|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||
We're proud to support
Our Specialist Sites • HolidayTrails.co.uk >> |
||||
|
|
Bhutan - The Juniper Trail - 9 Days This itinerary offers an in-depth experience of Bhutan combining a short trek with a diverse insight into the country’s culture; which makes this such a fascinating place to visit. The proposed trek is an absolute gem as it unfolds spectacular landscapes and takes you off the beaten path. Our guides were the first people to research the route in 2006 and were fortunate enough to discover an absolute classic. They also had the honor of naming it - The Juniper Trail. The local guides now consider this to be the best short trek in Bhutan, offering rewards normally reserved for much longer itineraries in the high Himalaya. In the lower valleys, the landscapes of Paro and Thimphu are dominated by striking dzongs or monasteries which are visually spectacular and truly fascinating places to visit. |
|||||||
Day 1: Bangkok – Paro Flying into the country’s only airport, in the beautiful Paro valley, the clear mountain air, forested ridges, imposing monasteries and welcoming Bhutanese people in their striking national dress, provides a breath-taking first impression. The valley of Paro contains a wealth of attractions and your afternoon sightseeing includes visit to Rinpung Dzong; it was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan; the Dzong continues its age-old function as the seat of the district administration, district court and the monastic body. The southern approach to the Dzong has a traditional roofed cantilever bridge called Nemi Zam. A walk across the bridge offers a wide view of splendor of the Dzong’s architecture and an opportunity to tread the same path as the ancient warriors. Ta Dzong: On a ridge immediately above Rinpung Dzong is Ta Dzong, built as a watchtower to protect Rinpung Dzong. (“Ta” means “to see” in Dzongkha, so the watchtower of a Dzong is always called a “Ta Dzong”). On account of their function, watchtowers are always round in shape. In 1968 Paro’s Ta Dzong was inaugurated as the National Museum, and now holds a fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings, Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps, coins and handicrafts, together with a small natural history collection. Drukgyel Dzong: This Dzong, with a picturesque village nestling below its ramparts, was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646, to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders. Though largely destroyed by fire in 1951, the towering outer walls and central keep remain an imposing sight. On a clear day, there is a splendid view of Mt. Jhomolhari from the approach road to Drukgyel Dzong. Kyichu Lhakhang: This Lhakhang, built in the 7th century, is one of the two oldest and most sacred shrines in Bhutan (the other being Jambey Lhakhang in Bumthang). Kyichu Lhakhang is composed of twin temples. The first temple was built by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century. In 1968, H.M. Ashi Kesang, the Queen Mother of Bhutan, arranged for a second temple to be built alongside the first one, in same style. Farm House: The natural beauty of Paro valley is enhanced by picturesque farm houses dotted about the fields and on the hillsides. The two to three-storied Bhutanese farm houses are handsome in appearance, with colorfully decorated outer walls and lintels, and are traditionally built without the use of single nail. All houses follow the same architectural style. A visit to a farm house gives an interesting glimpse into the lifestyle of a farming family. Later on, take an evening stroll along the main street, and perhaps visit a few handicrafts shops, or take refreshments at a local café or bar. Altitude at Paro: 2300m Overnight – Tenzinling Resort or Similar in Paro
Day 2: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery Today, we hike up to the famous cliff-hermitage called Taktsang, the “Tiger’s Nest.” This monastic retreat is built into a sheer cliff face high above the Paro valley. Legend has it that the Tibetan Buddhist saint Padmasambhava flew across the Himalayas on the back of a tiger and landed here, bringing Buddhism to Bhutan. The trail to the monastery climbs through beautiful pine forest and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. After visiting what is known as one of the most venerated pilgrimage sites in the country, we will go off the beaten track further up to the temples that are on the hill tops above Tiger’s Nest. It’s so peaceful there and you can really communicate with nature as you enjoy the views from the top be it that of mountains or the valley. No wonder that some monks have chosen this place to meditate for the rest of their lives! Coming down, we are following a different path that takes us through the pristine thick forest of oaks and rhododendrons festooned with Spanish mosses. Approximate walking time: 06 hours. Altitude at Paro: 2300m Overnight- Tenzinling Resort or Similar in Paro
Day 3: Paro - Thimphu In the morning, we will take a drive to Thimphu, perhaps the most unusual capital city in the world, is the seat of government. This bustling town is home to Bhutan’s royal family, the civil service, and foreign missions with representation in Bhutan. It is also the headquarters for a number of internationally funded development projects. Visit to the School of Traditional Arts and Crafts, the school offers a six-year course in the techniques of traditional art in religious and secular paintings, woodcarving, clay sculpture and traditional mask making. One can see students working through progressive levels practicing precise rules of Bhutanese art. The school also has a showroom from where student works are sold at very reasonable price compared to town for same quality of work. Visit to the Folk Heritage Museum; established in 2001, this is an interesting museum housed in a very old traditional house. The museum is a walk through the fast changing rural tradition, habits and skills, and those of the past. They organize special exhibitions annually on select subject pertaining to Bhutanese heritage. Visit the National Memorial Chorten; the building of this landmark was originally envisaged by Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who had wanted to erect a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it is both a memorial to the Late King (“the father of modern Bhutan”), and a monument to peace. Visit the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and privately owned crafts shops, which offer a wide range of handcrafted products, including the splendid thangkha paintings and exquisitely woven textiles for which Bhutan is famous. Approximate driving time: 01 hour. Altitude at Thimphu: 2400m Overnight – Jomolhari Hotel or Similar in Thimphu
