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WOMEN’S QUEST

BHUTAN OCTOBER 16-26, 2023

Please arrive at lease by Oct 15th

16th Oct. .  Day 1 

Arrival BKK-Paro. Depart 5:00 am Arrival 8:30 am

Paro – Thimphu .Elevation 2330m. / 7644ft.) 

  • Fly in from Bangkok to Paro Bhutan.
    • On the way to Thimphu just below the highway there is a bridge from the 15th century. It’s a nice place and time to start the Bhutan quest and revive the energy level with a touch of spiritual blessings, as we believe the bridge was built by a great saint famously known as the iron bridge builder ( Drupthop Chazampa) it’s said that he built 108 such bridges to connect places which were otherwise difficult for Travellers. Walk down to the bridge stretch your legs, also look around the beautiful land scape and the river flowing down the valley which is actually fed by the melting of snow and glaciers from the second highest mountain in Bhutan Mt.Jumolhari 7330 meters. 
  • Continue the drive to Thimphu.
    Visit the memorial stupa in Thimphu built in memory of the late Third King of Bhutan Jigme Dorji Wangchuck known as the father of modern Bhutan

Visit the place where the local handmade paper is prepared . it has been made like this since the olden days and used to write scriptures but now days we use it for many purposes like wrapping gifts, painting, lampshades etc…

  • Check inn 
  • Tea/Coffee.
    • Explore the town in the evening. • Arrival Dinner. 

ϖ Overnight 3*** star Thimphu City Hotel Day 2. 

17th Oct.  Day 2  Thimphu

YOGA

 Breakfast
Hike from Changangkha to the Big Buddha statute (distance- 5km, Hike time -about 2hours 30minutes, Elevation 2500m.) The trail starts from near the Changangkha temple, will take you through sparsely populated blue pines with view of the Thimphu valley and as you enter further, the jungle gets thicker with thick leaved coniferous trees like oak and shrubs of bamboo. The trail especially in winter is carpeted with Oak and Blue pine leaves and in the spring beautiful with colorful cherry blossoms and Rhododendron flowers. It can also get a bit tricky during the monsoon due to heavy rain. The path leads through gentle slopes as well as steep rugged mountain paths between the placid woods and you can also sight some birds along the way. The trail ends at the Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park, open space from where you will see the giant statue of Buddha Dordenma – the biggest sitting Buddha in the world. 

Planting Saplings -With the GNH (Gross National Happiness) policy which is the guiding philosophy of the country, it’s obligatory to preserve minimum 60% of forest cover is embedded in the country’s Constitution, of which we still have more than 70% forest coverage which is why Bhutan is carbon negative. Bhutan also celebrates a national holiday on June 2, “Social Forestry Day,” dedicated to planting trees around the country
The nationwide effort to plant trees and the collective support of the people is a testament to Bhutan’s Commitment to the environment. To add on and take care of our mother earth we have a give back to nature program by planting more trees. 

ϖ Picnic Lunch. 

Visit Draktsho Foundation. The main focus of the center is to train children and youth with disabilities in various vocational and life skills that enable them with greater agency and autonomy. The courses and
Trainings offered include tailoring, embroidery, souvenir making, personal management skills, Occupational skills, social skills and a physical fitness programs, there are two Draktsho centers, one in the capital city, Thimphu, and the other located in Trashigang district in Eastern Bhutan. The Produces made by the students are for sale which in a way helps the center to generate income. 

  • Dinner. 

 Thimphu City Hotel 2

18th Oct.  Day 3  Thimphu – Punakha.( Elevation: 1250m. /4101ft.) 

YOGA
• Breakfast. 

Morning ceremony at Lopen Dorjis Place. 

