Posts Tagged ‘trip to bhutan’

The journey from Mongar to Bumthang is one of the most beautiful in the Himalayas crossing the 3,800m high Thrumsingla pass. Mongar marks the beginning or eastern Bhutan. The second largest town in the sub tropical east, Mongar, like Trashigang further east is situated on the side of a hill in contrast to other towns of western Bhutan which are built on the valley floor.The following are some of the prominent places to visit in Bumthang.

Mongar Dzong: Mongar Dzong was built in 1930 and its design was similar to Lamai Geonpa in Bumthang, the official residence of the 1st King Gongsa Ugyen Wangchuck. Pristine trekking and pilgrimage opportunities exist in the Mongar region where an area of ethereal natural beauty, lush and green abounds everywhere.

Yakgang Lhakhang: It is located about an 20 minutes walk from the Mongar town ship. This privately owned monastery was founded by Lama Sangdag, the 6th son of Terton Pema Lingpa, a Bhutanese Buddhist saint who lived in Bhutan in the fifteenth century. He is well-respected, prominent figure in the history of Vajrayana tradition that dominates the Himalayan region, but its especially in the kingdom of Bhutan that he is loved as a folk hero and a spiritual master which is a source of national pride and inspiration.

This fascinating valley is the religious heartland of the nation and home to some of the oldest Buddhist temples and monasteries. Its gentle sloping hills offer plenty of walking opportunities to the many temples that dot this valley. The valley is also famous for its production of honey, cheese, apples and the yathra- a woolen material that has multiple uses. The following are some of the prominent places to visit in Bumthang.

Jambay Lhakhang: It is one of the 108 monasteries built by King Songtsen Goenpo in the 8th century to subdue evil spirits in the Himalayan region.

Kurjey Lhakhang: Means body print. It dates back to 8th century when Guru Rimpoche first visited Bhutan. It is after his visit to the Monyul (country in the darkness); Buddhism was introduced in the country. He is said to have meditated in a cave after which it is believed that he had left his body print where the old temple stands today.

Hike across to Tamzhing Lhakhang “Temple of good message”. It was built by Terton Pema Lingpa (Treasure Discoverer) in 1501AD. We can see the paintings done by him on the wall and an iron jacket which was also made by him. It’s believed that if we wear that jacket and circum-ambulate the temple three times we will be able to cleanse some of the sins that we had committed or you can visit next day.

Mebar Tsho(Lake of Burning Fire): This is a sacred lake for Bhutanese who believe that Pema Lingpa discovered religious treasures from this lake in the 12th century. On auspicious days many Bhutanese go and offer butter lamps on this fresh water lake.

Ura Village: Ura lies in the Tang valley, a one and a half hour drive from Bumthang town. The drive is mainly through sheep pastures and along the way one can glimpse a magnificent view of Mount Gangkhar Phuensum from Ura La(Pass). The main characteristics of this village are the closely clustered houses. It is the last settlement before the climb to the highest road pass as Trumsingla.

Excursion to Ogyen Chholing Palace: The history of Ogyen Choling begins with the visit of the great Tibetan master of Buddhism, Longchen Rabjam (1308-63). He is the most celebrated writer and philosopher of the Nyingmapa School of Tibetan Buddhism and is regarded as the synthesizer of the doctrine and methods of Dzogchen, ‘School of Great Perfection’. Oral tradition explains why the great master chose the location for his centre.
Looking up from the valley towards Ogyen Choling with the Kanyai mountain to the east, the panoramic view is that of the shape of an elephant’s head. The estate provides an excellent insight into the lifestyles and living conditions of a typical landed family over the last century. The heirs of Ogyen Choling, therefore, decided to convert parts of their ancestral home to a museum. This decision was made with the hope of sharing this heritage with as many people as possible and at the same time preserve and maintain Ogyen Choling as a religious and cultural center. The museum was formally opened in May 2001.

Jakar Dzong: The Dzong was initially built as a monastery in 1549 by the great grand father of the Zhabdrung. It is now used as the administrative center for the Bumthang district. The Bumthang Tshechu(festival) is one of the most popular. It is held mostly at night and is said to bring fertility to any woman wanting a child.

Trongsa forms the central hub of the kingdom and is historically the place from where attempts at unifying the country where launched. The following are some of the prominent places you will visit in Trongsa

Trongsa Dzong: It was built by Chhogyel Mingyur Tempa (sent by Zhabdrung to unify Eastern Bhutan to bring under the rule of the Desi) in the year 1644 and was enlarged in 17th century by the Desi (secular ruler) Tenzin Rabgye. The dzong dominates the horizon, dwarfing the surrounding buildings. Both the First and the Second King ruled the country from this Dzong. It is an impregnable fortress.

Kunga Rabten: It used to be the winter palace of the 2nd King. The building has a superb wood work and decorations and presently part of the palace is used as a library. From the palace one can take a hike up to the road and further along the village to a nunnery. Just beside the palace we can see five great water prayer wheels.

Ta Dzong: Perched above the Trongsa Dzong this is a watch tower which once stood guard over the Trongsa Dzong from internal rebellion. It is now being turned into a heritage museum.

Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955. It is the winter seat of the Je Khenpo(Chief Abbot) and the monk body. It has a temperate climate and its rich fertile valley is fed by Pho(male) Chu and Mo(female) Chu (river)The following are some of the prominent places you will visit in Haa.

Punakha Dzong (fortress): Built in 1637 by Zhabdrung which is remarkably located between the rivers of Mo (Female) Chu (river) and Pho (Male) Chu. Until the time of second king it served as a seat of the king. Now it is the winter capital of the central monk body.

