Barma Cultural Tours and Treks, Bhutan Travel

Tallest Statue of Lord Buddha to be in Bhutan

admin — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 11:03:17 +0000

Tallest Statue of Lord Buddha to be in Bhutan

Bhutan will have the largest and the tallest statue of Lord Buddha ever to be built in the world. The 169-feet bronze statue of Buddha Dordenma, Vajra Throne Buddha, symbolising indestructibility, and seated on a vajra throne, will be erected at Kuensel Phodrang in Changbangdu, overlooking the capital city Thimphu… Full article on Kuensel - Bhutan’s National Newspaper

Western Bhutan Odyssey

admin — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 11:27:56 +0000

Western Bhutan Odyssey 7 Days

Day 1:

Arrival at Paro - Thimphu
Arrive at Paro by Druk Air flight. Our guide will receive you upon arrival. After lunch proceed by car to Thimphu. Evening walk through Thimphu Town.
Night halt: Thimphu.

Day 2:

Sightseeing in Thimphu
Thimphu valley sightseeing for full day which includes: Memorial Chorten (Stupa), Bhutan Textile Museum, Folk Heritage Museum, National Library, School of Fine Arts, Institute of Traditional Medicine, Tashicho-dzong (the seat of the Royal Government), Zilukha Nunnery, Traditional Handmade Paper Factory and Handicrafts Emporium.
Night halt: Thimphu.

Day 3:

Thimphu - Punakha
Morning drive to Punakha via Dochu La pass (3,050 m), which offers a panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges. Afternoon visit to Punakha Dzong (previously the winter capital of Bhutan).
Night halt: Punakha.

Day 4:

Punakha - Wangdue - Thimphu
After breakfast drive down the valley to view the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong. Back to Thimphu for Lunch. Free time in the afternoon (shopping, meeting locals, going to bars).
Night halt: Thimphu

Day 5:

Thimphu to Paro Valley
Morning drive to Paro (2 hrs). Enroute visits Semtokha Dzong (oldest dzong in Bhutan). After lunch, visit 8^th century Kichu Monastery. Drive to Ta-Dzong (National Museum), Rinpung Dzong and Paro’s local market.
Night halt: Paro

Day 6:

Paro Valley
After breakfast drive to the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong (the Fortress where Drukpas won over joint Tibetan-Mongol Invasions in 1700s). Along the way, one can view the sacred Mount Jhomolhari (7,314m) - The abode of the Goddess Jhomo. Drive back to Satsam Chorten and then hike up to view the Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) built on the face of a 1000 m rock cliff. End the day by visiting typical Bhutanese farmhouse to experience the daily life of the local people.
Night Halt: Paro.

Day 7:

Depart Paro (Bhutan)
Transfer to Paro airport for your departure flight from Bhutan.

Scenic Valleys of Bhutan

admin — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 11:26:31 +0000

Scenic Valleys of Bhutan Tour Package(8 Days)

Day 1:

AM - Arrival at Paro - and PM transfer to Thimphu
Arrive at Paro by Druk Air flight. Reception will be arranged for you on arrival. After lunch proceed by car to Thimphu. Stroll through Thimphu town in the evening.
Night halt: Thimphu.

Day 2:

Sightseeing in Thimphu
Visit Memorial Chorten , Bhutan Textile Museum, Folk Heritage Museum, National Library, School of Fine Arts, Institute of Traditional Medicine, Tashichodzong (the seat of the Royal Government), Zilukha Nunnery, Traditional Handmade Paper Factory and Handicrafts Emporium.
Night halt: Thimphu.

Day 3:

Day 4:

Punakha to AM-Wangdue and PM-Gangtey/Phobjikha
Morning visit Wangdue Phodrang Dzong. Then proceed to Gangtey Valley. Evening free or walk on your own to Phobjikha Valley.
Night halt: Gantey

Day 5:

Gangtey / Phobjikha - Wangdue - Thimphu
After breakfast visit Gantey Monastery and drive to Thimphu via Wangdiphodrang.
Night halt: Thimphu.

Day 6:

Thimphu to Paro
Morning drive to Paro. Enroute visits Semtokha Dzong (oldest dzong in Bhutan). After lunch, visit 8^th century Kichu Monastery. Visit Ta-Dzong (National Museum), Rinpung Dzong and Paro’s local market.
Night halt: Paro

Day 7:

Paro Valley
After breakfast drive to the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong. Along the way, one can view the sacred Mount Jhomolhari (7,314m). Hike up to view the Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) built on the face of 1000 m rock cliff. End the day by visiting typical Bhutanese farmhouse to experience the daily life of the local farmer.
Night Halt: Paro.

