Arrival
by Druk Air Paro
During this journey, one will experience breathtaking views of Mount Everest,
Kanchen Junga and other Himalayan Peaks including sacred Chomolhari and
Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport
the representative of Atlas will receive and help you with the arrival
formalities and you will be transferred to hotel through the enchanting
valley of Paro. Overnight at Hotel.
Paro
Thimphu
Drive through the winding road northwest up the Pa Chu to Drugyel Dzong,
the ruined Fort (destroyed by fire in 1950.) which once defended this
valley from the Tibetan invasion. From here one can have the view of sacred
Mt. Chomolhari on clear days. On the way stop for a view of Taktsang (tigers
nest) Monastery which clings on the sheer drop of rock face where the
saint Guru Padma-sambhava landed on the flying tiger and mediated there.
After lunch drive to Thimphu, en route visit Ta Dzong, the national Museum.
The drive to Thimphu takes around two hours along the winding road which
follows the Paro River downstream and subsequently the Thimphu river up
stream till you reach the capital. Overnight in hotel.
Thimphu
Sightseeing
After breakfast drive for sightseeing of the Thimphu valley. Visit the
Memorial Chorten built in memory of the Late King, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck,
the Father of Modern Bhutan. Then visit the National Library, Zelukha
Nunnery and the post office. In winter the Tashichho Dzong Secretariat
building which houses the Throne Room of the King, Offices for the Ministers
and the residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and the Monk body can
also be visited. Overnight in Hotel.
Thimphu
Tongsa
Drive to Tongsa, the Mangdi District. Pack lunch will be served on the
way. You will be passing Pelela before reaching Tongsa. Overnight in lodge/camp.
View the Dzong from outside and then visit the Ta dzong. After lunch drive to Bumthang whcih crosses the Yotongla pass. Pack lunch will be served on the way. Overnight in hotel/camp. (Highlight: Yathra, traditional woolen textile, weaving in Bumthang)
After breakfast drive around the valley for sightseeing. Visit the courtyard of Kurji Lhakhang, Jampha Lhakhang, Tamshing Lhakhang, Konchog Sum Lhakhang and visit the Swiss farm. After lunch at leisure to walk around the town. Overnight in hotel/camp.
After early breakfast drive to Mangar which is about 192 km. en route if time permits, visit the Ura Lhakhang. You will be passing Thromshingla Pass, alt. 3,650 m the highest road pass in the country. Pack lunch will be served on the way . Overnight at Guesthouse/camp. Alt. 1,550 m.
Morning witness the festival. After lunch drive to Tashigang which is three hours journey. Overnight in Guest house/camp.
Drive to Radhi (25 km) and visit the Radhi lhakhang and the village of Radhi. Drive back to Tashigang. Overnight in guest house/camp.
After breakfast drive to Tashi Yangtsi (77 km), a beautiful place with religious place like the Chorten Kora which resembles the Bodhinath temple of Nepal. In winter the black neck crane from Siberia fly migrate here. The inhabitants of this valley are very hard working people and the mainly occupy themselves in woodcrafts, and one can visit the woodcraft centre where they produce the traditional wooden utencils, and other wooden items. After pack lunch drive back to Tashigang. On the way back visit Dugsum to see the 15th century chain bridge built by one of the meditating monks from Tibet. Here one can visit the local shops where traditional weaving is done by the females of the eastern Bhutan. Overnight in guest house/camp.
After breakfast drive Samdrup Jongkhar, the town bordering with the Indian State of Assam in the east. On the way visit the Zangdopelri Lhakhang at Kanglung. Pack lunch will be served on the way. On arrival at Samdrup Jongkhar visit the Zangdo Pelri Lhakhang there. Overnight in Guest house/camp.
After breakfast drive to Gauhati to catch the onward connecting flight.
