In the Land of Dzongs

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  • In the Land of Dzongs

Duration: 8 days/ 7 nights

Location: Paro - Punakha - Wangdue - Trongsa - Bhumtang - Punakha - Thimphu - Delhi

Highlights of the programme :
  • Crossing of Bhutan, from West to East
  • Panoramic view on the Himalayan mountains
  • Trongsa Dzong her, the most impressive of Bhutan
  • Bumthang valley spectacular, considered the heart of Buddhism
  • Excursion (optional) to Goempa Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery) and exceptional views of the monastery clinging to the cliff

Arrival at Paro International Airport. Welcome and transfer to hotel. After refreshment, visit Paro Dzong, a fine example of the architecture of Bhutan. This temple is also known as the Rinpung Dzong, meaning “fortress located in a green jewelry.” This impressive dzong to inwardly sloping walls were built in the 16th century on the foundations of a monastery built by Guru Rinpoche, who is regarded as the second Buddha. Walk to the Nyamai Zampa, an old traditional cantilever bridge in Bhutan. Then, visit a typical Bhutanese farmhouse. Walk in Paro. Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast, drive to Punakha by the collar Dochula (3088m). Panoramic view on the Himalayan mountains. Stop at 108 chortens (stupa) built on the hill by Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo (Queen of Bhutan) for the safety and well-being of His Majesty the King of Bhutan. Druk Wangyal Lhakhang visit the temple built to honor His Majesty Druk Gyalpo fourth, Jigme Singye Wangchuck. Continue to Wangdue. Visit the Dzong (fortress), located on a ridge overlooking a river junction. Then drive to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan from 1637 to 1907 Enroute visit the monastery Devin du Fou – Chhimi Lhakhang, famous for its shrine to fertility. Then, visit the Punakha Dzong, located at the confluence of two rivers: the Pho – Chu (Male river) and Mochu (Female river). The Dzong was built in 1637 by Ngawang Namgyal Zhabdrung to serve as administrative and religious headquarters in the region. Visit Kuenray, living coronation of kings of Bhutan, Dzongchung at the entrance of the Dzong and cantilever bridge overlooking the Mochu which was recently renovated. Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast, drive to Trongsa, residence of the royal family. Crossing forests of oak and rhododendron. Beautiful landscapes, scenes of rural life in Bhutan. Village Nobding and neck Pele The Stop. Chendebji at Chorten (Stupa) for a tea break. The route continues towards Trongsa. Check into your hotel. Visit the Museum housed in the Ta Dzong (watchtower). A museum in which aspects of Bhutanese culture and history are explained by beautiful objects. Watching a documentary on the history of Bhutan and the monarchy. Trongsa Dzong visit, the most impressive of Bhutan. Built in 1644 by the Shabdrung, the Dzong is an architectural masterpiece. Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast, drive to Bumthang valley spectacular, considered the heart of Buddhism. En route, visit the Yathra weaving center in Zugney. Yathra is the name of the garment colored wool, hand-woven (often with geometric patterns) that is produced in this region. Continue to Bhumtang. Check into your hotel. In the afternoon, visit to Bumthang Jambay Lhakhang, built in the 7th century by King Songtsen Goempo Tibet. In its effort to propagate Buddhism, he had a plan to build a total of 108 temples in Tibet and neighboring kingdoms. Kujey Lhakhang the temple to the right is the oldest. It was built by Minjur Tempa in 1652, around the cave where Guru Rimpoche meditated and left the imprint of his body. Jakar Dzong, “castle of the white bird”. The fortress is now used as an administrative center for the valley and summer residence of monks from Trongsa. Wangdicholing tee Palace was built in 1857 on the site of the camp battle Trongsa Penlop Jigme Namgyel (father of the first king of Bhutan). As the first king of Bhutan and the second made this palace their summer residence. Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast, drive to the Valley Phobjikha. Visit Gangtey Gompa (monastery) which now houses the only Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan. The valley is also the winter home of black necked cranes (Grus Nicorocolis), which migrate from remote areas of Tibet, China and Siberia during the winter to this valley. Phobjikha lunch. Drive to Punakha. Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast, drive to Thimphu. Visit Takin reserve, home to the national animal, the Takin, exclusively present in Bhutan. Visit Tashichhoe Dzong fortress built in 1641 by Ngawang Namgyel Zhabdrung. It was rebuilt by Jigme Dorji Wangchuck Her Majesty between 1962 and 1969 The Dzong houses the secretariat building, the throne room and the office of the king, and the main monastic body. Then the Memorial Chorten built in 1974 to commemorate the third king of the country, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, widely regarded as the father of modern Bhutan. Kuenselphodrang, the largest Buddha statue in the world, is perched on the hill overlooking the Thimphu valley. Beautiful view. Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast:
Option 1: Visit the National Textile Museum where is preserved a collection of antique fabrics, rich colors and designs. Then, visit the National Institute of Traditional, where medicinal herbs are identified and traditional medicine practitioners are trained. After that, visit the Folk Heritage Museum, an outdoor museum that gives a glimpse of rural life, and the School of Traditional Painting, Arts and Crafts. Then visit the Hakhang Changankha. This temple overlooking the Thimphu valley was built in the 13th century by the famous Lam Phajo Zhigpo Dugom. After lunch, drive to Paro visit Kichu temple, one of the 108 temples built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Gampo Songsten.
Option 2: Road to Paro and hike to Taktsang Goempa (Tiger’s Nest Monastery). The climb to the viewpoint will take about three hours and from there you can enjoy a spectacular view of the monastery clinging to the cliff. Continuing the hike to the monastery will take about an hour. Legend has it that the 8th century, Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress from eastern Bhutan there and meditated in a cave here for three months. Taktsang was severely damaged by fire in 1998 but has now been fully restored. After lunch, back down to the road and back to the hotel. On the way back, visit Kichu temple, one of the 108 temples built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Gampo Songsten. Overnight in Paro.

