= Journeys Featuring AKP Projects
Bhutan | Himalayan Explorer
 Textiles of Bhutan |
|
Day 01 Arrive Paro (2,200M)
Fly into Paro with spectacular views of Everest, Khangchendzonga (formerly Kanchenjunga) and other famous Himalayan peaks. A friendly welcome and transfer to Uma Paro. This afternoon a short, guided walk for orientation and acclimatization (D).
Uma Paro (Deluxe Room)
Day 02 Paro
A guided walk today through pine forests high above Uma Paro to the pretty grounds of the fortress-like monastery of Zuri Dzong. Traverse across to Ta Dzong, housing Bhutan’s National Museum (open Tuesday-Saturday) with magnificent views over Paro, and on down to visit Rinpung Dzong – ‘Fortress on a Heap of Jewels’. The trail then leads across Paro Chhu (river) via a traditional covered bridge (Nyamai Zam) and then past the main archery ground, Ugyen Pelri Palace and into Paro town. A few kilometers north of Paro, pay your respects at Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan with its magic orange tree which bears fruit all year round (B,L,D).
Uma Paro (Deluxe Room)
Day 03 Paro – Haa Valley - Paro
An early start today for the drive to Haa via Chele La (pass) which at 3,810m is the highest road pass in Bhutan, snaking upwards through blue pine and rhododendron forests for 35km. On a clear day the view sweeps away to Bhutan’s highest peak Mt Jhomolhari (7,314m). After a bracing walk along the prayer flag bedecked ridge it is down into Haa (by bike if you prefer) – the whole drive should take no more than 2.5 hours. Wangchulo Dzong is presently occupied by the Indian Army, however this makes for a quirky experience. Having visited the bazaar it is a short walk (or bike ride) along the Haa Chhu (river) to a picnic spot. At Lhakhang Karpo (the White Temple), many young monks await to offer a warm, noisy welcome and may accompany you to the nearby Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple). The Haa Valley only opened to foreigners in 2002 due to its proximity to the border with Sikkim and Tibet. This unspoilt area harks back to a simpler, more traditional time (B,L,D).
Uma Paro (Deluxe Room)
Day 04 Paro
An ascent today from Uma Paro through blue pine forest to a viewpoint amongst prayer flags on a nearby ridge. The path leads to Gemjo La Goemba (monastery) high above Uma. With luck two old friends, Mindu and Passang, may be there to meet you. A wide plateau flanked by orchards and forest is reached after a short climb from the monastery. Linger here awhile soaking up the magnificent mountain views and exploring the ruined fortress, deserted farmhouses and nearby Chhubjakhar monastery. There is now the option to either head off on a longer walk for further exploration or turn back for Uma Paro (B,L)
Uma Paro (Deluxe Room)
Day 05 Paro – Thimpu - Paro
The capital of Bhutan sprawls up the wooded western hillside of the Wang Chhu. The centre of government, religion and commerce, Thimpu is a bustling town where traditional ways mingle with modern introductions. The drive from Uma Paro to the capital takes about 1.5 hours and sights worth seeing include the following (time and local conditions permitting): local markets (Fri-Sun); BBS Tower Viewpoint and Takin Compound; National Memorial Chorten; a view of Trashi Chhoe Dzong: the “fortress of the glorious religion”, initially erected in 1641 and rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the 1960s. Tashi Chhoe Dzong houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body. Entrance may be granted to guests only after 5pm but the nine hole golf course alongside makes for a quirky photo opportunity.
The National Institute of Traditional Medicine still dispenses traditional herbal and other medicines and is a working facility for research and the treatment of local people (open Monday to Friday). The National Textile Museum provides an insight into the living national art of weaving exhibiting fine examples of all the major weaving techniques and the changing styles of gho and kira over the years, with weavers demonstrating their skills on traditional back looms (Open Tuesday-Friday and half day at the weekends). If there is still time visit The Folk Heritage Museum, a replica of a traditional Bhutanese house as it would have looked 100 years ago and as many Bhutanese families still live to this day (Open Monday to Friday) (B,L,D).
Uma Paro (Deluxe Room)
Day 06 Paro
A day at leisure for relaxing around Uma Paro enjoying the facilities or perhaps trying some other activity like the Bhutanese national sport of archery or an indulgent spa therapy such as the traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath (B,L,D).
Uma Paro (Deluxe Room)
Day 07 Paro
Today is a highlight as you visit one of Bhutan’s most amazing and important pieces of architecture, Taktsang Goemba (Tiger’s Nest Monastery). An early start is recommended for the two-hour climb to the viewpoint. Descend steeply, then climb up to the monastery, passing a waterfall (visit monastery if it is open – with sufficient notice Uma Paro can arrange a permit). Retrace your steps or alternatively (time permitting) head further up to several remote temples and monasteries. Drive further up the valley to Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1644 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to control the northern route to Tibet – a most picturesque part of the country (B,L,D).
Uma Paro (Deluxe Room)
Day 08 Depart Paro
Bid farewell to the Land of the Thunder Dragon on departing this charming country (B).
