Bhutan 2016/2017 · Bhutan has a season for everyone. The king dom stretches across all climatic...

Bhutan2016/2017

Individual and tailor-made with Atlas Bhutan.

AtlAs BhutAn.discover with us.

completelyrevised tours

welcome to bhutan 32 welcome to bhutan

Bhutan!Welcome to

Atlas Bhutan welcomes you to Bhutan where the medieval and the modern perfectly blend, creating what is known as the Land of the Peaceful Dragon and, in the last years, the Land of Gross National Happi

Hidden on the top of the world

ness. Nestled in the Himalayas, Bhutan is undoubtedly the Himalayan gem, a country envied and loved. A visit to this magical kingdom has become a dream, a wish, for many people around the globe.

For a long time Bhutan was an isolated country, bordered by China and Tibet in the North and India in the South. However, since the country opened its doors to international tourism in 1974, the world started to take

increasing interest in the little kingdom in the Himalayas. Today, Bhutan is one of the most sought after tourism destinations in the world, but still giving its relatively few visitors the feeling of a personal and authentic encounter with a world and life especially many westerners have lost.

Bhutan still retains all the charm of the old world, and travellers experience the full glory of this ancient land as embodied in the monastic fortresses, ancient temples, monaste

ries and chortens which dot the countryside, prayer flags fluttering atop farmhouses and on hillsides, lush forests, rushing glacial rivers and – perhaps most important of all – the warm smiles and genuine friendliness of the people. Each moment is special as one discovers a country which its people have chosen to preserve in all its magical purity.

Bhutan is deeply rooted in Buddhism since Guru Rinpoche visited the country in the 8th century. Until today he is widely ado

red and his statue can be seen in almost all Bhutanese monasteries. Buddhism, its philosophy, guidelines and manifestations form the ethical and moral backbone of the people and the country.

Bhutan’s architecture is one of its most special features, a source of aesthetic pleasure derived from the characteristic and unique style. Art and paintings are also important aspects of Bhutanese culture and they bear testimony to the spiritual depth of Bhutanese life. The

festivals are also great social and spiritual ceremonies that continue to fascinate both Bhutanese and outsiders.

And finally: Nowhere in the Himalayas is the natural heritage richer and more varied than here. Because of the deep traditional reverence which the Bhutanese have for nature, the kingdom is a global leader in environmental conservation. Over 70% of the land area is still under forest cover. And many parts of the country have been declared wildlife reserves.


welcome to bhutan 54 welcome to bhutan

Welcome to the world of Atlas Bhutan. We are a distinguished incoming tour operator based right in the centre of Bhutans capital city Thimpu. Atlas Bhutan was founded by Deki Yangzom and Langa Dorji and is in the business for the last 20 years now. And we are proud to say: We strive to offer nothing but the best. We have the resources, the staff, the knowledge and the experience required to make your trip unforgettable. And as a member of IATA, PATA and of the Global Incoming Network (GIN) of Lufthansa City Center (LCC), we count on our excellent connections. Our clients come from all parts of the world and belong to diverse cultures, but they all have one in common: They all returned home “very satisfied”.

Now you can be a part of this unforgettable sojourn. Just make your decision and Atlas Bhutan will handle the rest. We believe that each traveller has their own unique needs. That is

1. Planning the visit – tariffsThe Royal Government through the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) sets tourist tariffs in Bhutan that are valid for allinclusive packages. Tariffs vary from US$ 200 per person per night in low season to US$ 250 per person per night in high season. There are surcharges per night for single travellers and couples and for the use of a single room. A discount of 50% on daily rates is available for one person in a group of 11 to 14 persons, 100% discount to one person for every 15 full paying persons. A 50% discount on royalty shall be provided after the 8th night and 100% discount on royalty shall be provided after the 14th night.

Please consult Atlas Bhutan for all possible queries concerning your individual quote.

2. The best time to travelBhutan has a season for everyone. The kingdom stretches across all climatic zones, from the subtropical jungles in the south, to the moderate heights of 2,000 to 5,000 metres in the centre and up to the alpine world of the towering Himalayas and glaciers in the north. Generally speaking, days are normally warm. Nights can at times be very cold and in winter temperatures can go below freezing point. There are monsoon showers in summer (heaviest in July and August) and at times even in spring and autumn.Winter is dry and pleasant and makes it the best time of the year for bird watching in the jungles, village to village trekking in the lower altitudes or a bicycle trip along quiet mountain roads.Spring brings the trekking season in moderate altitudes where spectacular rhododendron

why we treat each itinerary as a unique journey, which we prepare in consultation with our clients so that they are properly customised. Whether it is a trek in the Himalayas or a cultural tour, a birding trip to the south or a festival tour, we make sure that our guests have the best in terms of facilities and professional support. In this brochure we have gathered some 20 different

tours that represent the beauty and diversity of the country as well as our expertise in creating unique tours for unique customers. But still they only

show a small part of our world of ideas: If you want to understand the concept of „Gross National Happiness“, we have a contact person for you. A cooking class featuring our national dish Ema Datshi? No problem! You want to cruise the country with your own Royal Enfield? We take care of you. A blessing ceremony in a monastery or a homestay? We can arrange that for you!

welcome to Atlas Bhutan

customized tours

Good to know…

cUlTUral tourspAge 6

TrekkinG tourspAge 16

fesTival tourspAge 24

close To naTUre tourspAge 28

our thematic toursforests bloom. The largest of the monastic festivals, the Paro festival, takes place. The temperature is pleasantly mild even up to the Alpine regions.Summer is the monsoon season but the settled areas of Central and Western Bhutan have pleasant summer temperatures. Mild temperatures, green meadows, and pastures of Blue Poppies and Edelweiss characterizes treks in high mountain areas.Autumn is the festive season in Bhutan. September and October have the highest number of festivals. Trekkers particularly enjoy the clear view of the mountains in October with low rainfall.

3. Getting a visaAll foreign nationals must obtain visa clearance through us before travelling to Bhutan. The good news: Atlas Bhutan takes care of

yours. The actual vi sa is stam ped upon your arriva l . The Tourism Council of Bhutan approves your visa clearance only after receiving the full tour payment including the visa fee of US$ 40 along with a scanned colour photocopy of your passport, which should be at least six months valid.

4. Travelling to BhutanAt the time of print of this brochure, Druk Air, the national airline and the Bhutan Airlines operate flights from Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata, Kathmandu and Singapore to Paro. As the leading Bhutanese IATA member, Atlas Bhutan plans your flight into the country and issues your tickets. If you travel by car, you can take the road through the IndiaBhutan border at JaigaonPhuentsholing, DadgariGelephu, GuwahatiSamdrup Jongkhar.

5. Travelling in BhutanAll major towns in the 20 districts of Bhutan are accessible by road. Despite high mountains, steep slopes, and the deepest of valleys Bhutan has a relatively welldeveloped network of roads. That said, rarely will one find a length of either straight or flat road. Steep ascents and descents are characteristic of road travel in Bhutan and this

can make travel much slower than one may be used to. Average speeds of road travel rarely exceed 30 km/h, with tourist buses making even slower progress. As until 2017 there are major roadworks between the

districts of Thimphu and Bumthang, Atlas Bhutan has revised a number of programmes to make the journey as smooth as possible. However, once you start planning your tour with us, we will stay in close contact with you to update you on the current situation.

6. GuidesThe services of a well trained and experienced English speaking tour guide are included in our tour packages. However, we always can arrange for you to have guides speaking German, Chinese, Japanese or other major languages.

7. AccomodationBhutan has a well knit net of good three star hotels that are included in your ordinary tour package, especially in the Western and Central parts of the country. And Atlas Bhutan is always trying to make sure that its clients stay in the best possible accommodation within the booked category. However, there are more and more five star luxury properties coming onto the Bhutanese market with Le Meridien, Taj, COMO and Aman already being there. Should you wish to give yourself a special treat, let us know. We are well connected to all luxury properties in Bhutan.

Tour index

Amazing Bhutan 7Serene Bhutan 8Exotic Bhutan 10Discover Bhutan 11Classic Bhutan 12A Journey from East to West 14Merak and Rukha 15

Druk Path Trek 18The Snowman Trek 20The Jomolhari Trek 22Laya and Gasa Trek 23

Druk Wangyel Festival Tour 25Nalakhar Festival Tour 25Jakar Festival Tour 26Thimphu Festival Tour 26Trashigang Festival Tour 27

The Scent of Rhododendron 29Searching the Birds of Bhutan 30The Manas Sojourn 31

contact usDon’t hesitate to contact us with any query you might have.

Atlas BhutanNorzin Lan, Thimphu, Bhutan

[email protected]@atlasbhutan.com

phone + 975 2 3255881fax + 975 2 326453

a tour with atlas Bhutan includes

• a minimum of 3-star accommodations, one room-sharing basis (4 and 5 star require an additional premium)• all meals• guide services• all internal transport/sightseeing• camping equipment and haulage for trekking tours.• internal taxes, fees and charges• tourism royalty of US$ 65

not included is

• personal expenses• tip to guide/driver• alcoholic beverages• emergency evacuation• medical/personal insurance• international/domestic flights• other unstated services


cultureexploring

exploring cUlTUre 76 exploring cUlTUre

When coming to Bhutan you come to a country that had a very distinct historical and cultural development for centuries. Something you might notice right away are the traditional dresses for men and women, Gho and Kira. You see Buddhist temples and monasteries,

prayer flags fluttering in the wind. The houses have a very distinct architecture and many are civered with religious motifs. And then the massive dzongs! There are few cars on the road, no traffic lights anywhere in the country. During the weekend men gather

at the local archery range, getting their fibre glass compound bow ready for a game of archery. They hit the target, the team cheers and everybody is all smiles. Is this what Bhutanese call Gross National Happiness? In the evening the families gather and every now and then

have their Ema Datshi, a very spicy dish with chillies, cheese and potatoes.

There is a lot to see in Bhutan and even more to discover. That is why we at Atlas Bhutan have carefully designed a number of tours that are aiming to give our clients an authentic insight into the heart and soul of the country and its people. We don’t define culture solely as what is represented by the inspiring architectural structures that you will see. We would like to encourage you to look deeper, to have a chat with the monk passing by and if you want to try archery yourself. You will see how hard it is. Discover yourself!

amazing Bhutan11 nights/12 days

1 Paro – Thimphu | On a clear day, the flight to Paro is breathtaking with views of major Himalayan peaks such

as Everest, Kanchenjunga and Makalu, and on the final approach Bhutan’s own snowy peaks, the sacred Jhomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tserimgang. On arrival at Paro airport and after completion of airport formalities, you will be met by Atlas Bhutan and Travel’s representative and drive to Thimphu. Thimphu, perhaps the most unusual capital city in the world, is the seat of government. This bustling town is home to Bhutan’s royal family, the civil service, and foreign missions with representation in Bhutan. It is also the headquarters for a number of internationally funded development projects. After lunch you visit the largest Buddha statue in the country in the ruins of Kuensel Phodrang from where you can enjoy a great view over the Thimphu valley. The Memorial Chorten, built in 1974 in the memory of Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the third king of Bhutan, is definitely worth a visit. Afterwards, you can cast an eye on the “fortress of the glorious religion”, the Tashichho Dzong. Initially erected in 1641, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck rebuilt it in the 1960s. The building houses several ministries, His Majesty’s secretary’s office as well as the central monk body. Overnight stay at hotel.

2 Thimphu – Whole day sightseeing | Today you will be introduced to the most important sights in Thimphu.

The Changangkha Lhakhang, which is located right above the Thimphu Valley, is a temple and monastic school established in the 12th century. After this insight into important parts of Buthan’s history, you will get to know the national animal of this country – the Takin at the Motithang Takin Preserve. It is listed by international conservation agencies as a vulnerable species, because it is a rare animal which can be found in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas only. You then carry on to the Traditional Medicine Institute, the Folk Heritage Museum and the National Institute for Zorig Chusum. The latter is a school of arts and crafts for students. A visit to the weaving centre Changzamtog and the Bhutanese Paper factory close the day. Overnight stay at hotel.

3 Thimphu – Punakha | Today’s adventure leads you in approximately three hours to Punakha. Enjoy your drive

through picturesque valleys and mountain slopes dotted with typical Bhutanese villages. From the Dochula pass at over 3,000 metres (10,000 feet), vast panoramic views of the high snowcapped peaks of the Bhutanese Himalaya can be en jo yed on a clear day. Head down into the Punakha valley. On your way, you have the chance to visit Chimi Lhakhang. This monastery was founded in the 15th century by Lama Dukpa Kinley, also known as the “divine mad man”. To get there, you walk for about half an hour across a local village and rice field. Punakha Dzong awaits you after lunch. Built in 1637 by Zhabdrung, it is one of the most beautiful dzongs in the country. Afterwards, you have time to stroll around Punakha and Khuruthang town. Overnight stay at hotel.

4 Punakha – Trongsa | After breakfast you drive to Trongsa. On the way you visit Chendebji Chöten, which

was built in the style of the great Bodhanath Chöten of Nepal, and was constructed by Tshering Wangchuk, son of YonSay and the Mahasiddha Zhidag. Then you arrive in Trongso, where you visit Trongsa Dzong – seat of the district administration, built in 1648. You will also visit the Tower of Trongsa, which has been converted into a very nice and informative museum. Overnight stay at hotel.

5 Trongsa – Bumthang | After breakfast you are heading on to Bumthang. Enroute you will enjoy a stop at

Chummy village and visit Yathra weaving centre. You will see some colourful scarves, bags, blankets and sweaters. Continue drive to Bumthang. Mingle with the locals and spend the night at a hotel.

6 Bumthang – Sightseeing | Today you enjoy a whole day of sightseeing. You visit the temples Jambay Lhak

hang, Chakhar Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang and Tamshing Lhakhang as well as the fortress Jakar Dzong, which is used as an administrative centre of the valley and summer residence of monks now. Overnight at hotel.

7 Bumthang – Sightseeing | Start the day driving up to the monasteries of Rimochen and Ugyen Choling. On

the way to Rimochen, you visit Mebar Tsho, also known as the "Burning Lake". After exploring the monasteries, you drive back to your hotel and enjoy some leisure time. Overnight stay at hotel.

8 Bumthang – Phobjikha | After an early break fast you head for Phobjikha, a bowlsha

ped valley on the western slopes of the Black Mountain. Gangtey Goenpa is also worth a visit, as it is a major attraction with an old monastery from the 16th century. Walk around the valley, which is also the winter home to the rare blacknecked cranes which migrate from remote parts of Tibet, China and Siberia during winter to this valley. You spend the night at a hotel.

9 Phobjikha – Thimphu | Enjoy your breakfast. Then you drive to Thimphu and spend

the night at a hotel.

10 Thimphu – Paro | Continue your day with a drive to Paro. Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one

of the oldest and most sacred temples in the kingdom, dating back to the 7th century. Then discover Rinpung Dzong which houses the monastic school and the office of the civil administration. By crossing the typical Bhutanese wooden roofed bridge you reach Paro. Overnight stay at hotel.

11 Paro – Excursion to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) | After breakfast, drive for half an hour to start the five hour

hike. The trail along an ancient path is marked by river powered prayer wheels. As you reach Taktshang, you will be struck by the architectural wonder of this most pious Buddhist shrine in Bhutan. Perched some 1,000 metres (3,000 feet) on a cliff overlooking the valley, it would justifiably qualify as one of Bhutan’s wonders. Tragically wrecked in a fire early in 1998, it has been rebuilt to its original glory. It is said that the legendary Indian saint, Guru Padma Sambhava, flew from Tibet on the back of a tigress to tame five demons who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan in 746 A.D. This is where the name, Taktshang or the “Tiger’s Nest”, comes from.After enjoying the monastery’s special atmosphere and surroundings, drive further north to visit another symbolic structure which is now in ruins. Drugyel Dzong, or “Castle of the Victorious Drukpa”, has been built by the Zhabdrung to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over the Tibetans in the 16th century. From here, the Jomolhari Peak or “Mountain of the Goddess” can be seen on a clear day at 7,329 metres (24,029 feet). Dinner and overnight at Uma (valley view room).

