Kingdom In The Sky (7 Days)

Itinerary in Detail

Day 01:
   

Fly from Kathmandu to Paro in the Kingdom of Bhutan. During the flight, you can see breathtaking views of the great Himalayan Mountains. Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be welcomed to the Kingdom by your guide and transferred to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. You stay overnight in a hotel in Thimphu.

Day 02:
   

Sightseeing in Thimpu. You visit the Memorial chorten built in the memory of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, a 15 century Changangkha monastery, and drive further down with good views of the Thimphu valley. Next you visit the National Library, where ancient manuscripts are preserved, and visit the Painting School where traditional art is still taught. Here artists are taught to paint Thankas sacred Buddhist scroll.) You then go to visit the Traditional Medicine Institute where the ancient healing arts are still practiced, and to Tashichhodzong, the main secretariat building. It is from here that the King and other prominent civil servants run the country. The Head Abbot and the central monastic body also reside here during the summer. Along with these you go to Handicrafts Emporium where one can buy Bhutanese textiles and other Arts & Crafts stores. Here you can buy stunning Kiras that can be used as bed covers or wall hangings, jewelry and much more. Overnight at hotel in Thimpu.

Day 03:
   

Drive from Thimphu to Trongsa. 

You begin an early drive to Dochula (3,100 mts). If the weather permits you will have the view of the beautiful mountain ranges to the north-east. You enjoy a delicious lunch at Wangdiphodrang. Then you proceed to Trongsa across Pelila Pass (3,300 m) the pass is marked by a large prayer flag. En route you visit Chendbji Chorten. This Monastery is patterned after Swayambhunath in Kathmandu and was built in the 19th century by Lama Shida, from Tibet, to cover the remains of an evil spirit that was killed at this spot. On your arrival at Trongsa you check into a lodge. You stay overnight in Trongsa.

Day 04:
   

Drive from Trongsa to Bumthang. After breakfast you visit the Trongsa Dzong, which is the masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture. This is the most impressive dzong in Bhutan, built in its present form in 1644 by Chogyal Minjur Tempa, the official who was sent by Shabdrung to unify eastern Bhutan. It was enlarged at the end of the 17th century by Desi Tenzin Rabgay. Trongsa Dzong is the ancestral home of the present Royal Family, and the first two hereditary kings ruled Bhutan from this Dzong. Next you visit the Ta dzong, the watchtower built to defend this dzong. Afterwards, you will drive to Bumthang via Yongtala Pass and Kilakha Pass. Bumthang is the religious heartland of the nation, with lush valleys and hilly forests. Along the way you will stop at a yethra (textile weaving) factory, where the yethras are designed with patterns unique to Bumthang, and you can even watch some of the weavers at their looms. After lunch in Bumthang you visit Kurje Lhankhang, that is named after body print of Guru Rimpoche, built in 1652 by Minjur Tempa. Next you visit 7th century Jambay Lhakhang, built by King Srongsen Gampo of Tibet in the year 659 on the same day as Kichu Lhakhang in Paro.  The temple was visited by Guru Rimpoche during his visit to Bumthang, and was renovated by Sindhu Raja after Guru Rimpoche restored his life force. Under the temple is said to be a lake in which Guru Rimpoche hid several Terma. In October one of the most spectacular festivals, the “Jambay Lhakhang Drup,” is staged here.

Now you visit Tamshing Lhakhang (Temple of the Good Message), established in 1501 by Pema Lingpa, and one of the most important Nyingmapa temples in the kingdom. Finally you visit the Jakar Dzong which literally means “The Castle of White Bird.” The current structure was built in 1667. You stay overnight in a hotel in Bumthang.

Day 05:
   

Drive from Bumthang to Punakha. After breakfast you explore the fascinating valley of Bumthang. You enjoy your delicious lunch in Trongsa. You visit the Wangdiphodrang Dzong and the local market. Now you drive to Punakha. You are free in evening to explore Punakha. You stay overnight in a hotel in Punakha.

Day 06:
   

Drive from Punakha to Paro. During morning you visit the Punakha Dzong. The Dzong is situated between the two rivers.  You will have to hike through the suspension bridge to reach the Dzong. The Dzong was built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and is situated between Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River.) For many years until the time of the second king, it served as the seat of the Government. The construction of the Dzong was foretold by Guru Rimpoche, who predicted, “…a person named Namgyal will arrive at a hill that looks like an elephant.” There was a smaller building here called Dzong Chu (Small Dzong) that housed a statue of Buddha. It is said that Shabdrung ordered the architect, Zowe Palep, to sleep in front of the statue. While Palep was sleeping, the Shabdrung took him in his dreams to Zangtopelri and showed him the palace of Guru Rimpoche. From his vision, the architect conceived the design for the new Dzong, which in keeping with the tradition, was never committed to paper. The Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). The war materials captured during the battle with Tibetans are preserved here. Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo, and King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk convened the new national Assembly here in 1952.

