Buthan: the Land of the Thunder Dragon
The particularity of this route consists of accommodation: In addition to Le Bua, Panorama Hotel in Bangkok, Bhutan Amankora you are staying in the splendid, unique example of eco-friendliness and attention to the environment, with their SPA offer a total relaxation after fatigue of the journey (a treatment is offered by the structure).
The best times to visit Bhutan are spring (March to May), with the beautiful blooms of rhododendrons and autumn (late September to late November), with the changing colors of nature. The winter is cold, but clear days, is the best time for bird-watching, and summer rains from June to August is the monsoon season, the fields are bright green.
A trip to Bhutan require a good spirit of adaptation to some long transfers roads are not always in good condition. Local guides speak English.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival at the international airport of Bangkok in the early morning. Handling of border formalities and transfer to Hotel Le Bua *****. Time available.
Day 2 BANGKOK - Paro - Thimphu (B / L / D)
Breakfast. Transfer in the early morning to airport and departure to Paro (via India), with scheduled flight Druk Air. Arrival after about 3 hours and handling of border formalities. Meeting with English speaking guide, transfer to Thimphu and accommodation at the Hotel Amankora. Thimphu, the capital of the kingdom since 1961, stands in a wooded valley and is developed on a hillside on the banks of the River Wang. In the afternoon we visit the National Memorial Chorten, built in Tibetan style religious monument in 1974 which includes many paintings of religious subjects, the National Museum of Textiles, which shows the traditional Bhutanese weaving techniques, the Museum of Popular Traditions, which reconstructs traditions, and customs of the early twentieth century, the National Library, which houses ancient manuscripts on long strips of handmade paper and protected by a cover of wood and silk. After a walk in the city, return to the hotel. Full board in hotel.
Distance = 65kms / 2 hours. Altitude of Thimphu = 2300 m
Day 3: Thimphu (B / L / D)
In the morning excursion in the northern part of the valley to see the trash Chho Dzong Fortress of Glorious Religion, the seat of government of Bhutan and office real; visit Pangrati Zampa, a complex with two huge white buildings surrounded by a grove of cypress trees. Built in the sixteenth century is now a school for astrologers. At the end of the valley, a walk leads to Cheri Goemba, the monastery built in 1620 to host the first monastic body. Return to town to visit the manufactures traditional paper and incense, and leisure in the workshops. Full board in hotel.
Altitude of Thimphu Valley = 2600 m.
Day 4 Thimphu - Gangtey (B / L / D)
The early morning departure to cross the Gangtey Dochu La (3140 m.), the step is marked by more than 108 stupas, to the valley of Phobjikha. Stops along the way to visit the Simtokha Dzong, the fortress monastery of the XVII century, and the Hongtsho Goemba, Mahayana Buddhist monastery, with its ancient paintings. The trip continues through the mountain passes over 3,000 meters, hence the eastern Himalayas is visible during clear days. We descend to an altitude of Punakha valley along the east-west state of the country, continue to the town of Wangdi, with its Phodrang Wangdue, monastery-fortress overlooking the valley. The road follows the scenario of the Dang Chhu river before climbing steeply through the Black Mountains and the beautiful forests of bamboo, rhododendrons and magnolias, from the beautiful blooms in spring. Shortly before crossing the Pele La, the pass at 3420 meters, the road emerges into the valley of Phobjikha. Arrival and accommodation at the Hotel Amankora. Gangtey Goemba visit of the monastery that overlooks the valley, currently in a state of repair, but interesting to observe the use of ancient techniques. Walk in the village of Gangtey or among the rhododendrons that surround the hotel. Full board in hotel.
Distance = 135kms / 4 hours. Altitude Valley Phobjikha = 3000 m.
Day 5 Gangtey (B / L / D)
Day dedicated to the exploration of the valley of Phobjikha, glacial valley and nature reserve. In the morning visit the Center to observe the cranes, the valley is the winter residence of a flock of over 200 black-necked cranes, a species threatened with extinction, and one can observe the nesting place of the cranes. The rest of the day is dedicated to relaxing walks in the valley, on foot or by bicycle. Full board in hotel.
