8d7n bhutan cultural trip
8D7N
BHUTAN CULTURAL TRIP DAY 01 Arrive Paro * Thimphu
After arriving & visa formalities and collection of baggage, you will be welcomed by our tour representative who will be your tour guide during your entire trip in Bhutan. Check into your hotel in Thimphu. Free until lunch time for some rest from early morning flight, refreshment and lunch.
National Memorial Chorten The National Memorial was built by Bhutan’s third king, H.M. Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.” He wanted to erect a monument carrying the message of world peace and prosperity. However, he was unable to give shape to his idea in his lifetime due to pressures of state and other regal responsibilities. After his untimely demise in 1972, the Royal Family and Cabinet resolved to fulfill his wishes and erect a memorial that would perpetuate his memory and also serve as a monument to eternal peace, harmony and tranquility.
Motithangtakin Preserve The preserve is a forested preserve that mimics the Takin’s natural habitat, in addition to the Takin there are a few musk deer and barking deer that live inside the preserve. There are plans to expand the preserves collection to include other rarely seen animals that live in Bhutan, currently the preserve plans to add the Red Panda and the Himalayan Serow to the preserve. Overnight in a hotel in Thimphu
Overnight in a hotel in Thimphu
Afternoon, you will have a choice to visit all or few of the following places as per your choice:Tashichhodzhong The TashichhoDzong is a Buddhist monastery cum fortress at the northern edge of Thimpu the capital city of Bhutan. The Dzong was built on the western bank of the river Wang Chu, and has historically served at the seat of the DrukDesi or the Dharma Raja of Bhutan’s government. After the kings assumed power in 1907 this post was combined with that of the king and Thimphu severed as the summer caital of the kingdom before becoming the full time capital of Bhutan. The original ThimphuDzong (the Dho-NgyenDzong) is said to have been constructed in 1216 by Lama GyalwaLhanangpa. And was later taken over by Lama PhajoDrukgomZhigpo before the Dzong was conquered by ZhabdrungNgawangNamgyal, who found the Dzong to be too small and expanded it to what is now known as theTashichhodzong is also called the “fortress of glorious religion.” It was erected in 1641 and was subsequently rebuilt by King JigmeDorjiWangchuck in the 1960s.
Tashichho Dzong
Motithang Takin Preserve
DAY 03 Thimphu * Punakha
National Memorial Chorten
DAY 02 Thimphu After early morning breakfast, a choice to visit the following places:National library Bhutan’s National Library was established in the 1967. Its mission is to preserve the literary treasures of the nation which constitute a significant element of Bhutan’s rich and vibrant cultural heritage. The library was established with a small collection of precious texts, National library Thimphu Bhutan and was housed in the central tower of the TashichoDzhong. The collection then moved to the its present building located in the Changgandkha area of Thimphu. The building that houses the collection is traditionally constructed four storied eight cornered building that is homage to the central tower temple located in Bhutanese Dzongs.
Dochula Pass Post early breakfast, you will drive towards Punakha via Dochula pass. We will stop over for tea at Dochula (3,100 m), where on a sunny day; you can get stunning views of the Himalayan ranges. The Dochu La Pass is probably the best known mountain pass in Bhutan. Chimmi Lhakhang Located at an altitude of 3150 meter above sea level, the Dochu La Pass is about 30 kilometer away from the capital city Thimphu and the road to Punakha. On a clear day the pass offers visitors a spectacular view of the majestic eastern Himalayan Ranges. Then we will drive towards Punakha and visit:PunakhaDzong The PunakhaDzong or the Pungtang Dechen Phortang Dzong is located at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and the Po Chhu River, combine to form the Puna Tsang Chu which in turn is a tributary of the mighty Brahmaputra River. The Dzhong was constructed by ZhabdrungNgwangNamgyalWangchuck in 1638 on the exact spot as prophesized by the Guru Rinpoche some 800 years ago.The PunakhaDzong is the second largest and the second oldest Dzong in Bhutan. The PunakhaDzong plays host to the annual PunakhaTheschu Festival which is very popular with the locals and tourists alike.
www.travelstar.com.sg [email protected] TA-01432 1 P ark Road #0212/28 P eople’s Park Complex Singapore 059108
TaloSangaCholing TaloSangaCholing is located in the Talo valley in the district of Punakha, reach the TaloSangaCholing you take a diversion off the main road towards a secondary road before Kuruthang. The Monastery was founded by ChogtrulJigmeSingye, the 4th reincarnation of Gyalse Tenzin Ragbye. The temple underwent a renovation and expansion under the 14th Rabjung and the 3rd mind reincarnation of ZhabdrungNgawangNamgyal, JigmeDakpa. JigmeDakpa also laid the foundation of a monastic order to the started from the temple. Overnight in a hotel in Punakha.
