Bhutan

Choeying:This serene monastery clings to a steep granite cliff about 700 meters above the valley floor. Being one of the most revered Buddhist sites, thousands of pilgrims travel here each year from all over the World. Lunch can be served at the cafeteria on the way, from where one can get a most spectacular view of the monastery on the opposite cliff. It takes about 2 and half hours to get there and about 2 hours to return down.

Choeying:The pass is a popular location among tourists as it offers a stunning 360 degree panoramic view of Himalayan mountain range. The view is especially scenic on clear, winter days with snowcapped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the tranquility of the 108 chortens gracing the mountain pass.

Choeying:Punakha Dzong built on the confluence of the Po and Mo (male and female) rivers. This fortress is the winter residence of the monastic order’s head. After lunch visit a farmhouse and meet with the farmer and family.

Choeying:Phobjikha valley Known as the winter home of the black-necked cranes (Grus nigricollis), you can see 600 of these elegant, shy birds that migrate here from Tibet between November and March. This bowl-shaped valley is also a wildlife preserve, so you might also see the other native animals to Bhutan, including muntjac, sambar, serow, or yak.

Choeying: Bumthang Valley is known as the heartland of Buddhism in Bhutan. In 746 AD, it is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here to exorcise a demon from the king and then converted the people to Buddhism, restoring peace to the region. Guru Rinpoche stayed in the valley to build more than 40 temples.

Choeying:According to legend, a giant demoness was preventing the spread of Buddhism by laying her body across Tibet and Bhutan. In 659 AD, King Sontsen Gambo built 108 temples in one day, pinning her to the earth. Jambay Lhakhang is one of the two temples built in Bhutan that day, and every October it hosts a colorful festival to celebrate.

Choeying:Kenchosum Lhakhang Kenchosum Lhakhang is a rural looking temple which has its roots in the 7th century. The current structure, however, dates back to the 15th century when Pema Lingpa, the Treasure Discoverer, restored it and revealed terma (sacred texts and artefacts) on the hillside behind the temple.The temple has three small Buddha statues representing the past, present and the future,are believed to have flown there, hence the name Kencho meaning divine and Sum meaning three.Legend has it that when the bell inside is rung, it can be heard as far away as Lhasa in Tibet.

Choeying:The Swiss Farm Owned by local Swiss Bhutanese Fritz Maurer is where a variety of Swiss cheese and Bhutan’s only native beer, Red Panda are produced.

Choeying:Located on a hill above Para Dzong is Ta Dzong. This cylindrical watchtower was built in 1649 and converted into the National Museum of Bhutan in 1968. The spiral-shaped building holds antiques, art, textiles, weapons, and household items that tell the history of Bhutan.

Choeying:Buddha View Point where the Buddha Dordenma statue sits. At 169 feet tall, this bronze statue can be seen from just about anywhere in Thimphu. One of the largest statues in the world depicting a seated Buddha, it is the perfect place to enjoy stunning, panoramic views of the city.