This expedition starts from the Paro Valley and continue east through the stunning valleys of Thimphu, Punakha, Wangdue, Trongsa and to Bumthang. During the tour you will visit villages, temples, monasteries, markets and attend festivals. You will have good opportunity to interact with the welcoming Bhutanese people and swap western custom with their spiritual life of myth, legend, superstition and folklore. The Jambay Lhakhang Drup is festival which held in the striking valley of Bumthang gained its attraction from the visits of tourist in the recent years because of its uniqueness than any other festivals held in Bhutan. The Jambay Lhakhang is the oldest monastery built in the year 659 is known for its two special events that is “Mewang” (Fire blessing ceremony). Apart from the lay monks and community dances.
During the fire blessing, locals run underneath a gigantic flaming gate made out of dry grasses with ambers and piles of burning grasses falling on their head. The other event is the “Tercham” (Dance of Treasure). The dancers with their mask perform the dance completely naked. Bhutanese believe that Tercham can bless the infertile women with children, and is only performed in the night around a bonfire, people’s deep faith devotion make this festivals a special occasion.
DAY 01. ARRIVE PARO
Guide from Bhutan Vajra Adventures will greet you upon arrival at Paro Airport (7,000ft) and drive you through the valley of Paro to the hotel. After lunch visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum housed in an ancient watchtower, which has a fine collection of ancient Thangka painting, textiles, weapons and artifacts. Walk to the traditional wooden bridge. O/N Paro
DAY 02. PARO SIGHTSEEING –THIMPHU
Early morning hike to viewpoint of Taktshang, the Tiger’s Nest (one and a half hours walk). This magical monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff 3,000 ft above the valley floor. The monastery unfortunately got burnt in 1998 but it has recently been reconstructed. On the way back drive upto the Drugyel Dzong. This Dzong is of historical importance (which was in ruin for many years and now it is under construction), from whose ramparts the Bhutanese repelled Tibetan invaders. On a clear day one can view the sacred Mount Jhomolhari(24,000 ft). And also Visit Kyichu Lhakhang.
Evening stay at Paro.
DAY 03. THIMPHU SIGHTSEEING – PUNAKHA/WANGDI
Morning visit memorial Chorten built in the memory of Lt. His Majesty the King by Royal Queen Mother, visit Cangangkha Lhakhang, Motithang mini Zoo to see the National animal the Takin. Drive down to viewpoint from where you have magnificent view of Thimphu valley, visit National Library to see the large collection of traditional books, Folk Heritage museum where you can see the typical Bhutanese house and their way lifestyle.
After lunch visit Bhutan post office to see sample of Bhutanese stamp if interested otherwise if your visit falls during weekend (visit weekend vegetable market, where people from the far village comes to sell their vegetable product and handicraft item). Later transfer to Punakha/Wangdi over the Dochula pass, (ht.10,000ft) from where one can see the beautiful view of eastern Himalayan range on the clear sunny day.
Visit Punakha Dzong, which is the winter home of Je Khenpo (the chief abode) the head of central Monastic body and also this place is the old capital of the country. You can walk around the Punakha valley to see the farmhouse and the Bhutan architecture. Later drive to Wandgi. O/N Wangdi
DAY 04. WANGDI – BUMTHANG
Early morning drive to Bumthang, while on the way visit Wangdiphodrang town and proceed to Trongsa across the Pelela pass (ht.4000m approx.).You will really experience the snow and yak herder in this area, visit Chenrebji Lhakhang which is built in typical Nepali style, lunch at Trongsa and after lunch continue to Bumthang.
At night be at festival ground to witness the special religious dance which performs at mid night on the first of the festival. O/N Bumthang.
DAY 05. BUMTHANG FESTIVAL
Early morning transfer to festival ground. Witness day, afternoon visit Kurjey Lhakhang, which is one of the most sacred sites in Bhutan. The oldest dates back to 1652 and are situated on the rock face where Guru Rinpoche meditated in the 8th Century. Visit Tamshing Lhakhang and walk around the valley. O/N Same
DAY 06. BUMTHANG – GANGTEY/PHOBJIKHA
Morning attend the closing ceremony of the festival and later transfer to Phobjikha, lunch Trongsa, visit dzong and continue to Gangtey/Phobjikha valley, winter home of black-neck crane, which flies from Siberian low land during winter. Visit to Phobjikha valley. O/N GANGTEY.
DAY 07. GANGTEY – THIMPHU
Morning visit Gangtey Gompa, explore Phobjikha valley and lunch at Wangdi, on the way visit Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility) built by Lam Ngawang Chhogyal,the elder brother of Lam Drukpa Kinley.(Devine mad man). O/N Thimphu
DAY 08. THIMPHU – HAA – PARO
Morning drive to Haa the Western most region of the Country from the Dawakha road through the village, have a picnic lunch, explore the whole valley and drive via Chelela pass (3810m) to Paro valley. O/N Paro
DAY 09. DEPARTURE
Early morning transfer to airport for your onward flight.Tashi Delek!