DAY 04 Punakha * Trongsa
After an early breakfast, we will be driving down to Trongsa. Admire the view en route the valley of Wangdiphodrang. We will drive to ChimmiLhakhang to start with. The ChimiLhakang or theChimelLhakang is a Buddhist monastery located in the Punakha District of Bhutan. The monastery stands on a small hill close to the village of Lobesa and was constructed in 1499 by NgawangChoegyel, the 14th Drukpaheirarch. You might be shocked to see that the temple houses a number of wooden phalluses that the Lama had brought with him from Tibet. Pilgrims who visit the monastery receive the blessing by being struck on the head with a ten inch wooden Phallus (erect penis). The symbol of an erect penis is said to ward off evil. Chendebjichorten Located 2 kilometers away from the village of Chendebji is the ChendebjiChorten, a large Buddhist Stupa. The ChendebjiChorten is a large white structure built in likeness to the famous BodhunathStupa located in Kathmandu in Nepal. The Chorten was constructed by Lama Shinda from Tibet in the 19th century AD. The Stupa is believed to have been constructed at a spot where an evil spirit was subdued by the Lama. Another striking feature of the Temple is the eyes painted at the four cardinal points of the temple. ChendebjiChorten Located 2 kilometers away from the village of Chendebji is the ChendebjiChorten, a large Buddhist Stupa. The ChendebjiChorten is a large white structure built in likeness to the famous BodhunathStupa located in Kathmandu in Nepal. The Chorten was constructed by Lama Shinda from Tibet in the 19th century AD. Overnight in a hotel in Trongsa.
DAY 05 Trongsa * Gangtey After breakfast you will visit TrongsaDzong :TrongsaDzong The TrongsaDzhong or the CheokhorRabdentse is one of the largest and most impressive Dzhongs in all of Bhutan. The Dzhong is located on a cliff overlooking the Mangde Chu river gorge. The Dzhong was built at the site of a temple that was constructed in 1543, by a Drukpa Lama. This huge multi-level fortress comprises of a series of courtyards and passageways that are built along the topography of the ridge. It defies architectural principles to the core and amazes tourists from around the world. It is a sight to behold. A five day long TrongsaTsechu is organized in the northern courtyard of the Dzhong each year during the month of December or January. The festival celebrates the triumph of Buddhism over the evil forces. The most striking feature of the festival are the masked dancers and the unveiling
of a huge Thangkha painting of the Guru Rinpoche and other sacred deities. Later you will be driven to Gangtay where you will visit GangtayGoemba. GangtayGoemba The Gangtey Monastery or the GangteyGoempa is an important monastery / temple associate with the Nyingmapa school of Buddhism. The Monastery is Located in the Wandue Phodrang Dzhongkhag in central Bhutan. The Gangtey Monastery is situating in the picturesque Phobjikha Valley, which is also renowned for being the winter home of the rare Tibetan Black Necked Cranes. The monastery was established in 1613 by PelingGyalse Rinpoche, the grandson of Trenton PemaLingpa the great treasurer discoverer. According to a story during a visit to the Phobjikha Valley, Trenton PemaLingpa foretold the people that one day his descendants will construct a monastery on the hills surrounding the valley and make it the seat of the Peling Tradition. The present ruling dynasty of Bhutan is descendant of the great Trenton PemaLingpa. Phobjikha Valley The Phobjikha is a wide glacial valley located in close to the Gangtey Monastery. The Phobjikha valley is the winter home of the rare Black Necked Cranes that migrate from Tibet from the arid plains of Tibet to roost in the more comfortable climate of the Phobjikha Valley. The valley is at an altitude of 2900 meters above sea level and experiences a much lighter winter as compared to the harsh extremes of Tibet. A part of the valley lies in the Black Mountain National Park.There are 2 rivers that flow through this valley called the Nakay Chu and the Gay Chu. Eventually the serpent lost and till date rice is not grown in the Phobjikha Valley. While visiting the Phobjikha Valley one must take time out to visit the Black Necked Crane Information Centre, the centre is located at the edge of the main forest are along the road and can be easily accessed. The center has an observation deck that is equipped with a high power telescope that gives visitors a chance to spot some cranes. Overnight in a hotel in Gangtey.
