Bhutan - 7 Day Introduction

  Bhutan

Paro

Dates: Private Departures only

Description: Marco Polo may have known it as "Bootan", today we call it Bhutan, but it is "Druk Yul' (land of the thunder dragon) to the people who live in this wonderful country, and they are known as the Drukpas. The country is open to the world, but only just, they do not want mass tourism, so the government have set high fixed rates.

Bhutan is roughly the size of Switzerland, located between Tibet to the north and India to the west, east and south. Set near the eastern end of the Himalayas with the Indian states of West Bengal and Assam in the south, Darjeeling and Sikkim to the west and Arunachal Pradesh in the east. A land of soaring snow capped peaks, alpine meadows and densely forested hills and valleys abounding in exotic flora and fauna. From May to August, the hills are covered with a great variety of flowers, decorating the waterfalls and streams as they gush past in wild abandon.

The People - Most Bhutanese are of Mongoloid stock, who originally migrated into and settled the country in the 7th Century AD. A nomadic and pastoral society at first, they gradually turned to agriculture in the fertile valleys. Warlords, feuds, giant fortresses and castles was the disorder of the day, throughout medieval times and until the 17th century. At this time a Tibetan Lama introduced order and unified the land. The kingdom's recent history begins with a hereditary monarchy that was founded in the 20th century and continued the country's policy of isolationism.

Highlights: Day 1. Arrival at Paro International Airport. Depart by Druk Air, the Bhutanese national airline to the airport near Paro. During the journey to Paro, you may experience breath taking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Mount Chomolhari and Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by representatives of Muir's Tours who will escort you to your hotel. D.

Day 2. Paro ' Sightseeing. Morning: Drive to Drugyal Dzong (a ruined fortress - 16 km away from Paro town). Although in ruins, this Dzong is of great historical importance. It was here that the Bhutanese finally defeated the invading Tibetans and drove them back. The peak of Mount Chomolhari (7,329m) "Abode of the Goddess Chomo" can be seen on a clear day. On the way back our guests will visit a typical Bhutanese farmhouse. Lunch at the hotel.

Afternoon: Visit the National Museum (Ta-Dzong). This was actually the Watch Tower of the Paro Rinchen Pong Dzong. It was converted into the National Museum in 1968. It is located on the top of a hill above the Paro Dzong overlooking Paro valley and the river. Visit Paro Rinchen Pong Dzong which was built in 1645. This massive fortress is located in the Paro valley and is approached by a gently sloping flagstone road and a beautiful covered wooden bridge and guard houses. Today, the Dzong is the Administrative seat of the district of Paro and it also contains a state monastic community of about 200 monks. The central tower (Utse) of the Dzong, is one of the most beautiful in Bhutan with its superb woodwork.

Evening: Tea at the hotel and drive to Thimphu (Capital). This 2 hour drive snakes along the Paro and Thimphu rivers offering gorgeous scenic views at every turn. Overnight in Thimphu. B, L, D.

Day 3. Thimphu ' Sightseeing. Morning : Visit the Memorial Chorten (a huge stupa) built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned over the Kingdom from 1952-1972. Visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved. Visit the Painting School where traditional art is still kept alive through instructions in the art of painting thankas (sacred Buddhist scrolls). Visit the Handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts and crafts are displayed and can be purchased.

Lunch at the hotel

Afternoon: Visit Simtokha Dzong. It was built in 1629 and is one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan. It also houses the largest monastic school in the country. Visit Tashichho Dzong - the main Secretariat Building. This massive structure houses part of the Ministries, the office of the King and the Throne Room. It also houses the State Monastic Body and the living quarters of the Chief Abbot.

Visit Pangri Zampa Monastery which is situated just beyond Dechencholing (5kms. from Thimphu ). This Lhakhang was the residence of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel when he arrived in Bhutan in 1616 A.D. The Monastery was built during the first quarter of the 16th century by Ngawang Chogyel, the great-great- grandfather of the Shabdrung and the 14th hierarchy of the Drukpas.

Evening: Reception by our tour operator with cultural entertainment. B, L, D.

Day 4. Thimphu - Punakha/Wangdiphodrang (77 km). After an early breakfast, drive to Punakha and Wangdi. On the way halt at Dochula for a hot cup of tea / coffee and take in a spectacular view of the eastern Himalayas. Stay overnight at the plush Zangto Pelri Hotel in Punakha.

Lunch at the hotel.

After lunch, visit the Punakha Dzong which was built in 1637 and houses the district administration offices. It is also the winter residence of the State Monastic Body and its Chief Abbot. Punakha was the former capital of Bhutan. The Dzong (fortress) lies between two rivers known as Pochu and Mochu which means "Male River and Female River." Visit Wangdiphodrang Dzong which was built in 1638 and is 13 km from Punakha. Wangdiphodrang Dzong and its small town is perched on a hill between two rivers. This is another District Administration Office housed in a fortress. Stay overnight at Zangto Pelri Hotel. B, L, D.

Day 5. Punakha ' Khotokha. After an early breakfast, drive 21kms to Khotokha and visit Drajanchu monastery which is one of the most sacred and important Lhakhang (temple) of Tongdey Phajo's tradition. There are about six other important Lhakhangs including several sacred and holy pilgrimage spots of Guru Rimpoche and Drukpa Kunley. There is a Drupchu (spring water) believed to be a gift from the Khandoma (angel). The waters are said to have healing powers. Khotokha is one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan and the view of the surrounding mountains and landscape is breathtaking. Picnic lunch at Khotokha and return to Thimphu.

Evening: Visit Thimphu for shopping. If the day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, visit the weekend vegetable market or relax in Thinphu's modern health club and beauty parlor. "Sakten Health Club and Salon" where sauna, steam, gymnasium facilities are available as well as full beauty treatment, including hair dressing, skin care (with pure herbal products) and body massage services. For our guests the Health Club facilities (sauna, steam, gymnasium) are free and beauty services will be at concessional rates.

Day 6. Thimphu ' Paro. After an early breakfast, drive back to Paro to take a short trek to Taktsang Monastery (10 km) from Paro Town. The name Taktsang means "Tiger's Nest". The monastery is perched on a rocky ledge with a sheer drop of nearly 800m. and overlooks the Paro Valley and river. It is believed during the second half of the 8th century Guru Padma Sambhava known as the second Buddha in Bhutan, meditated at the spot where the monastery is situated having alighted there on the back of a flying tigress.

Picnic Lunch at Taktsang cafeteria. The round trip hike takes about 4 hrs.

Evening: Free to stroll in Paro to shop or to visit some village homes. B, L, D.

Day 7. Paro - International Airport. Depart from Bhutan. B.

Best time to go: October & November for views or March / April for flowers

Cost in US$: From $1170

Participants Travel to Bhutan Independently

Post Services Include:

• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Nepal Kingdom Foundation & Muirs Tours's Mission Statement: The Nepal Kingdom Foundation was established in 1982 to develop community spirit and preserve the culture and traditions of the Nepalese people in the UK. In 1999 the objectives were extended to include development projects in Nepal to help the needy of one of the world's poorest countries. The not-for-profit tour operation - Muirs Tours was set up in July 1999 by the Nepal Kingdom Foundation as a means of raising funds for use in projects in Nepal and the Nepalese Community in the UK. From the outset Muirs Tours planned to provide trips to other places outside of Nepal and support to other charities. It currently supports the WWF, the John Muir Trust, Tourism Concern, Survival International, the Tibetan Government in exile, the American Indian Heritage Foundation as well as the Nepal Kingdom Foundation.

Year Founded: 1982 & 1999