Tourism Corporation LTD ITINERARY ITINERARY A LENS TO (11 DAYS) All Seasons all Year, 2021

HIS TRIP OFFERS a relaxed holiday be confirmed 100 days prior to Western Bhutan covering western Bhutan. Western arrival and are subject to any hotel Day One (Arrive Paro–) T Bhutan is known for its stunning supplement levied by the hotel Arriving at Paro International airport scenery, with rice paddies, apple orchards, for that particular festival. and upon clearing immigration and rivers flowing down the mountain valleys. Recommended for non-festival and customs, you will meet with Most of the houses are painted with traditional period: Thursday to Tuesday, or your guide and driver. Drive about designs and offer the visitor the opportunity Friday to Wednesday program. 1 hour 30 minutes to Thimphu to discover arts, architecture, and the day- • Paro Festival: March 23–28, 2021 (2,286m), the capital of Bhutan. to-day activities of the Bhutanese. The trip • Thimphu Festival: September After lunch at the hotel, visit the covers spectacular dzongs (fortresses) and 16–21, 2021 Memorial Chorten, built in 1974 in Paro, Thimphu, and . • October 17–27, 2021 in loving memory of the Third Programs during a festival period must Jambey Lhakhang Festival King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji T I B E T children learning and practicing the Bhutan’s most enchanting views. If weather T e r i Z o n g p h u G a n g M a s a n g G a n g ( 7 1 6 5 m )   G a n g ( T a b l e M o u n t a i n ) ancient arts and crafts of Bhutan. permits, from this pass, the breathtaking peaks G a n g c h h e n t a ( 6 8 4 0 m ) ( 7 3 0 0 m ) ( 7 5 5 4 m )  K u l h a   K a n g p h u G a n g r i T s e j a G a n g ( 6 8 3 3 m )  G a n g  G a n g h a r ( 7 5 5 4 m ) Zorig Chusum literally means the of Bhutan’s northern border can be viewed. G i e u G a n g ( 7 2 0 0 m )  • Laya ( 7 2 1 2 m ) P u e n s u m  ( 7 5 4 1 m )  K u n g P h u ( 6 5 3 2 m ) G A S A  thirteen traditional arts and crafts. At Dochula, you will also see a unique cluster T s e r i m K a n g ( 6 7 8 9 m )  K a n g r i ( 7 2 3 9 m )  M e l u n g h i J i c h u D r a k e  G a n g  Visit the Royal Textile Academy, of 108 Namgyel Khangzang Chortens that spiral ( 6 9 8 9 m ) K a n g Gasa W A N G D U E ( 7 0 0 0 m )  B u m • Gasa J h o m o l h a r i Tsachhu P H O D R A N G which provides an excellent up to the main Chorten known as the “Druk ( 7 3 1 4 m ) ( 6 5 2 6 m ) P A R O T r e m o Tango Goemba introduction about the techniques, Wangyal Khangzang Chortens”. Her Majesty The L a Chari Goemba P U N A K H A S I K K I M PUNAKHA Z e l e Drukgyel Dzong P e l e L a CHAMKHAR style of various textiles woven in Queen Mother, Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, L a D o c h u L a () Taktshang ( 3 3 0 0 m ) THIMPHU ( 3 0 5 0 m ) WANGDUE Nobding Y o t a n g L a Kyichu • the country along with exhibition dedicated these chortens as a tribute and G o m PHODRANG ( 3 4 0 0 m ) PARO L a C h e l i L a Gangte Goemba Kuenga Tanchhog Lhakhang Rabten of the national dress ‘gho’ for monument to the selfless service and visionary H A A ( 3 9 8 8 m ) Isuna • HAA • Phobjikha • Chhuzom T H I M P H U Zhemgang men and ‘kira’ for women. leadership of our Fourth King, His Majesty S i n c h e • Genekha L a Dobji Dzong Tingtibi • Visit the Handicraft Emporium . The Chortens are D o k a • Chapcha • Sankosh also a celebration of the stability and progress L a T S I R A N G which offers a wide range of S A M T S E • Bunakha Dagana Damphu colorful, hand woven textiles that His Majesty the King brought to the Dungna • • Chimakha • Lamidranga Chhukha • Sibsu C H H U K H A and other products. nation. These chortens are a new landmark • Chengmari Gedu • Sarphang • • Gelephu • Jumja • Samtse • Tala D A G A N A for travelers as they cross Dochula, the first Phuentsholing • • Rinchending I N D I A (Thimphu Festival) mountain pass into the interior of the country. WESTERN BHUTAN Sinchula • If you are traveling during the • Kalikhola Reaching the village of Sopsokha, you can period of the Thimphu festival, our walk about 20 minutes across the rice fields up compelling program showcases to the , . It was built Wangchuck, where a multi-storied and some of the most sacred and spectacular by Drukpa Kuenley (also known as the numerous