Flight on The Dragon map your way Name: Flight on The Dragon Duration: 6 to 11 Days (Subject to itinerary) Cost Estimate: US$ 200-250 per person per night (Changes only subject to revisions in requests and accommodations)

~:~ DAY 1 Arrive at Paro International Airport. Request a window seat at the port of departure in Bangkok or New Delhi airport to get a view to Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Jomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake on the flight into Bhutan. A tour leader (guide) and driver from bhutanOgraphy Navigates will greet you at the front entrance of the Airport. Path 1: drive to Paro (15 minutes) or Path 2: drive to Thimphu the capital (50 minutes to 1.5 hours). Check-in and overnight at hotel or resort. DAY 2 Activities subject to ‘port of call’ on Day 1: (Path 1) If Paro, then hike (or horse ride) to Taktshang Monastery in the morning (approximately 3 hours). Taktshang is perched on a 1,200-meter cliff. The monastery has been restored at pains-taking efforts to former glory after a fire in 1998. The legend is that Guru Padmasambhava flew to this holy place on the back of tigress to meditate. More recently, one of the most enlightened abbots in modern Bhutan history, Geshe Gedun Rinchen (1926 – 1997) also known as Draphugpa (Of the Caves), was born in a small cave by the path to Taktshang. Tea and refreshments at Taktshang Café, with ample opportunities for photographs. Walk back to road point and then to the hotel or resort for a late lunch. Visit Ta-Dzong Museum located in an ancient “watchtower” in the afternoon. The museum houses old Bhutanese artifacts as well as numerous collections of flora, fauna and other antiques. Drive to Paro Rinpung Dzong. The Great Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal famously rebuilt the Dzong in 1646-47. It is one of the most visited Dzongs in Bhutan not only because of it is close to Paro International Airport, but also because of its proximity to Taktshang

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Monastery, and as it showcases one of Bhutan’s signature events – the Paro Tsechu – in March every year. The Dzong is today a center of administration and houses the local chapter of the monastic body. A visit to Paro town in the evening, time permitting. Shopping for tourists is limited to handicrafts and an item of two of personal taste such as traditional weaves (e.g. silk ghos and kiras). Credit cards are only accepted at a few locations. Return to hotel or resort for overnight stay. (Path 2) If Thimphu, hike to Tango Monastery, one of the most primordial and sacred sites of Buddhism in Bhutan. The legend is that Avalokiteshvara revealed Himself as the “selfemanated form of the wrathful Hayagriva” (in Bhutanese, Tandin with the head of a horse, and hence the name of the place, Tango meaning ‘head of a horse’) to Phajo Drugom Zhigpo, the propounder and establisher of the Drukpa Kagyu School of Buddhism in Bhutan. It is located 14 kilometers to the north of Thimphu, with a walk time of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours depending on weather conditions and fitness levels. The monastery today is a university-level educational institute, and serves as residence to the 7th Tri Rimpoche, reincarnation of the Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye (the fourth Druk Desi of Bhutan). A short break for tea and snacks ferried from Thimphu. Walk back to road point and then drive to Thimphu (estimated drive time of 30 minutes). Lunch at the hotel or resort (included in tour package) or as per guests’ discretion in one of many local restaurants and cafes (not included in tour package). After lunch, we drive to Sangay-gang with a stopover at the Motithang Takin Preserve. The second drive point is the location of the Buddha Dordenma at Debi Kuensel-phodrang on the other side of Thimphu. Both locations provide excellent opportunities for photographs and sightseeing, with a bird’s eye view of the nation’s capital. In the evening, we visit Tashichhodzong (the Fortress of Glorious Victory), which houses the Central Monastic Body and serves as the seat of central administration of the Royal Government of Bhutan. Most importantly, it is the seat of successive reigns of the Dragon King of Bhutan, with the present being Druk Gyalpo Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck. The Dzong was built in the mid-1600s. After lots of pictures and history lessons, a nice quiet stroll in Thimphu town with stopovers at the National Handicrafts Emporium and other sites of ©  bhutanOgraphy  Navigates  

