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Jambay Lhakhang is one of the oldest temples in the kingdom. It was founded by, Songtsen Gampo, a Tibetan King in the 7th century AD.  The king was destined to build 108 temples known as Thadhul- Yangdhul temples on and across the border in a day to subdue the demoness that was residing in the Himalayas. The temple is one of the two of the 108 built in Bhutan. A second is located in Paro, the Kichu lhakhang also built on the same day.

Legend has it that Guru Rimpoche visited the site several times and deemed it exceptionally sacred. Chakhar Gyab, the king of the Iron Castle of Bumthang renovated the temple in the 8th century AD.

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Day 01: 3^th November: Arrival to Paro and transferred to Thimphu

Distance: 55 km

Estimated travel time: 1 1/2 hrs

Your festive season of Jambay Lhankang Drup will bring you the most stunning view of your trip in the Druk Air, Bhutan’s national carrier, during this month usually the weather will be clear all the time and you will view titanic plains of India you will have the spectacular view of the green wall of hills known as duars, or gateways that provide channeled air route  into Bhutan. And in this particular festive season these monumental hills would have their apexes capped with snow bestowing the most golden- rare scene of the kingdom as you would be flying right over the touchline of these apexes. Your flight into Bhutan would be nothing short of adventurous and bon voyage  trip as the bird eye view of the deep green valley’s with bountiful youthful streams shaping into different forms of river meandering and waterfalls as they rush down the valley, and ever rising Himalayan mountains that seem to intercept the air route would give you the most breath taking and heart beating moment yet so glamorous and harmonious. You’ll sense and feel the warmth of Mother Nature through various geological, geographical and environmental scenes. You would also take the pride of viewing the world’s highest peak Mount Everest and famous Mount Kanchenjunga, highest virgin peak Mount Chomolhari and other sacred peak like Jichu Drake. Because of this uniqueness air route, this route top 1^st in the world by the international tourists and wonder lust based in London.

 Finally then, you will reach Paro Airport in 3 hrs from Bangkok . As the aircraft enters the Paro valley, look down to see Paro Dzong on the hillside overlooking the Paro Chu river, with Ta Dzong, formerly a watchtower and now the National Museum, above it. Now you are stepping out from the Druk air into fresh and silent atmosphere of Paro, the characteristic of the last Shangri-La. The representative from 7 Brothers Tours and Travels will be waiting for you at the exit who will guide you throughout your stay in Bhutan

Visit to Tashichho Dzong or “the fortress of the glorious religion” which is Bhutan’s administration and religious centre and houses the throne room of His Majesty the King of Bhutan, other Government offices. It is also the summer residence of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot.

After this visit Changangkha Lhakhang, a fortress likes temple which lies perched on a ridge above Thimphu

This is one of the oldest temples in the Thimphu region and we believe that local deities of Thimphu region live in this temple to support for the newly born baby of Thimphu region. Besides support for the baby, it will also help for people who go there for the pray for peace and good fortune for their lives.

Visit Kuensel Phodrang to see world largest sitting Buddha statue located above Thimphu city and it is consider 8^th wonderer of the world.

Dinner and overnight stay at Thimphu.

Day 02: 4^th November: Thimphu- Punakha

Distance: 77 km

Estimated travel time: 3 hrs

Today’s exploration of Thimphu begins will take with visit to NationalMemorial Chorten, a stupa dedicated to world peace and prosperity in 1974 in memory of the Third King of Bhutan;

. Visit national Zoo where Takin a animal is chosen as the national animal of Bhutan for its uniqueness and its association with the country’s religious history and mythology.

Lunch at Thimphu

After lunch then your journey continues with travels to the east onwards to Punakha through some of the Kingdom’s richest agricultural land and most dramatic river valleys.

The first stop will allow us to stop at Dochu La, 3050meters pass; snow-capped eastern Himalayan ranges can be seen on a clear day.

The beauty is further enhanced by the Druk Wangyal Chorten 108 stupas built by the eldest Queen Mother and then winding our way down into the Punakha Valley.

Punakha Sightseeing

 On the way you will stop at Mitsina village and visit Chimi Lhakhang the monastery of fertility. Towards evening  you will visit Punakha Dzong which stands majestically at the junction of the two rivers Pho Chu and Mo chu.
Overnight stay Hotel, Punakha.

