Bhutan Cultural Journey

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1 14 DAYS/13 NIGHTS - WORLD EXPEDITIONS Bhutan Cultural Journey A great mix of culture, scenery, walking, local people, Buddhist Dzongs, and local lifestyle. This holiday has a unique itinerary packed with cultural experiences and varied day walks. It s the perfect active holiday for travellers wanting to engage with the rich culture and history of Bhutan, without going on a multi-day hike. Guided by the experts at World Expeditions you will explore this extraordinary part of world with a company who has been pioneering trips to the Himalaya since Itinerary DAY 1 - TRANSFER TO PARO You ll be met by our group leader in Paro. There will be a pre-trip briefing on arrival at the hotel, followed by an afternoon/evening at leisure in Paro, to allow some acclimatisation; Paro is 2280m above sea level. Overnight at Kyichu Resort on the banks of the Paro Chhu (Paro River). Meals: Lunch / Dinner DAY 2 - IN PARO, VISIT TIGERS NEST MONASTERY We drive to the foot of the Taktsang Lhakhang - the famous Tigers Nest Monastery - which is said to have been one of the divine resting places of the Guru Ringpoche. Although much of the building was once destroyed by fire, it is now restored and it is still worthwhile to ascend the walking trail to appreciate the monasteries breathtaking location on a cliff edge about 800 metres above the valley floor. The rest of the day is free to complete sightseeing and purchases before our early morning departure the following day. HIGHLIGHTS In the serene Paro Valley, we visit the famous Taktsang Monastery and museum. From the Haa Valley, take a walk to the Kila Gompa with views of the sacred Chomolhari peak. Unique accommodation including; an overnight stay in a farmhouse and a delightful lodge by the river. We visit the well known Gangtey Valley and spend some time exploring Trongsa and it s dzong. Cross the 3590 metre Shertang La to gain entry to the Ura Valley. The return journey to Paro is just as magnificent as we retrace our steps back to Paro to conclude a memorable journey in the land of the Thunder Dragon.

2 DAY 3 - DRIVE TO HAA VALLEY, 70KM, 3HR DRIVE After breakfast we drive towards the Haa valley. About 45 minutes before reaching Chele La pass, we come to a junction from where we start our hike to Kila Gompa. It is about an hour walk uphill to the nunnery. We can stop at the spot below Kila Gompa, a nunnery perched on a steep cliff face at 3500m. This staggering site houses 7 small temples and about 70 nuns. Views are magnificent and it is well worth the hour s hike to get there. From Kila gompa we ascend about 2hrs uphill to a point marked by hundreds of prayer flags (Chelela pass 3750 m). During a clear day from the pass, there is a magnificent view of sacred Mt. Chomolhari (7329m) which is located between the Bhutan & Tibetan border. We then proceed to the Haa valley. As we descend further we can see the square yellow roof of the main monastery/fortress, Namgyal Dzong, which is now used as a military base. Haa town lies a few killometres further to the north-west and is really quite attractive, with traditional two rows of shops. We also visit Lhakhang Nagpo and Karpo, which now serve as seats for monastic community in Haa. Overnight in Haatoe farmhouse. DAY 4 - DRIVE TO THIMPU VIA DOGUR DOBJI DZONG, 112KM, 5HR DRIVE After breakfast we commence the drive towards Thimpu. Along the way we stop at Dogar Dobji Dzong, a 16th century structure, built by the brother of the Divine Madman, Drukpa Kinley. This Dzong became Bhutan s first jail in 1976, but has since returned to its monastic origins. After lunch, we visit Kuenselphodrang (a large statue of Buddha in a sitting position). If time permits, we walk through Kuenselphodrang Park, which enjoys impressive views of Thimphu. DAY 5 - MORNING HIKE TO TANGO & CHERI MONASTERY The trail to Tango Goemba (Tango Monastery) is a climb of 280m and takes about half an hour if you follow the steeper shortcut, or about an hour if you take the longer, more gradual trail. Lama Gyalwa Lhanampa founded the goemba in the 12th century. The present building was built in the 15th century by the Divine Madman, Lama Drukpa Kunley. A short distance beyond the turn-off to Tango Goemba the roads end at Dodina. A walk of about 1 1/2 hours leads to Cheri Goemba (Cheri Monastery). Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal built this goemba in 1620 and established the first monk body here. A silver chorten inside the goemba holds the ashes of the Shabdrung s father. In the afternoon visit the Memorial Chorten, Changangkha monastery, handicraft centers and enjoy free time in the market for shopping. DAY 6 - CROSS DOCHU LA TO WANGDI, 70KM, 3HR DRIVE A drive of approximately 45 minutes brings us to the Dochu La Pass (3000m). From here we walk about an hour downhill to Lamperi (2700m). During spring season the forest is covered with lots of rhododendrons, magnolia & daphne flowers. We will visit the Royal Botanical Park at Lamperi before driving 1 1/2 hrs to Wangduephodrang (locally known as Wangdi ). *On the 24th June 2012, the beautiful Wangduephodrang Dzong was completely destroyed by fire. It was one of the oldest and most substantial dzongs in Bhutan built in Renovations were underway when the fire started and so most of the historic relics had been put into storage and were saved from the devastation of the fire. Rebuilding is already underway to restore the dzong to its former glory.

