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Bhutan: Journey to a Magical Kingdom Day 1 Arrive at Paro Valley The flight into Paro (2,200m/ 7,800ft) on the national carrier, Druk Air (‘Druk’ meaning Dragon), is a befitting introduction to the magnificent beauty of Bhutan. From a window seat on clear days you can enjoy a spectacular view of Bhutan’s snow capped peaks as you approach Paro International airport. On arrival you will be received by our representative, and then driven to the hotel. After refreshing yourself, visit the National Museum (housed in an old watch tower) and have an easy afternoon walking around the Paro town.
Sitting atop a hill in 38 acres of parkland, commanding panoramic views of the Paro Valley, Uma Paro consists of 9 Superior rooms, 9 deluxe rooms, 2 Suites, 8 one-bed villas, and 1 two-bed villa. The main hotel used to belong to a Bhutanese nobleman and is built using traditional Bhutanese materials and design. The villas are secluded separately in the grounds. Interior design is simple and elegant with subtle Bhutanese themes. There is an indoor swimming pool, hot stone baths, saunas and steam rooms. You may enjoy Ayurvedic and Asian therapies, a library, an intimate bar and a unique circular timbered restaurant that has floor to ceiling windows and central bukhari wood-burning fireplace. Overnight at Uma Resort or Hotel Zhiwaling Haa Valley Today we drive (3 hours) westwards to the pristine and remote Haa valley, which was recently opened to travelers. The valley is dotted with fields of millet, barley, and potatoes and full of ancient shrines. Haa Valley is the western most state in Bhutan. It borders the Indian state of Sikkim and Tibet. We’ll drive to Haa via the Chele-la pass (3,800m/13,000ft) through blue pine and rhododendron forests. On a clear day there are superb views from the pass of two of Bhutan's highest and best known peaks -- Mount Chomolhari and Jitchu Drake. We will stop here briefly to enjoy the lovely mountain scenery and then continue down to Haa town (2,670m / 8,811ft).
The drive will give you an insight into a medieval way of life that has changed little over the centuries. Modern development has brought better education, health care and electricity to these remote areas but the local small farm-based economy that has kept the local people self sufficient over the years is largely unchanged.
After a picnic lunch by the river near the newly built Haa Dzong (fortress), we will visit two famous monasteries, Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple). Lhakhang Karpo is also called Chundo Gompa, dedicated to the chief protector-deity of the valley. The central shrine in Lhakhang Nagpo is said to be almost identical to that of the Jowo temple in Lhasa, Tibet. Legend has it that local deities assisted in the construction of Lhakhang Karpo and as a result, the place came to be locally known as 'Hay' (meaning 'surprise') which later became 'Haa' due to varying interpretations and pronunciations over time. Visit Dorikha Village. Dinner at a local Hotel and Overnight in the Haa Valley.
Bhutan: Journey to a Magical Kingdom Day 6 Punakha-Trongsa Valley The drive to Trongsa takes approximately 6 hours. We start early for the fabulous drive to the central valleys of Bhutan through Bhutan’s rich flora and fauna. As we cross the fertile valley of Punakha and enter into the valley of Wangdue Phodrang, we’ll take an opportunity to photograph the majestic fortress of Wangdue Dzong, which stands on a spur of a hill at the confluence of the Tsang Chu and Dang Chu rivers. The Dzong is protected by cactus plants all around the slope of the hill. We’ll then climb steadily, passing through semi-tropical vegetation and then to Pele la Pass (3,300 m/ 10,989 ft.).
With an alpine environment of rhododendrons and dwarf bamboo, the Pass is traditionally considered the boundary between West and East Bhutan. In clear weather we can view the high snow capped peaks--especially Mount Chomolhari (7,314 m/ 24,355 ft.). As we descend from the pass through the dwarf bamboo we reach Chendebji Chorten. This Chorten or Stupa was built in 18th century by a Lama known as Shida, in order to nail into the ground a demon who had been terrorizing the inhabitants of this valley and the Ada valley just over the ridge. We will have our pack lunch here. We will also oftentimes encounter yaks on the way. Continuing our drive to Trongsa, we’ll enter Trongsa valley, the huge fortress of Trongsa, which dominates the entire landscape. Like all other Dzongs/fortresses, it has been built on a strategic location. The view from the Dzong extends for many miles and in ancient times nothing could escape the vigilance of its watchmen. Arrive Trongsa. Dinner and overnight at Hotel. Day 7 Trongsa- Bumthang Valley After breakfast, we will visit the majestic Trongsa Dzong, situated on a hill spur looking over cascading Mangde River. In ancient times, this fortress served as the capital for the Governors (Trongsa Penlop) of eastern Bhutan and later served as the capital of first and second king of Bhutan. After the visit, we will proceed to Bumthang. The drive takes less than two hours to cover the 44 miles if we drive non-stop.