After lunch you proceed to Paro. En route you visit Chimi Lhakhang which was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley in 15th century. (This monk is popularly known as the Devine Madman for his philosophy of “salvation through sex.”) He subdued the demons with his “Magical Thunder bolt.” The Temple is also known as “The Temple of Fertility.”  Sterile women from far and wide come to this Temple to get blessed and an article about this temple also appeared in "The Washington Post" some years back. You stay overnight at a hotel in Paro.

Day 07 :
   

Fly from Paro to Kathmandu. Your guide will help you with the airport formalities.
   

Services Included

* A Guide
* All meals
* Lodging in standard hotels
* Ground Transportation within Bhutan
* Pack animal in trekking
* Entry fees into monuments

Services Excluded

* Flight from Kathmandu to Paro
* Personal nature expenses and unforeseen events
* Airport Tax
* Travel Insurance
* Bhutan visa fee which is US $20 per person. Please note no foreign office abroad grants
   Bhutanese visas. It has to be obtained through us. We need at least 5 working days to obtain it for you.

Note : 
1. The flight from Kathmandu to Paro leaves every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday only.
2. The flight form Paro to Kathmandu leaves every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday only.

Mailing Address:

First Environmental Trekking (P.) Ltd.

Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal

P.O.Box : 8056

Tel : + 977-1-4417343      

        + 977-1- 4424346

Mobile: +977-9851038817           

             +977-9851022303

Fax : + 977-1-4423855

E-mail : firstentrek@wlink.com.np

http://www.go2trek.com

http://www.firstetrek.com

Chomolhari Trek (15 Days)

This trek provides you with a great variety of Bhutanese landscapes, and is without doubt one of the most beautiful and unspoiled trekking areas in the entire Himalayas. The trek begins at Drugyal dzong, and passes through beautiful villages, scattered hamlets, and farmland. You will find different vegetation, from richly forested valleys, to high alpine pastureland where Yak herders graze their animals. Trout fishing in the sky blue lake with a magnificent view of three majestic peaks is a fun activity that can be done on a rest day. You may also encounter rare species like the blue sheep and the snow leopard.

   

Itinerary in Detail

Day 01:
   

Fly from Kathmandu to Paro. You arrive Paro by Druk Air flight which will offer you great views of Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Chomolhari, Tsrim gang and Jichu Drake. The moment you step out of the plane you will see the difference. Bhutan welcomes you with cool, clean fresh air. Peace and quiet is another bonus of this serene land. Our representatives will escort you to your resort. If time allows, you can visit the National museum and Rinpung Dzong. You stay overnight at a resort in Paro.

Day 02:
   

Paro valley sightseeing.
This day is planned for sightseeing in Paro. You visit the old fort ruins of the Drukgyal Dzong, which offers a very scenic drive through a typical Bhutanese landscape. The dzong was destroyed by accidental fire and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate. On a clear day you can see Mt. Jhomolhari (7314 metres, 24,000 feet), the sacred summit, reaching skyward beyond the Dzong.

Afterwards, visit the Ta Dzong (built in1656 and renovated in 1968), an ancient watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. This unusual round building is believed to be in the shape of a conch shell. The centerpiece of this Museum is a complex, four-sided carving depicting the history of Buddhism and its propagation. One side is Sakyamuni and the great teacher Atisha, representing the Sakya School. On the next lies Geylup, a disciple of Dalai Lama. Another is Nyingma lineage, the head is Guru Padmasanva, and the final is Drukpa Kagyu with the figure of Vajra Dhara. Below the museum is the Paro Rimpung Dzong (literally meaning "heap of jewels.") Built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it is the centre of civil and religious authority in this valley. You can see the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture enroute to the near by Kichu Lhakhang, built in 659 A.D by the Tibetan king Srongsen Gampo. This Monastery is one of the 108 monasteries built across the Himalayan region by the Tibetan King to subdue the Demons that lay across the Himalayan region. The rest of the monasteries lie in other neighboring countries.

Along with these, you will be quite attracted to the Paro's market and farm houses. Overnight stay at resort in Paro.

Day 03:
   

Excursion to Taktsang Monastery. You go for hike to Taktsang monastery. Horses can be arranged with an extra US $5 The hike which is all the way uphill takes about 2 to 3 hours through villages and pine forests. The monastery, which clings to a huge granite cliff 800 meters from the Paro valley, was devastated by fire in 1998, but the Royal Government has taken immediate steps to restore the monastery to its original structure. It is believed that the great saint Padmasambhava came in the 7th century on a flying tigress and meditated in a cave for 3 months. The demons were subdued who were trying to stop the spread of Buddhism and converted the Paro valley into Buddhism. During the end of the 17 century, a monastery was built on the spot where the saint meditated. It is a pilgrimage site for every Bhutanese to visit once in their life time. Stroll back to the resort for another overnight stay.

Day 04:
   

Drive from Paro to Shana (2,820 m). Your trek begins this day. Your trek to Shana starts at Drukgyal Dzong, following the Paro river and passing cultivated fields and tiny picturesque villages. The forests are alive with numerous birds and brightly colored butterflies. You stay overnight at camp near Shana.

