Unveiling Bhutanese Textile

1. Day 1 Paro - Thimphu ▾

   • 55 km Driving distance
   • 1 hr 30 min Driving time
   • 2,300 m Altitude of Thimphu

   The panoramic Himalayan views shall be mesmerizing as you fly to Bhutan. The Landing is another experience. On completion of immigration formalities, your guide from Ideal Travel Creations shall welcome you with a “Tashi Khadar” on your exit from the Airport gate.

   Drive to Thimphu. Discover the barren mountains, Tamchog Lhakhang, the Paro River (Pa Chhu) joining the Thimphu River (Wang Chhu) at Chhuzomsa and the three stupas as you drive the well-maintained road between Paro and Thimphu. Lunch at Thimphu.

   You may choose to relax at hotel or walk around the Thimphu town. In the evening, visit the Tashichhodzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion). A private traditional cultural show before dinner. Overnight in Hotel in Thimphu.

2. Day 2 Thimphu ▾

   • 2,300 m Altitude of Thimphu

   In the morning, visit the Royal Textile Academy, Bhutan’s first institution that educate Bhutanese youth about the conservation, preservation of Bhutanese textiles. It also facilitates training, study, and exhibition of the country’s textiles.

   Visit the Textile Museum, established in the year 2001. The museum has a good collection of exclusive and antique Bhutanese textile artifacts. Drive to Kawajangsa and visit the National Institute of Zorig Chusum. Students are taught the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan in the institute.

   “Tshem zo”, the art of working with needle, thread and other items to make clothes, boots, thangkas, etc. is one of the 13 arts. Afternoon, drive to Kuenselphodrang. This place is also a home to the biggest statue of Buddha Drodenma. The mesmerizing view of Thimphu, biking trails, hiking trails and a picnic spot makes this place worth a visit.

   On the way back visit the National Memorial Chhorten, built in the honor of the Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. It is a center of worship for the people in Thimphu. A few pictures and circumambulation are must. Visit a weaving center and then explore the craft bazar.

   A private interactive session with a Bhutanese Fashion designer/ similar and your Bhutanese hosts. Dinner with your Bhutanese Host. Overnight in hotel in Thimphu.

3. Day 3 Thimphu - Punakha/Wangdue ▾

   • 70 km Driving distance
   • 2 hr Driving time
   • 1,250 m Altitude of Punakha/ Wangdue

   As you drive towards Punakha, you shall first see the Simtokha Dzong and then the winding roads leads you through blue pine forests and the villages of Hongtsho (2890m) and Yusipang. The local villager sell apples, walnuts, dried cheese in this area.

   The road climbs through the forest till you reach the Dochula Pass at 3150 m. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the higher Himalayas and visit the 108 Druk Wangyal Chhortens. Follow the road downhill, vegetation now changes from oak, maple, and blue pine to a forest of Hemlock, fir, Rhododendron, alder cypress, etc. leading you to the Royal Botanical Park and then slowly descends towards Thinleygang.

   The wind gets warmer and the vegetation is mostly of cactus, oranges, bamboo, pine and paddy fields. Check in Hotel and relax for a while. After Lunch, visit the Punakha Dzong, built by the Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1637 at the junction the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu Rivers.

   Visit the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan. Explore the villages. Then, take a short and easy hike through paddy fields and villages to visit the Chhimi Lhakhang. This temple is also known as the temple of fertility and was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley in the 15 century.

   Lama Drukpa Kuenley is also known as the Divine Madman. If you are interested in rafting, you could choose to do the same in Punakha at an extra cost. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

4. Day 4 Punakha - Phobjikha ▾

   • 80 km Driving distance
   • 2 hr 30 min Driving time
   • 2,900 m Altitude of Phobjikha

   After breakfast, hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chhorten. Take a short drive to the base and then walk through paddy fields before you climb a moderately inclined trail surrounded by pine trees. The hike is amazing and the views from the Chhorten are absolutely thrilling.