DAY 06 Gangtay * Paro
After early morning breakfast, you will drive to Paro and on the way, we will visit SimtokhaDzong. The SimtokhaDzong is a small Dzong located approximately 5 kilometers south of Thimphu. The Dzong is officially called the SangakZabhonPhodrang which roughly translates to the Palace of the Profound Meaning of Secret Mantras. The SimthokaDzong is said the be the first fortress to have been built by the legendary ShabdrungNgawangNamgyal in Bhutan. The fortress was constructed in the year 1629. Some suggest the Dzhong is the oldest surviving complete Dzong in Bhutan. The Dzong is currently home to the Institute for Languages and Cultural Studies which is attended by monks and common people alike. The site of the Dzong is said to have been built over a site where a demon had disappeared in to the rocks nearby. The site of the Dzong is located very strategically at a point from where the Dzong can protect the Thimphu Valley and also protects the valley that leads to the Dochu La pass and onwards to Eastern Bhutan. Kuenselphodrang The KuenselPhodrang or the Buddha point is the world’s largest sitting Buddha statue, the statue is 167 feet high. The statue is situated on top of a hill overlooking the city of Timphu, it can be accessed by road and is about 15 minutes away from the city’s center. The word Kuensel means everything is clear and from this place you will
sure enjoy a great view of the Thimphu Valley on both sides. The statue is constructed out of bronze and is studded with many semi-precious stones. Since they are no factories in country that can make such a large bronze cast structure, statute is being manufactured in China and the pieces are brought to Bhutan and are assembled here. Later drive to Paro, and overnight in a hotel in Paro. Overnight in Paro
DAY 07 Paro
After early morning breakfast, we will take you for a morning hike up to Taktsang Monastery, also known as ‘Tiger’s Nest’. Hanging precariously and magically from a rather steep cliff, the Taktshang monastery is a monument of genuine pride for the Bhutanese nation. It defies architectural principles to the core and amazes tourists from around the world. It is a sight to behold. Taktshang or the Tigers lair as the monastery is called, it is widely regarded is one of the most important monuments of spiritual significance in Bhutan. Its history is deeply associated with the visit of Guru Padmasambhava, the revered Indian saint who came to Bhutan in the 8th century AD. The cave was named Taktshang after Guru Rinpoche flew into the cave from KurtoeSingyeDzong in eastern Bhutan while riding on a tigress. RimpungDzhong The ParoDzhong is probably Bhutan’s best known and most iconic Dzhong.This is probably the first building you will notice when you land at Paro International Airport and will probably be your first memory of Bhutan. The imposing Dzhong is perhaps the finest example of Dzhong architecture existing the world today, the massive buttered walls of the fortress dominate over the valley. The approach toward the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge called the NemiZam. A paved stone path runs alongside the imposing outer walls of the structure. of the birds and a hat to further protect yourself from the sun. KyichuLhakhang Later we will visit KyichuLhakhang. The Jowo Temple of Kyichu is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. The temple was built by the Tibetan King SongstenGampo in the 7th Century AD. The KyichuLhakhang was one of the 108 temples constructed by him to subdue a demon that was terrorizing the people of the Himalayas. The temple is believed to have been visited by the Guru Rinpoche in the 8th Century during his visit to the Paro Valley. Other important personalities to have visited the temple in antiquity include Lam KhaNga and the PhajoDugomZhigpo. In evening we will visit local market of Paro.
DAY 08 Paro Departure
In the morning after early breakfast we will see you off at the Paro Airport for your onward destinations. Compulsory Tipping for driver & tour guide: USD 10 per person per day.