Day 8:

Depart from Paro Valley on Druk Air flight.

Enchanted Central Valleys

admin — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 11:24:22 +0000

Enchanted Central Valleys Tour Package(11 Days)

Day 1:

Arrival at Paro - Transfer Thimphu
Arrive at Paro Airport by Druk Air flight. Our guide will receive you upon arrival. After lunch proceed by car to Thimphu. Evening walk through Thimphu Town.
Night halt: Thimphu.

Day 2:

Day 3:

Thimphu - Punakha
Proceed in the morning to Punakha across Dochu La pass (3,050 m) with stunning scenery of the Himalayan ranges. Visit Punakha Dzong in the afternoon.
Night halt: Punakha.

Day 4:

Punakha - Wangdue - Trongsa
Drive Early to Wangdue Phodrang Dzong. Then Proceed to Trongsa via Pele La pass (3,300 m). Visit Chendebji Chorten (a Buddhist stupa in built in Nepalese style) on the way.
Night halt: Trongsa.

Day 5:

Trongsa - Bumthang
After breakfast visit Trongsa Ta-Dzong (Watch Tower) and Trongsa Dzong. Proceed to Bumthang across Yotong La pass (3,400 m). Free afternoon for exploring the picturesque Bumthang valley on your own.
Night halt: Bumthang.

Day 6:

Bumthang Valley
Full day sightseeing of Bumthang valley, visit Jakar Dzong, Jambay Lhakhang (8^th Century) , Kurje Monastery (8^th Century) and Tamshing Lhakhang (15^th Century).
Night halt: Bumthang.

Day 7:

Bumthang to Gantey/Phobjikha
After breakfast, drive back to Trongsa. Then proceed to Gantey/Phobjikha. Evening free to take a stroll in the wide, open valley, meet locals or watch Black Necked Cranes (only in winter though).
Night halt: Gantey

Day 8:

Gantey/Phobjikha to Thimphu
After breakfast visit Gantey Monastery. Then drive to Thimphu via Wangdue Phodrang.
Night halt: Thimphu

Day 9:

Thimphu to Paro
Morning drive to Paro. Enroute visits Semtokha Dzong (oldest dzong in Bhutan). After lunch, visit 8^th century Kichu Monastery. Drive to Ta-Dzong (National Museum), Rinpung Dzong and visit Paro’s local market.
Night halt: Paro

Day 10:

Paro Valley
After breakfast drive to the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong (the Fortress where Drukpas won over joint Tibetan-Mongol Invasions in 1700s). Along the way, one can view the sacred Mount Jhomolhari (7,314m) - The abode of the Goddess Jhomo. Drive back to Satsam Chorten and then hike up to view the Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) built on the face of 1000 m rock cliff. End the day by visiting typical Bhutanese farmhouse to experience the daily life of the local farmer.
Night Halt: Paro.

Day 11:

Depart from Paro (Bhutan)
Transfer to Paro airport for your departure flight from Bhutan.

Cultural Preview of Kingdom

admin — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 11:22:53 +0000

Cultural Preview of Kingdom (5 Days )

Day 1:

Arrival at Paro
Arrive at Paro by Druk Air flight. Reception will be arranged for you on arrival. Lunch. Visit the Paro Ta dzong Museum. Stroll through Paro town in the evening.
Night halt: Paro

Day 2:

Paro Valley
After breakfast drive to the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong (the Fortress where Drukpas won over joint Tibetan-Mongol Invasions in 1700s). Along the way, one can view the sacred Mount Jhomolhari (7,314m) - The abode of the Goddess Jhomo. Drive back to Satsam Chorten and then hike up to view the Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) built on the face of a 1000 m rock cliff. End the day by visiting typical farmhouse to experience the daily life of Bhutanese people.
In the Evening drive to Thimphu
Night Halt: Thimphu.

Day 3:

Day 4:

Thimphu - Punakha - Wangdue - Thimphu
Full day excursion to Punakha and Wangdue valleys with sightseeing at Dochula pass(3,050 meters). Lunch at Punakha Valley. Evening drive back to Thimphu.
Night halt: Thimphu.

Day 5:

Thimphu - Paro Airport
On route visit Simtokha Dzong. Transferred to Paro for onward flight out of Bhutan.

Black Necked Crane Valley Excursion

admin — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 11:16:42 +0000

Black Necked Crane Valley Excursion(7 Days)

Day 1:

Arrival at Paro Airport
Arrive at Paro by Druk Air flight. Reception will be arranged for you on arrival. After lunch proceed by car to Thimphu. On route visit Simtokha Dzong. Stroll through Thimphu town in the evening.
Night halt: Thimphu.

