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Winter Trek & Bird Watching |
Winter season is perhaps
the best opportune time to visit Bhutan and
experience a tranquil facade of the country not
usually seen by most visitors. Advent of winter
brings about peace and tranquility in the
region, as life in Bhutan settles down quietly
in preparation of the winter months. One can
truly appreciate the natural beauty at this time
of the season, with crystal clear view of the
snow-capped mountains against the backdrop of
bright azure sky. The fields in the valleys are
abounding with the colors of poinsettias and
green banana plants. The rooftops of the
villages are covered in red with hot chilies
drying in the winter sun, as the villagers pass
the time leisurely. It's a time of rest and
nature's way of rejuvenating ones body and the
spirit, with every breath of fresh air. It is
indeed a unique experience not to be missed.
This special program is a combination of
cultural tour, bird watching and trek lasting 9
days in Bhutan . Tour begins from Paro and
continues through Thimphu and Punakha. Then a
short three days trek which covers the lower
valley regions with elevation ranging from 4500
to 7350 feet. It is designed as a moderate trek
for anyone in good physical condition to
participate. A leisurely four - five hours daily
hike passes through villages with plenty of
opportunity to enjoy the scenery, and to
experience the hospitality of the local people.
The trek ends at Wangiphodrang followed by a
drive to Phobijikha to witness a rare glimpse of
the black-necked cranes, which migrate each
winter to this beautiful valley. Spend the night
at a traditional farm guesthouse, and early next
morning venture to a vantage point to see the
roosting grounds of the cranes. |
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Day 1 :
Arrive Bhutan. The flight from Bangkok to Paro
on Druk Air is a befitting introduction to
Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan . From a window seat
on clear days you can experience a spectacular
view of Bhutan 's snow capped peaks as you
approach Paro. On arrival you will be received
by our representative, and then drive you to
Thimphu the capital city Thimphu . Overnight at
Druk Hotel or Similar. |
Day 2 :
Thimphu Sightseeing. A visit to the Memorial
Chorten built in honor of the late King Jigme
Dorji Wangchuk, Dupthop Lhakhang ( Monastery for
the nuns), National Library and the painting
school where traditional art is still kept alive
through instructions in the art of painting
Thangkhas ( sacred Buddhist religious scrolls).
Visit the traditional Medicine institute where
medicines are prepared according to ancient
practices and return to the town for your lunch
break. After lunch you will visit Lungtenzampa
to observe the Royal traditional silver smiths
and Bhutanese traditional paper factory. Drive
south and visit Simtokha Dzong, the first Dzong
built by Shubdrung Nawang Namgyal. It is now
used as the Institute for study of traditional
teachings for the lay students. Return back to
hotel for overnight. |
Day 3 :
Thimphu - Punakha Leaving Thimphu the road
climbs steeply through a forest of pine and
cedar, festooned with hanging lichen high up
near Dochula pass (3,050 m). This pass offers
panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain
ranges, as we descend along a series of hairpin
bends to the fertile valley of Punakha (1,350
meters/ 4,430 feet). Before proceeding further
to Punakha town we will hike up to the Chimi
Lhakhang temple on a small hilltop. This temple
is dedicated to the great Yogi in 14th century
known as Drukpa Kuenley or popularly known as
"Divine madman" to the westerners. It is
believed that this temple blesses women who seek
fertility. After lunch we will proceed to
Punakha town to view the majestic Dzong (
fortress), situated between the two rivers Pho
Chu and Mochu (male and Female River). This
fortress is now used as the winter seat of the
Je Khenpo ( the Spiritual head of Bhutan ). In
the past this Dzong was the capital seat of the
Kingdom. After strolling through the town of
Punakha drive to hotel Meri Puensum or similar
for overnight. |
Day 4 :
Punakha - Limukha (TREK) After breakfast begin
your trek with gradual climb through chirpine
forests. Visit to Dompala village en route.
Overnight at camp. Distance 9 miles, takes about
4-5 hours. |
Day 5 :
Limukha - Chungsankha The trail takes you
through rhododendron and oak forested areas. En
route pass a famous Drukpa Kuenly Lhakhang.
Overnight at camp. Distance 9 miles about 4-5
hours of walk. |
Day 6 :
Chungsakha - Wangdi - Phobjikha The trail now
drops down until you arrive at the roadside.
Your car will pick you up and drive to Phobjikha
Valley situated at 9000 feet and is the winter
home to the endangered black-necked crane.
Overnight at a farm house. |
Day 7 :
Phobjikha - Thimpu - Paro Early morning visit
the roosting ground of the black necked crane
from a vantage you will be able to see hundreds
of cranes preparing to depart for hunt of food.
Return to the guesst house. After breakfast you
will resume your drive to Thimphu , You will
have couple of hours for shopping and will
resume drive to Paro. Overnight at hotel. |
Day 8 :
Paro Sightseeing - After breakfast your car will
drop you at the starting point of the excursion
to view the spectacular Taktsang monastery
(Tiger's lair). The trail to the monastery
climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of
the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an
occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. You
stop at the cafeteria for a rest and
refreshments and continue the hike (if not
tired) for short while until you see, clearly
and seemingly within reach, the remains of
Taktsang monastery. Built in 1600s, this
incredible monastery clings to the edge of a
sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into
the valley below. The history states that Guru
Padmasambhava, the Tantric mystic who brought
Buddhism to Bhutan , landed here on the back of
a flying tiger. Looking at the monastery flying
tigers doesn't seem so impossible after all.
Lunch will be served at the cafeteria. Afternoon
visit the National Museum of Bhutan, (Ta Dzong)
which contains works of art, handicrafts,
costumes, armor and rare stamps. Take a
leisurely hike down to Rimpung Dzong. You will
walk through a traditional covered bridge across
the river to your waiting car at the valley
floor and take you to the Hotel. Overnight at
hotel. |
Day 9 :
Depart Paro Bhutan - After breakfast drive
to the airport for your flight to Bangkok or
Kathmandu . |
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