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Bhutan Tour
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BHUTAN
ABOUT BHUTAN
THOUSAND LAKES TREK
MAGICAL KINGDOM TOUR
BHUTAN HOSTORIC TOUR
ABOUT BHUTAN
NAMASTE, WELCOME TO BHUTAN
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT BHUTANBhutan is a country nestled in the eastern Himalayas. The country has been visited by a great many saints, mystics, scholars and pilgrims over the centuries who not only came for their personal elucidation, but blessed the land and its people with an invaluable spiritual and cultural legacy that has shaped every facet of Bhutanese lives. Visitors and guests to the country will be surprised that the culture and the traditional lifestyle is still richly intact and at the degree to which it permeates all strands of modern day secular life. From the traditional woven garments to the prayer flags on high mountain slopes, from the built environment to the natural environment, from the religious mask dances to the folk dances, this cultural heritage is proudly evident and offers a unique cultural setting. The Bhutanese have treasured their natural environment as it is seen as a source of all life and the abode of the gods and spirits. Buddhism has been the predominant religion since the 7th century and has inculcated deeply the value that all forms of sentient life, not just human life, are precious and sacred. Given such a prevailing ethos, which respects the natural environment, it is not surprising that the Bhutanese have lived in harmony with nature and that the nation has its environment still pristine and intact today. The country has been identified as one of the 10 bio-diversity hot spots in the world and as one of the 221 global endemic bird areas. Its eco-systems harbor some of the most exotic species of the eastern Himalayas with an estimated 770 species of birds and over 50 species of rhododendron, besides an astonishing variety of medical plants and orchids. Bhutan also has a rich wildlife with animals like the taken, snow leopard, golden languor, blue sheep, tiger, water buffalo and elephant. It is to safeguard this rich natural environment and culture, that the country has consciously adopted a controlled tourism and development policy. In 1997, just over 5,000 tourists entered the country and the numbers in the coming years are not expected to increase greatly. For the few who do travel to Bhutan, there are wide varieties of activates-from the Snowman trek to kayaking down the Mochhu; from witnessing the colorful festivals in the fortresses to the panoramic mountain flight on Druk Air.Visa Bhutan is accessible by air and by road. All visitors must hold passport and valid visa. Visa can be obtained at the Bhutanese diplomatic missions and consulates abroad. Visa is also issued at the entry points. Don't forget to bring 4 ID pictures and USD20 (payable in hard currency) for a tourist visa. It will allow you to stay 14 days in Bhutan.Travel in BhutanTours are escorted by licensed guides by Department of Tourism. Depending on your needs foreign language guide can also be arranged. Hotels and food are arranged and paid for within the amount you paid. There is no extra payment except for visa, and museum fees.Clothing Due to wide range of temperature and climatic conditions it is advisable to bring appropriate clothing. During visit of monasteries, Dzongs and other religious institutions you would be advised to wear proper attire, and follow proper dress code.KUZU ZANGPO LA
THOUSAND LAKES TREK
Trek Cost: $ 3680Group size: 2 to 10 Max.Trip length: 13 DaysActivity: Tour / TrekkingAltitude Max: 22,525 ft.Best Time: March to May or August to OctoberNote: For group more then 4 people. Please contact for discount rate.