   Freshen up and drive to Gangtey/Phobjikha in the afternoon. Drive along the slopes of bare hills following the river (Drang Chhu) until you reach Chuzomsa, (the confluence of the Dang Chhu and the Pe Chhu). After crossing the bridge the road goes uphill through pine forests often encountering small villages, where women spinning yarns on their porches, older men idling their time and children frolickingaround could be the most common sights.

   Stop at places and never miss a chance for a good photo or sight. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

5. Day 5 Phobjikha/ Gangtey ▾

   • 2,900 m Altitude of Phobjikha

   A private walk in the morning could be a good option to see the mists hanging low and the waking up of the valley. (Subject to weather conditions) After breakfast, explore the Phobjikha Valley, the most beautiful glacial valleys in Bhutan and the winter roosting place for the endangered black necked crane.

   A must visit place in Bhutan. Activities for the day Visit the Gangtey Goembaoverlooking the large green expanse of the Phobjikha Valley. Gyaltse Pema Thinley, the grandson and mind reincarnation of Pema Lingpa founded the Temple in 1613, and Tenzin Legpai Dhendup, the second re-incarnation, built the temple.

   Hike the Gangtey Nature Trail. The trail starts at the 17th century Gangtey Monastery. The two-hour gentle trek lets you get immersed in the beautiful Phobjikha valley. Visit the Khewang Lhakhang and interaction with the young monks. Visit to Crane Centre and Black Necked Crane photography (During winter seasons).

   Drive towards Kilkorthang village and visit the Ngenlung Drechaling, Shechen Nunnery. Drive past the Nunnery stroll around the valley. Farmers working in the field is a common sight. In the evening visit a local weaver and understand about textiles and weaving processes.

   Dinner and overnight in hotel.

6. Day 6 Gangtey - Trongsa - Bumthang ▾

   • 150 km Driving distance
   • 5 hr Driving time
   • 2,600 m Altitude of Bumthang

   A leisure breakfast with a view of Phobjikha Valley. Drive to Trongsa. Stop at Pelela Pass (3420 m) with the customary Chorten and long colorful flags covering the hilltops. You shall also find stalls selling local handicraft items including products made from Yaks by the semi Nomadic tribes in the region.

   Drive downhill as you are greeted by beautiful views of admirable landscape, villages, Yaks (subject to season), until you reach the Chendebji Chhorten. It was built to subdue evil spirits in the style of the great Boudnath Chhorten of Nepal.

   Visit the Chhorten. After driving for approximately 1 – 2 hours you shall see the view of the impressive Trongsa Dzong. Visit the Trongsa Dzong, one of the most impressive Dzong in Bhutan. The Dzong was built by Chogyal Minjur Tempa, the official who was sent by Zhabdrung to unify Eastern Bhutan and enlarged at the end of the 17th century by Desi Tenzin Rabgay.

   Trongsa Dzong is the ancestral home of the present Royal Family. The first two hereditary kings ruled Bhutan from this Dzong. Then visit the Ta dzong, an ancient watch tower which is now converted into a museum. It represents a tasteful blend of tradition and modernity.

   The Museum has around 224 items on display. After lunch drive to Bumthang via Yotong La Pass (3425 m), marked by a Chhorten and prayer flags. Drive down the Pass through Rhodendrons and different types of pine forest until you reach the plains of Chhumey Valley.

   While in Chummey valley stop to visit the Yathra Weaving Factory. Interact with the weavers. You may opt to try the loom on your hands. Yathra is a hand woven fabric made from the wool of sheep or Yak. It is a famous textile product of Bumthang.

   The Yathra cloth is made into scarves, jackets, table cloths, bags, etc. Most of the women in this valley, especially in Zungye village earn their lively hood by weaving Yathra which is supplied to various towns in Bhutan. Explore the Chamkhar town.