Day 03: 5^th November Punakha- Bumthang

Distance:  189 km

Estimated travel time: 7 ½ hrs

Drive to Bumthang which is heart land of Buddhism where tantric Buddhist master visited Bhutan in 8^th century. One will not regret to visit Bumthang because you will be blessed by spiritual land and it is said to be land of Mini Switzerland.

While en-route before reaching Bumthang you will cover important places for sightseeing:

Stop at Chendipji Chorten for refreshment: As per history Chendipji  Chorten was built by  Spiritual master Lama Sidha in 15^th century  to bless travelers like you.

    Visit Ta Dzong preached above the Trongsa Dzong this is watchtower which once stood guard the Trongsa Dzong.

This is now restored from ground up and it is the museum presenting the rich historical and religious heritage of Trongsa Dzong.

After lunch you will drive to Bumthang passing Yotong La, 3425 meters pass. Here you get you first glimpse of the Black mountains and high Himalayan Mountain such as Jumolhari are in view and pass is marked by hundreds of prayers flags blessings abound.

Then our journey proceed continue through the lush valley and hilly forests. Along the way we will stop at a yathra the textile weaving handloom, where the yathras are designed with patterns unique to Bumthang, and we can even watch some of the weavers at their looms. In the evening we can stroll in Bumthang town and visit shops.
Overnight stay at Hotel, Bumthang

Day 04: 6^th November: Bumthang Sightseeing and evening attend fire ceremony

Bumthang Sightseeing

• Jampa Lhakhang, built in the 7th century by the King Songtsen Goempo of Tibet. In his effort to propagate Buddhism he had a plan to build a total of 108 temples in Tibet and neighboring kingdoms.
• Kujey Lhakhang Kujey means, "Body imprint". The temple to the right is the oldest and was built by Minjur Tempa in 1652. It was built around the cave in which Guru Rimpoche meditated and left his body imprint.
• Jakar Dzong, "castle of the white bird". According to legend, when the lamas assembled in about 1549 to select a site for a monastery, a big white bird rose suddenly in the air and settled on a spur of a hill. This was interpreted as an important omen, and the hill was chosen as the site for a monastery and for Jakar Dzong. The fortress is now used as an administrative center of the valley and summer residence of Trongsa monks.

.Tamshing Lhakhang;This temple is also known as Tamshing Lhendrup Chholing Temple of the Good Message.

In the evening stroll around the beautiful landscape of the Bumthang Jakar valley. After dinner attend the first day of Jambay Lhakhang festival.

The first day of the festival begins in the evening around 8:30 pm. The details of the first day of the festival are as follows:

Black Hat Dance (Shana) and of the Gings (emanations of Guru Rinpoche): Costume: Dancers, wearing long brocade robes and ornate black hats, perform this dance. The dancers’ who represent the Ging wear shorter robes with masks. This dance is performed to purify the ground and to chase away evil influences.

Dance of Offering (Tshogcham): A dancer offers the body of evil spirits to the deities. After the offering is made the audience goes outside the temple where an arch of pine bushes has been erected.

Fire Dance (Mecham): The arch of pine is set on fire. The fire is said to purify the earth of evil spirits. People who pass through the arch have their sins cleansed. A dancer chases away the evil spirits.

Day 05: 7^th November: Attend Jambay Lhakhang Drup and Prakhar Duchhoed

Breakfast

Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast,you will attend the full second day of the Jambay Lhakhang Drup (festival) which will start around 10:30 am. You will be watching many ritual dances, which are performed in the court yard of Jampa Lhakhang. There are a number of different dances, subdivided into three categories: those that are intended to give moral instruction; those that are designed to drive away evil spirits and those that celebrate the Buddhist faith in its many guises. This is the occasion where the local people, dressed in their finest clothes, come to attend the festival with packed lunches. This occasion also gives opportunity to the local businesses- there will be a number of stalls selling craftwork, jewellery, religious artifacts and thangkas. Overnight hotel in Jakar.

Details of the 2nd Day Jambay Lhakhang Drub (festival)are as follows:

It follows a ceremony where a small girl representing the daughter of Sindhu Raja blesses the villagers.Dance of Singje Yab Yum (Lord of death and his consort): The Lord of Death and his consort perform this dance to protect the four realms over which he has power.

