TRIBAL TRUST Bhutan Trip
with MAYA
TRIP DATES: DECEMBER 6 – DECEMBER 17, 2020
START: PARO, BHUTAN
FINISH: PARO, BHUTAN
Day 1 - December 6 (Sunday)
Arrive Paro (2,300m/7,600ft)
Flight - BKK/PBH KB151
Depart: 1310hrs
Arrive: 1525hrs
Today we depart for the Kingdom of Bhutan. As we approach Bhutan, we see the massive peaks of the eastern Himalaya, including Kanchenjunga, the world’s third highest peak, and Jhomolhari, Bhutan’s holy mountain. Upon arrival in the Paro Valley and after completing the visa formalities, your Bhutanese guide and driver will be waiting outside of the terminal to receive and escort you to our accommodations for the evening.
We begin our spiritual journey with a powerful butter lamp lighting ceremony at the 8th Century Kyichu Temple. The ceremony is performed to embark on a journey with safe passage throughout the kingdom. We will then stretch our legs on a short walk/hike back to our hotel following a farm road. Settle into the stunning Zhiwa Ling Hotel, a National Geographic Unique Lodge that celebrates the artistry of Bhutanese architecture and embodies the principles of the country’s Gross National Happiness initiative. Immerse yourself in the peaceful customs of the Bhutanese as you linger in the lodge’s intricate temple, meditation house, and tearoom.
Accommodation: Zhiwa Ling Heritage (1 night)
Meals: B,L,D
HOTEL | Zhiwa Ling Heritage, Paro
Bhutanese owned and staffed, the Zhiwa Ling Heritage is
set on 10 acres in the Paro Valley, within easy reach of Bhutan’s
most revered temples and monasteries. From its traditional
Bhutanese architecture to its elegant temple made with
450-year-old timbers to its Swedish under-floor heating,
the hotel seamlessly combines past and present.
Day 2 - December 7 (Monday)
Towards the Ancient Capital, Punakha Valley (1,300m/4,500ft)
Our drive today follows the course of Pachhu and Wangchu rivers, passing through hamlets and reaching Simtokha, on the outskirt of Thimphu we ascend up over winding roads across 10,000ft Dochula where on the clear day, you will be treated with 108 stupas adorning the landscape and the amazing views of the eastern Himalayas of Bhutan in the backdrop.
Our destination Punakha is the ancient Capital of Bhutan, is quite scenic with Punakha Dzong, dominating the confluence of two rivers. Built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Rinpoche, Unifier of Bhutan, this massive fortress is one of the holiest in Bhutan, holding some of the most sacred relics including the preserved remains of Zhabdrung himself. The central monk body of Bhutan moves from Thimphu to Punakha every winter to take advantage of Punakha’s temperate climate.
Before arriving in Punakha, we set out on a hike through the surrounding rice paddies to Chimi Lhakhang—a temple blessed by Drukpa Kunley, known as the “Mad Saint.” Hike around the village of sobsokha and meet farmers working in the fields. The farmers will welcome you to participate in the farming activities should you have an interest.
Late in the afternoon, visit the impressive Punakha dzong and exemplary fortress displaying the art and architecture of Bhutan. The Punakha Dzong also known as the palace of bliss, is the winter residence of the monk body of Bhutan.
Accommodation: Four Boutique (1 night)
Meals: B,L,D
HOTEL | Four Boutique, Punakha
The Four Boutique Hotel is the right choice for visitors who are searching for a combination of charm, peace, quiet, and a convenient position who wishes to explore. It is a small, comfortable hotel with the excellent view of Phunatshang River, in line with scenic view of the small Khuruthang town.
Day 3 - December 8 (Tuesday)
Drive to Gangtey Valley (2,900m/9,510ft)
The drive to the stunning Phobjikha valley today takes us from sub-tropical vegetation to alpine highland filled with hemlocks and juniper trees in 2 1⁄2 hrs drive time. This valley is home to the endangered black-necked cranes and the conservation efforts of Bhutan and WWF have created a safe haven for these beautiful birds, which flock the marshy wetlands in winter for roosting and a visit to the Crane Center that sheds light to this legacy.
