Bhutan Travel with Chorten Kora
“Bhutan Travel with Chorten Kora Festival” is focused on the Chorten Kora Festival celebrated in Trashiyangtse. It is also infused with other Bhutan travel aspects. Chorten Kora is one of the most important stupa in Trashiyangtse built in the year 1740 by Lama Ngawang Loday, the nephew of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The stupa was built to subdue a demon believed to have been living at the site where the chorten is now located. Modeled after the famous Boudhanath stupa in Nepal and was consecrated by the 13th chief Abbot of Bhutan Je Sherub Wangchuk. It was built in order to enable pilgrims to visit the temple in Trashiyangtse instead of making a trip to Nepal.
Legend has it that a young girl from Tawang, believed to have been a Dakini agreed to be buried alive inside the Chorten. For this reason a ritual known as Dakpa Kora is organized every year where hundreds of people from Arunachal Pradesh known as the Dakpas make it to Chorten Kora to circumambulate. Dakpa Kora is held on the 15th day of the 3rd month and the Drukpa Kora (circumbulation by the Bhutanese) is held on the 30th day of the 3rd month corresponding to 15th March every year.
“Bhutan Travel with Chorten Kora“ can be customized and combined with any other interest as per the requirements, convenience and interests of the travelers traveling to Bhutan.
Tour Highlights
- Opportunity to take part in one of the most important and famous festivals in the eastern Bhutan.
- Visit less traveled places in the Eastern Bhutan, the most historical place – Bumthang and one of the most beautiful places in Gangtey/Phobjikha.
- Opportunities to see the nomads of Merak and Sakten in Trashigang called the Brokpas. They had another unique dress, culture and lifestyle. However this shall depend on time and situation.
- Opportunity to pass through almost all the passes in Bhutan with breathtaking views of the Himalayas and the nature from the Dochula pass, Chelela Pass and Lawala Pass, Pelela Pass and Yotongla Pass, Thrumsingla Pass, Yongkala Pass and Korila Pass
- Opportunities to walk around less touristy places and villages.
- Opportunity to explore the Eastern Bhutan (only a few tourists travel to the Eastern Bhutan), Gangtey/Phobjikha valley (one of the most beautiful Glacial valleys in the Himalayas), Paro valley, Thimphu (the capital city of Bhutan without traffic lights) , Punakha Valley (the old capital of Bhutan) and the Bumthang Valley (One of the most historical places in Bhutan)
- Travel hassle free with your own guide and driver. Travel as per your convenience and visit places as per your interest. We are flexible with the itineraries except for the confirmed overnight destinations. Enjoy a real holiday.
- Personal attention by the tour operators.
- A private traditional cultural show and experience of the traditional hotel stone bath.
- Wonderful day hike to the abode of gods and monks, the world famous, Taktshang Monastery (Tigers’ nest)
- Visit to the age old Lhakhang (Monasteries/ temples) and dzongs ( Fortress)
- Opportunity to explore villages, visit to village houses and interact with local people.
- Opportunity to play archery (the national game of Bhutan) and many more.
Trip Rating: Easy – Moderate
Travel Type: Festival/ Cultural/Walking/Hiking/Interactions / Nature/ Art
Festival Type: Religious
Festival Dates:
Festival Venue: Chhorten Kora, Trashiyangtse
Travel Duration: 15 nights/ 16 days
Destinations Covered: Paro, Thimphu, Punakha/Wangdue, Gangtey/ Phobjikha, Trongsa, Bumthang, Mongar, Trashigang and Trashiyangtse
Arrival: Paro Airport
Departure: Paro Airport
Possible Departures: As per the Festival Dates
Day 1. Arrive Paro/ Drive to Thimphu
Day 2. Thimphu Sightseeing
Day 3. Thimphu – Gangtey
Day 4. Gangtey- Trongsa – Bumthang
Day 5. Bumthang
Day 6. Bumthang – Mongar
Day 7. Mongar – Trashigang
Day 8. Trashiyangtse ( Chorten kora Festival – Day 1)
Day 9. Trashiyangtse ( Chorten kora Festival – Day 2)
Day 10. Trashigang – Mongar
Day 11. Mongar – Bumthang
Day 12. Bumthang – Punakha
Day 13. Punakha
Day 14. Punakha – Paro
Day 15. Paro
Day 16. Departure
Detailed Itinerary – Bhutan Travel with Chorten Kora
Day 1. Arrive Paro/ Drive to Thimphu
Altitude of Paro: 2280 mts, Altitude of Thimphu: 2350 mts
On your journey to Paro, the panoramic views of the Himalayas are sensational, including the Everest and other famous Himalayan Peaks. The approach through the Bhutanese foothills and the landing, including a few steep turns to land at the tiny airstrip of Paro becomes more exciting as you enter Bhutan.
