9N 10D - Signature Himalyan Explorer

The Dochula pass is one of the most spectacular passes in Bhutan and is about 45 minutes’ drive (22km) from the capital city, Thimphu. The pass (3080) marks the watershed between the districts of Thimphu on the western side and Punakha on the eastern side. It presents a panoramic view of these districts and some others beyond them. You can also get the panoramic view of the eastern Himalayas.

On arrival visit Punakha Dzong (Druk Pungthang Decchen Phodrang - the Palace of Great Happiness). Built in 1637 by Zhabdung Nawang Namgyal in a commanding position at the confluence of the Po Chhu and Mo Chhu (Father and Mother rivers). Bhutan’s second oldest dzong served as the seat of the Kingdom's government until the time of the second King and today is the winter home of the Je Khempo, the head abbot of Bhutan, along with a retinue of about 1,000 monks. Some guests are so captivated by the murals, shrines and general goings on in the courtyards that they chose to spend a few hours in the dzong.

Evening, hike to Chimi Lhakhang. This temple is called the Temple of Fertility as it is believed that childless couples who come here to pray for a child is usually blessed with a child. This is the temple of one of Bhutan’s foremost saints, Lama Drukpa Kunley, also known as the "Divine Madman." The trail takes you through the Himalayan paddy fields and a typical village called Lobesa.

Overnight Resort (Alt; 1,300m)

Phobjikha is a glacial valley on the periphery of the north-western tip of the Black Mountain National Park. The valley is a conservation area and lies on the northern boundary of the Jowo Durshing range.

The Phobjikha valley is also one of the roosting grounds of the Black-necked cranes that migrate each year in winter from its northern habitats in Tibet and Siberia to these grounds. Take a hike along the outskirts of the glacial valley & through the blue pine forest. This is the best way to explore the valley & the cranes.

On arrival Visit Gantey Monastery. People sometimes refer to the entire region as Gangtey after the name of the Gangtey Goenpa that is situated on a ridge overlooking the Phobjikha valley. According to legend the Gangtey Goenpa was founded by the grandson (the mind incarnation) of Pema Lingpa in 1613 & it is one of the oldest seats of Nyingma traditions.

Overnight Phobjikha (Alt; 2,900m)

The journey will take you across Pele La pass (3,300m), which is marked by a chorten and an array of prayer flags. On a clear day, you can get spectacular views of the highest peaks of the kingdom and it’s quite common to spot some yaks and yak herders on this pass. This point marks the boundary between western and central Bhutan as well as the western border of Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park. Beyond Pele La is Longte Valley where people raise sheep and yaks. You’ll come to the village of Rukubji Valley, with its big school and Gompa.

The houses here are clustered amid extensive fields of mustard, potatoes, barley, and wheat. As you drive down through rhododendron trees and ferns, you’ll reach Chendebji village. This was a night halt for mule caravans traveling from Trongsa during the reign of the 2nd King of Bhutan. Just below Chendebji village is the Chendebji chorten, a large white structure beside a stream. This chorten is modelled after Swayambhunath in Kathmandu.

On arrival visit Trongsa Dzong, built in 1645 is a vast white fortress that appears to grow directly up from the narrow green ridge on which it is constructed. It is one of the most powerful Dzongs and even today the crown prince of Bhutan must first become its Trongsa Penlop (governor) before he can become Bhutan’s King.

Continue your drive to Bumthang, the spiritual heartland of Bhutan. This journey will take you over one of the most scenically beautiful routes in Bhutan via the Yotong La pass (3425m), which is also the habitat for the Satyr peasant. Finally, you enter the Chhume Valley, the first of the four valleys that comprise the Bumthang. Evening at leisure.

Overnight Bumthang (Alt; 2,580m)

Morning attend the colourful Domkhar community festival which the annual event for the local community. Festivals or tshechu are held every year in various temples, monasteries and dzongs (fortresses) across Bhutan. It is mainly a religious event celebrated on the 10th day of the month of the Lunar Calendar corresponding to the birthday of Guru Padmasambhava, an 8th century Buddhist teacher.

After festival, take a leisurely drive back to Bumthang. Along the way you can visit a centre of Yathra weaving. Yathra is the name for the locally produced hand-woven woollen cloth. Distinctive patterns and bright, earthy colours enliven the fabric, which is used for a wide variety of purposes and sought after throughout the country. Later afternoon, take a leisurely drive further to picturesque Tang valley which is about 1 and half hours away from Jakar town.

