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Day 1 Bangkok/ Paro/ Thimpu
Druk Air KB 127 departs Bangkok at 05.50 am and arrives Paro at 9.50 am flying via Calcutta, (Requiring arrival into Bangkok and a hotel airport stay the night before).
The same flight can also be picked up from Calcutta.
Special NOTE: We provide the Druk return flight tickets from Bangkok/Calcutta/Delhi, depending from where you join, and this is included in the cost.
Morning arrive to the Airport for flight to Paro. (Druk Air: KB 127 0550/0950 hrs)
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Paro: The Paro valley has kept its bucolic nature in spite of an Airport and the existence of development projects. After some initial sightseeing around Paro, and an early lunch, drive to Thimpu.
Thimphu, the capital of the Royal Kingdom of Bhutan is situated at 7500 feet and is the hub of all major activity and recently undergoing substantial development. This afternoon explore some of the many interesting sites, including specialist shops that house hand made paper, Buddhist artefacts, and exquisite textiles.
A Welcome cocktail party with an introduction and orientation from our delightful local guide, on local history, religion and customs.
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Days 2 + 3 Thimphu
Thimpu Sites:
Tashichodzong, the seat of the parliament and a spectacular fortress is the focus of this valley. The Memorial Chorten is an impressive monument with its golden spires shining in the sun, its bells tinkling in the wind and an endless procession of elderly people circling around it. Other places of interest in Thimphu are The National Library stocked with ancient Buddhist manuscripts, the Painting School, where traditional art is still kept alive through instructions in the art of painting Thangkas (sacred Buddhist religious scrolls), Changangkha Lhakhang which is a fortress-like temple and monastic school perched on a ridge above Thimphu, The School of Natural and Tibetan Medicine, the exceptional Textile Museum, Handicraft Emporium, Paper Factory and Royal Academy of Performing Arts
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The people of Bhutan are very keen archers and the odd archery match in the stadium on weekends draws a lot of fanfare, singing, drinking, dancing and merry making.
A Bhutanese Cuisine Private Dinner is at Ashi Khendum Dorji's residence.
(Our colleague, Princess Khendum is a member of the royal family and the first cousin of the King).
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There is the opportunity for a most wonderful trek (moderately difficult) to Tango) and Cherry Monastery, (Cheri Goemba ) - both upper-education monastic schools, where you may have the chance to see young monks in class.
There will also be a presentation from a leading expert on textiles, as Bhutan maintains a lively weaving tradition of very high order.
This evening’s dinner is preceded by a performance by Jigme Dukpa, one of Bhutan’s pre-eminent musicians.
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Day 4 Thimphu / Punakha / Wangdi
After breakfast drive to Punakha.
You will drive across Dochula Pass (10,250ft) which on a clear affords a panoramic view of the northern high peaks. The pass is marked by a stupa and many prayer flags. Punakha the old Capital of Bhutan till 1955 is still the winter residence of the Monk body and the Je-Khenpo. In the afternoon visit the Punakha Dzong, the second oldest Dzong built between two rivers Pho chu and the Mo chu (male and female rivers).
Also visit the Chimi Lhakhang built by Lama Drukpa Kunley who subdued the demoness of the Dochu la with his Magic Thunderbolt of Wisdom
Arrive Wangdi and check into the Meri Punsum Resort .
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Day 5 Wangdi / Punakha/ Phobjikha Valley
After an enchanting and easy morning drive to Phobjika valley, on the way visit the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, strategically located on a ridge overlooking the old trade routes that ran east-west and north-south.
Phobjika is a glacial valley (3,000 m) on the western slopes of the Black Mountains, a designated conservation zone where large flocks of black-necked cranes come to winter. It is one of the most important wildlife preserves in the Country, and described as "the most beautiful spot in the most beautiful country in the Himalayas".
An important Nyingmapa monastery dominates the valley. Visit the Gangtey monastery where artisans have been at work for several years in reconstruction work.
Arrive and check into Chhundu Guest House where one is assured of a simple but comfortable stay amidst the very simple rural setting and an outdoor dinner with a bombfire and musicians.
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Day 6 CENTRAL BHUTAN: Phobjikha Valley
Drive to Trongsa in central Bhutan known for its buckwheat and apple production, its sturdy stone houses, and its plethora of monasteries. It’s the ideal place for walking due to its broad valleys and sloping mountains. The beauty of the Bumthang valley is legendary with the Black Mountains separating Western Bhutan from Central Bhutan. Visit the Trongsa Dzong, perched on a strategic position above the Mangde Chu (river). This Dzong is the ancestral home of Bhutanese royal family and one of the most exquisitely decorated, with wonderful paintings throughout. Overnight Yangkhill Resort, a new, small resort hotel built on the ridgeline with unsurpassed views of the mesmerising Dzong across the valley.