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significant interest for visitors to Bhutan. Thimphu is more urban and therefore has more to offer in terms of shopping, dining, and activities as compared with other urban centers in the country. This is almost always the anchor place for tourists. Traditional Bhutanese-style dinner at one of two or three restaurants specializing in local cuisine. Course includes both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Alcohol (local brews such as ara, sing-chhang, and bang-chhang) may be served on request. DAY 3 Drive from Paro/Thimphu to Punakha (former capital) and Wangduephodrang Dzong (literally the “Palace of Unification”). The capitals of these two Dzongkhags (districts) are located just 15-25 minutes drive from each other, along the very same Pho-Chhu/Mo-Chhu River. Approximate travel time is 2.5-4 hours with a short stopover at Dochula Pass. This pass to Punakha is about 30 kilometers from Thimphu. It reaches elevations of more than 3100 meters above sea level. In the past, visitors to Dochula came just to marvel at the panorama of Himalayan mountain ranges and rhododendrons in breathtaking bloom. In recent times however, Dochula has become a must-visit with the initiation of two important features: (1) the building of 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens (Stupas) in honor of the Fourth Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck and the Bhutanese soldiers who fought a victorious counter-insurgency war (2003) with Indian elements camped inside its Southern borders; and (2) the annual Dochula Tsechu held on the 13th of December to commemorate the same event. Tea and snacks at the Dochula Café after visiting the majestic temple perched on the hill just a short walk from the 108 Stupas. Continue to Punakha (and Wangdue) valley. Check-in and lunch at the hotel or resort in Punakha (1.5 hours from Dochula). Rest for an hour or so. Visit Punakha Dzong by crossing the traditional bridge from the old town. The “Palace of Great Happiness” was constructed in 1637-38 by the Great Zhabdrung and remains the second oldest and second largest fortress. This is arguably Bhutan’s most important Dzong, housing not only the relics of the Rangjung Khasarpani (self-created image of

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Chenrezig or Avalokiteshvara, the “Embodiment of the Compassion of all Buddhas”); but also the sacred remains of Tertoen Pema Lingpa (one of the most important saints in Bhutan’s history) and the Great Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the founder of Bhutan as it is today. There is ample time for pictures in this magnificent Dzong that was restored at great expense. The building is today the seat of local government and the winter residence of the Central Monastic Body. Punakha Tsechu and the Pel Khorlo Dompai Wangchen (Chakrasamva) are notable sacred events held at the Dzong. A King of Bhutan also receives his initiations from the inner sanctums of Punakha Dzong, where the Zhabdrung’s sacred remains are housed. A short drive (30 minutes) to Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendup Lhakhang Nunnery, located in Talo. The temple complex houses – apart from the main temple dedicated to Avalokiteshvara – a center for meditation and higher learning for nuns. Training such as tailoring, Thangka painting, embroidery and statue making are also imparted to nuns. Drive to Talo village, a short distance from the Nunnery. These are yet more opportunities for photos and exploration. Back to the hotel or resort for dinner and rest. DAY 4 Drive to takeoff at upper Punakha Valley after breakfast (about 30 minutes). A hike to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Lhakhang will be a perfect start to the day. Over the suspension bridge, across lush green rice fields and upwards a (not-so-gentle) climb through sweet scented pine trees to the top of the hill sits this magnificent temple built for national peace and the benefit of all sentient beings. The approximate climb time is 30-60 minutes depending on weather conditions and fitness levels. Light snacks at the Lhakhang. After taking in the scenic beauty, climb down to road point (30 minutes). Drive to small-town Punakha for a light stroll (30 minutes). Drive to Wangduephodrang (15 minutes) via new road across the river. The usual trip to Wangduephodrang Dzong is no longer possible since a tragic fire in June 2012 burnt the entire structure and hundreds of years of precious relics, treasures and antiquities to the ground. Drive by the construction site of the new Dzong and old Wangduephodrang town. Lunch at designated ©  bhutanOgraphy  Navigates  