Day 6 Gangtey - Bumthang (B / L / D)
In the morning transfer from the valley of Phobjikha to Jakar in Bumthang region. The journey is long but interesting, with beautiful landscapes, terraced fields, deep valleys formed by rivers, and villages perched on the ridge of the mountain. Brief stop in Chendebji Chorten, the white monument situated at 2430 m. and built according to the law to hide the remains of an evil spirit. Continue for several valleys, we can glimpse Trongsa and his great monastery-fortress white roof yellow. Trongsa, the ancestral home of the King of Bhutan is located in the exact center of the country, its particular position contributes to establish its importance. Official engagements permitting, you may visit the Trongsa Dzong perched on the mountain. Going up the mountain ridge to get to the step of Yotong La (3425 m.), and then descend into the valley Chhume, whose inhabitants are dedicated to weaving Yathra, features strips of wool woven with different colors and ornamental motifs. Accommodation Hotel Amankora. Lunch in the course of excursion, dinner at the hotel.
Distance = 170kms / 5 hours. Jakar altitude = 2580 m
Day 7 Bumthang (B / L / D)
Day dedicated to exploring the region of Bumthang, with an excursion to the Valley of Choskhor for the visit Wangdichholing Palace, residence of the second monarch; Kurjey Lhakhang temple, which once welcomed Guru Rimpoche; Jambay Lhakhang temple, where all 'early winter held a festival which attracts pilgrims in the region. Once back in town continues in the eastern slope of the valley to visit the Monastery Tamshing of 1500, and features small industries of the valley distillery and food industries. Full board in hotel.
Day 8 Bumthang (B / L / D)
Excursion in the Valley of Tang, the most remote region. After meeting with temples and monasteries on its slopes, we reach the Palace of ugen Chhoeling, a museum which displays objects owned by a local aristocratic family. Lunch is packed, surrounded by nature in the valley. Return to hotel and dinner.
Day 9 Bumthang - Punakha (B / L / D)
Early morning departure to Punakha, the journey is long but is rewarded with beautiful scenery. Along the way you visit the Chimi Lhakhang temple, built in 1499 bodes well for fertility.
Lunch in the course of travel. Arriving in Punakha, Bhutan's capital until 1955, and accommodation at the Hotel Amankora. Dinner.
Distance = 200 kms / 7 hours. Punakha altitude = 1350 m
Day 10 Punakha (B / L / D)
Day dedicated to the exploration of the valley of Punakha. Walking through the cultivated fields along the river Mo Chhu, until Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, an impressive monument built by the queen and consecrated in 1999. Return to town and visit the Punakha Dzong, the second oldest monastery in Bhutan for many years housed the seat of government. Stop for a picnic lunch along the banks of the river Punak, in panoramic position with the Dzong in the background. The afternoon excursion to the village of Talo, visit the temple and the ancestral home of the queens. Dinner.
Day 12 PARO (B / L / D)
The day begins with a visit to the Ta-Dzong, the clock tower converted into a museum in 1968, will continue with a walk to Paro Dzong, one of the largest and most important monasteries in Bhutan, built in 1644 and home to 200 monks . From Dzong, crossing the wooden bridge Nyamai Zampa, we arrive at the temple of the city to admire the ancient frescoes. In Paro, there are many points where you can stop for a nice picnic lunch, or you can visit a farm and join the lunch with the family. In the afternoon excursion to Satsamchorten and walk about 2 hours until the Tiger's Nest Monastery. Situated at 3000 m altitude is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites, which is said in the eighth century, Guru Padmasambhava arrived riding a tiger, was meditating in the cave for 3 months to ward off demons and spirits. Dinner.
Note: In the courtyard of the Paro Dzong is held in the spring (in 2009 April 5 to 9) The festival of Paros, with a procession of monks, ceremonies, concerts and the ancient dance of the traditional masks.
Day 13PARO - BANGKOK
In the morning transfer to the airport of Paro and fly line Druk Air (via India) to Bangkok. Arrival in the afternoon. Late evening departure back home
