Bhutan Chorten Kora Tsechu Festival(arrive Paro, Depart Paro)

Duration: 17 Nights 18 Days.
Trip Cost: US$ 4290 per person. Chorten Kora Festival (Enter Paro Exit Paro - 17 Nights 18 Days)

Trip Grade: Easy.
Festival Dates: March 16 & March 30, 2014.

Day 01: Arrive Paro International Airport & Sightseeing
Day 02: Paro – Excursion to Taktsang Monastery
Day 03: Paro –Thimphu Sightseeing
Day 04: Thimphu Sightseeing
Day 05: Thimphu – Punakha (72 kms, 3 hours drive)
Day 06: Punakha – Gangtey – Trongsa
Day 07: Trongsa Sightseeing – Bumthang
Day 08: Bumthang Sightseeing
Day 09: Bumthang Sightseeing
Day 10: Bumthang – Mongar
Day 11: Mongar Sightseeing – Trashiyangtse
Day 12-14: Trashiyangtse Sightseeing & Chorten Kora Festival - Trashigang
Day 15: Trashigang Sightseeing - Mongar
Day 16: Mongar – Bumthang
Day 17: Bumthang – Thimphu (9 hours drive)
Day 18: Thimphu – Paro International Airport for Departure

The Legend of Chorten Kora:

Note: Tsechu packages can be on their own or can be combined with other tour packages as convenient to you.

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrive Paro International Airport & Sightseeing

If you are flying in from Delhi/Kathmandu, during the flight to Paro, one will experience breathtaking view of Mount Everest (the highest peak), Kanchenjunga (the third highest in the world) and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Jhomolhari and Mount Jichu Drakey in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by our representatives who will escort you to your Hotel where arrangements have been made for two nights. After lunch visit Tag (pronounced Taa meaning watch) Dzong which literally means watchtower to safeguard the main structure of the Rinpung Dzong below from the Tibetan invaders. It has been converted to house the National Museum in 1968. It has six galleries and a visit to the museum gives us an idea of the cultural and ecological richness of Bhutan. Enroute to Tag Dzong visit Dungtse Lhakhang, the only temple in the form of a chorten (stupa) built by Duthop Thangthong Gyelpo, popularly known as the Chag Zampa or the builder of iron bridges, in the 15th century. Below the museum is the Rinpung Dzong. This massive fortress houses the District Administration office and the Monk Body. It was built in 1645 AD. A short walk takes you to the base of the Dzong and across a traditional cantilevered, covered bridge. This traditional wooden bridge is called the Nyame Zampa, literally means the bridge with no fish. The other version of the meanng is the bridge without suffering. Take a leisurely stroll in the town after an evening tea at the hotel. Overnight: Hotel in Paro.

Day 02: Paro – Excursion to Taktsang Monastery

Early morning drive up to Satsam Chorten (15 km from Paro Town) and hike up to Taktsang Monastery. The name Taktsang means “Tiger’s Nest”. The Monastery is perched on a rocky ledge with a sheer drop of nearly 800 metres (over 2600 ft) to a sheer drop of 800 metres (over 2,600 ft) and overlooks the Paro Valley. Taktsang is one of the most venerated pilgrimage sites in the Himalayan world and it has 13 holy places. However, most people only visit the main site called Taktsang Pelphug. The main Lhakhang was built around Guru Rinpoche's (Guru Padmasambhava) meditation cave by the fourth Desi Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgay in 1684. According to legend, Taktsang Monastery was founded by Guru Padmasambhava in the eighth century. It is believed that the Guru came to this place on the back of a tigress from Khengpajong in the Kurtoe region and meditated for three months in a cave at Taktsang and converted the people of Paro valley to Buddhism. Legend has it that the tigress was actually his favorite consort, Yeshe Tsogyel, whom he transformed to a flying tigress for the purpose of this journey. Picnic lunch at the Taktsang cafeteria. The round trip hike takes about 4 hours. Once on the main road drive to the ruins of the Drugyal Dzong 16 km up the valley. Built in 1647 by the great Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, father and unifier of medieval Bhutan, the Dzong was destroyed by accidental fire and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate. Explore the ramparts and on a clear day experience an unforgettable view of the peak of Mt. Jhomolhari (Mountain of the Goddess 7,314 m). Visit a typical Bhutanese farmhouse around Drugyal Dzong. On the way back, visit Kyichu Lhakhang (temple) that was built in 659 A.D. by the Tibetan King Songsen Gampo, as one of the 108 such Monasteries which he built in various places to spread Buddhism. It is considered one of the holiest places in Bhutan as it marks the advent of Buddhism in the country. Kyichu Monastery is located between Drugyal Dzong and Paro town. Overnight: Hotel in Paro.