From Trongsa, the road rises rapidly through a series of hairpin bends until you arrive at Yotong La Pass (3,400 m / 11,200 foot). From here the road descends until you arrive at Chumey Valley (2,700m / 8,800 foot). Our first stop at Chumey will be to visit the small village of Tsugney where you will see the traditional weaving of woolen fabrics. Continue your drive to Choekhor crossing the Kiki La Pass (2,900 meters / 9,500foot). Arrive at Choekhor Valley (Valley of Dharma Wheel). Check into your hotel and explore the small town at your own convenience. Dinner and overnight at Hotel. Day 8 Bumthang Valley sightseeing The sightseeing today will be followed in the style of Bhutanese tradition, which is in clock wise direction. Your car will drop you at the Kurjey Lhakhang, one of the holiest temples in the country. It is believed that in the eighth century Guru Padmasambhava had meditated here and subdued the local deity known as Shelging Karpo.
Begin your hike from here crossing the suspension bridge and visit Padmasambhava Lhakhang. This is another meditation site of Guru Padmasambhava. It was founded by Terton (treasure seeker) Pema Lingpa in 15th century and was restored by the Grand Queen Mother of present King. Bumthang valley is truly the most sacred place in Bhutan. Continue your hike to Tamshing Lhakhang, founded in early 16th century by Terton Pema Lingpa. Next, you will visit Konchogsum Lhakhang, built in the 8th century. The Temple is famous for its bell, which bears an inscription from the eighth century. Your car will pick you up from here. Overnight at Hotel in Bumthang. Day 9 Drive to Trongsa and to Phobjikha Valley After breakfast, we will make a u-turn and drive to Phobjikha Valley through Trongsa. After crossing the Pele La pass, we will make a left turn on another road that will lead us to the broad and beautiful valley of Phobjikha.
This valley also serves as the winter home for the rare black-necked cranes that migrate from the plateau of Tibet when it gets extremely cold. The birds migrate sometime in late October and they return to Tibet in March/April. The villagers celebrate their arrival.The Black-necked Crane is also known as Thrung Thrung Karmo and is deeply revered as a heavenly bird (lhab-bja), which has harmoniously coexisted with the residents largely due to strong Buddhist beliefs. The lhab-bja appears in the Bhutanese folk lore, songs, dances and historical references. If your visit here is in late October, then you will be able to witness the cranes feeding in the marshy meadow. Our car will drop us before arriving at the Gangtey Monastery, We will start our hike through the village to the monastery and then continue downhill into the Phobjikha valley. We will continue our hike to the hotel where we will be served with our lunch. Rest of the day free for us to explore the village or observe the cranes during the crane season. Overnight at the hotel or lodge.
Bhutan: Journey to a Magical Kingdom: Logistics Inclusions:
Exclusions:
Visa All visitors to Bhutan require a visa prior to arrival in the country. Visa clearance takes at least 10 days to process. Air tickets to Bhutan cannot be purchased without visa clearance. Once the visa is obtained, the government sends copies of the visa to the point of entry into Bhutan and to your travel provider. Elevate Destinations will then send a copy to you before departure. Visas are issued for a 14 day period; extensions can be obtained in Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Getting into Bhutan (via Air): The best way to enter Bhutan is by Druk Air ('Druk' means Dragon), the national air carrier. The flight into Paro International Airport, Bhutan's only airport is one of the most spectacular flights in the world. Druk Air has two flight schedules - a summer and winter flight schedule. They differ in timings though the days of operation remain the same. Once the tour is finalised and payment is made, the visa is being processed and obtained by us on your behalf. You can book the flights only after obtaining the visa. Druk Air has flights from/to India (New Delhi, Kolkatta and Gaya), Thailand (Bangkok), Nepal (Kathmandu) and Bangladesh(Dhaka).Druk Air is the only airline operating in Bhutan. The airline operates two Airbus A319.For current flight schedules and fares, please check Druk Air's web site. This will help you plan your trip. Payment We require a deposit of 50% to confirm a booking. The balance is payable 90 days before planned departure date. Owing to the small size of our trips, payment is non-refundable. We recommend trip insurance to cover any unexpected cancellations.
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