BHUTAN UNSHAKABLE

Thimphu Elevation: 2400 m

Wangditse Day Hike - The walk from the Radio Tower, Wangditse is a moderate hike with great views over Thimphu. The peace road finishes at broadcast tower, which further up is adorned by fluttering prayer flags. The view of south Thimphu from here is superb. WangditseGoemba was founded in 1750 by the attendants of Bhutan's 8th Desi, Yeshey Rabgye. It was renovated in 2002 after it suffered serious damage in a windstorm in 1995. The goemba housesthe statues of the guardian deitiesYeshey Gonpo (Mahakala), Palden Lhamo (Mahakali) and Tsheringma (the Goddess of Longevity)

Motithang Takin Preserve – Houses the rare national animal of Bhutan. Takin is listed by international conservation agencies as a vulnerable species and it is a rare animal found only inBhutan, Nepal and Burma.

Institute of Zorig Chusum - Commonly known as the Painting School, or the School of the Thirteen Arts, theInstitute offers you a glimpse of novices learning 13 traditional arts and craftsof Bhutan. It is a hands-on trip for you. Enjoy few moments with future artists of the country.

Simply Bhutan – A living museum and a photo studio with a mission to engage and empower youth entrepreneurs through preservation, promotion and showcasing of Bhutanese tradition and cultural diversity.

Centenary Farmers' Market - Most of the Thimphu population congregate on the banks of Wangchhu River where the weekend market is held. Villagers from the Valley and other nearbyplaces come to sell their wide range of agriculture products in the market. The market is by far the largest domestic market in Bhutan. A visit to the market provides great photo opportunities,as well as the chance to mingle with local people and perhaps buy souvenirs.

In the evening, we will visit Tashichho Dzong – The “fortress of the glorious religion” was initially erected in 1641 and rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the 1960s. Tashichho Dzong houses some ministries,His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body.

Thimphu Elevation: 2400 m

Phunakha Elevation: 13000 m

After breakfast, drive to Punakha – approximately 3-hours drive through picturesque valleys andmountain slopes dotted with typical Bhutanese villages. From the Dochula 1pass, at over 10,000ft, vast panoramic views of the high snowcapped peaks of the Bhutanese Himalaya can beenjoyed on a clear day. Continue drive down into the Punakha valley.
On the way visit Chhimi Lhakhang – This was founded in 15 Century by Lama Dukpa Kinley also known as divine mad man. It is half hour walk across a local village and rice field. After lunch visit Punakha Dzong – built in 1637 by Zhabdrung.
Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge - The 160 metres Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge is known for the longest suspensions bridge in Bhutan, which gives you spectacular views of Punakha Dzong andthe Pho Chhu Valley.

Phunakha Elevation: 1300 m

Trongsa Elevation: 2300 m

Trongsa is a small town situated on the step ridge and offers a spectacular view of the deep valleys surrounding it. The district got its new name as Trongsa after construction of first small temple in 1543 by the Drukpa lama Ngagi Wangchuk, who was the great – grandfather of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the unifier of Bhutan. The name Trongsa means “new village” inlocal dialect.

Trongsa Dzong – is largest dzong (fortress) in the country, which was built in 1644 by ChogyalMinjur Tempa, the first Trongsa district governor. The fort used to be the seat of power of Wangchuck dynasty before they become rulers of Bhutan in 1907. The dzong was constructed under the guidance of Zhadrung mainly to bring eastern Bhutan under central control.

Trongsa Ta Dzong – Ta Dzong, Which means “watchtower”, was built by chogyal Minjur Tempa, the first governor of Trongsa, in the year 1652. The tower stood guard over the Trongsa dzong to protect the main stronghold of the town from any external threats. Since peace came toan end in Bhutan, the tower has lost its military function. Later in 2008 the watchtower was converted into museum in celebration of three auspicious occasions: enthronement of the 5th King, recognition of 100 years of monarchy and introduction of democracy in the country. The museum showcases some of the rare and priceless artifacts belonging to monarchy.

Trongsa Elevation: 2300 m

Bumtang Elevation: 2600 m

Bumthang District is consists of four main valleys, Ura, Chemey, Choedkhor and Tang valley. The Choedkhor valley is the largest of the four and is widely considered as ‘Bumthang Valley’. It is most historic district if the number of ancient temples and scared sites to be counted and it isalso refers to the Switzerland if east. The rich valleys of Bumthang are covered infields of buckwheat, rice and potatoes. Apple orchid and other dairy farms are also common sights here. This serene region is one of the most peaceful places in the kingdom of Bhutan.

Jakar Dzong – is in picturesque location overlooking the Choedkhor valley and the current structure was built in 1549 by the Tibetan lama Ngagi Wangchuck, the great grandfather of Zhabdrung Rinpoche. The official name is Yuelay Namgyal Dzong, in honour of the victory overthe Tibetan enemy. It also became the seat of the first King of Bhutan

Tamzhing Lhakhang – this temple is one of the major Nyingma monastery located I the centralBhutan. The temple was founded by the Pema Lingpa, the treasure discoverer who was from Tang valley. The main construction of temple was completed in 1505. It is famous its collection of painting which exemplify the redion style. Its mother monastery is in Lhalung in central Tibetand this temple is one of the few institutions still continuing the teaching of Pema Lingpa.

