(Druk Wangyal Chortens, Dochula Pass) Sacred spaces - Kingdom in the Clouds A spiritual & cultural journey to Western Bhutan 10 nights Trip Highlights Haa Valley: Haa is the smallest Dzongkhag (district) in the country. This tiny region is one of the most beautiful and isolated areas in the kingdom, adorned with pristine alpine forests and tranquil mountain peaks. Haa is the ancestral home of the Queen Grandmother and the illustrious Dorji family. This valley remains one of the least visited areas in the country and retains the air of an unspoiled, primeval forest. The wooded hills of Haa provide an ideal location for hiking. Chelela pass & Kila nunnery: Chelela pass, at 13,083 feet is the highest motorable pass in Bhutan. From Chelela pass one can have superb views of Haa Valley, the smallest regions in the country and surrounded by tranquil mountain peaks such at the majestic Mt. Jomolhari (24,035 feet) & Jichu Drakey (22,930 feet). Bhutan's oldest nunnery, the Kila nunnery, dates back to the ninth century. The Nunnery is situated along the mountainside, at over 9.800 feet.
Thimphu: The Kingdom s capital city is home to approximately 100,000, including the Royal family. This bustling little city is the main center of commerce, religion and government in the country. One of the most curious features of Thimphu is that it is the only capital city in the world that does not use traffic lights. Instead a few major intersections have policemen standing in elaborately decorated booths (small pavilions), directing traffic with exaggerated hand motions. The juxtaposition of ancient tradition and modernity makes Thimphu the ideal location for visitors to immerse themselves in the lifestyle of contemporary Bhutanese. Phobjikha Valley: Phobjikha is a bowl-shaped glacial valley on the western slopes of the Black Mountains, bordering the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park. Because of the large flock of black-necked cranes that winters (Nov to March) here, it is one of the most important wildlife preserves in the country. Some people refer to this entire region as Gangte (or Gangtey), after the goemba (monastery) that sits atop a hill at an altitude of 2800m. Gangtey Monastery offers a stunning view of Phobjikha valley. Je Kuenga Gyaltshen founded this venerable monastery in 1613. While in Phobjikha, visit the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) and learn about their work on conservation efforts and habitat protection of the cranes and other efforts throughout the country on environment protection, education and conservation. Punakha: (The Ethereal Ancient Capital): has been inextricably linked with momentous occasions in Bhutanese history. On October 13, 2011 the district of Punakha was home to the auspicious and historical Royal wedding. Punakha served as the capital of the country from 1637 to 1907 and the first national assembly was hosted here in 1953. The Punakha Dzong (Fort) is the second oldest and second largest in Bhutan and one of the most majestic structures in the country. Taktsang (Tiger s Nest) Monastery: Bhutan s most iconic landmark and religious site. The name Taktsang translates to The Tiger s Nest. This monastery is one of the most holy sites in the kingdom and clings impossibly to a sheer cliff face about 3,000 feet above the Paro Valley. It was first built in 1692 at a cave where Guru Rimpoche meditated in the 7th century A.D. Legend states that Guru Rimpoche flew to the site atop the back of a tigress and meditated in the cave for 3 years, 3 months, 3 days and 3 hours in order to subdue evil demons residing within it. The cave has been considered a sacred site ever since and many famous saints have travelled to meditate in it. PROPOSED ITINERARY (Drafted June 30, 2017) Day 1: Depart Bangkok/Delhi for Paro on Flight. Drive to Haa (8,894 feet): The flight into Paro, Bhutan provides opportunities to see spectacular views of the great Himalayan peaks The highlight being Mount Everest (29,029 feet) & Kanchenjunga (28,169 feet), the world s tallest and third tallest mountains for unobstructed views, try to get a seat on the LEFT side of the plane. Upon arrival into Paro, and completing your visa & customs formalities, a representative of The Noble Traveller Bhutan will be there to receive you as you exit the Airport. Begin your journey to Haa (via Chelela Pass), driving through blue pine & rhododendron forest for about an hour to reach Chelela pass (13,083 feet). Chelela pass is the highest motor pass in Bhutan and from here, weather permitting; one can have superb views of the majestic Mt. Jomolhari (24,035 feet) & Mt. Jichu Drakey (22,930 feet). Enroute to Chelela Pass, visit Bhutan's oldest nunnery, the Kila Nunnery, dating back to the ninth century; the Nunnery is situated along the mountainside, at an altitude of over 9.800 feet. From Chelela pass embark on a short walk (optional) up the ridge to see Haa Valley. Upon arrival in Haa, you will check into Lodge. (Overnight Soednam Zingkha Lodge).