3 DAY 7 - TRAVEL TO TRONGSA, 130KM, 6-7HR DRIVE After an early breakfast, we drive about 3 hours to Gangtey. Visit Gangtey monastery, the only Ningmapa monastery in Bhutan. We then start our Gangtey nature trail walk, which can take 2-4 hrs. This is the most beautiful and shortest of the existing nature trails. From Gangtey monastery the walk heads south and ends over the meandering Chhu Nap (Black river) near Khewang village. Afternoon visit the Black- Necked Crane observation center and then drive another 3-4 hours to Trongsa. DAY 8 - TRAVEL TO BUMTHANG, 68KM, 3-4HR DRIVE Morning visit to Trongsa Dzong and Tronsga museum before driving to Bumthang. After lunch we will drive to Jambay Lhakgang and take a short walk to nearby Kurjey, Tamshing & Kunchusom monastery. This Lhakhang is a complex of three temples, on the right beneath a giant cypress tree, the main temple was built in 1652 by Minjur Tempa, Trongsa Penlop. This temple houses the cave where Guru Rinpoche had meditated and left an imprint of his body. The middle temple was built by the First King of Bhutan during his tenure as Trongsa Penlop in The third temple was recently constructed under patronage of Her Majesty queen mother Ashi Kesang Wangmo Wangchuk and is located opposite Kurjey Lhakhang on the other side of the river. It was built by Terton Perma Lingpa. We finish the day with a drive towards Jakar Dzong. The road to the dzong starts near the junior high school and climbs westwards to a parking lot. The final approach to the dzong is made on foot along a stone-paved path. DAY 9 - IN BUMTHANG After breakfast, we drive hours to Tang valley and then on to Kizum. From Kizum, we cross the bridge over Tang chu river and climb 45 minutes up to the hilltop of Ugyenchoeling Palace. This Palace has been turned into a beautiful museum. It exhibits in the main building are captioned with description of the life style and art works of a Bhutanese noble family. After having a look at many artifacts, the kitchen will be ready with your lunch which can be enjoyed outside the palace overlooking the Tang Valley or inside the traditional cabin-like living room. If you are interested, the Kitchen will gladly demonstrate the preparation of Bumthang Specialties like Khuley (Traditional Bumthang buckwheat pancake) or Puta (buckwheat noodle). *Each year one departure, typically in October or November, will coincide with the Jambay Lhakang Festival. Traditional Buddhist festivals in Bhutan are colourful affairs with dancing in elaborate traditional costumes and sometimes masks, and the Jambay Lhakhang is one of the most spectacular. The dancing is designed to bring blessings to the spectators, instruct onlookers as to the Buddha s teachings and protect the monastery and the Kingdom from bad luck. Witnessing this important festival offers a rare insight into Buddhist culture. DAY 10 - TANGSIBI, CROSS SHERTANG LA TO URA VALLEY The few houses and potato fields that make up Tangsibi are 24 km from Bumthang. The road climbs to 3420m, where there is a monument with a cross, in memory of a Indian road supervisor who died here in a 1985 road accident. The road finally crosses Shertang La Pass (3590m), also known as