Evening relax at your campsite listening to the murmurs of the river as the locals prepare hot stone bath for you. Then luxuriate in the Bhutanese equivalent of a Jacuzzi called a "Chu Tse." River rocks are heated and dunked into a large wooden tub with herbs. This type of bath is considered to have medicinal properties of healing.

Overnight Camping Tang valley (Alt; 2,700m)

In the morning explore the valley.

Ugyenchholing Palace in Tang valley is another attraction. Restored in 19th century, it is now housing the Family Museum, a place that will transport visitors to another world and time. The visitors will view permanent exhibits recreated to capture the ambience of the lifestyle of the Trongsa Penlop (Governor) Tshokey Dorji and his household. It also serves as retreat for those engaged in religious history. Bhutan's history truly unfolds here.

On the way back visit Meabar Tsho (the burning lake). This holy lake was discovered by Terton Pema Lingpa (treasure reveller). It is believed that he has discovered many treasures from beneath the lake. When the locals visit this lake, they tie a coin inside a white scarf, make a wish and offer it to the lake. It is believed someday your wish will be fulfilled. The importance of this site is indicated by the extensive array of prayer flags and the small clay offerings called 'Tse Tsa' in rock niches. Evening take a stroll around the small town of Bumthang.

Overnight Bumthang (Alt; 2,580m)

After breakfast gear up for a fantastic drive to Ura village to attend the religious festival Ura Yakchoe. Ura is one of the oldest villages of the kingdom situated on an elevation of 3100m. The people here still live a semi nomadic lifestyle by herding yaks and sheep. This typical Bhutanese village is known for their warmth & hospitality.

Stop by Sherthangla pass (3590m) from where you can see Mt. Gangkhar Puensum (7541m), the highest peak of Bhutan and the highest unclimbed mountain in the world.Take downhill hike from here to the village, which would take us about an hour or more. It is a very pleasant walk through fir trees which eventually opens to up the valley.

Afternoon drive back to Jakar, depending on the time available take a leisurely hike through several ancient and important monasteries such as, Jambay lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang & Tamshing Lhakhang. These temples have many mythical stories linked to its origin and some of them dates back as early as 7th century. Your guide will unfold its mystery as you visit these holy sites.

Overnight Bumthang (Alt; 2,580m)

Take a short scenic flight to Paro, make sure you request for the right-hand side of the plane when you check in to get the great views of the Himalayas, provided if the weather is clear.

Time for an easy but spectacular walk high above the valley to the pretty grounds of Zurig Dzong overlooking Rinpung Dzong and the festival ground before descending to our pick up point near Ta dzong (watch tower). Taking in the magnificent views, we may be fortunate to see a plane on its final approach. Visit Bhutan’s National museum which houses some of the religious mask, Thangkas (wall hanging/tapestry), religious artefacts, History & geological landscape of Bhutan. Proceed further down to visit Rinpung Dzong (fortress on the heap of jewel) which houses the seat of government and monastic body of Paro valley.

Take a short walk down to the traditional cantilevered bridge Nyami Zam which is built over the Pa Chhu River. From here you can get a good picture of the Ta Dzong, Dzong & the bridge.

Overnight: Paro (Alt; 2280m)

Drive to Satsam Chorten and spend the day hiking up the forested path to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan’s most famous and scenic icon. The climb is steep and takes about 4 hours round trip. An important place of pilgrimage and refuge for more than 1200 years, Taktsang Monastery clings to sheer cliffs two-thousand feet above Paro Valley, and from your closest vantage point on a rocky ledge directly across from it, you will still need 200-300 mm lenses and a steady tripod to get tight photographs.

This sacred place got its name when Guru Rinpoche rode there on the back of a flying tiger and meditated in a cave behind the present-day monastery. Sadly, in 1998, the central temple was destroyed by fire, leaving the country in mourning for their holiest of spiritual places. But religious leaders and the King quickly developed a plan to rebuild Taktsang and donations started pouring in from Buddhist centres all over the world, and today, the magnificently rebuilt is complete. Tiger’s Nest is once again the subject of cloud-shrouded posters that say, “Bhutan, Land of the Thunder Dragon.” Picnic lunch on the hillside cafeteria.

On the way back visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in the country which dates back to 7th century. Evening at leisure exploring Paro town doing some last-minute shopping.

Overnight Paro (Alt; 2,280m)

Druk Air normally departs in the morning to avoid adverse weather conditions so after breakfast, your transfer to the airport will be arranged depending on the flight schedule.