After breakfast, drive to Paro airport for the flight back to Delhi.

SUGGESTED HOTELS

You will find below our selection of hotels for this trip. Hotels indicative subject to availability. The choice of the class of accommodation to you. You will be able to specify it in your quote.

Gangtey Palace – Paro

Bhutanese traditional hotel located in a beautiful spot overlooking the Paro valley. Large rooms with traditional décor. Very nice welcome.

Uma by COMO – Punakha

Spacious rooms with an exceptional view of the Punakha valley and the river. Warm, attentive staff. The hotel has a spa.

Yangkhil Resort – Trongsa
Small mountainside hotel with a magnificent view of the dzong and mountains. Friendly and attentive staff. Pleasant rooms and nicely decorated.

Pedling Hotel – Thimphu

Very central location with shops and restaurants within walking distance. Clean and comfortable rooms with modern decor and gargantuan breakfast. Staff very friendly, courteous and always willing to help.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES

You will find below our suggestion for activities to do throughout your journey. Do not hesitate to contact an advisor Aryavrit Travels for any specific request.

Horseback ride

Expect a complete change: in the saddle on the beautiful Marwari horses with amazing earrings shaped like a crescent moon, discover the breathtaking surroundings and go out to meet the locals. A walk to discover treasures, off the beaten path.

Bike ride

We invite you to immerse in unusual: a bike ride on the roads of India, Nepal and Bhutan. Cycling is a way to meet people, a tool to reach out to the population, which allows you to be closer than at the window of an air conditioned car. Let yourself drift along with your meetings, you will appreciate the paths which reserve surprises, all more enjoyable than the other.

Ballooning

Take a step back to admire the pink city Jaipur, it is possible. Climb aboard the platform of your balloon and fly over the capital of Rajasthan and the impressive Amber Fort which is necessary not far from it. In the early morning light, the emotions are at their peak by the glipse by the history of vastness and beauty which has exisred here for last many centuries.

Polo match

Polo on horseback or elephant, a unique show in Jaipur, Jodhpur or Delhi. Sport in vogue in India, polo on horseback is still today one of the spearheads of the sport in the Indian aristocracy. Polo on elephant back, meanwhile, is not a sport as such. Nevertheless, it attracts large crowds because of the originality of a rapid game with elephants struggling to move on the ground. Very entertaining!

Cricket match

Catch a game of cricket, a sport that is truly thrill the crowds in India. Unknown in France, cricket crystallizes all the passions in the Indian subcontinent, where millions of fans follow live matches of their national team. The best players are idolized as real stars, like Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev considered one of the best cricketers of all time.

Vintage car

Experience the charm side with a vintage ride in Rajasthan. These old cars of the maharajahs take you as a prince through the main streets of the cities. A timeless adventure not to be missed.

Local family

What could be more authentic than sharing a moment with a local family? An opportunity to understand the Indianess from very close which is worth reading several books on India. A unique opportunity to learn about the customs of your hosts, with whom you share a traditional meal. A moment of conviviality, memorable exchanges that will only add magic to your stay.

Film show

Indians like to say that what unites them is a passion for cricket and love of cinema. India is the largest film industry in the world in terms of production and the number of entries. Attend the screening of a film, it’s a unique experience and share a moment of jubilation.

Yoga

Immerse yourself in the practice of Yoga and meditation which helps you to know your body and mind. An experienced yoga teacher will teach you the various techniques of “pranayama” (breathing), “asanas” (positions) and ‘dhyana’ (meditation). A unique opportunity in the purest tradition.

Henna session

Mehndi usually refers to the art of drawing with henna on the skin. It is an ephemeral equivalent of tattooing. In Rajasthan, mehndi is an fplk art and it is common for women to get as sophisticated as those of newlyweds drawings. Attend a session to decorate your hands with henna and why not take the opportunity to keep track of your visit!

Cooking lessons

You fell for tandoori chicken, Kerala fish curry, samosas, the thali, the dal, biryani? Do not leave without having learned to cook these dishes. We offer courses in vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisine. At the end of the session, you are invited to examine and taste your own the prepared dishes.

Ayurveda massage

Ayurveda invites us to stay in harmony with nature, in touch with the elements of nature by practicing yoga and meditation which help us to purify and nourish our body and mind. A massage on the eye helps to rebalance the body and its functions. Enjoy your visit to the birthplace of Ayurveda to experience a massage in the purest tradition.

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