Bhutan Offbeat Holidays

Bhutan Offbeat Holidays

Takshang Monastery, Paro

Another 12 days itinerary for Bhutan which takes us through heart of beautiful nature, untouched mountains and lush green valleys and hills. The more time you spend in Bhutan, the better the overall experience gets. With your private driver and guide you can uncover a more authentic experience getting to the heart of the country. This tour will make you feel local and you will be visiting and doing western and eastern part of Bhutan which includes Thimphu, Trongsa, Bumthang, Mongar, Lhuntse, Trashigang  and fly back to Paro. You will also spend time visiting villages, experience unique culture and tradition of Bhutan. Bhutan Offbeat Holidays.

Day 01: Arrival at Paro to Thimphu
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. In the evening we will explore the city by walk: 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.

Day 02: Thimphu sightseeing
Drive pass by Memorial Chorten: It is located close to the center of Thimphu city and is one of its most iconic monuments. Visitors will find elderly Bhutanese people circumambulating the Chorten throughout the day. The National Memorial Chorten was built in memory of Late Third King of Bhutan and dedicated to World Peace. Third King is regarded as father of modern Bhutan. Visit Buddha viewpoint: The Buddha Dordenma is located at a top of the hill in Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park and overlooks the southern entrance to Thimphu valley. Taba-Lungtenphu hike: If you are an avid adventure and off beat seeker, you should hit the Taba-Lungtenphu trail. The real adventure begins after an hour or so into the hike. It is a moderate hike which takes about 2-3 hours with best views of Thimphu city and also you can enjoy bird watching & landscape photography through this trail. Witness ongoing live archery matches in Changlimithang: Archery is the national game of Bhutan, it is amazing to see Bhutanese archers hitting target from a distance of 145 meters range. Bhutan has top archers on some categories on Olympic Games. Visit the weekend market (Thu-Sun): An interesting well organized permanent set of stalls built for vegetable vendors across the country. It’s open from Wednesday to Monday and closed on Tuesdays. One can find wide range of local vegetables and fruits. Other side of the river is place for indigenous goods and handicrafts section, where locally produced goods, including religious objects, cloth, baskets and hats etc. from various minority groups are sold here. These shops are open from Friday to Sunday only.

Day 03: Thimphu to Trongsa
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. 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. 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.

Day 04: Trongsa to Bumthang
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). Visit white bird fortress, Jakar Dzong: Dominates the Chamkhar valley and overlooks the town, 3km 1.2 miles away from Chamkhar town. Evening we will explore chamkhar town by foot and try some local pancake and noodles

Day 05: Bumthang sightseeing
Jambay Lhakhang to Kurjey Lhakhang hike: Aside from visiting the historical temples and fortresses, a good hike from Jambay Lhakhang to Kurjey Lhakhang is a must do thing when in Bumthang. The hike will take you through the nicely fenced local farms and then across a small traditional village where you can witness local people doing their daily chores. For those who wish to walk more, there is another walk hike that connects Kurje Lhakhang and another temple called Tamzhing which is across the main river of Bumthang. Chakhar Lhakhang (The Iron Castle Temple): Beside the main road, a short distance beyond Jampey Lhakhang, is Chakhar Lhakhang. It’s the site of the palace of the Indian king Sendha Gyab, better known as the Sindhu Raja, who first invited Guru Rinpoche to Bumthang. The original palace was made of iron, hence the name Chakhar; it was said to have been nine storeys high, holding within it all the treasures of the world. The current building was built in the 14th century by the saint Dorji Lingpa. 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.

Day 06: Bumthang to Mongar
Burning Lake: The most scared lake of the country and is believed to be a wish fulfilling lake, one must visit while in Bumthang. Ura Valley: 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. Thrumshingla national park: Situated at the very heart of the country and covering 768 sq. km, Thrumshingla National was officially opened in July 1998. Lingmethang: Lingmethang is a small town in eastern Bhutan. It is located in Mongar District, to the west of Mongar and close to the town of Gyalpozhing. It is one of the hot places in Bhutan. Mongar Dzong: Although more recently built (1930), it was constructed the same way as all earlier dzongs, without plans or nails.

Day 07: Mongar-Lhuntse excursion
Takila Guru Statue: The world’s largest statue Of Guru Padmasambhava, with the total height of 173 feet, stands imposingly on the Takila mountain slope, which is one of the most beautiful scenic spots in Lhuntse district, overlooking the entire valley of Tangmachu. Belonging to the Tangmuchu community, an old monastery (Lhakhang) exists at the site of Guru Statue. Lhuntse Dzong: This mighty fortress, popularly known as Lhundub Rinchentse sits upon a hill overlooking the Kurichu River.

Day 08: Mongar to Trashigang
Drametse Monastery: Drametse Lhakhang, a sixteenth-century monastery straddling a steep and narrow mountain ridge in the verdant slopes of the eastern Himalayas, today houses a community of 80 monks. This Nyingma Buddhist site predates the seventeenth-century consolidation of Bhutan into a single kingdom. Trashigang Dzong: It was built in 1659 to defend against Tibetan invasions. This imposing fortress is strategically situated high atop a spur overlooking the Dangmechu River. We will stop at Korila for a short break offering good wishes and hosting a prayer flag. Explore the place and town

Day 09: Trashigang halt
Day excursion to Rangjung Monastery: Rangjung Woesel Choeling Monastery is located in Eastern Bhutan under Trashigang district at Rangjung. The monastery was founded by His Eminence Dungsey Garab Dorje Rinpoche in the year 1989 with few monks and nuns. It has a flourishing community with branches monasteries and retreat centers. Radhi Village: Radhi village is famous for two things, its rice fields and the skill of its weavers. It is often known as the ‘Rice Bowl of the East’ because of its verdant rice fields that supply most of the grain to eastern parts of the country. Lunch with locals at local farm house

Day 10: Trashigang to Paro fly
Explore the Paro valley and villages: Paro valley extends from the confluence of the Paro Chhu and the Wang Chhu rivers at Chuzom up to Mt. Jomolhari at the Tibetan border to the North. This picturesque region is one of the widest valleys in the kingdom and is covered in fertile rice fields and has a beautiful, crystalline river meandering down the valley. Visit Jangtsa Dumtseg Lhakhang: Jangtsa Dumgtseg Lhakhang is a Buddhist temple in Jangtsa, Paro. The temple is notable as it is in the form of a chorten which is very rare in Bhutan. Enjoy outdoor activities wearing Gho/Kira, play archery: Nicely made and well maintained activity place attached to whole sell Buddha statue store, offers wearing Bhutanese dress, playing archery and darts for guests visiting Bhutan. The center is maintained and operated by HBT herself and its free of cost for all HBT guests. 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 11: Paro halt
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. 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.

Day 12: End of the Tour
Departure from the Kingdom of Bhutan

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