WEST
BHUTAN TOUR
- 6 DAYS
DAY 1. KATHMANDU - PARO
The flight into the Bhutan Himalayas is one of the most
spectacular experiences you will ever witness. Flying in
from the himalayan kingdom of Nepal towards the Northeast,
one can witness from the left side of the plane, a chain
of the world's highest and majestic peaks. Pay careful attention
when the Druk
Air captain
points out the names: Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga and the
rest as you fly pass them in minutes. Soon you will
descend into Druk Yul, and even as the plane lowers
it landing gears preparing for landing you will not find
any air strip or signs of a city, do not despair, instead
enjoy the view of the approaching valley and the primeval
alpine forests, the little monasteries, temples and farm
houses all in splendid isolation. Moments before landing,
you may catch a glimpse of the fertile Paro valley, the
colossal Paro Dzong and the winding Paro Chu river. As you
step out of the plane, take your first breath of cool, clean
fresh air, this will be your first free gift
Bhutan has to offer to the guest. After your Bhutanese
guide identifies you, he will escort you to the Olathang
Hotel on the hill.
DAY 2.
PARO VALLEY
The people of Paro are known for their hard work which they like
to show in their big and traditional country houses. If you marry
a girl from Paro, be prepared to put a metal roofing over the
traditional shingle roof in your wife's house, to show that you
are a capable and well – to – do husband, so we joke among
ourselves. Morning sightseeing includes : the Ta Dzong National
Museum considered to be one of the best natural history museums in
Asia ; it has a fine collection of natural and historic artifacts.
A short drive to the Drukgyel Dzong fortress, a strategic sentry
where the Bhutanese forces repelled the numerous Tibetan invasions
from the north ; the majestic Jumolhari or the 'Mountain of the
Goddess' can be seen in the background for many, the 2- 3 hour
hike to Taktsang or the famous ' Tiger's Nest' is a memorable
spiritual journey. It was here that the great tantric master Guru
Padmasambhava flew in from Tibet on a tiger to bring Buddhist
teachings to Bhutan, retreat in their spiritual quest : the
remainder of the day can be spent shopping or simply strolling
through town.
DAY 3 - 4.
THIMPHU: THE CAPITAL OF BHUTAN
Thimphu is a short hour and half drive from one main valley to
the next across paddy fields, apple orchards, farm houses, paddy
stacks, farmers drying paddies on the rosd, cattel, pine trees and
hamlets that smell of burning wood. Check in at the Jumolhari or
Druk Hotels. When in Thimphu be prepared for several things. This
unique capital (8000 feet) of the kingdom has adopted its own
version of the British – India colonial times traffic policemen,
who can startle you and memorize others with his elaborate hand
gestures: sometimes he may be signaling stop when it looks like go
but don't worry just observe the flow and notice this smile as you
stare at him.
Sightseeing includes the Tashicho Dzong, seat
of the royal government and central monastic body, it was rebuilt
in the early 1960s after a fire destroyed most of the building;
the late King's Memorial Chorten which is well visited by the
residents of Thimphu especially during the festive and religious
occasions; the Handicrafts Center to view the traditional arts now
being revived by the government : the Indigenous Medicine
Hospital, where herbal medicine, acupuncture and the ancient art
of healing that has
passed down from Tibet is still being practiced today ; if
time permits you can also visit the Thankha Painting School ;
silver and goldsmith village ; if you visit coincides on a
Saturday or a Sunday you witness the interesting 'Sunday Market'
so called even on Saturday !), you can delve into the various
vegetables, chilies, temperature fruits from all parts of Bhutan,
(all grown without the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers); not far from the market place is the Changlimithang ground
where you will always find the game of archery (the national
sport of Bhutan) being played.
DAY
5. THIMPHU TO PUNAKHA & WANGIPHODRANG (3HRS DRIVE)
After breakfast, drive east climbing steadily towards the
Dochu La Pass at 10000 feet. A large chorten and forest
of prayer flags greet you as you face the range of majestic
peaks towards the North , Gangar Punsum , among others is
the highest unclimbed peak (over 24000 feet) in the world.
The descent from the pass to valley is about 2 hours, with
a altitude drop of over 5500
feet you pass through temperate forest colored with rhododendrons
and magnolias, down to the semitropical zone of orange,
banana and cactuses. Situated near the river on a small
plateau is the famous Chime Lhakhang for infertile women.
The Punakha Dzong built in the 16th
century by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, was the winter capital
for 300 years; today it is winter home to the Je Khenpo
the chief Abbot,
hundreds of monks, and also serves as the asministrative
headquaters for the Punakhadistrict. Downstream from the
Punakha valley is the Wangdiphodrang Dzong strategically
located on a ridge (4430 feet) over looking the junction
of the Sunkoshi Tangchu rivers ; it is
the gateway to central and eastern Bhutan. Legend
has it that Mahakala, the protective deity of Bhutan appeared
to tell Shabdrung of a prediction, saying ; 'at top of a
rocky spur where two rivers meet , at the place where a
flock of raven will fly off in four directions, you will
build the dzong.' As prophesied by the deity the Shabdrung
built the dzong in 1638. The Punakha and Wangdi valleys
are also the winter home for many of the high altitude farmers
who migrate with their cattle to the warm climate in the
valley. The numerous paddy fields indicate the fertile conditions
ideal for agriculture, farmers here often grow 2- 3 crops
a year , rice and chili being important cash crops for the
farmers. After lunch drive back to Thimphu in time for dinner.
DAY
6. THIMPHU – PARO (FLY OUT)
For
More Information: info@ecotrek.com.np
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