12 Thimphu – Paro | Continue your day with a drive to Paro. Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and

most sacred temples in the kingdom, dating back to the 7th century. Then discover Rinpung Dzong which houses the monastic school and the office of the civil administration. By crossing the typical Bhutanese wooden roofed bridge you reach Paro. You spend the night at a hotel.

Rated as one of the happiest countries in the world, Bhutan is synonymous with peace. As you travel around the different regions of Bhutan, visiting places that have played a very important role in the transformation of Bhutan, you will understand why this is a special country. The kingdom’s landscape, flora, fauna, culture, architecture and most important of all, the people, will leave an impression, a permanent one for you – something you will cherish throughout your life.

ema Datshi, buddha and the compound bow

Duration 11 nights/12 days Area covered 4 districts of Western and 2 districts of Central Bhutan Entry and exit point Paro, Western Bhutan (Paro Airport, PBH)

amazing Bhutan

8 exploring cUlTUre

1 Paro – Thimphu | On a clear day, the flight to Paro is breathtaking with views of major Himalayan peaks

such as Everest, Kanchenjunga and Makalu, and on the final approach Bhutan’s own snowy peaks, the sacred Jhomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tserimgang. On arrival at Paro airport and after completion of airport formalities, you will be met by Atlas Bhutan’s representative and drive to Thimphu. Thimphu, perhaps the most unusual capital city in the world, is the seat of government. This bustling town is home to Bhutan’s royal family, the civil service, and foreign missions with representation in Bhutan. It is also the headquarters for a number of internationally funded development projects. After lunch you visit the largest Buddha statue in the country in the ruins of Kuensel Phodrang from where you can enjoy a great view over the Thimphu valley. The Memorial Chorten, built in 1974 in the memory of Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the third king of Bhutan, is definitely worth a visit. Afterwards, you can cast an eye on the “fortress of the glorious religion”, the Tashichho Dzong. Initially erected in 1641, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck rebuilt it in the 1960s. The building houses several ministries, His Majesty’s secretary’s office as well as the central monk body. Overnight stay at hotel.

2 Thimphu – Whole sightseeing | Today you will be introduced to the most important sights in Thimphu.

The Changangkha Lhakhang, which is located right above the Thimphu Valley, is a temple and monastic school established in the 12th century. After this insight into important parts of Buthan’s history, you will get to know the national animal of this country – the Takin at the Motithang Takin Preserve. It is listed by international conservation agencies as a vulnerable species, because it is a rare animal which can be found in the

foothills of the Eastern Himalayas only. You then carry on to the Traditional Medicine Institute, the Folk Heritage Museum and the National Institute for Zorig Chusum. The latter is a school of arts and crafts for students. A visit to the weaving centre Changzamtog and the Bhutanese Paper factory close the day. Overnight stay at hotel.

3 Thimphu – Wangdue Phodrang | Start your day with a drive through picturesque valleys and mountain slopes

dotted with typical Bhutanese villages. From the Dochula pass at over 3,000 metres (10,000 feet), vast panoramic views of the high snowcapped peaks of the Bhutanese Himalayas can be enjoyed on a clear day. Then you continue your journey to Punakha. The Buddhist monastery Chimi Lhakhang is waiting for you on the way. It was founded in the 15th Century by Lama Dukpa Kinley, also known as the "divine mad man". It takes you half an hour to walk there across a local village and rice field. After lunch, have a look at Punakha Dzong, a monastery which was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung. It is one of the most beautiful dzongs in the country. Enjoy a walk around Punakha and Khuruthang town in the afternoon. Drive to Wangdue. Overnight stay at hotel.

4 Wangdue Phodrang – Rukha | Today you drive south to Taksha. The trek starts after crossing a suspension

bridge, where the trekking staff awaits you. Start hiking uphill about half an hour. Then you ride on a power tiller for about 3 kilometres and start to walk again until lunch stop at Samthang at 860 metres. Lunch at farmhouse. You continue your trek for one hour after lunch to reach Mithana community school at an altitude of 986 metres. From here it is about one hour to Rukha with its 22 households at an altitude of 1,391

metres. The people are known as Olep and they are the original settlers of Central Bhutan. They have their own unique dialect which is unfortunately dying out as they are now being absorbed into the main stream Bhutanese society. At Rukha the farmers will happily welcome you into their homes. Overnight at farmhouse.

5 Rukha – Halt | Take part in games like archery, dart and javelin throw

after breakfast. Then you may explore the local farm houses and visit the Penden Lhamo temple. In the evening you can witness the folk dances with bonfire. Overnight at farm house.

6 Rukha – Wangdue PhodrangAfter breakfast, hike back to Taksha.

Our vehicle will be waiting to drive you to Wangdue. Overnight at hotel.

7 Wangdue Phodrang – Phobjikha | Visit Phobjikha today, a bowlshaped valley on the western slopes of Black

Mountain. After lunch you have the opportunity to see Gangtey Goenpa with its old monastery from the 16th century. Later walk around the valley which is also the winter home to the rare blacknecked cranes, which migrate from remote parts of Tibet, China and Siberia to this valley during winter. Overnight stay at hotel.

8 Phobjikha – Punakha | After breakfast you continue your journey to Punakha. The Buddhist monastery Chimi

Lhakhang is waiting for you on the way. It was founded in the 15th Century by Lama Dukpa Kinley, also known as the divine mad man. It takes you half an hour to walk there across a local village and rice field. After lunch, have a look at Punakha Dzong, a monastery which was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung. It is one of the most beautiful dzongs in the country. Enjoy a walk around Punakha and Khuruthang town in the afternoon. Overnight stay at hotel.

9 Punakha – Paro | After breakfast, drive to Paro. Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred

temples in the whole kingdom, dating back to the 7th century. Visit the former watchtower of Ta Dzong which now houses the National Museum and then you may enjoy Rinpung Dzong which houses the monastic school and the office of the civil administration. Keep on walking and cross the close by typical Bhutanese wooden roofed bridge to Paro town. Overnight at hotel.

10 Paro – Excursion to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest)After breakfast, drive for half an hour to start the

five hour hike. The trail along an ancient path is marked by riverpowered prayer wheels. As you reach Taktshang, you will be struck by the architectural wonder of this most pious Buddhist shrine in Bhutan. Perched some 1,000 metres (3,000 feet) on a cliff overlooking the valley, it would justifiably qualify as one of Bhutan’s wonders. Tragically wrecked in a fire early in 1998, it has been rebuilt to its original glory. After enjoying the monastery’s special atmosphere and sur roundings, descend back to Ramthangka. If the time permits, drive further north to visit another symbolic structure which is now in ruins. Drugyel Dzong, or “Castle of the Victorious Drukpa”, has been built by the Zhabdrung to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over the Tibetans in the 16th century. From here, the Jomolhari Peak or “Mountain of the Goddess” can be seen on a clear day at 7,329 metres (24,029 feet). Overnight at hotel.

11 Paro – Departure | After breakfast, drive to Paro International Airport for your onward flight. The

representative of Atlas Bhutan will see you off and bid farewell.

Meet the Olep! During this 11day compact tour to Western and Central Bhutan you will not only experience the beauty of the country, you will also get an insight into the main historical, cultural and religious developments of Bhutan. And even more: a two-day excursion and homestay will take you to Rukha and the land of the Olep people. The Olep are the original settlers of Bhutan and are happy to host you and invite you into their homes.

serene Bhutan10 nights/11 days

‘UNLOCK HAPPINESS’ AT LE MERIDIEN THIMPHU Explore the “Land of The Thunder Dragon”. With 78 well-appointed guest rooms and suites, the largest, most distinguished function spaces, signature restaurants and thoughtfully curated local experiences, Le Meridien Thimphu welcomes you todiscover the joys of Bhutan. More discovery awaits at Le Meridien Paro, Riverfront .

For more information or to make a reservation visit lemeridien.com/thimphuor call +975 2 337788

N 27° 28’ E 89° 38’

LE MERIDIENTHIMPHU

T +975 2 337788lemeridien.com/thimphu

©2015 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Preferred Guest, SPG, Aloft, Element, Four Points, Le Méridien, Sheraton, St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, W, Westin and their logos are the trademarks of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., or its affiliates.

Duration 10 nights/11 daysArea covered 4 districts of Western BhutanEntry and exit point Paro, Western Bhutan (Paro Airport, PBH)

serene Bhutan


1 Paro – ThimphuOn a clear day, the flight to Paro is breathtaking with

views of major Himalayan peaks such as Everest, Kanchenjunga and Makalu, and on the final approach Bhutan’s own snowy peaks, the sacred Jhomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tserimgang. On arrival at Paro airport and after completion of airport formalities, you will be met by Atlas Bhutan’s representative and drive to Thimphu. Thimphu, perhaps the most unusual capital city in the world, is the seat of government. This bustling town is home to Bhutan’s Royal Family, the civil service, and foreign missions with representation in Bhutan. It is also the headquarters for a number of internationally funded development projects. After lunch you visit the largest Buddha statue in the country in the ruins of Kuensel Phodrang from where you can enjoy a great view over the Thimphu valley. The Memorial Chorten, built in 1974 in the memory of Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the third king of Bhutan, is definitely worth a visit. Afterwards, you can cast an eye on the “fortress of the glorious religion”, the Tashichho Dzong. Initially erected in 1641, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck rebuilt it in the 1960s. The building houses several ministries, His Majesty’s secretary’s office as well as the central monk body. Overnight stay at hotel.

2 Thimphu – SightseeingToday you will be introduced to the most important

sights in Thimphu. The Changangkha Lhakhang, which is located right above the Thimphu Valley, is a temple and monastic school established in the 12th century. After this insight into important parts of Buthan’s history, you will get to know the national animal of this country – the Takin at the Motithang Takin Preserve. It is listed by international conservation

agencies as a vulnerable species, because it is a rare animal which can be found in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas only. You then carry on to the Traditional Medicine Institute. In Bhutan, equal emphasis is given to both allopathic and traditional medicines. The rich herbal medicines made up from medicinal plants are prepared and dispensed here. The Folk Heritage Museum looks like a traditional farmhouse and is furnished as it would have been about one century ago. Your last stop for today is the National Institute for Zorig Chusum. This institute is a school of arts and crafts where students are able to undertake a six year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. Overnight stay at hotel.

3 Thimphu – PhobjikhaAfter breakfast, you drive to Phobjikha – the journey

takes you for approximately six hours through picturesque valleys and mountain slopes dotted with typical Bhutanese villages. From the Dochula pass at over 3,000 metres (10,000 feet) vast panoramic views of the high snowcapped peaks of the Bhutanese Himalayas can be enjoyed on a clear day. You continue your drive down into the Phobjikha Valley to visit Gangtey Goenpa as it is a major attraction with an old monastery from the 16th century. You will have the opportunity to walk around the valley which is also the winter home to the rare blacknecked cranes, which migrate from remote parts of Tibet, China and Siberia during winter to this valley. Overnight stay at hotel.

4 Phobjikha – PunakhaAfter breakfast you continue your journey to Punakha.

The Buddhist monastery Chimi Lhakhang is waiting for you on the way. It was founded in the 15th century by Lama Duk

pa Kinley, also known as the "divine mad man". It takes you half an hour to walk there across a local village and rice field. After lunch, have a look at Punakha Dzong, a monastery which was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung. It is one of the most beautiful dzongs in the country. Enjoy a walk around Punakha and Khuruthang town in the afternoon. Overnight stay at hotel.

5 Punakha – ParoAfter breakfast, drive to Paro. Visit Kyichu

Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred temples in the whole kingdom, dating back to the 7th century. Visit the former watchtower of Ta Dzong which now houses the National Museum and then you may enjoy Rinpung Dzong which houses the monastic school and the office of the civil administration. Keep on walking and cross the close by typical Bhutanese wooden roofed bridge to Paro town. Overnight at hotel.

6 Paro – Excursion to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest)After breakfast, drive for half an hour to start the five

hour hike. The trail along an ancient path is marked by river powered prayer wheels. As you reach Taktshang, you will be struck by the architectural wonder of this most pious Buddhist shrine in Bhutan. Perched some 1,000 metres (3,000 feet) on a cliff overlooking the valley, it would justifiably qualify as one of Bhutan’s wonders. Tragically wrecked in a fire early in 1998, it has been rebuilt to its original glory. It is said that the legendary Indian saint, Guru Padma Sambhava, flew from Tibet on the back of a tigress to tame five demons who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan in 746 A.D. This is where the name, Taktshang or the “Tiger’s Nest”, comes from. After enjoying the monastery’s special atmosphere and surroundings, descend back to Ramthangka. If the time permits, drive further north to visit another symbolic structure which is now in ruins. Drugyel Dzong, or “Castle of the Victorious Drukpa”, has been built by the Zhabdrung to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over the Tibetans in the 16th century. From here, the Jomolhari Peak or “Mountain of the Goddess” can be seen on a clear day at 7,329 metres (24,029 feet). Overnight at hotel.

7 Paro – DepartureAfter breakfast, drive to Paro International Airport for

your onward flight. The representative of Atlas Bhutan will see you off and bid farewell.

You are looking for a tour that gives you the best of Western Bhutan but you are a little restrained time wise? Here you go, „Exotic Bhutan“ is your perfect choice. The highlights of Thimphu, Paro, Phobjikha and Punakha await you plus the views from the famous Dochula pass. You will visit the most beautiful dzongss of the West and monasteries such as Chhimi Lhakhang, the “divine mad man's” foundation. At the end be prepared for the highlight of the tour: the steep climb up to Taktsang – the “Tiger’s Nest”.

1 Arrive – ParoOn a clear day, the flight to Paro is breathtaking with

views of major Himalayan peaks such as Everest, Kanchenjunga and Makalu, and on the final approach Bhutan’s own snowy peaks, the sacred Jhomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tserimgang. On arrival at Paro airport and after completion of airport formalities, you will be met by Atlas Bhutan’s representative and drive to Thimphu. Thimphu, perhaps the most unusual capital city in the world, is the seat of government. This bustling town is home to the Royal Family, the civil service, and foreign missions with representation in Bhutan. It is also the headquarters for a number of internationally funded development projects. After lunch you visit the largest Buddha statue in the country in the ruins of Kuensel Phodrang from where you can enjoy a great view over the Thimphu valley. The Memorial Chorten, built in 1974 in the memory of Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the third king of Bhutan, is definitely worth a visit. Afterwards, you can cast an eye on the “fortress of the glorious religion”, the Tashichho Dzong. Initially erected in 1641, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck rebuilt it in the 1960s. The building houses several ministries, His Majesty’s secretary’s office as well as the central monk body. Overnight stay at hotel.


sights in Thimphu. The Changangkha Lhakhang, which is located right above the Thimphu Valley, is a temple and monastic school established in the 12th century. After this insight into important parts of Buthan’s history, you will get to know the national animal of this country – the Takin at the Motithang Takin Preserve. It is listed by international conservation agencies as a vulnerable species, because it is a rare animal which can be found in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas only. You then carry on to the Traditional Medicine Institute. In Bhutan, equal emphasis is given to both allopathic and traditional medicines. The rich herbal medicines made up from medicinal plants are prepared and dispensed here. The Folk Heritage Museum looks like a traditional farmhouse and is furnished as it would have been about one century ago. Your last stop for today is the National Institute for Zorig Chusum. This institute is a school of arts and crafts where students are able to undertake a six year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. Overnight stay at hotel.

3 Thimphu – PunakhaToday’s adventure leads you in approximately three

hours to Punakha. Enjoy your drive through picturesque valleys and mountain slopes dotted with typical Bhutanese villages. From the Dochula pass at over 3,000 metres (10,000 feet), vast panoramic views of the high snowcapped peaks of the Bhutanese Himalaya can be enjoyed on a clear day. Head down into the Punakha valley. On your way, you have the chance to visit Chimi Lhakhang. Lama Dukpa Kinley, also known

as the “divine mad man”, founded this monastery in the 15th century. You walk for about half an hour across a local village and rice field. Punakha Dzong awaits you after lunch. Built in 1637 by Zhabdrung, it is one of the most beautiful dzongs in the country. Afterwards, you have time to stroll around Punakha and Khuruthang town. Overnight stay at hotel.

