Pekar Drangtse Tours Pekar Drangtse Tours
LUXURY ROAD TOUR IN BHUTAN
14 DAYS
This fourteen (14)day luxury itinerary showcases Bhutan’s must see sites, with time spent in the major cities of Paro and Thimphu, plus visits to remote mountain villages and farmhouses. There’s plenty of history and culture in this tour you’ll see ancient fortresses, far-flung monasteries and countless chortens, fluttering prayer flags and ancient Buddhist sites. Each night you’ll bed down in style, staying in a selection of Bhutan’s most luxurious Himalayan resorts. This itinerary is similar to our Bhutan Luxury Road Trip itinerary, with the added luxury of a flight to Bumthang in lieu of an overland road trip.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Farm visits with families and brisk mountain hikes.
- See ancient fortresses and temples right across Bhutan.
- Enjoy luxury stays that offer unbeatable Himalayan mountain views.
- Visit the spectacular Tiger’s Nest monastery, Bhutan’s most iconic site
Itinerary Summery
Days: 14 days – Night: 13 nights
Outline Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Paro
Your journey by flight to Kingdom of Bhutan offers remarkable views of the world highest mountains including Mount Everest. On arrival in Paro international airport, serene Paro at 7,500ft is one of Bhutan’s most fertile and most beautiful valley, PDT representative will meet/greet /receive you and transfer to Hotel. During your stay visit the ancient fortresses the Rimpung Dzong and Drukgyel Dzong, the latter a UNESCO-protected location and perhaps the most important archeological site in the country. After that, visit the Kyichu Lhakhang a centuries-old Buddhist temple. Overnight in a luxurious hotel in Amankora or the Uma by Como in Paro.
Day 2: Hike to Paro Taktsang, Tiger’s Nest.
After breakfast hike to Paro Taktsang and we will dedicate a full day for excursion to the iconic Taktsang (Tiger’s nest) monastery, a quintessential Bhutan travel experience. For this hike, you can also hire a riding horse to take you part of the way. Overnight in Paro. Altitude 2,200m.
Overnight in luxurious Uma Com or Amankora Hotel in Paro.
Check out from the hotel and drive to Thimphu. Upon arrival in Thimphu we will check into the hotel, after check into hotel we will visit many monuments and attractions of Thimphu, including Tashicho Dzong, the farmers market, Gaint Buddha Statue, Memorial Chorten, Traditional Art School where 13 different arts are practiced and learnt, Indigenous Hospital, Textile museum, Handicraft workshops, Tango and Cheri Geonpa,( The Tango Monastery is a Buddhist monastery located 14 km to north of Capital city of Thimphu, near Cheri Geonpa. Changangkha Lhakhang, Traditional Paper making center, National Library (Collection of Buddhist Scriptures), Takin Zoo, weaving center, craft bazaar/craft shop, craft show room and more. Thimphu offers the best opportunity to do your own thing in the evening. It’s relaxed, friendly and pretty informal, and is most rewarding if you can be the same. Overnight in Luxurious Amankora in Thimphu. Atltitude 2,400m.
Checkout from the hotel and drive to Punakha, three hour drive from Thimphu to Wangdue Phodorang – Punakha valley is across spectacular Dochula pass. On a clear day, you will see panoramic views of snowcapped peaks of eastern Himalayan range, including Bhutan’s highest peaks. Punakha and Wangdue towns are located close to each other in one valley. Punakha was the former winter capital of Bhutan and was established in this location, in part because Punakha is a warmer at a relatively low altitude of 4,100 feet (1300m). The climate allows for the production of two rice crops each year, along with growth of subtropical fruits such as oranges, mangos, and bananas. During our stay here, we will visit the impressive Punakha Dzong fortress located at the confluence of Pho and Mo Chu Rivers, Chimi lhakgahng, temple of fertility which is associated with religious arts of phallus. We’ll take an easy walk in the valley, visit some of its monasteries, villages, take short drives and enjoy this idyllic countryside dotted with farm houses and terraced hillsides. Overnight luxurious Amankora or Uma Hotel in Punakha. Altitude 1,350m.
Day 5: Punakha Sightseeing
After leisurely breakfast hike to will hike to Chimi lhakgahng, temple of fertility which is associated with religious arts of phallus and Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Stands majestically ridge above Punakha valley, built over a period of 9 years by Bhutanese craftsman including carpenters, painters and sculptors consulted Holy Scriptures rather than engineering manuals to construct these four stored temple. It is a splendid example of Bhutan’s fine architectural and artist traditions and the only one of its kind in the world built by Her majesty the queen mother dedicated for the wellbeing of the kingdom and the benefit of all sentient beings. Overnight in luxurious Amankora or Uma in Punakha. Altitude 1,350m.
