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Bhutan Tour Itineraries with Amitabha
Each of our itineraries follows the concept of the Buddhist pilgrimage, a spiritual journey leading to the important sites of Bhutan – spiritual, architectural, cultural or geographical.
According to your interests, we pick the very best of Bhutan’s many temples, fortresses and cultural attractions and put them in a Buddhist perspective for you. All our trips include opportunities to walk through the countryside and experience Bhutan at the village level. The following are sample itineraries based on 3, 5 and 7 day journeys, primarily in western Bhutan where there are better tourist facilities. These itineraries can be customized any way you like. Of course, if you want to stay longer in Bhutan to visit the beautiful central mountain valleys or the remote eastern side of Bhutan, we will create a custom itinerary and email it to you. Click Below to see the sample itineraries: 3 days in Bhutan - The Tiger's Nest & the Capital Thimphu. Day 1 - Arrive in the Kingdom of Bhutan Look out of the window on your flight into Bhutan and you will see the majesty of the mighty Himalayas. After a spiraling descent into Paro Valley (2,280m), Amitabha will receive you on arrival at Paro Airport. Drive to your hotel and freshen up before exploring Paro valley. After lunch, we will take you sightseeing to the following places of historical importance: Paro Dzong - standing high over Paro valley, this fortress is a landmark in Bhutan. In1644 Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal initiated construction of this massive temple-fortress on the foundation of a monastery earlier built by Guru Rinpoche. National Museum - The museum provides an excellent overview of Bhutanese history and culture. Shaped like a conch shell, it was completed in 1656. The museum holds the largest collection of artifacts, textiles and antiques in Bhutan. Dungtse Lhakhang - This temple was built in 1433 by iron bridge builder, Dubthob Thangtong Gyalpo. The three floors represent hell, earth and heaven. Kichu Lhakhang - This temple was built in 659 by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet. It holds down the left foot of an ogress whose body covers Bhutan and most of Eastern Tibet. This temple is one of the most spiritual places in Bhutan. If you are tired, retire early to recover from jet lag and/or time difference. Day 2 - Continue touring Paro valley Taktshang Lhakhang - Taktshang, the Tiger's Nest Monastery, perches on a high cliff and marks one of the most important places in Buddhism. While flying on the back of a tiger, Guru Rinpoche identified Taktshang as a sacred place and meditated in a cave for three months. Today it's perhaps the best-known monastery in the world, because of its stunning location. The hike to Taktshang is a steep walk and takes 2-2.5 hours to reach. Drukgyel Dzong - The ruins of Drukgyel Dzong lie just north of Taktshang. This dzong was built in 1649 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to defend against Tibetan invasions. The dzong's name 'Druk' (Bhutan) 'Gyel' (Victory) commemorates the victory of Bhutan over Tibetan invaders. On a clear day, you will get a spectacular view of Mount Jumolhari from here. Day 3 - Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan Drive 2 hours to Thimphu (2,320m), the capital city of Bhutan. On the way to Thimphu, on the opposite side of the river, you will see a temple owned by the descendants of Dubthob Thangtong Gyalpo (iron bridge builder). He was responsible for building numerous iron bridges throughout Bhutan.