Day 2: Explore Haa Valley: In the morning explore Lechuna Village and embark on a leisurely walk up to the Jamtey monastery above Haa town, following which visit Wangcha village. In the afternoon, enjoy a beautiful walk, or you have the option to drive to Takchu Goemba - Located in Lungse Kha village. Lama Sangay Jamtsho who served as Lam of Nub Dali Dzong founded Tagchu Goemba. On your return, visit Haa town prior to dinner at the Lodge. (Overnight Soednam Zingkha Lodge). Day 3: Haa Valley to Thimphu (7,800 feet): After early breakfast in Haa, begin your three-hour picturesque drive to Thimphu. There is much to explore in Thimphu. Visit the Simthoka Dzong, believed to be the first Dzong built in Bhutan. Today, it houses a traditional Bhutanese school of religious and classical studies. Visit the Royal Textile Academy, weaving an integral component of the culture and tradition of Bhutan. With the aim to preserve and promote this living art, the Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan was instituted in May 2005 under the patronage of Her Majesty Gyalyum (Queen Mother) Sangay Choden Wangchuck. Complete your day with a visit to Tashichho Dzong; this impressive fortress houses the secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty the King, as well as various government offices. It is also the summer residence of the Chief Abbot and the central body of monks. (Overnight Bhutan Hotel). Day 4: Explore Thimphu. Start your day with a hike (about an hour) to the historic Cheri Monastery; built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1620, this is where the first community of monks in Bhutan was established. Upon return from your hike, visit many of Thimphu s cultural sites. The Folk Heritage Museum, which is set inside a 19th century traditional three-storied building. The museum houses different tools, materials, objects, equipment and artifacts from rural Bhutanese households. Visit the Jungshi Handmade paper factory and the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, where we will learn about traditional systems of healing. Traditional Bhutanese medicines are produced here from various herbs and plants that are grown on premises, and there is a training school on premises for budding practitioners. In the afternoon, visit the Buddha Dordenma Statue, this massive statue of Shakyamuni measures in at a height of 51.5 meters, making it one of the largest statues of Buddha in the world. On your return to your hotel, visit the Memorial Chorten built in memory of the third King of Bhutan here you will see many local people circumventing the Memorial in prayer and respect, you are welcome to join them too. (Overnight Bhutan Hotel). Day 5: Thimphu for Phobjikha (9,842 feet). The drive will take about 5 to 6 hours. Enroute you will stop by the Dochula Pass (10,100 feet) - this pass is a popular location among visitors as it offers a stunning panoramic view of Bhutanese Himalayan range. The view is especially scenic on clear day with snowcapped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the tranquility of the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens (Stupas) gracing the mountain pass. The eldest Queen Mother, Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk, commissioned the 108 Chortens. Continue driving to Phobjikha enroute lunch. Arrive Phobjikha late afternoon - Upon arrival in Phobjikha, check into your hotel and relax for the evening after a hectic day on the road or experience a Buddhist meditation class at the Shedra - An institute where the monks learn the Buddhist philosophy, poetry, logic, meditation and debate. The Shedra provides a meditation class on Compassion and Shamata (tranquility and calm abiding meditation) by highly qualified teachers. (Overnight Dewachen Hotel). Day 6: Explore Phobjikha: We will spend the day exploring the Phobjikha Valley. You can start your day attending the Morning Prayer takes place every morning from 05:15-06:15. The day starts very early at 05:00, to get ready for the morning prayers; these prayers are referred to as the Tara Ceremony. Prayers are offered in the early morning as the Buddhists consider the body and mind to be most pure at this time of day. After breakfast, there are numerous trails for both hiking and mountain bike riding, which range from easy to strenuous and from 2 to 6 hours for you to choose. Other activities to consider for the day include hoisting prayer flags to bring in good luck and merit to all sentient beings; Partake in Bhutan s national sport is Dha (archery), which together with Khuru (darts), are the most popular sports for the Bhutanese; Visit to a local farmhouse to explore, experience and partake in the daily chores of the household. (Overnight Dewachen Hotel).