After an early breakfast drive to Thimphu, 60 kms from Paro, which takes around an hours drive. Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan with a population of over 90,000 people. The road leads through the Paro valley to the confluence of Pa-chu (Paro river) and Wang-chhu (Thimphu river) at Chuzom (confluence). Three different styled chortens adorn the confluence. A short way beyond on the left is Tachogang Lhakhang, the temple of the hill of excellent horse. It is a private temple, built in 15th century, as a result of visitation from Balaha, the excellent horse, a manifestation of Chenrezig, the compassionate Buddha. After the narrow, rock lined section of the road opens up as Thimphu approaches. After lunch visit Tashichho Dzong. This massive structure houses part of the Government Ministries, the office of the King and the Throne Room. It also houses the State Monastic Body and the living quarters of the senior monks and the Chief Abbot. It is the main Secretariat building. Built in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in 1961 in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans. Then visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved; the Institute for Traditional Medicine where centuries old art of healing such as acupuncture and herbal remedies are still practiced; the Wood Craft and Painting school where traditional art and craft are still kept alive; the Textile museum where Bhutanese textiles and other arts are displayed and can be purchased. Also visit mask maker workshop and workshop for fine metal craft, weaving, ceramics and paper making. Then visit the Folk Heritage Museum, a fascinating testimony of Bhutanese material culture and living traditions. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

After breakfast visit the Memorial Chorten, a huge Stupa built in memory of the Third King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, affectionately known as the Father of Modern Bhutan, who reigned the Kingdom from 1952-1972. Visit Changangkha Lhakhang. This Lhakhang lies on top of the knoll that stands out above Thimphu and from where the view of the valley is spectacular. Changangkha Lhakhang being built in the 15th century by a descendent of Phjo Drugom Shigpo, the founder of Drukpa school in Bhutan, is one of the oldest in Thimphu. The main statue here is an image of Avalokiteshwara. Then visit Semtokha Dzong which is located 6 km from Thimphu Town. This is one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1629 AD. It houses the largest Monastic School in the country. After lunch visit the Handicrafts Emporium and local handicraft shops if you like to browse through examples of Bhutan's fine traditional arts. Here you can buy textiles, thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewelries, interesting items made from local materials, and all manner of unique objects. Visit the colourful vegetable market and familiarisation tour of the capital. One may also wish to visit Dechenphodrang monastic school and Sangaygang bird's-eye-view and Mini Zoo conataning Bhutan's National Anima- the Takin, with the head of a goat and the body of an ox. In the evening relax at Thimphu's numerous modern health clubs and beauty parlours where sauna, steam, gym, beauty treatment including hair dressing, skin care (with pure herbal products) and body massage services are available. Our guides will show you where these are if you wish. Overnight in Hotel.

After breakfast drive to Punakha. After about an hour you will reach the Dochula pass (3050 m) where you will enjoy the scenic beauty of the pass with 108 stupas at the hilltop and a majestic temple at a nearby hilltop. These were built by Her Majesty the Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck in 2004 after the Operation Flush Out in the South of the Indian Militants by His Majesty the Fourth King in December 2003. If the sky is clear one will also be able to see the surrounding beautiful mountain ranges and peaks of the Greater Himalayas. From Dochula pass it takes about an hour and half to reach Punakha Dzong. Visit the Grand Fortress of the Punakha Dzong which houses the winter residence of the monastic body and its Chief Abbot, the Je Khenpo. The massive fortress, built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, is situated between two rivers known as Phochhu (male river) and Mochhu (female river). The drive takes about two hours one way. The construction of the Dzong was said to be foretold by Guru Rinpoche, who predicted, 'a person named Namgyal will arrive at a hill that looks like an elephant'. There was a smaller building here called Dzong Chu (Small Dzong) that housed a statue of Buddha. It is said that Shabdrung ordered the architect Zowe Balep to sleep in front of the statue. While in his sleep, the Shabdrung took him in his dreams to the Zangdo-Pelri (Copper colour abode of Guru Padmasambhava) and showed him the palace of Guru Rinpoche. From his vision, the architect conceived the design for the new Dzong, which in keeping with the tradition, was never committed to paper. The Dzong was named the Pungthang Dewa Chenpoi Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). The war weaponry captured during the battle with the Tibetans are preserved in this great Dzong. Punakha is still the winter residence of the Je Khenpo and this is where the Third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, convened the first National Assembly here in 1952. After lunch, hike upto the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, perched high on the strategic ridge above Punakha valley in Yebesa, 7 kms from Punakha. The chorten contains the images of all the manifestations of the wrathful Dorji Phurpa (vajra kila). It was built by Her Royal Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck to help remove negative forces and promote peace, stability and harmony in the changing world, and the well-being and long life of our beloved monarch. A leisurely stroll in the market. Overnight at hotel in Punakha.