Day 4: Thimphu – Punakha We will take a drive to Punakha across Dochu La (3050m) from where one can have a spectacular view of the Himalayas to the north when the sky is clear. The pass is marked by 108 chortens (Stupa) which are Buddhist reliquaries, memorials to the teachings of the Buddha. Sometimes actual relics of the Buddha or revered monks are inserted into the dome of the stupa, but whether or not there are relics inside, the stupas mark the landscape with reminders of the Buddha’s teachings. From here, it’s about a little more than hour’s drive down to sub-tropical Punakha Valley. In Punakha, we will visit the Dzong that was built by Shabdrung, in 1637, on a strategic place at the confluence of Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. The Dzong has played a hallowed role in the history of Bhutan. It served as the seat of Shabdrung’s government, several foreign delegations were received here in 18th and 19th century, the election and coronation of the first King was observed in 1907 and the Third King convened the first National Assembly in the Dzong. The central monastic body continues to reside here in winter. The embalmed bodies of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and Terton Pema Lingpa are housed on the top floor of the main tower. Damaged by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has been fully restored by the present King from the latest fire in 1987. Next in line, we will take a drive to Talo - the native home town of the queens for our short downhill hike following the beautiful track that links the village of Talo and Nobgang where we will see village and the farmhouses to have intimate insight into the Bhutanese way of living. Approximate driving time: 03 hours. Altitude at Punakha: 1300m Overnight- Zangthopelri Hotel or Similar in Punakha
Day 5: Punakha – Dochu La This morning, on our drive up to Dochu La, we will stop at the Royal Botanical Garden and see the varieties of plants or we can find out the name of plants that we have seen so far on the trip. The location of the 18th century Lungchotse Lhakhang is perfect for a day hike from here. For those who do not fancy walking for hours seeking solitude and peace of mind yet would like to have that, this is the place to go. It is a perfect place to enjoy the bounties of nature. On a clear sunny day one can see the entire Bhutan Himalaya with its snow covered peaks. The sunset from Lungchotse with different colors playing against the sky is a splendid spectacle. The view from the ridge as the sun sets over the rolling hills remains etched in mind for a long time. The way to the Lungchotse Lhakhang is no less striking. It is a gentle 02 hour uphill walk from Dochu La. The route is well shaded with rhododendron trees growing in abundance all over the place. The path is well padded with fallen leaves. In May and June when the flowers are in bloom it is a magical trek amidst the various hues of white, red, pink and purple. They say heaven is a place on earth – perhaps Lungchotse is one such place. Anyway it is as close as you can get to in a day! Approximate walking time: 04 hours. Altitude at Dochu La: 3050m. Overnight: Dochu La Hotel
Day 6: Chuzomtoe/ Tsendu La (5-6 hours) Trek Starts - If the weather favors, it will be a bonus to see the sun rise over the eastern end of Himalaya at around 5 in the morning. It’s about 2 hour drive to the trail head at Chuzomtoe (3310m) to begin your trek from where there is a superb view of Bhutan’s Himalaya on a clear day. Overnight: Camp at Tsendu La (3775m)
Day 7: Tsendu La / Pangka La (4-5 hours) After the late breakfast, we will trek down the hill till we get to Dongle La pass (3565m) which is marked by an old two legged Chorten. This pass is along the forsaken ancient mule track between Paro and Ha valleys. This route was like the present day highway not so long ago, with traffic of mules and people being the beast of burden in the same way. From here, the trail goes gradually up through the alpine forest till you get above the tree line in the vicinity of huge meadow of Pangka La. Overnight: Camp at Pangka La (4150m) Day 8: Pangka La / Chele La (5-6 hours) It is worth rising up early in the morning to see the sun rise over the eastern Himalayan mountains or just to experience the solitude of this heaven like place on earth. After enjoying the peace and serenity of this place, we will start the last day of our trek sliding down slowly along the wide and well used yak’s trail for a while till it gets level. Along the ridge, we will come across some yak herder’s camps and then we have a short climb before we make our way down to yet another abandoned mule track at Dzongle La (3565m). From here, the path gets more of level traversing along one side of the rocky ridge till you get to the finishing point of your trek at the highest motor able pass in the country which is marked with grove of fluttering prayer flags known as Chele La (3750m). Altitude at Paro: 2300m Overnight – Tenzinling Resort or Similar in Paro Day 9: Paro – Bangkok After breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport in time to catch up your onward flight. Your escort from Bhutan Excursions will bid you farewell and soon the remote and legendary Dragon Kingdom disappears again behind its guardian mountains. This price is inclusive of Expert leadership, All accommodations, All meals, All transportation during the tour and All activities as noted in the itinerary based on twin room sharing basis.
If you don't see the holiday you require, please let us know! The majority of holidays we sell are tailored to customers' requirements, and we can usually create a bespoke itinerary that will fit in with your needs. |
|
TripAdvisor names Boracay tropical |
Tailored Philippines Holidays from |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| More Testimonials... | |
| Why Far East Trails? | |
Bespoke Holidays...
Not all holidays can be found in a brochure. Sometimes there are special requirements, or country combinations, that only a specialist, with the backup of associates abroad, can help with. Whatever you're looking for, we'll search for the ideal solution, and if it doesn't already exist, we'll help you create it. |
|
Group Tours... If it's a Group Tour you're after, we'll search availability, and offer you suggestions, based on when and where you wish to travel. Enquire... |
|
Luxury Holidays Let us quote for your next Luxury Break or Tour, from companies such as Kuoni. Our prices could surprise you! Enquire... |
|
Far East Cruises Ask us about cruises in the Far East. We'll let you know just what's on offer. More... |
|
| Request a Quote... | |
|
|
|
Arrived home safe and well and had a wonderful holiday in Nepal and Bhutan.