Bumtang Elevation: 2600 m

After breakfast, drive towards Tang valley and the valley is one of the four valleys of Bumthang.Tang valley is birth place of famous treasure discoverer Pema Lingpa. The one can able to explore the member tsho, the burning lake on the en route the valley. Tang Rimochen Temple – this temple was found by Dorji Lingpa in 14th century. The nameTang Rimochen derived due to the tiger stripes that appear on the cliff behind the temple. Ugyen Choeling Museum - the museum is first private own museum in Bhutan and the UgyenChoeling manor which was built by Tshokey Dorji, a descendant of Dorji lingpa in the 16th century. The present structure including the temple, servants quarters and a massive residentialbuilding, was rebuilt after their collapse in the 1897 earthquake. The complex has been turned into a museum of sorts for religious studies, research and solitude.

If time permits do explore the Kurjee lhakhang and Jambay Lhakahng which is in Choedkhorvalley.

Overnight hotel in Bumthang valley

Bumtang Elevation: 2600 m

Phojikha Elevation: 2900 m

Gangtey Goempa - Situated south of the road and east of Wangdue Phodrang, is Gangtey Gompa, an old monastery dating back to the 17th century. The largest Nyingma monastery in western Bhutan, it was founded in 1613 by Gyalse Pema Thinlay.

Phobjikha Valley - Well known as the winter home of the Black-necked Crane (Grus Nigricollis). Bhutan is home to around six hundred black-necked cranes with Phobjikha being one of the popular places that the birds migrate to in the winter months from the Tibetan plateau.The elegant and shy birds can be observed from early November to an end of March. Overlooking the Phobjikha valley is the Gangtey Goempa. This is an old monastery that datesback to17th century.

Phobjikha Nature Hike - A short trek of about 90 minutes known as Gangte Nature Trail startsfrom the Mani stone wall to the north of the Gangteng Gonpa and ends in Khewa Lhakhang.

Black-Necked Crane Information Centre - The valley of Phobjikha is known as the winter home of the Black-necked Crane (Grus Nigricollis). Bhutan is home to around six hundred black-necked cranes with Phobjikha being one of the popular places that the birds migrate to inthe winter months from the Tibetan plateau. The elegant and shy birds can be observed from early November to an end of March.BlackNecked Crane Information Centre, which has imformative display about the cranes and the valley environment.

Overnight Hotel in Phobjikha valley.

Phojikha Elevation: 2900 m

Paro Elevation: 2400 m

Paro Valley - The beautiful valley is home to many of Bhutan's old monasteries and temples. The valley is also home to Mount Chomolhari (7,300 meters) situated at the northern end of the valley whose glacier water forms the Pachu flowing through the valley.

Paro Dzong (aka Ringpung Dzong) - Explore the Rinpung Dzong, which the locals call the ‘fortress ofa heap of jewels’. Built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the dzong stands on a hill above Paro Township. It is linked by the traditional cantilever bridge (called the Nemi Zam) over the Pa Chu where one may pose a photograph.

National Museum (Ta Dzong) - On a ridge immediately above Rinpung Dzong is Ta Dzong, originally built as a watchtower. In 1968, Ta Dzong was inaugurated as the first National Museum, and now holds a fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangka paintings, Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps, coins and handicrafts, together with a small natural history collection. Start or end your trip with a visit to this marvelous museum

Kyichu Lhakhang - Also known as Kyerchu Temple or Lho Kyerchu, is the oldest temple in Bhutan. Just like Jambhay Lhakhang in Bumthang, it is one of the 108 temples built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo to subdue and pin down an ogress that was obstructing the spread of Buddhism. According to legend, all 108 temples were built in a single night and spend some time in Paro town with our representative.

Overnight hotel in Paro valley

Paro Elevation: 2400 m

Tiger Nest’s Monastery Elevation: 3000 m

After breakfast, drive for half an hour and start the hike. The trail is along an ancient path marked by river-powered prayer wheels. As you reach Taktsang you will be struck by the architectural wonder of this most pious Buddhist shrine in Bhutan. Perched some 1000m, 3000fton a cliff overlooking the valley; it would justifiably qualify as one of Bhutan’s wonders. The Tiger Nest was caught by fire for twice and it has been rebuilt to its original glory. It is saidthat the legendary Buddhist saint, Guru Padma Sambhava, flew from Tibet on the back of a tigress to tame five demons, who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan in 746 A.D. Descend back to Ramthangka.
If the time permits, drive further north to visit another symbolic structure, which is now under reconstruction. Drugyel Dzong, or “Castle of the Victorious Drukpa,” which was also built by the Shabdrung to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over the Tibetans in the 16th centuries.

Hot Stone Bath - You can go for a locally own Hot Stone Bath, which can take two people atone time. This bath will help loosen your joints, release muscle tension and invoke a profoundsense of relaxation. The cost is approximately USD 25/- per person. Overnight hotel in Paro valley

Paro Elevation: 2400 m

After breakfast you will be transfer to air port and the representative of Bhutan Unshakable Tours and Treks will bid farewell and see off you in airport.