TRIP FACTS
Daga-La Thousand Lakes TrekkingThis trip features one day touring in Paro, then driving to Thimphu where trekking begins. The trekking is easy and most trekking days short; although there are some steep climbs and the altitude reaches nearly 15,000 feet. You will pass through magnificent scenery and hike around beautiful lakes.Details Itinerary Day 01. Arrive Paro: During the journey to Paro, one will experience, from the left side of the plane, breath taking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Jhomolhari and Jitchu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by representatives of Bhutan Dragon Adventures who will escort you to your hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Paro.Day 02. Paro Sightseeing: After breakfast, we will drive sixteen km to Drukgyel Dzong whose name means “Victorious Druk.“ Although in ruins, it is of great historical importance. It was on this spot that the Bhutanese finally defeated the invading Tibetans and drove them back. From here the peak of Jhomolhari, ”Mountain of the Goddess,” can be seen on a clear day. On our way back into Paro we will explore a typical Bhutanese farmhouse. After lunch at the hotel, we are off to visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong. This massive fortress sits on a small hill just above the Paro River (Pa Chu). We walk for about fifteen minutes, crossing an old cantilevered wooden bridge of traditional Bhutanese architecture. Constructed in 1645, this Dzong houses the District Administration offices and the District Monk Body. We will also find time to visit the National Museum, Ta Dzong, an ancient watch tower on the hill just above the Rinpung Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang. The monastery, build in 659 by King Songsten Gempo of Tibet and is considered one of the holiest places in Bhutan as it marks the advent of Buddhism in the country.Day 03. Paro – Thimphu: The drive to Thimphu takes about two hours. We will check into the hotel and spend some time sightseeing in Thimphu. First the Memorial Chorten built in 1974 in memory of the third King of Bhutan Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, then on to the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved. Afterwards we will visit Tashicho 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 and senior monks.Day 04. Sightseeing: Today we will visit Simtokha Dzong, one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan, built in 1829. Then we will tour the woodcraft and painting school where traditional arts and crafts are taught to talented young people. We also will go to the Handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts are displayed and can be purchased.Day 05. Thimphu – Talekha (Start of Trek): (Distance 12 kms. Time 2 hrs. Altitude 2,925 m, 9,500 ft.) The trek begins at Simtokha Dzong where the ponies and camping crew will be waiting. The trail winds through blue pine and evergreen forest to Talekha Village. The first two hours are a difficult climb, but the remaining two hours are a pleasant walk through the forests. Talekha Village consists of five houses and a huge temple called Tale-Lhakhang. We will overnight at a campsite there.Day 06. Talekha - Japhuna: (Distance 8 kms. Time 4 hrs. Altitude 4000 m, 13,000 ft.) Today the trail winds for two and one half hours through thick forests of blue pine and oak, which gradually change into soft pine and spruce. For lunch we will stop at a yak campsite and the tree line ends. After lunch we cross Jeleze La pass with fabulous views of the Thimphu Valley and its surrounding mountain ridges. After crossing two of these ridges, we will arrive at our campsite, Japhuna.Day 07. Japhuna - Jaduna): (Distance 8 kms. Time 5/6 hrs. Altitude 4100 m, 13,500 ft) The trail from Japhuna takes you up and down over several ridges for about four hours until you come to a small stream where there are two trails which both lead to the same destination. Along the route, there are many small lakes. After another hour and a half climb through rhododendron shrubs, you reach the third campsite, another yak camp.Day 08. Jaduna - Labatama: (Distance 7 kms. Time 5 hrs. Altitude 4460 m, 14,600 ft) There are two trails, one going on the left side of Aum Jomo (the highest peak in the Dagala range), and the other onto the right side of Aum Jomo over the Jomigue pass to Setso and Yumtso Lakes. We follow the right trail and over the pass and going by Dungka Tso Lake. From the pass you can see beautiful views of the high mountains in Northern Bhutan. The trail then descends for two hours to reach Labatama yak camp by the side of Yumtso Lake where we will camp for the night.DAY 09. Labatama Rest Day: You can visit several lakes and enjoy good day fishing or go back to Jomigue pass and climb Aum Jomo to the summit at 16,500 ft., which will take five to six hours.Day 10. Labatama - Grenache:(Distance 7 kms. Time 5 hrs. Altitude 4170 m, 13,700 ft) Today we leave the lovely pasture of Labara and move out of the Dagala range. The trail ascends gradually through lovely landscapes until we reach Pagalaptsa pass, the highest point of the day. From the pass there are beautiful views of Genekha Village and a portion of the Paro Valley. After the pass the trail winds gradually down through thick rhododendrons and oak forest until we reach Genekha where we will camp.Day 11. Genekha – Paro (End of Trek): A short walk brings us to the motor road and our transport back to Paro where we will overnight in the hotel.Day 12. Paro Sightseeing: It will be a very special day, with an excursion to view the spectacular Taktshang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery. After breakfast a short drive takes us to Satsam Chorten. And we walk from there to the monastery. The trail climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. We stop for a rest and light refreshments at the Taktshang Jakhang (cafeteria) and then walk a short distance until we see, clearly and seemingly within reach, Taktshang Monastery. The first part was built around Guru Rimpoche meditation cave in the 1684 by the Penlop of Paro, Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgay. This incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rimpoche), the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, flew here on the back of a flying tiger, Dorji Drolo, said to be his favourite consort. Lunch is served at the cafeteria.Day 13. Departure:This morning we will have our last Bhutanese breakfast and then we’ll be transported to the Paro National Airport for our departure flights home. Bhutan is a place that we will never, ever forget. Magical memories will be ours to recall forever. Just close your eyes!!!! Tour Cost Includes• All tour related travel and transfers from tour start to finish• All activities, entry fees and taxes as described in the itinerary (unless noted as optional in itinerary)• All lodging accommodations (double occupancy) * Single supplement available• All meals as noted• Escort from Bhutan Dragon Adventures and English-speaking local guides• Trekking staff, Trekking tents, cooks; Horses & Yaks for carry the trekking stuffs.Not Included in Cost• International airfare & Druk Air line fares.• Insurance fees• Phone Calls• Laundry• Alcoholic beverages• Guide Gratuities • Sleeping bags and trekking personal gears. Suitability: This tour is suitable for anyone who is moderately active. There are portions of the trip that require extended periods of walking over uneven dirt trails or paths, possibly crossing moving bodies of water and climbing.Thank you and Tashi Delek!