   Visit handicrafts, weavers and learn about textiles. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

7. Day 7 Bumthang ▾

   • 2,600 m Altitude of Bumthang

   In the morning, we shall visit a local place where we shall witness the process of dying, spinning and weaving textile. In the afternoon, you may choose to continue with the weaving or dying process OR do the following sightseeing: Visit Kurjey Lhakhangand Jambay Lhakhang.

   Kurjey Lhakhang was named after body print of Guru Rimpoche and is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. Jambay Lhakhang was built by King Srongsen Gompo of Tibet. One of the most spectacular festivals, “Jambay Lhakhang Drup” is staged here. visit the Jakar Dzong (literally meaning the Castle of White Bird).

   The current structure was built in 1667. drive to Tamshing village, explore the village and visit the Tamshing Lhakhang,one of the oldest Monasteries in Bhutan. Then visit the Bumthang Cheese factory and Brewery. This is a small-scale, mostly handmade factory based on the raw materials supplied by the local farmers.

   It is nice to see the hand work aspects of bottling, labeling, capping. Try the craft beer and Red Panda, a Weiss beer. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

8. Day 8 Bumthang - Autsho (Lhuentse) ▾

   • 190 km Driving distance

   Driving time; 7 – 8 hr | Altitude of Autsho: 900 m After breakfast, drive to Autsho, the first settlement as soon as you enter Lhuentse District. It is a small village by the banks of Kuri Chhu (River). Drive via the old Bumthang – Mongar highway and stop on the way to visit the popular Mebarstho(literally meaning, “The burning Lake”).

   The view of the Tang Valley and Bumthang valley shall be mesmerizing as you drive through the narrow road through pine forest. Explore the Ura Valleywhich is one of the subdistricts of Bumthang district and is as amazingly open countryside with large pastures and occasional running into forest.

   With clustered houses, the villages in Ura is quite unique in Bhutan. Ura has transformed from a marginal community to prosperous valley since the last 25 years. Continue the incredible journey through luscious rhododendron forests and pine forest.

   This drive through the Thrumsingla National Park gives you a frequent sight of blood pheasant and if lucky Snow leopards and red pandas may be seen. On reaching Thrumsingla at 3800 m, the highest point between Bumthang and Mongar, the road then descends to 650 m altitude in mere few hours.

   On the way stop at Sengor village. Drive to Autsho past Limithang. Dinner and overnight in Autsho.

9. Day 9 Explore Lhuentse ▾

   Autsho – Takila (37 km/ 1.5 Hr) – Lhuentse (25 km/ 1 Hr) – Khoma Village (10 km/ 0.5 Hr) Altitude Variations: 800 m to 1600 m Lhuntse is among the most isolated settlements in Bhutan. It is mostly covered by beautiful conifer and pine forests.

   One of the most picturesque sights in Lhuntse is the Tallest Guru Statue in Takila and Lhuntse Dzong. The Kurtoe region is the ancestral home of the Royal family of Bhutan and Khoma Village is known for “Kishuthara”, a traditional silk textile.

   After breakfast, drive to Takila in the Tangmachhu Valley. Visit the temple. A lot of photo opportunities should not be missed as you drive back via settlements in Tangmachhu. Drive to Lhuentse and visit the Lhuentse Dzong. Stroll a while in Lhuentse market area and then drive to Khoma Village, one of the highlights of the tour.

   In Khoma village you shall observe, learn, photograph, and experience the whole process of weaving “Kishuthara”, the most famous and expensive hand-woven Bhutanese textile. Kishuthara weaving is the main source of income for the people in this small clustered village.

   Kishuthara is fabric made by silk on silk weaving with intricate hand laced patterns. This is highly regarded and most expensive textiles in Bhutan. Interaction with the different weavers in the village, understanding their weaving techniques, processes and tools would be a great opportunity.

   You may try weaving with the weavers. Overnight in village homestay in Khoma village with the locals.

10. Day 10 Khoma - Mongar - Trashiyangtse ▾

    After breakfast,spend some time with the weaver (if required) then drive to Trashigang via Mongar. Explore the Mongar town. Afternoon drive to Trashiyangtse. The drive may be a little tiring, but the experiences worth. Located in the eastern Bhutan at an altitude of 1700 m, Trashiyangtse is a rapidly growing town and administrative center of the district.