On arrival, you will be received with a warm welcome by your Bhutanese Guide from Neptune Holidays Bhutan with Tashi khadar and a small gift and drive to Thimphu.
While in Thimphu, free time to explore the Thimphu Valley and town.
Dinner and overnight in hotel.
Day 2. Thimphu Sightseeing
Altitude of Thimphu: 2350 mts
After breakfast, sightseeing in Thimphu includes;
Kuenselphodrang: A place for refreshing with a huge statue of Buddha on the top of Kuenselphodrang. The area also gives a very good view of the Thimphu valley from the west.
National Memorial Chorten: This Chorten was built in the honour of the Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, also known as “The Father of Modern Bhutan”. This Chorten was built in 1974 in a typical Tibetan style. This Chorten is also a center of worship for the people living in Thimphu and contains many religious paintings and tantric statues.
Folk Heritage Museum: Founded by Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck the museum is one of a kind that portrays the lifestyle of a family in the Thimphu valley in the olden days. This is a three storied, 19th century traditional house giving an insight to the Bhutanese lifestyle, and artifacts from the rural households. The museum contains typical Bhutanese household objects, tools and equipments.
A typical Bhutanese lunch at folk heritage museum.
After lunch, sightseeing includes;
Sangaygang view point: (2685 meters) to have view of whole Thimphu valley and walk through hundreds of colorful prayer flags that dot the hill overlooking the Thimphu valley.
Takin Reserve Centre. The takin, the national animal of Bhutan can be seen here. This particular animal is found only in the Himalayan region.
The Institute for Zorig Chusum: Students are taught the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan in this institute.
The Institute of Traditional medicine: Here Medicines are prepared according to the Tradition practices.
In the evening, visit;
Tashichho Dzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion): A Doom (Blue Stone) Dzong was built on the hill above Thimphu in 1216 the lama Gyalwa Lhanampa. A few years later Lama Phajo Drugom Shigpo, who brought the Drukpa Kagyu lineage to Bhutan, took over Dohon Dzong. Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (The one who unified the country) acquired the Dzong in 1641 from the descendants of lama Phajo and renamed it as Trashi Chhoe Dzong. The Dzong is the seat of the national government and the Central Monastic Body, including the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan) at present.
Dinner and overnight in hotel.
Day 3. Thimphu – Gangtey
Driving Distance; 76 Kms, Driving Time: 2.5 – 3 Hrs, Altitude of Punakha: 1310 mts
After breakfast, drive to Gangtey. On the way, stop at Dochula Pass and spend some time there.
Dochula pass: The most known pass in Bhutan, about 30 km drive from the Capital City Thimphu on the way to Wangduephodrang. It is at around 3150 m height. On a clear day, spectacular view of the mighty Himalayas mountain ranges can be seen. The pass also has 108 Druk Wangyal Khangzang Chhortens which is believed brings multi fold merit to all sentient beings and which make the pass a must visit place.
Drive further to Gangtey. While in Gangtey visit the Gangtey Goempa.