In the afternoon visit Gangtey Monastery dating back to 15th century whose founder is the Body emanations of the 16th-century Terton (treasure finder) Pema Lingpa. Visit a shrine inside and interact with some of the monks walking around. We will also take chance to light butter lamps here and offer our prayers for the liberation of all the sentient beings that are suffering.
Later enjoy the nature trail hike along the ridge of Phobjikha valley. The trail is gentle and easy through pinewoods and countryside and whole of the time keeping yourselves along the ridge and wetlands onto your right. Submerge yourself with nature and look out for closer spots to see the roosting sites of these birds in winter. The hiking trail ends at Khewang Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in the valley and today a monastic school is established there for the monks.
Nature Trail Hike; Hike Length: 2.99Kms/1.8Miles Hike Time: 1.5 Hours easy Elevation Loss: 140m/462Miles
Accommodation: Hotel Dewachen (1 night)
Meals: B,L,D
HOTEL | Hotel Dewachen, Gangtey
Encircled by pine forests in the hidden valley of Phobjikha – Gantey Gompa,
home to the very rare Black Necked cranes, the Dewachen Hotel features 28 double rooms, modern bathroom fittings, heavenly bedding comforts, and a restaurant with a magnificent view and the finest cuisine prepared by a professional chef.
Day 4 - December 9 (Wednesday)
Central-bound to Jangbi’s Monpa Community
Today is a long day (approximately 6 hours) for us but a very beautiful scenic drive. Reaching the bustling village of Trongsa on the hillside is a watchtower (the Ta Dzong) with an excellent example of the medieval fortresses that controlled Bhutan well into the mid-20th century, stimulates the senses with its intricate maze of buildings and temples and wondrous views of the valley. This building houses the Monarchy Museum which we can visit on our journey towards Bumthang. View the massive Trongsa Dzong. Bhutan’s dzongs originally served three purposes: they were fortresses, administrative to the most obvious centers for local government, and a residence for the monks and place for their religious activities. In days of yore—during Tibetan invasion or wars between the valleys— dzongs also acted as strongholds, protecting their valley’s inhabitants.
We proceed further south from Trongsa for about 3 hours, taking a farm road to the village of Jangbi, where the Monpa’s reside and our home for the next two nights. Our Bhutanese guide will present a camp orientation. The local community of Monpa people, led by the village headman, will welcome us with folk song and dances and offering of fruits and local moonshine. The Monpas practiced Bon or Shamanism long before the advent of Buddhism. The few shaman masters in this village reach out to the spirit world and channel the transcendental energies into the lives of the Monpas.
Accommodation: Deluxe Tented Camp (2 nights)
Meals: B,L,D)
HOTEL | Custom Built Tents
Custom built in walk-in tents, the camps provide altogether
a different experience of outdoor recreation in the wilderness.
Meals will be cooked by the camp chef and a camp manager
will ensure that your comforts are well looked after.
Day 5 - December 10 (Thursday)
Monpa Festival – showcasing local culture
Today is an exciting day for us in the Monpa community! The indigenous Monpa community of Jangbi celebrated their first-ever Monpa Festival on December 10, 2019 with the Funds raised by Tribal Trust Fund in partnership with Tourism Council of Bhutan and Tarayana Foundation. The festival aims to promote and preserve the rich local culture and tradition of the community.
The festival will let us peek into the lives of the Monpa people through firsthand experience. Our activities include visiting homes and pounding rice, cooking demonstration and making wooden utensils, ploughing the fields with traditional equipment, grinding corn with traditional mill, rope making, traditional carrying stand and stretcher, traditional monpa soap, participating in various farm tasks and interacting with the Monpa people. The adventurous can try wearing their typical outfit called the paagay, woven out from the nettle barks. The dress is a white colour wraparound that is tied in the neck with a knot and at the waist with a belt forming a large pouch above the waist to store all kinds of essentials required for the day.