4 Punakha – PhobjikhaAfter breakfast, you drive to Phobjikha, a bowlshaped

valley on the western slopes of the Black Mountains. Gangtey Goenpa is also worth a visit, as it is a major attraction with an old monastery (16th century). Walk around the valley which is also the winter home to the rare blacknecked cranes which migrate from remote parts of Tibet, China and Siberia during winter to this valley. Overnight stay at hotel or farm house.

5 Phobjikha – TrongsaYour destination Today is Trongsa. On the way to this

small town, you visit the stupa Chendebji Chöten. It was constructed in order to bring the harmful, antireligious demons under control. Afterwards, you visit Trongsa Dzong, the seat of the district administration built in 1648. You will also visit the Tower of Trongsa, which has been converted into a museum. It used to be a watchtower that once guarded Trongsa Dzong. Overnight stay at hotel.

6 Trongsa – BumthangBumthang is your destination for today. The drive inclu

des a stop at Chummy village to visit the Yathra weaving centre where those typical wool fabrics are turned into colourful scarves, bags, blankets and sweaters. Continue your drive to Chakhar and mingle with the locals. Overnight stay at hotel.

7 Bumthang – Whole SightseeingGet to know the mystical District of Bumthang by visi

ting its most important sights. The sacred monastery Jambay Lhakhang, the “Iron Castle” Chakhar Lhakhang, the temples Kurjey Lhakhang and Tamshing Lhakhang as well as the fortress Jakar Dzong which now serves as an administra tive centre, are interesting places that lead you back into the history of Bhutan.

8 Bumthang – ParoAfter breakfast, you fly back to Paro. Visit Kyichu

Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred temples in the kingdom, dating back to the 7th century. You may also be interested in Ta Dzong’s former watchtower which now houses the National Museum and Rinpung Dzong which houses the monastic school and the office of the civil administration today. By crossing a typical Bhutanese wooden roofed bridge you finally reach Paro. You spend the night at the hotel. NOTE: Kindly note that the domestic airline is subject to availability.

9 Paro – Excursion to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest)After breakfast, drive for half an hour to start the five

hour hike. The trail along an ancient path is marked by river powered prayer wheels. As you reach Taktshang, you will be struck by the architectural wonder of this most pious Buddhist shrine in Bhutan. Perched some 1,000 metres (3,000 feet) on a cliff overlooking the valley, it would justifiably qualify as one of Bhutan’s wonders. Tragically wrecked in a fire early in 1998, it has been rebuilt to its original glory. It is said that the legendary Indian saint, Guru Padma Sambhava, flew from Tibet on the back of a tigress to tame five demons who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan in 746 A.D.

This is where the name, Taktshang or the “Tiger’s Nest”, comes from. After enjoying the monastery’s special atmosphere and surroundings, descend back to Ramthangka. If the time permits, drive further north to visit another symbolic structure which is now in ruins. Drugyel Dzong, or “Castle of the Victorious Drukpa”, has been built by the Zhabdrung to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over the Tibetans in the 16th century. From here, the Jomolhari Peak or “Mountain of the Goddess” can be seen on a clear day at 7,329 metres (24,029 feet). You spend the night at the hotel.

10 Paro – DepartureAfter breakfast, drive to Paro Inter

national Airport for your onward flight. The representative of Atlas Bhutan will see you off and bid farewell.

Apart from Bhutan’s unique culture, flora, fauna, architecture and the people, this package will take you to the spiritual heartland of Bhutan – Bumthang district. This trip is remarkable in that you will be able to visit dozens of Bhutan’s most sacred temples, monasteries and religious sites. Each of these places has its own unique history. Equally fascinating is the culture that evolved from these places of worship which has its origins in the 7th century when the Tantric Master, Guru Padma Sambhava, first visited Bhutan.

exotic Bhutan6 nights/7 days

Discover Bhutan9 nights/10 days

Duration 9 nights/10 days Area covered 4 districts of Western and 2 districts of Central BhutanEntry and exit point Paro, Western Bhutan (Paro Airport, PBH)

Discover Bhutan

Duration 6 nights/7 daysArea covered 4 districts of Western BhutanEntry and exit point Paro, Western Bhutan (Paro Airport, PBH)

exotic Bhutan

12 exploring cUlTUre

1 Paro – ThimphuOn a clear day, the flight to Paro is breathtaking with

views of major Himalayan peaks such as Everest, Kanchenjunga and Makalu, and on the final approach Bhutan’s own snowy peaks, the sacred Jhomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tserimgang. On arrival at Paro airport and after completion of airport formalities, you will be met by Atlas Bhutan’s representative and drive to Thimphu. Thimphu, perhaps the most unusual capital city in the world, is the seat of government. This bustling town is home to Bhutan’s Royal Family, the civil service, and foreign missions with representation in Bhutan. It is also the headquarter for a number of internationally funded development projects. After lunch you visit the largest Buddha statue in the country in the ruins of Kuensel Phodrang from where you can enjoy a great view over the Thimphu valley. The Memorial Chorten, built in 1974 in the memory of Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the third king of Bhutan, is definitely worth a visit. Afterwards, you can cast an eye on the “fortress of the glorious religion”, the Tashichho Dzong. Initially erected in 1641, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck rebuilt it in the 1960s. The building houses several ministries, His Majesty’s secretary’s office as well as the central monk body. Overnight stay at hotel.

2 Thimphu – SightseeingEnjoy your sightseeing in Thimphu. The old temple

Changangkha Lhakhang is right above Thimphu Valley. This temple and a monastic school were established in the 12th century on a site chosen by Lama Phajo Drugom Shigpo. Later you visit the Motithang Takin Preserve – it houses the rare national animal of Bhutan. The Takin is a rare animal found only in Bhutan, Nepal and Burma and is listed by international conservation agencies as a vulnerable species.

In Bhutan, equal emphasis is given to both allopathic and traditional medicines. The Traditional Medicine Institute prepares and dispenses the rich herbal medicines from medicinal plants and provides you an insight into it. After that you see the Folk Heritage Museum. The house replicates a traditional farmhouse and is furnished as if it would have been about a century ago. Later on you visit the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, which is a school of arts and crafts, where students undertake a sixyear course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. You spend the night at a hotel.

3 Thimphu – PhobjikhaAfter breakfast you drive to Phobjikha. This approxima

tely takes a six hour drive through picturesque valleys and mountain slopes dotted with typical Bhutanese villages. From the Dochula pass, at over 3,000 metres (10,000 feet), you enjoy vast panoramic views of the high snowcapped peaks of the Bhutanese Himalaya on a clear day. Then you continue to drive down into the Phobjikha and visit Gantey Goenpa as it is a major attraction with an old monastery dating back to the 16th century. Later you walk around the valley, which is also the winter home to the rare blacknecked cranes. They migrate to this valley from remote parts of Tibet, China and Siberia during winter. Tonight you stay at a hotel.

4 Phobjikha – PunakhaAfter breakfast you drive to Punakha. On the way you

visit Chimi Lhakhang. This monastery was founded in the 15th century by Lama Dukpa Kinley, also known as the “divine mad man”. To get there, you walk for about half an hour across a local village and rice field. Punakha Dzong awaits you after lunch. Built in 1637 by Zhabdrung, it is one of the most beautiful dzongs in the country. Afterwards, you

have time to stroll around Punakha and Khuruthang town. Overnight stay at a hotel.

5 Punakha – ParoAfter breakfast you drive to Paro and visit

Kyichu Lhakhang – one of the oldest and most sacred temples in the kingdom dating back to the 7th century. Then you get to see Ta Dzong, a former watchtower, which now houses the national museum. Then you visit Rinpung Dzong with the monastic school and the office of the civil administration. Finally you walk down by crossing the Bhutanese typical wooden roofed bridge to Paro town. Tonight you stay at a hotel.

6 Paro – Excursion to Taktshang (Tiger’s Nest)

After your breakfast you drive for half an hour to start your five hour long circular hike for today. The trail is along an ancient path marked by riverpowered prayer wheels. As you reach

Taktshang you will be struck by the architectural wonder of this most pious Buddhist shrine in Bhutan. Perched some 1,000 metres (3,000 feet) on a cliff overlooking the valley, it would justifiably qualify as one of Bhutan’s wonders. It tragically wrecked in a fire early in 1998, but it has been rebuilt to its original glory. Legend has it that the legendary Indian saint, Guru Padma Sambhava, flew from Tibet on the back of a tigress to tame five demons, who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan in 746 A.D. Hence the name Taktshang or the “Tiger’s Nest.” Later on you descend back to Ramthangka. If the time permits, you drive further north to visit another symbolic structure, which is now in ruins: Drukyel Dzong or “”Castle of the Victorious Drukpa”. It was also built by the Zhabdrung to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over the Tibetans in the 16th century. From here, the Jomolhari Peak (“Mountain of the Goddess”) can be seen on a clear (Alt. 7,329 metres/24,029 feet). You spend the night at a hotel.

7 Paro – Excursion to HaaEnjoy your breakfast and drive to Haa, which vies with

Chele La Pass and which is at a cool crisp about 12,200 feet/3,720 metres. The route is lined with a spectacularly lovely forest of pine, oak and rhododendrons. You continue to drive to Haa, visit Chhundu Lhakhang and Lhakhang Karpo and then Drive back to Paro. Here you spend the night at Le Meridien.

8 Paro – DepartureAfter breakfast you drive to Paro International Airport for

your onward flight. The representative of Atlas Bhutan will see off and bid farewell.

Nomen est omen. This is a classic 8 day tour and actually one of our bestseller. Like „Exotic Bhutan“ it gives you a wonderful introduction to the main strands of Buddhism, history and culture of Bhutan and its 700.000 or so citizens, plus stunning views and great impressions of the mountainous landscape of Bhutan’s mild west. Towards the end of the tour you will experience one of the least visited regions of the South West, Haa, with its lovely forest of pine, oak and rhododendrons.

classic Bhutan7 nights/8 days

Duration 7 nights/8 days Area covered 5 districts of Western BhutanEntry and exit point Paro, Western Bhutan (Paro Airport, PBH)

classic Bhutan


1 Guwahati (India) – Samdrup Jongkhar | On your arrival you will be greeted by the representative of Atlas Bhu

tan. Drive to Samdrup Jongkhar in the southeast of Bhutan where the country borders the Indian states of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. Overnight stay at hotel.

2 Samdrup Jongkhar – Trashigang | After breakfast, drive to Trashigang. You reach the hand loom wea

ving centre in Khaling as well as a school for the blind. Get to know two local specialties on your way to Trashigang: coloured handloom cloth and silk. Overnight stay at hotel.

3 Trashigang – Phongmey – Merak | Do the 35 kilometres to Phongmey by car and visit the village and the

Phongmey temple. The central statue of the temple portrays Chenresig (Avalokiteshvara) with 1,000 arms and eleven heads. Afterwards, you continue your drive to Merak. Visit local communities, temples and mingle with locals on your way. You may have the chance to witness native dances. Overnight stay at local guest house.

4 Merak – Trashigang | Trashigang is planned for a stop along the way at the village of Radhi. It is also known as

the ‘Rice Bowl of the East’ because of its verdant rice fields that supply most of the crop to eastern parts of the country. Some people also make a living as producers of textiles. Finally, visit the Rangjung Woesel Chholing Monastery, founded by Garab Rinpochhe in 1990. You reach Trashigang late in the afternoon. Overnight stay at hotel.

5 Trashigang – Mongar | Visit Mongar today. The Drametse monastery is also worth a visit. It was founded

by Ani Choten Zangmo who fled from Bumthang to escape a proposal of marriage from the local king. When she found a place ideally suited for meditation and practice she named it ‘Drametse’ which literally means ‘the peak where there

You want to try traditional Bhutanese archery? Indulge in a traditional hot stone bath? Mingle with the locals and learn about their daily lives first hand? And you want to see (almost) all of Bhutan, from the East to the West? Then we have a trip for you. „Merak and Rukha” combines a full picture of Bhutan with a lot of local colour! In 17 days you will experience the highlights of Bhutanese history, culture and nature.

1 Guwahati (India) – Samdrup Jongkhar | On your arrival you will be greeted by the representative of Atlas Bhutan.

Drive to Samdrup Jongkhar in the southeast of Bhutan where the country borders the Indian states of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. Overnight stay at hotel.

2 Samdrup Jongkhar – Trashigang | After breakfast you drive to Trashigang, where vividly coloured hand

loom cloth and silk spun from castor oil plants are local specialties. En route you pass through several villages, visit a handloom (weaving centre) in Khaling. Maybe you meet a few people of the hill tribes Merak and Sakteng since they use Trashigang as a market place. Later you visit Trashigang Dzong, which stands on the hill slope below the main street. The dzong built in the mid17th century, serves as the administrative seat for the district, as well as a school for the monk.

3 Trashigang – Phongmey – Merak | Enjoy your breakfast and drive to Phongmey to visit the village and the

150 years old Phongmey temple before you continue to travel to Merak. Here you visit the local community, temples and mingle with local. Witness native dances of Merak and Sakteng – Achulamoa Cham and folk dances.

4 Merak – Trashigang | After breakfast you visit Radhi village with its rice fields and skillful weavers. It is often

known as the ‘Rice Bowl of the East’ because of its verdant rice fields that supply most of the grain to eastern parts of the country and people make living from fine raw silk or bura textiles during the offagricultural seasons. Later you drive to Rangjung Woesel Chholing Monastery. Late in the afternoon you arrive in Trashigang.

5 Trashigang – Trashiyangtse – Trashigang | Early in the morning you set out for Trashiyangtse and may

are no enemies’. In the afternoon, visit Mongar Dzong. Overnight stay at hotel.

6 Mongar – Bumthang | On your way to Bumthang you will notice that it becomes cooler. Stop at Sengor to

meet the locals. On the way there are a few other places to stop at. Overnight stay at hotel.

7 Bumthang | Get to know Bumthang by visiting its most important sights. The sacred monastery Jambay Lhak

hang, the “Iron Castle” Chakhar Lhakhang, the temples Kurjey Lhakhang and Tamshing Lhakhang as well as the fortress Jakar Dzong which serves as an administrative centre now are interesting places that lead you back into the history of Bhutan. Overnight stay at hotel.

8 Bumthang – Phobjikha | Phobjikha is a bowlshaped valley on the western slopes of the Black Mountains.

There you visit Gangtey Goenpa, an old monastery from the 16th century. Later you may walk around the valley which is also the winter home of the rare blacknecked cranes. Overnight stay at hotel.

9 Phobjikha – Punakha | After breakfast, drive to Punak ha. Visit Chhimi Lhakhang, a monastery foun

ded in the 15th Century by Lama Dukpa Kinley, also known as ‘divine mad man’. Then visit Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Zhabdrung. It is one of the most beautiful dzongs in the country. Overnight stay at hotel.

10 Punakha – Rukha | Today’s adventure takes you south to Taksha. The trek starts after crossing a

suspension bridge where the trekking staff will be waiting. Start hiking and take the power tiller until lunch stop at Samthang at an altitude of 860 metres. Lunch at a farmhouse. After lunch you continue your trek for another hour to reach

Mithana community school at an altitude of 986 metres. From here it takes about one hour to reach Rukha where the Olep, the original settlers of Central Bhutan, live. At Rukha the farmers will welcome you happily. Overnight stay at farm house.

11 Rukha – Halt | Take the chance to participate in game like archery, dart

and javelin throw. Explore the local farm houses and visit the temple Penden Lham. In the evening you may witness the folk dances with bon fire. Overnight stay at farmhouse.

12 Rukha – Wangdue | Hike back to Taksha after breakfast. Our vehicle

will be waiting to drive you to Wangdue. Overnight stay at hotel.

visit Gom Kora temple en route. The main attractions of Trashiyangtse is the great stupa Chorten Kora built in 1940 and modeled in the style of the Boudhanath stupa in Nepal. After lunch you discover the beautiful small Trashiyangtse town with its traditional designs and colours of the houses. Then you drive back to Trashigang.