paintings are exhibited providing dances performed by monks and laity, Divine Madman by the West). It is believed that an insight into . invoking the deities of Tantric Buddhism. childless women who visit the monastery will Visit Changangkha Lhakhang, an ancient The Black Hat Dance, the Lord of Cremation conceive after receiving the ‘wang’ (blessing). temple built in the thirteen century by Lam Phajo Dance, and the Drametse Drum Dance are Blessed with a temperate climate and Dugom Zhigpo, situated on a ridge above the city. just a few of the main dances you could drained by the Phochu and Mochu rivers, is Visit the Takin Preserve, where you can see witness. The order of the sightseeing will the fertile valley of Punakha. The District has the national animal of Bhutan (Takin). be changed as government institutions will hosted several historical events such as: It In the evening, you will visit be closed such as the National Library. was the Capital of Bhutan since 1651 till 1956. (the fortress of the glorious religion). Tashichho If your visit falls from Friday till Sunday, The First King, Gongsar Dzong houses His Majesty’s Secretariat and then visit the weekend vegetable market held was enthroned in 1907 and the first session the Central Monk Body. You can see the at the Centenary Farmers Market. The market of the National Assembly was held in 1955. It National Assembly building across the river. provides an opportunity to mingle with the is still the winter residence of His Holiness Day Two (Thimphu Tour) Visit the National local people and sample local organic produce. the (Chief Abbot of Bhutan) and Library, established in the 1960s, which Local arts and crafts are also available. Zhung Dratshang (the Central Monk Body). holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist Day Three (Thimphu–Punakha Sightseeing) manuscripts and a small collection of books. The first stop after leaving Thimphu isDochula Central Bhutan Institute of Zorig Chusum (commonly known pass at 10,007 ft. (23km from Thimphu–45 Day Four (Punakha–Bumthang) Proceed as the Painting School) where you can see young minutes’ drive), where you can see one of to Trongsa, via Wangduephodrang, which is located on a ridge that plunges into the K h a r c h u n g Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Bumthang (2,800m) is one of the most G A S A C h i s a n g a n g R i ( 6 0 5 0 m ) L a Thanza •   T I B E T Park, which divides western spectacular valleys in Bhutan and also the  G a n g h a r  L h o b r a k • Laya • Bhutan from central Bhutan. heartland of Buddhism. Here, the great teachers Thega P u e n s u m M e l u n g h i L a G a n g C h u r a G a n g ( 7 5 4 1 m ) GASA ( 7 0 0 0 m ) ( 6 5 0 0 m ) Cross Nikka Chu Bridge to enter meditated and left in their wake many sacred W A N G D U E L H U E N T S E the heavily cultivated Trongsa grounds. Guru Rimpoche and his of Tashithang • P H O D R A N G Lhuentse B U M T H A N G Tangmachu • regions in central Bhutan. Beside Tertons, the treasure discoverers, have laid to P U N A K H A Khaine Toktu Zampa • Tamshing Rinchhu • • Dawakha Goemba Lhakhang the stream, is the white stupa– the sprouting of many temples in the valley. Kurje Lhakhang R o d a n g L a • Dodna • Tseshinang Jakar ( 4 1 6 0 m ) PUNAKHA P e l e L a (Chamkhar) Chenebji Chendebji Chorten–built in the ( 3 3 0 0 m ) Y o t a n g L a Day Five (Bumthang Tour) Start the tour • Membartsho ( 3 4 0 0 m ) Gangte S h e r t a n g L a 19th century and designed similar WANGDUE Goemba TRONGSA • of the valley with a visit to . THIMPHU ( 3 5 7 3 m ) PHODRANG Gaytsa • Ura • T h r u m s h i n g to Stupa in Phobjikha This monastery was built in the 7th century • L a ( 3 8 0 0 ) T H I M P H U T R O N G S A Kuenga Sengor • Nepal, that stands below the road Rabten MONGAR by the Tibetan King, . It as testimony to the subjugation T S I R A N G M O N G A R is one of the 108 monasteries built by him Zhemgang Dagana Nabji of a demon by Lam Shida. to subdue evil spirits in the Himalayan Damphu D A G A N A Visit built in 1647 region. Its present architectural appearance S A R P A N G Dagapela • by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. dates from the early 20th century. Lamidranga • Z H E M G A N G This Dzong is a labyrinth of temples, C H H U K H A Sarphang • Gelephu • (Jambay Lhakhang Festival) Nganglam • corridors and offices holding court I N D I A If attending the Jambay Lhakhang festival, CENTRAL BHUTAN over the local community. An architectural masterpiece, it is Jambay Lhakhang fire blessing is the night built on many levels into the sides before the first full day of dances. At night, Puna Tsang River flowing below. Sitting atop of the hill, and can be seen from every approach devout Buddhist pass through a burning arch the ridge with a commanding view of the to Trongsa, declaring its strength and majesty. that removes all obstacles within their lives and valleys below is the Wangduephodrang Dzong Continue your drive to Bumthang across increases longevity, luck, and power. Prior to (recently caught fire in June 2012. Plans are the Yotong La Pass (3,425m). Enroute stop the lighting of the arch, a high lama performs a there to reconstruct the Dzong). The district at Zungney (2,750m) to see the traditional cleansing ceremony throwing blessed mustard of Wangduephodrang is also famous for its weavings of Yathra–the woolen fabric seeds outside the temple area to expel evil spirits bamboo products, slate and stone carvings. in numerous colors and patterns. and consecrate the grounds. The next morning, Drive across Pelela Pass (3,400m) through you may see the Black Hat dancers perform the Palace which has now been in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. The

T I B E T Z o n g p h u G a n g T I B E T converted to a museum. Dzong served as the religious and administrative ( T a b l e M o u n t a i n ) M a s a n g G a n g ( 7 5 5 4 m ) ( 7 1 6 5 m ) After visiting the museum, center of Bhutan until the mid-1950s. It was G i e u G a n g G a n g h a r C h i s a n g a n g R i ( 7 2 0 0 m ) P u e n s u m ( 6 0 5 0 m ) here that the dual system of government was • Laya ( 7 5 4 1 m ) drive the same way and G A S A C h u r a G a n g M I K K I S ( 6 5 0 0 m ) J i c h u D r a k e  GASA enroute, visit introduced in the early 17th century and where ( 6 9 8 9 m ) Merbartsho L H U E N T S E J h o m o l h a r i the Bhutanese enthroned the First King. ( 7 3 1 4 m )  LHUENTSE  (Burning Lake), which BHUTAN T H I M P H U TRASHI YANGTSE T R O N G S A Chorten THIMPHU B U M T H A N G Kora is actually a wide spot Day Nine (Punakha–Paro) In Paro, • Gangtok  P U N A K H A CHAMKHAR Gom I N D I A P A R O  Kora D o c h u L a P e l e L a (JAKAR) ( A R U N A C H A L ( 3 0 5 0 m ) Y o t a n g L a T R A S H I C h e l i L a Simtokha ( 3 3 0 0 m ) in the Tang Chhu. visit (the fortress on a PARO  PUNAKHA ( 3 4 0 0 m ) Y A N G T S E P R A D E S H ) ( 3 9 8 8 m )   S h e r t a n g L a Rhadi •  ( 3 5 7 3 m ) HAA  TRONGSA Rangjung • • MONGAR heap of jewels). The Dzong was built by WANGDUE T h r u m s h i n g  Darjeeling  Drametse TRASHIGANG Terton found H A A PHODRANG L a ( 3 8 0 0 ) W A N G D U E Goemba T R A S H I G A N G P H O D R A N G M O N G A R Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1646.  ZHEMGANG several of Guru Rimpoche’s • D A G A N A Kalimpong Z H E M G A N G C H H U K H A S A M D R U P hidden (treasures) here. S A M T S E P E M A G A T S H E L J O N G K H A R (Paro Festival) T S I R A N G S A R P A N G SAMDRUP A wooden bridge crosses the Phuentsholing • JONGKHAR  If you are traveling at the time of the Paro •Manas river and is a good vantage W E S T A S S A M B E N G A L • festival, our compelling program showcases • I N D I A Guwahati point to look down into the Siliguri lake. The importance of the site the Paro festival with its sacred dances is indicated by the extensive performed by monks and laity, invoking the re-enactment of the murder of the anti-Buddhist array of prayer flags and the small clay offerings deities of Tantric Buddhism. A popular one king, a fast-moving victory dance that dates to called Tse Tsa in rock niches. It is believed that is the sacred Black Hat Dance, which re- the 9th century. The Jambay Lhakhang festival is Terton Pema Lingpa had a vision about hidden enacts the death of the anti-Buddhist King, one of the most popular fall festivals in Bhutan. treasures to be found at the foot of Tang valley and symbolizes victory over the enemy. The Visit , consisting of three as prophesied many centuries ago by Guru festival takes place in the Rinpung Dzong. temples. The one