Checkout from hotel and drive us to Phobjikha or Gangtey, valley of black necked crane. Phobjikha or Gangtey, is a wide glacial valley with a central stream meandering through the open grassland and thickets of dwarf bamboo. Farmlands occupy the peripheral slopes where potatoes and turnips are grown. The central area is a marsh land protected as habitat for wildlife. At 2900m, this is the highest night halt on your journey. The valley is a protected (Conservation) area and is both scenically and culturally worthwhile. Visit Gangtey Gonpa, walk around the feeder road of Phobjikha valley meeting local and students and more. Overnight luxurious Amankora or Gangtey Lodge in Phobjikha. Altitude 2,900m.
After our breakfast, we will check out from hotel and drive us to Trongsa, the holy and temporal heart of the country is a two day journey from Thimphu. It is located in central Bhutan, it was once the seat of power over central and eastern regions. Both the first and second king of the Bhutan ruled the country from this ancient seat and it is customary for the crown prince to serve the Trongsa Penlop, governor prior to ascending the throne. Overnight in luxurious Yangkhil Resort, Trongsa.
After our breakfast, we will check out from hotel and visit watch town, Trongsa Museum. En-rout we will stop at weaving center, and in evening we will explore into Bumthang,Jakar the spiritual and cultural heartland of the Kingdom. During you stay here visit:
Jambay Lhakhang : This monastery was built in the 7th century by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. It is one of the 108 monasteries built by him to subdue evil spirits n the Himalayan region. Its present architectural appearance dates from the early 20th century.
Kurje Lhakhang: Situated before Jambay Lhakhang, Kurje Lhakhang consists of three temples. The one on the right was built in 1652 on the rack face where Guru meditated in the 8th century. Second temple is built on the site of a cave containing a rock with the imprint of Guru’s body and is therefore considered the most holy. The third temple was built in 1990s by Ashi Kesang, the Queen Mother. These three temples are surrounded by a 108 chorten wall.
Tamshing Lhakhang: Located across the river from Kurje Lhakhang, this temple was founded in 1501 by Terton Pema Lingpa, the re-incarnation of Guru Padsambhava. The monastery has very ancient religious paintings like 1,000 Buddhas and 21 Taras (female form of Buddhistava). The temple was restored at the end of the 19th century. Overnight in luxurious Amankora or Yugdharling Resort and Spa in Bumthang.
Day 9; Bumthang Sightseeing
After breakfast visit:
Tharpaling Monastery: Tharpaling Monastery situated at 3600m is composed of series of buildings overlooking the Chumey valley. A feeder road starting from Gyetsa village of Chumey valley leads to the monastery in half an hour but it is often cut in monsoon season. Since its establishment by Lorepa (1187-1250), Tharpaling has been restored several times but most notably by Bhutan’s First King at the beginning of the 20th century. The monastery later prospered and remained an active centre for Nyingmapa teaching.
The Tharpaling main building houses two temples; the temple on the ground floor called the Tshogkhang, is adorned with statues of Longchen Rabjam, Guru Rinpoche, Trisong Detsen, Shantarikshita (Shiwatso), the Indian monk first invited to build Samye monastery in Tibet, as well as the great 18th century master Jigme Lingpa. The small temple on the upper floor was restored at the time of the First King, Sir Ugyen Wangchuck and it contains beautiful paintings of the paradise of Amitabha; also of Longchen Rabjam, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, and Guru Dewa, a rarely-seen form of Guru Rinpoche. The assembly hall of the monastic school with beautiful painting of the sixteen arts and the Lineage of Longchen Rabjam, is well worth seeing.
Tharpaling monastery is an important landmark of Bhutan, a monastic school where an ancient specific monastic tradition is taught, and holds an annual prayer, a monlam, in the first lunar month.
Lhodrak Kharchhu Monastery: Located above the main town, about 3 km from Chamkhar town, the monastery was founded by Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche in 1984 who was recognized at a very young age by H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama and H.H. 16th Karmapa as the reincarnation of a Tibetan lama whose spiritual lineage dates back to the nearest disciples of the great 9th century master. Since then the monastery has developed considerably with increase in number of monks to almost four hundred. The monastey has become part of an extensive effort to preserve and revitalize Tibetan culture. The monks regular curriculum include reading, memorizing the daily prayers, learning dharma dances, drawing mandalas, learning the melodies of sacred rituals, learning the use of ceremonial instruments and the art of making sacrificial objects, grammer, poerty, karika along with the basics of contemplation and instruction on the different stages of tantra.