Tiger’s Nest
www.travelstar.com.sg [email protected] TA-01432 1 P ark Road #0212/28 P eople’s Park Complex Singapore 059108
BHUTAN CULTURAL TRIP DAY 01 Arrive Paro * Thimphu
After arriving & visa formalities and collection of baggage, you will be welcomed by our tour representative who will be your tour guide during your entire trip in Bhutan. Check into your hotel in Thimphu. Free until lunch time for some rest from early morning flight, refreshment and lunch.
National Memorial Chorten The National Memorial was built by Bhutan’s third king, H.M. Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.” He wanted to erect a monument carrying the message of world peace and prosperity. However, he was unable to give shape to his idea in his lifetime due to pressures of state and other regal responsibilities. After his untimely demise in 1972, the Royal Family and Cabinet resolved to fulfill his wishes and erect a memorial that would perpetuate his memory and also serve as a monument to eternal peace, harmony and tranquility.
Motithangtakin Preserve The preserve is a forested preserve that mimics the Takin’s natural habitat, in addition to the Takin there are a few musk deer and barking deer that live inside the preserve. There are plans to expand the preserves collection to include other rarely seen animals that live in Bhutan, currently the preserve plans to add the Red Panda and the Himalayan Serow to the preserve. Overnight in a hotel in Thimphu
Overnight in a hotel in Thimphu
Afternoon, you will have a choice to visit all or few of the following places as per your choice:Tashichhodzhong The TashichhoDzong is a Buddhist monastery cum fortress at the northern edge of Thimpu the capital city of Bhutan. The Dzong was built on the western bank of the river Wang Chu, and has historically served at the seat of the DrukDesi or the Dharma Raja of Bhutan’s government. After the kings assumed power in 1907 this post was combined with that of the king and Thimphu severed as the summer caital of the kingdom before becoming the full time capital of Bhutan. The original ThimphuDzong (the Dho-NgyenDzong) is said to have been constructed in 1216 by Lama GyalwaLhanangpa. And was later taken over by Lama PhajoDrukgomZhigpo before the Dzong was conquered by ZhabdrungNgawangNamgyal, who found the Dzong to be too small and expanded it to what is now known as theTashichhodzong is also called the “fortress of glorious religion.” It was erected in 1641 and was subsequently rebuilt by King JigmeDorjiWangchuck in the 1960s.
Tashichho Dzong
Motithang Takin Preserve
DAY 03 Thimphu * Punakha
National Memorial Chorten
DAY 02 Thimphu After early morning breakfast, a choice to visit the following places:National library Bhutan’s National Library was established in the 1967. Its mission is to preserve the literary treasures of the nation which constitute a significant element of Bhutan’s rich and vibrant cultural heritage. The library was established with a small collection of precious texts, National library Thimphu Bhutan and was housed in the central tower of the TashichoDzhong. The collection then moved to the its present building located in the Changgandkha area of Thimphu. The building that houses the collection is traditionally constructed four storied eight cornered building that is homage to the central tower temple located in Bhutanese Dzongs.
Dochula Pass Post early breakfast, you will drive towards Punakha via Dochula pass. We will stop over for tea at Dochula (3,100 m), where on a sunny day; you can get stunning views of the Himalayan ranges. The Dochu La Pass is probably the best known mountain pass in Bhutan. Chimmi Lhakhang Located at an altitude of 3150 meter above sea level, the Dochu La Pass is about 30 kilometer away from the capital city Thimphu and the road to Punakha. On a clear day the pass offers visitors a spectacular view of the majestic eastern Himalayan Ranges. Then we will drive towards Punakha and visit:PunakhaDzong The PunakhaDzong or the Pungtang Dechen Phortang Dzong is located at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and the Po Chhu River, combine to form the Puna Tsang Chu which in turn is a tributary of the mighty Brahmaputra River. The Dzhong was constructed by ZhabdrungNgwangNamgyalWangchuck in 1638 on the exact spot as prophesized by the Guru Rinpoche some 800 years ago.The PunakhaDzong is the second largest and the second oldest Dzong in Bhutan. The PunakhaDzong plays host to the annual PunakhaTheschu Festival which is very popular with the locals and tourists alike.
www.travelstar.com.sg [email protected] TA-01432 1 P ark Road #0212/28 P eople’s Park Complex Singapore 059108
TaloSangaCholing TaloSangaCholing is located in the Talo valley in the district of Punakha, reach the TaloSangaCholing you take a diversion off the main road towards a secondary road before Kuruthang. The Monastery was founded by ChogtrulJigmeSingye, the 4th reincarnation of Gyalse Tenzin Ragbye. The temple underwent a renovation and expansion under the 14th Rabjung and the 3rd mind reincarnation of ZhabdrungNgawangNamgyal, JigmeDakpa. JigmeDakpa also laid the foundation of a monastic order to the started from the temple. Overnight in a hotel in Punakha.
