Far East Trails - Bhutan Holidays - Walking Above the Clouds

Bhutan in Spring - 13 Days

Spring: March, April, May.

Perched high on the mighty Himalayan range, the Kingdom of Bhutan has defied globalisation and chosen to remain a hidden paradise. There’s a place on earth that even the seasoned travelers consider a privilege to visit. Bhutan is the last bastion of vajrayana Buddhism, a spiritual practice that is known to be one of the most profound schools of teaching in the Buddhist world. The sacred monasteries, the fluttering prayer flags that line the high ridge, the red robed monk chanting their prayer give this kingdom an aura of another time. This is BHUTAN: Known to its inhabitants as Druk Yul - "the Land of the Thunder Dragon" Welcome to Bhutan.

Day 1. Paro

The flight into Paro is on the national carrier Druk Air, the only Air line of Bhutan. From left hand side window seat on clear days you can experience a spectacular view of the Mt.Everest and Himalaya peaks as you approach Paro Alt:7364ft/2,210m. Upon arrival you will be met by your guide and check into the hotel. After lunch, we'll visit the National Museum (Ta Dzong). This museum is considered to be a temple by the natives because of the number of ancient religious objects it contains. We can thus get an idea of the cultural and ecological richness of Bhutan in a very short time. Later, visit 17th Century Paro Dzong. After you can walk down through cantilever bridge and spend some time at town.

Day 2. Paro - Thimphu

After breakfast one hour drive winds along a river valley, past small villages and traditional farm houses, through peaceful countryside to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. It’s a small charming capital city sheltered in the heart of the Himalayas. Altitude 7,493ft /2319m. All of the houses and buildings are painted and constructed in traditional Bhutanese style. Check into hotel in Thimphu. Afternoon visit our colorful vegetable market and to National Library. Where ancient scrolls wrapped in silk keep the wisdom of Buddhist texts, Short visit to Semtokha Dzong, oldest of the Dzong in Bhutan. Visit Changlimithang Stadium to see archery match our national game. Continue your drive upper valley to DechenCholing to view kings Palace and back to Hotel.

Day 3. Thimphu - Sightseeing

This morning you will start the day by visiting the National memorial chorten (shrine) a monument dedicated to the 3rd king. Visit Traditional Painting School, a school for Bhutan’s 13 traditional Arts and crafts, stop at Traditional handmade paper from Daphne plant. It is worth a visit to get to know the living national art of weaving. Afternoon, take a short drive to upper Thimphu valley to see our national animal Takin. You can also go for short hike on the nature trail by the Radio tower for 45minutes. After that you can stroll around the street of Thimphu.

Day 4. Thimphu - Punakha / 3hrs / 77 km.

Start your drive through a forest of pine and hemlock, festooned with hanging lichens high up Dochula pass /Alt:10142ft / 3050m. This pass offers panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges, as we descend along a series of curve road to the fertile valley of Punakha / Alt: 4430ft /1371m.. Before proceeding further to Punakha town, we will take a short 45 Minutes walk to Chimi Lakhang a temple on a small hill top. This temple is dedicated to the great yogi in 14th century known as Drukpa Kuenly or popularly known as “Divine Madman” Over night at Punakha

Day 5. Punakha - Phubjikha: 3hrs/90km,

We’ll start early to visit Majestic Punakha Dzong the “Palace of Great Happiness,” situated between the Pho Chu and Mo Chu (male & female) rivers. Drive passing the Wangdi Dzong. Continue toward the central valleys of Bhutan through the breath-taking beauty and serenity of Bhutan’s rich flora and fauna .You may spot a Grey Langur and the Yak grazing in high altitude bamboo shrub along the roadside by Lawala Pass: Alt.10659ft.( Descend to Gangtey Goenpa and to Phubjikha valley, Alt: 9100ft/2817m.

Day 6. Phubjikha to Trongsa Drive to Trongsa: 3hrs / 98km

The road climbs steadily through semi-tropical vegetation up to Pele la Pass at 11046 ft/3390m. With an alpine environment, bush rhododendron trees and dwarf bamboos, We pass by Chendebji Chorten. As you enter Trongsa valley, the huge fortress of Trongsa Dzong,Alt: 2300m. On the far side of a deep valley makes you wonder if you will ever reach it. Overnight in Trongsa.