Hike to Chimi Lhakhang(Temple of Fertility): This Temple was built by lam Drukpa Kuenley (The Divine Madman) in 1499. It is about thirty minutes hike across fields from the road – a welcome chance to stretch your legs after the drive. His style of teaching was thought shocking, insulting and including obscene behavior. His outrageous actions and sexual antics were a deliberate method of provoking people to discard preconceptions. In the temple you will receive a blessing from his wooden phallus. Wooden phalluses are often found hanging in the four corners of the houses and also phalluses are painted on the walls of houses. It is the common belief that this helps in driving away evil spirits.

Hike to Kham Sum Yule Lhakhang It was built by HRH Azhi (Queen) Tshering Pem Wangchuck for a successful rule during the reign of the present King, His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck. It took 8 years to build and was consecrated in December 1999. It’s around 45 minutes hike from the road point.

The complete tour payment must be made one month ahead of the start of the tour in US$ to ensure that we secure visas, hotel reservations,transportation and guides.

Please click here to download the wire payment instruction for your trip to Bhutan in pdf format.

The Booking Form is in PDF format and you will need to have Acrobat Reader or Foxit PDF Reader installed.

Our Tour Cancellations Policy:

Please note that the cancellation of your tour is subject to the following cancellation charges.

Within 65 days of the start of the tour programme – Free

Following are a range of itineraries to meet the needs of most “independent travelers”. But if you would like us to provide a tailor made itinerary with your own dates to meet your requirements then just complete the Private Journey Form here giving us an outline of your thoughts, or just asking us to contact you and we’ll plan something together.

Also please note that any of the trips mentioned in the website can be arranged for your independent private trip.

5 Day Glimpses of Bhutan

10 Day Festival Trip to Bhutan

RAVEN’S 9 day Druk Path Trek

RAVEN’S 12 Day Jumolhari Trek

We have designed a range of itineraries by carefully taking in mind those “visitors wishing to come in any months of the year” to experience the unique cultures, festivals and to see remarkable terraces and stunning colours which combine to form a beautifully picturesque landscape.

However if you would like us to provide a tailor made itinerary with your own dates to meet your requirements then just complete the Featured Trip Form here ,giving us an outline of your thoughts, or just asking us to contact you and we’ll plan something together

Also please note that any of the trips mentioned in the website can be arranged for your independent private trip.

Raven’s 7 Day Trip to Bhutan, 2010

Raven’s 10 Day Himalayan Discovery, 2010

14 Day Wild East West Trip to Bhutan, 2010

Raven’s 11 Day Thousand Lakes Trek, 2010

Raven’s 7 Day Bicycling Trip to Bhutan, 2010

Raven’s Small Group Trip is an ideal tour for “those who would like to come as a small group or be a part of a small group”.

We have designed a range of itineraries which can meet your expectations of experiencing unique cultures, festivals and to see remarkable terraces and stunning colours which combine to form a beautifully picturesque landscape.

However if you would like us to provide a tailor made itinerary with your own dates to meet your requirements then just complete the Small Group Journey Form here,giving us an outline of your thoughts, or just asking us to contact you and we’ll plan something together

Also please note that any of the trips mentioned in the website can be arranged for your needs.

7 Day Explore Bhutan with Raven

10 Day Central Bhutan Trip

10 Day Festival Trip to Bhutan

9 Day Druk Path Trek

Thimphu (Capital City)

Location: Western Bhutan
Distance from Paro: 65 km (2 hours)
Elevation: 2320m/ 7611ft above sea level. View details >>

Paro

Location: West of Thimphu
Distance from Thimphu: 65 km(2 hours)
Elevation: 2250m/ 7382ft above sea level. View details >>

Haa

Location: Western Bhutan, south of the Paro valley
Distance from Thimphu: 119 km(5 hours)
Elevation: 2670m/ 8758ft above sea level. View details >>

Punakha

Location: Between Thimphu and Wangdue
Distance from Thimphu: 77 km(3 hours)
Elevation: 1350m/ 4430ft above sea level. View details >>

Wangduephodrang

Location: Between Punakha and Trongsa
Distance from Thimphu: 70 km(3 hours)
Elevation: 1400m/ 4480ft above sea level. View details >>

Gangtey

Location: Between Wangdue and Trongsa
Distance from Punakha: 65 km(2 hours)
Elevation: 2800m/ 9186ft above sea level. View details >>

Trongsa

Location: Central Bhutan
Distance from Thimphu: 199 km(7 hrs 30 min)
Elevation: 2180m/ 7150ft above sea level. View details >>

Bumthang

Location: Central Bhutan, east of Trongsa
Distance from Trongsa: 68 km(2 hrs 30 min)
Elevation: 2600m/ 8530ft above sea level. View details >>

Mongar

Location: Eastern Bhutan, Between Bumthang and Trashigang
Distance from Bumthang: 198 km(7 hrs 30 min)
Elevation: 1600m/ 5250ft above sea level. View details >>

Lhuntse

Location: Eastern Bhutan
Distance from Mongar: 76 km(3 hrs 30 min)
Elevation: 1700m/ 5580ft above sea level. View details >>

Trashigang

Location: Eastern Bhutan
Distance from Mongar: 90 km(4 hrs 30 min)
Elevation: 1070m/ 3510ft above sea level. View details >>

Trashiyangtse

Location: North Eastern Bhutan
Distance from Trashigang: 53 km(2 hours)
Elevation: 1871m/ 6137ft above sea level. View details >>

SamdrupJongkhar

Location: South Eastern Bhutan
Distance from Thimphu: 180 km(7 hrs 30 min)
Elevation: 250m/ 820ft above sea level. View details >>

Phuentsholing

Location: Southern Bhutan
Distance from Thimphu: 189 km(7 hrs 30 min)
Elevation: 250m/ 820ft above sea level. View details >>