Bhutan – Kingdom In The Sky

Today’s full day of sightseeing in Thimphu valley includes, visit to;
National Library; it holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts, manuscripts, modern academic books and printing blocks for prayer flags. Painting School; famous for traditional thangkha paintings. Textile & Folk Heritage Museum; a fascinating testimony of Bhutan’s living traditions. Memorial Chorten; the beautiful stupa built in the memory of Bhutan’s third King. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy. Trashichhodzong; the beautiful fortress/monastery which houses Secretariate building, King’s Throne room and other government’s offices. It is also the summer residence of Chief Abbot. Handicrafts Emporium; it displays wide assortment of beautifully handwoven and crafted products.

Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu

After early breakfast, drive to Dochula pass (3,080m). If the weather permits, you can see a range of high Himalayan peaks towards the north east. Following peaks can be seen from this pass, on a clear day ; 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 domiates the isolated region of Lunana – finally Gangkar punsum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m.

Further drive onwards arriving Wangduephodrang town for lunch. The descent from Dochula into Wangdiphodrang valley is quite long as the altitude difference is 1,700 meters.

Proceed to Trongsa across Pelela pass (3,300 m), the traditional boundry between east and west. The pass is marked by a large prayer flag and the ground is covered with high altitude dwarf bamboo. Stop enroute at Chendbji Chorten, which was built in 18th century by a Lama named Shida, it is Nepalese in style with eyes painted at four cardinal points.

Arrive Trongsa and check into the lodge.

After breakfast walk by Trongsa Dzong built by Shabdrng in 1647 and visit the Ta Dzong (watch tower), dedicated to Buddhist epic hero, King Gesar of ling.

After lunch, drive to Punakha en route driving through the town of Wangdue. Unfortunately the Dzong succumbed to a devastating fire on 24th June, 2012, however you can visit the local market. The district of Wangduephodrang is also famous for its bamboo products, slate and stone carvings.
Wangduephodrang can be replaced with Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang nunnery:
Perched on a ridge amid pine trees and overlooking valleys of Punakha and Wangduephodrang, gleams the magnificent structures of Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang(Temple). The temple houses a 14-foot main bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara (Chenrigzig chagtong chentong). Other statues include those of Guru Padmasambawa, Gautama Buddha, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, Tsela Namsum, the 21 Taras and Tsepamay (Buddha of longevity). The Avalokiteshvara statue, one of the biggest in the country, was the handiwork of entirely local Bhutanese artisans.

The temple complex also houses a permanent higher learning and meditation centre for nuns where, apart from religious trainings, it provides life skill training such as tailoring, embroidery, statue making and thangka painting.

Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

Morning visit Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the junction of two rivers. It was the capital of Bhutan until 1955, and still serves as the winter residence of the monk body. The first King, Ugyen Wangchuck was crowned here in 1907. The fortress has withstood several damages from fire, earthquake and flood. The latest flood of Oct’ 1994 caused great damages to the fortress but miraculously spared the statue of Buddha Jojampa.

After lunch, proceed to Paro en route visit traditional Bhutanese farm house which offers good insight into lifestyle of local people and their culture. On arrival in Paro, check into the hotel

Overnight at the hotel

Today’s full day sightseeing in Paro valley includes, visit to Ta Dzong, the National Museum which in the past served as watch tower for the Paro Dzong. Then walk down the trail to visit Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong) built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

After lunch, drive to Drukgeyl Dzong, built in 1647 by the Shabdrung to commemorate Bhutanese victory over the Tibetans in war of 1644. Also en route visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro

After breakfast drive to the airport for flight to onward destination.