on the right was built in 1652 Rimpoche. The people of Tang and the local ruler Drive to the end of the valley and visit the on the rock face where Guru at that time was cynical about it, therefore, Pema ruins of Drugyel Dzong. It was built by Zhabdrung meditated in the 8th century. The middle Lingpa held a butter lamp in his hand and jumped Ngawang Namgyel in 1649 to commemorate temple is built on the site of a cave containing into the lake. He remained there for a long time Bhutan’s victory over the Tibetan invaders. a rock with the imprint of Guru’s body. The and re-emerged holding a chest and a scroll of Enroute to Paro town, visit . temple on the left was built in the 1990s by paper as well as the butter lamp which was still Kyichu Lhakhang is said to have been built by Her Majesty The Royal Grandmother, Ashi burning bright. Thereafter, the lake was known King Songtsen Gampo of . It is believed Kesang Wangmo Wangchuck. These three as Mebartsho (the burning lake).This is one of that it holds down the left foot of an ogress, temples are surrounded by a 108 chorten wall. the many sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites. so large that it covers Bhutan and most of Visit . According to legend, in 1549, Take a day trip to visit Ura, south-east of eastern Tibet. It is one of the 108 temples built when the assembled to select a site for a Jakar, which is the highest of the four valleys by the Tibetan King in one day throughout the monastery, a big white bird rose suddenly in the in Bumthang. Ura valley is about 48 kms, an region of the Himalayas; according to legend. air and settled on a hill. This was interpreted hour and a half drive from the main town. Wide The temple also houses a museum dedicated as an important omen, and the hill was chosen open spaces characterize the valley that sits to late Rimpoche and hosts a as the site for a monastery–Jakar Dzong, which in the shadow of the Thrumsingla Pass, which range of artefacts belonging to the Rimpoche. roughly translates as ‘Castle of the White Bird’. separates the east from the west of the Kingdom. Day Ten (Paro Tour) Day hike to Taktsang Tamshing Lhakhang is located opposite Ura village and its monastery are a charming Monastery. Taktsang meaning “Tiger’s Nest”, Kurjey Lhakhang on the other side of the stop before the climb to the east. Clustered is built around a cave in which Guru Rimpoche river. This temple was founded in 1501 by houses and cobbled streets provide Ura village a (also known as Guru Padmasambhava) Terton Pema Lingpa, the re-incarnation medieval feel yet a very attractive atmosphere. meditated. The monastery clings seemingly of Guru Padmasambhava. The monastery Visit Ura lhakhang which will give you the impossible to a cliff at 914m above the valley floor. has very ancient religious paintings like notion on the lifestyle of central Bhutanese For the local people it is a place of the 1,000 Buddhas and 21 Taras (female people. Stop at some local houses in the Ura pilgrimage, but for a tourist, a hike up to form of Buddhisatava). The temple was village to see the daily ways of the villagers. the viewpoint opposite the monastery is restored at the end of the 19th century. exhausting, thrilling and mystical. Legend Day Six (Bumthang Tour Day excursion) Western Bhutan has it that Guru Rimpoche is said to have EITHER to Tang valley or Ura village. Tang is the Day Seven (Bumthang–Punakha) Drive flown to the site of the monastery on the back most remote of Bumthang’s valleys. From Jakar it to Punakha. Enroute visit Trongsa museum, of a tigress and meditated in the cave. is a 10km drive past the Dechenpelrithang sheep an ancient watch tower, which has now been Day Eleven (Departure) Transfer and farm to an unpaved road that leads to the north. converted to a museum. It was built by Chogyal departure from Paro International Airport. The road passes Chel, Pema Lingpa’s birth place, Minjur Tempa, the first Governor of Trongsa. where there is a small chorten, but no longer a It provides the visitor an insight into the Land price per person: $2840 per person, village. The road continues past the school at significance of Trongsa in the . sharing a room. Single supplement: $400 per Rimochen to Mishitang, 15km from the paved Day Eight (Punakha Sightseeing) Drive