Hidden in the Eastern Himalayas between Sikkim in the West, Assam in the South and Tibet in the North, this sparsely populated mountain kingdom of Bhutan exudes pure magic. The mountains are magnificent, the forests are dense, the people are innocent and delightful, the air is pure and crystalline, the architecture imposing, the religion vibrant and its art superb.
Bhutan has been restricting the number of tourists visiting it in order to preserve its natural assets and a way of life that has remained unchanged for millenniums. Marco Polo Travels offers visitors truly memorable trips to this fairyland within the framework of selective tourism that Bhutan is practicing. For the discerning traveler conscious of the need to preserve ancient cultures and traditions and prevent wanton environmental degradation that modernization inevitably brings, our package tours offer a golden opportunity to explore a perfect example of a land where the ancient and the modern intermingles in symbiotic embrace.
Paro Valley is truly enchanting. Located in Paro, are the Ta Dzong, Bhutan 's national museum, Paro Dzong (fort), Drukyel Dzong the fortress of the victorious Drokpas or inhabitants of Bhutan . Overhanging the valley below by 800 meters, is the Taktsang Lhakhang (temple) the tigers lair clinging to the black rock mountain. Built by Songsten Gampo, the Tibetan king in AD. 638, the Kyichu Lhakhang is the oldest temple in Bhutan.
Thimphu , the capital of Bhutan and the seat of the government, is a delightful city with traditional architecture. The highlights of the city are the Memorial Chorten (stupa), built in memory of the Third King, HM Jigme Dorje Wangchuk, Tashichoe Dzong the fortress of auspicious religious seat of the government, Changlimithang area, the weekly market, Motithang the Meadow of Pearls area with its vantage point over the valley, and Changangkha, Lhakhang and Simtokha Dzong (forts) guarding the Thimphu valley.
Punakha , the road to Punakha from Thimphu passes over the Dochu La pass, which lies at an altitude of 3,050 meters. Tour highlights are the Punakha Dzong or Punthang Dechen Phodrang built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the most famous name in Bhutanese history. Wangdi Phodrang, approaching Wangdi 71 km from Thimphu (two and a half-hour drive), the road arrives at the base of Wangdi Phodrang Dzong, perched on a spur at the confluence of two rivers. A diversion on the approaching road takes one to Mendigang where a new Dechen Resort on a hill offers basic amenities to travelers stopping overnight in this area.
Gantey Gompa over the Black Mountains on the road to central Bhutan is the Gantey Gompa (monastery) perched atop a small hill that rises from the Phobjika Valley floor. The monastery is the biggest Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan . The valley of Phobjika , home of the migratory black necked crane, is one the most beautiful spots in Bhutan .
Tongsa , back on the central road after the diversion to Gantey, the main road twists up the steep mountainside for 14 km to the Pele La pass (3,300 m or 10,825 ft). Tour highlight is the Tongsa Dzong founded in 1543, a masterpiece of architecture containing a maze of courtyards, passageways, corridors and 23 additional temples.
Central and Eastern Bhutan , for travelers who wish to spend more than a week in Bhutan, the central and eastern part of the country offer yet more spectacular valleys and dzongs, places like Bumthang, Jakar, Mongar and Tashigang. For more information on tours to these areas please contact us.
Festivals
Undoubtedly the best time to visit Bhutan is during one of its colorful religious or secular festivals. Dromchoe is a religious festival, which generally includes dances by monks and is dedicated to Yeshe Gompo (Mahakala) and Palden Lhamo, the two main protective deities of the Drukpas. The festival ends with a Serda, a magnificent procession that commemorates victory over the Tibetans in the 17th century battle. Tsechus, the religious festival in honour of Guru Rinpoche, (Padmasambhava, the 8th century tantrist from Swat, believed to be a Buddha re-incarnate). The entire district Dzongs have an annual Tsechu which attracts peasants from the surrounding countryside. |
