Bhutan

Bhutan Cultural Trip
Date: TBA

Situated in the middle of Asia, the Buddhist Himalayas is a cultural continent separated from other Asian cultures. Bhutan has been the most preserved cultural island within the Himalayan countries after Tibet was taken over by the Chinese in 1950s. The kingdom has been committed to preserve its culture at any cost while other Himalayan cultures face great threat both from within and without. Until recently, Bhutanese kept foreigners away from its border at an effort to keep their culture undiluted. Today, while its giant neighbors race to follow western style development, the Bhutanese are proud to tell outsiders that in their country, the Gross National Happiness is more important than gross national income.

Now Bhutan has adopted a policy to let foreigners see its ancient culture and beauty of the Himalayan mountains. This year, in 2008, the Bhutanese king has stepped down to give the country a system of democracy. The Bhutanese say it is the first time in the history of humankind a king voluntarily has given democracy to its people. It is historical for Bhutan and they recently had their first political election based on a party system. So, needless to say, this is an important year to visit Bhutan and witness the historical changes of the country.

Why should you join Tashi Delek Travel to visit Bhutan? Whether it is in Tibet, India or Bhutan, our strongest commitment is for our clients’ cultural experience, safety and comfort. We introduce you to the local culture as close and intimate interaction as possible. A professional, bi-cultural and bi-lingual tour leader who knows the needs of visitors and can transmit the essence of the Himalayan culture to our guests will accompany you. Our tour leader has the firsthand experience in the cultural continent and the necessary trainings in case of emergencies. Our group sizes are small (average six to ten people). We make assessments about the participants to the best of our judgment so that the group could be more like-minded people. We use local guides and experts who work with our tour leader. Our price is equitable.

The best months to visit Bhutan are March through May and September through November.

Day 01
Paro

From the airport our tour leader and local guide will receive you and escort you to the hotel in Paro. Sightseeing in Paro valley

  • Rinpung Dzong, built in 1646 and is the seat of the district administration of Paro.
  • Drukgyal Dzong, fortress of the victorious Drukpas, was built in 1650 to commemorate a victory over the Tibetan invasion. It caught fire in 1951 and it now stands in ruins.on clear days the battlements of the fortress offers panoramic view of the highest mountain in Bhutan,Chomolhari(7,314 mts)
  • Kyichu Temple, one of the oldest Temple’s in Bhutan, dates back to the 7th century.
  • Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower, which now houses the National Museum.
  • Visit to a farmhouse in the valley.

Day 02
Paro/ Thimphu

  • Day excursion to Taksang Monastery
  • Afternoon drive to Thimphu
  • Stroll in Thimphu Town

Day 03
Thimphu sightseeing

  • National Memorial Chorten, built in the honour of our late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk.
  • Zilukha Nunnery, it also offers a commanding view of the Thimphu Dzong
  • National School of Arts and Crafts, where traditional arts are still kept alive through instructions in the arts of painting Thangkas (sacred Buddhist religious scrolls) carving,, sculpting, boot-making, appliqué, sword making etc.
  • Institute of Traditional Medicine, where medicines are prepared according to ancient practices.
  • Textile Museum (gallery of the Bhutanese Textiles through the ages)
  • Tashichho Dzong, seat of the Royal government and the central monastic body, including the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (chief abbot of Bhutan), the Dzong is open for the visitors only in winter when the Je Khenpo and the monk body move to Punakha the ancient winter capital of Bhutan.

Day 04
Thimphu/ Punakha

  • Depart for Punakha via Dochula pass (3050m). This pass offers panoramic views of Himalayan ranges.
  • Visit Punakha Dzong, winter seat of Je Khenpo(chief abbot) of Bhutan and ancient capital of Bhutan. Remarkably located between the rivers Po Chu (male river) and Mo Chu (female river).
  • Walk to Khamsum Yulay Namgyal Lhakhang (temple).

Day 05
Punakha/ Bumthang

  • Drive to Bumthang via Pelela pass (3300m)
  • Visit Trongsa Dzong the most beautiful and magnificent, built in 1644.
  • Ta Dzong, it’s worth making the climb to take a brief look at Ta Dzong and also give overlooking views of Trongsa valley.
  • The road switch back and traverses across the Yotongla pass (3425m)
  • Explore the charming Chamkhar Valley.

Day 06
Bumthang/ Tashigang

  • Bumthang is one of the most spectacular valleys in Bhutan and also the heart land of Buddhism; your journey passes through the picturesque Ura valley.
  • Tashigang, the Eastern most regions. The road winds up the mountain Kori(8000fts) and drops down to a picturesque Tashigang.

Day 07
Tashigang sightseeing;

  • Day excursion to the Majestic Gom Kora.
  • Visit to Kanglung, the only college in Bhutan
  • Wodsel Chholing Monastry.

Day 08
Tashigang/ Bumthang

  • Drive back the same en- route to Bumthang

Day 09
Bumthang sightseeing:

  • Visit the famous Kurje Lhakhang, dates back to 8th century.
  • Tamshing Monastery founded by the Treasure revealer. Pema lingpa.
  • Jakar Dzong built in 1667 and it’s a seat of the district administration.
  • Explore Chamkhar town.
  • Visit to the Swiss diary farm and the product sales Outlet.
  • Visit to a Local Farmhouse.

Day 10
Bumthang/ Thimphu

  • Stop at Chummey Village and visit the 2 cottage industries specialising in Yathra, a woollen textile for which Bumthang is famous for.
  • Short break at the Chendebji Chorten(2400m)
  • En-route Wangdiphodrang Town.
  • Tea break at Dochula pass (3050m)

Day 11
Thimphu/ Paro

  • Tamchhog Lakhang on the way to Paro.
  • Paro Valley sightseeing

Day 12
Paro

  • Check in at Paro Airport
  • The trip ends with a gain of gross personal happiness that you bring home:)