Bhutan Cultural Introduction

Today after breakfast we move towards Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. The path takes us through the Paro valley to the union of Thimphu and Paro rivers at Chunzom. Three varieties of chortens decorate the convergence. A short path beyond, on the left side, is the Tachogang Lhakhang which was constructed by Thangthong Gyelpo in the 15th century. Thangthong Gyelpo was a trader who first initiated Iron bridges in Bhutan. Check-in at our pre-booked hotel and have some rest. After that, we will have sightseeing of Thimphu which includes, Changangkha Monastery, Memorial Chorten (constructed in reminiscence of the third King of Bhutan who ruled from 1952-1972), School of Arts and Crafts (also recognized as the painting school) and Nunnery Temple. After the delicious lunch, we explore, traditional paper factory, Folk Heritage Museum, grand Tashichhodzong, massive Buddha statue on a hill overlooking Thimphu which is supposed to be the biggest Buddha Shakyamuni in the world.

We will head towards Punakha which lies around 78 km from the city of Paro. After driving for around 1.5 hours we will make a tea stop at the Dochu La Pass situated at 3,100 meters. Upon reaching Punakha we will check-in at the hotel and rest for a while. In the afternoon we will transfer for the sightseeing of Punakha Dzong, erected in 1638. This is one of the largest and most important Dzongs in Bhutan. Evening stroll around the Punakha Market.

After breakfast, we will visit the village of Wangdue phodrang famous for craftsmanship on stone. We will make a day trip to Gangtey, a small settlement nestled in the lap of the mountains. The area is a habitat of the endangered Black-necked crane. We will drive back to Punakha after visiting the Gangtey Monastery. On the way back we will spend some quality time in the village of Phobjikha.

We have to drive back to Paro today to catch our flight back from Bhutan the day after tomorrow. It is a scenic drive through the mountainous terrain. We will make a brief stop at Chimi Lhakhang, which is located 10 kilometers (6.2 mi) from Punakha near a village called Sopsokha. (Known to the English speaking world as The Fertility Temple), is a Buddhist monastery, in the Punakha District of Bhutan, idyllically placed on a round hill. The temple was built over half a millennium ago by Ngawang Choegyel, the 14th Drukpa hierarch. The stupa, meditation hall, was constructed by the “Divine Madman,” the eccentric Yogi and saint Drukpa Kunley, who blessed the entire grounds. The monastery is renowned throughout Bhutan as a fertility inducing magnet, pledging that all who wish to conceive will find guidance at the temple. Thousands pilgrimage to The Fertility Temple in the hopes of having a child, as well as receiving a wang, blessing, from the saint with the ‘magic thunderbolt of wisdom.’ Couples with new-borns often visit the temple so that a local lama, Buddhist teacher, can bestow a resounding forename on the child, whilst eager travellers can approach lamas for their unique Bhutanese name and special meaning. Myth and folklore cloak Chimi Lhakhang dedicated to its maverick saint, Lama Drukpa Kuenley. After a drive of 4 hours, we will reach Paro. The evening can be spent around the market area selling handicrafts and souvenirs.

Today after breakfast, we hike for 4 -5 hours to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan's most famous monastery situated at 3,180 meters. (For those who cannot hike we will arrange a horse for transfer up to the viewing point). The view of Taktsang Monastery built on a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley floor is a spectacular sight. The great Guru Rimpoche is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. He then mediated in a cave there for three months where the monastery was later built. Lunch will be served in the Cafeteria Restaurant, located about halfway up the mountain. After having explored the monastery, we hike down to the valley floor. In the evening we arranged a visit to the farmhouse in Paro for a traditional hot stone bath and our farewell dinner.

After our lots of fun, adventure and excitement during the journey. The day has arrived to bid farewell to this small but interesting Himalayan Country. We have our breakfast and then, we head towards the airport for final departure as all the flights of Druk Air generally departs in the early morning to avoid adverse weather conditions.