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hotel or resort in Wangduephodrang. Drive to Chimmi Lhakhang via the old road through Metshina (15-25 minutes). From road point, walk through Sopsokha Village, on small walkways between rice fields, up and through Yowakha Village, amongst a tiny desert of cactus, and onto Chimmi Lhakhang sitting magnificently on a round hillock that Lam Drukpa Kunley noted was “as round as a woman’s breasts”. Approximate time 30-60 minutes. Lam Drukpa Kunley or the “Divine Madman” as He is known in local folklore is more popularly associated with the Lhakhang, even though His elder brother Ngawang Chhogyel built it in 1499. The Divine Madman was known for His unorthodox methods of teaching Buddhism through humor, songs, and very often, outrageous behavior. It is therefore, not unusual to be blessed with a holy wooden phallus. Chimmi Lhakhang is also known to bless (barren) women with children, perhaps as a vestige of the founding saint’s proclivities and holiness. There are numerous stories of women who have borne children after their visit, and named them either Kinley or Chimmi to honor this patron saint. Walk back to road point (3045 minutes). Drive back to the hotel or resort for early dinner and rest. DAY 5 Drive to Thimphu or Paro (approximate time 2.5-3.5 hours) depending on itinerary selected on Days 1 & 2. If Path 1, then drive to Thimphu; if Path 2, drive to Paro. Stop over at the Lamperi Botanical Gardens near Dochula Pass. This garden is located at the heart of a 47 square mile preserve and contains about 46 species of rhododendrons. Tea and snacks at Dochula Café. Light stroll above the 108 Stupas along the path where rhododendrons grow wild in season. Onwards to either Paro or Thimphu. If Thimphu: lunch and rest at hotel or resort for an hour or so. Drive to Sangaygang with a short stop at the Motithang Takin Preserve. Takins are the national animals of Bhutan. Hike to Wangdi-Tse Lhakhang with a magnificent view of the North-side of Thimphu (approximate time is 25 – 45 minutes). Walk back to road point in Sangaygang. Tea at one of many local restaurants specializing in Western cuisine such as sandwiches, burgers, and pizza (about 30 minutes to 1 hour). Drive to Buddha Dordenma statue in Debi Kuensel-phodrang. Both Sangaygang and Kuensel-phodrang present wonderful opportunities for pictures ©  bhutanOgraphy  Navigates  

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and panoramic views of the nation’s capital. Drive to Tashichhodzong, the seat of His Majesty the King and the Royal Government of Bhutan. The Dzong also houses the seat of the Chief Abbot and the Central Monastic Body. The time for tourist visits is after 5 p.m, which is also the end of office for most civil servants working in the Dzong. Drive to Thimphu town to visit shops, cafes, restaurants and other places of personal interest to guests. Overnight in Thimphu. If Paro: lunch and rest at hotel or resort. Visit Ta-Dzong Museum located in an ancient “watchtower” in the afternoon. The museum houses old Bhutanese artifacts as well as numerous collections of flora, fauna and other antiques. Drive to Paro Rinpung Dzong. Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal famously rebuilt the Dzong in 1646-47. It is one of the most visited Dzongs in Bhutan not only because of its proximity to Paro International Airport, but also because of its proximity to Taktshang Monastery, and since it showcases one of Bhutan’s main events – the Paro Tsechu – in March every year. The Dzong is today a center of administration and houses the local chapter of the monastic body. Detour to Kyichu Lhakhang on the way to Paro town. The Jowo Temple at Kyichu is one of the most sacred and oldest in Bhutan. It was built in the 7th century A.D by Songsten Gampo, and is believed to be one of the 108 temples built by the emperor as a border-taming measure. Drive to Paro town in the evening for a light stroll and handicrafts browsing. Shopping is limited to handicrafts and an item of two of personal taste such as traditional weaves (e.g. silk ghos and kiras). Credit cards are only accepted at a few locations. Return to hotel or resort for overnight and packing for departure tomorrow. DAY 6 If Thimphu: drive and hike to Tango Monastery if itinerary is as per Path 2 on Day 2. After hike back from monastery, rest and refreshments at hotel. Evening free for personal pursuits. Traditional Bhutanese-style dinner in one of two or three restaurants specializing in Bhutanese cuisine. The courses shall include both vegetarian and nonvegetarian food. Alcohol (local brews such as ara, sing-chhang, and bang-chhang) may be ©  bhutanOgraphy  Navigates  

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served on request. Return to hotel or resort for overnight and packing for departure. If Paro: drive and hike to Taktshang Monastery if itinerary is as per Path 1 on Day 2. After hike back from monastery, rest and refreshments at hotel or resort. Visit Ta-Dzong Museum, Kyichu Lhakhang, and Paro Rinpung Dzong. Drive to Paro town for a nice quiet stroll and other pursuits e.g. shopping, browsing, etc. Back to hotel for dinner, rest and packing. Last night on tour in Bhutan. DAY 7 Depart hotel or resort for Paro International Airport: (1) from Paro, approximate drive time is 20 – 30 minutes depending on location; (2) from Thimphu, approximate drive time is 4590 minutes, which means we start an hour earlier than if we were residing in Paro. Arrive at Paro Airport; check departure documents, luggage and review of any other last minute considerations. Goodbyes and …

ཁ་བྲལ་ལེགས་སྨོན།

(Farewell Prayers and Good Wishes)

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