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Bhutan Depth of the Dragon
Duration: 15 Days
Trip Grade: 
Bhutan Depth of Dragon 15 Days tour offers travellers a superb and in-depth look into the country’s rural heartland east to west. The journey begins at Paro airport and takes you to the remote far east town of Trashigang. Amazing landscapes, peoples and cultural sites are highlights of this tour that will appeal to the most discerning visitor.
There are interesting side trips to Trashiyangtse and Dametsi where important religious sites are located. This area is known for its more moderate climate and diverse farming communities. Keep an eye out for the hornbill on the way to Mongar, herbal orchards and terraced farmlands.
The middle hill valleys hold many ancient relics in monasteries and one gets an opportunity to explore some of the most remote corners of the country.
Itinerary
Day 01 : Arrive Paro airport
On a clear day, the flight to the country's only international airport is rated as nothing less than awesome of all mountain flights. It offers a panoramic view of the snow peaks of the Himalayas - an exciting arrival to the Kingdom.
Transfer to hotel to check in and refresh. If early flight, enjoy a first visit to Kyichu Lhagang, built in the 7th century one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. In a serene setting the temple exudes a peacefull ambience. The place of worship is small and intimate lending dignity to a holy and powerfull site. Later enjoy an oriention of Paro town by an easy walk in the main street.
Day 02 : Paro tour
Paro, a beautifull valley with homes set among terraced paddy fields and orchards. It is a unique combination of the rural and urban dwellings. Tour will include :
Ta Dzong National Museum a repository of the country's artefacts and cultural heritage.
Rinpung Dzong which has a long and fascinating history, experience crossing Paro chu river on a traditional wooden cantilever bridge.
Drukgyel Dzong, the ruined fortress from where Bhutanese repelled several invasions by Tibetan armies. Currently, the Dzong is under restoration.
A traditional farmhouse that offers a good insight into the lifestyle of local people.
Day 03 : Paro – Thimphu
Take an early hike to Taktsang “Tiger’s Nest” monastery built by Guru Rimpoche as legends have it who flew on the back of mythical tigress. This incredible structure seems to float on clouds amidst the craggy sides of a hill. Option to walk to the top or enjoy views from a mid way point to take in the sublime views.
Travel to Thimphu, the modern capital city en route stop at Tachogang Lhakhang bridge one of a fine example of the first iron bridges of constructed crosses the Paro Chhu to the Dzong. This 600-year-old bridge was built by the master builder Thangtong Gyalpo in the late 1300s, he said to have built 108 bridges in Tibet and Bhutan.
Tour will include :
National Memorial Chorten this landmark was originally envisaged by the third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk to build a monument for global peace and prosperity. It is now a vibrant centre of spiritual practice and religious events which always bustles with pilgrims.
Tashichhodzong "the fortress of the glorious religion" a majestic fortress in all its grandeur serves as the seat of Bhutan's government. It houses the secretariat, the throne room, the offices of His Majesty the King and ministries of home affairs and finance. Initially constructed in 1641, it was later rebuilt in the 1960s.
Handicrafts Emporium followed by a visit to the local market.
Day 04 : Thimphu – Punakha
Enjoy a halfday tour of Thimphu to :
Buddha Point the largest statue of the Buddha in Bhutan, it has good views of Thimphu valley. It contains holy Buddhist scriptures, images and a library. If one enjoys walking, take a hike from here towards Debsi along a biking trail for about 30 minutes. Hike back to the road.
Simply Bhutan, an interactive 'living' museum developed for and by the youth of Bhutan through the Bhutan Youth Development Fund.
National Textile Museum which offers an in-depth look into the many weaving techniques and styles of local dress and textiles from different areas. Weavers are usually at their looms giving visitors opportunity to see traditional methods at work.
After lunch drive to Punakha and stop at Dochula pass 3,050m to enjoy the most enchanting view of the 108 stupas against the majestic Himalayas. On arrival, check into the hotel or continue touring :
Nalanda Buddhist College locals call this Dalayna and monks call it by its orginal name. Very often prayers and rituals are observed and one can observe these sessions. The monks here are novices and enjoy speaking with visitors. There are sweeping views of Punakha valley below.
Closeby is Sangchen Dorji Lhundrup Chholing Anim Dratsang Nunnery built on a hill overlooking the valley, it has a temple that houses a 14 foot statue of Avalokiteshvara “Chenrizig Chagtong Chentong”,Guru Padmasambhava, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, Gautama Buddha and the 21 Taras. This beautifull Nunnery has the patronage of the Royal Grand Mother.
Day 05 : Punakha tour
Start with a tour to Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the confluence of Pho Chu and Mho Chu rivers. Punakha was the former capital until 1955, and the Dzong serves as the winter residence of the central monk body. Bhutan’s first King Ugyen Wangchuck, was crowned here in 1907. This magnificent dzong was venue of the Royal wedding of their Majesties the King and Queen.
Take a drive and hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chhorten to enjoy the scenic beauty of the valley below.
Visit Chhimi Lhakhang the fertility temple dedicated to the famous teacher, Drukpa Kinley also known as the 'Divine Madman'. His deeds are painted on walls of this small and intimate temple. Couples visit in the belief that they would be blessed with children. Babies are also bought here to get named.
Day 06 : Punakha – Wangduephodrang – Gangtey
Continue to Wangduephodrang and stop briefly to enjoy scenic view of Wangdue Dzong perched on a spur overlooking the valley and river.
The road winds upto Gangtey Phobjikha through a forest of oak and rhododendron. It is one of the few glacial valleys and home of rare black necked cranes which migrate here to shelter from the harsh central Asian winter.