MAGICAL KINGDOM TOUR
Bhutan Magical kingdom Tour. The Magical Kingdom Tour leads you from Paro to Thimphu, then Punakha to Wangdue and Gangtey. It begins with the spectacular Tiger’s Nest Monastery and the National Museum in Paro. While in Thimphu you visit the National Memorial Chorten, the National Library and the Arts and Crafts School among other interesting places. In Punakha and Wangdue the Dzong are featured. Details Itinerary Day 01. Arrive Paro: Your guide from Bhutan Dragon Adventures will receive you at the airport and drive you the short distance to the hotel. After tea, we will drive to the ruins of the Drukgyal Dzong 16 km up the valley. Built in 1647 by the great Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, father and unifier of medieval Bhutan, the Dzong was destroyed by accidental fire and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate. Explore the ramparts and on a clear day experience an unforgettable view of Mt. Jhomolhari. On the way back to Paro, visit Kichu Lhakhang, built in 659 A.D by the Tibetan King Srongsen Gampo. This Monastery is one of the 108 monasteries built across the Himalayan region by the Tibetan King to subdue the Demoness that lay across the Himalayan region. The rest of the monasteries lie in neighbouring countries. Dinner and overnight in hotel.Day 02. Paro, Excursion to Taktshang Monastery: This will be a very special day, with an excursion to view the spectacular Taktshang (Tiger's Nest) monastery. After breakfast a short drive takes us to Satsam Chorten and from there a two hour horse ride to the viewpoint point of the monastery. The trail climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. We stop for a rest and light refreshments at the Taktshang Jakhang (cafeteria) and then walk a short distance until we see, clearly and seemingly within reach, Taktshang monastery. The primary Lhakhang was built around Guru Rimpoche meditation cave in the 1684by the Penlop of Paro Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgay. This incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, flew here on the back of a flying tiger, Dorji Drolo, said to be his favourite consort.After Lunch, we tour Ta Dzong (built in1656 and renovated in 1968), an ancient watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. Below the museum is the Paro Rinpung Dzong, literally meaning “Heap of Jewels,” built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. It is the centre of civil and religious authority in Paro Valley. A short walk takes us to the base of the Dzong and across a traditional cantilevered, covered bridge. In the evening, we drive to Thimphu. Dinner and overnight in the hotel.Day 03. Thimphu Sightseeing: The day begins with visits to the National Memorial Chorten (1974) built in honour of our late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk and the Dupthop Lhakhang one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan. We then visit the National Library, stocked with ancient Buddhist manuscripts, and the Painting School where traditional art is kept alive through instructions in the art of painting Thangkas, sacred Buddhist religious scrolls, and other arts. After lunch we drive to the Traditional Medicine Institute where medicines are prepared according to ancient practices and to Lungtenzampa to observe the Royal silversmiths and a Bhutanese paper factory at work. Other highlights include a visit to the Tashichho Dzong, seat of the national government and the Central Monastic Body, including the summer residence of the Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot of Bhutan. Finally we drive to Simtokha Dzong; the oldest Dzong of Bhutan, built by Shabdrung in 1627. The day ends with a visit to the Handicrafts Emporium followed by shopping for souvenirs in the shops of Thimphu. Overnight in the hotel.Day 04. Thimphu – Punakha - Wangdue: (72 Kms, 3 hours drive). After breakfast, we drive to Punakha via Dochula pass. If the weather is clear, we will stop at the pass to view the higher Himalayas. On the way to Punakha, we visit Chime Lhakhang, which was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley. He subdued the demons with his “Magical Thunderbolt.” This