Dance of Nyulema and Peling Ging Sum (Three kinds of Ging): The Nyulema is an evil spirit represented by a boy in a skeleton mask. The Ging with the sticks catch the Nyulema. The Durdag or the Lords of the Cremation Ground (represented with dancers wearing white skeletal masks) bring forward a box, which represents evil spirits. The Ging with swords liberate the mind of the evil spirit by killing its body of flesh. The Ging with drums dance to celebrate the victory of religion over the evil spirit.

Dance of the Jachung Bochung (Two mythical birds): Dancers wearing masks representing the auspicious birds perform the dance. The play of the Atsara Gapo Pawo Solgyo (Atsara who acts like a Pawo). Though most of the stories and plays were originally with Buddhist sub text they now serve as comedy relief for the crowd. This story is about an Atsara (clown with a red mask) who is mad. The Atsara injures his son, as he did not recognize him. He tries to save his son’s life by impersonating a pawo or medium and tries to perform a religious curative ceremony. Being unsuccessful he has to finally call a doctor and a monk to cure his son.

Overnight at hotel in Bumthang.

Day 06: 8^th November: Bumthang- Punakha via Phobjikha

Distance: 197 km

Estimated travel time: 7 hrs

After early breakfast, drive to Phobjikha valley. You may visit Gangtey Gompa (monastery) which now houses one of the only Nyingmapa monasteries in Bhutan. The valley is also the winter home to the rare black-necked cranes (Grus Nicorocolis), which migrate, from remote parts of Tibet, China and Siberia during winter to this valley. Lunch at Phobjikha and after lunch drive to Punakha.Overnight at hotel in Punakha.

Day 07: 9^th November: Punakha- Paro sightseeing

Distance: 125 km

Estimated travel time: 3 1/2 hrs

After breakfast, drive through upper Punakha valley passing through farmhouse and take a leisure walk through farmhouses and then through nature to the beautiful Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten temple built by the Queen Mother of Bhutan for peace and stability in this ever-changing world. This temple is situated on the hilltop overlooking the valley below. The leisurely walk up to the temple would take about 1 hour. Visit the temple and also enjoy the breathtaking view from there.

After lunch,drive back to Paro. After a refreshment  visit Kichu temple,one of the 108 temples built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songsten Gampo. The story goes that a giant demon lay across the whole area of Tibet and the Himalayas and was preventing the spread of Buddhism. To overcome her, King Songtsen Gampo decided to build 108 temples, which would be placed on all the points of her body. Of these 108 temples, 12 were built in accordance with precise plans. Thus, it happened that in about the year AD 638 the temple of Jokhang in Lhasa was built over the very heart of the demon.)

Overnight at hotel in Paro.

Day 08: 10^th November: Hike to Tiger’s Nest

Breakfast

Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast, travel to Paro which will take about 1 hour and on arrival at Paro hike to Taktsang Goempa Tiger's Nest Monastery. The hike upto the viewpoint will take about 1 1/2 hours and from there you will enjoy a spectacular view of the monastery clinging to the side of the cliff.You will stop here for refreshments and then hike further upto the monastery which should take another 1 1/2 hours. It was first built in 1692, around the Taktsang Senge Samdup, a cave where Guru Padmasambhava is said to have meditated for three months in the 8th century. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche Guru Padmasambhava flew to this location from Khenpajong, Tibet on the back of a tigress and subdued a demon. He then performed meditation in one of the caves here and emerged in eight incarnated forms manifestations and blessed the place. Subsequently, the place came to be known as the “Tiger’s Nest”. Guru Padmasambhava is known for introducing Buddhism to Bhutan. Today, Paro Taktsang is the best known of the thirteen caves in which he meditated. After visiting the monastery, walk back downhill to the road with lunch at the viewpoint cafeteria.

Then drive back to your hotel after visiting Kichu Lhakhang on the way. Kichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songsten Gampo. The story goes that a giant demon lay across the whole area of Tibet and the Himalayas and was preventing the spread of Buddhism. To overcome her, King Songtsen Gampo decided to build 108 temples, which would be placed on all the points of her body. Of these 108 temples, 12 were built in accordance with precise plans. Thus, it happened that in about the year AD 638 the temple of Jokhang in Lhasa was built over the very heart of the demon. In the evening relax and overnight at a hotel in Paro.

