Bhutan
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Dag 1
Arrive in Paro by druk air, the only national carrier. The flight offers you beautiful view of mountains and landscapes. Upon arriving the Paro Valley and after completing visa formalities, you will be met by Gawaling Tours & Treks’ representative at the airport. We will then drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. The journey would take us one and half hours. Upon arriving Thimphu, we will visit the National Painting school to see the young men and women at work in the production of handicraft items. Some specialize in mask making, some in wood curving, some in slate curving, and others in embroidery & scroll painting. Overnight stay in a hotel.
Dag 2
After exploring Thimphu we start our Journey to Trongsa. Overnight at hotel
Dag 3
After breakfast, we will visit the Trongsa Dzong – the biggest fortresses in Bhutan and the watchtower located above the Trongsa market. Next, start our journey to Bumthang, located two and half hours towards east. We cross over the Yotongla Pass(3400m) and then descend to Chumi Valley and pass by a weaving center- where professional weavers weave well-patterned fabrics out of wool and yak hair known as “yathra”. Bumthang is known for its four spectacular valleys and was the seat of the government until the reign of second king. The district is famous for its historical sites. After lunch, visit Jambay lhakhang- one of the two oldest monasteries built in Bhutan in the 7th century. Next, visit Kurji Lhakhang, Tamshing Lhakhang, Kenchosum Lhakhang, and Swiss Farm, where people make Bhutanese assorted wines and beer. Overnight stay in a hotel/Home stay.
Dag 4
Morning, drive to Mebartso “Burning Lake” where the Terton Pemalinga, the Bhutanese famous “treasure revealer” is believed to have taken out a hidden treasure. Late afternoon, visit the Jakar Dzong, the seat of the district administration and the district monk body.
Dag 5
After exploring Bumthang drive towards Trongsa.
Dag 6
After Visit Trongsa dzong and Kunga Rabten drive towards our onward destination. Overnight home stay.
Dag 7
Activities:
# plough field with local people.
# Play Archery/dart game with local people.
# Learn the way of living of Bhutanese local people
Dag 8
# learn the way of cooking Bhutanese food
# act like Bhutanese
Overnight Home stay.
Dag 9
We begin our explorations of Punakha valley with a visit to Punakha Dzong, located between two rivers. It serves as the winter residence for the central monastic body. Home stay
Dag 10
Visit Wangdiphodrang Dzong built in 1638 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and then take a hike to Chimi Lhakhang, the monastery dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley ” Divine Madman” knows for his outrageous behavior. Home stay.
Dag 11
We will visit the Sunday Market(if the day coincides) – where the people buy vegetables and fruits and stock them to last for one week. The market starts from Friday and continue till Sunday. It will be interesting to see how the Bhutanese people – especially farmers carry out trade. Then, drive to Motithang to see the Bhutan’s national animal, Takin at the Mini Zoo. On our way back, visit Changangkha Lhakhang built in the 14th century. Next visit the National Memorial Chorten, built in memory of third king. If there is an archery contest in progress, we can stop to witness it. Then, visit some of the Bhutanese handicraft shops, if you need to get some things to take home as presents or souvenirs.
Dag 12
Upon arriving Paro, we will start exploring the Paro valley by vehicle and on foot. We will visit Ta Dzong (watch tower) which houses the National Museum. Next, drive towards the north to see the Drukgyel Dzong.
On the way back, visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the two oldest monasteries built in Bhutan by the King of Tibet, Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century. # take a Hot stone Bath in Farm House
Dag 13
Paro is a valley of religion and myth. The most famous landmark, the Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), stands on a granite cliff about 800m above the valley. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche, a famous Buddhist saint, flew to Paro on a tigress and meditated at Taktsang. The monastery is considered as a national treasure of Bhutan.
The hike to Taktsang would take us around two and half hours. To reach a cafeteria, a point from where one can enjoy a great view of the monastery is more than an hour walk from the road-head uphill. Those interested can walk further 45 minutes uphill to get a closer view of the monastery and return to the cafeteria for lunch. The journey downward to the road-head would take us less than one and half hours.
Dag 14
After breakfast drive to the airport for departure.
naar boven