DAY 04 Punakha * Trongsa
After an early breakfast, we will be driving down to Trongsa. Admire the view en route the valley of Wangdiphodrang. We will drive to ChimmiLhakhang to start with. The ChimiLhakang or theChimelLhakang is a Buddhist monastery located in the Punakha District of Bhutan. The monastery stands on a small hill close to the village of Lobesa and was constructed in 1499 by NgawangChoegyel, the 14th Drukpaheirarch. You might be shocked to see that the temple houses a number of wooden phalluses that the Lama had brought with him from Tibet. Pilgrims who visit the monastery receive the blessing by being struck on the head with a ten inch wooden Phallus (erect penis). The symbol of an erect penis is said to ward off evil. Chendebjichorten Located 2 kilometers away from the village of Chendebji is the ChendebjiChorten, a large Buddhist Stupa. The ChendebjiChorten is a large white structure built in likeness to the famous BodhunathStupa located in Kathmandu in Nepal. The Chorten was constructed by Lama Shinda from Tibet in the 19th century AD. The Stupa is believed to have been constructed at a spot where an evil spirit was subdued by the Lama. Another striking feature of the Temple is the eyes painted at the four cardinal points of the temple. ChendebjiChorten Located 2 kilometers away from the village of Chendebji is the ChendebjiChorten, a large Buddhist Stupa. The ChendebjiChorten is a large white structure built in likeness to the famous BodhunathStupa located in Kathmandu in Nepal. The Chorten was constructed by Lama Shinda from Tibet in the 19th century AD. Overnight in a hotel in Trongsa.
DAY 05 Trongsa * Gangtey After breakfast you will visit TrongsaDzong :TrongsaDzong The TrongsaDzhong or the CheokhorRabdentse is one of the largest and most impressive Dzhongs in all of Bhutan. The Dzhong is located on a cliff overlooking the Mangde Chu river gorge. The Dzhong was built at the site of a temple that was constructed in 1543, by a Drukpa Lama. This huge multi-level fortress comprises of a series of courtyards and passageways that are built along the topography of the ridge. It defies architectural principles to the core and amazes tourists from around the world. It is a sight to behold. A five day long TrongsaTsechu is organized in the northern courtyard of the Dzhong each year during the month of December or January. The festival celebrates the triumph of Buddhism over the evil forces. The most striking feature of the festival are the masked dancers and the unveiling
of a huge Thangkha painting of the Guru Rinpoche and other sacred deities. Later you will be driven to Gangtay where you will visit GangtayGoemba. GangtayGoemba The Gangtey Monastery or the GangteyGoempa is an important monastery / temple associate with the Nyingmapa school of Buddhism. The Monastery is Located in the Wandue Phodrang Dzhongkhag in central Bhutan. The Gangtey Monastery is situating in the picturesque Phobjikha Valley, which is also renowned for being the winter home of the rare Tibetan Black Necked Cranes. The monastery was established in 1613 by PelingGyalse Rinpoche, the grandson of Trenton PemaLingpa the great treasurer discoverer. According to a story during a visit to the Phobjikha Valley, Trenton PemaLingpa foretold the people that one day his descendants will construct a monastery on the hills surrounding the valley and make it the seat of the Peling Tradition. The present ruling dynasty of Bhutan is descendant of the great Trenton PemaLingpa. Phobjikha Valley The Phobjikha is a wide glacial valley located in close to the Gangtey Monastery. The Phobjikha valley is the winter home of the rare Black Necked Cranes that migrate from Tibet from the arid plains of Tibet to roost in the more comfortable climate of the Phobjikha Valley. The valley is at an altitude of 2900 meters above sea level and experiences a much lighter winter as compared to the harsh extremes of Tibet. A part of the valley lies in the Black Mountain National Park.There are 2 rivers that flow through this valley called the Nakay Chu and the Gay Chu. Eventually the serpent lost and till date rice is not grown in the Phobjikha Valley. While visiting the Phobjikha Valley one must take time out to visit the Black Necked Crane Information Centre, the centre is located at the edge of the main forest are along the road and can be easily accessed. The center has an observation deck that is equipped with a high power telescope that gives visitors a chance to spot some cranes. Overnight in a hotel in Gangtey.