Day 09: 11^th November: Departure

Breakfast

We wish you safe and pleasant journey. 

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Jambay Lhakhang Drup: Tour Cost per Person in Twin Sharing Basis for 8 Nights/9 Days

Peak Season: March/April/May/Sept/Oct and November

Group Size	Quotation	Hotel	4 and 5 star hotels  need an additional charge Above 10pax it is subject to discussion about rate
1 pax	US$2320/person	3 Star
2 pax	US$2040/person	3 star
Above 3pax	US$1800/person	3 Star

The above Bhutan tour package prices include the following:

• Bhutan Government Royalty of US$ 65/person/night
• FIT surcharges of US$40/person/night for a single traveler and US$30/person/night for a double
• Twin sharing hotel rooms at 3 star hotels
• All meals ( breakfast, lunch, dinner & light refreshments) with standard menu at 3 star hotels
• English speaking tour guide service
• All transfers and excursions by private vehicles
• All entrance fees to museums and monuments
• All internal taxes and fees
• Mineral drinking water while sightseeing

The above tour prices do not include the following:

• Single room supplement of  US$ 50/room/night during high season (optional)

Visa fee of US$40/person must be paid in advance with tour cost

• Airfares optional
• Travel issuance recommended
• 4 star and 5 star accommodations and meals optional
• Other personal expenses like overseas calls, laundry,etc

 

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Tentative dates for Thimphu Festival in 2014: 3^rd October to 8^th October 

One of the biggest festivals in the country is the Thimphu Tshechu. This festival is held in the capital city for three days beginning on 10th day of the 8th month of lunar calendar. This Tshechu is witnessed by thousands of people many of which travel from neighboring Dzongkhags (districts) to attend the festivities. The actual Tshechu is preceded by days and nights of prayer and rituals to invoke the gods.

When it was initiated by the 4th Desi, Gyalse Tenzin Rabgay in 1867 the Tshechu consisted of only a few dances being performed strictly by monks. These were the Zhana chham and the Zhana Nga chham. Dances of the 21 Black Hats, Durdag (Dance of the Lords of the Cremation Ground, and the Tungam chham Dance of the Terrifying Deities.

The Thimphu Tshechu underwent a change in the 1950s, when the third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, introduced numerous Boed chhams mask dances performed by lay monks. These additions added colour and variation to the festival without compromising its spiritual significance. Mask dances like the Guru Tshengye Eight Manifestations of Guru, Shaw Shachi Dance of the Stags are enjoyed because they are similar to stage-theater.

Equally important are the Atsaras, who are more than just mere clowns. The Atsaras are the dupthobs (acharyas), who provide protection. The dances and the jesting of the Atsaras are believed to entrance evil forces and prevent them from causing harm during Tshechus. Modern Atsaras also perform short skits to disseminate health and social awareness messages.

To farmers, the Tshechu is also seen as a break from farm life. It’s an occasion to celebrate, receive blessings and pray for health and happiness. 

 

 

 

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Day 01: Arrival at Paro 

Day 02 : Paro Halt

Day 03:   Hotel to Airport

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Day 01: 3^rd October, 2014: Arrival to Paro and transferred to Thimphu 

Distance: 55 km

Estimated travel time: 1 1/2 hrs 

During this festive season fly into Paro by Druk Air, Bhutan’s National Airline will have  great snow-capped peaks of the inner Himalayas rise up to the heavens can be seen during clear weather. As the plane approaches Bhutan, if you look down farmhouses as dots on the hillsides can be seen. 

As the aircraft enters the Paro valley, you will see Paro Dzong on the hill side overlooking the Paro Chu river, with Ta Dzong, formerly a watchtower and now the National Museum, above it.

You will be received by the representative of 7 Brothers Tours and Travels.Bhutan Tour Operator who will be your Bhutan travel guide throughout your tour.

Drive to Thimphu which will take at least 2 hours including sightseeing.

En-route stop to see Tachogkhang temple built by Tibetan Buddhist master. Thangthong Gyelpo popular known as Iron bridge builder which one can see iron bridge in the same place below the temple. One can believe that if you cross that iron bridge it will help you to achieve your goal or blessed.

