Bhutan: Along the passes

Transcription

1 Bhutan: Along the passes Day 01: Arrive Paro. Drive on to Thimphu The first gift from Bhutan will be the cool, clean fresh air as you step out if the plane. After doing your visa formalities and clearing your immigrations, you will be met by our representative in a traditional way. We will continue on out of the airport and drive on to Thimphu (2,400m/7,875ft). The capital town of Bhutan and the center of government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a lively place, an interesting combination of tradition and modernity. Home to civil servants, expatriates and the monk body, Thimphu maintains a strong national character in its architectural style. The drive to Thimphu takes about an hour & half, and upon reaching Thimphu, check in to the hotel, and after a brief rest we will visit the: National Memorial Chorten: The building of this chorten was originally the idea of Bhutan's third king, H.M. Jigme Dorji Wangchuck ( the father of modern Bhutan ), who had wished to erect a monument to world peace and prosperity, but was unable to give shape to his idea in his lifetime due to pressures of state. After His Majesty s untimely death in 1972, the Royal Family and Cabinet resolved to fulfill his wishes and erect a memorial that would perpetuate his memory and also serve as a monument to peace. The National Memorial Chorten was consecrated on July 28, The finely executed wall paintings and delicately fashioned statues within the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy. Tashichhodzong: The fortress of the glorious religion was initially erected in 1641 and rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the 1960s. Tashichhodzong houses

2 some ministries, His Majesty s secretariat, and the central monk body. It is open to visitors during the Thimphu Tsechu (held in autumn) and while the monk body is resident in its winter quarters in Punakha. And later spend the evening strolling through the city center. (Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Thimphu) Day 02: Thimphu SS We will begin our day s sights with a visit to the following sites: The National Library: The National Library was established in the late 1960s primarily to conserve the literary treasures which form a significant part of Bhutan s cultural heritage. It now houses an extensive collection of Buddhist literature mostly in block-printed format, with some works several hundred years old. This collection, known as the Choekey Collection, mainly comprises Buddhist literature written in Choekey, the religious script of Northern Buddhism, but also includes works written in Tibetan and in Dzongkha, Bhutan s national language. There is also a small Foreign Books Collection, stock of which mainly comprises works written in English, with subject interest on Buddhist studies, Bhutan, the Himalayan region and neighboring countries. The Folk Heritage Museum and National Textile Museum: These museums, both of which opened in 2001, provide fascinating insights into Bhutanese material culture and way of life. National Institute of Traditional Medicine: In Bhutan, equal emphasis is given to both allopathic and traditional medicines. The rich herbal medicines made up from medicinal plants abundant in the kingdom are prepared and dispensed here. The Institute is also a training school for traditional medicine practitioners. The complex is closed to visitors due to considerations of hygiene, but one can still walk around and view it from the outside. And if your trip happens to fall on a weekend, we take a quick visit to the farmer s market at Thimphu: Most of the Thimphu s population and many valley dwellers converge on the bustling weekend market, held down by the river. A wide range of

3 foodstuffs and local arts and crafts are sold at the market, which runs from Friday afternoon to Sunday. A visit to the market provides great photo opportunities, as well as the chance to mingle with local people and perhaps buy souvenirs. We will also stop to see the Handicrafts Emporium: A wide assortment of colorful, hand woven textiles and other craft products is available for purchase at the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and many smaller crafts shops around the town. We will end the day with an evening visit to the Buddha Point: This massive statue of Shakyamuni measures in at a height of 51.5 meters, making it The Buddha Dordenma is located atop a hill in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park and overlooks the Southern entrance to Thimphu Valley. The statue fulfills an ancient prophecy dating back to the 8 th century A.D that was discovered by Terton Pema Lingpa (Religious one of the largest statues of Buddha in the world. The statue is made of bronze and is gilded in gold. 125,000 smaller Buddha statues have been placed within the Buddha Dordenma statue, 100,000 8 inch tall and 25, inch tall statues respectively. Each of these thousands of Buddhas have also been cast in bronze and gilded. The throne that the Buddha Dordenma sits upon is a large meditation hall. Treasure Discoverer) and is said to emanate an aura of peace and happiness to the entire world (Dinner & Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu)