4 Ura la (Ura Pass). It s then a long descent into the Ura valley to the Ura village which lies below the road. The descent on foot from the pass makes for a nice, hour-long walk into the village. DAY 11 - RETURN TO WANGDI, 200KM, 10-12HR DRIVE The return drive to Wangdi is no less enjoyable and offers a different perspective of the beautiful forest and mountain scenery. *At present, there are roadworks along this stretch of the highway that is significantly slowing the drive between Bumthang and Wangdi. These roadworks are scheduled to be completed in While local flights are available, these have also proved unreliable in the past, often subject to last minute cancellations. For the time being, we will continue to return to Wangdi via the road. DAY 12 - RETURN TO PARO VIA LOBESA Drive to Lobesa and take a short walk through farm houses and fields to Chimme Lhakhang. This monastery was built in the 15th century and dedicated to the famous Lam Drukpa Kunley, or divine mad man. He is one of the most famous saints in Bhutan and his temple is visited mostly by childless couples. We then visit the Punakha Dzong, built strategically at the Junction of Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers in 1637 to serve as the religious and administrative centre of the region. We return to Paro this evening, a drive of approx. 4-5 hrs. DAY 13 - ZURI DZONG HIKE In the morning after breakfast, we drive to the Ta Dzong and walk through pine forests, past the tiny monastery of Gemjola to the fortress-like monastery of Zuri Dzong. Traverse across to Ta Dzong, which houses Bhutan s National Museum, and on to Rinpung Dzong. The trail then leads across Paro Chhu River via a traditional covered bridge and into Paro town. *In September 2011 a large earthquake occurred in the area and caused damage to the National Museum. The Museum is currently closed to the public for safety reasons until such time as repairs can be carried out. DAY 14 - TRIP CONCLUDES After breakfast our trip concludes with a transfer to the airport. INCLUDES: EXCLUDES: English speaking local guide Good quality accommodation on a twinshare basis throughout Private internal transport throughout All airport transfers Entry fees as listed Sightseeing & guides 13 x Breakfasts 13 x Lunches 13 x Dinners Bottled water Aerated and alcoholic drinks Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc. Airport & departure taxes Visa Travel insurance Tips Promotional prices and offers valid from 01/03/2017 until 14/05/2017 or while stocks last. Note: While all due care has been taken in the preparation of this document, MyDiscoveries shall not be liable for any inaccuracies or omissions which may occur. This document has been prepared from material supplied by our Travel Suppliers and from their websites.mydiscoveries reserves the right to change information without notice and the most up to date version will always be found on Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.

5 DEPARTURE DATES Tours depart Paro 23 & 28 Oct 2017 FINE PRINT In Bhutan a group is considered to be three (3) people or more travelling together. We recommended that you arrive in Bhutan with the rest of the group, on flights arranged by World Expeditions. Pre and post tour accommodation is available. The visa process for Bhutan requires you to provide your full passport details this needs to happen at least 30 days before your arrival in Bhutan. Fee for cancellations more than 70 days prior to your departure date is $400 If cancellation takes place between 70 & 35 days prior to your departure date 50% of the tour price will be forfeited. If cancellation takes place less than 35 days prior to your departure date 100% of the tour price will be forfeited. The tour price is quoted as a package. No partial refunds or credit will be given for services not used. Full cancellation policy is available on World Expeditions website