A Memorable Travel to Bhutan via Calcutta

Day 1: EUROPE – CALCUTTA

Flight to Calcutta on a regular airline (with stopover)

Day 2: CALCUTTA (KOLKATA)

Arrival in the morning at the international airport of Calcutta (or Kolkata): welcome by the representative of ASIA WITH MATHEW. After your reception, departure for the discovery of the Maidan, green lung, historical, and cultural city of Kolkata, then move to Dalhousie square, former British colonial administrative center: Writers Building, High Court, St John’s church (1787). Visit to the Victoria Memorial (1921) erected in honor of the Empress of India with its museum that houses a vast collection. Then visit the Marble Palace (1835), an incredible 19th century palace filled with valuable European art. In this “marble palace” everything is amazing: the collection of classical statues, paintings, porcelain and even the menagerie at the back of the park. Then visit the home and cultural center of Tagore, the illustrious Indian composer, writer, playwright, painter and philosopher of the early XXᵉ century.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Calcutta.

Accommodation: The Lalit Great Eastern Hotel

Day 3: CALCUTTA

Early morning stroll through the flower market and a glimpse of the famous Howrah Bridge, Calcutta’s mythical bridge, a feat of engineering that allows millions of pedestrians to cross the Hoogly River (one of the branches of the Ganges) every day. Then a walk in the craftsmen district of Kumartuli, famous center for creation of Hindu clay idols which are used during religious festivals. This will be followed by a subway ride to Park Street. Then visit the Indian Museum, one of the oldest museums in the world (1814) and the second largest museum in India; it has six sections and rare collections of antiquities, armor and ornaments, fossils, skeletons, mummies and Mughal paintings.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

 Accommodation: The Lalit Great Eastern Hotel

Day 4: CALCUTTA -PARO

Depart for Kolkata airport for your flight to Paro, Bhutan. During the flight: breathtaking views of the Himalayan range. Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, welcome by the representatives of ASIA WITH MATHEW in Bhutan. Visit of Rinpung Dzong, the “fortress of the jewel heap”, built in 1644 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel on the foundations of a monastery built by Guru Rinpoche. Some scenes of the film Little Buddha by Bernardo Bertolucci (1995) were shot here. Visit of the Kyichu temple, composed of two twin temples built on a promontory. This temple was built in the 5th century by the Tibetan Buddhist king Songtsen Gyampo. Because of its age and function, it is particularly venerated. Turquoise and coral were donated by the faithful and are embedded in the floor where one prostrates. The paintings on the walls on either side of the shrine depict the Twelve Acts of Buddha and his past lives. Walk to discover Paro.

Overnight stay: Hotel in Paro.

Accommodation:  Tashi Namgay Resort, Khangkhu Resort or similar 

Day 5: PARO – TAKTSHANG – PARO

This day will allow to choose among several options in the morning: one is very spectacular but also very “physical”, other more bucolic and “quiet”, according to the possibilities of each. The group could be divided into two sub-groups, each of them being accompanied by one of the two guides.

“Physical” option: excursion on foot towards the hermitage of Taktshang, the famous “Tiger’s nest”, splendid monastery with the strong contrast between its white walls and the black rock, perched at 3120m of altitude and dominating the valley on a 700m sheer. Legend has it that Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) miraculously arrived there on the back of a tigress and meditated for three months, brought Buddhism to the Paro valley.   The path climbs about 900 meters (700 steps) to the monastery.  The ascent is generally done in two steps, with a possible stop in a “tea house”, (here tea room cafeteria) after 1h30 to 2h and the first 500 steps through a forest of rhododendrons and lichen trees: one can enjoy an admirable view on the monastery. The most courageous can continue the hike to the monastery for the visit. The second part of the trail is steeper, but also faster. The path climbs above the temple and thus offers a view of the golden roofs. But it is also possible to climb on small local horses almost to the top. The descent is done on foot only.  The monastery has seven temples, all of which can be visited. All visitors, including tourists, must wear “proper” clothing for the visit of Takstang monastery: no caps, no shorts, no T-shirts. The guides wear the national costume. (The whole excursion requires 5 to 6 hours).