Gangtey Goemba– This Monastery overlooks the large green expanse of the Phobjikha Valley. Gyaltse Pema Thinley, the grandson and mind reincarnation of Pema Lingpa founded the Temple in 1613, and Tenzin Legpai Dhendup, the second re-incarnation, built the temple. The present Abbot, Kunzang Pema Namgyal is the ninth re-incarnation.
Then explore the Phobjikha Valley.
The Phobjikha Valley- This valley is one of the most beautiful glacial valleys in the Himalayas. It lies on the western slopes of the Black Mountains. The valley is a designated conversation area and borders the Black Mountain National Park of Bhutan. This is also an important place for Bhutan as it is the winter roosting place for the endangered Blacknecked Cranes.
Dinner and overnight in hotel.
Day 4. Gangtey- Trongsa – Bumthang
Driving distance: 188 km, Driving time: 6 Hrs.
After breakfast, drive to Trongsa. While in Trongsa, visit:
Trongsa Dzong; The most impressive Dzong in Bhutan. The Dzong was built by Chogyal Minjur Tempa, the official who was sent by Zhabdrung to unify Eastern Bhutan and enlarged at the end of the 17th century by Desi Tenzin Rabgay. Trongsa Dzong is the ancestral home of the present Royal Family. The first two hereditary kings ruled Bhutan from this Dzong.
Ta Dzong ; An ancient watch tower. The chapel inside is said to be dedicated to the Trongsa Penlop Jigme Namgyal.
After lunch, drive to Bumthang. While in Chumey valley in Bumthang, visit the Yathra weaving factory.
Yathra: It is the most famous textile product of Bumthang. The Chumey Valley is known for the beautiful yathra woven by the locals. Yathra is a hand woven fabric made from the wool of sheep or Yak. The wool is first spun into threads and then dyed before they are woven into Yathra with beautiful flower patterns and colours. The Yathra cloth is made into scarves, jackets, table cloths, bags, etc. Most of the women in this valley, especially in Zungye village earn their lively hood by weaving yathra which is supplied to various towns in Bhutan.
Overnight in Hotel in Bumthang. Altitude: 2600 mts
Day 5. Bumthang
After breakfast, sightseeing includes;
Jakar Dzong: Literally meaning the Castle of White Bird. The current structure was built in 1667.
Lamey Goemba: A large palace and monastery built in 18th century by Dasho Phuntsho Wangdi.
Jambay Lhakhang: built by King Srongsen Gampo of Tibet. In October one of the most spectacular festival, “Jambay Lhakhang Drup” is staged here.
Chakhar Lhakhang: Literally meaning the Iron Castle, the original palace was made of Iron and hence the name “Chakhar”.
Kurjey Lhakhang: Named after body print of Guru Rimpoche.
After lunch, signtseeing includes:
Tamshing Lhakhang: Literally meaning the Temple of the good message, established in 1501 by Pema Lingpa.
Membarstho: Literally meaning, “The burning Lake”.
The evening ends visit a local handloom weaving house and interact with the weavers.
Over Night in Hotel in Bumthang. Altitude: 2600 mts
Day 6. Bumthang – Mongar
Driving Distance: 190 kms, Driving time: 7 – 8 hrs, Altitude of Mongar: 1600 m
After breakfast, drive to Mongar.
Driving from Bumthang to Mongar shall be one of the most beautiful experience in the Himalayas crossing 3,800 m high Thrunsingla pass. Mongar, situated on the side of a hill, is the second largest town in the subtropical east and marks the beginning of the eastern Bhutan. The difficult drive over winding bends and high cliffs before Mongar makes the town a refreshing stop.
Stop at places to view scenery and for photography. Drive from Bumthang to Mongar shall take you across the highest point in Bhutan’s motorable road. The point is known as the Thrumsingla Pass at an altitude of 4000 mts.
Lunch on the way.
The evening ends exploring the Mongar town and meeting the people of the eastern Bhutan.
Over night in Hotel at Mongar.