After lunch visit some of the capital's attractions, according to the group's interests or have your own time to explore the town. National Institute of Zorig Chusum - This institute was established to preserve and teach the 13 traditional arts in Bhutan, including painting, wood carving and sculpting, etc. National Institute of Traditional Medicine - Established in 1988, traditional herbal medicines are prepared here and distributed nationwide. There is a daily clinic where doctors diagnose patients and prescribe appropriate traditional medicine or treatments. National Textile Museum - Opened in June 2001, it is worth a leisurely visit to get to know the living national art of weaving. Changing exhibitions introduce the major weaving techniques, styles of local dress and textiles woven by women and men. Changangkha Lhakhang - perched on a ridge above Thimphu valley, this temple and monastic school was established in the 12th century on a site chosen by Lama Phajo Drukgom Shigpo, who came from Ralung, Tibet. The central statue is Chenrezig, an 11-headed manifestation of Avalokiteshvara. Trashichodzong - located on the banks of the Wang Chu (river) is Bhutan's administrative and religious centre. It houses the throne room of His Majesty the King of Bhutan, government ministries, the nation's largest monastery and headquarters of His Holiness the Je Khenpo (the chief abbot) and the central monk body. Memorial Chorten - Located in the heart of Thimphu, this most famous chorten was built in 1974 in memory of the third King of Bhutan, His Majesty King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The deities depicted inside are the Nyingmapa tradition of Buddhism and teachings of Vajrayana (tantric form) Buddhism. It is a nice place to join the locals for circumambulation in the late afternoon. 5 days in Bhutan - Paro,Thimphu valley & Mountaintop Monastery trek
Day 1 - Arrive in the Kingdom of Bhutan Look out of the window on your flight into Bhutan and you will see the majesty of the mighty Himalayas. After a spiraling descent into Paro Valley (2,280m), Amitabha will receive you on arrival at Paro Airport. Drive to your hotel and freshen up before exploring Paro valley. After lunch, we will take you sightseeing to the following places of historical importance: Paro Dzong - standing high over Paro valley, this fortress is a landmark in Bhutan. In1644 Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal initiated construction of this massive temple-fortress on the foundation of a monastery earlier built by Guru Rinpoche. National Museum - The museum provides an excellent overview of Bhutanese history and culture. Shaped like a conch shell, it was completed in 1656. The museum holds the largest collection of artifacts, textiles and antiques in Bhutan. Dungtse Lhakhang - This temple was built in 1433 by iron bridge builder, Dubthob Thangtong Gyalpo. The three floors represent hell, earth and heaven. Kichu Lhakhang - This temple was built in 659 by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet. It holds down the left foot of an ogress whose body covers Bhutan and most of Eastern Tibet. This temple is one of the most spiritual places in Bhutan. If you are tired, retire early to recover from jet lag and/or time difference. Day 2 - Continue touring Paro Taktshang Lhakhang - Taktshang, the Tiger's Nest Monastery, perches on a high cliff and marks one of the most important places in Buddhism. While flying on the back of a tiger, Guru Rinpoche identified Taktshang as a sacred place and meditated in a cave for three months. Today it's perhaps the best-known monastery in the world, because of its stunning location. The hike to Taktshang is a steep walk and takes 2-2.5 hours to reach. Drukgyel Dzong - The ruins of Drukgyel Dzong lie just north of Taktshang. This dzong was built in 1649 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to defend against Tibetan invasions. The dzong's name 'Druk' (Bhutan) 'Gyel' (Victory) commemorates the victory of Bhutan over Tibetan invaders. On a clear day, you will get a spectacular view of Mount Jumolhari from here. Day 3 - Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan Drive 2 hours to Thimphu (2,320m), the capital city of Bhutan. On the way to Thimphu, on the opposite side of the river, you will see a temple owned by the descendants of Dubthob Thangtong Gyalpo (iron bridge builder). He was responsible for building numerous iron bridges throughout Bhutan. After lunch visit some of the capital's attractions, according to the group's interests or have your own time to explore the town. National Institute of Zorig Chusum - This institute was established to preserve and teach the 13 traditional arts in Bhutan, including painting, wood carving and sculpting, etc. National Institute of Traditional Medicine - Established in 1988, traditional herbal medicines are prepared here and distributed nationwide. There is a daily clinic where doctors diagnose patients and prescribe appropriate traditional medicine or treatments. National Textile Museum - Opened in June 2001, it is worth a leisurely visit to get to know the living national art of weaving. Changing exhibitions introduce the major weaving techniques, styles of local dress and textiles woven by women and men. Changangkha Lhakhang - perched on a ridge above Thimphu valley, this temple and monastic school was established in the 12th century on a site chosen by Lama Phajo Drukgom Shigpo, who came from Ralung, Tibet. The central statue is Chenrezig, an 11-headed manifestation of Avalokiteshvara. Trashichodzong - located on the banks of the Wang Chu (river) is Bhutan's administrative and religious centre. It houses the throne room of His Majesty the King of Bhutan, government ministries, the nation's largest monastery and headquarters of His Holiness the Je Khenpo (the chief abbot) and the central monk body. Memorial Chorten - Located in the heart of Thimphu, this most famous chorten was built in 1974 in memory of the third King of Bhutan, His Majesty King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The deities depicted inside are the Nyingmapa tradition of Buddhism and teachings of Vajrayana (tantric form) Buddhism. It is a nice place to join the locals for circumambulation in the late afternoon.
