BODY MIND HAPPINESS TOUR (9 days)
Day 01: Paro and drive to Thimphu
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in entire Himalayas. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu, the journey offers fascinating views and an exciting descent into the Kingdom. Bhutan’s first gift, as you disembark from the aircraft will be cool, clean fresh mountain air. After immigration formalities and baggage collection, you will be met by our representative, and afterwards drive to Thimphu, En route visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the country constructed by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1629. The name Simtokha literally means ‘Atop a Demon’ and the legend associated with the dzong’s construction tells us that it was built in order to subdue an evil spirit that was harassing travelers in the region. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.
Day 02: Thimphu Day Hike to Chari Monastery
Cheri Monastery,also known as Chakri Dorjidhen is hermitage and Monastry in the Upper Thimphu Valley in Bhutan.It was built in 1619 bu Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel as his first Monastery in Bhutan where he estabilish the first monastic body in Bhutan.Its 20km north from main Thimphu Town.The Hike will be about one hour uphill towards the Chari Monastery.Chari Monastery is one of the oldest and first monastery in Bhutan.Today it is a Maditation centre for the monastic body those pass out form the Tango Buddhist university.Chari Monastery also have the body relic of the Zhabdrungs father Yab Tenpai Nima.On the way back you will enjoy Hot Picnic Lunch and Over night Hotel in Thimphu.
Day 03: Thimphu – Punakha
After breakfast, drive up to Dochu-la pass (3,088m/ 10,130 ft) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m), Jejegangphugang (7,158 m ), Kangphugang (7,170 m ), Zongphugang (7, 060 m ), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana – finally Gangkar puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m.You can also view Gasa Dzong where Zhabdrung came to Bhutan via Gasa.
After Lunch on the way to Punakha Dzong embark on a short walking excursion to Chimi Lhakhang, located on a ridge surrounded by beautiful paddy fields. From road point, it takes about 10-15 minutes walk through Sobsukha village to reach the monastery. Also known as Fertility temple, it is associated with Lama Drukpa Kuenley, children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon.
After that drive to Punakha dzong which was former capital of Bhutan and seat of the Government until 1955 when the capital was moved to Thimphu.Visit Punakha Dzong or ‘Palace of Great Happiness or Bliss, built at the junction of the Phochu and Mochu rivers in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. This majestic dzong served as both the religious and the administrative center of Bhutan.Zhabdrung dead body still preserved in Punakha Dzong at Machi Lhakhang. Overnight hotel at Punakha
Day 04: Thimphu – Bumthang via Phobjikha valley (2320m)
After breakfast, drive towards Bumthang via Wangdue Phodrang Dzong dramatically located on the spur of a hill at the confluence of the Tsang Chu and Dang Chu rivers. Then a gradual climb goes into the valley of Gangtey (Phobjikha). There is an old monastery of Gangtey Gompa dating back to the 17th century. A few kilometers past the Gompa on the valley floor are the fascinating valley of Phobjikha. The gentle sloping hillsides of Phobjikha are described as “the most beautiful valley in the Himalayas”.
Further drive to towards the Bumthang via Trongsa.The drive to Bumthang is about six hours crossing over Pelela Pass (3,300 m) and Yotongla Pass (3,400 m). The road climbs steadily passing through semi-tropical vegetation and then to Pelela Pass(3,300m) with an alpine environment of rhododendrons and dwarf bamboo. This pass is traditionally considered the boundary between west and east Bhutan. If the weather is clear, particularly the peak of Jhomulhari (7314 m) to the west can be spotted. En-route cross Chendebji Chorten built to suppress a demon. After lunch, go out to view the impressive Trongsa Dzong, ancestral home of the ruling dynasty. In olden days the Dzong commanded the passage between east and West Bhutan.Drive further to Bumthang climbing up to Yotongla Pass and then to Chumbi Valley and to Bumthang.Overnight hotel in Bumthang
Day 05: Bumthang sight seeing
After breakfast your sightseeing includes the Visit to the Jambay Lhakhang the oldest temple Built by king of Tibet Thritsong Desen in 7th Century,It is supposes to have built around 108 temple in Himalaya in one day to subdue the gaint demon.After that visit the Kurjey Lhakhang the Temple where Guru Rinpoche second Buddha left his body print on the rock.Guru Rinpoche visited the Bumthang under the invitation of Sindu Raja. After that walk take short hike crossing the Suspension bridge and then Visit the Tamshing lhakng built by Terton Pema Lingpa and then to Konchosum Lhakhang.After lunch visit the Mebar Tsho Buring Lake which Pemalingpa discover the treasure from the lake that drive back to the town and then to the hotel. Overnight hotel in Bumthang.
Day 06: Day Excursion to Ura Valley
Excursion 2 hours to Ura village and visit the new Ura monastery.Ura Valley is one of the beautiful valley 3100m and one and half drive from Bumthang.The Village named after Padmasambav,the Gurufrom the land of Ugyen(Oddiyana)who brought Buddhism to Bhutan in 8th century.He is sid to have passed through the valley on his first trip to Bhutan,Since then the viullage came to be called Urbey.the hidden land how ever the second coming to padmasambav that the village remembers and celebrates through Yakchoe ,the grand annul festival. On the way visit the Mebartsho meaning burning lake. Stroll around the village and return to the Guest house. Evening walk to the swiss farm where apple juice, cider, cheese, etc… Are made, (Overnight at 4-star hotel on a full board basis) overnight Hotel in Bumthang.
Day 07: Bumthang to Paro
After breakfast, drive Back to Paro crossing Yotong La passTrongsa and visit Trongsa Museum used as watchtower (Ta dzong) in those days overlooking the dzong now houses an excellent museum. The five floors of displays tell the history of the monarchy through such varied treasures as the 500-year-old jacket of Ngagi Wangchuk, the second king’s saddle and a copy of the famous raven crown. After that drive further back to via Chelela Pass and Dochula Pass and back to paro. Over night hotel in Paro.
Day 08: Paro – Hike to Taktsang Monastery ‘Tiger’s Nest’? (3120m)
After breakfast drive towards the base camp of Taktsang for the hike up to the Taktsang Monastery-Tiger’s Nest. It’s about two hours hike up the cafeteria. From this point, enjoy the spectacular view of the monastery, where Guru Padmasambhava landed on the back of a tigress in 8th century. Then visit the Taktsang Monastery and hike back to the road point then drive to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in Bhutan. Afterwards, back to hotel. Overnight hotel at Paro.
Day 09: Depart Paro
After Breakfast drive to Air Port and Depart to Your Destination
Tashi Delek
