In addition to the mask dances, Jambay Lhakhang, built in the year 659 A.D is known for its two special events: the "Mewang" (Fire blessing ceremony) where the locals run underneath a huge flaming gate made out of dry grasses with ambers and piles of burning grasses falling on their head. Locals may encourage tourist to join in the fire blessing, but it is not advisable unless you are wearing heavy clothing that is non-flammable.
Should you decide to participate, take necessary precaution to cover your bare skin. Those of you who are among the spectators should stay far away from the fire gate to avoid being stampeded by the rushing crowd. The second event is the "Tercham" (Dance of Treasure), and the timing of this dance is tentative, therefore be there early or keep in touch with your guide. The dancers with the face covered by the mask, perform the dance completely naked. Bhutanese believe that Tercham can bless the infertile women with children, and is only performed at night around a bonfire.
Our tour commences from Paro Valley and continue eastward through the beautiful valleys of Thimphu, Punakha, Wangdue, Trongsa and finally to Bumthang. Along the journey, we will visit villages, temples, monasteries, markets and attend the Jambay Lhakhang festival. We will have ample opportunity to interact with the friendly Bhutanese people and exchange western custom with their spiritual life of myth, legend, superstition and folklore.
* Itinerary
- Day 1
The flight from Bangkok to Paro on Druk Air is a befitting introduction to Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan. From a window seat on clear days you can experience a spectacular view of Bhutan’s snow capped peaks as you approach Paro. On arrival you will be received by our representative, and then drive to Thimphu. Overnight at Hotel.
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- Day 2
Leaving Thimphu the road climbs steeply through a forest of pine and cedar, festooned with hanging lichen high up near Dochula pass (3,050 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/ 4,430 feet). Before proceeding further to Punakha town 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. 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. After strolling through the town of Punakha drive to hotel for overnight.
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- Day 3
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.). As we descend from the pass through the dwarf bamboo and quite often Yaks grazing we reach at Chendebji Chorten.
This Chorten or Stupa was built in 18th century by Lama Shida. 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. Overnight at Lodge.
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- Day 4
It takes less than two hours to cover the 44 miles for a direct drive. We will continue our journey with sightseeing enroute and making us to arrive at Choekhor valley by lunch time. Bumthang is the general name given to a complex of four valleys- Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura. From Trongsa the road rises rapidly through a series of hairpin bends until you arrive at Yotong La Pass (3400 meters / 11200 foot).
From here the drive is down the hill until you arrive at Chumey Valley (average alt. 2700m / 8800 foot). Our first stop at Chumey will be to visit Domkhar Dzong, This small fortress overlooking the valley was once a summer Palace of the second King Jigme Wangchuk. Continue your drive to Tsugney village where you will see the traditional weaving of woolen fabrics. Continue your drive to Choekhor crossing the Kiki La Pass (2900 meters / 9500foot).
Arrive at Choekhor Valley (Valley of Dharma Wheel). Check into your hotel, Lunch will be served. After lunch visit Jambay Lhakhang to witness the Mewang (fire blessing). Bhutanese believe that by jumping over this particular fire will bring blessings and burn away the sins you have created. Return back to your Lodge for overnight.
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- Day 5
A bumpa is an oblong-shaped lustral water vase and Bumthang means (Bum - lustral water vase and Thang- Ground) ‘the ground shaped like a bumpa’. Bumthang is considered the holiest valley in Bhutan, many Bhutanese from all over the country visit here on pilgrim to pay their respect and to be blessed by the many holy sites where in ancient times various religious masters have meditated. Our sightseeing today will be followed in the style of Bhutanese tradition, that is in clock wise.
Your car will drop you at the Kurjey Lhakhang, it is believed that in the eighth century guru Padmasambhava had meditated here and subdued the local deity known as Shelging Karpo. Begin your hike from here crossing the suspension bridge and visit Padmasambhava Lhakhang. This is another Meditation site of Guru Padmasambhava. It was founded by Pema Lingpa in 15th century and was restored by the Grand Queen Mother of present King.
Continue your hike to Tamshing Lhakhang, founded in beginning of the 16th century by Saint Pema Lingpa. Next you will visit Konchogsum Lhakhang, built in the 8th century, the Temple is famous for its bell, which bears an inscription from the eighth century. Your car will pick you up from here, drive south to visit the small cheese and Apple juice factory. The drive will continue to visit the Membertsho (Burning Lake). In the narrow gorge of Tang River lies the great pilgrimage site of Bhutan.