Day 7. Trongsa - Bumthang 3 hours / 68 km

This morning, tour the spectacular Trongsa Dzong, perched so high on a mountain, it’s said the clouds float below it. Continuing on our journey, the road rises rapidly through a series of hair-pin bends up to Yotong La pass at 11,200 ft/3425m. Enjoy the colorful, quiet peace of the pass with its many prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. Drive downhill to arrive in the Chumey Valley. At Tsugney village, you’ll witness traditional Yathra weaving with the bright geometric patterns distinctive of this area. Continue to Choekhor valley, where Jakar Dzong, the “castle of the white bird” perches above Bumthang. Alt: 8463ft / 2620m. Overnight at Chamkhar.

Day 8. Bumthang - Bumthang

Chokhor valley is the holiest of four valleys and many Bhutanese from all over the country visit here on pilgrimage to pay their respects. Today, take a short drives to initiate walks around Chokhor valley. First visit a 7th Century temple “Jambay Lakhang” built by a Tibetan King, Songtsen Gonpo. From here we will drive to Kurjey Monastery, where the great tantric saint Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) meditated and subdued a local deity known as Shelging Karpo. Leaving the car we’ll hike to Tamshing Lakhang, a 15th Century classic temple. You can also stop by for the famous Cheese, Honey and other local products are for sale.

Day 9. Day Hike

A day Hike from Chamkhar to Tang valley, This trail used to be the old trade route. It will take you approximately 4 to 5hours leisurely, Its easy hike with steep climb for 200mts, through blue pine forest and short gradual climb to small pass Alt: 9400ft. Have your Box Lunch here, overlooking the Tang valley. The trail drop through pine forest and pass by the villages until you reach to Nunnery. Our van and Driver will be waiting with refreshment and transport back to Hotel.

Day 10. Jakar - Wangdu Phodrang 187km/ 5hrs.

Resume our journey through

The blue pine forest, bush rhododendron, hemlock and dwarf bamboos, you are likely to see Yaks grazing on dwarf bamboos, spruce pristine forests of hemlock, fir, oak, magnolia. You will also see religious paintings on the rock face, this site was used while filming the movie “Travelers & Magician” after you cross Palala Pass, where it offers the views of Sacred Mt. Jomolhari and the range. Descent down following the Dang Chhu, until you reach to ChhuZomsa.

Day 11. Wangdue - Thimphu - Paro: 4hrs / 142km.

We start early to view the Wangdi Phodrang Dzong (fortress) situated on the ridge, you can walk down to the bridge and make short hike to model village of Rinchangang. It’s believed they are Indian labors got settled here after the Dzong construction. They were fine craftsman building traditional houses, good stonemasons and carpenters. Continue our fabulous drive back through Dochula Pass, Another chances to view the mountains, make a short stop for hot tea or coffee at Cafeteria, Dochula Pass Alt (10,135ft/3090 m) Make a short stop at Thimphu for last minute shopping and refreshment and 1hr drive to Paro,

Day 12. Day Hike to Taksang (Tigers Nest)

Start the day with short drive to Paro’s upper valley. On a clear day you’ll have an unforgettable view of the “Goddess” Mt.Chomolhari at 23,640 ft/ 7314m. Side tour at ruined DrukGyal Dzong. Afterward, it’s a short drive to Taksang trail head. Hike to Taksang Monastery, the most famous monastery in Bhutan. Taksang means “Tiger Nest” so named because Guru Rinpoche reportedly flew to the site on the back of a flying tiger late in the 7th century. Between blue pines and a blue sky, the monastery perches miraculously on a cliff nearly 2,700feet above Paro’s valley floor. Break along the way for tea and snacks in small tea house. Descend in distilled afternoon light to eat a delicious dinner and overnight stay at Hotel.

Day 13. Paro

Say goodbye to Bhutan and board a flight for onward destinations. We hope you’ll carry this gentle kingdom in your heart: May it bring peace to you and others. Have a safe journey Home.

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