Quiet” option: walk to the dzong of Drukgyel, fort built between 1647 and 1649 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel and located 14 km north of Taktsang. It is one of the four defensive fortresses of the country which allowed to repel the Tibetan armies. Drukgyel translates as “the fortress of victory” and commemorates the victory of the Bhutanese against the Tibetan soldiers and the unification of the two countries. It served as a military base to counter the Tibetan and Mongolian armies. The buildings were built with stones and clay. The interior of the Drukgyel dzong is dominated by the central tower building called “utse”, now in ruins. Located in the third courtyard, it had four floors and once housed a small abbey dedicated to the guardian deities. One can also observe in the other courtyards the “chu-dzong” or water forts, connected to each other by fenced paths. The rest of the fort was also used to house the “druezop” administrator of the dzong and his officials.

Other possibilities in the Paro valley : visit of the dzong of Rinpung which makes the fame of the city of Paro. Built in 1644 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the site became an administrative center of the western region of Bhutan in 1646. It is then named Rinpung dzong and considered as the home of the national museum of Bhutan from 1968.

   Dungtse temple: built in 1421 by Thangthong Gyelpo, a Tibetan monk who built eight bridges according to the Bhutanese tradition before returning to his native country. The Dungtse chörten was conceived as a mandala composed of three floors marking the ascent to levels of initiation. The walls are covered with splendid paintings and frescoes, the most amazing in Bhutan, representing a considerable number of deities in the Buddhist religion. Also visible on the first floor, representations of the Bardo Thödol: the Tibetan Book of the Dead.

   The Yangphel Pottery and Ceramic Workshop, located in Satsam Chorten, seven kilometers from Paro: its purpose is to revive Bhutanese pottery and to produce molded art objects: cups, plates, tea sets, dishes (“dapas”) and other Bhutanese articles. For the small productions, there are a total of 11 people employed under the direction of the chief designer Thinley Dorji. Prestigious earthenware objects of historical importance to Bhutan are also produced here.

Afternoon: Continue sightseeing in the Paro Valley if time permits. (Depending on the time available: visit the Ta-Dzong, the National Museum, originally the watchtower of the Paro Dzong, which stands imposingly on a hill overlooking the Paro Valley. Inaugurated in 1968 as the National Museum, it now houses some of the finest specimens of Bhutanese art, a fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangka paintings, stamps, coins, handicrafts and a small collection of Bhutanese natural history.  A short visit here will give you an idea of the cultural and ecological richness of Bhutan. Appropriate galleries have been built to house the vast collections: over 3000 objects representing 1500 years of history).   The Ta-Dzong is closed on public holidays.

Overnight stay: Hotel in Paro.

Accommodation:  Tashi Namgay Resor Thangkhu , Resort or Similar. Evening is free.

Day 6: PARO – BUMTHANG

Drive to the airport for your flight to Bumthang, a beautiful region of central Bhutan, whose name means “the bumpa-shaped plain” (a kind of oblong lustral water vessel.  The religious connotation of the name reflects the sacredness of the region). It is difficult to find such a density of temples and monasteries elsewhere in Bhutan. Bumthang is the name given to a complex of four valleys: Chume, Choekhor, Tang and Ura, whose altitude varies from 2600 to 4000m. It is now a district whose capital is Jakar. The Choekhor and Chume valleys are agricultural, while the Tang and Ura valleys are more focused on yak and sheep farming. It is a paradise for hikers because the valleys are quite flat, the slopes are relatively gentle and there are many hamlets, which allows a nice approach to rural life. Visit of the Jakar dzong, located on a small ridge which advances in the valley. Very elegant, this “fortress of the white bird” is however smaller than most of the other fortresses of the country. As usual, the site houses the headquarters of the district administration and, since 1998, that of a Drukpa monastic community. Visit of the Jambay Lhakhang. This monastery was built in the 7th century by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo.

It is one of the 108 monasteries that he built to subdue the evil spirits in the Himalayan region.  Its present architectural appearance dates from the early 20th century. Visit of Kurjey monastery, one of the most sacred monasteries in Bhutan after Guru Rinpoche’s meditations: he also left the imprint of his body on a rock (“ku” = body, “I” = imprint). Visit of the Kenchok Sum Lhakhang, temple of the 8th century. The inscription on the large bell testifies that it was cast for the Tibetan royal family.  You will find statues of Buddhas of the past, present and future. Then visit the Chagkhar Living Heritage Museum which displays the artifacts belonging to the descendants of Chagkhar Lama.

Overnight stay: Hotel in Bumthang.

