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.
Marco Polo offers a short description of the
important festivals and a festival calendar
to plan a visit.
About
Bhutan
