Lens to Buddhism

Explore Bhutan’s Western World

11 DAYS / 10 NIGHTS

OVERVIEW

This trip offers an insight into Buddhism and the cultural aspects of the Bhutanese. The trip allows you to discover Paro, Thimphu and Punakha in western Bhutan; Trongsa and Bumthang in central Bhutan. The journey passes through some of the high passes of Dochu La, Pele La, Yotong La before finally reaching the broad valleys of Bumthang. Central Bhutan is known for its buckwheat and apple products with various significant monasteries. It is also known for various pilgrimage sites for the locals and ideal to explore Buddhism. Several programmes have been incorporated to experience the Buddhist way of life in the Bhutanese context.

itinerary

DAY 1 | PARO - THIMPHU

Arriving at Paro International airport and upon clearing immigration and customs, you will meet with your guide and driver. Drive about 1 hour 30 minutes to Thimphu (2,286m), the capital of Bhutan.

DAY 2 | THIMPHU TOUR

Visit the National Library, Institute of Zorig Chusum literally means the thirteen traditional arts and crafts, Royal Textile Academy, which provides an excellent introduction about the techniques, style of various textiles woven in the

DAY 3 | THIMPHU - PUNAKHA SIGHTSEEING

The first stop after leaving Thimphu is Dochula pass at 10,500 ft. (23km from Thimphu – 45 minutes drive), where you can see one of Bhutan’s most enchanting views. If weather permits, from this pass, the breathtaking peaks of Bhutan’s northern border can be viewed.

DAY 4 | PUNAKHA - BUMTHANG

Proceed to Trongsa, via Wangduephodrang, which is located on a ridge that plunges into the Puna Tsang River flowing below. Sitting atop the ridge with a commanding view of the valleys below is the Wangduephodrang Dzong

DAY 5 | BUMTHANG TOUR

Start the tour of the valley with a visit to Jambay Lhakhang. This monastery was built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. It is one of the 108 monasteries built by him to subdue evil spirits in the Himalayan region.

DAY 6 | BUMTHANG TOUR

Day excursion EITHER to Tang valley or Ura village. Tang is the most remote of Bumthang’s valleys. From Jakar it is a 10km drive past the Dechenpelrithang sheep farm to an unpaved road that leads to the north. The road passes Chel, Pema Lingpa’s birth place,

DAY 7 | BUMTHANG - PUNAKHA

Drive to Punakha. Enroute visit Trongsa museum, an ancient watch tower, which has now been converted to a museum. It was built by Chogyal Minjur Tempa, the first Governor of Trongsa.

DAY 8 | PUNAKHA SIGHTSEEING

Drive towards Nezergang and hike about 1hour 30 minutes to Khamsum Yueley Namgyel Chorten, built by The Queen Mother, Her Majesty Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck in 1999 for the protection of the country and universal peace in the world.

DAY 9 | PUNAKHA - PARO

In Paro, visit Rinpung Dzong (the fortress on a heap of jewels). The Dzong was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1646.

DAY 10 | PARO TOUR

Day hike to Taktsang Monastery. Taktsang meaning “Tiger’s Nest”, is built around a cave in which Guru Rimpoche (also known as Guru Padmasambhava) meditated. The monastery clings seemingly impossible to a cliff at 914m above the valley floor.