6 Trashigang – Mongar | Enjoy your breakfast and head to Mongar. En route you visit Drametse monastery –

founded by Ani Choten Zangmo, Pema Lingpa’s granddaughter, who fled from Bumthang to escape a proposal of marriage from the local king. She fled east and found a place ideally suited for meditation and practice she named ‘Drametse’, which literally means ‘the peak where there are no enemies’. Ani Choeten Zangmo’s kudung (remains) is preserved as the most important relic in the monastery. Later you continue

to drive to Mongar, have lunch and visit Mongar Dzong as well as Yaggang Lhakhang.

7 Mongar – Lhuntse – Mongar | Today you drive to Lhuntse, which is one of the most

rural and isolated districts in Bhutan. The steepness of the region lends itself to some spectacular views with rushing waterfalls, stark cliffs, beautiful conifer and pine forests and sheer drops. The Kurtoe region of Lhuntse is the ancestral home of Bhutan’s Royal Family and also considered to be the best for Kishu Thara textiles. You visit Lhuntse Dzong and a weaving village before you drive back to Mongar.

8 Mongar – Bumthang | On your way to Bumthang you will notice a change in

weather condition and cooler temperatures as you stop at a few places like Sengor to get to see some locals. After reaching Bumthang you can go to the

small town and mingle with the locals there.

9 Bumthang – Halt | Enjoy a whole day of sight seeing: Jambay Lhakhang is one of the 108 monasteries built

by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo, to subdue evil spirits in the Himalayan region. Chakhar Lhakhang is the site of the palace of the Indian King Sendha Gyab, also known as Sindhu Raja. Kurjey Lhakhang is a temple built around the cave in which Guru Rinpoche meditated and left his body imprint. The temple Tamshing Lhakhang is also known as Temple of the Good Message. Jakar Dzong is a fortress that is now used as an administrative centre of the valley and summer residence of monks.

10 Bumthang – Phobjikha | After break fast you drive to Phobjikha and visit Trongsa Dzong en route – seat

of the district administration. You will also see the Tower of Trongsa, which has been converted from a watchtower into

13 Wangdue – Thimphu | Today’s adventure leads you in approximately three hours to Thimphu. Enjoy your

drive through picturesque valleys and mountain slopes dotted with typical Bhutanese villages. From the Dochula pass at over 3,000 metres (10,000 feet), vast panoramic views of the high snowcapped peaks of the Bhutanese Himalaya can be enjoyed on a clear day. Enjoy your lunch at the Dochula cafeteria and take a picture of the impressive surroundings. After arriving in Thimphu, you visit the largest Buddha statue in the country in the ruins of Kuensel Phodrang from where you can enjoy a great view over the Thimphu valley. The Memorial Chorten is also worth a visit. Overnight stay at hotel.

14 Thimphu – Sightseeing | You have the opportunity to visit the most important sights of Thimphu today.

The Changangkha Lhakhang, which is located right above the Thimphu Valley and the Motithang Takin Preserve await you. The Takin is listed by international conservation agencies as a vulnerable species. You then carry on to the Traditional Medicine Institute and the Folk Heritage Museum that looks like a traditional farmhouse and is furnished as it would have been about one century ago. Your tour closes at the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, a school for arts and crafts.

15 Thimphu – Paro | Paro is today’s destination. Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred

temples in the kingdom, dating back to the 7th century. Then take a look at Ta Dzong’s former watchtower which now houses the National Museum. You also have the chance to see Rinpung Dzong which houses the monastic school and the office of the civil administration. You reach Paro town by crossing a typical Bhutanese wooden roofed bridge.

16 Paro – Excursion to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) | After breakfast, drive for half an hour to start the five

hour circular hike. The trail along an ancient path is marked by riverpowered prayer wheels. As you reach Taktshang, you will be struck by the architectural wonder of this most pious Buddhist shrine in Bhutan. Perched some 1,000 metres (3,000 feet) on a cliff overlooking the valley, it would justifiably qualify as one of Bhutan’s wonders. Tragically wrecked in a fire early in 1998, it has been rebuilt to its original glory. After descending to Ramthangka, drive further north to visit another symbolic structure, which is now in ruins. Drugyel Dzong, or “Castle of the Victorious Drukpa”, has been built by the Zhabdrung to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over the Tibetans in the 16th century. From here, the Jomolhari Peak or “Mountain of the Goddess” can be seen on a clear day at 7,329 metres (24,029 feet). You spend the night at a hotel.

17 Paro – Departure | After breakfast, drive to Paro International Airport for your onward flight to Delhi.

The representative of Atlas Bhutan will see you off and bid farewell.

a museum. In Phobjikha you visit Gantey Goenpa and take a walk around the valley, which is also the winter home to the rare blacknecked cranes, which migrate, from Tibet, China and Siberia during winter to this valley.

11 Phobjikha – Punakha | You drive to Punakha. En route you take a half hour walk across a local village

and rice field in Chimi Lhakhang. After lunch you visit Punakha Dzong, one of the most beautiful dzongss in the country, and stroll around Punakha and Khuruthang town.

12 Punakha – Thimphu | Within five hours you drive through picturesque valleys and mountain slopes

dotted with typical Bhutanese villages to Thimphu. From the Dochula pass, at over 3,000 metres (10,000ft), vast panoramic views of the high snowcapped peaks of the Bhutanese Himalaya can be enjoyed on a clear day. Have your lunch at Dochula cafeteria and take a picture of the 108 stupas of Dochula. Then you travel to Thimphu to visit Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodang) and Memorial Chorten.

13 Thimphu – Sightseeing | Your sightseeing tour contains Changangkha Lhakhang with its temple and

monastic school as well as Motithang Takin Preserve, which houses the takin, the rare national animal of Bhutan. At the Traditional Medicine Institute you find rich herbal medicines made up from medicinal plants that are prepared and dispensed here. Later you see the Folk Heritage Museum, the weaving centre at Changzamtog and a Bhutanese paper factory.

14 Thimphu – Paro | Enjoy breakfast and drive to Paro, where you visit the old temple Kyichu Lhakhang and

the national museum Ta Dzong in a former watchtower. Then you see the monastic school Rinpung Dzong and the office of the civil administration. Finally you walk down by crossing the Bhutanese typical wooden roofed bridge to Paro town.

15 Paro – Excursion to Taktshang | You go on a five hour circular moderate hike. The trail is along an

ancient path marked by riverpowered prayer wheels. As you reach Taktshang you will be struck by the architectural wonder of this most pious Buddhist shrine in Bhutan, which would justifiably qualify as one of Bhutan’s wonders, tragically wrecked in a fire in 1998 and then has been rebuilt to its original glory. Later you descend back to Ramthangka. If the time permits, you drive further north to visit another symbolic structure, which is now in ruins: Drukgyel Dzong or the “Castle of the Victorious Drukpa”. From here the Jomolhari Peak (“Mountain of the Goddess”) can be seen on a clear day.

16 Paro – Departure | After breakfast you drive to Paro International Airport for your onward flight

to Delhi. The representative of Atlas Bhutan will see off bid and farewell.

An epic 16 day trip that leaves no questions once you have finished it. Starting in the very east of Bhutan, a region rarely visited by tourists, it takes you right into the heart of Bhutan’s culture and faith. Especially the first week through the east will allow you to peek behind the scenes of a country that takes its time on its journey to modernity. Small villages, friendly villagers, monasteries, mighty dzongs and mountain scenery all along the way.

Duration 15 nights/16 days Area covered 5 districts of Eastern Bhutan, 2 of Central Bhutan and 4 of Western Bhutan Entry point Samdrup Jongkar, Eastern Bhutan (Guwahati, India) Exit point Paro Airport (PBH)

from east to west

a Journey from east to west 15 nights/16 days

merak and rukha16 nights/17 days

Duration 16 nights/17 days Area covered 3 districts of Eastern Bhutan, 2 of Central Bhutan and 4 of Western Bhutan Entry point Samdrup Jongkar, Eastern Bhutan (Guwahati, India) Exit point Paro Airport (PBH)

merak and rukha

TrekkingextraorDinary

extraorDinary TrekkinG 1716 extraorDinary TrekkinG

Bhutan is considered one of the last ShangriLas in the world as it is spectacularly landlocked by the mysterious and undiscovered Himalayan Mountains. A great place, where Mother Nature is bestowing slowly and pleasuring all our senses with its spectacular beauty. With 71 per cent of the country still covered by forest, with its peaks, remote villages, 200 species of mammals and over 5,500 species

of flora and fauna you have thousands of reasons to come. The best thing about trekking in Bhutan is of course being very close to its nature.

There are numerous endangered species you will only see in Bhutan and we strongly believe that the only way to connect with nature is by surrendering to its sheer magic.

Bhutan’s trekking routes are no easy afternoon walks. You should be physically and mentally fit if you want to start one. But there are hard treks and moderate ones and with 17 different types of trekking routes differing in length and landscapes covered

there will be a perfect one for almost everyone. We at Atlas Bhutan have been organizing treks for more than 20 years and we know the needs of our clients: With every trek we provide all necessary equipment such as high quality tents, first aid kit etc. A professional trek guide and a trained chef make sure that you not only are always in safe hands but also have the “luxury” of a hearty and healthy organic meal whenever you need one. We hire yaks and herders to carry your baggage, and never forget our satellite phone in the unlikely case of an emergency. That is trekking the Atlas Bhutan way. You will love it!

trekking shangri-la

name Duration (days) maximum elevation Difficulty

Druk path Trek 10 4,200 m easy to medium

The Jomolhari Trek 12 4,930 m medium

The Snowman Trek 29 5,320 m hard

Beautiful Laya and gasa Trek 18 5,500 m medium

bumthang Cultural trek 3 3,360 m easy to medium

Dagala thousand lakes trek 6 4,520 m medium

Duer hot springs trek 9 4,700 m medium to hard

gangtey trek 3 3,480 m easy

gasa hot springs trek 5 2,430 m easy

Jomolhari trek ii 8 4,890 m medium

punakha Winter trek 4 3,400 m easy to medium

rodung la trek 10 4,160 m medium to hard

samtengang Winter trek 4 2,000 m easy

snowman trek ii 25 5,320 m very hard

Merak sakten 6 4,100 m medium

our Treks

18 extraorDinary TrekkinG

1 Paro –ThimphuEnjoy your flight and the view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchen

junga and other Himalayan Mountains including the sacred Mt. Jomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On your arrival at Paro Airport you are received by the representative of Atlas Bhutan and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon the national museum in the former watchtower Ta Dzong is waiting for you. Later you visit Rinpung Dzong, which houses the mo nastic school and the office of the civil administra-tion. Then you walk down by crossing the Bhutanese typical wooden roofed bridge to Paro town. After a short stroll in town you drive back to the hotel for the night halt.

2 Paro – Excursion TaktshangGood Morning! After your breakfast you drive for half

an hour to start your five hour long circular hike for today. The trail is along an ancient path marked by riverpowered prayer wheels. As you reach Taktshang you will be struck by the architectural wonder of this most pious Buddhist shrine in Bhutan. Perched some 1,000 metres (3,000 feet) on a cliff overlooking the valley, it would justifiably qualify as one of Bhutan’s wonders. It tragically wrecked in a fire early in 1998, but it has been rebuilt to its original glory. Legend has it that the legendary Indian saint, Guru Padma Sambhava, flew from Tibet on the back of a tigress to tame five demons, who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan in 746 A. D. Hence the name Taktshang or the “Tiger’s Nest”. Later on you descend back to Ramthangka. If the time permits, you drive further north to visit another symbolic structure, which is now in ruins: Drukyel Dzong or “Castle of the Victorious Drukpa”. It was also built by the Zhabdrung to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over the Tibetans in the 16th century. From here, the Jomolhari Peak (“Mountain of the Goddess”) can be seen on a clear (Alt. 7,329 metres/24,029 feet). You spend the night at a hotel.

3 Paro – Jili DzongToday is a short trekking day. The trekking trail is rather

gradual till you reach the camp for your overnight stay. If the weather is clear you can catch a glimpse of the beautiful Paro valley and the snowcapped Mt. Jhomolhari behind the valley. You camp at Jele Dzong. Distance seven kilometres, four to five hours, 1,090 metres ascent, camp altitude 3,480 metres

4 Jili Dzong – JangchulakhaYou begin with a gradual climb for about an hour and a

half. The trail takes you through thick alpine forest and rhododendron trees. You may also see yak herders around your campsite. Today you camp at Jangchulakha. Distance ten kilometres, four to five hours, 310 metres ascent, 50 metres descent, camp altitude 3,770 metres

5 Jangchulakha – JimilangtsoThe trail follows the ridge and on clear days the view of

the mountains and valleys are spectacular. Your camp is close to Lake Jimilangtso. These lakes are known for their giant sized trouts. Distance eleven kilometres, four hours, 230 metres descent, 330 metres ascent, camp altitude 3,870 metres

6 Jimilangtso – SimkotaThe trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees.

Then you pass by the lakes of Janetso. Today you may come across some yak herder’s camp and can have a look as to how these people live. The camp is close to Simkota Lake. Distance eleven kilometres, four hours, 820 metres ascent, 400 metres descent, camp altitude 4,110 metres

7 Simkota – Phajoding Today you begin with a gradual climb. If the weather

permits you enjoy a beautiful view of Mount “Gangkhar Puensum” the highest mountain in Bhutan and other Hima- layan mountains from the Dochula Pass. Then the path slowly descends till you reach Phajoding. Camp for a night. Distance ten kilometres, three to four hours, 130 metres ascent, 680 metres descent, camp altitude 3,750 metres

8 Phajoding – Thimphu The trek to Thimphu is downhill all the way through a

forested area of mostly blue pine trees. By taking leisurely pace you can reach Thimphu in about three hours for a hot shower and a nice lunch. After Lunch you have some leisure time. Tonight you stay at the hotel. Distance four to five kilometres, 1,130 metres descent

9 Thimphu – SightseeingToday you get to know Thimphu on a nice sightseeing

tour. Enjoy your visit at the Memorial Chorten, which was built in 1974 in memory of our third king of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. At the ruins of Kuensel Phodrang, the Buddha Point, you see the largest Buddha statue in the country. Here you have a good view of the Thimphu valley. Later you visit the Motithang Takin Preserve – it houses the rare national animal of Bhutan. The Takin is a rare animal found only in Bhutan, Nepal and Burma and is listed by international conservation agencies as a vulnerable species. In Bhutan, equal emphasis is given to both allopathic and traditional medicines. The Traditional Medicine Institute prepares and dispenses the rich herbal medicines from medicinal plants and provides you an insight into it. Later on you visit the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, which is a school of arts and crafts, where students undertake a sixyear course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. Your last station for today is the Folk Heritage Museum. The house replicates a traditional farmhouse and is furnished as if it would have been about a century ago. You spend the night at a hotel.

10 Paro – Departure After breakfast you drive to Paro International Airport

for your onward flight. The representative of Atlas Bhutan will see off and bid farewell

If you are looking for a trek that is fairly easy, with shorter daily hikes on rather good terrain, then consider the Druk Path. The 6 day trek is one of the most popular in the country as it passes through a gorgeous natural landscape of blue pine forests, high ridges and pristine lakes while at the same time offering the opportunity to visit some ancient lhakhangs, dzongs and villages. Wander through forests of fir, blue pine and dwarf rhododendrons at altitudes ranging between 2,400 and 4,200 metres and enjoy!

Druk Path Trek9 nights/10 days

Duration 9 nights/10 daysMax. elevation 4,200 mHighest Camp 4,110 mStandard easy to mediumBest Seasons Mid March to June and Mid October to NovemberStart National Museum (Paro)Finish Mothithang (Thimphu)

Druk Path Trek

Described by The Lonely Planet as one of the world’s most difficult treks, the month-long Snowman trek from Western to Central Bhutan, along the crests of the mighty Himalayan ranges, will keep your heart pumping and the adrenaline rushing. Taking you into the higher altitudes of the Bhutanese Himalayas, even beyond Laya, your perseverance and pain will be rewarded by the beautiful virgin landscapes you will be crossing and walking through.

