Tour of the Dragon Holidays

Tour of the Dragon Holidays

Takshang Monastery, Paro

Most biking trips go through well paved roads while others trail on to dirt roads. Traffic is still relatively very light and the experience will be amazing. To make it more adventurous you have the option of making side excursions for more “off-the-road” ventures. The Tour of the Dragon Tour is perfect for travellers of all levels looking to explore sights at a leisure pace. The most daring 15 days cycling journey starts at Paro and will take you till Bumthang- the spiritual heartland of Bhutan, it is an experience you will never stop talking about. Do not miss to book Tour of the Dragon Holidays with Heavenly Bhutan Travels (HBT). Tour of the Dragon Holidays

Day 01: Arrival at Paro
Cycle to Drukgyel is very scenic and best in Paro with less vehicles moving around. Drukgyel Dzong: Drukgyel Dzong, now an imposing ruin, was built in 1649 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to control the trade and military route to Tibet. The building was used as an administrative centre until 1951. Distance: 15 km, Approximate Time: 40-50 mins

Day 02: Paro Tiger Nest
Cycle to Tiger Nest base and later hike to the temple. Later ride back to hotel. Taktsang Monastery (Tiger Nest Temple): is Bhutan’s most iconic landmark and religious Buddhist site in the world. The name Taktsang translates to “The Tiger’s Nest”. The temple is one of the holiest sites in Bhutan which clings impossibly to a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley. Although good trekkers can make it to the top in two hours, most of the guests take whole day to complete the hike. If time permits, Sangchen Choekor Monastary: The shedra, a Buddhist college, is home to about 150 monks, studying for six years before they move on to Tango Monastery upon graduation. It’s worth a visit mainly for the fine views from the switchbacking drive up. Look for the stuffed bear to the side of the main entryway. Hot stone bath with dinner at the farmhouse: Hot stone bath is very unique to Bhutan and offers great medicinal values. In most cases, the bathtub is made of wood placed on a ground level in quite hut for the privacy. A couple can get into one bathtub to soak. Enjoy the great ancient techniques of curing body ache, joins pain and harness many other values. This is on additional cost check with guide/driver. Distance: 8 km, Approximate Time: 20-30 mins

Day 03: Chelela excursion
Today we will take Chelela excursion and enjoy the ride. Visit the temples of Dzongdrakha: Temple is situated on the western region of Paro Valley on the Cliffside and often referred as “Mini Taktsang” of Bhutan. Tucked in a cliff above Bondey village, visit to temple offers pictorial hikes and one of the must visit places in Paro for inquisitive guests while in Paro. Chelela Pass at 3988m: Highest motor-able road pass connecting two districts Paro and Haa, an elevation of 3988m above the sea level. On clear days, one can enjoy view of the most sacred Mt. Jomolhari (7314m). The pass is dotted with beautiful prayer flags and offers amazing walks around, worth a visit while in Bhutan. You can also plan to ride mountain biking from Pass to Paro valley with the stretch of 36-48km, mostly downhill and easy ride. Distance: 37 km, Approximate Time: 4 hrs

Day 04: Paro to Thimphu
Paro to Thimphu with some stops at Tagchogang temple and Chuzom for relax. Tachongang Lhakhang- En-route to Thimphu, stopover for little leg stretch walk crossing Paro River or enjoy the views from the roadside depending your arrival time. Chuzom- Meeting point of two rivers (Thimphu & Paro) this is tri junction of highway leading to Thimphu, Paro and Phuentsholing into three directions. Enjoy the lovely picture of beautiful portrait our King and Queen placed at chuzom which is so welcoming to all who visits Bhutan. Explore Thimphu City- If time permits, walking through the city gives you immense joys and understanding of modern city. Good option for imported garments and local souvenir, beside unique local handicrafts. Thimphu offers mixed style of personalities taking the street walk in Thimphu- only city in the world without traffic lights. Overnight in Thimphu, altitude 2400m. Distance: 65 km, Approximate Time: 2.5-3 hrs

Day 05: Explore Thimphu
Drive to Kuensel Phodrang and to Changankha Lhakhang by cycling route. The trail takes us through populated blue pine forests, with the perfect view of Thimphu Valley. It was initially intended to be a cycling trail, but it is excellent for hiking as well. You can do the cycling either way. Distance: 5 km, Approximate Time: 1.2 hrs. Cycling from Taba to Lungtenphu give you view of Thimphu. Taba-Lungtenphu hike: If you are an avid adventure and off beat seeker, you should hit the Taba-Lungtenphu trail. Through this cycling trail, the best views of Thimphu city and also you can enjoy bird watching & landscape photography through this trail. Distance: 7 km, Approximate Time: 2 hrs

