Bhutan Family Adventure: A 10-Day Journey.

Day by day

1. 1

   Bangkok/ India to Paro/Thimphu 2300m, Distance 55km, 1 hour

   The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world, with a constantly changing panorama of some of the highest mountains on earth.M/s. Peacock Adventure Tours representative will meet you at Paro airport exit doors following customs formalities. Afterwards, drive to the capital, Thimphu (1hours) following the Paro River .Once a rustic village sitting in a broad, fertile river valley, Thimphu is today the nation’s bustling capital. Enjoy a full day of sightseeing, including a visit to the Giant Buddha (168fts tall) which was built in 2008 coinciding with 5th king coronation and on the way back stop at National Memorial Chorten. This temple was first initiated by the Third King as a protection from the negative elements of modernization, and as a monument to world peace. The Royal Queen Mother completed it as a memorial stupa for the Third King who passed away in 1972. Afternoon we will visit the centenary farmer market open on every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Most of people buy one week vegetables from here. Ground floor vegetables are mostly imported from India and you can also find our pure organic vegetables on top floor. Most of the sellers are from country side farmers and you can see the variety of food of Bhutan, including basket upon basket of fiery chillis cheese and vegetables. Tashichhodzong, “the fortress of the glorious religion”. Initially erected in 1641 by ShabdrungNgawangNamgyal, it was rebuilt in the 1960s during the reign of Bhutan’s third king in the traditional style, without plans or nails. Tashichhodzong houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body.

2. 2

   Thimphu to Punakha, 1300m, Distance 65km, 2.5 hours.

   Morning you will drive over the Dochu-La pass (3,150 meters), which on a clear day offers an incredible view of Himalayan peaks before descending into balmy Punakha valley (about 2 hrs total driving time). The drive through the countryside affords a glimpse of everyday life in this most remote of Himalayan kingdom. In the Dochu-La area there are vast Rhododendron forests that grow to tree size and bloom in late April/early May covering the mountains in a riot of glorious spring colour. After lunch, enjoy a walk to Chimi Lhakhang, temple of the Drukpa Kuenly who is also known as the Divine Madman. He inherited the Divine Madman title since he revolted against the orthodox Buddhism in his time. He taught the people that religion is an inner feeling and it’s not necessary that one should be an ordained monk. He is also considered a symbol of fertility and most childless couples go to his temple for blessing. Hotel:

3. 3

   Punakha Halt, 1300m.

   In the morning drive to Yabesa village and hike to through rice fields and up to KhamsumYueleyNamgyalChorten, built by her majesty the queen Ashi TsheringYangdon Wangchuk. Perched high on a hill on the bank of the river, the Chorten houses paintings belonging to NyingmapaTraditions.Take a picnic lunch on a picturesque riverside. * WHITE RIVER RAFTING OPTIONAL Experience an exciting white-river rafting on Punakha’s Female River, knowns for its gentle yet thrilling rapids suitable for beginners and families. The journey flows past lush river banks, terraced fields, and traditional villages, offering stunning views of the surrounding pine forests mountains. As you paddle downstream, enjoy refreshing splashes and calm stretches where you can take it the landscape. After lunch you will visit the Punakha Dzong, the ancient capital of Bhutan. “Palace of Great Happiness” built in 1637 by the Shabdrung, the “Unifier of Bhutan”. It is situated at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu (Mother and Father Rivers) and is the winter headquarters of the Je Khenpo and hundreds of monks who move en masse from Thimphu to this warmer location. The three story main temple of the Punakha Dzong is a breathtaking example of traditional architecture with four intricately embossed entrance pillars crafted from cypress and decorated in gold and silver. It was here in 1907 that Bhutan’s first king was crowned. Overnight stay at hotel.

4. 4

   Punakha to Gangtey,2800m, Distance 88km, 2-3 hours

   After breakfast we will drive to Gangtey ,its two and half hours journey. On the way to Gangtey you will stop at WangdueDzong. WangduePhodrangDzong , built in 1638 by ZhabdrungNgawangNamgyal, served as a strategic fortress guarding Bhutan’s central routes. Perched on a ridge overlooking the Punatsangchhu River, it played a key administrative and defensive role. After a major fire in the 2012, the dzong has been carefully restored to its former grandeur. In Gangtey we will visit only and oldest Nyingmapa monastery in western part of Bhutan. Now monastery is look after by 9th body reicernation of Pema Lingpa. After that we are going to do nature trail hike (4 km 2hrs) through the marshy dwarf bamboo and blue pines which also decorated by long old man beard hanging from the trees. Every winter we can see around 300 to 400 black necked crane roosting in this marshy area. Overnight at hotel.