DAY 06 Gangtay * Paro
After early morning breakfast, you will drive to Paro and on the way, we will visit SimtokhaDzong. The SimtokhaDzong is a small Dzong located approximately 5 kilometers south of Thimphu. The Dzong is officially called the SangakZabhonPhodrang which roughly translates to the Palace of the Profound Meaning of Secret Mantras. The SimthokaDzong is said the be the first fortress to have been built by the legendary ShabdrungNgawangNamgyal in Bhutan. The fortress was constructed in the year 1629. Some suggest the Dzhong is the oldest surviving complete Dzong in Bhutan. The Dzong is currently home to the Institute for Languages and Cultural Studies which is attended by monks and common people alike. The site of the Dzong is said to have been built over a site where a demon had disappeared in to the rocks nearby. The site of the Dzong is located very strategically at a point from where the Dzong can protect the Thimphu Valley and also protects the valley that leads to the Dochu La pass and onwards to Eastern Bhutan. Kuenselphodrang The KuenselPhodrang or the Buddha point is the world’s largest sitting Buddha statue, the statue is 167 feet high. The statue is situated on top of a hill overlooking the city of Timphu, it can be accessed by road and is about 15 minutes away from the city’s center. The word Kuensel means everything is clear and from this place you will
sure enjoy a great view of the Thimphu Valley on both sides. The statue is constructed out of bronze and is studded with many semi-precious stones. Since they are no factories in country that can make such a large bronze cast structure, statute is being manufactured in China and the pieces are brought to Bhutan and are assembled here. Later drive to Paro, and overnight in a hotel in Paro. Overnight in Paro
DAY 07 Paro
After early morning breakfast, we will take you for a morning hike up to Taktsang Monastery, also known as ‘Tiger’s Nest’. Hanging precariously and magically from a rather steep cliff, the Taktshang monastery is a monument of genuine pride for the Bhutanese nation. It defies architectural principles to the core and amazes tourists from around the world. It is a sight to behold. Taktshang or the Tigers lair as the monastery is called, it is widely regarded is one of the most important monuments of spiritual significance in Bhutan. Its history is deeply associated with the visit of Guru Padmasambhava, the revered Indian saint who came to Bhutan in the 8th century AD. The cave was named Taktshang after Guru Rinpoche flew into the cave from KurtoeSingyeDzong in eastern Bhutan while riding on a tigress. RimpungDzhong The ParoDzhong is probably Bhutan’s best known and most iconic Dzhong.This is probably the first building you will notice when you land at Paro International Airport and will probably be your first memory of Bhutan. The imposing Dzhong is perhaps the finest example of Dzhong architecture existing the world today, the massive buttered walls of the fortress dominate over the valley. The approach toward the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge called the NemiZam. A paved stone path runs alongside the imposing outer walls of the structure. of the birds and a hat to further protect yourself from the sun. KyichuLhakhang Later we will visit KyichuLhakhang. The Jowo Temple of Kyichu is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. The temple was built by the Tibetan King SongstenGampo in the 7th Century AD. The KyichuLhakhang was one of the 108 temples constructed by him to subdue a demon that was terrorizing the people of the Himalayas. The temple is believed to have been visited by the Guru Rinpoche in the 8th Century during his visit to the Paro Valley. Other important personalities to have visited the temple in antiquity include Lam KhaNga and the PhajoDugomZhigpo. In evening we will visit local market of Paro.
DAY 08 Paro Departure
In the morning after early breakfast we will see you off at the Paro Airport for your onward destinations. Compulsory Tipping for driver & tour guide: USD 10 per person per day.
Tiger’s Nest
www.travelstar.com.sg [email protected] TA-01432 1 P ark Road #0212/28 P eople’s Park Complex Singapore 059108