Day 05:
   

Trek from Shana to Soi Thangthanka (3610 m) which takes seven and half hours. The trail follows the river through a heavily forested area with a few isolated farmhouses. It narrows and closes in and the trail winds up and down along the drainage. You pass a junction en route, where another path leads north over the Tremo La to Tibet. Camp is in a meadow with a stone shelter. Camping in Soi Thangthanka.

Day 06:
   

The trek from Soi Thangthanka to Jangothang (4,115 m) takes about five and half hours. In the morning, after passing a small army post, the trail slowly leaves the forest line and gradually climbs into a beautiful valley, passing Tegethang, a winter home of yak herdsmen. Lunch will be served in one of these huts. Lots of yaks will be seen today before you arrive at the Jhomolhari base camp (4,115 m.) High mountains overlook the camp, and also visible nearby are the ruins of an old fortress that was used to guard Bhutan against Tibetan invasions.

Day 07:
   

Rest day at Jangothang.
This is a rest day. It grants you a chance to walk up to the Jhomolhari glacier or to the Tsho Phu lakes on the opposite direction. You stay overnight in camp at Jangothang.

Day 08:
   

Trek from Jangothang to Lingshi (4100 meters), taking about six and half hours. The trail follows the stream for half an hour, and then crosses the bridge to the right side. Climb up the ridge and enjoy stunning views of Chomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tshrim Khang mountains. Then you walk through the wide open valley sometimes coming across herds of blue sheep. The climb up to the Nyele la pass 4700 meters is not too difficult, and the view is breathtaking. After the pass, it's a gradual descent through the valley with beautiful views on all sides. Nearing the camp, you will see the Lingshi Dzong perched on top of a hill with commanding view of the valley. Camping in Lingshi.

Day 09:
   
Rest day at Lingshi.Camping in Lingshi.

Day 10:
   

Trek from Lingshi to Shodu (3750m.) This takes almost seven and half hours. Today is the most difficult day so you start early. You begin walking opposite the dzong gradually through the valley until the stiff climb to Yale la pass (at 4950 meters), the highest point of the trip. The panoramic view of Mt.Chomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tshrim Gang is breathtaking. After the pass, it's a long descent to the camp at 3750 meters. Camping at Shodu.

Day 11:
   

Trek from Shodu to Barshong which takes five and half hours. The path follows the Thimchu river descending through rhododendron, Juniper and pine forests. The view of the cliff facing rocks and water falls are stunning. The trail gradually ascends after 3/4 hours to the ruins of Barshong Dzong reaching the camp at 3500 meters.

Day 12:
   

Trek from Barshong to Thimphu. Your trek concludes here.  The path descends for a while, joining the Thimchu river and gradually ascending and descending through thick bamboo and pine forests. From Dolemkencho, the trail descends all the way to Dodina where our coach will be waiting for your return.

Day 13:
   

Thimphu Sightseeing. You visit the Memorial chorten built in memory of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, a 15 century Changangkha monastery, and drive further down with good views of the Thimphu valley. Next you visit the National Library, where ancient manuscripts are preserved and visit the Painting School, where traditional art is still taught. Here artists are taught to paint Thankas (sacred Buddhist scroll.) You then go to visit the Traditional Medicine Institute, where the ancient healing arts are still practiced and Tashichhodzong, the main secretariat building. It is from here that the King and other prominent civil servants run the country. The Head Abbot and the central monastic body also reside here during the summer. Along with these, you go to Handicrafts Emporium, where one can buy Bhutanese textiles, and other arts and crafts stores. Here you can buy stunning Kiras that can be used as bed covers or wall hangings, jewelry, and much more.

Day 14:
   

Thimphu, day of leisure. In the evening you drive to Paro for overnight stay. Overnight at hotel in Paro.

Day 15:
   

Early morning drive to Paro Airport for departure.
   

Services Included

* A guide
* All meals
* Lodging in standard hotels
* Ground Transportation within Bhutan
* Pack animal for trekking
* Entry fees into monuments

Services Excluded

* Flight from Kathmandu to Paro
* Personal nature expenses and unforeseen events
* Airport Tax
* Travel Insurance
* Bhutan visa fee, which is US $20 per person. Please note no foreign office abroad grants - it has to be purchased through us. We need at least 5 working days to obtain the visa for you.

Note:
1. The flight from Kathmandu to Paro leaves every Monday, Thursday and Saturday only.
2. The flight form Paro to Kathmandu leaves every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday only.

Mailing Address:

First Environmental Trekking (P.) Ltd.

Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal

P.O.Box : 8056

Tel : + 977-1-4417343      

        + 977-1- 4424346

Mobile: +977-9851038817           

             +977-9851022303

Fax : + 977-1-4423855

E-mail : firstentrek@wlink.com.np

http://www.go2trek.com

http://www.firstetrek.com