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Domkhar Festival |
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 The Bhutanese are fun loving people, they love socializing, attending festivals, joking, playing, flirting and consuming alcohol that help them to be in the spirit of celebration. Owing to their fun loving nature, throughout the country there are various kinds of festivals that are celebrated in different times of the year. Among these festivals, the most recognized and attended by the mass is Tsechu festival (Tse- Date Chu – Ten). This festival is celebrated to commemorate the great deeds of 8th century Tantric master Guru Padmasambhava.
Spring is one of the best times to visit Bhutan, when rhododendron, Magnolia and many other spring flowers are blooming and various rare bird species are encountered. We join with the local inhabitants of Paro to celebrate the spring festival, one of the most popular festivals. Monks as well as laymen dressed in brilliant costumes and wearing masks of both wrathful as well as peaceful deities re-enact the legends and history of Buddhism in the Dragon Kingdom. The festival culminates in the spectacular showing of the four stories 350 years old Thangkha (Buddhisy religious scroll), celebrating the deeds of Padmasambhava, who is credited with introducing Buddhism to Bhutan. Locals attend the festival in their finest dresses, beautiful jewelries, and enjoy picnic lunch with abundant of locally brewed alcohol. After the festival we traverse west to east along Bhutan’s lateral highway enjoying the great biodiversity, ranging from conifer forest to banana trees and cactus plants. Along the route we catch glimpses of various birds and wild animals, and experience the ancient old tradition, culture and Bhutanese way of life. |
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DAY 01 APR
26th
ARRIVE PARO & DRIVE TO THIMPHU
FLIGHT TIME 2:20 hrs
PARO ALTITUDE 7,600 feet / 2,280 meters
THIMPHU ALTITUDE 7,730 feet / 2,320 meters
DISTANCE PARO – THIMPHU = 54 kilometers / 33.75 miles time taken 2
hours
Fly from Bangkok to Paro on Druk
Air. From a left window seat on clear days you can experience a
spectacular view of Himalayan peaks as you approach Paro. On arrival
you will be received by our representative and then start our two
hours drive to Thimphu, the road winds along with the Paro River,
until you arrive at the confluence of Paro and Thimphu River. From
here we start north along the Thimphu River passing through paddy
fields, villages and Apple orchards until we see the Capital City
from a distance. We check in to our hotel, if time permits we will
have sightseeing around Thimphu Valley. This will solely depend on
the arrival time of the Druk Air. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 02 APR
27th
THIMPHU SIGHTSEEING
After a late breakfast you will start
your sightseeing of Thimphu this will be followed by a visit to the
Medicine Institute traditional medicines are prepared according to
ancient practices. Then we head to The Painting School where
traditional art is still kept alive through instructions in the art
of painting Thangkhas (sacred Buddhist religious scrolls). The
Bhutan heritage Museum, a nineteenth century house, preserved to
present the visitors, how middle class Bhutanese lived in the past.
Next we will visit the National Library and return to the hotel for
lunch. After lunch, we visit Textile Museum, the traditional gold
and silver smith workshop, weaving center and other places of
interest. Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 03
APR 28th
THIMPHU-PUNAKHA
PUNAKHA : ALTITUDE :
4,162 feet / 1,250 meters
DISTANCE : 71 Kilometers / 44.38 miles
TIME TAKEN ; 2.5 hours driving
ALTITUDE GAIN : 2,730 feet & ALTITUDE LOSS 6,298 feet
After breakfast we will start our
drive to Punakha early before the clouds come in and bloke the views
of the Bhutan’s Snowcapped Mountain seen from the Dochula Pass.
Leaving Thimphu the road climbs steeply through a forest of pine and
cedar, festooned with hanging lichen high up near Dochula pass
(10,460 feet / 3,140 m). This pass offers panoramic views of the
Himalayan mountain ranges, as we descend along a series of hairpin
bends to the fertile valley of Punakha (1,350 meters/ 4,162 feet).
Before proceeding further to our hotel we will hike up to the Chimi
Lhakhang temple on a small hilltop. This temple is dedicated to the
great Yogi in 14th century known as Drukpa Kuenley or popularly
known as “Divine madman” to the westerners. It is believed that this
temple blesses women who seek fertility; it is about one hour of
round trip walk. We proceed to hotel; check in, lunch will be served
here. After lunch we will proceed to Punakha town to view the
majestic Dzong (fortress), situated between the two rivers Pho Chu
and Mochu (male and Female River). This fortress is now used as the
winter seat of the Je Khenpo (the Spiritual head of Bhutan). In the
past this Dzong was the capital seat of the Kingdom. Return to
hotel, Overnight at hotel.