Temple is also known as the “Temple of Fertility.” In Punakha, we visit Punakha Dzong situated between Pho Chu, ‘Male River,” and Mo Chu, ”Female River.” It was built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel and was for many years, until the time of the second king, the seat of government. The construction of the Dzong was foretold by Guru Rimpoche, who predicted, “…a person named Namgyel will arrive at a hill that looks like an elephant”. At the time there was a smaller building here called Dzong Chu, ”Small Dzong,” that housed a statue of Buddha. It is said that Shabdrung ordered the architect, Zowe Palep, to sleep in front of the statue. While Palep was sleeping, the Shabdrung took him in his dreams to Zangtopelri and showed him the palace of Guru Rimpoche. From his vision, the architect conceived the design for the new Dzong, which in keeping with the tradition, was never committed to paper. The Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang, “Palace of Great Happiness.” Here the war materials captured during the battle with Tibetans are preserved. Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo and, in 1952, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk convened the new national Assembly here.After lunch, there will be an excursion to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Choling Monastery. Then dinner and overnight in the hotel in Punakha.Day 05 – Punakha - Gangtey: After breakfast we will drive to Gangtey. On the way we will be sightseeing in the valley of Wangdiphodrang, where we will visit the Wangdiphodrang Dzong built in 1638. Legend relates that as the people were searching for the site of the Dzong, four ravens were seen flying away in four directions. This was considered auspicious sign, representing the spread of Buddhist religion to the four points of the compass. The Dzong is situated at the confluence of Mo Chu and Tang Chu rivers. Then we drive further to Gangtey. While in Gangtey, visit Gangtey Gompa. Gyaltse Pema Thinley, the grandson and mind reincarnation of Pema Lingpa founded the Temple in 1613, and Tenzin Legpai Dhendup, the second re-incarnation, built the temple. The present Abbot, Kunzang Pema Namgyal is the ninth re-incarnation. It is a Nyingmapa monastery and is affiliated to other Nyingmapa monasteries including Tamshing in Bumthang. Explore Phobjikha valley, famous for the black-necked cranes during winter. After lunch, explore the valley. Dinner and overnight in guest house.Day 06. Gangtey - Thimphu: After breakfast, drive to Thimphu. After lunch, visit Folk Heritage Museum and Excursion to Cheri Monastery. In the evening, drive to Paro. Dinner and over night in Hotel.Day 07. Departure: This morning we will have our last Bhutanese breakfast and then we’ll be transported to the Paro National Airport for our departure flights home. Bhutan is a place that we will never, ever forget. Magical memories will be ours to recall forever. Just close your eyes!!!! Tour Cost Includes• All tour related travel and transfers from tour start to finish• All activities, entry fees and taxes as described in the itinerary (unless noted as optional in itinerary)• All lodging accommodations (double occupancy) * Single supplement available• All meals as noted• Escort from Bhutan Dragon Adventures and English-speaking local guidesNot Included in Cost• International airfare & Druk Air line fares.• Insurance fees• Phone Calls• Laundry• Alcoholic beverages• Guide Gratuities Suitability: This tour is suitable for anyone who is moderately active. There are portions of the trip that require extended periods of walking over uneven dirt trails or paths, possibly crossing moving bodies of water and climbing.Thank you and Tashi Delek!
Trek Cost: $ 2500Group size: 2 to 12 Max.Trip length: 7 DaysActivity: TourAltitude Max: 22,525 ft.Best Time: March to May or August to OctoberNote: For group more then 4 people. Please contact for discount rate.
TRIP FACTS
Enquire This Trip
BHUTAN HOSTORIC TOUR
Trek Cost: $ 3500Group size: 2 to 10 Max.Trip length: 11 DaysActivity: TourAltitude Max: 22,525 ft.Best Time: March to May or August to OctoberNote: For group more then 4 people. Please contact for discount rate.