After few minutes stop at Chuzom which means the confluence of two rivers, the Thimphu River and Paro River. This is also a point where two highways meet, the Thimphu-Phuntsholing highway and Thimphu-Paro highway. 

After reaching Thimphu one can visit Tashichhodzong, the seat of central government, central monastic body and also king’s throne, to have external view.  You can have view of 5^th King’s palace below this fortress.

After that check into the hotel and dinner at the hotel. If you are interested be prepare to have photo of Fortress.Tashi Dzong in the night.

Day 02: 4^th October, 2014: Attend Thimphu Festival 

Some of the Details of Thimphu Festival 

Dance of the 21Black hats (Zhana)

• Costume: Large black hats felts boots long colorful brocade gown no mask.

Religious origin and explanation: This ground purification rite is also perfume on the occasion of construction of dzong, temples and stupas to conciliate the malevolent beings of the ground and take possession of the site of them.

• The black hat dancers assume the appearance of yogis who show great and passionate anger extremely but actually have accomplished and peaceful minds. They possess the power of killing and recreating life. They subdue and liberate beings that cannot be led by peace. The five poisonous enemies, which are the sins, disappear in the sphere of emptiness.
• This dance is also referred to as “Gar”dance. It is derived from the different traditions of the Tantras text of northern Buddhism.It is said that with help of the Gods who have mediated deeply upon the mantras sacred formulae the “Gar” which are the gestures of the dancers hands transform into mudras sacred mystic geometric figure the.The black hat dancer performing the ritual build a Mandela and cut the demons in to pieces. They thus safeguard the earth and dance the step of the thunderbolt to impress their power on it.

Dance of the 21 black hats with drums Zhanangacham

• Religious origin and explanation: The Black hats beats the drums, the sounds of  which resounds throughout the Three worlds in honor of the victory of religious over  their enemies and the destruction of malevolent spirites.The drum sounds represents the dharma itself, which cannot be represent in any way because it has no visible form.

The Accompaniement Dance Kyecham

• Costume: Knee-length yellow skirts,bare-feet,animalsmasks,swords in right hand.

Religious origin and explanation: When King  Norzang of a north Indian land called Naden left to subdue enemies further north, the protectors and guardians of the doctrine and  the assembly  of the king’s tutelary deities were his armed companions. This is the classical explanation of this dance, hence its name.

• One other explanation is related to another dance, the Phole Mole.This version talks of once compatible couple whose marriage, when shaken by the trials of a love triangle, ends with the husband cutting off his wife nose. The story reinforces the universal law that says there is no real substance in wordily components. Many people behave similarly and bring upon themselves suffering in their current lives and the lives to come. Faith in the Buddhist creed, on the other hand, allows one to realize happiness from knowing that the three jewel (Buddha,Religion,and Community of Believers) are refuges that never fail.
• Dance of the Nobleman and the  ladies (Phole Mole)and the Accompaniment Dance(Kyecham)
• Religious origin and explanation: like the one that precedes it, this dance draws from the biography of king Norzang of naden of the north of India and continues the themes of fidelity tested by physical distance and mutilation. King  Norzang’s Northern crusade separated him from Yidrogma, his favorites queens he married His eventual return, though, sees an ending reminiscent of the odysseus-penelope reunion. 

• What really happen to dance is closer to a comical play than a dance. Two princes go to war, leaving behind two princesses in the care of an old couple. As soon as they depart, a team of clowns try to frolic with the princesses and corrupt the old women who behave immorally as well. Upon returning from war the princes are scandalized by the behavior of the princesses and the old women and cutoff their noses as punishment. A doctor is called to put the nose back but the old women stinks so much that the doctor has to use a stick to do the job. Finally the princes marry the princesses and everybody is reconciled.

Dance of the 16 Drum Beaters from Drametshe Ngacham.

• Costume: Knee-length yellow animal’s masks, Drums
• Religious origin and meaning: the learned Lam Kuenga Gyeltshen had likeTerton Pemalingpa before him, a vision of Guru Rinpoche and his Paradise. He saw the attended of Ugyen Rinpoche transform them into a hundred peaceful and terrifying deities. They danced with big drums in their left hands drumsticks in their right hands. LamKuenga Gyeltshen depicted this vision in this dance which he composed in the Eastern Bhutanese Monastery of Dremetshe. 