DAY
04 APR 29th PUNAKHA – TRONGSA
TRONGSA : ALTITUDE : 7,259 feet / 2,180 meters
DISTANCE : 143 Kilometers / 89.38 miles
TIME TAKEN ; 6 hours driving
We will have a heavy
breakfast today as our lunch will be late and simple. The drive to
Trongsa takes approximately 6 hours. We start early for the fabulous
drive to the central valleys of Bhutan through the breathtaking
beauties and serenity of Bhutan’s rich flora and fauna. As we cross
the fertile valley of Punakha and enter into the valley of Wangdue
Phodrang, we take an opportunity to photograph the majestic fortress
of Wangdue Dzong, which stands on a spur of a hill at the confluence
of the Tsang Chu and Dang Chu rivers. We then climb steadily passing
through semi-tropical vegetation and then to Pele la Pass (3,300 m/
10,989 ft.) With an alpine environment of rhododendrons and dwarf
bamboo, the Pass is traditionally considered the boundary between
West and East Bhutan. During the clear weather we can view the high
snow capped peaks specially the Mount Chomolhari (7,314 m/ 24,355
ft.). From here we continue our drive to Chendebji Chorten, where we
will make a brief stop. This Chorten or Stupa was built in 18th
century by a Lama known as Shida, in order to nail into the ground a
demon that had been terrorizing the inhabitants of this valley and
the Ada valley just over the ridge. Continue your drive to Trongsa,
as you enter Trongsa valley, the huge fortress of Trongsa makes you
wonder if you will ever reach it. Backing on mountain and built on
several levels, the Dzong fits narrowly on a spur that sticks out
into the gorge of the Mangde River and overlooks the routes south
and west. The view from the Dzong extends for many miles and in
former times nothing could escape the vigilance of its watchmen.
Arrive Trongsa and overnight at Yangkhil Resort, this resort
offers a superb view of the soaring mountains and the majestic
Trongsa Dzong.
DAY
05 APR 30th
TRONGSA – BUMTHANG (JAKAR)
BUMTHANG : ALTITUDE : 8,591feet / 2,580 meters
DISTANCE : 71 Kilometers / 44.38 miles
TIME TAKEN ; 2.5 hours driving
ALTITUDE GAIN : 1,245 meters / 4,145 feet & ALTITUDE LOSS 845
meters 2,814 feet
After breakfast we
will drive to visit the majestic Trongsa Dzong, built in 1647, by
Shubdrung Nawang Namgyal, this Dzong was the source of many
important historical events in making of Modern Bhutan. Our car will
drop us at the junction of the road to Bazaar and the dzong, you
will walk from here to the Dzong. After the visit the car will pick
you and drive to Taa Dzong, the ancient watchtower, this tower had
served as the watch tower in the ancient time, now it is turned into
a beautiful museum dedicated to the Kings of Bhutan. We will then
return to hotel for lunch, after lunch we will start our drive to
Bumthang, crossing the Yotongla Pass and into the first four valley
of Bumthang known as Chumey, we will make a short stop at Tsungney
village, where we will observe the weavers weaving the famous
Bumthang fabric known as Yathra. Continue our drive for an hour and
arrive at the Chokhor Valley, if time permits your car will drop you
at the Chamkhar Bazaar, from where you can walk back to the hotel
after sightseeing around the market. Overnight at Yu-Gharling
Resort
DAY
06 MAY 01st BUMTHANG SIGHTSEEING
After breakfast we
will start our sightseeing around Chokhor valley. We begin our walk
around the valley from our Lodge carrying our day pack towards the
Jambay Lhakhang temple through scattered and clustered villages of
Jakar. A Tibetan King, Songtsen Gonpo, built this temple in the 7th
century. Your next stop will be Chakar Lhakhang, which was built in
the 8th century. This House was a castle of the King
Sindhu Raja who used to rule the Bumthang Valley. Continue your hike
to Kurjey monastery, it is here, the great tantric saint
Padmasambhava had meditated and subdues a local deity known as
Shelging Karpo. Continue your hike north and cross the Chamkhar
River over a suspension bridge and we will arrive at Tamshing
Lhakhang. Terton Pemalingpa built this temple in 1500s. Your final
stop of the hiking will be at Konchogsum Lhakhang, built in 7th
century. Rest of the day free for you to explore the small town.
Overnight at Yu-Gharling Resort.
DAY
07
MAY 02nd
ATTEND URA FESTIVAL
After breakfast we
will drive to Domkhar village to witness the ongoing festival, the
drive will take about 1 hours. The festival is celebrated annually
by the people of Domkhar. During the festival various spiritual mask
dances are performed and local people with their picnic lunch
participate the festival in their finest dress. This is a season
when you would like to see and be seen. Evening return to hotel at
Jakar.
DAY
08 MAY 03rd BUMTHANG – TRONGSA
After breakfast we
will start our drive back to Trongsa, this drive will take about two
and half hours. En route we will stop at Tsungney village and see
the weavings once again. Continue our drive back to Trongsa, Check
into hotel, and after lunch we will drive south to Kungarabten. This
small village had once played a very important role in the history
of Bhutan. This place was the winter retreat of the Royal families.
We will visit the small winter palace, and then start walking
towards the Monastery of Nuns that is located above. This monastery
is the home to over 100 nuns, who study and meditate here. We will
visit the shrine, hostel, and maybe join for a short prayer with the
nuns and return to hotel. Overnight at Yangkhil Resort.