In gratitude for sharing their time with us, we will cook a dinner for them this evening. Our camp cooks will guide you through hand-written recipes to prepare local dishes such as the ema datse, butter tea and other local favorites. We will all participate in preparing the food for the Monpas to enjoy this evening. Monpas will proudly demonstrate their traditional Monpa tribal dance. The night will be followed by storytelling of Monpa healing practices by Ap Tawchu (healer).
Day 6 - December 11 (Friday)
Journey to the Spiritual Heartland of the Kingdom, Bumthang (2,650m/8,745ft)
This morning we take drive back to Trongsa and then ascend up to 11,000 foot Yutongla pass from where the road descends down to the first valley of Bumthang in Chumey, the ancestral home of our present Queen. For people who are interested in textiles, there is a Yathra wool Factory along the way where you can find local textiles woven from the wool of the yaks and sheep. You can even meet some weavers and learn more on how these textiles are produced.
Once in Jakar Valley, we check into our hotel and freshen up. We then explore the 7th Century Jampa Temple and onwards to Kurjey Lhakhang, where three temples are surrounded by 108 stupas. From Kurjey we set off on foot to Tamshing Lhakhang, founded in 1501 by Pema Lingpa, a blacksmith from Bumthang who became one of Bhutan’s most revered Buddhist saints and teachers. Our walk ends at the Swiss Farm, a development project that started in the 1960s when Swiss cheese-maker Fritz Maurer brought his skills to Bhutan.
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge (1 night)
Meals: B,L,D
HOTEL | Mountain Lodge, Bumthang
A family operated yet professional set up lodge near the Chamkar
town, mountain lodge offers great place to stay in Bumthang. Enjoy
local delicacies from the farm, enjoy the hospitality of the well
trained service providers.
Day 7 - December 12 (Saturday)
Mountain Flight to Paro and Drive Thimphu (2,400m/8,000ft)
Flight - BUT/PBH KB011
Depart: 0825hrs
Arrive: 0900hrs
This flight offers spectacular views of the Himalayas and the valleys beneath crafted by the rivers that flow from the glaciers forming rich and fertile lands for settlements. To the left of the plain, the Black Mountain range is prominent. At the foothills of it lies the Monpa land that we visited few days ago.
On arrival in Paro, head out to Thimphu, the largest and most modernized town in Bhutan. Thimphu is home to the ministries, international organizations and Royal Families of Bhutan, including His Majesty the Kings office.
One of the visible sights in the city is the Memorial Stupa built in memory of the third king of Bhutan. People from all walks of life visit the stupa to offer prayers and circumambulate the monument to gain merit. It is a good spot to observe and meet the locals. Then visit a wildlife sanctuary for the takin, Bhutan’s national animal, described as having the body of a cow and the head of a goat. Finally end your day with a walk from the zoo towards your lodge- 30 minutes.
Accommodation: Zhiwa Ling Ascent (3 nights)
Meals: B,L,D
HOTEL | Zhiwa Ling Ascent, Thimphu
Zhiwaling Ascent is located just outside the center of the capital
city in a park like setting with panoramic views. This contemporary
concept hotel, which is the first of its kind in Bhutan, has 20
spacious rooms designed in the most energy efficient way to capture sunlight all day and provides superb views of the surrounding scenery.
Like its sister hotel in Paro, it is wholly Bhutanese owned and operated.
Day 8 - December 13 (Sunday)
Explore the capital city
In the morning drive up to see the tallest seated Buddha statue in the world facing towards the East, bestowing infinite love and compassion to all sentient beings in the spheres. The statue houses enormous meditational house in the base and two storied chapels on the top floors. You will be fascinated at fine art works crafted by the local artisans. The site also offers a good view of the valley below.
Local shops entice with traditional weavings; Tibetan and Bhutanese silverwork; coral and turquoise beads and prayer flags. A number of cottage industries, including metalworking and paper making, are found in Thimphu, and visitors often enjoy visiting their workshops to see artisans practicing their craft. Depending upon the interest of the group, there are couple of major sightseeing; National Textile Museum, where Bhutan’s finest weavings and brocades are on display, School of Zorigchusum where students undergo 4 years training in traditional arts and crafts. Observe the delicate artistry involved in creating deh-sho, or locally handmade paper, at the Jungshi Paper Factory.
