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WILD TIMES SAFARIS IS AANGESLOTEN BIJ:
A 7-Day Safari to the Land of Happiness
A 7-Day Safari to the Land of Happiness
DAY 01: ARRIVAL IN PARO FLIGHT:
PARO/THIMPHU 55 km/2 hours
Upon arrival at Paro airport, welcome by our representative and departure by car to the country’s capital, Thimphu .
Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel.
Visit Kuensel Phodrang (Buddha Point) where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the city of Thimphu. This place is also famous for its very large statue of Buddha. If time permits
Kunsel Phodrang Hike:
Distance: approximately 1.5 hours
Altitude: 2,600 meters
Elevation gain: 200-300 meters
Level of difficulty: Easy hike
This hike is perfect for birdwatchers, who can enjoy panoramic views of the entire Thimphu valley and hike among colorful, fluttering prayer flags while admiring the blue sky as they climb the hill. This hike starts at the entrance to Kuenselphodrang Nature Park. As you walk up the trail, you will come across benches and kiosks. Take a few minutes to sit down and simply enjoy nature. Continuing up the gentle slope, you will gradually reach flat ground, as large as Changlimithang (Bhutan’s national football stadium). It is very peaceful at the top, despite the wind. Take the time to sit at the kiosk and enjoy the panoramic view of the city of Thimphu. Once you resume your hike, the trail descends towards the Changangkha region.
OR Visit the Chorten Memorial . The third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, had planned to build this chapel as a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it is both a memorial to the late king (“the father of modern Bhutan”) and a monument to world peace. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.
Please note that you can only take part in these activities if your flight lands before 2pm.
If time permits, around 6pm you can visit the Changlimithang Archery Grounds, located just behind the clock tower in the center of Thimphu. This is a charming and interesting place to watch the locals practicing their favorite and national sport, archery. (This is an activity organized by the locals and subject to their goodwill. We are not informed in the event of cancellation of the tournament, which may also occur at the last minute).
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 02: THIMPHU VALLEY
Breakfast at the hotel.
City tour:
To admire the view of the Thimphu Valley, you will drive to Sangay Gang View Point (2,685 m): thousands of prayer flags flutter in the wind…
Visit the National Institute for Traditional Medicine (open Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm and closed on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays)
Visit the Folk Heritage Museum , located in one of the oldest houses in Thimphu. You will see objects from the daily life of farmers since the Middle Ages. Some tools are still used in everyday life today. Bhutanese fabrics, local art and crafts are on display. ( Open Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Saturday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, closed on Sundays and public holidays)
Visit the School of Arts or Zorig Chusum . This is where knowledge of the 13 different forms of traditional Bhutanese art is passed on. In the past, parents were responsible for this task. The Institute offers courses ranging from 4 to 6 years of training to its students.
(Open Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, closed on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays)
Visit the authentic Bhutanese market created by an NGO that promotes indigenous crafts. This local organization has built several traditional bamboo huts that have been rented out as shops, and all the products sold here are mandated by the organization to be made in Bhutan. The minimal rent and low overheads allow small business owners to keep their businesses running and also provide local artisans with a platform to sell their handicrafts at very reasonable prices.
At the end of the day, visit Tashichho Dzong : This is a monastery-fortress that houses His Majesty’s throne room and other official offices. It is also the summer residence of the Chief Abbot. ( Open Monday to Friday from 5.30pm to 6.30pm, Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 5pm & closed on public holidays)
Please note that this is a busy day.
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 03: THIMPHU/PUNAKHA 86 km/03 hrs
After breakfast, departure for Punakha.
Early departure via the Dochu La Pass (3,088 meters), where you can admire some of the highest peaks on a clear day: Masagang (7,158 meters), Tsendagang (6,960 meters), Terigang (7,060 meters) and Gangkar Puensum (7,497 meters), the highest peak in the region.
Continue to Punakha.
Upon arrival, check into the hotel.
In the afternoon, walk to the Temple of the Divine Madman or Chimi Lhakhang .
Chimi Lhakhang hike, trip to the fertility temple
Distance: approximately 30-45 minutes.
Altitude: 1,500 meters
Elevation gain: 20 meters
Level of difficulty: easy
The Bhutanese term “Chemi” literally means “no dogs”. The 15th-century Buddhist master Drukpa Kinley (Divine Mad Man) reached this place while chasing the demon of Dochola, who had taken the form of a dog. It was here, on this spectacular hill, that the Divine Madman caught the demon, killed it, buried it and built a black stupa bearing the seal of evil. He left a piece of bamboo in the shape of a phallus and declared: “Later, on this hill that resembles a young woman, Brest, a temple will be built and this piece will represent me at that time to bless men and women with children and protection.” Indeed, a master known as Ngawang Chogyal, a cousin of Druk Kuenlay himself, built a temple on this same hill near the black stupa. Today, the temple, which has been renovated several times, houses a monastic school, and the piece of bamboo is used to bless people of all kinds who come seeking
blessing for the protection of children. More generally, the temple is known as the temple of fertility.