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Day 7 Trongso/(Jakar) Bumthang
After breakfast drive to Bumthang. On the way visit the Yatha Factory to watch the weavers at work weaving distinctive strips of woollen fabric into colourful patterns. One of the easier drives in Bhutan, you pass numerous villages and goembas to Jakar, a major trading centre of the region.
The Bumthang region encompasses four major valleys: Choskhor, Tang, Ura and Chhume with many important temples.are in the large Choskhor valley, commonly referred to as Bumthang valley. Sightseeing in and around Bumthang valley includes the Jakar Dzong (Castle of the White Bird) which overlooks the valley, Wangdichholing Palace built in 1857 and Lamey Goemba.
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Day 8 Bumthang
Today is a combination of driving and moderate walking to experience the picturesque valley of Bumthang and to visit the sacred sights, shrines and monuments. View the Jakar Dzong (Castle of the White Bird ) . In the afternoon visit the Woodcraft Centre and Swiss Cheese Factory, followed by a stroll through the interesting town of Bumthang.
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Day 9 Bumthang/Wangdue Phodrang
After breakfast drive back to Wangduephodrang (6 to 7 hours drive),"the palace where the four directions are gathered under the power of the Shabdrung". Wangdue Phodrang Dzong is perched on a spur at the confluence of two rivers and is remarkable as it completely covers the spur commanding an impressive view. The main road climbs the length of the spur and, across the river, comes the first glimpse of the picturesque village of Rinchengang.
Overnight at Kichu Resort, overlooking the Dang Chhu river which gushes just below your balcony. They serve only vegetarian food prepared in tasteful, interesting ways.
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Day 10 Wangdue Phodrang/Paro
Early morning departure for 5-hour drive to Paro.
Detour via Thimpu is a possibility for last minute shopping. Otherwise continue to Paro.
Fields, brown or green depending on the season, cover most of the valley floor, while hamlets and isolated farms dot the landscape. The houses of the Paro valley are considered to be among the most beautiful ones in the country; with their rows of windows on three levels.
Paro is believed to be one of the first valleys to have received the imprint of Buddhism, and two temples bear witness to the glorious introduction of the religion: Kyichu and Taktsang. You will also visit Ta Dzong, the wonderful national museum and explore the ruins of Drugyel Dzong.
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Day 11 Paro
For the energetic, hike to Takshang Monastery, one of 13 of the most revered Buddhist pilgrim sites in the Himalayan world. "Tiger's Lair" is considered an intensely spiritual place and the quite challenging 3-hour walk is most interesting.
OR revisit the Kyichu Lhakhang, built in 7th century by the Tibetan Buddhist King Songtsen Gompo, who was responsible for the spread of Buddhism in the Himalayas.
Otherwise, a leisurely day to wander this charming village and soak up the wonderful atmosphere.
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Day 12
After breakfast, Departure transfer to airport in time to board onward flight to Bangkok (via Calcutta)
Druk Air flight Morning transfer to Paro airport for flight back to Bangkok.KB 120 PBH/CCU 0840 / 1355 hrs. Onward international connections under guest's own arrangements.
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This Tour remains the marieke’s Art of Living. We reserve the right to vary the itinerary at any time in the best interests of our clients.
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NOTE ABOUT ENTRY POINT:
Druk Airways (the only licensed carrier allowed to fly to Bhutan) provides a direct early morning connection out of Bangkok direct to Paro.
This is the easiest access point, so guests are advised to arrive Bangkok well before this connection.
It is also possible to join this tour via Delhi or Calcutta, or Kathmandu in which case plan to arrive no later than the day before the tour commences. Guests may also wish to consider some days in Nepal and or India before/after the Tour and Art of Living can assist with these additional travel arrangements.
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Special Note About joining this Tour. Group visits to Bhutan in 2008 will be restricted because of the significance of events in the country. It will at the same time have a very special “buzz” about it as it embraces such monumental changes. Seats on Druk Air, the only permitted carrier to Bhutan will also experience huge pressure for ticket allocation. This tour is for limited numbers and to avoid disappointment, guests are strongly urged to commit their travel plans and book as soon as is expedient.
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Your Guide in Bhutan
Durga Singh is an exceptional guide and host who has assisted with many special interest groups to this wondrous kingdom. A proud, aristocratic Rajput and a rare Renaissance man with interests as diverse as philosophy, religion, contemporary politics, farming, tribal culture, music and poetry, he has developed a profound affinity with Bhutan after many visits.
Durga sports not only a grand moustache but also a wonderful sense of humour. A marvellous and engaging raconteur, he and his insights will leave a lasting impression.
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Your Tour Escort
Marieke Brugman
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