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THE
WOUNDERS OF BHUTAN
Bhutan, also known as Druk Yul or the Land of Thunder
Dragon is the world's most exotic tourist destinations.
A conscious policy of isolation complemented by formidable
geographical barriers has enabled the country to maintain
its independence throughout its history. Nestled in
the Eastern Himalayas, the country ended its self-imposed
isolation only in 1961 and embarked on the path of
modern development in a fine balance with its ancient
traditions. |
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DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO (L)
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular
of all mountain flights, with constantly changing panorama
of some of the highest mountains on earth. While on air fill
up your disembarkation form and immigration/declaration forms.
On arrival at the visa check in please call your visa clearance
no. which we will send along with the tickets. This facilitates
you to check out fast. The guide awaits you at the exit door.
Paro is at an altitude of 2300m above sea level and this valley
serves as an ideal spot for rice growing. The special red
rice from this valley has found its place in some of the restaurants
in America too. Of fruits, this valley is famous for strawberry,
apples, pears, plums and peaches. Lunch in town and after
that drive to the old temples of Kyichu. Kyichu is one of
the few temples left from 108 temples built in the 8th century.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
DAY 02: PARO (B, L)
Today after breakfast, visit the Ta - Dzong or the
museum. This museum offers a great orientation in
Bhutan's in history, cultural, religious, and natural and
economic life. Next, visit the Rimpong dzong
specially to see the painting of the great saint - Milarelpa
is considered as the master of meditation by the Bhutanese
and is believed to have attained enlightenment in a lifetime.
We will walk to the bridge and see the cantilever wooden bridge
still in use. An early lunch at the town restaurant and then
a hike to Taktsang.The trail is broad and
the walk uphill takes you a little more than a 1000ft above
the Paro valley. The view of Taktsang monsatry built on the
cliff is a spectacular sight. It is also a great pilgrim site
for the Buddhists. We will have some tea and snacks at the
cafeteria and return to Paro. If there is enough time on return
we will take a drive to the ruins of the Drukgyel Dzong which
was once a historic monument built as a symbol of victory
for the Bhutanese against the northern invaders. Now it stands
in ruins. In 1914 issue of National Geographic magazine Drukgyel
Dzong was shown in its glory. This was the first time Bhutan
appeared in western news which probably gave rise to the idea
of having the University of Texas EI Paso buildings constructed
in Bhutanese Dzongs' style. Restoration works have begun at
this place after many years abandonment. Overnight at the
hotel in Paro.
DAY 03: PARO - THIMPHU (B)
This morning after breakfast, we drive to Thimphu
the capital which is 2 hours drive from Paro following the
Pachu River and at the confluence where Thimphu River meets
the Paro river we have three styled stone monument. Tibetan,
Nepalese and Bhutanese styled. These kinds of monuments are
built to ward off evil spirits believed to be haunting the
places where rivers and spurs meet. These kinds of monuments
are also used as trail markers. Most of these monuments are
built by high monks or by laymen who dedicate the monuments
to the deceased relatives. In modern times, people with evil
intentions have been ransacking these monuments. You will
see many of these monuments desecrated for want of jewelleries
and other precious items. We will visit the school
for arts and crafts where the children were taught
to master in the 13 types of arts and crafts of Bhutan, post
office which has Bhutan's beautiful stamps and then
visit traditional hospital. The national
library is another sight to see the collection of
Bhutanese scriptures some dating back from the 8th century.
The Folk heritage museum is replica of medieval farm-house
and is patronized by HM the Queen Sangay Choden Wangchuk to
protect the textile heritage of Bhutan. There are some old
collections along with the display of vegetable dyes and materials
used for Bhutanese textiles. The traditional paper factory
displays the Bhutanese paper making in process. Stroll in
the Thimphu town. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
DAY 04: THIMPHU (B)
Today, we will visit the memorial Chorten
which depicts the Buddhist faith in form of paintings and
statues. This temple was first initiated by the Third King
as a protection from the negative elements of modernization.
