Trashigang Tshechu

Day 1: Arrival

We will come to greet you at Guwahati International Airport, in the Indian state of Assam, located on the south shore of the Brahmaputra River.
We will leave Guwahati along busy roads packed with cars, street hawkers, and rickshaws, cross the Brahmaputra River and continue across the Indian plain of Assam. Samdrup Jongkhar is about four hour drive from Guwahati town.
We will enter Bhutan, complete the immigration process at the border, and check in at your hotel.
In the evening, you may have a leisure walk in the small town of Samdrup Jongkhar.

Accommodation: Mountain Lodge (or similar)

Day 2: Samdrup Jongkhar-Trashigang
Today, we will have to travel long hours. Distance is not that long but narrow roads and poor road conditions will hamper speedy travel. So, we will have an early breakfast and begin our journey.

We will be cutting through dense forest that looks fresh and virgin. You will see many birds and different wild animals on the way. We will have a brief recess at Barshong Lhakhang. There, we will offer our prayers to have a safe journey ahead.
In the morning, you may have an orientation walk.

Accommodation: Deojong Hotel (or similar)

Day 3: Trashigang Tshechu

Today, we will be going to the majestic dzong and witnessing the very sacred annual festival.
Trashigang Tshechu is an annual festival that is considered one of the major events in eastern Bhutan. The festival attracts a lot of attention and spectators as it is known for its spiritual importance comprising of various sacred masked dances and cultural folk songs and dances. The festival witnesses a huge congregation of people from all over the eastern region. Even the nomads from places like Merak and Sakteng march to the Tshechu ground in their unusual and unique attires.

The best part of the three-day festival is the unfurling of two major important Thongdrols, large tapestries. One is of the eight manifestations of Guru Padmasambhava and another of the Sixteen Arhats (Neten Chudrug). The sight of the festival is something to behold with the masked dancers adorned with intricately carved and painted masks and dressed in silk and brocade while the people dressed in their textile-rich dresses and women bejeweled with traditional Bhutanese jewelry.

Accommodation: Deojong Hotel (or similar)

Day 4: Trashiyangtse Excursion

After breakfast, we will travel towards Trashiyangtse. We will first visit Gomphu Kora Lhakhang. Around 22 km from Trashigang, this temple is extraordinarily picturesque, surrounded by terraced rice fields. It is said that Guru Rimpoche mediated here and left a body imprint on the rock. It is also believed that Guru Rimpoche subdued an evil dragon here cruising into the rock leaving imprints of the dragon’s body and its hat.

The temple was built in the 17^th century by Chogyel Minjur Tempa. There are many sacred relics in this two-story temple and the murals are said to date from its original construction period.
We will then proceed towards Yangtse to visit the Chorten Kora. This giant stupa is one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan; built-in 1740 by Lama Ngawang Loday in honor of his uncle Jungshu Pesan.

History has it that it was also built to subdue the demon that lived, where the Chorten stands today. Village legend also has it, that a young girl from Tawang believed to be a “Khando” (Dakini) agreed to be buried alive inside the chorten, for this very reason a ritual called “Dakpa Kora’ is ordered every year, which is witnessed by 1000 of people from Bhutan and neighboring areas like Arunachal Pradesh in India.

From there, we will also travel to Bumdeling which is one of the winter habitats of Black-necked Cranes. Towards the evening, we will travel back to Trashigang.

Accommodation: Deojong Hotel (or similar)

Day 5: Trashigang-Bumthang

We have a very long journey ahead today. Thus, we will have to rise early and begin our journey.
We will stop for a while at Mongar town for a brief recess. From there, we will be heading toward Lingmithang to visit the ruins of Druk Zhongkhar Dzong. The ruin of Zhongar Dzong endures to this day as a testimony to the skill of its builders, most notably the renowned master craftsman, Zowo Balip. It is located on a hilltop overlooking the village of Themnangbi and is visible as one descends to Lingmenthang or ascends the highway. Constructed in the 17th century, the Dzong is believed to have been built at a site where the master architect Zow Balip saw a white bowl. A visit to the ruins can be a memorable experience and will give you a sense of the medieval Bhutanese administration.
Our lunch will be at Yongkala.

Accommodation: Gongkhar Lodge

Day 6: Bumthang Excursion

Upon reaching the spiritual heartland of the country, one is greeted by many temples and stupas dotting the sprawling plains of Bumthang. Bumthang gets its name from its geographical feature; it translates as the- valley of thousand plains.

Retracing history, Bumthang was a dwelling of the Great Kings and the evil powers. Considering thousands of myths and legends that embrace the valley about the Kings and evil powers, it is claimed that the advent of Buddhism sprang in Bumthang. It was after the invitation of a sick King that a Great Saint of India, Guru Padmasambhava visited Bhutan dating back to the 7th century. The saint also brought Buddhism to Bhutan at a time of lawlessness.

