Bhutan: The Unwavering Landlocked Country of Himalayas

Upon your arrival at Paro airport, a representative from Himalayan trekkers will pick you from the airport and assist you to explore the surrounding areas and a ride-along to move to the city of Thimpu.

We take an early breakfast and take a drive to Dochu-La pass (3,088m), stopping for the brief moment to gaze upon the beauty of the Mani walls and prayer flags along the way. The country hosts some of the highest roads in the world, hence one can always get carried away by the scenery of the landscapes. Since the weather conditions were favorable, we witness the mountainous peaks of the Himalayas along the northeast to immerse in its glory. There are a number of mountains ranges one can witness along the path such as Masagang (7,158m), Tsendegang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m), Jejegangphugang (7,158m), Kangphugang (7,170m), Zongaphugang (7,060m) and Gangkar Puensum(7,497 m-highest peak of Bhutan).

We continue our drive towards the Gangtey and reach to Wanduephodrang to have our lunch. Once we had our lunch, we steep downwards to Wangduephodrang valley, which is about 1,700 m below the pass. We made a visit to Wanduephodrang Dzong, located at the formation of two rivers. We also make a visit to the Dang Chu forest, which is full of bamboo and oak tree. Then we cross Pele La pass (3390m) to visit Radak Shang Temple. Then we, finally reach the hidden Phobjikha valley. What follows is the evening walk to the serene village in Gangtey.

Gangtey is famous for one of the flat valleys which encompasses the wide space of the region that is a rare experience in Bhutan as opposed to other close forested valleys. We begin to explore the beautiful Phobjikha valley and then head for the monastery.

The monastery is located on one of the small hills raised from the valley floor. The monastery is the only Nyingmapa monastery on the western side of the Black Mountains and accounts for the biggest Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan. The surroundings of the valley are envisaged by the large village, where the locals take care of the monastery.

We then visit the Black Neck Crane Center, which is famous as the place for breeding cranes. There are many pathways to further explore the beautiful valley.

The next morning is followed up by the journey of Bumthang. The journey is very long, but at the same time, very memorable owing to the dramatic landscapes of farmlands, deep river valleys and roadways carved out of the mountain passes.

On the way, we make way for Trongsa, a quiet and serene village in the remote part of the country to visit a Dzong. The place is a former home to Bhutan’s monarch filled with monks practicing their religions in a calm environment. One can hear the music of horns, flutes, and drums along the quite skyline that will give you chill down the spine. We also visit Ta Dzong, a famous watchtower built for defending Dzong. Then we resume our journey to reach Yotong La (3425m) the highest point of the trip, followed up by Chhume Valley down the path.

Finally, we reach Bumthang and check in to the hotel.

Bumthang is often called as the district of four valleys of Chumey, Choekhor, Tang, and Ura. The latitude can vary from valley to valley ranging in between 2,600 m to 4,000 m. The place is home to many ancient Buddhist temples and monasteries.

We begin our journey from Choekhoe valley, which is approximately 1.5 hours journey from our hotel. There are endless options to choose from in the valley. We head for Wangdichhoeling, the home to 2nd King. Then we make a visit to grand Kurje Lhakhang, which is revered as one of the most sacred places of Bhutan where Guru Rimpoche was known to have meditated. From the Kurje monastery, we take a tarmac road south along the banks of the river to reach Jambey Lhakhang. The temple was built as Tibetan King Songsten Gampo in the 7th century, also one of the oldest ones in Bhutan.

Then we take our lunch. After lunch, we visit Tamshing Lhakhang, founded in 1501 by Pema Lingpa. The monastery is home to ancient wall paintings. We also make a visit to Jakar Dzong also known as the ‘castle of white birds’.

After returning, we take a walk to Bumthang’s market before finally resting in the hotel.

After breakfast, we will enjoy the scenic drive to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan.

After reaching Punakha, relax in the hotel or explore some local markets. Overnight.

 We begin our journey with a hike up in the fields of rice, followed by strolling through the banks of the river Mo Chu. Then we move ahead with Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a masterpiece monument of the modern time, built by the Queens in 1999.

We follow up with a hike towards Khuruthang, passing through Punthsho Pelri Palace and other winter homes of the royal family before finally reaching Punakha Dzong. The Dzong has a rich history, built-in 1637 by Shadbring Ngawang Namgyal, which was built to serve as a religious and administrative center of the region. Due to excessive damage from natural disasters, the Dzong was restored recently by the present monarch. The Dzong is open to visitors during festivals and in summers. The Dzong is strategically located at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. The Dzong fortress also serves as a home for monarch heads and as an administrative quarter of the region.

In the morning, we head back for Paro after having breakfast. En route we make a visit to Semtokha Dzong-the palace of profound tantric teaching’. The palace is located on the hill, just a few kilometers out of the town. Once we arrive at Paro, we check in to the Hotel.

After lunch, we decide to visit Ta Dzong, which was originally built as the watchtower, now known as Bhutan’s National Museum. The museum houses some of the most antique arts and crafts of the country dated back a long time of history. One will be amazed to see all the natural and historical artifacts situated under one roof. You can also see the wall gallery painted with Buddhist lore and many legends. Moving forward, we encounter Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built by the Tibetan King in the Himalayas. This temple represents the foundation of Buddhism in Bhutan. Then we make a visit to the local farmhouse, only to welcome by the locals and join in their lifestyle and culture feast.

Overnight.

After a warm and nice breakfast served at the hotel, we will hike up the 4200 steps to the Tiger's Nest, locally known as the Taktsang Monastery. This monastery has been the identification of Bhutan for a long time because of its religious significance and also because of its location. The Mahayana Buddhist believes that the first Dalai Lama, Padmasambhaflewed on a back of a tigress to her for Meditation.

After enjoying a hike and delicious lunch, we will visit the Drukghal Dzong, Sat sham Chorten, and Kyichu Lhakhang. 

Overnight.

A representative of Himalayan trekkers will assist and transfer you to the airport for connecting flights back to your home town.

Hope you enjoyed this trip with us and please do remember us for other exciting and amazing (cultural, adventurous and special) trips in the Himalayas.

Have a safe journey!