Geo
Health Web
«--» Himalaya
Tours «--» Bhutan Himalaya Tour
Bhutan Himalaya Tour
Duration: 12 Nights / 13 Days
Places Covered: Delhi - Paro - Thimphu - Punakha - Wangdiphodrang - Gangtey
- Tongsa - Bhumthang - Mongar - Tashigang - Samdrup Jongkhar - Guwahati
Day 1: Delhi - Paro
Assistance
and transfer to Druk Hotel or similar. Afternoon at leisure.
Day 2: Paro
After breakfast, drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese
warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. The snowy dome of sacred Chomolhari,
"mountain of goddess" looms directly over the dzong.
Day 3: Paro - Thimphu drive
After breakfast, drive to Thimphu, the capital town passing via idyllic countryside,
through villages and paddy fields, Enroute visit the Simtokha Dzong, the oldest
fortress of the country now houses the School for Bhutan studies.
Afternoon sight-seeing of Thimphu valley, visiting Taschihhodzong; the seat
of the Government, Memorial Chorten, the Stupa built in the memory of Bhutan's
third King and Handicrafts Emporium displaying rich traditional crafts of the
Kingdom.
Day 4: Thimphu - Punakha
Morning, in Thimphu visit to National Library which has fascinating collection
of ancient Buddhist manuscripts and texts, the Painting School: famous for traditional
thankhas paintings and traditional Medicine Institute where centuries old healing
arts still practiced. .
Day 5: Punakha - Wangdiphodrang - Gangtey
After breakfast drive to Wangdiphodrang, 17 km to visit Dzong which is pierced
on a spur at the confluence of the Sunkosh and Tangmachu rivers. The dzong was
built in 1638. The position of the Dzong is remarkable as it completely covers
the south and east-west. Wangdi district is famous for its bamboo work, slate
and stone carving. Overnight at the Lodge.
Day 6: Gangtey - Tongsa
Five hours drive upwards to the Pele La Pass, crossing over the Black Mountains
which divide western and central Bhutan Pass through rich rhododendron and Yak
settlements. Cross the Nikarchu bridge to enter the Tongsa regions in Central
Bhutan. A great white stupa built in Nepalese design from 18th century stands
below the road.
Day 7: Tongsa - Bhumthang
In the morning visit the outer premises of Tongsa Dzong. After lunch, 2-3 hours
drive to Jakar (Bhumthang) across the Yontola Pass at 3404 m. Arrive Jakar (Bhumthang).
Overnight at the Lodge.
Day 8: Bhumtang
This is one of the most spectacular valleys in Bhutan and also the heartland
of Buddhism. Here the great teachers meditated and left in their walk many sacred
grounds. The Guru and his lineage of Tertons, teasure finders, have led to the
sprouting of many temples in the valley. Visit the famous Kurjey, Jamby and
Tamshing Lkhakhangs. Also the Jakar Dzong, seat of the distt. administration.
Day 9: Bhumthang - Mongar
The journey continues eastwards, winding through more rugged terrain. The drive
with spectacular views, will take about 6 hours.
Day 10: Mongar - Tashigang
Drive across Korila Pass to Tashigang. Korila Pass is marked by a pretty chorten
and a stone wall. The drive from here takes down through Nhatsang and Yadi villages.
After Yadi a gorgeous view of the 18 beds can be seen till arrival at Manas
Chu, the biggest river in Bhutan. Overnight at Tashigang.
Day 11: Tashigang
Morning excursion to Tashi Yangtse with packed lunch. Visit Chorten Kora and
Gom Kora, built in the 17th century by Minjur Tempa. It is believed that Guru
Padmasambhava meditated at the site of the temple in the 8th century to subdue
a demon who dwelt in the rock. This little temple contains the statues of Guru
Padmasambhava and Avalokiteshvara.
Day 12: Tashigang - Samdrup Jongkhar
6 to 7 hours drive in the south to the small frontier town of Samdrup Jongkhar.
Along the way see Sherubuste, the only college in the country, the blid school
and the weaving centre in Khaling.. The drive is on up/down road.
Day 13: Samdrup Jongkhar - Guwahati
Drive to Guwahati in India for onward programme.