20 extraorDinary TrekkinG

The snowman Trek 28 nights/29 days

21 Danji – TsochenaFrom today’s first destination, the Jaze La pass, it is

a short downhill trek to the campsite at the lake of Tsochena.(12 km, 980 m ascent, 240 m descent)

22 Tsochena – Jichu DramoUp and down between the snowcapped peaks and

across the Loju La the trek leads you to the camp at Jichu Dramo. (14 km, 230 m ascent, 150 m descent)

23 Jichu Dramo – ChukarpoYou start with a hard climb to Rinchen Zoe La pass

at an altitude of 5,290 metres (17,350 feet), the highest pass on the trek. You then head to Chukarpo just above the tree line. (18 km, 320 km ascent, 730 m descent)

24 Chukarpo – Thampe TsoAdjust yourself to a long downhill walk along the

river, followed by a climb up to the lake Thampe Tso where the campsite is. (18 km, 400 m ascent, 700 m descent)

25 Thampe Tso – MaurothangShort passages and a steep climb are on today’s

programme. The trek is then all downhill to the camp at Maurothang. (14 km, 330 m ascent, 1,020 m descent)

26 Maurothang – Sephu – PunakhaYou walk down to the village of Sephu from where

you drive to Punakha. (18 km, 990 m descent)

27 Punakha – ThimphuIn the morning you visit Punakha Dzong where you

can find the remains of the Zhabdrung. Drive to Thimphu afterwards with a stopover at Chimi Lhakhang, founded in the 15th century.

28 Thimphu – Sightseeing Today you visit the most important sights in and

around Thimphu such as the Memorial Chorten, the largest Buddha statue in the country at Kuensel Phodang, the Traditional Medicine Institute, the Folk Heritage Museum and finally the National Institute for Zorig Chusum.

29 Paro – DepartureAfter breakfast, drive to Paro International Airport

for your onward flight.

1 Paro – ArrivalDuring the flight, you will enjoy the view of several Hima

layan mountains. On arrival at Paro Airport, a representative of Atlas Bhutan receives you and drives you to the hotel to check in. After lunch, visit Ta Dzong’s former watchtower which now houses the National Museum. Then visit Rinpung Dzong where the monastic school and the office of the civil administration are located. You reach Paro by crossing a typical Bhutanese wooden roofed bridge.

2 Paro – Excursion to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest)After breakfast, drive for half an hour to start a five hour

hike to Taktshang where you will be struck by the architectural wonder of this most pious Buddhist shrine in Bhutan. Perched some 1,000 metres (3,000 feet) on a cliff overlooking the valley, it would justifiably qualify as one of Bhutan’s wonders. Descend back to Ramthangka and, if time permits, the Drugyel Dzong, or “Castle of the Victorious Drukpa”.

3 Paro – Shana – ThangthangkhaDrive to Shana after breakfast where the motorable road

ends. Start your trek to Thangthangkha from here. The trail follows the Paro River to the camp. On clear days, you can have a magnificent view of Mt. Jhomolhari. (22 km, 770 m ascent, 10 m descent)

4 Thangthangka – Jangothang The trail leads you through a beautiful valley today.

When you reach the winter home of yak herders, you will be provided with hot lunch in one of the houses. The camp is beneath a ruined fortress at the base of Mt. Jhomolhari. (19 km, 480 m ascent)

5 Jangothang – HaltThe day in Jangothang provides you with many possible

day hikes with great views on lakes and snowcapped mountains such as the Jhomolhari and the Jichu Drake. There are good short hiking trails in three directions you can choose from.

6 Jangothang – LingshiYou start ascending up the mountainside towards

Nyelila after breakfast. From Nyelila, you hike a trail, which leads you all the way down to the camp. (18 km, 840 m ascent, 870 m descent)

7 Lingzhi – Chebisa Gongyuel village is on your way to Chebisa, which is

a winter home of yak herders. (10 km, 280 m ascent, 410 m descent)

8 Chabisa – ShomuthangAscend the steep hill side till Gobula pass at an altitu

de of 4,349 metres (14,268 feet). From there, you descend until you get to the tree line and your campsite by the river. (17 km, 890 m ascent, 540 m descent)

9 Shomuthang – RobluthangThe walk starts early and you head towards Jhari

La pass. From here you drop to Tsharijathang, the valley where herds of Takin are usually seen grazing in the meadows. (18 km, 700 m ascent, 760 m descent)

10 Robluthang – LemithangThe Shingle Pass is the highest point of your trek so

far with an altitude of 4,870 metres (16,072 feet). The walk is tough till the top from where you start descending towards Lemithang. Your camp at Lemithang is beneath Gang Chen Ta, the Great Tiger Mountain. (19 km, 850 m ascent, 870 m descent)

11 Lemithang – LayaThe walk for the day is all the way downhill along a

winding river. Your path leads you to the west side of Laya village. You camp on this spot close to Laya. (10 km, 60 m ascent, 340 m descent)

12 Paro – LayaRest and explore the Laya village.

13 Laya – RhoduphuToday’s trek leads gradually downhill to the Lunana

trail junction from where it makes a gradual climb to the camp. The camp at Roduphu is near a small stream. (19 km, 1,030 m ascent, 750 m descent)

14 Rhoduphu – NarethangA long hike crossing the Tsimo La pass at 4,950 me

tres (16,200 feet) and descending to Narethang awaits you.(17 km, 740m ascent)

15 Narethang – TarinaFrom the camp you will climb for about an hour to

Gangla Karchung La at an altitude of 5,120 metres (16,800 feet), to Karchung La pass at an altitude of 5,240 metres (17,187 feet) and down the glacial lakes that are the source of the Tang Chhu River. (18 km, 270 m ascent, 1,200 m descent)

16 Tarina – WocheFollowing the Pho Chhu, you walk down through

forests passing some impressive waterfalls. The trail then leads you to Woche, a settlement of a few houses and the first village in the Lunana region. (17 km, 270 m ascent, 330 m descent)

17 Woche – LhediIt’s a steady climb from Woche to the pass Keche La

at 4,580 metres (15,100 feet), but afterwards you walk down to Thega village. The hike continues to Lhadi village where you find the camp. (17 km, 980 m ascent, 1,190 m descent)

18 Lhedi – ThanzaThe trail climbs gradually following the main sour

ce of the Pho Chhu to Chozo village. The camp is located at Thanza. (17 km, 450 m ascent)

19 Thanza – HaltToday you have the opportunity to interact with

the local people and to explore the beautiful surrounding of the camp. Thanza is a transfer point for horses and yaks where our staff ensures the animals and equipment are in good condition.

20 Thanza – DanjiA short but steep trek is waiting for you today,

because you have to climb a campsite called Danji. The camp is at spectacular views of snowcapped peaks.(8 km, 80 m ascent)

Duration 28 nights/29 daysMax. elevation 5,320 mHighest Camp 5,050 mStandard hardBest Seasons Mid June to Mid October Start Drukgyel Dzong (Paro)Finish Sephu (Trongsa)

The snowman Trek

extraorDinary TrekkinG 2322 extraorDinary TrekkinG

1 Arrival – ParoEnjoy your flight and the view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchen

junga and other Himalayan Mountains including the sacred Mt. Jomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On your arrival at Paro Airport you are received by the representative of Atlas Bhutan and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon the national museum in the former watchtower Ta Dzong is waiting for you. Later you visit Rinpung Dzong, which houses the monastic school and the office of the civil administration. Then you walk down crossing the Bhutanese typical wooden roofed bridge to Paro town. After a short stroll in town you drive back to the hotel for the night halt.

2 Paro – Excursion TaktshangGood Morning! After your breakfast you drive for half

an hour to start your five hour long circular hike for today. The trail is along an ancient path marked by riverpowered prayer wheels. As you reach Taktshang you will be struck by the architectural wonder of this most pious Buddhist shrine in Bhutan. Perched some 1,000 metres, 3,000 feet on a cliff overlooking the valley, it would justifiably qualify as one of Bhutan’s wonders. It tragically wrecked in a fire early in 1998, but it has been rebuilt to its original glory. Legend has it that the legendary Indian saint, Guru Padma Sambhava, flew from Tibet on the back of a tigress to tame five demons, who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan in 746 A.D. Hence the name Taktshang or the “Tiger’s Nest”. Later on you descend back to Ramthangka. If the time permits, you drive further north to visit another symbolic structure, which is now in ruins: Drukyel Dzong or “Castle of the Victorious Drukpa”. It was also built by the Zhabdrung to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over the Tibetans in the 16th century. From here, the Jomolhari Peak (“Mountain of the Goddess”) can be seen on a clear (Alt. 7,329 metres or 24,029 feet). You spend the night at a hotel.

3 Paro – Shana – Soi ThangthangkhaToday you drive to Shana where the motorable road

ends and start the trek to Thangthangkha. The trail is gradual ascend following the Paro river through the conifer forest and rhododendron while the path narrows and closes in and the trail winds up and down along the drainage. In a meadow you find a camp with stone shelter built for trekkers surrounded by conifer and birch forest. On clear days you have a magnificent view of Mt. Jhomolhari suddenly peeping at you through the clouds. You spend the night at a hotel. Distance 22 kilometres, seven to eight hours, 770 metres ascent, 10 metres descent, camp altitude 3,610 metres.

4 Thangthangka – JangothangThe trail leads bypassing the array post and the valley

begins to widen and come by the winter house of yak herder where hot lunch will be served in one of the houses. Today you camp beneath a ruined fortress at the base of Mt. Jhomolhari. Distance 19 kilometres, five to six hours, 480 metres ascent, camp altitude 4,080 metres.

5 Jangothang – HaltThe trail in Jangothang provides plenty of possibilities

for hikes with great views on lakes and snow capped mountains such as Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. There are good chances to spot some blue sheep on the upper slopes of the valley. Jangothang is a perfect environment for your acclimatization. Trek up to Tosoh or hike around the area. There are good short hiking trails in three directions. Jumolhari and its subsidiary mountain chains lay directly west, Jichu Drake to the north and a number of unclimbed peaks to the east.

6 Jangothang – LingshiEnjoy your breakfast. Then you start ascending up the

mountainside towards Nyelila. During the ascend you have a good view of Mt. Jomolhari, Mt. Jichu Drake and Tsherim Gang till Nyelila at which point you see off by the former two mountains. There after you only see Tsherim Gang. From Nyelila pass the trail leads you all the way down to the camp. Distance 18 kilometres, six to seven hours, 840 metres ascent, 870 metres descent, camp altitude 4,010 metres.

7 Lingshi – ShoduThe trail leads through a deep valley and ascends to Yeli

La pass (4,820 metres). From here Mt. Jomolhari, Mt. Tsherim Gang and Mt. Masagang can be seen on clear days. Your camp halt for the night takes place in a meadow. Distance 22 kilometres, eight to nine hours, 940 metres ascent, 920 metres descent, camp altitude 4,080 metres.

8 Shodu – BarshongToday the trail winds up and down gently following the

Thimphu Chhu and gradually climbs to Barshong. Your camp for the night is just below the ruined fortress. Distance 16 kilometres, five to six hours, 250 metres ascent, 670 metres descent, camp altitude 3,710 metres.

9 Barshong – DolamkenchoThrough dense forests of rhododendron, birch, conifer,

maples and bamboos the trail descends down to the Thimphu Chhu river valley and then ascends to pasture lands. Again the camp is seated in a meadow. Distance 15 kilometres, four to six hours, 290 metres ascent, 640 metres descent, camp altitude 3,320 metres.

10 Dolamkencho – DodenaThe trail continues through large forested areas

winding up and down and through a small pass. Along the way you can see some Languor’s (monkeys). In Duodena, you exit the Jigme Dorji national park and reach the road head next to an impressive cantilever bridge. Here you meet with our driver and travel to Thimphu. In the evening you stroll around the town and drive back to the hotel for your overnight stay. Distance eight kilometres, three to four hours, 500 metres ascent, 930 metres descent.

11 Thimphu – SightseeingToday you get to know Thimphu on a nice sightseeing

tour. Enjoy your visit at the Memorial Chorten, which was built in 1974 in memory of our third king of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. At the ruins of Kuensel Phodrang, the Buddha Point, you see the largest Buddha statue in the country. Here you have a good view of the Thimphu valley. Later you visit the Motithang Takin Preserve – it houses the rare national animal of Bhutan. The Takin is a rare animal found only in Bhutan, Nepal and Burma and is listed by international conservation agencies as a vulnerable species. In Bhutan, equal emphasis is given to both allopathic and traditional medicines. The Traditional Medicine Institute prepares and dispenses the rich herbal medicines from medicinal plants and provides you an insight into it. Later on you visit the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, which is a school of arts and crafts, where students undertake a sixyear course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. Your last station for today is the Folk Heritage Museum. The house replicates a traditional farmhouse and is furnished as if it would have been about a century ago. You spend the night at a hotel.

12 Paro – DepartureAfter breakfast you drive to Paro International Airport

for your onward flight. The representative of Atlas Bhutan will see off and bid farewell.

1 Arrival – ParoEnjoy your flight and the view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchen

junga and other Himalayan Mountains including the sacred Mt. Jomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On your arrival at Paro Airport you are received by the representative of Atlas Bhutan and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon the national museum in the former watchtower Ta Dzong is waiting for you. Later you visit Rinpung Dzong, which houses the monastic school and the office of the civil administration. Then you walk down crossing the Bhutanese typical wooden roofed bridge to Paro town. After a short stroll through the town you drive back to the hotel for the night halt.

2 Paro – Excursion TaktshangToday you go on a moderate five hour circular hike. It is

along an ancient path marked by riverpowered prayer wheels. As you reach Taktshang you will be struck by the architectural wonder of this most pious Buddhist shrine in Bhutan, which would justifiably qualify as one of Bhutan’s wonders, tragically wrecked in a fire in 1998 and then has been rebuilt to its original glory. Later you descend back to Ramthangka. If the time permits, you drive further north to visit another symbolic structure, which is now in ruins: Drugyel Dzong or the “Castle of the Victorious Drukpa”. From here the Jomolhari Peak (“Mountain of the Goddess”) can be seen on a clear day.

3 Paro – Shana – Soi ThangthangkhaOn this you drive to Shana where the motorable road

ends and start the trek to Thangthangkha. The trail is gradual ascend following the Paro river through the conifer forest and rhododendron while the path narrows and closes in and the trail winds up and down along the drainage. In a meadow you find a camp with stone shelter built for trekkers surrounded by conifer and birch forest. On clear days you have a magnificent view of Mt. Jhomolhari suddenly peeping at you through the clouds. You spend the night at a hotel. Distance 22 kilometres, seven to eight hours, 770 metres ascent, 10 metres descent, camp altitude 3,610 metres.

The Laya Gasa Trek is considered one of the most scenic treks in Bhutan, offering amazing views of some of the most pristine and unspoiled landscapes in Bhutan. This fourteen day, 217 kilometres journey begins at Drukgyel in Paro and takes you through gorgeous alpine meadows, high mountain passes and dense subtropical jungles before terminating in Damji in Tashithang.

4 Thangthangka – JangothangThe trail leads bypassing the array post and the valley

begins to widen and come by the winter house of yak herder where hot lunch will be served in one of the houses. Today you camp beneath a ruined fortress at the base of Mt. Jhomolhari.Distance 19 kilometres, five to six hours, 480 metres ascent, camp altitude 4,080 metres.

5 Jangothang – LingshiYou start ascending up the mountainside towards Nyelila.

During the ascend you have a good view of Mt. Jomolhari, Mt. Jichu Drake and Tsherim Gang till Nyelila at which point you see off by the former two mountains. Thereafter you only see Tsherim Gang. From Nyelila pass the trail leads you all the way down to the camp. Distance 18 kilometres, six to seven hours, 840 metres ascent, 870 metres descent, camp altitude 4,010 metres.

6 Lingzhi – ChebisaToday you walk through Gongyuel village and with a bit

of luck you see the raven bird and herds of blue sheep. Then you get to a small village called Chebisa, a winter house of yak herders. Distance ten kilometres, five to six hours, 280 metres ascent, 410 metres descent, camp altitude 3,880 metres.

