Temples and monasteries of Bhutan

Arrive to green Paro valley, enjoy fresh, clean air and spectacular scenery with the highest peaks in the world. Already in the first evening enjoy dinner, visit to a school for monks, Rimpung Dzong, and take a walk through the town. On the next morning cross the Dochula Pass and enjoy stunning views of the Himalayas. Hike to the Punakha Dzong - a monastery and fertility shrine mostly visited by woman. Also visit the town of Wangdue and walk through the rice terraces and forest to Khamsum Yueley Chorten, a shrine built by the Queen of Bhutan. It is a four-story architectural masterpiece that was built for 9 years. Then take two days to travel the Gangtey valley - visit to the village of Khewa en route, where their main production is potato farming and dairy products. Walk to the monastery of Gangtey Goempa, known to hold the most sacred relics in Bhutan. The monastery of Gangtey Goempa was built in the 16th century and renovated and consecrated in 2008. After that visit to the Community School of Gangtey and walk across Phobjikha Valley and into the Khewa Valley to visit an old temple (donation will be required necessary to keep the monastery running).

Then spend a day in Thimpu and visit the National Library, Memorial Chorten and the Institute for Zorig Chusum. It is the arts and craft school where the students work with paints, clay, wood and other traditional materials and study there for 4-6 years. There is an opportunity to purchase arts and crafts from the shop at the school. The Institute was established to ensure that Bhutanese traditional arts and cultural heritage continues. Thimpu is the capital of Bhutan and the main inhibited centre, and it contrasts sharply with the most cities you have ever visited throughout the world. It is a capital city without traffic lights, where no cars existed until 1962 and where all stores are closed on Tuesday on the upper lane and Wednesday on the lower lane to allow business people more time with their families. The town did not really develop until it became the capital city in 1961. Then drive to one of the most remote and sacred valleys in Bhutan – the Haa Valley that was closed from the outside world until 2002. From the pass one can get a good view of the Himalayan Ranges and the valley beyond. There at Chelela Pass hike through the deep forest of pine trees and rhododendron to Kila Goempa nunnery, clinging on a rocky cliff and is a house for around 60-70 nuns. After that drive to Haa town, visit Wangchuck Dzong, as well as Lhakhang Nakpo (Black temple) and Lhakhang Karpo (White temple). Return to Paro in the final part of the tour and visit the ruined fortress of Drukgyal Dzong. Then hike up to the Taktsang monastery, the so called Tiger's Nest – the most venerated pilgrim site of the Himalayan world. Gasp at the stunning view from this monastery, which clings to the rock towering 900 meters above the valley. Later, visit Kyichu Lhakhang Temple and the local archery grounds for a demonstration. Archery is the national sport of Bhutan.