Going by history, the real treat of the valley is its temples and palaces that were built as early as the 7th century which are conserved and religiously intact. With one look at these temples, we can conclude that the Bhutanese are an exceedingly pious lot.

Some interesting places to visit are sacred sites that were built on caves possessing body imprints on a rock of the Great Indian Saint Guru Padmasambhava and a burning lake harboring a legendary tale. On the tour, we also visit the Palace of our Kings now transformed into a religious center.

In the morning, we will hike to the Tamshing Goemba, built-in 1501 by the Buddhist saint Pema Lingpa. We will also visit Kurjey Lhakhang (left-bottom), one of the most sacred monasteries in Bhutan. Built by the Guru Rinpoche in 1652, it houses a rock with its 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.

We will also visit Jambay Lhakhang, built 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 colorful festivals in Bhutan.

In the afternoon, we will hike up to Thangbi Valley, crossing a suspension bridge to visit the Thangbi Lhakhang built in the 14th century via an unpaved road.

You may have a leisurely walk in the evening.

Accommodation: Gongkhar Lodge

Day 7: Bumthang-Punakha

Today, we will leave Bumthang for Punakha.
En route, we will visit Trongsa Dzong and Ta Dzong. The Trongsa Dzong, which was built in 1644, used to be the seat of power of the Wangchuck dynasty before they became rulers of Bhutan in 1907. Traditionally, the King of Bhutan first becomes the Trongsa Penlop (governor) before being named the Crown Prince and eventually the King. Built on a mountain spur high above the gorges of the Mangde Chhu, the dzong controlled east-west trade for centuries. Trongsa also boasts an impressive museum. The watchtower of Trongsa has been converted into a museum dedicated to the Wangchuck dynasty and is a good place to learn about the history of the kingdom.
And also, if time permits, we will visit the reconstruction site of Wangduephodrang Dzong.

Accommodation: Zingkham Resort.

Day 8: Punakha-Thimphu

After breakfast, we will visit the Punakha Dzong which stands at the confluence of two rivers. This Dzong has been inextricably linked with momentous occasions in Bhutanese history. It served as the capital of the country from 1637 to 1907 and the first national assembly was hosted here in 1953. Punakha Dzong is not only the second oldest and second largest dzong but it also has one of the most majestic structures in the country.

As we leave for Thimphu after visiting Punakha Dzong, we will stop for a while at Sobsokha to visit Chhimi Lhakhang, the temple of fertility.

Then, we will stop at Dochula Pass to Druk Wangyel Stupas. Here, there are 108 stupas and it was built under the command of Her Majesty the Queen Mother, Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, to celebrate the victory over Indian Militants in 2003.

Accommodation: Hotel Tara Phendeyling

Day 9: Thimphu-Paro

We have a few important places to visit before leaving for Paro. First, we will visit the National Memorial Chorten which was built to commemorate the life of His Majesty The Third King of Bhutan. Then, we will drive to Buddha-point where the tallest Buddha Dordenma Statue stands. It is almost 169 feet tall and it is considered the largest Buddha Dordenma Statue in the world. Our next visit will be to Takin Park to see the national animal of Bhutan, the Takin.

After lunch, we will travel to Paro.

At Paro, we will visit Rimpung Dzong and the National Museum. Rimpung Dzong was constructed first in the 15^th century by a Buddhist saint called Pha Drung Drung. The present structure was constructed in the 17^th century during the time of Zhabdrung Rimpoche. It is believed that the dzong stands on a heap of jewels.
Just above the Dzong, the National Museum stands tall overlooking the beautiful Paro Valley. It was a watch tower in the oldest days. Today, it has been converted into a museum.

Accommodation: Bhutan Mandala Resort

Day 10: Taktsang Hike

Today, we will hike to the Guru’s Glory. Taktsang or Tiger’s Nest is considered one of the holiest sites in the entire Buddhist faith. Taktsang has been an important pilgrimage place for more than 1200 years. The monastery clings to a sheer cliff two thousand feet above Paro valley. You’ll be able to venture to multiple temples inside the main Taktsang complex. Stop over for lunch at the teahouse on the way back, a paradise for photographers! Apart from the stunning view, you’ll cast your eyes over waterfalls, meditation caves, prayer wheels, many prayer flags, and stupas.

While coming back to the hotel, we will visit Kyichu Lhakhang. This temple is considered one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, believed to be built in the 7^th century.
You may have a leisure walk in the evening and buy some gifts and souvenirs.

Accommodation: Bhutan Mandala Resort

Day 11: Departure

The journey that begins must end. Thus, today, you will leave Bhutan you’re your country. We will drop you at the airport and bid you farewell there. We hope you had a great time in the land of happiness.

• Bhutan Royalties, tourists 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 through-out the trip.
• All land transfers, sightseeing with entrance fees.
• Experienced Culture Tour Guide.
• Bottled water in the vehicle and other camp serivce.

NOT INCLUDED

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