7 Chabisa – ShomuthangThe trail starts with an ascent to the steep hillside till

Gobula pass (4,349 metres/14,268 feet). From Gobula pass the walk is a very gradual descend till you get to the tree line, which is the campsite by the river. Distance 17 kilometres, six to seven hours, 890 metres ascent, 540 metres descent, camp altitude 4,410 metres.

8 Shomuthang – RoblutaThis walk starts a little early and you head towards

Jhari La pass at 4,760 metres. From here you drop to Tsharijathang, the valleys where herds of Takin are usually seen grazing in the meadows. Tonight you halt in the camp. Distance 18 kilometres, six to seven hours, 700 metres ascent, 760 metres descent, camp altitude 4,160 metres.

9 Robluta – LemithangToday you are passing over the highest point on this

trek, Shingle Pass at 16,072 feet/4,870 metres. The walk is tough till the top and from there you start descending towards Lemithang. You trek through the valley till Lemithang, which is under Laya District. The camp at Lemithang is beneath Gang Chen Ta, the Great Tiger Mountain. If time permits spend a day of exploration here. Night is halt in the camp. Distance 19 kilometres, six to seven hours, 850 metres ascent, 870 metres descent, camp altitude 4,140 metres.

10 Lemithang – LayaThe walk for the day is all the way downhill along a

winding river. As you walk down the path splits in two: one

going down in the direction of the river to the campsite, which is also used by the army, and the other maintains almost the same height and leads you to the west side of Laya village. You can camp on this flat bench sort profile above the East End of the village. Distance 10 km, four to five hours, 60 m ascent, 340 m descent, camp altitude 3,840 m.

11 Laya villageToday you take a rest and explore Laya village.

12 Laya – KoenaThe trail winds up and down along the river valley,

avoiding natural obstacles and affording breathing views of the crashing river, feeder streams and waterfalls. You spend the night at the camp. Distance 19 km, six to seven hours, 260 m ascent, 1,070 m descent, camp altitude 3,050 m.

13 Koena – GasaThe trail leads en route Balela pass (3,740 m/12,342 ft.)

and then all the way downhill to the camp near Gasa Dzong, where you stay for the night. Distance 14 kilometres, six to seven hours, 740 metres ascent, 1,500 metres descent, camp altitude at Gasa Tsachu 2,240 metres.

14 Gasa – Gasa TsachuToday you walk down to the hot spring Gasa Tsachu.

You spend the night at the camp.

15 Gasa Tsachu – PunakhaAfter breakfast you drive to Punakha and visit

Punakha Dzong, which is one of the most beautiful dzongss in the country. Later you walk around Punakha and Khuruthang town and spend the night at a hotel.

16 Punakha – ThimphuOn your way to Thimphu you visit Chhimi Lhakhang,

drive through picturesque valleys and mountain slopes dotted with typical Bhutanese villages, enjoy vast panoramic views from the Dochula pass on a clear and take a picture of the 108 stupas. You spend the night at a hotel.

17 Thimphu – SightseeingA full day of sightseeing awaits you: You see the

Memorial Chorten, which was built in 1974 in memory of our third king of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, you go to the Buddha Point/Kuensel Phodang with the largest Buddha statue in the country and visit the Motithang Takin Preserve with the rare national animal of Bhutan as well as the Traditional Medicine Institute, the National Institute for Zorig Chusum and the Folk Heritage Museum.


for your onward flight. The representative of Atlas Bhutan will see off and bid farewell.

The Jomolhari Trek11 nights/12 days

The trek’s most important and beautiful part is the spectacular view of Mount Jomolhari (Mountain Goddess) from Jomolhari Basecamp (Jangothang). The trekking trail involves hiking within altitude differences of 2,500 and nearly 5,000 metres. The views of landscapes, fauna and flora will simply enthral you.

laya and Gasa Trek17 nights/18 days

Duration 11 nights/12 daysMax. elevation 4,930 mHighest Camp 4,080 mStandard mediumBest Seasons March to June and September to NovemberStart Gunitsawa village (Paro)Finish Dodena (Thimphu)

Duration 17 nights/18 daysMax. elevation 5,005 mHighest Camp 4,140 mStandard mediumBest Seasons Mid March to May and September to OctoberStart Gunitsawa village (Paro)Finish Gasa (Gasa)

The Jomolhari Trek laya and Gasa Trek

festivalsMystiCal

Find a uptodate of all festivals on www.atlasbhutan.com. If you are interested in doing one of these or any other festival tour in 2016 or 2017, don’t hesitate to contact us [email protected] soon as we have the exact dates of the festivals, we will let you know.

MystiCal fesTivals 2524 MystiCal fesTivals

To watch the dances during one of the many Tschechus is to look into the soul of Bhutan. Tshechus, literally meaning the “tenth day”, are festivals held on the 10th of the Lunar Calendar. Mask Dances are predominantly performed in these festivals, mainly to convey

religious messages to the people. Every dance has a meaning and the essence is the invocation of deities, through which misfortunes are

look into bhutan’s soul

believed to be removed. Evil spirits are suppressed and the Buddha’s doctrine flourishes. Be there – experience Bhutan celebrating!

1 Arrive – Paro Enjoy your flight and the view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchen

junga and other Himalayan Mountains including the sacred Mt. Jhomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On you arrival at Paro Airport a representative of Atlas Bhutan drives you to your hotel at Thimphu. After lunch you visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum in a former watchtower. Then you see Rinpung Dzong with the monastic school and the office of the civil administration. You reach Paro by crossing a typical Bhutanese wooden roofed bridge. After a stroll in town you drive back to your hotel.

2 Paro – Excursion to Taktsang – ThimphuToday you drive to the base camp Ramthangka and hike

to the most famous monastery Taktsang, also known as the “Tiger’s Nest”. This magical monastery clings to the vertical granite cliff at an altitude of 3,000 metres above the valley. After lunch you walk back down and drive northwards to visit the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong. From there you see Mt. Jumolhari, the “Mountain of Goddesses”. Arrival in Thimphu.

3 Thimphu – Druk Wangyel Festival – PunakhaAfter an early breakfast you drive to the Dochula Pass to

witness the Druk Wangyel Festival. The Dochula Pass is one

1 Arrival – ThimphuEnjoy the flight and the view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchen

junga and other Himalayan mountains including the sacred Mt. Jhomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake. On arrival at Paro Airport a representative of Atlas Bhutan drives you to Thimphu. After lunch you visit the most important sights in and around Thimphu. You start at the Memorial Chorten and go on to the largest Buddha statue in the country at Kuensel Phodang. Tashichho Dzong is your last destination.

2 Thimphu – SightseeingToday you get to know the most important sights

in Thimphu, like the Changangkha Lhakhang. Afterwards you see national animal, the Takin, at the Motithang Takin Preserve. Then you carry on to the Traditional Medicine Institute and the Folk Heritage Museum. Your last stop for today is the National Institute for Zorig Chusum.

3 Thimphu – PunakhaToday leads you within three hours to Punakha. Enjoy

your drive through picturesque valleys and mountain slopes dotted with typical Bhutanese villages. From the Dochula pass (3,000 metres/10,000 feet) vast panoramic views of the high snowcapped peaks of the Bhutanese Himalaya can be enjoyed on a clear day. Head down into the Punakha valley, visit Chimi Lhakhang on the way and see Punakha Dzong after lunch. Then stroll around Punakha and Khuruthang town.

of the most scenic locations in the entire kingdom offering a stunning panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range. The Druk Wangyel Festival takes place on 13th December of the year at the Druk Wangyel Lhakhang festival ground at Dochula. It was established in 2011 in commemoration of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo and the Armed Forces’ victory over two Indian insurgent forces. On the way to Punakha you visit Chhimi Lhakhang.

4 Punakha – Trongsa – BumthangToday you visit Punakha Dzong, one of the most beau

tiful dzongs in the country. Continue your drive to Bumthang with a stop to visit Trongsa Dzong. Arrival in Bumthang.

5 Bumthang – SightseeingGet to know Bumthang: You see the sacred monastery

Jambay Lhakhang, the “Iron Castle” Chakhar Lhakhang, the temples Kurjey Lhakhang and Tamshing Lhakhang as well as the fortress Jakar Dzong, that lead you back into the history of Bhutan.

6 Bumthang – Phobjikha – ThimphuTake the flight from Bumthang to Paro. The flight is

subject to operation. – Alternatively, drive back to Thimphu after an early breakfast. Stop at the village of Chummy to visit

4 Punakha – TrongsaYour destination for today is Trongsa. On the way you

visit the stupa Chendebji Chöten. Afterwards, you visit Trongsa Dzong and the Tower of Trongsa.

5 Trongsa – BumthangBumthang awaits you. The drive includes a stop at

Chummy village to visit the Yathra weaving centre. Continue your drive to Bumthang and mingle with the locals.

6 Bumthang – SightseeingGet to know Bumthang by visiting its most impor

tant sights: the sacred monastery Jambay Lhakhang, the “Iron Castle” Chakhar Lhakhang, the temples Kurjey Lhakhang and Tamshing Lhakhang as well as the fortress Jakar Dzong.

7 BumthangThe 14th December 2016 is the day of the Nalakhar Fes

tival, which you will witness the whole day.

8 Bumthang – Phobjikha Continue your journey to Phobijkha, a bowlshaped

valley on the western slopes of Black Mountain and visit Gangtey Goenpa.

9 Phobjikha – ThimphuDrive to Thimphu after breakfast today.

10 Thimphu – National Day and SightseeingHead for the Changlimthang stadium to witness the

the Yathra weaving centre. Then you drive to Phobjikha, the bowlshaped valley on the western slopes of Black Mountain. On the way you take a look at the old monastery of Gangtey Goenpa. This valley is also the winter home of the black necked cranes.

7 Thimphu – National Day and SightseeingBhutan does not have an Independence Day, but a

National Day is celebrated gloriously. On this 17th December take a walk or drive to the national stadium of Changlimthang to witness it. Guests can attend various programmes at the stadium such as dances and music performed by the school students and locals. Archery matches, family picnics and other events take place around the stadium. After lunch you visit the most important sights in and around Thimphu: the Memorial Chorten, the largest Buddha statue in the country and a good position overlooking the capital city at Kuensel Phodang, Motithang, where you may see the Takin, and Tashichho Dzong. If time permits, you can visit the parliament house. The evening is free to stroll into town.

8 Paro – Departure After breakfast, a representative of Atlas Bhutan drops

you at Paro International Airport. We bid you farewell today.

celebration of Bhutan’s National Day. Later you can visit the largest Buddha statue in the country in the ruins of Kuensel Phodrang. You then carry on to the Traditional Medicine Institute and the Folk Heritage Museum.

11 Thimphu – ParoOn your way to Paro you visit Kichu Lhakhang, one

of the oldest and most sacred temples in the kingdom, and Rinpung Dzong. You reach Paro town by crossing a typical Bhutanese wooden roofed bridge.

12 Paro – Excursion to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest)After breakfast you start your five hour hike. The

trail along an ancient path is marked by river powered prayer wheels. As you reach Taktshang, you will be struck by the architectural wonder of this most pious Buddhist shrine in Bhutan. Perched some 1,000 metres (3,000 feet) on a cliff overlooking the valley, it would justifiably qualify as one of Bhutan’s wonders. On your way back you visit the Drugyel Dzong or “Castle of the Victorious Drukpa”. From here the Jomolhari Peak or “Mountain of the Goddess” can be seen on a clear day at 7,329 metres (24,029 feet).

13 Paro – DepartureDrive to Paro International Airport after breakfast for


Druk Wangyel Festival is an annual festival held on 13th December at the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang Festival Ground located at Dochula Pass near Thimphu. Dochula Pass, on a hight of 3,116 metres is one of the most scenic locations in the entire kingdom, offering a stunning panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range. Set amidst this breathtaking backdrop, the Dochula Druk Wangyal Tsehchu is an experience unlike any other and truly exemplifies Bhutanese cultural traditions.

The festival is held at the Ngaa Lhakhang in Nalakhar village in Bumthang. The three day festival is one of the popular festivals in the Choekhor valley and attracts people from all over Bumthang, dressed in their finest clothes. This festival is celebrated to bring happiness and prosperity to the village and the country as a whole. It is also a symbolic prayer for good harvest and for the well being of everyone.

Druk wangyelfestival Tour11 to 18 December 2016, 8 days

nalakhar festival Tour13 to 15 December 2016, 13 days

fesTival LOCATION DATeS 2016

Thimphu Tshechu trashi Chhoedzong, thimphu 11 – 13 october

Trashigang Tshechu trashigang Dzong, trashigang 8 –10 December

Nalakhar Tshechu nag lhakhang, Chhoekhor, bumthang 13 – 15 December

Druk Wangyel Dochula, thimphu 13 December

Jakar Tshechu Jakar Dzong, Chhoekhor, bumthang 7 – 9 november

Duration 7 nights/8 daysArea covered 4 districts of Western Bhutan and 2 districts of Central BhutanEntry and exit point Paro, Western Bhutan (Paro Airport, PBH)

Duration 12 nights/13 daysArea covered 4 districts of Western Bhutan and 2 districts of Central BhutanEntry and exit point Paro, Western Bhutan (Paro Airport, PBH)

Druk wangyel & nalakhar

Jakar & Timphu festivals

Duration Jakar Festival Tour 12 nights/13 daysEntry point Paro, Western BhutanExit point Paro, Western Bhutan (Paro Airport, PBH)Area covered 4 districts of Western Bhutan and 2 districts of Central Bhutan

MystiCal fesTivals 2726 MystiCal fesTivals

Trashigang festival Tour 7 to 20 December 2016, 14 days

1 Arrival Gawahati (India) – Samdrup JongkharOn arrival you will be greeted by the representative of At

las Bhutan. Drive to Samdrup Jongkhar, a district of Bhutan on the border to the Indian states of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. Overnight stay at hotel.

2 Samdrup Jongkhar – TrashigangAfter breakfast you drive to Tashigang, passing several

villages and a weaving centre in Khaling. Trashigang is used as the market place by the people from Merak and Sakteng, who are known for their exceptional features and for their costumes made of sheep skin and yak wool. You may be able to meet a few of these interesting people. Stay at hotel.

3 Trashigang FestivalVisit the dzong on 9th December 2016 and witness the

Trashigang Festival at the dzong for a full day. There you will get the chance to see the different mask dances performed by both laymen and monks. Overnight stay at hotel.

4 Tashigang – Trashiyangtse – TashigangEarly in the morning you leave for Tashiyangtse and

take a look at the Gom Kora temple on your way. The main attraction in this valley is the great stupa Chorten Kora built in 1940. Trashiyangtse town is small but very beautiful with traditional designs and colours of the houses and therefore worth a visit. This place is also famous for wooden products. One of the traditional painting schools of the country is located in Tashiyangtse. Drive back to Tashigang after your visit. Overnight stay at hotel.

5 Trashigang – MongarDrive to Mongar after breakfast. On the way, you stop

at the Drametse monastery. The name literally translates into ‘the peak where there are no enemies’. After lunch visit Mongar Dzong which has been built in a traditional manner without any drawings or nails. Overnight stay at hotel.

6 Mongar – BumthangBumthang is your destination for today and on the

way you will notice a change in the weather condition – the place becomes cooler. Stop at Sengor where you have the opportunity to get to know the locals. After arriving in Bumthang you can explore the small town and meet interesting people there. Overnight stay in hotel.

7 Bumthang – Whole SightseeingGet to know Bumthang by visiting its most important

sights. The sacred monastery Jambay Lhakhang, the “Iron Castle” Chakhar Lhakhang, the temples Kurjey Lhakhang and Tamshing Lhakhang as well as the fortress Jakar Dzong which serves as an administrative centre now are interesting places that lead you back into the history of Bhutan.

It is one of Eastern Bhutan’s most revered festivals, which is observed from the 7th to the 11th of the tenth month of the Bhutanese calendar (December). Hundreds of people from in and around the district attend this religious festival. The festival brings together, in one venue, numerous ethnic communities and their culture and customs – the richest in the whole of Bhutan.

