Journey to the East |
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Day 1 – ARRIVE AT PARO
Arrive at Paro by Druk Air, Bhutan’s National Carrier. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by representatives of Bhutan Enigma. Take a stroll in the evening and visit the Paro town. Overnight at hotel in Paro. Day 2 – PARO Drive to Drukgyal dzong, now in ruins, built by Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyal in 1649. The dzong was built to celebrate the victory over Tibetan invasion and was for long the gateway fortress of the northern region. On the way back, see the bird’s eye view of the sacred Taksang Monastery perched on a steep rocky cliff amidst the pine forest. The Kichhu Lakhang, the Ta-dzong and the Rinpung dzong also offers pleasant views just as they hold a special place in the heart of the religion of the Kingdom. Day 3 – THIMPHU Sightseeing at Thimphu includes visit to the National Library, the folk heritage museum, the Painting School, the Handicrafts Emporium, the Textile Museum, the Memorial Chorten, and the spectacular view of Thimphu valley from Sangaygang. The visit to these places will give you glimpses of rich vibrant colors, fabric, Bhutanese creativity ,culture and traditions prevalent in Bhutan. The Handicrafts Emporium located at the center of Thimphu is the best place to buy souvenirs and Bhutanese artifacts. Day 4 – THIMPHU TO GANGTEY The ride to Gangtey takes you through one of the most beautiful mountain pass. The view of the mountain ranges from the Dochula pass on a clear day is simply breathtaking. At the pass one can also witness the Bhutanese architecture at its best in the form of hundred and eight small Chortens. Stopover at Chimme Lhakhang built on a hilltop which resembles a woman’s breast. The temple was built by Lam Drukpa Kuenley popularly known to the western world as the ‘Divine Madman’. Childless couples from near and far come to this temple to receive blessing from the wooden effigy of the Lam Kuenley’s organ. Lunch at Punakha and then proceed to Gangtey and visit the Gangtey Gompa Lhakhang the ancient seat of Nyingmapa sect. Gangtey monastery is perched on a hilltop overlooking the beautiful Phobjikha valley. The fertile glacier valley is a winter home to the endangered Black-necked cranes. Overnight stay at hotel or camp outside. Day 5 – GANGTEY TO TRONGSA The journey to the east towards Trongsa is pleasant. The distinctive change in vegetation and landscape is a treat to watch. Short stop-over at Chendebji Chorten. The ancient stupa was styled after the famous Swayambhunath stupa in Kathmandu,Nepal. At Trongsa visit the Trongsa Chokhortse Dzong, the most Majestic and the biggest of all the fortresses in Bhutan. Overnight halt in Trongsa. Day 6 – TRONGSA TO BUMTHANG Drive to Bumthang, a journey of about three hours. The Bumthang valley is one of the most beautiful places in Bhutan. A visit to Bhutan would be incomplete without visiting this extremely lovely place. The green valley and hillsides are dotted with various Buddhist monasteries, temples and rural settlement. Short excursion to Mebartsho which is located twenty kilometres from the Bumthang town. Mebartsho or the ‘burning lake’ is one of the holiest site in Bhutan. The great treasure discover Tertoen Pema Lingpa discovered many spiritual treasure from this lake. These treasures were used to propagate the teachings of Buddha to the people. Overnight stay at Bumthang. Day 7 – BUMTHANG TO MONGAR The 198 km from Bumthang to Mongar takes about seven hours. Prayer flags adorn a pass and a sign board proclaims: ‘You are at the highest point’. This is the Thrumshingla pass (12,465 ft), the highest motor road pass in the kingdom. The vibrant rhododendron park adds mystic colors to the already beautiful landscape. Overnight stay at monger. Day 8 – MONGAR TO TRASHIGANG The Monger town is located on a hilltop overlooking the lush rice fields and scattered hamlets. The rural people are courteous and you will be greeted with a cup of “ara”, the locally brewed wine instead of tea. The two and half hours journey to Trashigang takes u through different vegetations and landscape which enthrall both your mind and physique. Night halt at Trashigang town. Day 9 – EXCURSION TO TRASHIYANGTSE Trashiyangtse is one of the most beautiful place in the eastern part of Bhutan. Visit the Gom Kora monastery en-route to Trashiyangtse. The festival of Gom Kora is especially famous for attracting people from all over Bhutan. Many people usually find their prospective life partners during the festival. Trashiyangtse is the winter habitat for the endangered Black-necked-crane. The ancient Chorten Kora stupa in Trashiyangtse is equally famous and attracts attendance from as far as Arunachal Pradesh in India. Return to Trashigang in the evening. Day 10 – TRASHIGANG TO SAMDRUPJONGKHAR Along the journey visit the Sherubtse College, the only college in Bhutan and the Zongdopelri temple built in 1978. Over the Yongphula pass and driving ahead, reach Khaling and visit the National Institute for the Disabled and the National Handloom Development Project operated by the National Women’s Association of Bhutan. Lunch at Womrong. The journey will take you through Deothang where our ancestors fought many wars with the British India. Overnight stay at Samdrupjongkhar the eastern gateway to Bhutan. Day 11 - SAMDRUPJONGKHAR TO GUWAHATI After breakfast drive to Guwahati, the capital town of the Indian northeastern state of Assam for flight to Delhi/Kolkata or onward tour program in that region. |