After an early breakfast drive to Trongsa via Gangtey. Enroute sightseeing in the valley of Wangduephodrang. Visit Wangduephodrang Dzong (sadly razed by fire in 2012) built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1639. It used to house the civil administration and monastic body for Wangdue district. Legend has it that as the people were searching for a site for the Dzong, four ravens were seen flying away in four directions. This was considered an auspicious sign, representing the spread of Buddhism in all four directions from this place. The Dzong is situated at the confluence of the Puna-tsang-Chu and Tang-Chu rivers. Reconstruction of the Dzong is underway. Over an hour’s drive from Wangduephodrang Dzong is Gangtey. While in Gangtey, visit the Gangtey Gomba (Gangtey Monastery). This monastery was founded by Gyaltse Pema Thinley in 1613, the grandson and mind reincarnation of Terton (Treasure Revealer) Pema Lingpa. However it was Tenzin Legpai Dhendup, the second reincarnation, who built the temple. The monastery is also the residence of its present Abbot, Gangtey Truelku Rinpoche Kunzang Pema Namgyal, who is the ninth reincarnation. It is a Nyingmapa monastery and is affiliated to other Nyingmapa monasteries including Tamshing in Bumthang. Explore Phobjikha valley, famous for the Black Necked Cranes during winter. Packed lunch will be served at Gangtey. Overnight: Hotel in Trongsa.

After breakfast visit Trongsa Dzong, some say the most impressive dzong in Bhutan, constructed by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1644 called the ‘Choekhor Rabtentse Dzong’. It was enlarged considerably by Chogyal Minjur Tenpa in 1652, the official who was sent by the Shabdrung to unify eastern Bhutan, and further enlarged at the end of the 17th century by Gyalse Desi Tenzin Rabgay.Trongsa Dzong is the ancestral home of the present Royal Family and first the two hereditary Kings ruled Bhutan from this Dzong. Then visit Trongsa's Tag Dzong, an ancient watch tower for Trongsa Dzong. The chapel inside the Tag Dzong is said to be dedicated to the Trongsa Penlop Jigme Namgyal. This Tag Dzong is also a museum now. After lunch drive to Bumthang. Jakar, which is the district Headquarters of Bumthang, takes about two and a half hours normal drive from Trongsa. There is no town called Bumthang- Jakar is the main town. Bumthang has four valleys- Ura, Chumey, Tang and Choekhor. It is a pleasant drive through scenic forests and countryside. Once you descend from the Yotongla pass (3400 m) you drive through the wide valleys of Chumey (in this valley one may like to look at some ‘Yathras’ – famous traditional sheep-wool weavings in Bumthang) and cross the low Kikila pass drive into Chokhor valley. Bumthang besides being a beautiful place, akin to Switzerland, is a place of historical importance and has got many highly revered holy places. A beautiful sighting of Jakar Dzong, “Castle of the White Bird” can be had from Kikila. Jakar Dzong, built in 1667, is the administrative seat of the Bumthang district and also the abode of the monastic body of the district. Enjoy the hospitality of a Bhutanese family in a farm house or a guesthouse in Bumthang.