The temple has one door at four directions. The Royal Queen
Mother completed it as a memorial stupa for the third King
who passed away in the year 1972. Next visit Changangkha
temple which was built in the 12th century on a site
chosen by Lam Phajo Drukgom Shingpo, who came from Ralung
in Tibet. We also visit Drubthob monastry
which houses the Zilukha nunnery. We could also visit
Tashichoe Dzong the centre of both the administration
and of the religion. This represents the dual system incorporated
in the 17th century where religion and political system is
separate. The chief abbot called Je-khenpo heads the religion.
The political side is head by Desi till 1907, by the King
till 1997 and then by the Prime Minister (one year term) since
1998. There is also the view point to see the view of Thimphu
town and on the way take a visit at the nursing pen
for the Takin-the national animal of Bhutan. If there is an
extra time one can drive to Dodeyna and do a hike to Tango
monastry. The drive of 20kms till the end of road offers varieties
of scenes. The Old Dechencholing Palace (for view only and
no entry) where our present King was born in the year 1955
can be seen, the farming villages of Begana and Kabjisa and
the temples on the hill-slopes. Overnight at the hotel in
Thimphu.
DAY 05: THIMPHU - PUNAKHA (B, L)
Drive to Punakha is about 3 hours from Thimphu
crossing the Dochula pass-3050m which offers a great view
of Bhutan's high peaks on clear weather. Punakha is at around
1300meters of altitude is almost sub-tropical. Lunch
in Punakha and then after lunch take a walk
to Chimi Lhakhang-temple of the Divine Madman who
is popularly known as Drukpa Kuenly. He inherited the Divine
madman title since he revolted against the orthodox Buddhism
in his time. He taught the people that religion is an inner
feeling and it's not necessary that one should be an ordained
monk. He is believed as a symbol of fertility and most childless
couples go to his temple for blessing. The translation of
the life of Drukpa Kuenly is done by Keith Down- Drukpa Kuenly-The
Divine Madman. Further north of Punakha is an interesting
temple called Khamsum Yuelliny Namgyal temple built by the
crown prince's mother Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuk for universal
peace and protection. For nature lovers we could drive the
45km to Tashithang where the Jigmre Dorji Wangchuk National
Park begins. The vegetation in this area is sub-tropical.
Lots of orchids grow in this area. Along the way we pass by
the farming villages of Punakha. Punakha is a fertile valley
and the farmers can grow rice twice in a year. Overnight at
the hotel in Punakha.
DAY 06: PUNAKHA - THIMPHU- PARO (B, L)
We will do any left over sights we haven't finished yesterday.
Have lunch in Punakha and then drive
to Paro via Thimphu to visit weekend market (only
from Friday till Sunday evening). We see local people around
Thimphu gathered here to sell vegetables, grains and other
cottage industry products. Then a leisure drive to
Paro for the overnight at the hotel in Paro.
DAY 07: DEPART PARO (L)
Farewell to Bhutan as you board the flight.
It would be better to have breakfast at the airport to avoid
all the rushing from the hotel. -END- We
would be pleased to have you join us!...Book
Now!
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 High
Season: March, April, May, September,
October, November
Low
Season: January, February, June, July,
August, December
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2009 TOTAL SOLAR
ELCIPSE IN BHUTAN 
Trip
Length: 7 days
2009 Total
Solar Eclipse Tour Calendar: July
19-July 25
TOTAL
SOLAR ECLIPSE IN BHUTAN: 22nd July, totality 06:58am
 Tour
Highlights: An Incredible Travel to the Longest
Total Solar Eclipse for over a XXI Century. Don't miss this
opportunity. On Wednesday 22 July 2009 Maximum eclipse is
of duration 6m 39s at 02:35:18 UT at location 24.20°N 144.12°E.
There will not be a longer total solar eclipse until 13
June 2132, so don't miss this opportunity. Bhutan
falls in the path of the solar eclipse...Book
Now!
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