Day 2:

Day 3:

Thimphu - Gangtey
Morning drive to Punakha via Dochu La pass (3,050 m), which offers a panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges. Afternoon visit to Punakha Dzong (previously the winter capital of Bhutan) and Wangdue Phodrang Dzong. Then proceed to Gangtey
Night halt: Gangtey

Day 4:

Gangtey/Phobjikha (Black Necked Crane Valley)
After Breakfast visit the Gantey Monastery. Drive down to Phobjikha Valley and visit the visitor centre of Royal Society for Protection of Nature. Meet the locals. Evening free to explore on your own.
Night halt: Gantey

Day 5:

Gangtey / Phobjikha - Thimphu -Paro
After breakfast drive to Paro via Thimphu.
Night halt: Paro.

Day 6:

Depart from Paro Valley on Druk Air flight.
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight from Bhutan

Laya Trek

admin — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 10:53:42 +0000

Laya Trek (17 Days)

Day 1 - Arrival at Paro

Arrive at Paro Airport. You will be received by representative of Barma Tours & Treks Co. and transferred to your Hotel in Paro.

Day 2 - Paro Valley Sightseeing

After breakfast drive to the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong. Along the way, one can view the sacred Mount Jhomolhari (7,314m). Visit a typical Bhutanese farmhouse to experience the daily life of the local farmer. After lunch, visit Museum and then travel along the Pa-chu river and into Paro town for stroll and shopping. Halt at hotel in Paro.

Day 3 - Paro to Shana

17 Kms. Following the Paro river, the trek starts from ruins of Drugyal Dzong. The climb is gradual through the field and villages. Camp at Shana, in a meadow. Altitude 2800 meters.

Day 4 - Shana to Soi Thang Thanka

20 km. 6-7 Hrs trek. The trail is a gradual climb following Paro river through coniferous forests and rhododendron shrubs. Camp at Thang Thanka at 3850 meters. You can have a magnificent view of Jhomolhari.

Day 5 - Soi Thang Thanka to Jangothang

As we start the trek, you will notice that the valley begins to widen. The winter residence/village of yak herders would be reached. Hot lunch would be served in the village. The camp would be set at the base of Mt. Jhomolhari. Camp altitude 4040 meters.

Day 6 - Jangothang to Lingshi

The 18 km trail climbs across Nyili la pass at 4680 meteres. From there, it is a descent with a view of Lingshi Dzong and Mt. Tshering kang and its glaciers and lakes. Camp overnight. 3915 meter.

Day 7 - Lingshi to Chibesa

Proceed by Lingshi Dzong, along winding roads and magnificent peaks. Built in 17^th century the Dzong played a role in controlling travel over Lingshi La (pass) between Tibet and Bhutan. Today’s walk is easy and pleasant through villages and yak herders camp. Camp by the side of a stream at 3,860m.

Day 8 - Chibesa to Shomuthang

Trail 17 km. The day begins with stiff climb to Gomby La (4,450m). Afternoon, the trail traverses high above the valley floor on stream right to Chachim, a yak pasture at 4,260m.

Day 9 - Shomuthang to Robluthang

The trek begins with a climb to Jari La pass at altitude 4,700m then descents to Tashari Jathang valley, the summer residence of rare Himalayan Takin (Bhutan’s National animal). Later the trail ascends till you reach Robluthang camp at altitude of 4,200m.

Day 10 - Robluthang to Lemithang, 19 km, 6/7 hours

After crossing Shingela Pass (4,900m), the last and highest pass on the route, you drop down and follow the valley. Blue Sheep are seen on the slopes. Lemithang is in Laya region and people here have different costume. With mesmerizing view of Mt. Gangchey Taak (Great Tiger Mountain), you will camp at the base.

Day 11 - Lemithang to Laya

10 km, 4/5 hours. The walk to Laya village is downhill and full of wonderful views. Arrive at Laya village, the second highest settlement in the country at an altitude of 3,830m.

Day 12 - Laya to Chamsa

19 km, 8/9 hours. Descend to army camp and join the Mo Chhu river. Follow the river till you cross the bridge. After the bridge it is up and down several times through juniper and fir forest until you reach the camp at Chamsa at an altitude of 3,500m.

Day 13 - Chamsa to Gasa Tsachu, 14 km, 6/7 hours

Walk for about half an hour over flat land till the Bari La Pass (3,900m). There is a small rock cairn and a few prayer flags at the pass. The route is downhill all the way to Gasa Tsachu. Afternoon visit Gasa village and Gasa Dzong. Then descend to Gasa Tsachu (hot spring) for camping.