8 Bumthang – Phobjikha You drive to Phobjikha. Trongsa Dzong and the Tower of

Trongsa wait for you on the way. Phobjikha is a bowlshaped valley on the western slopes of Black Mountain. There you visit Gangtey Goenpa, an old monastery from the 16th century. Later you may walk around the valley. Overnight stay at hotel.

9 Phobjikha – PunakhaPunakha is the next destination on your journey. On

your way, you have the chance to visit Chimi Lhakhang. This monastery was founded in the 15th century by Lama Dukpa Kinley, also known as the “divine mad man”. To get there, you walk for about half an hour across a local village and rice field. Punakha Dzong awaits you after lunch. Built in 1637 by Zhabdrung, it is one of the most beautiful dzongs in the country. Afterwards, you have time to stroll around Punakha and Khuruthang town. Overnight stay at hotel.

10 Punakha – ThimphuToday’s adventure leads you in approximately three

hours to Thimphu. Enjoy your drive through picturesque valleys and mountain slopes dotted with typical Bhutanese villages. From the Dochula pass at over 3,000 metres (10,000 feet), vast panoramic views of the high snowcapped peaks of the Bhutanese Himalaya can be enjoyed on a clear day. Enjoy your lunch at the Dochula cafeteria and take a picture of the impressive surroundings. After arriving in Thimphu, you visit the largest Buddha statue in the country in the ruins of Kuensel Phodrang from where you can enjoy a great view over the Thimphu valley. The Memorial Chorten is also worth a visit. Afterwards, you can cast an eye on the “fortress of the glorious religion”, the Tashichho Dzong. Initially erected in 1641, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck rebuilt it in the 1960s. Overnight stay at hotel.

11 Thimphu – Sightseeing Take the chance to witness the national

day celebration at the Changlimthang stadium on 17th December 2016. Afterwards, you have the opportunity to visit the most important sights of Thimphu. The Changangkha Lhakhang, which is located right above the Thimphu Valley and the Motithang Takin Preserve await you. The Takin is listed by international conservation agencies as a vulnerable species. You then carry on to the Traditional Medicine Institute and the Folk Heritage Museum that looks like a traditional farmhouse and is furnished as it would have been about one century ago.

12 Thimphu – ParoAfter an early breakfast drive to Paro

and check in at the hotel. Soon after, drive up the Pa Chu to Drukgyel Dzong, the fortress

destroyed by fire in 1950 which once defended this valley from the Tibetan invasion. If you are lucky you can see Mt. Jhomolhari on clear days from this point. Drive back and visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred temples in the kingdom, dating back to the 7th century. Then you get to see Rinpung Dzong which houses the monastic school and the office of civil administration. From here it is only a short walk over the typical Bhutanese wooden roofed bridge to Paro. Overnight stay at hotel.


five hour hike. The trail along an ancient path is marked by river powered prayer wheels. As you reach Taktshang, you will be struck by the architectural wonder of this most pious Buddhist shrine in Bhutan. Perched some 1,000 metres (3,000 feet) on a cliff overlooking the valley, it would justifiably qualify as one of Bhutan’s wonders. Tragically wrecked in a fire early in 1998, it has been rebuilt to its original glory. It is said that the legendary Indian saint, Guru Padma Sambhava, flew from Tibet on the back of a tigress to tame five demons who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan in 746 A. D. This is where the name, Taktshang or the “Tiger’s Nest”, comes from. After enjoying the monastery’s special atmosphere and surroundings, drive further north to visit another symbolic structure which is now in ruins. Drugyel Dzong, or “Castle of the Victorious Drukpa”, has been built by the Zhabdrung to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over the Tibetans in the 16th century. From here, the Jomolhari Peak or “Mountain of the Goddess” can be seen on a clear day at 7,329 metres (24,029 feet).

14 Paro – DepartureAfter breakfast, drive to Paro international airport for


1 Arrival Paro – Thimphu Enjoy your flight and the view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchen

junga and other Himalayan Mountains including the sacred Mt. Jhomolhari & Mt. Jichu Drake. On arrival at Paro Airport, a representative of Atlas Bhutan drives you to Thimphu. After lunch you visit the largest Buddha statue in the country in the ruins of Kuensel Phodrang and the Memorial Chorten. Afterwards, you can cast an eye on the “fortress of the glorious religion”, the Tashichho Dzong.

2 Thimphu – SightseeingToday you are introduced to the most important sights

in Thimphu. You start at Changangkha Lhakhang. Then you get to know the national animal, the Takin, at the Motithang Takin Preserve. You carry on to the Traditional Medicine Institute and the Folk Heritage Museum. Your last stop for today is the National Institute for Zorig Chusum.

3 Thimphu – PunakhaToday’s adventure leads you within three hours to

Punakha. Enjoy your drive through picturesque valleys and mountain slopes dotted with typical Bhutanese villages. From the Dochula pass at over 3,000 metres (10,000 feet), vast panoramic views of the high snowcapped peaks of the Bhutanese Himalaya can be enjoyed on a clear day. On your way to Punakha you can visit Chimi Lhakhang. To get there, you walk for about half an hour across a local village and rice

1 Arrive – ParoOn Tuesday, 11th October 2016 you arrive at Thimphu.

Enjoy your flight and the view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan Mountains. On you arrival at Paro Airport a representative of Atlas Bhutan receives you and drives you to Thimphu. After lunch your tour starts. First you visit Kuensel Phodrang, the Buddha Point. Here you find the largest Buddha statue in the country and have a good view of the Thimphu valley. Later you see the Memorial Chorten, which was built in 1974 in memory of our third king of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. At last you visit Tashichho Dzong: The “fortress of the glorious religion” was initially erected in 1641. Tashichho Dzong houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body.

2 Thimphu – Festival and SightseeingIt is Wednesday, 12th October 2016. After breakfast you

witness Thimphu festival and later visit the following places: You see the old temple Changangkha Lhakhang right above Thimphu Valley – this temple and a monastic school was established in the 12th century on a site chosen by Lama Phajo Drugom Shigpo. Then you go and see the Motithang Takin Preserve. It houses the rare national animal of Bhutan.

field. Punakha Dzong awaits you after lunch, one of the most beautiful dzongss in the country. Afterwards, you have time to stroll around Punakha and Khuruthang town.

4 Punakha – TrongsaYour destination for today is Trongsa. On the way to this

small town you visit the stupa Chendebji Chöten. Afterwards you visit Trongsa Dzong and the Tower of Trongsa.

5 Trongsa – BumthangToday you drive to Bumthang and visit the Yathra

weaving centre in Chummy.

6 Bumthang – SightseeingGet to know Bumthang by visiting its most important

sights. The sacred monastery Jambay Lhakhang, the “Iron Castle” Chakhar Lhakhang, the temples Kurjey Lhakhang and Tamshing Lhakhang as well as the fortress Jakar Dzong lead you back into the history.

7 Bumthang –Jakhar FestivalOn this 8th November 2016 you witness the Jakar festival.

8 Bumthang – Phobjikha Phobjikha is a bowlshaped valley on the western slopes

of Black Mountain. There you visit Gangtey Goenpa. Later you may walk around the valley, which is also the winter home of the rare blacknecked cranes.

9 Phobjikha – ThimphuAfter breakfast you drive to Thimphu.

The Takin is listed by international conservation agencies as a vulnerable species. Later you visit the Folk Heritage Museum. The house replicates a traditional farmhouse and is furnished as if it would have been about a century ago.

3 Thimphu – PunakhaAfter breakfast on Thursday, 13th October 2016 you

drive to Punakha. It approximately takes a three hour drive through picturesque valleys and mountain slopes dotted with typical Bhutanese villages. From the Dochula pass at over 10,000 feet, you may enjoy vast panoramic views of the high snowcapped peaks of the Bhutanese Himalaya on a clear day. Then you continue to drive to Punakha. On your way you visit Chimi Lhakhang. This monastery was founded in the 15th century by Lama Dukpa Kinley, also known as the “divine mad man”. Punakha Dzong awaits you after lunch. Built in 1637 by Zhabdrung, it is one of the most beautiful dzongs in the country. Afterwards, you have time to stroll around Punakha and Khuruthang town.

4 Punakha – ParoIt is Friday, 14th October 2016. After your drive to Paro,

you visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred temples in the kingdom, dating back to the 7th century. At

10 ThimphuOn this 11th November 2016 you go to the Changli

mithang Stadium to witness the celebration of His Majesty the fourth King Jigme Singye Wangchuck.

11 Thimphu – ParoOn your way to Paro you see Kichu Lhakhang, one of

the oldest and most sacred temples in the kingdom. After visiting Rinpung Dzong you cross the typical Bhutanese wooden roofed bridge to Paro town.

12 Paro – Excursion to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest)After breakfast you start your five hour hike. The

trail along an ancient path is marked by river powered prayer wheels. As you reach Taktshang, you will be struck by the architectural wonder of this most pious Buddhist shrine in Bhutan. Perched some 1,000 metres (3,000 feet) on a cliff overlooking the valley, it would justifiably qualify as one of Bhutan’s wonders. On your way back you visit the Drugyel Dzong or “Castle of the Victorious Drukpa”. From here the Jomolhari Peak or “Mountain of the Goddess” can be seen on a clear day at 7,329 metres (24,029 feet).


for your onward flight. The representative of Atlas Bhutan will see you off and bid farewell.

Ta Dzong, a former watchtower, you see the national museum and then visit Rinpung Dzong, which houses the monastic school and the office of the civil administration.

5 Paro – Excursion to Taktshang (Tiger’s Nest)On Saturday, 15th October 2016 you drive for half an hour

and start the hike, which is a round trip for about five hours. As you reach Taktshang you will be struck by the architectural wonder of this most pious Buddhist shrine in Bhutan. Perched some 1,000 metres (3,000 feet) on a cliff overlooking the valley, it would justifiably qualify as one of Bhutan’s wonders. It tragically wrecked in a fire early in 1998, but it has been rebuilt to its original glory. Later on you descend back to Ramthangka. If the time permits, you drive further north to visit another symbolic structure, which is now in ruins: Drukgyel Dzong or ”Castle of the Victorious Drukpa”. It was also built by the Zhabdrung to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over the Tibetans in the 16th century.

6 Paro – DepartureToday is Sunday, 16th October 2016. After breakfast

you drive to Paro International Airport for your onward flight. The representative of Atlas Bhutan will see off and bid farewell.

The three day festival showcases several sacred mask dances. The festival also hosts different types of folk songs and dances. People visit the festival dressed in their finest clothes and the festival is also popular among tourists.

One of the biggest festivals in the country is the Thimphu Tshechu. This festival is held in the capital city for three days. The Tshechu is witnessed by thousands of people, both local and tourists. The actual Tshechu is preceded by days and nights of prayer and rituals to invoke the gods. Mask dances like the Guru Tshengye (Eight Manifestations of Guru Rinpoche), Shaw Shachi (Dance of the Stags) and many more are performed.

Jakar festival Tour2 to 14 November 2016, 13 days

Thimphu festival Tour11 to 16 October, 6 days

Duration Thimphu Festival Tour 5 nights/6 daysEntry point Paro, Western Bhutan (Paro Airport, PBH)Area covered 3 districts of Western Bhutan

Thrashigang festival

Duration 13 nights/14 days Entry point Guwahati (India), Exit Point Paro, Western Bhutan (Paro Airport, PBH), Area covered 4 districts of Eastern Bhutan, 2 of Central Bhutan and 4 of Western Bhutan

If you are interested in doing one of these or any other festival tour in 2016 or 2017, don’t hesitate to contact us on [email protected]. As soon as we have the exact dates of the festivals, we will let you know.

natureClose to

Close to naTUre 2928 Close to naTUre

The scent of rhododendron 11 nights/12 days

1 Arrival Paro – ThimphuDuring the flight, you will enjoy the view of Mt. Everest,

Mt. Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan mountains including the sacred Mt. Jhomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro Airport, a representative of Atlas Bhutan will receive you and drive you to Thimphu. After lunch you will visit the most important sights in and around Thimphu. The Memorial Chorten was built in 1974 to commemorate the third king of Butan, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Afterwards, the largest Buddha statue in the country and a good position overlooking the capital city wait for you at Kuensel Phodang. Tashichho Dzong is your next destination. Built in the 17th century, it is the seat of the government since 1952 and houses His Majesty’s secretary's office, some ministries and the central monk body. Overnight stay at hotel.


sights in Thimphu. The Changangkha Lhakhang, which is located right above the Thimphu Valley, is a temple and monastic school established in the 12th century. After this insight into important parts of Buthan’s history, you will get to know the national animal of this country – the Takin at the Motithang Takin Preserve. It is listed by international conservation agencies as a vulnerable species, because it is a rare animal which can be found in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas only. You then carry on to the Traditional Medicine Institute. The rich herbal medicines made up from medicinal plants are prepared and dispensed here. The Folk Heritage Museum looks like a traditional farmhouse and is furnished as it would have been about one century ago. Your last stop for today is the National Institute for Zorig Chusum. This institute is a school of arts and crafts where students are able to undertake a six year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. Overnight stay at hotel.


hours to Punakha. Enjoy your drive through picturesque valleys and mountain slopes dotted with typical Bhutanese villages. From the Dochula pass at over 3,000 metres (10,000 feet), vast panoramic views of the high snowcapped peaks of the Bhutanese Himalaya can be enjoyed on a clear day. Afterwards, drive down to the Royal Botanical Park. 29 of the 46 species of rhododendron found in Bhutan grow in this garden. Later that day, drive to Punakha and visit Punakha Dzong. Overnight stay at hotel.

4 Punakha – TrongsaYour destination today is Trongsa. On the way to this

small town, you visit the stupa Chendebji Chöten. It was constructed in order to bring the harmful, antireligious demons under control. Afterwards, you visit Trongsa Dzong, the seat of the district administration built in 1648. You will also visit the

Rhododendrons are flowers known and celebrated all over the world for its beauty and colours. Botanists say that the family appeared about 68 million years back. Rhododendrons are referred to as the King of Shrubs since they are regarded by many as the best flowering evergreen plants for the temperate landscape. Bhutan has more than 46 species of the shrub, growing at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 4,800 metres. April to July is the main blooming season for Rhododendrons.

Tower of Trongsa which has been converted into a museum. It used to be a watchtower that once guarded Trongsa Dzong. Overnight stay at hotel.

5 Trongsa – BumthangBumthang awaits you. The drive includes a stop at

Chummy village to visit the Yathra weaving centre where those typical wool fabrics are turned into colourful scarves, bags, blankets and sweaters. Continue your drive to Bumthang and mingle with the locals. Overnight stay at hotel.

6 Bumthang – Whole Day SightseeingGet to know Bumthang by visiting its most important

sights after breakfast. The sacred monastery Jambay Lhakhang, the “Iron Castle” Chakhar Lhakhang, the temples Kurjey Lhakhang and Tamshing Lhakhang as well as the fortress Jakar Dzong which serves as an administrative centre now are interesting places that lead you back into the history of Bhutan.

7 Bumthang – Thrumshing La National ParkAfter an early breakfast, drive to Thrumshingla La Natio

nal Park. Established in 1998, it covers the districts of Bumthang, Lhuentse, Zhemgang, and Mongar. In 2001, the Royal Government of Bhutan designated one of the areas close to the pass as rhododendron garden. Thrumshingla La National Park is home to many endemic species of this beautiful plant. The red panda, different reptiles and amphibians as well as various birds also live here. Later drive back to Bumthang. Overnight stay at hotel.

8 Bumthang – PhobjikhaContinue your journey to Phobi

jkha, a bowlshaped valley on the western slopes of Black Mountain. Visit Gangtey Goenpa, the old monastery dating back to the 16th century. You have the chance to walk around the valley which is also the winter home of the blacknecked cranes. Overnight stay at hotel.

9 Phobjikha – ThimphuAfter breakfast, drive to Thimphu.

Overnight stay at hotel.