    The main town is situated in a small river valley and is a lovely spot to take walks in the countryside. This area is famous for wooden containers and bowls. Dinner and overnight in hotel or village homestay.

11. Day 11 Trashiyangtse - Trashigang ▾

    • 50 km Driving distance
    • 2 hr Driving time
    • 1,070 m Altitude of Trashigang

    After breakfast, visit Chorten Kora. One of the most important stupa in Trashiyangtse built in the year 1740, and then explore the villages, learn about wooden containers and bowls and making it. Then drive to Bomdeling and explore the valley.

    Drive to Trashigang. On the way visit Gomphu Kora. In the evening, explore the Trashigang Town. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

12. Day 12 Explore Trashigang ▾

    • 1,070 m Altitude of Trashigang

    After breakfast, drive to visit Radhi Village which is famous for “Buray”. Buray is a Bhutanese textile woven from raw silk. Explore the village meeting different Bura weaver. Interact with the weavers, study and enjoy the techniques, process, tools and materials for this famous Bhutanese textile.

    In the late afternoon drive to Rangjung Village. Visit the Rangjung Monastery. Explore the Rangjung Village and then drive to Trashigang. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

13. Day 13 Explore Trashigang ▾

    After breakfast, visit the Trashigang Dzong, which lies on the headland of the dzongkhag that gives us the confluence of the Drangme Chhu and the Gamri Chhu. It was built by Minjur Tempa, Bhutan’s third Desi in the year 1667. It was once destroyed by fire and was rebuilt in only three years.

    In the Gorikha (Veranda) are the paintings of the kings and guardians of the four directions. Drive to Khaling and visit the National Institute for the Visually Impaired (NIVI). This institute was started in the year 1973 with its first three students.

    The first principal of the institute was Mr. Einar Kippenes, a Norwegian. The establishment of the institute was the personal initiative of His Royal Highness Prince Namgyel Wangchuck, the then honorable minister of Trade Industry and Forests.

    Today the institute produces a number of intelligent, talented, hardworking and dedicated citizens every year, who serve the nation in different capacities and ways. Visit the Khaling textile weaving Centre which is operated by the National Women’s Association of Bhutan.

    Driveback to Trashigang. Dinner and overnight in hotel in Trashigang.

14. Day 14 Yonphula Airport - Paro ▾

    • 2,280 m Altitude of Paro

    After breakfast, drive to Yonphula Airport and then fly to Paro Airport. The views from the flight shall be mesmerizing. After lunch, the following activities awaits you. – Explore the Paro Town and Valley shopping souvenirs – Experience National Dress and Archery – Visits to weaving centers – Spend some time in a coffee shop or a handicraft shop – Visit the Ta Dzong overlooking the Rinpung Dzong.

    It was built in 1951 as a watch tower. This Dzong is round, more like parts of a European castle. The Dzong was established as the National Museum of Bhutan since 1967 and holds fascinating collection of arts, relics, religious thangka, etc.

    Dinner and overnight in hotel.

15. Day 15 Paro ▾

    After breakfast, Hike to the Taktshang Monastery, the abode of gods and monks and a must visit sight while in Bhutan. Taktshang Monastery was built surrounding Guru Rinpoche’s Meditation cave in the 1684 by Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgay. This incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer Rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below.

    Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava flew here on the back of a tigress which gives its name “Taktshang” meaning Tiger’s nest. Afternoon, visit a village house relax in traditional hot stone bath known as Dotsho in local language. It has been practiced in Bhutan for centuries as a medicinal soak.

    River stones are heated and then put in water to heat the water; sometime medicinal herbs are added to the water before it is ready for the soak. You shall be served with the local Bhutanese alcohol (Arra). Dinner and overnight in hotel.

16. Day 16 Departure ▾

    After breakfast, Drive to airport and bid farewell to Bhutan.

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