Day 4 - Hike to Tango & Cheri Monasteries About an hour's drive north of Thimphu lie Tango and Cheri Monasteries, two of the premier Buddhist academic institutions in Bhutan. The hike to one or both of these beautiful monasteries begins from where the road ends. The trails to Tango & Cheri monasteries take about 1½ hour uphill walk through the forest. Tango Lhakhang - Lama Gyalwa Lhanampa founded this monastic school in the 12th century and the present building was built in the 15th century by the 'divine madman', Lama Drukpa Kuenley. Tango is the residence of an important Trulku (reincarnate lama) who is recognized as the seventh reincarnation of the highly respected fourth Desi, Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye, whose previous incarnation passed away in 1830. Cheri Lhakhang - The trail starts by crossing a traditional wooden bridge that spans the Wang Chhu. Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal built this monastery in 1620. A silver chorten inside the monastery holds the ashes of the Zhabdrung's father. After these hike we return to Thimphu where you have time in the late afternoon to shop for handicrafts and explore the town. Day 5 - Day hike, Buddhist ceremony or visit Punakha valley Today we have a choice between doing a variety of day hikes and driving over the high Dochula Pass to see the magnificent Punakha Dzong. Both options offer unique insights into the history and culture of Bhutan. Return to Thimphu/Paro for overnight stay. If you are interested, you can also participate in a traditional Buddhist ceremony. You will get to observe first-hand and personally experience the rituals of a Buddhist religious ceremony. This we can arrange for either half a day or a full day. 7 days in Bhutan - Paro, Thimphu and Punakha valley
The first five days follow the 5 Days in Bhutan itinerary above. Day 6 If you have opted for a day hike the previous day, after breakfast in Thimphu, drive over the high Dochula pass (3,140m/10,205ft) marked by the large array of prayer flags and 108 Druk Wangyel Chortens. We'll get a view of the massive Himalayan chain of peaks that makes up Bhutan's northern border with Tibet. On top of Dochula Pass on the way to the town of Punakha we will stop and hang prayer flags. After hanging our prayer flags in the sea of fluttering flags on the summit of the pass, we drive down into the green valley of Punakha (1,250m). Punakha Dzong - The site of this massive and stunning fortress was foretold by Guru Rinpoche. He predicted that 'a person named Namgyal will arrive at a hill that looks like an Elephant'. Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal visited Punakha and chose the tip of the trunk of the sleeping elephant, at the confluence of the Mochhu (Female River) and Phochhu (Male River) as the place to build the dzong. It was named "Pungthang Dechen Phodrang" (Palace of Great Happiness). This was the former capital of Bhutan and is also the winter residence of the central monk body. The dzong contains the most visually-stunning temples in all of Bhutan. Chimi Lhakhang - located on a hill above traditional Bhutanese villages, Chimi Lhakhang was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley (The Divine Madman) in 1499. He subdued the demo-ness of Dochula with his 'magic thunderbolt of wisdom'. A wooden effigy of the Lama's thunderbolt is preserved in the temple and childless women visit the temple to receive a wang (blessing) from the saint to become fertile. It is about 30 minutes walk from the road-head and the short walk will give you a chance to see traditional village life. Day 7 - Wangdue Phodrang valley (1,315m) Wangdue Phodrang Dzong was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1638. It sits on top a high ridge between the Puna Tsang Chhu and the Dang Chhu. It is believed that as people searched for a site for the dzong, four ravens were seen flying away in four directions. This was considered an auspicious omen. Drive back to Thimphu and you will have free time to hunt for souvenirs and explore the city. You can also visit the Takin Preserve (the odd national animal of Bhutan). Depart next morning for Paro airport.
Longer Journeys in Bhutan We can design custom itineraries for journeys of any length in Bhutan. During longer trips, we travel farther east to the scenic mountain valleys of Bumthang, the traditional villages of Zhemgang and Buli, or even to the far reaches of remote eastern Bhutan. Amitabha has extensive travel experience in all areas of Bhutan and we can recommend the best places to visit. Please send us your requirements and we will design a custom itinerary for your spiritual journey in Bhutan. Contact Amitabha for more information.
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