It is believed that Saint Pema Lingpa, who had extraordinary super natural power discovered several religious items from the bottom of the small dark pond. People of Bumthang began spreading rumuors that he was some kind of demon, hence in the autumn of the same year, Pema Lingpa returned to the same gorge and in the presence of a large gathering, he stood at the edge of the river with a burning lamp in his hand; he prayed loudly, saying, 'If I am a demon, let me be drowned in the pond.
If I am the spiritual son of Guru Padmasambhav, let this lamp not go out and let me find the religious treasures'. With that he jumped into the pond and emerged back with a Buddha statue and the lamp still burning, from that day the place was known as Burning Lake. Drive back and stroll the small bazaar of Chamkhar. Overnight at Lodge.
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- Day 6
After breakfast you will drive to Jambay Lhakhang and attend the festival. The day will be spend witnessing the masked dances and the fair around the monastery ground. Meet the local people and exchange information or make a life long friend. Overnight at lodge.
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- Day 7
Today after early breakfast we will began our journey back from the same road you had entered the Bumthang Valley. You can stop at Tsugney Village if you like to purchase or have a last look at the weavers performing the great art of intricate weaving. Continue your drive to Gyetsa, visit the small village and hike to Buli Temple opposite the Gyetsha Village.
Lunch will be served at Trongsa in a small restaurant. After a hearty meal, you can drive down to Kunga Rabten, this was the winter palace of the second King. Visit the splendid building and view the great woodwork and decorations. Return back to Trongsa and if time permits visit Ta Dzong (Ancient Watch Tower). Overnight at Lodge.
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- Day 8
After breakfast begin your journey to Phobjikha through the winding road crossing the Pele La Pass. After about thirty minutes of driving from the Pass, we will leave behind the highway and take a small diversion road which will take us into the huge open valley of Phobjikha at 3000 meters / 9840 ft. where the best potatoes of the nation is grown. Phobjikha is one of the few glacial valleys in Bhutan and the valley floor is quite marshy in places. For several years, the cultivation of potatoes has brought a certain degree of prosperity to the peasants.
Phobjikha is also the chosen home of the rare black-necked crane which migrates from Tibet to escape its harsh winters. It is here that the largest monastery of Nyingma school in Bhutan is located. Its lineage seat holder is known as the Gangtey Tulku and is the ninth reincarnation of the Gangtey lineage. Your car will drop you at the first house of the village, you will hike through the village to the monastery. From monastery you will hike downhill observing the crane. Overnight at Guest house.
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- Day 9
Today you will rise very early to visit the nesting place of the Crane. Return to the guest house for your breakfast and resume your journey to Thimphu. Lunch at Thimphu, After lunch visit Thimphu weekend market, which is in a permanent set of stalls, vendors from throughout the region arrive on Friday afternoon and remain selling their goods until Sunday night. It’s an interesting place to visit, where village people jostle with well-heeled Thimphu residents for the best - and cheapest – vegetables and foodstuffs. Overnight at hotel.
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- Day 10
After breakfast you will visit Memorial Chorten built in honor of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, Dupthop Lhakhang ( Monastery for the nuns). Afternoon visit Tashichhodzong, drive south and visit Simtokha Dzong, the first Dzong built by Shubdrung Nawang Namgyal. It is now used as the Institute for study of traditional teachings for the lay students. Rest of the day on leisure for you to stroll the small town of Thimphu. Overnight at hotel.
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- Day 11
Drive to Paro takes about two hours, visit National Museum (Ta Dzong). This museum contains ancient religious objects, hand-crafted objects of daily life, stuffed animals, costumes, armor and even stamps. Return to hotel, check in and after lunch drive to the ruins of the Drukgyal Dzong 16 Kms. up the valley.
Built in 1647 by Shubdrung Nawang Namgyal, the Dzong was destroyed by accidental fire and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate. Explore the ramparts, village and on a clear day experience the spectacular view of the majestic Mt. Chomolhari (7,314 m/ 23990 ft). Drive back south and visit Kyichu Temple, built in 7th century by a Tibetan King, Songtsen Gompo. Drive to Paro town, stroll the small one street Bazaar and return to hotel for overnight.
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- Day 12:
Flay back to Bangkok.
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Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
* Cost includes
- Twin sharing accommodation with full board
- all transfers as per the itinerary
- English speaking local guide, monument fees and govt.
- taxes
* Cost excludes
- Visa fees
- Excess baggage
- laundry, phone calls, medical, insurance and any other expenses that are not mentioned above
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Bhutan
Cultural Journey
Festival Tours
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