10 Thimphu – Paro You drive to Paro today. Visit

Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred temples in the kingdom, dating back to the 7th century. Then have a look at the former watchtower of Ta Dzong has been turned into the National Museum. Continue to Rinpung

Dzong which houses the monastic school and the office of the civil administration. You reach Paro town by crossing a typical Bhutanese wooden roofed bridge. Overnight stay at hotel.


five hour hike. The trail along an ancient path is marked by river powered prayer wheels. As you reach Taktshang, you will be struck by the architectural wonder of this most pious Buddhist shrine in Bhutan. Perched some 1,000 metres (3,000 feet) on a cliff overlooking the valley, it would justifiably qualify as one of Bhutan’s wonders. Tragically wrecked in a fire early in 1998, it has been rebuilt to its original glory. It is said that the legendary Indian saint, Guru Padma Sambhava, flew from Tibet on the back of a tigress to tame five demons who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan in 746 A. D. This is where the name, Taktshang or the “Tiger’s Nest”, comes from.On your way back, you will visit another symbolic structure. The Drugyel Dzong, or “Castle of the Victorious Drukpa”, has been built by the Zhabdrung to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over the Tibetans in the 16th century. From here, the Jomolhari Peak or “Mountain of the Goddess” can be seen on a clear day at 7,329 metres (24,029 feet).

12 Paro – DepartureAfter breakfast, drive to Paro International Airport for


Many travellers come to Bhutan because of its remoteness, its culture and its firm roots in Buddhism. We can only encourage that. But it would be a real shame not to discover its immense natural diversity. Bhutan’s forests cover various climatic regions from the subtropical at an elevation of 150 metres to the alpine at an altitude of 4,500 metres. They form a big piece of the continuous range of biodiversity

of the Eastern Himalayas and form the basis for the wildlife diversity of Bhutan.

Bhutan is famous for bird watching: about 770 species of birds have been recorded. The endangered whitebellied heron, which is considered as the world’s most threatened bird, exist here. The country is also the wintering ground for the endangered blacknecked cranes. Another important aspects are the wildflowers, mammals and butterflies that are easily seen around roadsides and treks.

As a specialist for tailormade travel, Atlas Bhutan can customize your personal nature

tour depending on your individual choice. We are working with various parks, wildlife sanctuaries and preserves in the country and are constantly exploring new sites and locations to promote bird and butterfly watching and wildlife experiences. We can combine nature trips with visits to local houses, interactions with local people and families, hence encouraging ecotourism in the country. We have professional guides for each of our programs and can arrange talks and interactions with government’s experts and rangers to add value to our client’s visit. Exploring nature the Atlas Bhutan way! You will love it!

exploring nature

Duration 11 nights/12 daysBest season for this tour is Mid March till End of MayEntry point/exit point Paro, Western Bhutan (Paro Airport, PBH)

rhododendron experience

Close to naTUre 3130 Close to naTUre

1 Paro On a clear day, the flight to Paro is breathtaking with

views of major Himalayan peaks such as Everest, Kanchenjunga and Makalu, and on the final approach Bhutan’s own snowy peaks, the sacred Jhomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tserimgang. On arrival at Paro airport and after completion of airport formalities, you will be met by Atlas Bhutan’s representative and visit Rinpung Dzong which houses the monastic school and the office of the civil administration. By crossing a typical Bhutanese wooden roofed bridge, you reach Paro town. After lunch, as a prelude to the birding programme in Bhutan, you head for the Paro River near Pachu and look for water birds such as ibisbills or brown dippers. Overnight stay at hotel.

2 Paro – Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) – ThimphuAfter breakfast, drive for half an hour to start the

five hour hike. The trail along an ancient path is marked by river powered prayer wheels. As you reach Taktshang, you will be struck by the architectural wonder of this most pious Buddhist shrine in Bhutan. Perched some 1,000 metres (3,000 feet) on a cliff overlooking the valley, it would justifiably qualify as one of Bhutan’s wonders. Tragically wrecked in a fire early in 1998, it has been rebuilt to its original glory. It is said that the legendary Indian saint, Guru Padma Sambhava, flew from Tibet on the back of a tigress to tame five demons who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan in 746 A. D. This is where the name, Taktshang or the “Tiger’s Nest”, comes from. On your way back, you will visit another symbolic structure. The Drugyel Dzong, or “Castle of the Victorious Drukpa”, has been built by the Zhabdrung to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over the Tibetans in the 16th and 17th century. From here, the Jomolhari Peak or “Mountain of the Goddess” can be seen on a clear day at 7,329 metres (24,029 feet). Then drive to Thimphu. Overnight stay at hotel.

3 ThimphuYou drive northwards to Cheri monastery. On the way,

you may catch sightings of the various species of laughing thrushes – spotted, chestnut-crowned, whitethroated, blackfaced – as well as the rufous-bellied woodpecker, and the whitecollared blackbird. Maybe you are lucky to see mountain goats and gray langurs in the vicinity of the monastery. After lunch, drive back to Thimphu and visit some of the most important sights. The Memorial Chorten was built in 1974 to commemorate the third king of Butan, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Afterwards, the largest Buddha statue in the country and a good position overlooking the capital city wait for you at Kuensel Phodang. On the way back, you visit Tashichho Dzong. Built in the 17th century, it is the seat of the government since 1952 and houses the office of the king as well as the throne room. Overnight stay at hotel.


hours to Punakha. Enjoy your drive through picturesque valleys and mountain slopes dotted with typical Bhutanese villages. From the Dochula pass at over 3,000 metres (10,000 feet), vast panoramic views of the high snowcapped peaks of the Bhutanese Himalaya can be enjoyed on a clear day. Spend your day birding in the Dochula area. You will walk through mixed forests and the Royal Botanical Park with an amazing array of rhododendron species. These are the best places to spot the beautiful satyr tragopan and some of the other more than 300 bird species that have been recorded in this area. Continue your drive down into the Punakha valley and visit the exquisite fortress called Punakha Dzong. Your camp site at Shaten at Jigme Dorji National Park, the second largest Park in Bhutan, is not far away from here.

5 Jigme Dorji National ParkFrom the base camp at Shaten, we will watch for birds

in the park for two whole days, mainly at the river banks and the foothills with possibility of sighting interesting species like the white-bellied heron and the Pallas’s fish eagle. The whitebellied heron is an endangered species with only 200 adults found worldwide. Bhutan is known to be the home for about 30 of them and in 2003, the first heron nest since 1929 was found along this river belt at a place named Zawa.

6 Punakha – PhobjikhaDrive to Phobjikha very early. On the way visit Chhimi

Lhakhang, founded in the 15th century by Lama Dukpa Kinley, also known as the “divine mad man”. Continue your drive to Phobjikha and look for the Ward’s trogon, the yellowrumped honey guide and other flocks of mixed species. The highlight of the visit is Phobjikha valley, which is the largest wintering ground for the endangered blacknecked cranes. About 300 of them come here from Tibet and spend the winter in the vast wetland of Phobjikha from late October to early March. You will then visit the information centre or the monastery of Gangtey. You can also choose to walk along the trails. Overnight stay in camp.

7 Phobjikha – TrongsaTrongsa is your destination today. On the way, you have

enough time for birding around the Pelela pass at 4,000 metres where high altitude species are generally sighted. After lunch, you will discover Trongsa Dzong which has been built without any single iron nail. A visit to the museum, which was formerly the watch tower, will show you the important chapters of Bhutan’s history. Overnight stay at hotel.

8 Trongsa – ZhemgangOn your way to Zhemgang, many stopovers will give

you the chance to explore the most important birding sites

in Bhutan. The longtailed shrike, the rufous woodpecker and many other beautiful, interesting and rare bird species live here. Overnight stay at camp.

9/10 Zhemgang – Tingtibi HighwayThis short route of 40 kilometres is a paradise

for birders. The forests are home to a large number of birds and the next two days will be spend with looking for birds like the great hornbill or the redheaded trogon. As a mammal, the golden langur lives in this area as well.

11 Tingtibi – GelephuLeave for Gelephu after breakfast. Overnight stay at hotel.

12 Gelephu – PunakhaThe drive to Punakha takes you through forests

including lots of stopovers for birding. Overnight stay at hotel.

13 Punakha – ThimphuDrive to Thimphu after breakfast and visit the Tra

ditional Medicine Institute. The rich herbal medicines made up from medicinal plants are prepared and dispensed here. You then carry on to the National Institute for Zorig Chusum. This institute is a school of arts and crafts where students are able to undertake a six year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. Your last stop for today is the Folk Heritage Museum which looks like a traditional farmhouse and is furnished as it would have been about one century ago. Overnight stay at hotel.

14 Paro – DepartureAfter breakfast, drive to Paro international airport for


The sheer diversity of Bhutan’s bird species and the ease of spotting them should quicken the pulse of any birding enthusiast. The fact that Bhutan is home to one of the most endangered species of the world, the whitebellied heron, is testimony that Bhutan is a heaven for birds. Apart from this, the forests of Bhutan house the satyr tragopan, ward’s trogon, himalayan monal, blood pheasants, beautiful nuthatch, ibisbill, rufousnecked hornbill, varieties of wren babblers, and many more birds.

1 Arrival – Paro | Enjoy your flight and the view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan Moun

tains including the sacred Mt. Jomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On your arrival at Paro Airport you are received by the representative of Atlas Bhutan and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon the national museum in the former watchtower Ta Dzong is waiting for you. Later you visit Rinpung Dzong, which houses the monastic school and the office of the civil administration. Then you walk down by crossing the Bhutanese typical wooden roofed bridge to Paro town. After a short stroll in town you drive back to the hotel.

2 Paro – Taktshang “Tiger’s Nest” | Today you go on a five hour circular moderate hike. The trail is along an

ancient path marked by riverpowered prayer wheels. As you reach Taktshang you will be struck by the architectural wonder of this most pious Buddhist shrine in Bhutan, which would justifiably qualify as one of Bhutan’s wonders. Tragically wrecked in a fire in 1998, it has been rebuilt to its original glory. Later you descend back to Ramthangka. If the time permits, you drive further north to visit another symbolic structure, which is now in ruins: Drukgyel Dzong or the “Castle of the Victorious Drukpa”. From here the Jomolhari Peak (“Mountain of the Goddess”) can be seen on a clear day.

3 Thimphu – Sightseeing | After breakfast drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. Among the histo

rical places you visit the old Simtokha Dzong, built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Then you drive to capital city to see the Folk Heritage Museum and the Academy of Art and Craft and drive further to the 12th century Changangkha monastery. At Kuensel Phodrang you see the country’s largest Buddha statue. The Memorial Stupa is built in the finest tradition of Buddhist architecture. You can also visit the 17th century Tashichho Dzong that serves as the seat of the central government and houses the office of the King, and the parliament house where Bhutan’s political leaders meet. Towards late afternoon you might stroll around the town and probably watch a traditional game of archery.

4 Thimphu – Punakha | Within four hours you travel to Punakha. On a stopover the Dochula pass offers you a

first glimpse of the eastern Himalayan ranges, consisting of snowcapped mountain peaks. Here you can also see the 108 stupas built around a mound. The drive then descends and passes through beautiful forests, comprising rhododendron, fields of dwarf bamboo green meadows, beautiful wildflowers, gushing waterfalls and constantly changing vegetation. On your way you can visit the Botanical Garden just below Dochula Pass and the monastery Chimi Lhakhang, which was founded in the 15th century by Lama Drukpa Kunley, also known as the “divine mad man”. In the afternoon you hike to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. You spend the night at the hotel.

Indulge yourself into the beauty of Bhutan’s oldest National Park, the Royal Manas National Park in the south of the country. The park covers more than 1,000 square kilometres and is home to a wide range of animals, such as the royal bengal tiger, elephant, gaur, and four rare species — golden langur, pygmy hog, hispid hare, and ganges river dolphin. Add buffalos, the greater onehorned rhinoceros and 362 species of birds and you have almost 400 reasons to go!

5 Punakha – Phobjikha | After breakfast you drive to Phobjikha in the Black Mountain Ranges. Passing

through Nobding village the vegetation consists of high altitude dwarf bamboo, rhododendrons, magnolia, fir and pine trees. Phobjikha is one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan and home to the very rare blacknecked crane. Here you visit Gangtey Gompa, one of the oldest Nyingmapa monasteries that look like a small dzong. You spend the night at a farmhouse or hotel.

6 Phobjikha – Trongsa | On this day you travel to Trongsa crossing the Pele La pass. En route you stop at Chen

debji chorten, which resembles the Boudhanath stupa of Nepal. At Trongsa you visit Trongsa Dzong and the Ta Dzong, a former watchtower, which has been converted into a museum. You stay at a hotel.

7 Trongsa – Gomphu | After breakfast you drive via Zhemgang town and Ting Tingbi to Gomphu. Gomphu

is the first eco camp located in the forest just above Gomphu Park Range Office at an altitude of 1,457 m above sea level. It consists of two eco lodges, two bathrooms and toilets, dining room, kitchen, water supply and camping facilities. Spend your time with birding, learn how to milk and make cheese, visit villages and Gurus’ meditation cave and enjoy Bhutanese folklore and dance. You stay at the eco lodge or camp.

8 Gomphu – Pangtang | Today you hike from Gomphu to Pangtang. Take your choice: The trail along the tradi

tional route takes approximately four and a half hours, while that from the motorable road takes about an hour. Passing through mixed broadleaf forests and thick undergrowth with numerous birds such as barbets, hornbills, bulbuls, doves, wood peckers and cuckoos, the eco trail offers a great experience. Until Pangtang, the trek gradually descends and is at the level of Mangdi Chhu. The valley with settlements and government offices makes it a beautiful place. At the Pangtang eco camp you experience fly fishing and a hot stone bath, furthermore you can go river rafting and much more.

9 Pangtang – Shilingtoe | On your way to Shilingtoe you come across

birds such as bulbuls, barbets, thrushes, hornbills, kingfishers, cormorants, wagtails, trogons and many other species. In the three hour hike from Shilingtoe to the Changazam suspension bridge you can see a religious cave and a twin waterfall. You stay at the Shilingtoe eco camp and can trek to limestone caves and bat caves, visit villages, use the eco lodge facilities or go birding.

10 Shilingtoe – Pangbang | Located at the junction of Mangdi Chhu and Dangme Chhu is Pangbang’s

campsite. A motorable road connects it to Panbang, the Indian Manas Tiger Reserve and the entryexitpoints into Royal Manas National Park from the Indian Manas. If you stay from 8th to 10th of 11th Bhutanese month you can visit the annual Tshechu. You spend the night at the eco lodge or camp.

11 Pangbang – Excursion Manas | Bhutan Manas’ attrac tions include boating, river rafting, elephant rides

and wildlife watching, which is all coordinated by the Park Range Office at Manas. Boating and river rafting along the Manas River offer a view of the goral, capped langurs, cormorants and many other bird species besides the beautiful landscape. You can also see local rice cake preparations, local arts and crafts and ride elephants. You stay at Pangbang eco lodge/camp.

12 Pangbang – Norbugang | Most of the birds sighted along the ShilingtoePangbang eco trail are also found

along the PangbangNorbugang eco trail. With approximately six hours this trek is the longest one of all. The eco camp at Norbugang is located at a place called Dorji Jadram.

13 Norbugang – Samdrup Jongkhar | After breakfast you drive to Samdrup Jongkhar, stroll around the town

and spend the night at the hotel.

14 Samdrup Jongkhar – Guwahati (India) Enjoy your breakfast and drive to Guwahati Airport for your

onward flight. The representative of Atlas Bhutan will see you off and bid farewell.

The manas sojourn13 nights/14 days

searching the birds of Bhutan13 nights/14 days

Duration 13 nights/14 days Area covered Western, Central and Eastern Bhutan Entry point Paro, Western Bhutan (Paro Airport, PBH) Exit point Samdrup Jongkhar/Guwahati (India)

The manas sojourn

Duration 13 nights/14 days Area covered 4 districts of Western Bhutan, 2 of Central and 2 of Southern Bhutan Entry and exit point Paro, Western Bhutan (Paro Airport, PBH)

The Birds of Bhutan

®

Don’t hesitate to contact us with any query you might have.

ATlAS BHuTAnNorzin Lan, Thimphu, Bhutan

[email protected]@atlasbhutan.com

phone + 975 2 3255881fax + 975 2 326453


Bhutan 2016/2017 · Bhutan has a season for everyone. The king dom stretches across all climatic...

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