There are some places that are so serene that you will find them far away from the cliches of mainstream tourism but often close to your homeland. Villages are often a perfect place to halt and reflect.
There are some places that are so serene that you will find them far away from the cliches of mainstream tourism but often close to your homeland. Villages are often a perfect place to halt and reflect. Moreover, everything about Bhutan villages is remote, rejuvenating, and refreshing. However, these villages paint a picture entirely different from the usual village scenery. Bhutan has the highest Gross National Happiness index and what better place to experience that than the tranquil setting of a village.
The rugged, mountainous landscape of Bhutan lends itself well to both on-road or off-road mountain biking and the sport is seeing increasing popularity among both visitors and Bhutanese alike. There are a variety of biking routes available ranging from smooth journeys on paved roads to challenging off-road dirt trails that wind through rough terrain. The sport offers a certain intimacy with the environment that is seldom experienced in vehicles. With better roads replacing the old and the increasing number of off-road roads, biking is now becoming a very unique and original way of seeing and interacting with the country, people and the Bhutanese environment.
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Fly from Kathmandu to Paro, offers fascinating views of the eastern Himalayan range, including Mt. Everest. On arrival you will be received by your guide and drive to Capital of Thimphu.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
After an early breakfast, begin the journey to central Bhutan which takes about 7-8 hours passing through alpine and coniferous forests across three districts. While the drive can be arduous, there are, however, splendid views of mountain ranges, village hamlets and two high passes. Pack lunch will be served at Chendebji, an ancient Newari stupa like those found in Nepal .
Halt at hotel in Trongsa.
The drive from central Bhutan to the east in Mongar will take seven to eight hours. After traversing the scenic Bumthang valley the road winds up to the highest motorable pass within the nation, the Thrimshing La pass at 12500 ft, before descending into the east and Mongar, at 5,600 ft.
overnight at the Tourist Guesthouse.
After breakfast, visit Mongar Dzong (built in 1953), which houses the local monastic community and the district administration. Continue drive to Trashigang, the eastern most region of Bhutan and the business hub if the east. Lunch at tourist lodge. After lunch drive to Galing, this lies 13km north from Trashigang.
After breakfast, drive to Trashiyangtse (Alt. 1850m), the extreme eastern district of Bhutan bordering Arunachal Pradesh in India . The Trashiyangtse Dzong was established after the Drukpa conquest in 1656 A.D. but was completely renovated in 1976. Trashiyangtse is a beautiful valley renowned for traditional paper production and wooden bowls. It is also the winter nesting ground for the endangered Black Necked Crane.
In Trashiyangtse, visit the popular Chorten Kora (a huge Stupa) constructed in Nepali (Sherpa) style. It is said that Guru Rimpoche subjugated a demon at the spot where the stupa stands. Popular legend has it that Bhutanese craftsmen replicated the Boudha stupa on a radish and brought it here as a copy for the chorten. Visit the traditional woodcraft workshop where typical Bhutanese bowls and other wooden items are made. (These products are very popular in Bhutan ). Night at Trashigang
After early breakfast drive to Bumthang via Mongar.
After breakfast explore the valley which is different from other valleys in Bhutan . It is a spacious and open valley ranging in altitude from 8’500 ft to over 13’000 ft. It is a haven for trekkers and hikers. Today’s sightseeing includes the Jamphel Lhakhang, Kurgey Lakhang, and Tamshing Lhakhang. After lunch, visit Jakar Dzong and Membartsho flaming Lake . Overnight at hotel.
After Breakfast You will heading to the beautiful city Punakha, Overnight at Punakha.
Enjoy a leisurely ride of about 12 kms to reach Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten situated on a beautiful hillock. It houses paintings belonging to Nyingmapa Traditions. Take a picnic lunch on a picturesque riverside before riding back to Punakha. Afterwards, drive for Thimphu.
Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.
Visit the weekend market if it’s a weekend. Visit the National Library where many rare and ancient manuscripts are preserved, and the School of Arts & Crafts. Visit the Memorial Chorten, built in memory of King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, (1952-1972). Visit Changangkha Lhakhang and Sangaygang for a bird’s eye view of the city. Enroute visit Zilukha nunnery. After lunch, visit Handicrafts Emporium where Traditional Bhutanese textiles and other Arts and Crafts are displayed. You can also purchase the items of your choice.
In the evening visit Tashichho Dzong, which is the seat of the national administration and the summer residence of the head abbot and the monastic order.
After breakfast drive to Paro. In Paro visit ruined Drukgyel Dzong, a victory fortress of the 17th century. Although in ruins, this Dzong is of great historical importance. It was here that the Bhutanese finally defeated the invading Tibetans and drove them back. In the afternoon, you will visit the National Museum and Rinpung Dzong (built in 1645 A.D)
After an early breakfast, drive to the foot of the Taktshang cliff before walking uphill for 2 hours to reach this monastery, giddily perched on a sheer 800m rock face. Taktshang means ‘Tiger’s Nest’ as legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava flew to this spot on the back of a tigress in the eight century. He meditated here making this temple a sacred pilgrimage destination for Buddhists. Lunch at the Taktshang Cafeteria. The trip to and fro takes four hours for which riding ponies can be arranged.
Depart from Paro International Airport