
hrs.
Picnic lunch at Taktsang Cafeteria.
Evening: Cultural show.
Day - 15 Depart for Paro Airport.
NOTE: Special Arrangements
- a) We can also arrange "fire Puja," religious discourses and
short meditation programmes at some of the most holy places during the tour.
- b) These programmes can be customized to fit the interests of the guest. If
our guests are interested in visiting Central and Eastern Bhutan, we can
schedule programmes ranging from 12 to 14 days duration.
After an early breakfast, drive to Paro Airport. See off by the
representative of our tour operator or your guide.
 I
want this tour.
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