The Journey to Punakha begins; it is the ancient capital of Bhutan from the 17th century. (The winter resident for the monks / during summer they move to Thimphu) 

Lungchutse Hike- Start off from the Dochula Pass (Elevation 3050meters) which has a collection of 108 Chortens and a spectacular panoramic view of the Greater Himalayas. The best thing about this hike is the undergrowth of rhododendron, Spruce, Daphne, Campbell Magnolia and other old tall trees with moss. (Hike time 4 hours) the elevation at the top is approximately 3600m. /11811ft. From here the view gets even better with the permanent snow-capped mountains to the North and the depth of the valleys in the Southern foothills. By end of February one can see the beautiful flowering of Rhododendrons. We will take picnic lunch have near the Temple at the top. We will go back the same way and our bus will be waiting at the point where we started. 

  • Drive to Punakha Valley which descends all the way from Dochula Pass 3050m. to Punakha valley 1250m.
    • Check inn.
    • Tea / Coffee. 
  • Dinner. 

Overnight 3***star Hotel Lobesa. 

19th Oct.   Day 4 – Punakha sightseeing (Rafting Adventure) YOGA 

(Drive 2 hours) 

  • Breakfast.
    • Drive about 20minutes to the start point of the hike. 

From the Punakha Dzong walk up the course of the river following the old trail along right side of MoChhu (Female River) . The trail goes below “Sonagasa” which has the stable for the Kings Horses . About an hour into the hike, after crossing the fields of rice and vegetables the trail connects with another path, before a gradual switch back climb up to Khamsum yuelling . This unique temple was built by the mother of the current king to bring peace and tranquility during the reign of the current king. (Elevation 1350 meters. Distance 7 Kilometers, Hike Time about 2 hours 30 minutes.). After visiting the temple, walk back down about half an hour crossing the suspension bridge, our team will be waiting on the other side to assist you for the White River rafting which is one of the highlights in Punakha. 

  • River Rafting -Mo Chu is 10km long with rapids of class 2 and 2+ . It ends near the Punakha Dzong. Whitewater rafting in Bhutan a recommended activity for those who wants to experience Bhutan in a fun, memorable and relaxing manner and gives you a diverse experience and different view of the valley. 

Picnic lunch by the river and after lunch have a free leisure time.
On the way stop and visit the fertility Temple which is known for the blessings of fertility and the houses decorated with paintings and hanging of Phallus which is associated to the master Lama Drukpa Kunley who practiced the crazy wisdom and subjugated many demons using the flaming thunder bolt. 

20th  Oct.  Day 5  Punakha- Phobjikha (Elevation 2900m. / 9514 ft.) 

YOGA
Early Morning prayer ceremony by the monks at Gangtey shedra. 

  • Breakfast
    • Drive to Phobjikha (Bowl Shaped Valley) roosting ground for the Black Necked Cranes. (Arrive near November month and go back by March in early spring time). (2 hours’ Drive) 

Hike The Nature Trail (Distance 4km, Hike time 1hour 20 minutes, Elevation 2900meters) this is the most beautiful and shortest of the existing nature trails in Bhutan. The hike starts from the Mani (like Chhorten) stone wall and ends near an old temple called Khewa Lhakhang. This hike takes you through the pine forest and small dwarf bamboo plants. It provides a spectacular view of the Phobjikha Valley, which is the roosting ground of the Black necked Cranes 

Visit the Crane Information center to get more information about the cranes and also watch a short documentary. The center showcases interesting facts about the blacked necked cranes in form of videos, brochures and diagrammatic presentations. In 1999, RSPN with financial support from MacArthur Foundation in USA established the Integrated Conservation and Development Program (ICDP) in order to promote community development and ecological benefit. 

  • Check into Hotel. • Dinner. 

Overnight 3***star Dewachen Resort (Drive Time 2 hours) 

21st Day 6 Oct.   Phobjikha – Trongsa (Elevation 2180m. / 7152 ft.) 

YOGA
• Breakfast
Take a walk in the valley with soothing sound of the birds. On the way one can witness the morning chores of the local people as they start and prepare for the day. Potato is the main cash crop which is exported to India. They also grow turnip and the turnip green is dried and prepared with pork which is one of the best local delicacy .Further on going up a small hill the hike ends at Gangtay Gomba an old monastery which has a school and a college. (Hike time about an Hour) 

  • Journey to Trongsa 2hours 30 minutes. • Lunch at Chazam . 