Day 14 - Gasa Tsachu to Damji

18 km, 6 hours. After breakfast, slowly climb and descend through forests for your return journey. Night Halt at Damji.

Day 15 - Goen Damji to Tashithang - Punakha

After breakfast, it is going to be a gradual descent through agricultural fields and forests. Vehicle is going to pick you up at Tashithang. The drive till Punakha where the camp will be pitched by the riverside.

After lunch, take a walk or drive to Punakha Dzong.

Day 16 - Punakha to Thimphu - Thimphu Sightseeing

After early breakfast, proceed to Thimphu. On the way, short stopover at Dochula to view the Himalayan Mountain ranges, proceed to Thimphu. Visit Zilukha Nunnery, National Library, and Memorial Chorten. The Lunch at Hotel. After lunch visit Handicrafts Emporium, Textile Museum and Semtokha Dzong.

Evening shopping or stroll in Thimphu. Halt at hotel in Thimphu.

Day 17 - Thimphu to Paro for departure from Bhutan

After early breakfast, drive to Paro airport for your onward Journey. Wishing you a safe journey home!

Jhomolhari Trek

admin — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 10:51:50 +0000

Jhomolhari Trek(14 Days)

Duration: 14 Days/13 Nights

Highest Altitude Attained : 4930 m

Day 1 - Arrival at Paro

Arrive at Paro Airport. You will be received by representative of Barma Tours & Treks Co. and transferred to your Hotel in Paro.

Day 2 - Paro Valley Sightseeing

Halt at hotel in Paro.

Day 3 - Paro to Shana

Following the Paro river, the trek starts from ruins of Drugyal Dzong. The climb is gradual through the field and villages. Camp at Shana, in a meadow. Altitude 2800 meters.

Day 4 - Shana to Thang Thanka

6-7 Hrs trek. The trail is a gradual climb following Paro river through coniferous forests and rhododendron shrubs. Camp at Thang Thanka at 3850 meters. You can have a magnificent view of Jhomolhari.

Day 5 - Thang Thanka to Jangothang

Day 6 - Jangothang Sightseeing

One day halt at Jangothang. You can choose the day’s hike in any direction - towards Mt. Jhomo Lhari, Mt. Jichu Drake or Tsho Phu (lake). With permits, you can fish in the lake. Back to camp at sunset. Night halt at Jangothang.

Day 7 - Jangothang to Lingshi

The trail climbs across Nyili la pass at 4680 meteres. From there, it is a descent with a view of Lingshi Dzong and Mt. Tshering kang and its glaciers and lakes. Camp overnight. 3915 meter.

Day 8 - Lingshi Halt

One day halt at Lingshi to make an excursion to Tshokha (Lake). Rare animals like Blue Sheep and musk deer are seen at Tsokha. Hike takes about 4-5 hours.

Day 9 - Lingshi to Shodu

Trail passes through deep valley and then ascends to Yeli la pass at altitude 4820 meters. From Yeli la, you can get a close view of Mt. Jhomo Lhari, Mt. Tsherim Gong and Mt. Masa Gong. Camp at a meadow. Altitude 3830 meters

Day 10 - Shodu to Barshong

5-6 hours. The trail winds like a snake following the stream that is the source of Thimphu River. Gradual climb to ruin of Barshong Dzong, which was the Bhutanese outpost in olden times. Camp at base of the ruin. Altitude 3690 meters.

Day 11 - Barshong to Dolam Kencho

The trail descends down gently till it meets the Thimphu River. It passes through thick coniferous forests. Night halt at Dolam Kencho. 3430 meters altitude.

Day 12 - Dolam Kencho to Thimphu

Walk towards Thimphu till you reach Dodeyna, where vehicle will pick you up. The vehicle will take you to your hotel in Thimphu. The trek is 4-5 hours and it is a gentle climb.

Overnight at hotel in Thimphu.

Day 13 - Thimphu Sightseeing - drive to Paro in Evening

After breakfast, Thimphu sightseeing. Zilukha Nunnery, National Library, Handicrafts Emporium, Memorial Chorten, Textile Museum, and enroute to Paro visit Semtokha Dzong.

Drive to Paro in the Evening. Halt at hotel in Paro.

Day 14 - Departure from Bhutan

After early breakfast, drive to airport for your onward Journey. Wishing you a safe journey home!

