Bhutan Cultural Trip

The land of the Thunder Dragon - Druk Yul , conjures an image of immense
fascination in the minds of most people. Ancient monasteries with fascinating
histories, benevolent people with a rich cultural heritage, snow capped
Himalayas offering quaint trekking trails . Bhutan, often referred to as The Last
Shangri La is probably the most beautiful and mystique country in the world.
Our trip to the land of Gross National Happiness is the perfect blend of stunning
landscapes, colourful monasteries, friendly people and picturesque walks.
Starting from the border town of Phuntsholing our road winds up to Thimpu , the
vibrant capital city. We drive further to Punakha crossing over the Dochu La pass
which heralds grand views of the Eastern Himalayan peaks. The stunning
landscape takes a dramatic turn as we continue to Bumthang , the most
beautiful valley in all of Bhutan. Being the cultural cradle of the country , we visit
many historic sites and monasteries to get a better understanding of how
Buddhism came into Bhutan.
On our way back we halt at the fabled Phobjika valley , exploring on foot some
of its lesser know trails. We end our trip in Paro with the breadth taking trek to
the iconic Takgsang (Tigers Nest) monastery.
Detail Itinerary
Day 1: Bagdogra to Phuntsholing
158 kms; Drive time: 4
hours
Reach Bagdogra airport latest by 1 pm. From here we drive to the border town of
Phuntsholing from where we process our permits for Bhutan. O/n at Orchid Hotel
or similar
Day 2: Phuntsholing to Thimpu
176 kms; Drive time: 6 hours
Post breakfast commence our scenic drive up the valleys of Bhutan, admiring
and photographing the ever changing landscape. In the evening walk around
Thimpu town absorbing the vibes of the capital city. O/n at Wangchuk Resort or
similar
Day 3: Thimpu
In the morning we visit the traditional art school to interact with artisans and
learn about the ancient art forms of Bhutan. From here we proceed to the Textile
museum .
In the second half we visit the Memorial Chorten built in 1974 in the memory of
Bhutan's third King, His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Paintings and
statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.
From here we drive a little outside the city to Buddha Point which houses the
largest Buddha statue in Bhutan and offers some great views of the Thimpu
valley. O/n at Wangchuk Resort or similar
Day 4: Thimpu to Wangdi via Punakha
83 kms; Drive time: 3 hours
Today we proceed further to Punakha, crossing over Dochu La the highest point
on the road. On a clear day one can get stunning views of the East Himalayan

peaks from the pass. In 2003 the Queen Mother commissioned the construction
of 108 chortens at the pass, accentuating the tranquillity of the landscape .
On reaching Punakha we visit Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple of Lama
Drukpa Kuenley also known as the Divine Madman. who advocated the use of
phallus symbols as paintings on walls and as flying carved wooden phalluses on
house tops at four corners of the eves. All over Punakha and other areas of
Bhutan you will see these paintings which are intended to drive away the evil
eye.
In the afternoon we visit the Punakha dzong, probably the most scenic one in all
of Bhutan. The Dzong houses the sacred relics of the southern Drukpa Kagyu
School including the Rangjung Kasarpani, and the sacred remains of Zhabdrung
Ngawang Namgyal and Terton Padma Lingpa.
From here we continue our short drive to Wangdi where we halt for the night. O/n
at Dragon Nest Resort or similar
Day 5: Wangdi to Bumthang
200 kms; Drive time: 7 hours
Post breakfast we commence our scenic drive to Bumthang. En route cross Pelela pass
(3,300m/10,830 ft), the traditional boundary between East and West. The pass is
marked by a large
white chorten adorned with numerous prayer flags. There is an abrupt change in
vegetation at this
point, with mountain forest replaced by high altitude dwarf bamboo. On the way
we will take a halt at Chendbji Chorten, patterned on Kathmandu's
Swayambhunath Stupa, with eyes painted at four cardinal points. It was built in
the 18th century by Lama Shida from Tibet, to cover the remains of an evil spirit
that was subdued at this spot.
O/n at Kaila Choenzem Guesthouse or similar.
Day 6: Bumthang
After breakfast visit Jambay Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan built
by Tibetan King
Songtsen Gampo in 659 AD. Also visit the nearby Kurjey Lhakhang which is the
final resting place of the first three kings of Bhutan
From here drive to Tang valley to see the Ogyen Choling museum. The drive is
over a dirt road but
extremely scenic. O/n at Kaila Choenzem Guesthouse or similar.
Day 7 :Bumthang to Gangtey
128 kms; Drive time: 5.5
hours
On our way to Gangtey we take a brief halt to visit the Trongsa Dzong, the
largest and most impressive dzong in all of Bhutan. This Dzong used to be the
seat of power of the Wankchuk dynasty , who ultimately became the kings of
Bhutan. Also visit the Ta Dzong in Trongsa which has now been
converted into a Museum of Bhutan history .
Continue our drive to Phobjika valley. The Phobjikha valley is surely one of the
most enchanting high altitude valleys in Bhutan. Phobjikha is one of Bhutan's few
glacial valleys, and chosen winter home of Black Necked cranes, migrating from
the Tibetan plateau. Visit the 17th century Gangtey Gonpa, the only Nyingmapa

monastery in western Bhutan and it houses about 200 monks. O/n at Yue-Loki
guesthouse
Day 8: Gangtey to Paro
208 kms; Drive time: 7 hours
Take a short walk around Phobjika valley after which we will drive to Paro. O/n at
Nivaana Lodge or similar
Day 9: Trek to Tigers Nest
Today we go for a full day hike to Bhutans most iconic monastery Taktsang
monastery. It is one of the most sacred places in Bhutan due to its association
with Guru Rinpoche, who reputedly flew to Paro Taktsang cliff in the form of Guru
Dorji Drolo, mounted on a flaming dakini-tigress in the 1692 , where he
meditated and subdued evil spirits. Hence it is also referred to as Tigers Nest.
. O/n at Nivaana Lodge or similar
Day 10: Paro to Phuntsholing
152 kms; Drive time: 5 hours
In the morning we visit the Paro dzong and the National museum after which
participants will have some time to shop. By early afternoon drive down to
Phuntsholing. O/n at Orchid Hotel or similar
Day 11: Phuntsholing to Bagdogra
158 kms; Drive time: 4 hours
Leave early in the morning to Bagdogra airport from where you will take your
return flight back home. Participants are advised to book flights departing after 2
pm
Trip Dates: 6th May to 16th May
Cost of trip per person: Rs.47,500 /-