The trail to Chemi Lhakang takes about 25 minutes and crosses the farmland of the village of Lobesa. As you walk, you will have the opportunity to see farmers at work.
The “Divine Madman”, or “Drukpa Kinley”, is a deity associated with fertility. Childless couples make pilgrimages to this temple. The “Divine Madman” was an eccentric monk from the 16th century, famous for his many Rabelaisian folk tales.
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 04: PUNAKHA VALLEY
Breakfast at the hotel.
Walk in the countryside:
Through fields of chillies, cabbages and rice, along the river, to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten.
View of the Mo-Chu River and surrounding villages.
The highlight of your trip to the Punakha Valley will be a visit to Punakha Dzong in Punak Chhu, built on the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers, which are different colours.
Then visit Punakha Dzong , the town’s monastery-fortress, which served as a residence for monks.
It is the most beautiful dzong in Bhutan, built by the first Shabdrung (founder of Bhutan) in 1637. Strategically built at the junction of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, it has played an important role in the history of Bhutan.
The fortress has suffered damage from fire, earthquakes and floods over the centuries and has been completely restored by the king. Its restoration was carried out using traditional materials and techniques.
Explore the picturesque villages of Talo or Nobgang, the ancestral village of Bhutan’s queen mothers. The villages are scattered along a ridge above the Punakha Valley at an altitude of about 2,800 meters. The villages of Punakha are renowned for their neat and tidy appearance. The women here are particularly known for their beauty.
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 05: PUNAKHA / PARO VALLEY 127 km/04 hrs
Breakfast at the hotel.
Departure by road to Paro. Located at an altitude of 2,200 meters, this beautiful valley is steeped in myths and legends and is home to the country’s oldest temples and monasteries, as well as the National Museum. Mount Chomolhari (7,300 m) protects this valley. It is a very fertile valley where you will see many terraced rice fields.
Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.
Visit Dzong Ta , a six-storey circular building dating from the 17th century. It was once a watchtower but has since been converted into a National Museum. It houses a magnificent collection of thangkas, stamps, fabrics, weapons, statues and everyday objects.
Visit Dzong Rinpung, a fortress with many precious stones, which is the spiritual center of the Paro region. Along the wooden galleries, you will see paintings illustrating Buddhism.
Then, visit Kyichu Lhakhang , a very sacred town containing one of the oldest temples from the 7th century, built during the reign of the Tibetan king Songchen Gyampo, and stop at a typical farm.
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 06: PARO (Taktsang – 5 hours – round trip)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Let’s start the day with a visit to Taktsang Dzong , also known as the “Tiger’s Nest”. This four- to five-hour hike offers spectacular views of this sacred monastery perched on a cliff 900 meters above the valley floor. It is likely to be the highlight of your trip. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche, the father of Mahayana Buddhism in Bhutan, arrived at this spot on the back of a tigress and meditated in this monastery.
monastery. The original structure was damaged by fire in 1998 but, thanks to an intensive restoration campaign, it has been restored to its former glory.
Taktsang Monastery Hike (Tiger’s Nest)
Distance: approximately 5-6 hours
Altitude: 3,100 meters above sea level.
Elevation gain: 900 meters above the Paro Valley.
Difficulty: moderate.
The Tiger’s Nest monastery is one of the most sacred sites in all the Buddhist countries of the Himalayas. It is also Bhutan’s main icon for the outside world. “Every step you take is worth it” is the expression used by everyone who has visited Tiger’s Nest. For many spiritual people, it is a journey of the mind. So come and join the experience. After hearing the legendary stories associated with Tiger’s Nest and feeling the powerful energy, you will be a different person when you return.
The trail climbs steadily along the ridge and ends at the viewpoint above the monastery. It continues with steps to a waterfall and further into the interior of the monastery. The descent is via the same trail. During this hike, you can ride a horse up to the steps (optional and at an additional cost). For those who have the energy and desire to explore further, there are many other sacred monasteries around the main temple of Tiger’s Nest.
Please note that the Tiger’s Nest monastery is closed from 1pm to 2pm every day for lunch. The Taktsang cafeteria, located halfway up Tiger’s Nest, serves lunch, tea, snacks and fruit juices at reasonable prices. It is always a good idea to start the hike early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds.
The rest of the day can be spent strolling through the village streets, where many local craft shops will welcome you. This is an opportunity for your guide to give you a different perspective on Bhutanese craftsmanship.
Meal with a local family (optional – no extra charge) : this is an opportunity to participate in the daily life of a local family by sharing a meal. Communication will be limited (the family does not speak English), but smiles and gestures will allow you to create unforgettable memories and ” “. A visit to a farm is an opportunity to learn about and experience the real culture and lifestyle of the Bhutanese people, and to understand why and how they are so happy. Renowned for its authentic culture and ancient traditions, Bhutan is one of the few countries whose identity has been preserved for centuries.
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 07: DEPARTURE FROM PARO FLIGHT:
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to the airport to catch your flight to your next destination.