5. 5

   Gangtey to Bumthang 2500m, Distance 135km, 4-5 hours

   Begin your hike from the peaceful phobjikha Valley, walking through open meadows surrounded by sweeping views of farmland and traditional homes. The trail gradually climbs into dense pine and rhododendron forest, offering cool shade and occasional clearings overlooking the valley. As you continue upward, pass small chortens and prayer flags marking the higher ridges (3350m). The path becomes quieter and more remote, with rich birdlife along the way. After a steady ascent, the trail opens into the serene settlement of Longtey village, where alpine fields and scattered farmhouses provide a calm and scenic finished to the hike. After finishing the hike at Longtey village, meet your vehicle and begin the scenic drive toward Bumthang. The journey climbs through high mountain passes, winding past forests, rural settlements, and sweeping valleys. Along the way, enjoy panoramic views and occasional stops for photos or tea. The drive is long but rewarding, offering a beautiful transition from Phobjikha’s calm wetlands to Bumthang’s rich cultural heart. Overnight at Hotel.

6. 6

   Bumthang Halt, 2500m

   Today Morning first, we will visit the Jambay Lhakhang: Is a sacred monastery built in the 7th century by the Tibetan king, Songtsen-Gampo. It is one of the 108 monasteries built by him to subdue evil spirits in the Himalayan region.Kurjey Lhakhang (Kurjey means, “Body imprint”): The temple to the right was built by MinjurTempa in 1652. It was built around the cave in which Guru Rinpoche meditated and left his body imprint.Tamshing Lhakhang: This temple is also known as TamshingLhendrupChholing (Temple of the Good Message) .Chakhar Lhakhang: Besides the main road, a short distance beyond Jambay Temple is Chamkhar (Iron Castle). It is the site of the palace of the Indian King SendhaGyab also known as Sindhu Raja.JakarDzong: The fortress is now used as an administrative center of the valley and summer residence of monks. Dinner at Farm House. Begin the evening in Bumthang with a lively archery and dart shootout at the farm house, enjoying friendly competition and traditional games. After the fun, settle into a warm farm-house dinner prepared with fresh local ingredients. The cpzy setting, homemade flavors, and relaxed atmosphere offer an authentic and memorable Bhutanese rural experience. Overnight at Hotel

7. 7

   Bumthang to Punakha, 1300m distance 200km 6-7 hours.

   Early morning start your journey to Punakha 195kms (5hrs) re- acrossingKeke-la (2,750m), Yongtongla(3640m). You will visit the massive TongsaDzong. It was Shabdrung’s great – grandfather who founded the first temple at Tongsa in 1543. In 1647 the Shabdrung had begun his great work of expansion and unification, realizing all the advantages that could be gained from Tongsa’sposition; he constructed the first Dzong at the place where his ancestors had erected the temple. The Dzong was called ChoekorRabtentse. In 1652, MinjurTenpa, the Penlop of Trongsa, had the Dzong enlarged. The Dzong is built in such a way that in the old days, no matter what direction a travellers comes from, he was obliged to pass through the courtyard of the Dzong. This helped to make the Penlop of this Dzong as powerful as it had a complete control over the east – west traffic. The watch tower above the Dzongfurther strengthened its defense. The father of the first king known as the black regent and the first king served as the Governor of Tongsa before the emergence of the Bhutanese Monarchy, since then it has become a tradition for the young crown prince to serve as the Governor of this place before he is crowned. We will stop at ChendebjiChorten erected in the 18th century by a Tibetan lama to cover the remains of an evil spirit that was subdued at this spot. It is built in the Nepalese style, with painted eyes at the four cardinal points. Our drive continue to Punakha. Overnight at hotel.

8. 8

   Punakha to Paro 2300m, Distance 120km, 3.5 hours

   After breakfast drive back to Thimphu- Paro en-route Dochula pass. We will be having second chances to see the eastern Himalayas. Lunch at Thimphu. HIKE: Afternoon we will do Zuri Hike in Paro (1-2 hours) The Zuri hike begins above the National Museum, offering stunning views of the paro city including the Paro Dzong, Paro international Airport and beautiful paddy fields. After 45mins hiked the trail leads downhill towards NymeyZam, a unique wooden bridge with remarkable architecture. If time permit we will visit the Paro Dzong, where little Buddha was filmed.

9. 9

   Paro Tiger Nest Day Excursion. Distance 6km, 6-7 hours average hiker.

   After breakfast, drive for half an hour and start the hike, which is about 6-7 hours (round trip for average hiker),The trail is along an ancient path marked by river powered prayer wheels. The trail is broad and the walk of approximately 2 hours uphill takes you almost a kilometer above the Paro valley floor (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 Monastery is also an important pilgrim site for the Buddhists. The great Guru Rinpoche 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. On the return visit the 7th Century Kyichu Lhakhang, oldest Temple in Bhutan and one of 108 temples built by Buddhist Tibetan king. Overnight at Hotel:

10. 10

    Paro to Bangkok/India.

    After Breakfast in the hotel, then drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination. TashiDelek! HAVE A SAFE JOURNEY BACK TO YOUR HOME.

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