Options
Drive to Sangaygang and to Wangditse Temple by cycling route. Visit Takin reserve national animal: National Animal of Bhutan which has very unique story and its one of the never seen strange animal. It’s worth a hike to the place. If time permits, Wangditse hike: From the start point, the trail heads up for a while and drops down gently through oak, blue pine and rhododendron until you will reach Wangditse monastery. The view of Tashichodzong, Thimphu city and Buddha statue is stunning from here. Distance: 7 km, Approximate Time: 2.5 hrs. Cycling trip to Tango/Cheri base and back to Thimphu. Cheri Monastery: In 1627 the first Buddhist Monastic School for Bhutan was started by Shabdrung in Cheri, which to these days has become a Meditation center for higher level Buddhist studies. The Monastery buildings are old and still contains many sacred relic from past. Distance: 18 km, Approximate Time: 3 hrs

Day 06: Thimphu to Punakha Ride
Cycling from Thimphu to Punakha is the best option with best road. Stop at Dochula Pass
Dochula pass: The pass is at a popular location as it offers a stunning 180 degree panoramic view of the Great Himalayan mountain ranges. The view is especially scenic and very clear on winter days with snowcapped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the tranquility of the 108 chortens gracing the mountain pass. Lamperi Botanical garden: The park has many varieties of plants, herbs, birds and animals. If you visit between April and June, you can find about 38 out of Bhutan’s 46 species of rhododendrons and spot some of the 220 species birds. This park is one of the must visit place for birds and nature lovers. You may enjoy the hot packed lunch here if you had planned picnic. Distance: 72 km, Approximate Time: 5 hrs

Day 07: Explore Punakha by cycle
Drive to Khamsum Yulley Temple. Khamsum Yulay Namgyal Chorten: The temple stands majestically on a strategic ridge above the Punakha valley. It is a splendid example of Bhutan’s fine architectural and artistic talent. The hike to the temple is about 45 minutes one way uphill. It offers amazing views of Punakha valley and Mochu river. Distance: 7 km, Approximate Time: 1.5 hrs. Longest suspension bridge & Punakha Dzong. Punakha Dzong: Built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo religious head of Bhutan. King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck convened the first National Assembly here in 1952. This is one of the finest and must see Dzongs of Bhutan. The Dzong stands inbetween meeting point of two rivers, Phochu and Mochu making the most photogenic Dzongs of Bhutan. Visit Punakha Suspension Bridge: Punakha suspension bridge is considered one of the longest of its kind in Bhutan. The bridge connects the dzong with the villages Shengana, Samdingkha and Wangkha on the other bank of the Po Chhu river. In these small villages, locals sell their wares in tiny, traditional shops. Visitors can stop here for a quick and authentic view of true Bhutan.  In order to access the suspension bridge from the dzong, one must walk past the King’s palace and the cremation ground. Distance: 7 km, Approximate Time: 2 hrs

Day 08: Punakha to Phojikha
Drive to Phobjikha from Punakha is little tough. Crane center: This place is run by the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) and has an observation room with high-power telescopes and good scope for spotting the famous Black Necked Cranes which migrates to the region during winter. It also displays information about the history of the region. Farmhouse visit with dinner with locals: This experience is a particularly fun and spontaneous way to connect with the local community and learn about Bhutanese culture and way of living. Distance: 72 km, Approximate Time: 6-7 hrs

Day 09: Phobjikha valley explore on wheels
Explore the natural trail. Gangtey Nature Trail: It is a short and relatively easy trek with several beautiful villages and monasteries en route. It offers beautiful views of the country with mostly gentle, forested slopes. The best time for this trek is between September-May, walk not recommended on rainy days. Visit Gangtey Gompa: The temple built over hill top, headed by Gangtey Tulku the reincarnation of Pema Lingpa. Annual festival of Gangtey is performed in the temple courtyard every year. This is also the place for black necked crane’s festival held every year on 11-Nov, coinciding with His Majesty’s Fourth King’s Birthday. Distance: 4 km, Approximate Time: 30 mins. Valley drive: We will explore the valley. Distance: 10 km, Approximate Time: 5 hrs