Day 7. Mongar – Trashigang
Driving Distance: 91 Kms, Driving Time: 3 – 4 Hrs, Altitude of Mongar: 1600 m
After breakfast, sightseeing in Mongar includes;
Mongar Dzong: This dzong was rebuilt in 1953 and it is unique as it has two entrances. There are about 60 young monks residing in this dzong. You will see the images of the Buddha of long life, as well as Guru Rinpoche and the Zhabdrung.
Yakang Lhakhang: This is a privately owned temple, founded by Lama sandag, the sixth son of terton Pema Lingpa. The temple is located at about 20 minutes walk from the town and is of great cultural significance and a repository of a wide range of spiritual treasures and other sacred objects known to have been revealed by Terton Pema Lingpa.
After lunch, drive to Trashigang.
Dinner and overnight in hotel.
Day 8. Trashigang – Trashiyangtse – Trashigang ( Chorten kora Festival – Day 1)
Driving Distance: 55 Kms (One way), Driving Time: 2 Hours (One way), Altitude of Trashiyangtse: 1830 M
Altitude of Trashigang: 1100 m
Today is the main day for “Bhutan Travel with Chorten Kora” Itinerary .
After breakfast, drive to Chorten Kora in Trashiyangtse and witness festival.
Take part in the circumbulation of the Chorten Kora.
In the evening, drive back to Trashigang.
Dinner and overnight in hotel.
Day 9. Trashigang – Trashiyangtse – Trashigang ( Chorten kora Festival – Day 2)
Driving Distance: 55 Kms (One way), Driving Time: 2 Hours (One way), Altitude of Trashiyangtse: 1830 M
After breakfast, drive to Chorten Kora in Trashiyangtse and witness festival.
Take part in the circumbulation of the Chorten Kora.
In the evening, drive back to Trashigang.
Dinner and overnight in hotel.
Day 10. Trashigang – Mongar
Driving Distance: 91 Kms, Driving Time: 3 – 4 Hrs, Altitude of Mongar: 1600 m
After breakfast, visit the Trashigang Dzong.
Trashigang Dzong: The dzong was built in the year 1659 and serves as the administrative seat for the Trashigang District. It is also the home of the monk body.The Dzong commands a remarkable view of the surrounding.
Then visit, the Gom Kora Temple.
Gom Kora: Set on a small alluvial plateau overlooking the river, the temple is surrounded by rice fields and clumps of banana trees looking like an oasis in an arid landscape. It is said that Guru Rinpoche meditated in this place to subdue a demon who dwelt in a huge black rock.
After lunch, drive to Mongar.
Dinner and overnight in hotel.
Day 11. Mongar – Bumthang
Driving Distance: 190 km, Driving time; 7 – 8 hrs, Altitude of Bumthang: 2600 m
After breakfast, drive to Bumthang.
In the evening free time to relax.
Dinner and overnight in hotel.
Day 12. Bumthang – Punakha
Driving Distance: 197 kms, Driving time; 7 – 8 hrs, Altitude of Punakha: 1310 m
After breakfast, drive to Punakha.
In the evening free time to relax.
Dinner and overnight in hotel.
Day 13. Punakha
Altitude of Punakha: 1310 m
After breakfast, visit the Punakha Dzong.
Punakha Dzong: This Dzong was built by the Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1637. It is built at the junction the Pho Chu and Mo Chu Rivers. The annual Punakha Tsechhu( Festival ) is held here. The monk body resides in this dzong in winter.
Then take a short excursion to visit the Chhimi Lhakhang.
Chhimi Lhakhang: This temple is located on the way to Punakha. This temple is also known as the temple of fertility and was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley in the 15 century. Lama drukpa Kuenley is also known as the Divine Madman.
After Lunch, excursion to Khamsum Yulley Monastery.
Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten: This chorten is built on a ridge above the Punakha valley. It took around nine years to built the chorten. over a period of 9 years. It is said that the Bhutanese craftsmen consulted holy scriptures to construct this 4 storey temple. The temple was built by Her Majesty, the Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck
Dinner and overnight in hotel.