Accommodation: Mountain Lodge,  Ugyenling , Jakar Village Lodge or Similar 

Day 7: BUMTHANG: excursion

Departure for the valley of Tang. The one-way trip takes about 1h30.  On the way, visit Mebar Tsho (the “burning lake”), one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Bhutan. Mebar Tsho is a narrow lake located in a gorge. Tradition says that Terton Pema Lingpa, a famous treasure hunter, found sacred relics hidden there by Guru Rinpoche. Pema Lingpa had a dream that he wanted to go to this particular place on the Tang Chuu River. After standing on the rocks, looking into the depths, he saw a temple at the bottom with many doors, one of which was open. He dived and swam into a large cave where a woman handed him a treasure chest. As he took it from her, he found himself on dry land with the hidden relics and the lamp still lit, giving his name to the “Mebar Tsho”.  Visit the Ugyencholing (or Ogyen Choling) mansion in Tang. It has a large building, the Jokhang, which contains two temples with imposing statues and paintings dating from the early 20th century. The temple on the first floor is dedicated to Tara, the goddess of compassion, and the one on the second floor to Jowo, the Buddha as a young prince.  Thanks to the initiative of the Ugyenchoeling family, a very interesting museum about the history and life of Ugyenchoeling was opened in May 2001. The museum has several floors of the central tower, the Utse. It is a unique opportunity to learn about the life in a stately home before 1950. Visit the Pema Choling nunnery, the monastic school of nuns, founded by the present Gangtey Tulku, prophesied by Pema Lingpa, patron saint of Bhutan in the 15th century. It houses more than a hundred nuns of varying ages, who follow the Nyingma Peling tradition. This is a very special opportunity to see where the nuns reside and how they run the nunnery, which is very different from monasteries of monks. Explore the Tang Valley and return to your hotel in Bumthang.

Overnight stay: Hotel in Bumthang.

Day 8: BUMTHANG – TRONGSA

Depart for Trongsa after an early breakfast. Attend the first day of Trongsa Tsechu festival at the dzong. Visit Ta Dzong, the Royal Heritage Museum. This watchtower, which once guarded Trongsa Dzong from internal rebellion, stands on a promontory above the town. It was built by Chogyal Minjur Tempa, the first governor of Trongsa in 1652. It has four observation points representing a tiger, a lion, a garuda and a dragon. A visit to this ancient watchtower gives visitors an insight into the importance of Trongsa in Bhutanese history. To this day, the Ta Dzong of Trongsa is the most fascinating museum in the kingdom.

Overnight stay: Hotel in Trongsa.

Accommodation: Yangkhil Resort or Tashi Ninjey.

Day 9: TRONGSA – GANGTEY VALLEY (3 h) 12/12/2022

Departure for the valley of Gangtey. The journey takes about 3 hours. This quiet and isolated valley is the winter home of the famous black-necked cranes that migrate from the arid plains of Tibet to the north, to spend the winter months in a milder climate. Visit Gangtey Goemba, located on the slopes of the valley, built in the 17th century.  It is the first Nyingmapa Buddhist study center in the country. If you are interested, hike the Gangtey Nature Trail. The gentle hike takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Next is the Phobjika Valley, to visit the Black-necked Crane Visitor Center, run by an NGO. These migratory birds, which return every year from Siberia and Tibet to spend the winter in the region, can be easily observed without any disturbance. They have inspired local folklore for generations and a festival is even dedicated to them.

Overnight stay: Hotel in Gangtey.

Accommodation: Hotel Dewachen. 

Day 10: GANGTEY VALLEY – PUNAKHA (3 h)

Continue to the beautiful valley of Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan. The journey takes about 3 hours. Visit the Punakha Dzong. Strategically located at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, the dzong was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative headquarters of the region. It was here that the dual system of government was introduced in the 17th century and in 1907, the first Gongsar King Ugyen Wangchuck was enthroned. Damaged over the centuries by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the dzong has been fully restored in recent years by the 4th King Jigme Singye Wangchuck. Not to be missed is the massive Kuenray, the coronation hall of all Bhutanese kings, the Dzongchung at the entrance of the dzong, and the cantilevered bridge over the Mo Chu which has been recently renovated. Crossing the longest suspension bridge in the country over the Pho Chhu River, 350 m long. You will enjoy walking on the bridge draped with colorful prayer flags and the small village stores at the other end. Visit the Chhimi Lhakhang, (or Chimi Lhakang) fertility temple dedicated to the famous master Drukpa Kinley (also known as the “divine madman”) with whom the phallic symbol is associated. Do not miss the works of the master painted on the walls.  Couples usually visit this temple to be blessed with children. Parents also bring their babies here to be named. Babies named here usually have the name “Kinley”.