En route to Trongsa Chendebji Chorten, patterned on Kathmandu’s Swayambhunath Stupa with eyes painted at the four cardinal points. It was built in the 18th century by Lama Zhida, to cover the remains of an evil spirit that was subdued at this spot. Legend says that the evil spirit manifested as a gigantic snake. 

Visit Trongsa Dzong built in 1644 on a spur overlooking the gorge of the Mangde Chhu, this ancient fortress still carries a medieval look. We can go inside and feel the difference of its location which served well to proclaim the Impression of its power and authority. It is, the largest dzong at a striking location, an important administrative building, providing the headquarters for the government of Trongsa District. It is the main center of the monastic body for the district with around 200 monks. Today you will experience how people in those days used to travel. The ancient Mangdue Foot Trail is a wonderful option for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. It is a trail that begins from the Viewpoint restaurant and goes through the forest of pine and Rhododendrons and ends at the Western gate of the Trongsa Dzong. The entire trek covers a distance of about 14 km and should approximately take about two and a half hours. 

  • Lunch.
    • Drive back to Trongsa and a walk in the small town of Trongsa. • Tea/coffee time.
    • Dinner. 

Overnight at 3***star Yangkhil Resort. 

22nd Oct. Day 6  Trongsa – Bumthang (Elevation 2700m. / 8858ft.). 

YOGA
• Breakfast
• Journey to Bumthang. Bumthang is known as the spiritual heartland of the country as Buddhism first started from here in the 8th century, it’s also called as the Switzerland of Bhutan for of its comparable landscape. 

  • Short stop at Yotongla Pass (3420m. /11220ft.) Joins Trongsa and Bumthang District.
    • On arrival at the Chumey Valley take a diversion road that leads to Tharpaling monastery founded by a great Tibetan Master Longchenpa in the 14th century. There are more than 100 monks at the monastery. 
  • Picnic Lunch.
    Tharpaling HIKE. (Distance (Hike time 4Hours, Distance 13 Kilometers) the hike starts from where the motor road ends at a temples car parking (Elevation 3800m). The trail is a mix of gradient; last part of it is mostly downhill. One Can spot Pheasants and Himalayan Monal. On the way down the trail connects with Kikila Pass (Elevation 2900m) on the Trongsa – Bumthang Highway. 

Continue to drive over the Kikila pass and you have the Opening view of Chamkhar Valley (2700 m. /8858ft.)
Local homestays’ at Aum Tshomo’s place. She is a very good cook and can also show us how to make some of the local “Bumtap “cuisines we can also join her to cook dinner. 

Enjoy tea / coffee. (Drive 3 Hours 30 minutes) 

In the evening learn how to make “Tshok “Fried Dough with beautiful patterns. This is the perfect option for people who do not necessarily want to spend a night in a farmhouse but would nevertheless like to have a taste of Bhutanese rural life. 

ϖ Overnight at Aum Tshomos Home Stay. ( Certified by Tourism Council of Bhutan) Day 8. 

23rd Oct. Day 7   Bumthang Festival Day. 

YOGA
• Breakfast
Dress up in our traditional dress for women called the “Kira” time to enjoy the festival and also check out
the small stalls which have some games and also sell garments and food. Thangbi Mani festival is held in Chhoekhor Gewog in Bumthang which highlights the fire blessing (Mewang) ceremony performed in an open ground. The lay monks perform purification rituals while people jump over flames to purify themselves. Several mask dances are also performed. It is believed that the festival would bring peace and prosperity and ensure a better harvest for the entire community.
Thangbi Lhakhang/Monastery was founded in 1470 by the Shamar Rinpoche, Chokki Drakpa and the iron curtain at the entrance is said to have been casted by the saint himself. 

ϖ Picnic lunch. 