Day 14. Punakha – Paro
Driving Distance: 140 km, Driving time: 4 – 5 hrs, Altitude of Paro: 2280 m.
After breakfast, drive to Paro. On the way visit the Royal Botanical Park.
Royal Botanical Park – Situated at an altitude range of 2100 meters – 3800 meters, the park covers an area of 47 square kilometers and is located between Thimphu and Punakha. The park contains a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna and features a huge species of plants and animals including endangered species such as Himalayan yew, native Rhododendron, Royal Bengal Tiger, , Musk Deer, Red Panda, Blood pheasants and Himalayan Monal. You can also find Tetracentron (an ancient relict angiosperm with no vessel in its trunk) in the park. The park has 14.5 km of trails for eco trek for cycling and walking and one of the main attractions is the rhododendron garden including a picnic spot with children’s play ground.
After lunch, visit;
Rinpung Dzong: Meaning “fortress of the heap of jewels”. The dzong now serves as the administrative and judicial seat of Paro district and residence for around 200 monks of Paro and was built at the same time of Drukgyel Dzong.The famous Paro tshechhu ( festival) is held here in spring.
Ta Dzong: It overlooks the Rimpung Dzong and was built in 1951 as a watch tower. This dzong is Round, more like parts of an European castle. The Dzong was established as the National Museum of Bhutan since 1967 and holds fascinating collection of arts, relics, religious thangkha,etc.
Dinner and overnight in hotel.
Day 15. Paro
After breakfast Excursion to Taktshang.
Start your day with a hike to the abode of gods and monks would be a pretty good start. It shall be taken care of that the time shall be yours for the hike, no hurries and no worries.
Reaching the top shall be worth the climb; the touch of the Himalayan breeze and views of the valley below and temple on the rocky cliff shall be fascinating and shall let you feel the real freedom of mind and happiness.
Taktshang Monastery; The primary lhakhang was built surrounding Guru Rimpoche’s Meditation cave in the 1684 by Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgay. This incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer Rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava flew here on the back of a tigress. It is a two to three hours excursion uphill; however, one feels truly blessed reaching the monastery.
After lunch, visit,
Drukgyel Dzong: This dzong is in ruins now. The Dzong was destroyed by fire in 1951 and is now preserved as heritage site. The Dzong is situated in Drukgyal, overlooking the beautiful village with Mount Chomolhari in the background. The dzong was built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyal to commemorate victory over the Tibetan invaders led by Mongolion warlord, Gushri Khan.
Then, drive to a Bhutanese farm house and relax in traditional hotstone bath
Hot stone bath: The traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath, known as Dotsho in local language has been practiced in Bhutan for centuries as a medicinal soak. Many Bhutanese believe that the bath helps in curing joint pains, helps in relaxing and other medical problems. River stones are heated and then put in water to heat the water; sometime medicinal herbs are added to the water before it is ready for the soak.
Dinner and overnight in hotel.
Day 16. Departure
Today is the last days of “Bhutan Travel with Chorten Kora” itinerary. After breakfast, drive to Airport and farewell.
Important Notes – Bhutan Travel with Chorten Kora
The comfort, convenience and interest of the travelers is very important to us. We are flexible with the itinerary. Sightseeing can be done as per the convenience and interests of the guests. If it is of interest to the guest, they may choose to visit places that may not be in the itinerary, except for the change of overnight destination.
We reserve the right to change the itinerary or hotels anytime as may be required to, in case of unforeseen contingencies (natural/man made) or unavailability of hotels.
Some of the sites to be visited may be closed on government holidays or during breaks. In such cases we shall do other sightseeing in its place.
This itinerary can be tailor made for any duration or within any destination and can be combined with any kind of activities such as trekking, rafting, walking tour, cycling , etc.
It is advisable to book “Bhutan Travel with Chorten Kora” at least 6 months prior to the travel date because of limited Bhutan tourism infrastructures and inventories.