Bhutan – Happiness is a place

BHUTAN – HAPPINESS IS A PLACE
June 10 - 16, 2023
Thimphu - Punakha - Paro - Haa Valley

Overview

Bhutan often revered as the “Land of the Thunder Dragon” or ‘Druk Yul’, is still regarded as one of the last “Shangri-La” in the Himalayan region because of its remoteness, its spectacular mountain terrain, varied flora and fauna and its unique ancient Buddhist monasteries.

Thimphu – The Kingdom’s capital city is home to approximately 100,000 inhabitants including the Royal Family. This bustling little city is the main centre of commerce, religion and government in the country.

Punakha – Punakha Dzongkhag has been inextricably linked with momentous occasions in Bhutanese history. It served as the capital of the country from 1637 to 1907 and the first national assembly was hosted here in 1953. It is the second oldest and second largest dzong in Bhutan and one of the most majestic structures in the country.

Paro – Paro valley extends from the confluence of the Paro Chhu and the Wang Chhu rivers at Chuzom upto Mt. Jomolhari at the Tibetan border to the North. This picturesque region is one of the widest valleys in the kingdom and is covered in fertile rice fields and has a beautiful, crystalline river meandering down the valley.

Daily Schedule

Day 01: Arrive Paro by Air & transfer to Thimphu (55km, approx. 1.1/2-hour drive) (Meals – Breakfast)
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in entire Himalayas. Bhutan’s first gift as you disembark from the aircraft will be cool, clean fresh mountain air. After immigration formalities and baggage collection, you will be met by our local guide, and drive by private luxury vehicle to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan. Pass by Tamchogg Lhakhang, an amazing architectural wonder and an en-route stop at Chuzom, the confluence of Thimphu and Paro rivers. Lunch on the way.
On arrival, in Thimphu check-into the Hotel. With a population of about 90,000 it is perhaps still the world’s only capital city without a traffic light.
Evening at leisure. Enjoy an exploratory walk-through Thimphu main street and market area around the Clock Tower Square.
Overnight at hotel in Thimphu. (Altitude 2,320 m)

Day 02: Thimphu – Local Sightseeing (Meals – Breakfast)
After hearty breakfast, drive to Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang), where one can offer prayers to the largest Buddha statue in the country.
Visit King’s Memorial Chorten (Tibetan style architecture) a memorial to the father of modern Bhutan and World Peace.
Then visit Changangkha Lhakhang. This temple is located above central Thimphu, built in 12th century by Lama Phajo Drukgom Shigpo on a ridge overlooking the town. Local parents traditionally come here to get auspicious names for their new-borns or blessing from the protector deity ‘Tamdrin’.
Post lunch, sightseeing in Thimphu Valley including visit to the following: The National Library, housing an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts; the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School) where students undergo a 6-year training course in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts, Textile Museum, which provides deep insight into Bhutan’s one of the most distinct art form, Folk Heritage Museum, dedicated to connect people with the rich Bhutanese Folk heritage and rural history through exhibits, demonstrations, educational programs and documentation of Bhutanese rural life. Get Personalised Postage Stamps made at the local post office, with Bhutan backdrop and post your letters back home. Later in the afternoon visit Trashichhoedzong, “fortress of the religion” built in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans. Evening time stroll through the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts bazaar, to browse through Bhutan’s fine traditional arts. Overnight at hotel in Thimpu.

Day 03: Thimphu – Punakha (75 km, approx.3 hours) (Meals – Breakfast)
After breakfast, drive to Punakha across Dochu La Pass. Located at a height of 3,088m/ 10,130 ft, Dochula is a scenic location with chorten, mani wall and colorful prayer flags which decorate this highest point on the road. This point offers visitors their first glimpse of the Himalayan range. Stop and enjoy hot drinks and snacks at the local restaurant as you take in this breathtaking sight! Stop mid drive to visit the 108 Stupas sitting majestically on the pass and Druk Wangyel Lha Khang.
Break for Lunch (on your own) and Check Into your Hotel.
Afternoon visit Punakha Dzong or ‘Palace of Great Happiness or Bliss, built at the junction of the Phochu and Mochu rivers in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. This majestic dzong served as both the religious and the administrative center of Bhutan in the past. It measures some 600 by 240 feet and has a six-story, gold-domed tower. Inside are courtyards and religious statuary that hint at the depth of history and spiritual tradition embodied here. We will also put up Prayer Flags along the way for a safe journey and for wellbeing.
Overnight at hotel in Punakha.

Day 04: Punakha (Meals – Breakfast)
Early morning embark on a short walking excursion to Chimi Lhakhang, located on a ridge surrounded by beautiful paddy fields. From road point, it takes about 15 – 20 minutes’ walk through Sobsukha village to reach the monastery. Also known as Fertility temple, it is associated with Lama Drukpa Kuenley, popularly known as ‘Divine Madman’. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon.
Afternoon Activity: River Rafting in the Mo Chhu River (Highly Recommended).
Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

Day 05: Punakha – Paro (125 kms, approx. 4.1/2hours drive) (Meals – Breakfast)
After breakfast transfer to the historic town of Paro. en-route visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the country also known as the place of profound tantric teaching. Enjoy some local delicacies (Emadatshi – chillies and cheese stew) at a restaurant in town.
Thereafter visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum.
Later walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, fortress of the heap of jewels, a place of historic importance.
Overnight at hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m)

Day 06: Paro (Meals – Breakfast)
Get an early breakfast. TIGER’S NEST – No trip to Bhutan would be complete without a hike to Taktshang Monastery. Immerse yourself in spirituality on this visit to Tiger’s Nest (approx 5 hours round trip walk). Learn the history and significance of the monastery as one of the most sacred and venerated sights in Buddhism.
Head back for a late afternoon lunch (Thupka and Momos) and rest.
Evening enjoy the luxurious spa at your hotel or feel free to roam the markets of Paro for those last minute souvenirs.
Full Day Excursion to Haa Valley – (Minimum 4 pax required for this trip) The Valley is a nestled paradise connecting Paro, Chhukha, and Samtse districts of Bhutan. Truly a cut above the rest, the Haa Valley takes one through to the magical place beyond mountains in Bhutan where the world is so serene and light is pristine. During pre-Buddhist era, Haa Valley was known for its Animist tradition. Such Animist belief however was transformed into peaceful Buddhist tradition in 8th century by Guru Padmasambhava.
Haa Valley was opened for the first time to foreign tourists in 2002 and is a delight for Nature Lovers. Haa town is known for its ancient traditions and rituals and with its thinly populated valley region, this place gives one the tranquilizing feel that very few other places would. Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple) from the 7th century lie nestled in the foothills of the Meri Puensum Mountains. The valley is also unparalleled in Bhutan in terms of the diversity of folk culture, legends and Shamanistic Rituals.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 07: Depart Paro
Early morning drive to the airport for your return flight. Goodbye Bhutan!