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Buddhism in Bhutan

06 Nights & 07 Days

Overview

Bhutan’s high mountains hide in them, various mystical and calming vibes. Much of it comes from the chanting from the hilltop monasteries. Bhutan is home to Tibetan Buddhists and a sprawl of remarkable monasteries. Visit here to get oriented about the religion and get familiar with a number of tombs and memorials of saints who helped the religion spread in this part of the world. A trip to Bhutan alone, from the entire subcontinent, is an ample ode to the religion.

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Paro – Thimphu | Thimphu | Punakha | Paro

Highlights

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Paro – Thimphu / Day 1

The flight into Bhutan takes you over the great Himalayas, offering the scintillating scenery of the world’s highest glacial peaks. As you enter Paro valley, you will see the silvery Pa Chu (Paro river) meandering down the valley, the Paro Dzong (fortress) and Ta Dzong (watch tower). Transfer to Thimphu ( 55 km, 2 hours) […]

Thimphu / Day 2

Today’s full day of sightseeing in Thimphu valley includes a visit to the following places. National Library, which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts, some dating back several hundred years, as well as modern academic books mainly on Himalayan culture and religion. Textile and Folk Heritage Museum: This opened in 2001 […]

Punakha / Day 3 - 4

After breakfast, drive up to Dochu-la pass (3,088m/ 10,130 ft) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the chorten, Mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), […]

Paro / Day 5 - 7

After breakfast drive to Paro. Visit Ta Dzong, which was once a watchtower built to defend Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars of the 17th century. Afterwards, walk down a hillside trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, which has a long and fascinating history. Built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal , the first spiritual and temporal […]

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Buddhism in Bhutan

06 Nights & 07 Days

Paro – Thimphu - Thimphu - Punakha - Paro

Paro – Thimphu / Day 1
The flight into Bhutan takes you over the great Himalayas, offering the scintillating scenery of the world’s highest glacial peaks. As you enter Paro valley, you will see the silvery Pa Chu (Paro river) meandering down the valley, the Paro Dzong (fortress) and Ta Dzong (watch tower). Transfer to Thimphu ( 55 km, 2 hours) , the modern capital town of Bhutan and visit the following places in the afternoon. National Memorial Chorten: The building of this landmark was envisaged by the third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, 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. Trashichhodzong: This impressive fortress/monastery houses Secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty, the King and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of Chief Abbot and central monk body. Overnight in Thimphu.
Thimphu / Day 2
Today’s full day of sightseeing in Thimphu valley includes a visit to the following places. National Library, which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts, some dating back several hundred years, as well as modern academic books mainly on Himalayan culture and religion. Textile and Folk Heritage Museum: This opened in 2001 and provides fascinating insights into Bhutanese material culture and way of life. Handicrafts Emporium: This government-run enterprise displays a wide range of beautifully hand-woven textiles and craft products. It also carries a small collection of books on Bhutan, Buddhism and Himalayan culture. Also visit the Changangkha Lakhang and Arts and Crafts School . Overnight at Thimphu.
Punakha / Day 3 - 4
After breakfast, drive up to Dochu-la pass (3,088m/ 10,130 ft) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the chorten, Mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m ), Jejegangphugang (7,158 m ), Kangphugang (7,170 m ), Zongphugang (7, 060 m ), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana - finally Gangkar puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m. Also visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang nunnery, perched on a ridge amid pine trees and overlooking valleys of Punakha and Wangduephodrang. Overnight at Punakha. Dedicate today to Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who in the late 15th century used humour, songs and outrageous behaviour to dramatise his teachings and due to this also known as ‘Divine Madman’. Visit Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the junction of two rivers. It was the capital of Bhutan until 1955, and still serves as the winter residence of the monk body. The first King, Ugyen Wangchuck was crowned here in 1907. The fortress has withstood several damages from fire, earthquake and flood. Overnight in Punakha
Paro / Day 5 - 7
After breakfast drive to Paro. Visit Ta Dzong, which was once a watchtower built to defend Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars of the 17th century. Afterwards, walk down a hillside trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, which has a long and fascinating history. Built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal , the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan, the Dzong houses the monastic body of Paro, the office of the Dzongda (district administrative head) and Thrimpon (judge) of Paro district. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge called Nemi Zam. A walk through the bridge, over a stone inlaid path, offers a good view of the architectural wonder of the Dzong as well as life around it. It is also the venue of Paro Tshechu, held once a year in the spring. Overnight in Paro. After breakfast, go on an excursion to Taktshang Monastery (5hrs hike). It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. In the afternoon visit Kyichu Lakhang. It is one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom dating back to 7th century. Overnight at Paro. Onward flight.