Day 9 - December 14 (Monday)
Discover City Highlights
This morning, we will drive north of Thimphu to Dodena for about thirty minutes from town. From here you will walk over a typical cantilevered bridge spanning over the Wangchu river and gradually ascend up through temperate forests of oak, rhododendrons and other species of hard woods trees. Cheri monastery was established as the first monastic school in Bhutan in early 1620’s by Zhabdrung Rinpochee, the Unifier of Bhutan in the 17th century. Enjoy a delicate picnic lunch afternoon on the way back to the base in Dodena along the banks of the river.
On your way back (optional) drop by to visit school of astrology at Pangrizampa and you have an opportunity to have a reading if you wish by one of the resident astrologer.
On our last evening in Thimphu, we are honored to meet, dine and strike some interesting conversations with the Bhutanese dignitaries invited on topics of interest. Most participants have said that this was one of the highlights of their trip!
Cheri Monastery Hike; Hike Length: 3.2Kms/2Miles Hike Time: 2 Return Elevation Gain: 260m/860ft Elevation Loss: 260m/860ft
Day 10 - December 15 (Tuesday)
Drive to Paro (2,300m/7,600ft)
After breakfast at leisure, drive to Paro valley. Enroute walk over the 14th century iron chained bridge below Tachog Lhakhang with a magnificent view of the temple above and the bridge spanning over Pachhu river. Reaching Paro valley, ascend up to the most obvious National Museum of Bhutan located inside the Ta Dzong which once acted as the watch tower for the Paro Dzong below. The museum houses the historical and cultural artefacts, rich flora and fauna collections with a good view of the valley below. Few minute’s drive below is the Paro Rinpung Dzong. Admire the impressive architecture of the Paro Dzong, a stronghold that once defended the country from Tibetan invasions. Eventually end your day with a walk down from the Dzong towards Buddhist Art Gallery where you may chance to see local artisans working on their paintings.
Drive 15 minutes back to your hotel for the evening after a stroll in Paro town.
Accommodation: Zhiwa Ling Heritage (2 nights)
Meals: B,L,D
HOTEL | Zhiwa Ling Heritage, Paro
Bhutanese owned and staffed, the Zhiwa Ling Heritage is set on 10 acres in the Paro Valley, within easy reach of Bhutan’s most revered temples and monasteries. From its traditional Bhutanese architecture to its elegant temple made with 450-year-old timbers to its Swedish under-floor heating,
the hotel seamlessly combines past and present.
Day 11 - December 16 (Wednesday)
Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
We embark on an invigorating morning hike to Taktsang Monastery, Tiger’s Nest, one of the most iconic and venerated Buddhist monuments in the Himalayas. Set into a cliff face 2,600 ft. above the Paro Valley, the Tiger’s Nest takes its name from a mythical journey made by Lord Padmasambawa, Guru Rinpochey, who flew there on a tigress’ back in order to meditate for three months and introduce Buddhism in the valley. Many of Buddhism’s most influential figures have paid homage to this site. The hike is about 1.5 hours and well worth the effort! About halfway up, we can stop at a teahouse and the view from there alone is well worth the climb. Another 45 minutes brings you all the way to the gompa.
In the afternoon, we soak in the luxury of the hotel and or explore and shop in Paro town. In the evening, we celebrate our journey and new friends with a delectable farewell dinner at the beautiful hotel.
Tiger’s Nest Monastery Hike; Hike Length: 13.2Km/8.2Miles Hike Time: 5-6 Hours Return Hike Elevation Gain: 1,200m/3,960ft Hike Elevation Loss: 1,200m/3,960ft
Day 12 - December 17 (Thrusday)
Depart Bhutan
Flight - PBH/BKK KB150
Depart: 0910hrs
Arrive: 1320hrs
We bid farewell to our newfound friends of Bhutan. Your guide and driver will accompany you to the airport for your departure.