Day 10: Phobjikha to Trongsa
Drive from Phobjikha to Trongsa is also very scenic. Chendebji Chorten: Located at 2430m, built in the style of the great Bodhanath Temple of Nepal, was constructed by Tshering Wangchuk son of Yon-Say and the Mahasiddha Zhidag in accordance with the prophecy of the second Gangteng Tulku Tenzin Lekpai Dhundrup in order to subdue harmful demons. Distance: 120 km, Approximate Time: 8-9 hrs

Day 11: Trongsa to Bumthang
Trongsa to Bumthang is through the thick forest and mountains. Trongsa Dzong: This is the largest Dzong (fortress) in Bhutan, located in the centre of the country. The Dzong is beautifully built on a spur overlooking the gorge of the Mangde Chhu River. The Dzong played very crucial role in the ancient history in protecting Bhutan and its sovereignty. The ruler of Trongsa Dzong was the most powerful leader to form Wangchuk Dynasty in the Kingdom of Bhutan. Trongsa Ta Dzong (Museum): The watch tower was built in 1652 by first Governor of Trongsa. This was built to oversee and safeguard the Trongsa Dzong from any invading forces. Today it houses the Royal Heritage museum. The displays in the museum focused on Buddhist art and Royal memorabilia. Yotongla pass at 3400m: The pass divides Trongsa and Bumthang districts. This is one of the highest motor-able road pass at the height of 3460m. The pass is covered with mist and prayer flags most of the time. It is worth for a stop for photo break. Stop at Yatha wool weaving center: This center is well known for woolen products, most of the yatha products are made from yak hair, sheep wool and other animal’s wool. This is the best place for buying woolen products like (jackets, caps, purse, muffler etc). Evening we will explore chamkhar town and try some local pancake and noodles. Distance: 65 km, Approximate Time: 5 hrs

Day 12: Explore Bumthang
Jampay Lhakhang: One of the oldest temples built in the country. This is the home of the naked dance that is still performed annually. It is believed that the temple is built in 7^th century by Songtsen Gonpo of Tibet. Kurjey Lhakhang: The site where Guru Padmasambhava left the body imprint on the rock behind the temple. Visit for its artistic works and amazing structure. Kharchu Dratsang Monastery: This is an amazing experience to see monks chanting the mantras. The monastery has become part of an extensive effort to preserve and revitalize Bhutanese culture and heritage. Tamzing Lhakhang: Tamshing Lhakhang, founded in 1501 by Pema Lingpa, contains paintings of fundamental interest for the history of painting in this region. Is also one of the oldest temples in the valley. Swiss Cheese Farm & Red Panda Brewery: The Swiss Farm is established by Mr. Fritz Maurer. The project introduced brewing, farming machinery and fuel-efficient, smokeless wood stoves to the valley, as well as its first tourist guesthouse in Bumthang. Swiss cheese and Bhutan’s only native beer, Red Panda, is brewed here. Distance: NA, Approximate Time: 5-6 hrs

Day 13: Explore Bumthang
Excursion to Ura: Ura is one of oldest villages of Bhutan located at an elevation of 3100m. You can stroll around Ura village and hop into few friendly villager’s home for tea and chit-chat. The people here still practice semi-nomadic lifestyle herding yaks and sheep. En-route visits the burning lake: The most scared lake of the country and is believed to be a wish fulfilling lake, one must visit while in Bumthang. Shertang La pass at 3573m: Shertang La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.573m above the sea level. It’s one of the highest mountain roads of the country. Distance: 69 km, Approximate Time: 5-6 hrs

Day 14: Bumthang to Paro (Fly)
Fly back to Paro. Visit 17th century Paro Dzong:  ‘Fortress on a Heap of Jewels’, is ranked one of the best Bhutanese architecture. The massive buttressed walls that tower over the town are visible throughout the valley, particularly when landing at Paro Airport.  The Dzong also offers administrative seat of the district of Paro. The Dzong was built in 1644 under the order of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Ta Dzong unique national museum: Perched above Paro Dzong it was watchtower built in 1649 to protect the undefended Paro Dzong located below, renovated in 1968 to house the National Museum. Today this museum houses the best collections of all time historical items making worth for a visit. Explore the tiny town: Tiny Paro town actually can offer lot more, there are many authentic handicraft shops, readily available Bhutan made products, grocery and imported garment shops beside having many small restaurants around.

Day 15: End of the Tour
Departure from the Kingdom of Bhutan

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