4 Day 03: Thimphu - Punakha with a hike to Chimi Lhakhang After early breakfast, drive up to Dochu-la pass (3,088m/10,130ft) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the chortens, Mani walls, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, the high Himalayan peaks Towards the northeast will be revealed in all their glory. On a clear day, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendegang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m), Jejegangphugang (7,158m), Kangphugang (7,170m), Zongaphugang (7,060m) a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana, and finally, Gangkar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m. But before we move to Dochula, we will stop by to visit the Semtokha Dzong, the place of profound tantric teaching, stands sentinel on a hillock a few kilometers out of town on the way. After crossing the Dochula pass, we reach the village of Lobeysa, as continues across the Pele la Pass (3,300m), and on to the picturesque valley of Gangtey/Phobjikha. Phobjikha is one of the few glacial valleys in Bhutan and chosen home of black necked crane, which migrate from the central Asiatic Plateau to escape its harsh winters. Explore Phobjikha and also visit to Gangtey Monastery, the only Nyingmapa Monastery in Bhutan. (Dinner & Overnight at the lodge in Gangtey)

5 Day 04: Gangtey to Punakha. Hike to Khamsum Yueling We retrace our steps today and drive on back towards the valley of Lobeysa & Punakha. Before reaching Punakha, we will make a brief stop at the Chhimi Lhakhang at Lobeysa. This temple is dedicated to the "Divine Mad monk" Lama Drukpa Kuenley, an eccentric monk from the 16th century famous for many his many amusing, Rabelaisian folklore stories. After the hike, we will continue on to visit the: Bhutan Souvenir production Training center: It is a Centre producing Handcraft products like hand woven bags, slippers, embroidered purses etc. it is worth buying the product with reasonable prices. Run by the Youth Development Fund, the training center trains young women. From there on: Punakha Dzong: Punakha dzong is the most beautiful Dzongs in the country build by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in It is located between two rivers Phochu (Male river) and Mochu (female river). It is the winter residence for the central monk body and administration center for the district (Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Punakha)

6 Day 05: Punakha to Paro Our drive today, will take us back to Paro valley. Upon reaching Paro, we will visit the: National Museum. The museum collection includes ancient Bhutanese art and artifacts, weapons, coins, stamps and a small natural history collection. Then walk down a hillside trail to visit the Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) Situated at a commanding height overlooking Paro valley. Built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646, this Dzong now houses Paro s monk body and the offices of the civil administration and is symbolic as the religious and secular center of all affairs of the valley. Visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan

7 In the evening, visit a traditional farmhouse for an opportunity to interact with a local family and learn something of their lifestyle. Later, take a stroll along the main street for a few handicrafts shops. (Dinner & Overnight at Hotel in Paro) Day 06: Paro (Chelela Excursion) Our days trip today will take us to 35 Kms drive from Paro to the Chele la Pass (Alt. 3810m). The pass connects the two valleys of Paro & Haa and is the highest motorable pass in the country. Enroute to Chele lam we will take a brief detours to visit the Kila Gompa,: This is the serene home of Buddhist nuns who have dedicated their lives to spiritual fulfillment. In this gompa, nestled in a craggy patch of rock on the mountainside below Chele-la pass, they spend their days in religious studies, prayer and meditation. Kila Gompa is about an hour s walk from Chele-la, down a path through pine forest. Bhutan has seven nunneries, of which Kila Gompa and Buchung Karma Nunnery in Punakha are the oldest. It was initially established in the early 9th century by Dupthob Chhoeje Norbu and Dupthob Temba as a meditation site. After being destroyed by fire, the lhakhang was reconstructed by the 25th Je Khenpo, Sherab Gyaltshen. In 1986, Kila Gompa was officially established by the Government as a nunnery. This monastery is historically significant as a sacred meditation site for renowned saints including Dupthob Chilkarwa, of the Drukpa Kagyupa School. After the hike we continue on to Chelela. On a clear day, we can have stunning view of Mt. Jumolhari & Mt. Jitchu Drake from the pass. The ridges along the Chele pass are also well known for many rare species of alpine plants & flowers. Journey back to Paro for dinner & overnight.

8 Day 07: Paro In the morning, take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger s Nest. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche, founding father of the Bhutanese form of Mahayana Buddhism, arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery. The main structure was severely damaged by fire in 1998, but after many years of painstaking restoration work, the complex has now been fully restored to its former glory.upon our return from the hike, we will take an excursion to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought off Tibetan invaders centuries ago. The snowy dome of sacred Chomolhari, mountain goddess can be seen in all her glory from the approach road to the Dzong. (Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Paro) Day 08: Fly out. After an early breakfast in the hotel, we then drive to the airport for flight to onward destination. **Please note that some of the sights/itinerary may change due to season, weather, national holidays and special events. We maintain the rights to alter the itinerary since tours are made in advance and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve your overall travel experience in Bhutan. Also please note that since hotels are pre-booked and paid for, any changes in itinerary later will cost cancellation/re-booking charges **