Glimpse of Bhutan

(Altitude 2280 meters): You will be received by the representative from Omkara Tours & Travels at the airport and driven to Thimphu. On the way, visit Tamchog Monastery, built by Thangthong Gyalpo (popularly known as Lama Chazampa, which literally means “the Iron Bridge builder”) in the 15th century.

Thang Thong Gyalpo (1385 – 1464) was a wonder-working saint from Tibet who came to Bhutan in 1433 looking for iron ore. He built 108 bridges across Tibet and Bhutan, out of which 8 were built in Bhutan. His only surviving bridge is in Duksum (Tashi Yangtse in Eastern Bhutan).

After lunch, visit the Memorial Chorten, a monument dedicated to the Third King of Bhutan, His Majesty King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The inside paintings and statues provide a very rare insight into Buddhist philosophy. Also visit Changangkha Monastery, Takin Preserve Center, Sangaygang viewpoint (home to the largest and tallest statue of Buddha in the world), and Tashichho Dzong.

Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

(Altitude 1310 meters): (72 Kms, 3 hours drive). After breakfast, drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass. If the weather is clear, we will stop for a while at Dochula Pass to view the Higher Himalayas.

While in Punakha, visit Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, situated between Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River). For many years until the time of the second king, it served as the seat of the government. The construction of the Dzong was foretold by Guru Rimpoche, who predicted, “…a person named Namgyal will arrive at a hill that looks like an elephant.” There was a smaller building here called Dzong Chu (Small Dzong) that housed a statue of Buddha. It is said that Shabdrung ordered the architect, Zowe Palep, to sleep in front of the statue. While Palep was sleeping, the Shabdrung took him in his dreams to Zangtopelri and showed him the palace of Guru Rimpoche. From his vision, the architect conceived the design for the new Dzong, which, in keeping with tradition, was never committed to paper. The Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). The war materials captured during the battle with Tibetans are preserved here. Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo, and the third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, convened the First National Assembly here in 1952.

After lunch, excursion to Khamsung Yulley Namgyal Choling Monastery. Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Punakha.

(Altitude 1310 m, 90 kms): After breakfast, drive to Wangdiphodrang. En route, stop for a while to visit Chimi Lhakhang, also called the “Temple of Fertility,” built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, popularly known as the “Divine Madman,” in the 15th century.

Lama Drukpa Kuenley (1455 – 1529) was one of Bhutan’s favorite saints. He was born in Tibet, trained at Ralung Monastery, and was a contemporary and disciple of Pema Lingpa. He traveled throughout Bhutan and Tibet as a “Neljorpa” (Yogi) using songs, humor, and outrageous behavior to dramatize his teachings of salvation through sex.

En route sightseeing in the valley of Wangdiphodrang includes a visit to Wangdiphodrang Dzong (from outside), built in 1638. Legend relates that as the people were searching for the site of the Dzong, four ravens were seen flying away in four directions. This was considered an auspicious sign, representing the spread of religion to the four points of the compass. The Dzong is situated at the confluence of Mo Chu and Tang Chu rivers.

After lunch, drive to Thimphu. Free time for shopping in the evening. Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

(Altitude 2320 m, Distance 58 kms, Drive Time 1 hour): After breakfast, visit the National Library, which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts, followed by a visit to the Painting School, famous for carving and freehand art, and the Folk Heritage Museum.

After lunch, visit the Handicrafts Emporium to see the exquisite artistry of traditional crafts and textiles. In the evening, drive to Paro. Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Paro.

(Altitude 2280 m) After an early breakfast, embark on an excursion to Taktsang Monastery. A short drive takes us to Satsam Chorten, where the trail ascends through beautiful pine forests adorned with Spanish moss and fluttering prayer flags. We pause for a rest and light refreshments at Taktsang Jakhang (cafeteria) before continuing on to Taktsang Monastery, perched precariously on a sheer cliff 900 meters above the valley floor. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, who brought Buddhism to Bhutan in 747 AD, flew here on the back of a flying tiger, Dorji Drolo, his favorite consort.

After lunch, visit Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower that has served as the National Museum of Bhutan since 1967, and then explore Rimpung Dzong (Paro Dzong), built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The dzong currently houses administrative offices.

In the evening, visit Drukgyel Dzong, now in ruins, built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate victory over Tibetan invaders in 1644. The name “Drukgyel” translates to “Victorious Druk.” Originally an administrative center, it was destroyed by a fire caused by a butter lamp in 1951. Also visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred monasteries dating back to the introduction of Buddhism in the 8th century.

Srongsen Gampo, a Tibetan king who married Princess Wenchen in 641, included in her dowry a statue called “Jowo,” an Indian image of Buddha as a small boy. In 659, he purportedly built 108 temples in a single day to bind an ogress to the earth and convert the Tibetan people to Buddhism. Six of these temples are in Bhutan, with notable ones being Jambay Lhakhang in Bumthang and Kichu Lhakhang in Paro. Kichu Lhakhang is believed to enshrine the left foot of the ogress, while Jambay Lhakhang pins her left knee.

Enjoy dinner and overnight at a hotel in Paro.

(Altitude 2280 m): Early morning, drive to the Airport and Farewell.