Overnight stay: Hotel in Punakha.

Accommodation: Drubchhu Resort Or Vara Hotel.

Day 11: PUNAKHA – THIMPHU (ca. 3 hrs)

Departure for Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. After 1.5 hours drive, stop at Dochula Pass (3140m) to attend the Dochula Tsechu, a unique and interesting festival. At Dochula Tsechu, an original and picturesque festival takes place in the morning, accessible from the pass by walking about 15 minutes from the parking lot to the Tsechu grounds where between 9am and noon, masks and traditional dances are presented. Then, on the way to Thimphu after spending some time at the festival. On arrival, visit Timphu, the current capital of Bhutan, urbanized only around 1952, populated by 80 000 inhabitants and located at 2350m of altitude. Visit of the Tashichhodzong the “fortress of the glorious religion”, majestic in all its grandeur and which serves as the seat of the government of Bhutan. The Dzong houses the secretariat, the throne room, the offices of His Majesty the King and the ministries of internal affairs and finance. The fortress was first erected in 1641 and then rebuilt in the 1960s by the third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.

Overnight stay: Hotel in Thimphu.

Accommodation: Jumolhari Hotel, Thimphu Tower or Gakyil 

Day 12: THIMPHU

After breakfast, drive to Buddha Point and its gigantic statue of Shakyamuni Buddha celebrating the 60th birthday of the fourth king Jigme Singye Wangchuck. The statue houses several thousand small Buddha statues, each of which, like the Dordenma Buddha itself, is made of bronze and gilded in gold. Construction began in 2006 and was only completed on September 25, 2015. Very nice view of the Thimphu valley. Visit the National Chorten Memorial built in 1974 in memory of the third king of Bhutan Druk Gyalpo. At the chorten, you will find an extraordinary representation of Buddhist teachings in the form of paintings and sculptures. Visit “Simply Bhutan,” an interactive “living” museum created for and by the youth of Bhutan through the Bhutan Youth Development Fund. Visit the National Textile Museum. This museum offers an in-depth look at the art of Bhutanese weaving. Examples of weaving techniques from different regions of Bhutan are on display, as well as styles of local clothing and textiles made by the local people. A small group of weavers usually work their looms inside the workshop, giving you a chance to see the weaving first hand.

Overnight stay: Hotel in Thimphu.

Accommodation : Jumolhari Hotel, Thimphu Tower or Gakyil  

Day 13: PARO – CALCUTTA

Drive to Paro International Airport for an early morning departure to Kolkata. Upon arrival in Kolkota, visit the Jain temple of Pareshnath, built in 1867. Then, stroll through the bookstore district or the New Market, a monument built in 1874. Night in Calcutta.

Accommodation: Hotel The Lalit Great Eastern  

Day 14: CALCUTTA – EUROPE

JOURS	LIEU	HOTEL*	Nbre de NUITS
1 & 2	CALCUTTA	LALIT GREAT EASTERN	2
3 & 4	PARO	TASHI NAMGAY RESORT	2
5 & 6	BUMTHANG	MOUNTAIN LODGE	2
7	TRONGSA	YANGKHIL RESORT	1
8	GANGTEY	HOTEL DEWACHEN	1
9	PUNAKHA	DRUBCHHU	1
10 & 11	THIMPHU	HOTEL JUMOLHARI	2
12	CALCUTTA	LALIT GREAT EASTERN	1

 

(Heure d’arrivée et de départ selon la politique de l’hôtel.)* ou hôtels de catégorie similaire

Total : 12 nuits

1. Veuillez noter que les noms des hôtels mentionnés ci-dessus indiquent seulement que nos tarifs sont basés sur l’utilisation de ces hôtels et ne doivent pas être interprétés comme signifiant que l’hébergement est confirmé dans ces hôtels jusqu’à ce que nous vous transmettions cette confirmation. Dans le cas où l’hébergement ne serait pas disponible dans l’un des hôtels mentionnés ci-dessus, nous réserverons un autre hébergement dans un hôtel similaire ou dans le meilleur hôtel disponible et nous vous répercuterons la différence de tarifs (supplément ou réduction, le cas échéant).
2. Notre offre est basée sur l’utilisation de chambres de la catégorie de base dans les hôtels mentionnés (sauf indication contraire) et si cette catégorie de chambres n’est pas disponible, nous essaierons de confirmer l’hébergement dans la catégorie de chambres supérieure suivante disponible et nous vous informerons du coût supplémentaire impliqué tout en vous communiquant le statut.