Gomphu Kora Festival Itinerary

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Gomphu Kora is situated 24 kms from the Trashigang dzong in Trashigang in the eastern Bhutan. The name Gomphu Kora (Gomphu – “Meditation Cave”, Kora – “Circumambulation”) is derived from a cave in the place.

It is said that in the 8^th century, an evil spirit named Myongkhapa escaped from Samye in Tibet and concealed himself inside a rock where Gomphu Kora stands today. Guru Rinpoche meditated for three days iside a rock cave in this place and subdued the evil spirit.

Gongkhar Gyal, grandson of Lhasay Tsangma, built a small shrine at Gomphu Kora around the 10^th century A.D. In the 14th century, Terton Pema Lingpa, visited Gomphu Kora and enlarged the existing shrine. It was renovated and enlarged in the 15th century by Yongzin Ngagi Wangchuk, the grandfather of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. He also inscribed murals on the walls of the temple.

The biggest attraction of Gomphu Kora is the circumambulation of the Gomphu Kora temple. People from all over the eastern districts come to the place to worship ad reaffirm their connection with the past lives.

This tour can be customized and combined with any other interest as per the requirements, convenience and interests of the travelers traveling to Bhutan.

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Detailed Itinerary – Gomphu Kora Festival

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.

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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, 19^th 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.

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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.

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Day 4. Gangtey- Trongsa – Bumthang

Driving distance: 188 kms, 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.

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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

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Day 6. Bumthang – Mongar

Driving Distance: 190 kms, Driving time; 7 – 8 hrs

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. Altitude: 1600 mts. 

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Day 7. Mongar – Trashigang

Driving Distance: 91 Kms, Driving Time: 3 – 4 Hrs Drive, 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.

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Day 8. Trashigang ( Gomphu kora Festival – Day 1)

Altitude of Trashigang: 1100 M

After breakfast, drive to Gomphu Kora and witness festival.

Take part in the circumbulation of the Gomphu Kora. Interact with people.

In the evening, drive back to Trashigang.

Dinner and overnight in hotel.

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Day 9. Trashigang ( Gomphu kora Festival – Day 2)

Altitude of Trashigang: 1100 m

After breakfast, drive to Gomphu Kora and witness festival.

Take part in the circumbulation of the Gomphu Kora. Interact with people.

In the evening, drive back to Trashigang.

Dinner and overnight in hotel.

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Day 10. Trashigang ( Gomphu kora Festival – Day 3)

Altitude of Trashigang: 1100 m

After breakfast, drive to Gomphu Kora and witness festival.

Take part in the circumbulation of the Gomphu Kora. Interact with people.

In the evening, drive back to Trashigang.

Dinner and overnight in hotel.

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Day 11. Trashigang –  Mongar

Driving Distance: 91 Kms, Driving Time: 3 – 4 Hrs Drive, 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.

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Day 12. Mongar – Bumthang

Driving Distance: 190 kms, Driving time; 7 – 8 hrs

After breakfast, drive to Bumthang.

In the evening free time to relax.

Dinner and overnight in hotel.

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Day 13. Bumthang – Punakha

Driving Distance: 197 kms, Driving time; 7 – 8 hrs

After breakfast, drive to Punakha.

In the evening free time to relax.

Dinner and overnight in hotel.

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Day 14. 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.

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Day 15. Punakha – Paro

Driving Distance: 136 km, Driving time: 4-5 Hrs

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.

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Day 16. 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.

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Day 17. Departure

After breakfast, drive to Airport and farewell.

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Important Notes

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 tours in Bhutan at least 6 months prior to the travel date because of limited Bhutan tourism infrastructures and inventories.