Royal Manas National Park Tour

 Your tour guide will greet you at Bhutan's sole international airport, Paro.  As you are collected at Paro airport, we will be taking you via private vehicle to the capital city of Bhutan, Thimpu. 

Today we will visit the National Memorial Chorten and the Thimpu Tashichho Dzong. In 1974, the National Memorial Chorten was constructed as a monument in memory of Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who served as Bhutan's third king (1928-1972). The Thimphu Tashichho Dzong is a fortress and Buddhist monastery located in Thimphu that features an architectural style that is uniquely Bhutanese. The current seat of the Druk Desi, the head of the civil administration, and the offices of the current monarch is located in this building, which is located on the banks of the Wang Chhu river.

After our tour, we will take you back to your hotel for the evening or you can stroll around the streets of Thimpu as well.  

Today after you wake up and we take breakfast, we will take a scenic drive to the Buddha point in Kuenselphodrang National park. It houses one of the largest sitting Buddha staties in the world. It is perched on a hill where you can get panoramic views of the valley and the mountains that are in the surrounding area.

From here we visit the Sangaygang tower, the scene from atop the hill is amazing. You might also be able to witness the national animal of Bhutan. 

We also visit the Dechen Phodrang. Since 1971, it has served as the location of the state monastic school, and a lengthy procession of monks frequently makes its way between this building and the dzong. More than 450 students are educated over the course of eight years by a group of fifteen instructors. We also visit the living museum and a photo studio in Bhutan showcasing Bhutanese tradition and cultural diversity. Finally, we visit the Simtokha Dzong, which lies five miles from Thimpu which is one of the very first Dzongs built in 1627. 

We move to Punakha today from Thimpu after breakfast. Along the road to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan until 1955, we will make a pit stop at Dochula Pass today. Punakha is our destination today. This well-known destination for tourists offers breathtaking vistas in every direction of the Himalayas. Additionally, it is the location of the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens, which were constructed on a tiny hill as a tribute to the Bhutanese troops who died in a battle in the year 2003. In addition to the chortens, there is a monastery called the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang. It was built to honor the fourth Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, who was the head of state of Bhutan.

We also visit the Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge, which measures 160 meters in length. The 160-meter-long Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge is known as Bhutan's longest suspension bridge. From it, you can see amazing views of Punakha Dzong and the Pho Chhu Valley.

Today after a short breakfast and brief tour of the main Dzong in Punakha, the Punakha Dzong we begin our journey to the Southern part of Bhutan. After breakfast, you will get in your vehicle and proceed to Gelephu, which is the most southern area of Bhutan and borders India. You are going to have a lunch break sometime along the route. Before reaching Gelephu, you will have traveled for seven hours through the subtropical forests, villages, and small townships that are located in Tsirang and Sarbhang. A picturesque and quaint little village, Gelephu can be found in Bhutan's Sarpang district, not far from the country's border with India. Gelephu is a stopover town on the ship. It is a point of entry and exit for trade and business between India and Bhutan as well as a point of entry and exit for travelers.

Following breakfast at the hotel, we will go to Gongphu, located 150 kilometers away, and experience the ascent from 280 to 1450 meters in altitude along the way. As we climb higher in elevation, we are able to observe a wide range of temperature and environment shifts. You will travel via the village of Surey, which is mostly known for its cultivation of cardamom and mandarin oranges. You can treat yourself to some fresh mandarin by going out and purchasing some. On days with clear visibility, it is also possible to glimpse Jo Dungshing mountain from Surey. This mountain top stands as the highest point in the Black Mountains. The Royal Manas Park extends all the way up to Gongphu, which is its most northern point. The region receives the highest amount of precipitation in the nation. Because of this, the region is home to a healthy subtropical ecosystem. This place is home for a wide variety of animal and bird species, including langurs, tigers, leopards, clouded leopards, sambars, and a vast number of different kinds of birds.

After we have finished our breakfast, we will get in the car and drive to Panbang. Along the way, we will pass through a number of different types of forests, including mixed broad-leaved forests and dense undergrowth, where we may see a variety of birds, including barbets, hornbills, bulbuls, doves, woodpeckers, and cuckoos. Because it is situated at a higher elevation than the surrounding area, the camp offers a panoramic view of the surrounding region and is conveniently positioned close to a settlement. Other than the rocky road that leads to Royal Manas National Park, there is no other route in Bhutan that connects Panbang to other regions of the country. Young people in Panbang who are dedicated to their profession are starting businesses in a variety of fields, such as organic farming, rafting companies, poultry farms, pig farms, and fisheries, among others. All of these things can be observed in this location.

After breakfast, make your way to Royal Manas Park in order to participate in the Elephant Safari there. There is very little else that can match to the adventure of touring the interior of Manas National Park atop the back of an elephant. Because there are so many elephants at the park, taking a ride on one of these majestic creatures is a no-brainer. The Royal Bengal Tigers are the primary draw of the park, and they may be observed from the back of an elephant. The park is home to a wide variety of rare and exotic creatures. Arrive at the park, where the neighborhood guide will assist you in donning all of the necessary protective equipment, and where a maximum of three people can ride a single elephant. This safari provides the opportunity for the ideal excursion, making it possible to experience the richness and beauty of the park. After the sun has set, make the drive back to Panbang, where you will have dinner and spend the night.

In addition to touring the park on the back of an elephant, you may also participate in a variety of other tourist activities, such as river rafting, fishing, hiking, viewing wildlife and birds, and bird watching. When you go rafting in the Royal Manas National Park, you might get a chance to see dolphins in the Ganges River. In addition to that, you can go on a jeep safari or take a hike in the national park while you're there. Both of these are fantastic activities. There, bird watching is also one of the locals' favorite activities.