person. Minimum of two people to operate the trip. road. The ground continues further towards towards Nezergang and hike about 1 hour The package rate given above is the Gamling and on to a sheep breeding project at 30 minutes to Khamsum Yueley Namgyel minimum rate applicable per tourist per Wobtang, but it gets rougher the further it goes. Chorten, built by The Queen Mother, Her night in Bhutan. Any additional services or On the hillside above the west side of the Majesty Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck a higher grade room/hotel would contribute valley is Kunzandrak goemba which was in 1999 for the protection of the country to a higher cost for the package. founded by Pema Lingpa. The monastery can and universal peace in the world. be viewed from the road. Upon reaching Tang, Visit located strategically at the take an hour’s hike up to the old Ugyenchholing junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, built NOT INCLUDED: • Far Fung Places: Service fee for

T I B E T Z o n g p h u G a n g T I B E T handling your booking for Bhutan Tourism ( T a b l e M o u n t a i n ) • Airfares M a s a n g G a n g ( 7 5 5 4 m ) ( 7 1 6 5 m ) Corporation Ltd (BTCL): $325 per person. G i e u G a n g G a n g h a r C h i s a n g a n g R i • Insurance premiums ( 7 2 0 0 m ) P u e n s u m ( 6 0 5 0 m ) • Laya ( 7 5 4 1 m ) Includes prepayments to BTCL, wire transfer M I K K I S G A S A C h u r a G a n g  • Cost incurred due to J i c h u D r a k e GASA ( 6 5 0 0 m ) ( 6 9 8 9 m ) BHUTAN fees, visa and processing, coordinating your J h o m o l h a r i L H U E N T S E weather, strikes, and so on… ( 7 3 1 4 m ) DZONGKHAGS LHUENTSE  booking with BTCL including Druk Airlines and/ T H I M P H U TRASHI YANGTSE T R O N G S A Chorten THIMPHU B U M T H A N G Kora • Tips & bellboy charges • Gangtok  P U N A K H A CHAMKHAR Gom I N D I A or Bhutan Airlines, providing pre-trip support, P A R O D o c h u L a  Kora P e l e L a (JAKAR) T R A S H I ( A R U N A C H A L ( 3 0 5 0 m ) ( 3 3 0 0 m ) Y o t a n g L a C h e l i L a Simtokha PARO  PUNAKHA ( 3 4 0 0 m ) Y A N G T S E P R A D E S H ) • The higher grade/luxury ( 3 9 8 8 m )   S h e r t a n g L a and answering questions prior to your trip. Toll- Rhadi •  ( 3 5 7 3 m ) HAA  TRONGSA Rangjung • • MONGAR WANGDUE T h r u m s h i n g  hotels are Taj Tashi, Zhiwa Darjeeling  Drametse TRASHIGANG H A A PHODRANG L a ( 3 8 0 0 ) free number for your convenience (USA only). W Goemba A N G D U E T R A S H I G A N G P H O D R A N G M O N G A R  ZHEMGANG Ling, Uma (Paro & Punakha), • D A G A N A • Cancellation charges: Tour program Kalimpong Z H E M G A N G C H H U K H A S A M D R U P S A M T S E Le Meridien (Paro, Thimphu), P E M A G A T S H E L J O N G K H A R T S I R A N G booked and subsequently canceled shall S A R P A N G SAMDRUP Six Senses, DusitD2 (Thimphu), Phuentsholing • JONGKHAR  be subject to cancelation charges based on •Manas W E S T A S S A M Dhensa Resort, Drupchhu Resort (Dzongkhags–the 20 B E N G A L • total land/air program and service fee: I N D I A Adminstrative Areas • Guwahati (Punakha), Amankora Lodges, Siliguri ‘States’ of Bhutan) and other deluxe properties. a. For cancelations received on or before 60 days prior to date of arrival: 50% Druk Airlines: from $1000 per person • Except for Amankora b. For cancelation received less than round-trip from Bangkok to Paro. Lodges, the hotels all are based on bed and 60 days from the date of arrival: 75% Druk Airlines from other gateway breakfast only. Supplemental charge for c. For cancelation received less than cities: prices available upon request. lunch, dinner, and superior category of room requested will be applicable as per 45 days/no shows/early departures INCLUDED: their rates for non-packaged tours. after arrival in Bhutan: 100% • Bhutan tourist visa d. All cancelations have to be sent in written 3-Star hotels & resorts form (fax/e-mail) before the stipulated time. • All meals [B, L, D] • Due to severe cancelation and interruption • Tax & tariff penalties, we highly recommend travel insurance. • All transportation • Due to the ongoing Covid-19 situation, we also recommend Cancel • Professional guide for Any Reason travel insurance. • All entrance fees • Visa processing fee $4

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