After breakfast visit Jakar Dzong, the ‘Dzong of the White Bird’. It has a picturesque location overlooking the spectacular Chhoekhor valley. Next visit Jambay Lhakhang. This temple was constructed in 659 AD by the Tibetan Buddhist King Songtsen Gampo at the same time as Kyichu Lhakhang was built in Paro. It is believed that the King pledged to build 108 monasteries in the subcontinent during his time to propagate Buddhism. The temple was visited by Guru Rinpoche during his visit to Bumthang and was also visited by Sendha Gyelp, the King of Bumthang after Guru Rinpoche restored his life-force. Under the temple is said to be a lake in which Guru Rinpoche hid several Termas (spiritual treasures). In October one of the most spectacular festivals, the ‘Jambay Lhakhang Drup’ is staged here. Then visit Chakhar (Iron Castle) Lhakhang. It is the site of the palace of the Chokhor King Sendha who invited Guru Rimpoche to Bumthang in the 8th century. The Original palace was made of Iron and hence the name Chakhar. The saint Dorji Lingpa built the current structure in the 14th century. Its correct name is Dechenphodrang.

Kurjey Lhakhang has a set of three magnificent temples against the hillside facing the south built at various periods. The first temple on the right was built (built in 1652 by Minjur Tempa) on the rock with the imprint of the body of Guru Padmasambhava. The First King His Majesty Ugyen Wangchuck built the second temple to house a monumental statue of Guru Padmasambhava. The third temple, built by the Royal Grand Queen Mother Ashi Kesang Chhoden Wangchuck, is a 3-storied Lhakhang which houses statues of wrathful deities and life size statue of Shabdrung and the four temporal rulers. Kurjey means body imprint. The rock inside the oldest temple has the famous body imprint of Guru Padmasambhava which he left during his visit to Bumthang via Kheng Napji Korphu from India in the 8th century. The legend has it that he came to Bumthang on the invitation of King Sendha of Bumthang whose sickness could not be cured by anything and anybody. During this visit he not only cured the King but also subdued the powerful demon Shelging Karpo and introduced Buddhism in Bumthang. He also took the King’s daughter Tashi Kheuden, one of the incarnated goddesses, as his mystic consort (Sangyum). Visit Tamshing Lhakhang (Temple of the good message), established in 1501 by Pema Lingpa and is the most important Nyingmapa (Old School Tradition) temple, particularly of the Peling tradition, in the Kingdom. It is said that Pema Lingpa was helped by the dakinis (female celestial beings) in its construction. The inner walls contain the original unrestored images that were painted by Pema Lingpa himself. After lunch, visit Membartsho (Literally means “Burning Lake”), a short distance up the road leading to Tang valley. The Terton Pema Lingpa discovered several of Guru Rinpoche’s hidden Terma/relics here. It is said that, if you are fortunate, you may be able to spot or see a temple of Guru Padmasambhava in the lake. In the evening visit Namkhai Nyingpo's Monastery to see monks chanting rituals for the welfare of all sentent beings, visit a village and explore the beautiful valley of Bumthang.

After breakfast, drive to Mongar. After over an hour of ascent you will reach the Urala pass after which you descend to the beautiful valley of Ura (3100 m). Spend some time here to explore the Ura Valley. Another hour or so takes you through to Thrumsingla pass (3800 m), the highest pass on this lateral highway. Then descend until you reache the small hamlet of Sengor (3000 m). From Thrumsingla one can get a beautiful view of the snowcapped mountains of the Greater Himalyas. Packed lunch can be taken either at Thrumsingla or at Sengor. From Sengor it takes about two hours to reach Lingmithang (650 m). This place is very hot during summer. Just before Lingmithang, near an area called Saling, is the ruins of Shongar dzong which can be seen on the right. This was built in 1100 by a Lord from Ura but was abandoned in the beginning of the 19th century in favour of the new Mongar Dzong. Another half hour or so takes you across the bridge over Kurichhu (or called the Kurichhu Zampa- 'Zampa' meaning bridge) to a big Chorten, built in the Nepalese style by the last Shongar Dzongpon Kunzang Wangdi in the beginning of 1800. Another hour of ascent takes you to Mongar (1700 m). Overnight in Hotel in Mongar.