Gasa Hotspring Trek

admin — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 10:49:26 +0000

Gasa Hotspring Trek (12 Days)

Day 1 - Arrival at Paro

Arrive at Paro Airport. You will be received by representative of Barma Tours & Treks Co. and transferred to your Hotel in Paro.

Day 2 - Paro Valley Sightseeing

Halt at hotel in Paro.

Day 3 - Paro to Thimphu

After breakfast head for Thimphu. In Thimphu sightseeing will include Zilukha Nunnery, National Library, Handicrafts Emporium, Memorial Chorten, Textile Museum, Handmade paper factory.

Day 4 - Thimphu to Punakha

After breakfast, visit Simtokha Dzong (the oldest Dzong in Bhutan) enroute to Punakha. On the way, stop at Dochula for view of the Himalayan peaks. Continue on the journey to Punakha which takes 3 hours.

Overnight halt at camp in Punakha

Day 5 - Punakha to Tashithang - Goen Damji

After breakfast, the vehicle will drop you at Tashithang which is one and half hour drive through the valley. From Tashithang, the trek starts for a distance of about 16 kms through subtropical forests.

Camp at Damji.

Day 6 - Damji to Tsachu

The trek would be more of a gradual climb at first till you reach Gayza village. From the village you can have a excellent view of Gasa Dzong. Then you are going to descend. Distance is about 18 kms.

Day 7 - Tsachu Sightseeing

After breakfast, hike up to Gasa Dzong (1 hour walk) or you can walk around Tsachu area.

Afternoon - take a bath in the Tsachu (Hot Spring) and Relax. Overnight camp at Tsachu.

Day 8 - Tsachu to Goen Damji

After breakfast, slowly climb to Gayza village for you return journey. Night Halt at Damji.

Day 9 - Goen Damji to Tashithang - Punakha

Day 10 - Punakha to Paro

After breakfast, visit Punakha Dzong. Start the journey. Lunch will be served at Thimphu. After lunch a few hours stroll through Thimphu town. Then head for Paro. (Total driving time - 5 hours)

Day 11 - Paro Taktshang

After breakfast, hike up to Taktshang. One of the highlights of the visit would be the climb up to Taktshang - “The Tiger’s Den.” The monastery clings to a 1000 meter rock cliff. Pack Lunch and water (picnic) should be carried with you on the hike.

Day 12 - Departure from Bhutan

After early breakfast, drive to airport for your onward Journey.

Gangtey Gonpa Trek

admin — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 10:47:59 +0000

Gangtey Gonpa Trek (9 Days)

Duration: 9 Days/8 Nights
Highest Altitude Attained: 3,480 M

Day 1

Arrival at Paro

You will be received by representative of Barma Tours & Treks Co. and transferred to your Hotel in Paro.

Day 2

Paro Valley Sightseeing - Afternoon to Thimphu

Halt at Thimphu

Day 3

Thimphu to Gangtey Valley

After breakfast head for Gangtey Valley. On the way, view the Himalayan Peaks from Dochula. Lunch at Wangdue. Visit Punakha and Wangdue Dzongs. Then 3 hours drive to Gangtey Gonpa.

Night halt at Gangtey in camp.

Day 4

Exploring Gangtey and Phobjikha Valleys

Drive till the road heads. After visiting the Gangtey Gonpa, explore Gangtey and Phobjikha valleys. Black Necked Cranes are seen in winter. Stroll along winding farm roads of the beautiful wide valley, meeting villagers and fishing are some activities. Halt at Gangtey camp.

Day 5

Gangtey Gonpa to Gogona Valley

5 Hours Trek. The moderate trek would culminate in climbing the Tsela Pass at 3800 meters. Then descend gently into picturesque Gogona valley through fir and Juniper forests. Follow Yak Herders trail. Camp in the middle of the meadow in the valley.

Day 6

Gogona to Khotokha Valley

A gentle climb from Gogona will take you to Shobla Pass. From there slowly descend into wide Khotokha valley. Camp at Khotokha.

Day 7

Khotokha to Wangdue-Chuzomsa and Drive to Thimphu

A short climb will reach Tashila. From Tashila, it is all downhill through changing vegetation. Meet the vehicle at Wangdue -Chuzomsa. After lunch drive to Thimphu.

Halt at Hotel in Thimphu.

Day 8

Thimphu Sightseeing and evening drive to Paro

After breakfast, Thimphu sightseeing. Zilukha Nunnery, National Library, Handicrafts Emporium, Memorial Chorten, Textile Museum, and enroute to Paro visit Semtokha Dzong.

Drive to Paro in the Evening. Halt at hotel in Paro.

Day 9

Departure from Bhutan

After early breakfast, drive to airport for your onward Journey.