Dance of the stags and the Hounds ShawaShachi

• Religious origin and explanation: generally performed like a play in two parts this dance represents the conversion to Buddhism of an animal’s hunter, GomboDorji, by the great saints JetsunMilarepa(1040-1123). Once, while in meditation Milarepa heard a men shouting and dog barking. Upon coming out of his cave he saw a red-haired stag sweating and trembling with fear.Milarepa sing religious song that caused the stag to forget fear and lie down on right. Chasing the stag a red dog evident fiery withwrath, appeared. It succumbed to the pacifying effect of Milarapas song just as easily and lay down as well. Then came the frighteningly fierce hunter GonpoDorji, carrying bow and arrows enraged at the sight of Milarapa and two animals at peace, he shot a poisonous arrow at the saints.Gompo Dorji  bow broke into pieces ,the sting of the bow  was cot and arrow turned back towards him.Milarapa then sang another song that filled GompoDorji with violent regret for all wrongful action he had committed before. Then hunter took an oath not to sin again embraced and eventually attained full realization.
• The parts of dance are somewhat comical. The hunter’s servant appeared and jokes with clowns. Then come to hunter crownedwith leaves and carrying bow and arrows. He is accompanied by two dogs. The servant jokes with clowns and even disrespectful with his master who performed pre hunting rituals in way contrary to the Buddhist tradition.
• The second parts has a more serious and religious tone.Milarapa appeared wearing along white dress, white hat and holds a pilgrim’s staff.He sings with soft voice and has his right hand near his ear. The stag, the two dogs and the hunter, one after the other, arrive in Milarepa’s present and he converts them with song. The conversion is symbolized by rope that the hounds and the hunter have to jump over. 

Dinner and overnight stay Thimphu

Day 03: 5^th October, 2014: Thimphu- Punakha

Distance: 77 km km

Estimated travel time: 3 hrs 

Today drive to Punakha. The road to Punakha and WangduePhodrang, branches of a short distance before Simtokhadzong.

The road, which loops back as Fly-over Bridge, is the east-west highway, which was constructed in 1984. About a Kilometer past the turn-off there is a magnificent view of Simtokhadzong, the first fortress of Kingdom. The road then climbs past the forestry research center at Yusipang, then through apple orchards and forests of blue pine. Within few minutes’ drive from here you will reach Dochula La Pass at 3050m. It is a 45 minutes’ drive from Thimphu. This pass is marked by a chorten with an array of colorful prayer flags.

Dochula cafeteria of Queen mother, located quite near to Dochula stupas which are of 108 stupas to commemorate victory over Indian insurgents .

Dochula Pass offers a breathtaking, panoramic view of the eastern Himalayas on a clear day.

Such days are rare. The best chance of view is in the early morning between mid-October and mid- February.

The pointed peaks standing opposite Dochula are:

• Kang Bum-6526m
• Gangchhenta- 6840m
• Masang Gang-7158m- This mountain dominates the region of Laya
• Tshenda Gang- 7100m
• Teri Gang- 7170m
• Jejekangphu gang-7158m
• Zongphu Gang- a Table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana is 7060m
• And GangkarPuensum -7497m is the highest peak in Bhutan

Gasadzong almost 50 kms to the northcan also can be seen from the Dochula cafeteria.

Drive to toPunakha from this place changes the vegetation dramatically to Oak, maple and blue pine to a moist mountain forest of rhododendron, alder, cypress, hemlock and fir.

And lead to Chime Lhakhang.  It is believed that a demon who has been terrorizing the valley had transformed herself into a black do to escape the wrath of DrukpaKuenley. But he had caught the dog on the WangduePhodrang route and buried it under a pile of earth shaped like a woman’s breast. He had been built a chorten( stupa) on top of this mount and prophesized that a temple would one day be consecrated over it. True to the prophecy, his brother Lam NgawangChogyel built Chime temple in 1456. Chimi comes from” Chimi” meaning “ dog” and “med” meaning “ no”, which in all means’” no dog” meaning this black dog will never come back from underground. After few drive from this place then reaching to PunakhaKuruthang which is settle light town. Punakha is located at 1250m. The central School was consecrated and the village expanded in the mid-1980s. 

