This festival held in the picturesque valley of Bumthang gained its popularity from the visits of tourist in the recent years. In addition to the mask dances, Jambay Lhakhang Temple built in the year 659 host the "Mewang" (Fire blessing) and "Tercham" (Dance of Treasure). It is believed that the Tercham can bless the infertile women with children, and is only performed during the night. Similar to the program of Thangbi Festival this program also takes you through the breathtaking scenery of Central and Western Bhutan. OCTOBER OR NOVEMBER.
Your Itinerary
Day 1:
NOV 8TH ARRIVE PARO AND DRIVE TO THIMPHU
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 the capital city (2500 meter / 8200 ft), which will take you about one and half-hour. Overnight at Druk Hotel.
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Day 2:
NOV 9TH THIMPHU - PUNAKHA
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 retire back to hotel.
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Day 3:
NOV 10TH PUNAKHA - BUMTHANG
The drive to Bumthang takes approximately 8 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 a Lama known as Shida, in order to nail into the ground a demon who had been terrorizing the inhabitants of this valley and the Ada valley just over the ridge. We will have our packed lunch here. We will continue our journey towards Trongsa where we will have a tea break and Photo session after which we will continue our journey towards Bumthang (appx. 2800 meters/9324 ft.) by crossing the Yotong-la pass (3,400m/11,322ft.) We arrive at the most beautiful valley in the Kingdom.
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Day 4:
NOV 11TH BUMTHANG SIGHTSEEING & FESTIVAL.
A bumpa is an oblong-shaped lustral water vase and Bumthang means 'the ground shaped like a bumpa'. The religious connotation of the name aptly applies to the sacred character of the region. It would be difficult to find so many important temples and monasteries in such a small area anywhere in Bhutan. Bumthang is the general name given to a complex of four valleys- Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura. Choekhor and Chumey are agricultural valleys while Tang and Ura depend mostly on the animal husbandry.
After breakfast you will drive to Tamshing and visit Konchogsum Lhakhang, built in the 8th century, the Temple is famous for its bell, which bears an inscription from the eighth century. From here you will begin your hike around the valley. Visit Tamshing Lhakhang, built in 1501 by Pema Lingpa, is important on more than one count. Continue your hike to Pamasambhava Lhakhang, built in 1490 by the same saint, is believed to be the site where Guru Padmasambhava had meditated in the eighth century. Your picnic lunch will be served near a river side. After lunch continue your hike to Kurjey Monastery by crossing the Chamkhar Chhu River through a suspension bridge. Kurjey monastery, complex of three buildings is considered one of the holiest pilgrimage site in entire Himalayan region. It is said that during 8th century Guru Rinpochey had meditated in the cave here and left his body print on the rocks of the cave. Hike down to Jambay Lhakhang, built in the 7th century by a Tibetan King, Songtsen Gompo. You will witness the Mewang, fire blessing. Spend some time here witnessing the ceremony and meeting the local folks taking their blessings.
Your sightseeing or attending festival during the two days stay in Bumthang can be discussed with your guide or your guide will coordinate. Overnight at Lodge.
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Day 5:
NOV 12TH BUMTHANG SIGHTSEEING OR ATTEND FESTIVAL.
You can discuss the program with your guide.
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Day 6:
NOV 13TH BUMTHANG - PHOBJIKHA
Today after early breakfast we will began our journey back to the capital city. Our drive will include a stop at Zungney where you will see the traditional weaving of woolen fabrics, and will stop at Domkhar Dzong, which was the summer palace of the second King Jigme Wangchuk. Continue your drive to Trongsa where hot Tibetan lunch will be served in a small Tibetan owned restaurant. After a hearty meal and some photograph, we will continue our journey through the winding road crossing the Pele La Pass. After about thirty minutes of driving, 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. Overnight at Guest house.
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Day 7:
NOV 14TH PHOBJIKHA - THIMPHU
After breakfast you will begin your hike around the valley, observe the beautiful black - necked crane performing their dance. View the spectacular view of this glacial valley and finally visit Gangtey monastery perched atop a hill overlooking the valley. After lunch resume your journey to Thimphu. Overnight at hotel.
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Day 8:
NOV 15th THIMPHU SIGHTSEEING
A visit to the Memorial Chorten built in honor of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, Dupthop Lhakhang ( Monastery for the nuns), National Library and the painting school where traditional art is still kept alive through instructions in the art of painting Thangkhas ( sacred Buddhist religious scrolls). Visit the traditional Medicine institute where medicines are prepared according to ancient practices and return to the town for your lunch break. After lunch you will visit Lungtenzampa to observe the Royal traditional silver smiths and Bhutanese traditional paper factory. 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. Return back to hotel for overnight.
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Day 9:
NOV 16th THIMPHU - PARO - TAKTSANG
Two hours of driving will take us to Paro from where we will start our 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. We stop at the cafeteria for a rest and refreshments and continue our hike for short while until we 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, followed by a short walk to Satsam Chorten. It is here the great teacher His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpochey, master of masters was cremated. A stupa is built here in his memory. Overnight at hotel
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Day 10:
NOV 17th PARO SIGHTSEEING
Our day begins with a visit 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, you will be dropped at the beginning of the town and the car will wait for you at the end of the town. This small one street town is half a kilometer long. You will walk through the street peeping through the traditional windows of the shops and return to hotel for your lunch.After lunch visit the National Museum (Ta Dzong). This museum contains ancient religious objects, hand-crafted objects of daily life, stuffed animals, costumes, armor and even stamps. Hike downhill from the Museum to Paro Rimpung Dzong, cross the traditional roofed bridge and board your vehicle, which will be waiting near the bridge to take you to Hotel.
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Day 11:
NOV 18th FLY BACK TO BANGKOK
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Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
PACKAGE COST
Land cost only for 2 - 4 person in a group $2300.00 per person
Land cost only for 4-10 person in a group $2000.00 per person
Airfare from Bangkok - Bhutan - Bangkok $ 700.00 per person
COST INCLUDES:
Twin sharing accommodation with full board, all transfers as per the itinerary, English speaking guide, all trekking equipment (excluding sleeping bag), kitchen staff and porters. All the monument entrance fees & govt. Taxes.
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Bhutan
Cultural Journey
Hiking & Trekking
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