DAY
09 MAY 04th TRONGSA – PUNAKHA VIA PHOBJIKHA
After breakfast we
will start our drive back towards west taking the same lateral
highway from where we drove in. From Pele Pass we will take the left
hand road to beautiful glacial valley of Phobjikha. This valley is
the designated winter home for 100s of endangered black-necked crane
that migrate here from the Tibetan plateaus. This valley is also
known for produce of best potatoes in Bhutan. From the Phobjikha
Pass we will start walking downhill to Gangtey Monastery. If you
enjoy the nature then this is a beautiful walk. If lucky you may
encounter the precious Red Panda and many bird species. We will
visit the magnificent Gangtey Monastery that overlooks the valley.
This monastery has recently under gone a major renovation and has
been built into a very magnificent Monastery. We willo then resume
our drive to Punakha, overnight at hotel.
DAY 10
MAY 05th
PUNAKHA – THIMPHU
After breakfast we
will start our 3 hours drive to Thimphu, we will have several stops
en route for pictures and leg stretch. We will have a brief stop at
the Dochu La Cafeteria, if weather permits; we will be able to see
the northern snowcapped mountains of Bhutan from here. Continue our
drive to Thimphu. Rest of the day free for shopping in the capital
city, overnight at Hotel.
DAY
11 MAY 06th THIMPHU
Today is a free day
for shopping, we will have a short sightseeing in the morning and
afternoon day will be given free for you to explore on your own.
DAY
12 MAY
07th PARO SIGHTSEEING
After breakfast we will drive back to Paro, this will take about 2
hours, check into hotel and then we will start our sightseeing of
Paro valley by first visiting Drukgyal Dzong built in 1647 by
Shubdrung Nawang Namgyal, the Dzong was destroyed by fire and left
in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was
built to commemorate. On a clear day you can get a magnificent view
of the Mount Chomolhari, alt. 7314 m / 23,990 ft. Go round the
fortress, it is a 30 minutes leisurely hike, this is a beautiful
walk. Drive south to Satsam Chorten, built in memory of the late
Dilgo Khentse Rinpochey, and continue on to Kyichu Lhakhang, built
in seventh century by a Tibetan King, Songtsen Gonpo. After lunch
visit the National Museum of Bhutan, (Ta Dzong) which contains works
of art, handicrafts, costumes, armors and rare stamps. Take a
leisurely hike down to Rimpung Dzong. You will walk through a
traditional covered bridge across the river to your waiting car and
drive to your hotel.
DAY
13 MAY 08th EXCURSION TO TAKTSANG MONASTERY.
Early morning visit the festival site and view the giant Thangkha (90’ X 70’) that is displayed from the roof of a four story building. This Thangkha embroidered in silk with the images of eight manifestations of Guru Padmasambhava is more then 300 years old. This Thangkha is displayed only before sunrise. Return back to hotel for your breakfast.
After breakfast our car will drop us at the starting point of the excursion to view the spectacular Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s lair). The trail to the monastery climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. You stop at the cafeteria for a rest and refreshments and continue the hike (if not tired) for short while until you see, clearly and seemingly within reach, the remains of Taktsang monastery. Built in 1600s, this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. The history states that Guru Padmasambhava, the Tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, landed here on the back of a flying tiger. Looking at the monastery flying tigers doesn’t seem so impossible after all. Lunch will be served at the cafeteria. After lunch we start our hike back to Paro valley, if time permits we will have some more sightseeing or a free day for more shopping in the small Bazaar. Overnight at hotel.
DAY
14 MAY 09th DEPART BHUTAN.
After breakfast our car will drop us at the Paro International
airport for our flight back to Bangkok. |
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| NET PACKAGE COST PER
PERSON IN USD |
| Group Size |
Single |
2 |
3 & Above |
Single Supplement |
COST |
$ 3,770.00 |
$ 3,640 |
$ 3,250 |
$ 445 |
| Druk Air Fare |
$ 998.00 |
$ 998.00 |
$ 998.00 |
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| Total Amount |
$ 4,768.00 |
$ 4,638.00 |
$ 4,248.00 |
$ 445 |
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Single Travelers:
participants who specifically request single accommodations,
subject to availability, pay a single supplement. If you are traveling alone and wish to share accommodations, we will try to match you with a roommate. However, if a roommate is not available, you will be charged with a single supplement.
Land Cost Includes:
Twin sharing accommodation with full board (breakfast + lunch + dinner), all transfers as per the itinerary, English speaking guide, monument fees, visa fees of USD 20, Tourist Development fees of $10 and govt. Taxes including the government royalty of 35% from the gross land package.
Not included:
Excess baggage, laundry, phone calls, medical, airfare Bangkok – Paro Bangkok (Please see above for the airfare),Travel insurance and any other expenses that are not mentioned above. |
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| Note: This is a sample
intended to give you a general idea of the likely trip schedule
numerous factors such as weather, tour conditions, the physical
ability of the participants etc., may dictate itinerary changes
either before departure or while on the tour. We reserve the right
to change this schedule in the interest of the trip participants’ safety,
comfort and general well being. RATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. |
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