PunakhaDzong

Punakha Dzong which is also known as PungthangDewachenpoePhodrang is located between  Mochu Female and Phochu River  Male were once lovers, flowing in the same bed. PunakhaDzong fortress is the second largest Dzong of Bhutan built by Unified father of Bhutan  ZhabdrungNgawangNamgyel in 1637 which was blessed by Guru Rinpoche in 8^th century and prophesized that name called Namgyel will come and build a fortress in this place.

Thus, true Guru Rinpoche’s prophecy ZhabdungNgawang Namgyel built a remarkable dzong which is now having the important relics of RangjungKharsapani, which is statue of Avalokistesvara which appeared marvelously from the vertebrate of TshangpaGyare, the founder of Drukpa School in Tibet.

Above 10 minutes’ walk from this Dzong you will find longest suspension bridge in Bhutan 200m to enjoy beautiful valleys. 

Dinner and overnight at hotel. 

Day 04: 6^th October, 2014: Punakha- Paro

Distance: 132 km

Estimated travel time: 4 ½ hrs 

After your breakfast you can then proceed to Wangdiphodrang. On your way you will see a different kind of village called Richengang village. Here you will see the houses are built very close together.

After this visit move back to Thimphu and en-route dochula pass for stop and above the pass. The highest point on the road is marked by a large Bhutanese chorten and prayer flags fluttering on the hill. visit Druk Wanggyal Lhakhang built by the eldest Queen mother; the past and future appear to merge in the details of the Lhakhang that tells the story of a supreme warrior figure whose vision pierces the distant future. 

You can visit National Museum  in 1967.

Inside the museum you will find many antique thankas, different kinds of textiles, a small temple of life, different statues, etc. After this you can drive to Rimpung Dzong or Paro dzong which was built in the 17th century. This dzong is now the administration center and school for the monks of Paro district. Then you will have tea and snacks in one of the hotel in Paro.

Dinner and overnight stay at Hotel.

Day 05: 7^th October, 2014: Hike to Tiger’s Nest 

Breakfast

Lunch and Dinner 

After having healthy breakfast at the hotel you can straight away  at the hotel you can straight away start your sightseeing programme. 

You can drive 10 Kms upstream of river from Paro town to view the Takshang monastery The tiger’s nest from the road. Our guide will briefly narrate the history behind this monastery. As believed by the Bhutanese, Guru Padmasambhava who brought Buddhism into Bhutan flew here on a tiger’s back in the 8th century and meditated for three months. Later in 1684 this monastery was built. You can ask your guide to give you a detailed explanation. 

As per we believe making up to Tiger’s nest in this life would be the best opportunity to rebirth in the peaceful land even attend enlightenment and  this is the most important sacred place on the planet. You may also pray for your successful life.

You can walk back till road point. 

We arrange horse while riding up to the tiger’s nest. But impossible to ride on the horse while moving down.

Dinner and overnight stay at Hotel. 

 Day 06: 8^th October, 2014:  Departure 

Breakfast

We wish you safe and pleasant journey

 

{tab=TOUR PRICE}

Peak Season: March/March/April/May/Sept/Oct and November 

Group Size	Quotation	Hotel	4 and 5 star hotels  need an additional charge Above 10pax it is subject to discussion about rate
1 pax	US$1450/person	3 Star
2 pax	US$1275/person	3 Star
Above 3pax	US$1125/person	3 Star

 The above Bhutan tour package prices include the following:

• Bhutan Government Royalty of US$ 65/person/night
• FIT surcharges of US$40/person/night for a single traveler and US$30/person/night for a double
• Twin sharing hotel rooms at 3 star hotels
• All meals ( breakfast, lunch, dinner & light refreshments) with standard menu at 3 star hotels
• English speaking tour guide service
• All transfers and excursions by private vehicles
• All entrance fees to museums and monuments
• All internal taxes and fees
• Mineral drinking water while sightseeing

The above tour prices do not include the following:

• Single room supplement of  US$ 50/room/night during high season optional
• Visa  fee of US$40/person must be paid in advance with tour cost
• Airfares optional
• Travel issuance recommended
• 4 star and 5 star accommodations and meals optional
• Other personal expenses like overseas calls, laundry,etc 

 

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