In accordance with your preferences, you will be able to take part in any of these activities, in addition to spending one additional day in the national park while we are staying in Panbang.

Following breakfast, you will get in your vehicle and travel to Trongsa. As you drive, you will note that the vegetation shifts from subtropical to broad-leaved evergreen woods. This will happen as you travel farther north. This path leads through one of the most diverse forests, which is home to a plethora of tree species, as well as orchids and other types of flora. Before the Wangchuck dynasty took control of Bhutan in 1907, the Chokhor Raptentse Dzong in Trongsa, which was constructed in 1644, served as the seat of authority for the Wangchuck family. The Drukpa lama Ngagi Wangchuck, the great-grandfather of Ngawang Namgyal, Zhabdrung Rinpoche, and the unifier of Bhutan, constructed the first temple at Trongsa in the year 1543. This temple is said to have been named after Ngagi Wangchuck.

You will begin the day by paying a visit to Trongsa Dzong, which is often regarded as the pinnacle of Bhutanese architecture. After that, you are going to drive to Gangtey. You will have lunch in Chendebji Chorten when you visit this area. Following lunch, you will resume your journey to Gangtey by car, passing through thick oak and rhododendron forests along the way. You will arrive in Gangtey after following the detour off of the main highway and over the Lawala pass, which is covered in dwarf bamboos. You can get a beautiful view of the Black Mountain range and the Phobjikha Valley, which is the winter home of the black-necked cranes, as you travel to Gangtey. Travel to Gangtey Goenpa, the sole Nyingmapa monastery located in western Bhutan, and experience it for yourself. You will have the opportunity to converse with the monks who are meditating in this location. Buddhist Studies is a nine-year program that can be taken at the college.

You will go on a hike today through the valley of Phobjikha in order to investigate the nearby communities. The majority of the valley is occupied by high-elevation dwarf bamboo, and it also features hiking routes, pine trees, and a farmhouse that features amazing artwork and wood carving. Any of the households would be overjoyed to have you stop by for a cup of the locally produced wine, "ara," or butter tea. They will all welcome you with open arms. While you are here, you are going to pay a visit to the Black-Necked Crane Information. The Gangtey Monastery was established in the 17th century and may be found perched on a teeny, insignificant hill that is elevated above the valley floor. It is surrounded on all sides by a sizable residential area. This facility has an observation deck that is equipped with a robust telescope, providing guests with the opportunity to enjoy the best view of the cranes that is reasonably possible. After this, we will continue on to Punakha. On a day when the weather is clear, you will be able to get views of Juchu Drakye, Kang Bum, and other peaks along the way. You will make a pit stop at Lobesa to go on a climb up to the Chimi Lhakhang Temple, which will take you through some rice paddies. This temple is devoted to the renowned Yogi who lived in the 14th century and was known as Drukpa Kuenley, also known as the "Divine Madman." It is believed that he will bless ladies who wish to have children if they visit this temple.

We move to Paro again, from Punakha. In addition, the valley is home to Mount Jomolhari, which stands at 7,300 meters and is located at the northern end of the valley. The glacial runoff from Mount Jomolhari is what forms the Pa Chhu, which flows through the valley. The oldest temple in Bhutan is called Kyichu Lhakhang. It is sometimes referred to as the Kyerchu temple or Lho Kyerchu. It is one of the 108 temples established by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in order to conquer and pin down an ogress that was blocking the development of Buddhism. This temple is quite similar to Jambhay Lhakhang, which is located in Bumthang. The creation of all 108 temples is said to have taken place in a single night in the mythology. 

Travel back in time and across history by visiting the Kyichu temple, which was built in the seventh century. You will find yourself at ease in this place, since the name of the temple alludes to the fact that it is a wellspring of serenity. Within walking distance of the temple is a home that has been transformed into a museum in memory of the late Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. There are photographs and other objects that were once owned by Rinpoche that are still around. 

The Dumtse Lhakhang was constructed in 1433 by Thangton Gyalpo, who was also responsible for the construction of the iron bridge. The temple was constructed to conquer a demon and was therefore shackled tightly to the ground. Its three levels stand for the three realms of hell, earth, and heaven. You will need a special permission slip in order to go into the Dumtse Lhakhang.

Today, we will hike up to one of Bhutan's most important sights. Tiger's Nest aka Taktsang Monastery. The Taktsang Monastery, also known as the "Tiger's Nest" because it is perched on cliffs, has amazed many visitors. "Climbing to Taktsang is a must on any trip to Bhutan," says one tourist. For hikers who don't want to go to the spiritual side, the dramatic, artistically built monument is a treat. Visit this Buddhist relic that is hanging from a cliff. It is a very interesting place. As you climb more than 2,000 feet from the valley floor, you will feel the uphill climb. All of the monastic buildings are cut right into the very steep slopes of the cliff face. Even though it looks scary, there are many ways to get to the monastery complex. There is a path through the forest in the northwest, a path used by devotees in the south, and the "Hundred Thousand Fairies" in the north.

Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche flew here from Tibet on the back of his wife, Yeshey Tshogyal, the Tigress, and meditated in one of the caves. Guru Rinpoche meditated and came out in eight forms. The place became holy and got the name Tiger's Nest because of this. In the monastery, there are eight caves. Four of them are pretty easy to get to. Padmasambhava is thought to have entered the first cave on the back of a tiger. This cave is called "Tholu Phuk," and the cave where he meditates is called "Pel Phuk."

Today, we will say goodbye to this beautiful country in the Himalayas. We hope that by now you have made some friends and taken lots of photos to remember Bhutan. We hope to see you again in this beautiful land of never-ending Enchantments. Tashi Delek!