Chankhar Lhakhang : Beyond Jambay Lhakhang is Changkhar Lhakhang, the site of the palace of the Indian King Sindhu Raja. Because of its simplicity it looks like an ordinary village house. The original palace was built of iron and this is why it was named Chankhar, meaning iron castle. It was rebuilt in the 14th century by a Saint called- Dorji Lingpa.
Konchogsum Lhakhang: It was built in the 6th century but was renovated in 1995, which accounts for its fresh look. It contained a large bell and it is said that when this bell was rung it could be heard all the way in Lhasa in Tibet. During the 17th century a Tibetan Army tried to steal this bell but was too heavy and they dropped it and cracked it. It is now displayed at the National Museum in Paro.
Jakar Dzong : Founded by great grand-father of the first Shabdrung, the Dzong was initially built as a monastery in 1549. It was upgraded after the Shabdrung had firmly established his power in 1646. The Dzong is now used as administrative centre for Bumthang valley, and houses the regional monk body. Further, we will stroll to Jakar town and more. Overnight in Jakar.
Today’s drive takes us through Thrumshingla, the highest road pass in the country making this the most spectacular drives in the country as we climb up from Lingmithang to Thrumshingla. Just in a distance of 84 km we will gain 3200m altitude showing us different type of vegetations. The journey from Bumthang to Mongar is one of the most beautiful in the Himalaya. Gushing waterfalls, steep cliffs with even steeper drops, blazing flowers and constantly changing vegetation combine to make this journey as varied as it is beautiful. En route visit Ura village, made of cluster of large stone houses. Further about 52km, there lies a valley of white bird, Jakar. Overnight in luxurious Amankora or Yugharling Resor and Spa, Jakar, altitude 2650m.
Day 10: Bumthang, Jakar sightseeing
There’s a lot of ground to cover in Bumthang, and today you’ll see more of the region, starting with a trip to Ugyencholing. The 16th century palace here has been converted into a museum where you can enjoy an al fresco lunch in the sunshine, complete with valley views. Afterwards, browse historic artifacts in the galleries and learn more of Bhutan’s monarchy, Ura and Tang Valley. In the evening, you’ll return to the comfort of your resort in Bumthang. Overnight in luxurious Amankora or Yugharling Resor and Spa, Jakar, altitude 2650m.
Today you begin your journey back to Thimphu, starting with a flight to Paro, then a 1-hour drive on to Thimphu. Visit the Royal Textile Academy detailing the traditional Bhutanese craft of weaving, then continue to the National Library, a major repository for Buddhist scripture holding many rare manuscripts. Tonight, check into the luxurious Amankora resort or the Taj Tashi – two of the best hotels in Thimphu.
Day 12: Hike to Tango and Cheri Monastery
After leisurely breakfast hike to:
Tango Goemba:This monastery was founded by Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa in the 12th century and the present building was built in the 15th century by the “Divine Madman”, Lama Drukpa Kunley. In 1616 Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal visited Tango and meditated in a cave near the monastery. His meditation helped ensure the defeat of an invading Tibetan army. The head Lama, a descendent of Lama Drukpa Kunley presented the goemba to Shabdrung, who carved a sandalwood statue of Chenrezig which he installed in the monastery. The picturesque three-storey tower and several surrounding buildings were built in the 18th century by the eighth Desi, Druk Rabgye and Shabdrung Jigme Chhogyel added the golden roof in the 19th century.
Situated north of Thimphu, one way it takes about 30 minutes’ drive and one hour walk through shaded rhododendron forests to reach the monastery.
Cheri Goemba: This monastery was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1620. A silver chorten inside the monastery holds the ashes of Shabdrung’s father. The goemba is situated about half an hour walk from Dodena (alt. 2,600m).
The trail commences by crossing a traditional wooden bridge that spans the Thimphu Chhu, then climbs steeply to the monastery. Being the place where the Shabdrung spent many years in meditation, Cheri today has numerous hermitages and small temples located on its slopes, commanding spectacular views. The one way walk to the monastery is approx 4.5 km, taking about 2 hours. Overnight in luxurious Amankora resort or the Taj Tashi – two of the best hotels in Thimphu.
Drive us to Paro and visit the ruins of Drugyal Dzong, a fortress which protected the valley against invaders from north. Visit beautiful 7th century Kichu Lhakhang temple, see many beautiful Buddhist wall paintings and iconography inside Dungtse Lhakhang, built in 1421. Among others you will also visit Bhutan National museum, housed in an ancient watchtower and visit Paro Rinphung Dzong, one of the most beautiful fortress /monastery in Bhutan. Overnight in luxurious Amankora or Uma hotel in Paro.
Day 14: End of your luxurious tour in Gross National Happiness country, Bhutan. Our team will drop you in Paro airport for departure.