Mongar is a small town which is the district headquarters of Mongar district. After breakfast visit Mongar Dzong. Mongar Dzong was established in the beginning of the 19th century when the site at Shongar was abandoned. However the present Dzong was rebuilt in 1953 and is quite small. It houses both the district administrative centre and the monastic institution. The temples in the Dzong contains the images of the Buddha of Long Life as well as Guru Rinpoche (who brought Buddhism to Bhutan). After an early lunch drive to Trashigang. On the way to Trashigang, we have to cross over Korila Pass (2450 m) marked by a beautiful Chorten. From this point is a gradual descent for over an hour till Sherichu (700 m) and then drive along the left side of Drangmechu till Doksum and follow the Khlongchu till Trashiyangtse. Enroute across the river on the left, before entering into the Trashiyangtse Valley, the little Trashiyangtse Dzong comes into view. This dzong was built in around 1656 after the Drukpa conquest of this place but was completely abandoned in 1976. Overnight in Camp.

Day 12-14: Trashiyangtse Sightseeing & Chorten Kora Festival - Trashigang

After breakfast visit the Chorten Kora Festival. This gigantic Chorten near the river was founded by the 13th Je Khenpo Yonten Thaye in 1782 and restored during the Second King Jigme Wangchuck’s reign. This is constructed in Nepalese style. It is said that a Bhutanese monk brought a model of this chorten from Nepal curved on a radish. The legend has it that after Guru Padmasambhava had overcome the demons in the Bumdelling valley, he predicted that a great chorten and a temple would be built at the spot where this gigantic Chorten is now. People from the Indian State of Arunachal Pradesh also participate in the celebrations. The festival is held usually in mid-March which is followed by the Gomphu (Gom) Kora festival. As you stroll in the market you will get a good view of the present Trashiyangtse Dzong, the district administrative seat which also houses the monastic community. Opportunity can also be taken to explore the valley including the Bumdelling valley which is also the winter home of the Black Necked Cranes (the other being Phobjikha in Wangdue). After lunch on the second day drive to Trashigang. On the way visit Gom Kora temple (750 m), a distance of 24 km from Trashigang. Gomphu Kora is one of the famous sites where Guru Padmasambhava meditated in order to subdue a demon who dwelt in the big rock. Gomphu means the sacred meditation site of Guru Padmasamva and Kora means circumambulation. The Guru meditated here and left a body impression on the rock, similar to that in Kurjey Monestry in Bumthang. The temple itself was built in the second half of the 17th century by Chogyel Minjur Tenpa and contains statues of Guru Padmasambhava and Avalokteshwara. The temple of Gomphu Kora is set on a small alluvial plateau overlooking the river. Behind the temple is an enormous black rock surrounded by rice fields and clumps of banana trees. After Gomphu Kora cross the Drangmechu at Chagzam to go to Trashigang. Chagzam, literally ‘iron bridge’, the original of which was built by a Tibetan Lama Dupthop Thangtong Gyelpo in the 15th century. In the evening stroll in the Trashigang town. Overnight in Hotel in Trashigang.

Day 15: Trashigang Sightseeing - Mongar

After breakfast on the first day visit the Trashigang Dzong. The Dzong stands at the extreme end of the spur spur, overhanging the Drangmechu and Gamrichu (rivers) by more than 400 metres. It serves as the administrative seat for the district and houses the Drukpa monastic community. The dzong was built in 1659 by the Trongsa Penlop Chogyel Minjur Tenpa after the Eastern Bhutan came under the administrative jurisdiction of the Drukpas. The site had probably been occupied since the 12th century when Serdung, one of the Kings of Eastern Bhutan settled there and built a fort which he named Bengkhar. After lunch drive to Mongar. Overnight in Hotel in Mongar.

Day 16: Mongar – Bumthang

After breakfast drive to Bumthang. Lunch will be served on the way. In Bumthang stroll round in the market and visit Wangdicholing Palace (left- interior of the abandoned palace) if there is time. This palace was used by the first two Kings of Bhutan.

Day 17: Bumthang – Thimphu (9 hours drive)

After an early breakfast drive to Thimphu. In the evening visit to the Handicraft shops. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 18: Thimphu – Paro International Airport for Departure

Early in the morning drive to Paro Airport with our representatives and farewell.

Chorten Kora Festival (Enter Paro Exit Paro - 17 Nights 18 Days)

- Trashiyangtse, Eastern Bhutan

The Legend of Chorten Kora:

Chorten Kora Festival
(Enter Paro Exit Paro - 17 Nights 18 Days)