Bhutan 不丹2016
Participants: 16 Members Bhutan | June 2016
Gift Warmth Bhutan - 700kg of warm clothing for Bhutanese
Day 1 - Arriving PARO
Our guide, Wangchuk, fetched us from the airport in his traditional costume.
Streets of Paro
One time watch tower built to defend Rinpung Dozng during inter-valley wars of the 17th century, since 1967 Ta Dzong is serving as the National Museum of the country. It holds fascinating collection of art, relics, religious Thankha paintings and Bhutan's exquisite postage stamps. The museum circular shape augments its varied collection displayed over several floors.Rinpung Dzong. 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. Walk further down crossing the traditional bridge into Paro Town.
Gangtey Palace
Visit by brother Lama Tesring
Beautiful night view of the Paro Dzong
Day 2 - PARO - FULL DAY HIKE TO TAKTSANG LHAKHANG (TIGER`S NEST)
The hike which is all the way uphill takes about 2 hrs to 3 Hrs one way through pine forests. The monastery clings to a huge granite cliff 900 meters from the Paro valley. It is one of the most famous of Bhutan's monasteries. 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". This site has been recognized as a most sacred place and visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April, 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendor.
Dad resurfacing ... cheers! He has completed Tiger Nest (100% by foot) in 7 hours!
(He had wanted to come this year because he is afraid he might be too weak to climb after reaching 70 years old)
Evening hot stone bath and dinner at a farm house
Kichu Lakhang @ Paro
Day 3 - Paro - Thimphu
Arriving the streets of Thimphu
Thimphu is the capital town of Bhutan and the centre of government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. Although not what one expects from a capital city, Thimphu is still a fitting and lively place. Home to civil servants, expatriates and monk body, Thimphu maintains a strong national character in its architectural style.
Lunch
Local Market
National Memorial Choeten
The Chorten was built in 1974 to honor the 3rd King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (1928–1972), is a prominent landmark in the city with its Golden Spires and Bells.
Buddha Dordenma Project
Day 4 Thimphu
Early morning hike to Tango / Cheri monastery. The trail to the Goemba is a climb of 280m & takes about half an hour if you follow the steeper shortcut, or about an hour if you take the longer, more gradual trail. Lama Gyalwa Lhanampa founded the goemba in the 12th century. The present building was built in the 15th century by the 'Divine Madman', Lama Drukpa Kunley.
Cheri Goemba. A short distance beyond the turn-off to Tango Goemba the roads end at Dodina. A walk of about 1 1/2 hours leads to Cheri Goemba. Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, built this goemba in 1620 & established the first monk body here. A silver chorten inside the goemba holds the ashes of the Shabdrung's father. Afternoon visit Paper factory , Tashichoedzong ,Handicraft centers and free time in the market for shopping.
Thimphu View point
Zilukha nunnery ( drupthob goemba)
Motithang mini zoo to see the rare "Takin" national animal of Bhutan
Dinner with cultural dance
Thimphu Dzong
Mad Man Divine
Day 5 THIMPHU – WANGDI Draktsho Vocational training institute of special children.
After the visit is over, drive to Wangdi (Wangdiphodrang) (1350Mts / 4430Fts, 70 KMS / 03 to 3 Hours One way). Wangdi is the last town on the highway before entering Central Bhutan.
The drive is over Dochu La pass (3080Mts / 10102Fts) which is very scenic with fascinating view of mountains of Bhutan. 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): Mt. Masagang (7,158Mts / 23478Fts), Mt. Tsendagang (6,960Mts / 22829Fts), Mt. Terigang (7,060Mts / 23157Fts), Mt. Jejegangphugang (7,158Mts / 23478Fts), Mt. Kangphugang (7,170Mts / 23518Fts), Mt. Zongphugang (7,060Mts / 23157Fts), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana - Finally Mt.Gangkar Puensum (7,497Mts / 24590Fts), the highest peak in Bhutan.
Punakha Dzong
Built Strategically at the junction of Pho Chhu (Father) and Mo Chhu (Mother) rivers in 1637, by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative centre of the region, Punakha Dzong has played an important role in Bhutan's history. Damaged by Four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has been fully restored by the present King. The Dzong is open for visitors during Punakha Festival and in summer months when the monk body moves to Thimphu.
Lobsel School
Water Rafting @ Punakha
Laptsakha School @ Punakha
Haa - LeChuna
Monastery @ Haa
School @ Haa
Haa Town
DAY 08 PARO -HAA VALLEY Start the drive to Haa via Chele-la pass (3800Mts / 12465Fts, 65 Kms / 02 to 03Hrs – One way)
Wangsel in Drugyel, a special education unit for hearing impaired children in Paro town
Back to Paro for the night
can't remember where...
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Making of Gift Bhutan Warmth
It all started with a THOUGHT, put into action and with the kindness of many... we GIFT BHUTAN WARMTH.