TRIP FACTS
Enquire This Trip
Bhutan Historic ToursThe Historic Tour takes you all the way from Paro to Bumthang in central Bhutan. In addition to sights in Paro, Punakha and Thimphu, you penetrate the heartland. In Trongsa, you visit the Trongsa Dzong, the most impressive in Bhutan. The first two kings of Bhutan ruled from here. The “Castle of the White Bird, Jakar Dzong, and the Iron Castle, Chakhar Lhakhang, are highlights of Bumthang.Itinerary in DetailDay 01. Arrive Paro: Your guide from Bhutan Dragon Adventures will receive you at the airport and drive you the short distance to the hotel. After tea, we will drive to the ruins of the Drukgyal Dzong 16 km up the valley. Built in 1647 by the great Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, father and unifier of medieval Bhutan, the Dzong was destroyed by accidental fire and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate. Explore the ramparts and on a clear day experience an unforgettable view of Mt. Jhomolhari. On the way back to Paro, visit Kichu Lhakhang, built in 659 A.D by the Tibetan King Srongsen Gampo. This Monastery is one of the 108 monasteries built across the Himalayan region by the Tibetan King to subdue the Demoness that lay across the Himalayan region. The rest of the monasteries lie in neighboring countries. Dinner and overnight in hotel. Day 02. Paro, Excursion to Taktshang Monastery: This will be a very special day, with an excursion to view the spectacular Taktshang (Tiger's Nest) monastery. After breakfast a short drive takes us to Satsam Chorten and from there a two hour horse ride to the viewpoint point of the monastery. The trail climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. We stop for a rest and light refreshments at the Taktshang Jakhang (cafeteria) and then walk a short distance until we see, clearly and seemingly within reach, Taktshang monastery. The primary Lhakhang was built around Guru Rimpoche’s meditation cave in the 1684by the Penlop of Paro Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgay. This incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, flew here on the back of a flying tiger, Dorji Drolo, said to be his favourite consort.After lunch, we will tour Ta Dzong. Built in1656 and renovated in 1968, it is an ancient watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. Below the museum is the Rimpung Dzong, literally meaning “Heap of Jewels,” the centre of civil and religious authority in the Paro Valley, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. In the evening, drive to Thimphu. Overnight in hotel.Day 03. Paro - Thimphu Sightseeing: The day begins with visits to the National Memorial Chorten (1974) built in honor of our late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk and the Dupthop Lhakhang one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan. We then visit the National Library, stocked with ancient Buddhist manuscripts, and the Painting School where traditional art is kept alive through instructions in the art of painting Thangkas, sacred Buddhist religious scrolls, and other arts. After lunch we drive to the Traditional Medicine Institute where medicines are prepared according to ancient practices. Other highlights include a visit to the Tashichho Dzong, seat of the national government and the Central Monastic Body, including the summer residence of the Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot of Bhutan. Finally we drive to Simtokha Dzong; the oldest Dzong of Bhutan, built by Shabdrung in 1627. The day ends with a visit to the Handicrafts Emporium followed by shopping for souvenirs in the shops of Thimphu. Overnight in the hotel.Day 04. Thimphu Sightseeing: After breakfast, we tour Folk Heritage Museum, the Textile Museum, Changangkha Lhakhang and Philatelic office. After lunch, there are visits to the Royal Silversmiths and a paper making factory. Overnight in hotel.Day 05. Thimphu - Punakha: (72 Kms, 3 hours drive). After breakfast, we begin the drive to Punakha via Dochula pass. If the weather is clear, we will stop for a while at the pass to view the higher Himalayas. On the way to Punakha, we will stop to view Chimi Lhakhang, which was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley in 15th century. He subdued the demons with his “Magical Thunder- bolt.” This Temple is also known as the “Temple of Fertility.”Lunch in Punakha, after which, we will visit Punakha Dzong built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and situated between Pho Chu “Male River,” and Mo Chu “Female River.” For many years until the time of the second king, it served as the seat of government. The construction of the Dzong was foretold by Guru Rimpoche, who predicted, “…a person named Namgyal will arrive at a hill that looks like an elephant”. There was a smaller building here called Dzong Chu, “Small Dzong,” that housed a statue of Buddha. It is said that Shabdrung ordered the architect, Zowe Palep, to sleep in front of the statue. While Palep was sleeping, the Shabdrung took him in his dreams to Zangtopelri and showed him the palace of Guru Rimpoche. From his vision, the architect conceived the design for the new Dzong, which in keeping with the tradition, was never committed to paper. The Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang, “Palace of Great Happiness.” Here the war materials captured during the battle with Tibetans are preserved. Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo and, in 1952, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk convened the new national Assembly here in. In the evening, we will hike to Khamsung Yulley Namgyal Choling Monastery. Overnight in hotel.Day 06. Punakha - Gangtey: After breakfast we will drive to the beautiful valley of Gangtey. Enroute we will visit to Wangdiphodrang Dzong built in 1638. Legend relates that as the people were searching for the site of the Dzong, four ravens were seen flying away in four directions. This was considered auspicious sign, representing the spread of religion to the four points of the compass. The Dzong is situated at the confluence of Mo Chu and Tang Chu Rivers. On arrival in Gantey, we check into Gangtey Gompa House. Then we visit Gangtey Gompa Monastery, from outside. Gyaltse Pema Thinley, the grandson and mind reincarnation of Pema Lingpa founded the Temple in 1613, and Tenzin Legpai Dhendup, the second re-incarnation, built the temple. The present Abbot, Kunzang Pema Namgyal is the ninth re-incarnation. It is a Nyingmapa monastery and is affiliated to other Nyingmapa monasteries including Tamshing in Bumthang. We still have time to explore the beautiful Phobjikha Valley, most famous for being the winter home of black-necked cranes. Dinner and overnight at the Guest House.Day 07. Gangtey – Trongsa - Bumthang: After breakfast, we drive to Trongsa. Our first stop is the Trongsa Dzong, the most impressive dzong of Bhutan, built in its present form in 1644 by Chogyal Minjur Tempa, the official who was sent by Shabdrung to unify eastern Bhutan. It was enlarged at the end of the 17th century by Desi Tenzin Rabgay. Trongsa Dzong is the ancestral home of the present Royal Family and first two hereditary kings ruled Bhutan from this Dzong. We then get to see Ta Dzong, an ancient watch tower. The chapel inside the Ta Dzong is said to be dedicated to the Trongsa Penlop Jigme Namgyal. After lunch, we will drive to Bumthang and overnight in hotel.Day 08. Bumthang Sightseeing: After breakfast, we tour the Jakar Dzong, which literally means “Castle of White Bird.” The current structure was built in 1667. Afterwards we visit Lamey Goemba, a large palace and monastery built in 18th century by Dasho Phuntsho Wangdi, and Jambay Lhakhang, built by King Srongsen Gampo of Tibet in the year 659 on the same day as Kichu Lhakhang in Paro. The temple was visited by Guru Rimpoche during his visit to Bumthang and was renovated by Sindhu Raja after Guru Rimpoche restored his life force. Under the temple is said to be a lake in which Guru Rimpoche hid several Terma. In October, one of the most spectacular festivals in Bhutan, “Jambay Lhakhang Drup” is staged here. After lunch, we have a visit to Chakhar Lhakhang, the “Iron Castle.” It is the site of the palace of the Indian King, the Sindhu Raja who invited Guru Rimpoche to Bumthang. The original palace was made of Iron. The saint Dorji Lingpa built the current building in 14th century. Its correct name is Dechen Phodrang. We then visit Kurjey Lhakhang. It is named after a body print of Guru Rimpoche and was built in 1652 by Minjur Tempa. Finally we see Tamshing Lhakhang, “Temple of the Good Message,” established in 1501 by Pema Lingpa and is the most important Nyingmapa temples in the kingdom. In the evening, after dinner, we will see Membarstho which literally means, “The burning Lake.” Overnight in hotel.Day 09. Bumthang – Thimphu (212 kms): Early breakfast, drive to Thimphu. Overnight in hotel.Day 10. Thimphu – Paro: After breakfast, we visit Simtokha Dzong built in 1627 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. This Dzong is the oldest Dzong in Bhutan and presently houses a Monastic school. Then we stroll in the town and visit the Handicraft Emporium and other shops. After lunch, we drive to Paro where our final sightseeing is a typical farm house. Overnight in hotel.Day 11. Departure: This morning we will have our last Bhutanese breakfast and then we’ll be transported to the Paro National Airport for our departure flights home. Bhutan is a place that we will never, ever forget. Tour Cost Includes• All tour related travel and transfers from tour start to finish• All activities, entry fees and taxes as described in the itinerary (unless noted as optional in itinerary)• All lodging accommodations ( double occupancy) * Single supplement available• All meals as noted• Escort from Bhutan Dragon Adventures and English-speaking local guidesNot Included in Cost• International airfare & Druk Air line fares.• Insurance fees• Phone Calls• Laundry• Alcoholic beverages• Guide Gratuities Suitability: This tour is suitable for anyone who is moderately active. There are portions of the trip that require extended periods of walking over uneven dirt trails or paths, possibly crossing moving bodies of water and climbing.
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