Visit the gilt roofed Gangtey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in this region with its intricate exterior woodwork. Often monks and locals rehearse various religious dances in the huge courtyard. Set out on a easy one hour walk to the Gangtey Nature Trail in this picturesque village and visit the Crane Information Centre.
Day 07 : Gangtey – Trongsa – Bumthang
Drive to Trongsa crossing Pele la pass at 3300m. Make a short visit to Trongsa Dzong built in 1648, a massive structure with many levels, sloping down the contours of the ridge on which it is built. Bhutanese Kings are invested as Trongsa Penlop ‘governor’ prior to ascending the throne. If there is time visit Ta Dzong watch tower, dedicated to the Buddhist epic hero, King Gesar of Ling.
Drive to Bumthang as the road winds steeply 28 km from Trongsa up to Yutong-la pass 3,400m, then runs down through coniferous forest into a wide, open cultivated valley known as Chumey. Enroute stop at the "yatha" yak wool fabric weavers for a nice break. Enjoy a leisurely stroll in the main square, this town is well known for its woodworks.
Day 08 : Bumthang
Bumthang is the common regional name given to the valleys of Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura with altitudes from 2,600m to 4,000m. Home to many prominent Buddhist temples and monasteries its scenic beauty charms the visitors. Tour will include :
Jambey Lhakhang, a 7th century temple and one of 108 built by King Songtsen Gampo.
Kurje Lhakhang, where Padmasambhava the great sage subdued a local demon and left his body imprint on a rock.
Tamshing Lhakhang with some of the oldest wall paintings.
Jakar Dzong, the administrative center of this region. Drop in to the Swiss Dairy for a nibble of the famous Bumthang yak cheese, apple cider, local beer and organic honey.
Day 09 : Bumthang – Mongar
The journey eastwards winds through rugged terrain and pristine nature, from Ura village it climbs sharply to the highest motorable pass Thrumshingla at 4000m. It gradually drops to Sengor before ascending further through lush pine forests, maize fields and small hamlets.
Visit Mongar Dzong a fine blend of traditional and modern style.
Day 10 : Mongar – Trashigang
Drive to Trashigang the furthest urban center of the country travelling across Kori la pass at 2,450m. The first section is through lush forests with ferns arching down to corn fields and banana groves to the new settlement of Yadi and further to the Gamri river.
Enroute a pleasant break to visit Drametsi temple set atop a steep hill. Founded by Choeden Zangmo this is the most important monastery in the east. Naga Chham, the famous mask dance with drums originated here.
About 30km aheads lies Trashigang at l000m, the country's biggest and most populated district. Check in to hotel, refresh and visit Trashigang Dzong standing at the edge of a spur over hanging the Gamri River. It is the administrative seat of the district and partly occupied by the monastic community.
Day 11 : Trashigang – Day excursion to Trashiyangtse or visit the Brokpa nomads
Today there is an option to either visit Trashiyangtse district 24km or to the village close to Sakten to see the nomadic Brokpa people.
At Trashiyangtse visit Gom Kora temple, set on a small alluvial plateau over looking the river, it is a famous pilgrimage spot where legends say Guru Rinpoche subdued a demon.
Doksum village to see weavers making intricate traditional fabric.
Visit an iron chain bridge dating back to the 15th century.
Visit Trashiyangtse Dzong, a newly built structure at an altitude of 1,850m, formerly it was an important centre of the caravan routes from western and central Bhutan.
Visit the famous Chorten Kora Stupa.
For the Brokpa people, drive towards Sakten and arrive at a camp to get a glimpse of these unique nomads in their distinctive attire with livelihood entirely dependent on the yak herds they tend.
Return to Trashigang for overnight.
Day 12 : Trashigang – Bumthang
Early start for Bumthang with lunch en route. Retrace and enjoy the scenery as it unfolds again.
Day 13 : Bumthang – Punakha
Continue journey westwards to Punakha. Stop en route for lunch, arrive and check into hotel.
Day 14 : Punakha – Paro
If there was no time earlier to visit Chimi Lhakhang it would be an interesting stop to tour this temple.
Continue to Paro for overnight.
Day 15 : Departure Paro
It is time to reluctantly bid goodbye to this amazing destination, transfer to airport for departure.
Extension from Trashigang : one can exit Bhutan via Samdrup Dzongkar town to Assam, India. This makes for an interesting tour to the Brahmaputra valley to enjoy the rich tribal cultures of "7 Sister States" of north east India.
Bhutan's Paro International Airport is connected by Druk Air and Bhutan Air flights from Bagdogra, Bangkok, Delhi, Dhaka, Guwahati, Kathmandu, Kolkata and Singapore.
Hotels : Standard Tourist Accommodation are in the 3* and 3* plus categories with upgrades on payment of supplementary cost in locations where available.
Local Trip Leaders : all tours are lead by our experienced and knowledgeable Bhutan Trek Leaders to give you an insight from a local perspective and accompany the group from arrival to departure.
Visa : on confirmation and full tour payment; visas will be processed.
Pre & Post Tour assistance : those who plan to make pre or post tours to Nepal, India or Tibet TAR can do so, please enquire to make arrangements. Nepal and India are just a little over 1 hour flight connected daily.
Exit Options : those who do not wish to fly can exit by land to Darjeeling and Sikkim, India.
Enquire & Book Bhutan Depth of the Dragon tour memorable for its many OMG moments!
Duration: 8 Days
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Duration: 8 Days
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