Druk Expeditions - Passage to India, Bhutan, Nepal, Tibet

Paro is picturesque valley with guaint clusters of hamlets amid terraced paddy fields. Although the site of the nation's first airport Paro still retains tradition by ways of architecture and the simple way of life. Morning trip to the Ta dzong offers a unique band varied collections ranging for ancient armour to textiles and thangkha paintings. Next drive up valley to the Drukgyal dzong or the Fort of Drukpa victory. The dzong, although gutted by fire and in ruins now, still attracts visitors. It was used to repel Tibetans invasions throughout the course of early Bhutanese history. Looming above the smouldered ruins is the snowcapped peak of the Chomolhari. Hike uphill for about two to three hours for a close up of the famed site where Guru Padmasambhava alighted upon the back of a tigress.

The capital of the country lies 54 kms or about two hours drive away from Paro. Drive through the idyllic countryside, through villages and paddy fields, across rivers and natural forests.
Afternoon sightseeing to the Tashichho Dzong, the seat of the Central Government where both the temporal and spiritual heads of the country preside. The dzong was rebuilt in the 1960s on the ruins of an early structure. Visit the Memorial Chorten, built in the memory of the Late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuch. Stroll through town. One may be able to catch a game of archery in progress at the Changlimithang compound, below the town. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

The drive will take about eight hours. Drive up from Thimphu, climbing steadily upto the Dochula pass at 10,500 ft. Enjoy the panoramic view of the mountain range to the north. Descend down through temperte forests bloom with rhododendrons and magnolias to the semi tropical zone of orange, bamboo and cactusses. Have a glimpse of the Chimi Lhakhang, perched atop a mound. This temple was built by Lam Drukpa Kuenley, the devine mad man. Couples unable to have siblings usually come here to pray. Further downstrean is the Wangdiphodrang dzong, strategically built on a promontory overlooking the junction of the Sunkosh and Tangmachu rivers. The Dzong is the gateway to central and eastern Bhutan and was built by the Shabdrung in 1638.
Gangtey :
After lunch drive for three hours to arrive at one of the most beautiful open valley of Bhutan. Gangtey is the winter heaven to the rare Black Necked Crane, migrating down from the Tibetan Plateau.
On a hillock overlooking small villages is the Gangtey Monastery. This is the only Nyingmapa temple in the country. Overnight at the lodge.

This entails a five hours drive. Drive upwards to the Pele La Pass, crossing over the Black Mountains which divide western and central Bhutan. Pass through rich rhodedondron and magnolias and Yak settlements. Cross the Nikarchu bridge to enter the Tongsa regions in central Bhutan. A great white stupa, built in 18th century in Nepalese design, stands below the road. It stand testimong to the subjugation of a demon by the Lam Shida.
Tongsa :
The approach to Tongsa can be quite frustrating. Here the hills rise steeply forming deep gorges. Tongsa can seem very near but the winding roads make reaching there quite time consuming. Lunch at Tongsa lodge or at a comfortable wayside inn. Commanding the Mangde chu at an altitude of 2,200 meter Tongsa Dzong is the most impressive dzong in Bhutan. built in 1647 by the Shabdrung, the Dzong is the masterpiece in architecture. After lunch drive for two to three hours to Jakar, Bumthang.

This is one of the most spectacular valleys in Bhutan and the heartland of Buddhiusm. Here the great teacher meditated and left in their wake many sacred grounds. The Guru and his lineage of Tertons, treasure finders, have led to the sprouting of many temples in the valley. Visit the famous Kurjey, Jambay and Tamshing Lhakhangs. Also the Jakar Dzong, seat of the district administration.

The journey continues eastwards, winding through more rugged terrain. The drive, with spectacular views, will take about six hours. Pass through Ura village in Bumthang before climbing sharply to the highest motor road pass - 12,465 ft on a bridge over the Kurichu. Climb again through pine forests, maize fields and eastern hamlets to Mongar town. The Mongar Dzong, albeit built not to long age, still maintains the architectural traditions of the old Dzongs. Overnight at the lodge.

The road from Mongar to Tashigang, the eastern most region, begains through lush forests ferns passing over the Kori La at 8,000 ft. After about an hour journey you reach the village of Ngatshang, the site of one of the fiefdoms before unification of the nation. Descending rapidly through corn fields and banana grooves, you reach Yadi village. Follow the Gamri river until the bifurcation to Drametsi. This temple, perched atop a steep hill, was founded Naga Chham. Mask dance with drums, originated. About 30 Km onwards lies Tashigang, at 3,775 ft. Tashigang is the center of the biggest and most populated district in the nation. View the dzong, built strategically on the spur going out towards the Gamri chu.

The six to seven hours drive to the small frontier town of Samdrup Jongkhar can be both adventurous and awesome. Along the way see Sherubste, the only college in the country, the blind school and the weaving center in Khaling. Dinner and O/N at the border town.