Day 7: Phobjikha to Punakha (4,265 feet): After breakfast, you have the option to engage in more activities in the Phobjikha Valley, or depart for Punakha at a leisurely pace. Begin your journey to Punakha by heading across Lawa La pass, then descend for about three hours into the Punakha valley. Prior to arriving in Punakha, visit Chimmi Lhakhang - Temple of the Divine Madman. Rest of the afternoon is open for personal time at hotel or if you would like to go for a leisurely walk and explore local communities in the area. (Overnight Drupchu Hotel). Day 8: Explore Punakha Valley: Start your day with gradual walk by crossing the Mo Chhu (Female River) over a local suspension bridge after crossing the river, walk through paddy fields, as you begin your gradual hike, for about an hour, to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. Built by Her Majesty the Queen Mother, this temple is dedicated for her son Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk and for the well being of the Kingdom and the benefit of all sentient beings. Khamsum Yulley stands majestically on a strategic ridge above the Punakha valley. Built over a period of 9 years, Bhutanese craftsmen including carpenters, painters, and sculptors consulted Holy Scriptures rather than engineering manuals, to construct this 4-story temple. It is a splendid example of Bhutan s fine architectural and artistic traditions and the only one of its kind in the world. Lunch in town, followed by a visit to the Punakha Dzong, the most spectacular Dzong in Bhutan, built at the confluence of the Mo Chhu (Female river) and Pho Chhu (Male river) in 1637. This huge fortress/monastery was the national capital until 1966 and is the place where the country s kings have been crowned and the site for the 5th King s Royal Wedding in Oct. 2011. After visiting Punakha Dzong, take a walk on the Mendagang suspension bridge, Bhutan s longest suspension bridge. (Overnight Drupchu Hotel). Day 9: Punakha to Paro: This morning, you have the option of resting at your hotel for some personal time and departing to Paro at a leisurely pace post lunch. Alternatively, depart Punakha after early breakfast to Dochula Pass from here embark on a hike to Lungchuzekha Monastery - a beautiful three to four hours round trip walk (about 4.5 miles) through rhododendron forests, offering fascinating view of the Himalayas and the Punakha Valley below from the Monastery. Picnic lunch at the monastery. Upon returning to Dochula Pass, continue drive to Paro. (Overnight Tashi Namgay Hotel). Day 10: Taktsang Monastery (10,100 feet): In order to avoid the crowds and escape hiking under the day sun, you will begin our journey to Taktsang (Tigers Nest) by 7am. At a very moderate pace, you can be up at the monastery by 9:30am and back at the base by 1pm. Taktsang Monastery is Bhutan s most iconic landmark and religious site. The name Taktsang translates to The Tiger s Nest. This monastery is one of the most holy sites in the kingdom and clings impossibly to a sheer cliff face about 2952 feet above the Paro Valley. At about an altitude of 10,100 feet, Taktsang was first built in 1692 at a cave where Guru Rinpoche (learned reincarnate monk) meditated in the 7th century A.D. No trip to Bhutan would be complete without a visit to this remarkable heritage site. (Overnight Tashi Namgay Hotel). Day 11: Depart for the airport to catch your flight to Bangkok/Delhi.
(Prayer above Taktsang Monastery)
Key terms, phrases & notes: Dzong: Bhutanese architectural masterpieces built in the past to serve a number of purposes. They served as administrative centers and as houses for the clergy. They were also used as garrisons by the army and people gathered in the dzong courtyards during festivities. Stupa/Chorten: The stupa is a monument of peace, harmony and love. It symbolizes the essence of the five elements and the qualities of an awakened mind with the qualities of unlimited compassion and deepest wisdom. It contains many Buddhist scriptures and prayers and is built for world peace. Tsechu: A religious event celebrated on tenth day of a month of the lunar calendar corresponding to the birthday of Guru Rimpoche (Guru Padmasambhava). Tshechus are grand events where entire communities come together to witness religious mask dances, receive blessings and socialize. Lhakhang/Goenpa: Buddhist spiritual place of worship and learning. Monks reside/receive teachings in the Goenpa. Mountain views (on flight): The flight into Paro airport, Bhutan provides opportunities to see spectacular views of the great Himalayan peaks The highlight being Mt. Everest (29,028 feet) and Mt. Kanchenjunga (28,169 feet) the world s tallest and third tallest mountains. As you enter Bhutan airspace, you will see many of Bhutan s majestic mountains such as the sacred Mt. Jomolhari & Mt. Jichu Drake for unobstructed views, try to get a seat on the LEFT side of the plane. Note: Mt. Everest views are great for flights coming in from Delhi and Nepal. Flights from Bangkok and those arriving from the east of Bhutan will likely not get views of Mt. Everest. Hotel: We will try our best to confirm hotels as listed in the itinerary, however, in the event we are unable to secure a room, we will book in the next available hotel in the same class 3 star. Note on itinerary: Please note the detailed day to day itinerary is just to give some structure to the day - once you arrive in Bhutan, we can adjust your day to day activities based on your experience once in country - at times, travellers prefer to do more days walks and less cultural activities and others the opposite. Once finalized, the only change we are unable to make is the night halt as hotels in Bhutan are paid for in advance per local norms. Time and distances mentioned in itinerary are approximate only.