  • After the festival drive back to the farm house.
    • Cook local cuisines with Aum Tshomo our local Chef who also have lot of stories to share.
    You can also learn how to play “khuru” a local dart game, it used to be played only by men but now we have many women who take part and even play tournaments. 

Visit Dorjibi Weaving Centre which was built to empower the local women to be self-sufficient. Hear more about this from the locals who love to share their experience you can also buy some of the hand woven products. 

 Overnight at Aum Tshomos Home Stay ( Certified by Tourism Council of Bhutan) Day 9. 

 Oct 24th Day 8 – Bumthang-Paro. Elevation 2200m. /7217ft. 

Domestic Flight YOGA 

  • Breakfast 

Domestic Flight to Paro. ( Flight time 30Minutes) For domestic service, the 48 seated ATR would only be able to take a maximum of 22 passengers due to the short runway on both Bumthang and Yongphula airport. Domestic service would cut short your traveling time from 10 hours’ drive to just 35 minutes flight. 

Zurich Hike. (15 minutes’ drive, Hike time: 1hour 30 Minutes, Elevation: 2400meters).The trail starts just near an entrance gate beside the Uma Resort. Near to the end of the hike there are few points from where the amazing view of Paro Dzong can be captured with the back drop of mountains and the Paro town. The hike ends just above the National Museum which once served as a watch tower. 

  • Tea/Coffee.
    • Check in Zhiwaling, one of the best Luxury Resort in the Country. • Dinner 

 Overnight 5*****star Zhiwa Ling https://www.zhiwalingheritage.com/

Oct 25 – Day 9 Paro Tigers Nest Hike. Elevation 3100m. / 10170ft. 

YOGA 

  • Breakfast
    • Drive about 20 minutes to reach the base of Taktsang. 

Hike to Tigers Nest. (Hike Time 4 hours, Distance 7 kilometers, Elevation 3100meters). Taksang or the
Tigers Nest is a must visit place for locals as well as Tourists. The trail starts off at an elevation of about 

2600meters from the car parking and the temple stands at 3100m.pearched on a sheer cliff face. There is
a cafeteria at the halfway mark, where you can take a break to catch your breath and eat something to keep your energy levels up. From this point, you can see a clear view of the monastery and take some beautiful pictures. The last section of the trail includes a series of about 700 stone steps. You’ll walk down the stairs at first, then across a bridge, and finally, you’ll start climbing the stairs up to the monastery. 

Your backpacks, cameras, and cell phones needs to be left in a locker at the entrance; then proceed for the tour of the temples, where you will learn about its history and all the fascinating legends associated with the monastery and its amazing architecture. The trail goes back the same way but on the way have a Picnic lunch or lunch at the Taktsang Cafeteria which will have to be decided a day earlier for arrangements. The hike ends at the car parking where the bus will be waiting. 

  • Drive back to the hotel. 

Hot stone bath in village farm house– The process of a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath is unique. The water is heated using river stones that are roasted on fire till they are glowing red. The temperature of the water can be increased by adding more heated stones into a wooden chamber via a chute. This chamber is connected to the main tub (also made of wood) which contains the water. The holes in the chamber allow the heat to be infused into the bath and the stones are said to release key minerals into the water which are believed to have medicinal benefits. It is really good to relieve tired muscles. 

  • At the farm house you can also try the Traditional Bow and Arrow which is our National Sport. Try some Home Brewed Ara (local fermented Rice Wine) followed by Cultural Program and dinner. 

Overnight 5*****star Zhiwa Ling https://www.zhiwalingheritage.com/ 

Oct 26 Day 10 – DEPARTURE Paro 4:20 pm Arrival  Bangkok 8:30 pm

YOGA 

  • Breakfast 
  • Enjoy the day at the Zhiwa Ling 
  • Drive to the Airport, we will help with the luggage.( Drive time 20 Minutes) 
  • Flight from Paro to Bangkok. 
  • Thank you for your visit, we wish you well and a safe travel for your onward journey