Tamzhing Phala Chhoepa

Day 1: Paro–Thimphu

Fly to Bhutan amid gentle terrains of the Greater Himalayas. For sure, your landing will be little rough but there is nothing much to worry.
At the Airport, you will be greeted by our guide and driver in traditional Bhutanese way. Then, you will be driven towards Thimphu.
After a breather in your hotel and brief lunch, you will visit the National Memorial Chorten which was built in honor of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Then, we will drive up to Kuenselphodrang Nature Park where the 169 feet bronze statue of Buddha Dordenma, Vajra Throne Buddha is located. It is one of the largest statues of Buddha in the world. You may also visit Traditional Handmade Paper Factory towards the evening.

You can enjoy the night walking around Thimphu.

Day 2: Thimphu

The capital city of Bhutan is the biggest town in Bhutan. It is a beautiful valley where people from across the country flock in. Today, we will be exploring this city. And we will begin the errand with a hike to Tango Monastery.
Tango Monastery is the only tertiary education center for Buddhist monks. It is also the seat of one of the highly revered Buddhist master known as HH Gyalsey Tenzin Rabgay.
This after, we will visit the majestic Trashichodzong which houses the office of His Majesty The King and other high ranking officials. We will also visit Takin Park to see the national animal of Bhutan, Takin. If time permits, we will visit Institute for Traditional Arts and Crafts and Centenary Farmers’ Market.

Day 3: Thimphu–Punakha

Your trip to Bhutan will be incomplete if you fail to visit Punakha. Thus, we will begin our journey early to Punakha today. It takes two hours from Thimphu to reach our destination. The western districts stood witness to scores of historical transitions of the country, even to the unification of the country, and Punakha has special significance.
As we travel, we will stop at Dochula and visit the Druk Wangyel Stupas. There are 108 stupas and these were built to commemorate the victory of the Indian militants in 2003. Her Majesty The Queen Mother, Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck commissioned the construction of these statues.
We will also be visiting Chimi Lhakhang at Sobsokha and offer our prayers. This temple is famous in the country for blessing with children for childless couples. Thus, it is known as the temple of fertility.
This afternoon, we will visit the Majestic Punakha Dzong, the erstwhile capital centre of Bhutan. Then we will visit the longest suspension bridge which is a few hundred meters away from the dzong. Our next stop will be at Changyul to see the ruins of Galem’s house.

Accommodation: Zhingkham Resort (or similar)

Day 4: Punakha-Bumthang

Traversing from the political realm to the spiritual heartland, the drive to Bumthang is an arduous one yet unfurls the natural wonders. The drive ascends us through varying vegetation that is temperate, sub-tropical and alpine.

Our highest driving point will be a mountain pass- Pelela at 3140 meters. From there we gradually take a descent to the floor of Bumthang valley often filled by dense fogs.
After crossing Trongsa, we drive by another mountain pass- Yotongla at 3550 meters.

On the way, the imposing Trongsa Dzong is seen nestling on a small hill, presenting it grandeur. During the time of civil wars, this dzong was considered as the powerhouse of eastern bloc. And it is from this very dzong that the first hereditary king of Bhutan held his office before sitting on the golden throne. Above the fortress is the ancient watch tower that overseers the dzong. However, it is now transformed to a museum designated to showcase belongings of the Kings of Bhutan.

Day 5: Bumthang

Today, we will witness one of the scared and unique festivals in Bhutan. This festival is called Tamzhing Phala Choedpa and it is a three-day annual event.
Tamzhing Lhakhang is remarkable for its direct connection to the Bhutanese tertön or treasure reveler and saint, Pema Lingpa (1450-1521) and his incarnations. The monastery is headed by the Venerable Lhalung Sungtrul Rinpoche who is considered to be the 11th direct reincarnation of Terton Pema Lingpa. The monastery has very ancient religious paintings of 1,000 Buddhas and 21 Taras (female form of Buddhistava). The temple was restored at the end of the 19th century.
The Tamzhing Phala Choepa festival is held in this monastery which follows the Peling tradition established by Terton Pema Lingpa.
After lunch, we will visit Kurjey Lhakhang, one of the most sacred monasteries in Bhutan. Built by the Guru Rinpoche in 1652, it houses a rock with his body imprint. Legend has it that Guru Rimpoche manifested as a Garuda to defeat the demon Shelging Karpo who had taken the form of a white lion.
Next, we will visit Jambay Lhakhang today. This temple was in 659 by Tibetan King Sontsen Gampo to pin down a demoness who was obstructing the spread of Buddhism. Come October, the Jambay Lhakhang Drup is one of the most colourful festivals in Bhutan.

Day 6: Bumthang-Paro

Today, we will be heading back to Paro via Wangdue valley. It is known as the valley of “ornamental speech” because of the local people’s innate ability to come up with verses that are elegant, poetic and meaningful. This valley was once governed from WangdueDzong which, unfortunately, was destroyed by fire and is being entirely rebuilt. The journey is also remarkable in that we pass through varying landscapes of immense beauty, adorned with numerous shades and hues of alpine flowers.

Day 7: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery

After a quick breakfast equipping everything recommended, we set on the most awaited segment of the tour. The toil of the day before comes to play as you hike to the Tiger’s Nest.
Etched precariously on a carve of a granite cliff at 3120 meters, almost 1000 meters above the valley floor, Taktsang is the cultural icon of Bhutan. It is for this particular attraction, tourists flock to Bhutan and pilgrims attempt to visit the monastery at least once in a lifetime, if not more.
A legend spells that the Indian Saint, Guru Padmasambhava, worshipped in the Buddhist world as the Second Buddha, flew to this location on the back of a tigress to tame the demon there.

The switch-back trail to Taktsang offers respite through picturesque vistas of nature, the opportunity to see the last horizon, the horizon beyond horizon and narration by the guide on many myth and legends of Bhutan continuing the hike in a pace unbothered by time.

After finishing the trail, the mind and body equally exhausted, you might want to get a trekker’s foot massage for a good night’s sleep. Another one could be taking a hot stone bath immersed in a wooden tub with local medicinal herbs offering a relaxing sensory journey.

And if you wish, we can visit the National Museum, the majestic Paro Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang. These three sites are very important monuments in Paro.

Day 10: Departure

Everything that begins must have a conclusion. Today, you will conclude your trip to Bhutan. We will pray for you and wish that you return some other day.
We will see you off at the Paro International Airport.

• Bhutan Royalties, tourist fees, Visa fees, and taxes.
• Accommodations in listed or similar hotels (pleasant hotels 3-4 star type) during the tour and in tents during the trek.
• All meals, including evening tea/coffee, etc throughout the trip.
• All land transfers, and sightseeing with entrance fees.
• Experienced Culture Tour Guide.
• Bottled water in the vehicle and other camp services.

NOT INCLUDED

• Flights in and out of Bhutan.
• Travel insurance, Drink, Visa fees, Laundry