CULTURAL TOURS Exploring the cultural and natural heritage

Transcription

1 CULTURAL TOURS Exploring the cultural and natural heritage These tours offer you the opportunity to immerse yourself within the captivating mosaic of unique cultural and natural landscape of Bhutan. Witnessing age-old local festivals locally known as tsechu with rural folks, taking day hikes, tasting local cuisine, walks and drives through parks, pristine forests, across high open pastures, visiting ancient monasteries and farmhouses. 2

2 TOUR 1: CULTURAL DATES: 27 Feb -10 March Total duration 11 nights in Bhutan with provision to increase/decrease Costs (all inclusive - please refer to details at the end) USD 3,520 for an individual traveler USD 2,915 per person (for a group size of 2 pax) USD 2,790 per person (for a group size of 3 or more) Highlight: Punakha tsechu (local festival from 28 Feb - 2 March) & observing Black Necked Cranes in the enchanting wetland valley of Phobjikha THIMPHU x2nights DATE Feb : Arrive Paro International Airport in the morning to be received by your local guide. Drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. The 55 km stretch of road takes about 1.5 hours. The first 20 km takes you along the Paro river which meets the Thimphu river. From the confluence of the rivers we follow the Thimphu river till reaching Thimphu. Thimphu is perhaps the only capital in the world that does not have traffic lights and the traffic is regulated majestically by a policeman whose hand motion may replicate that of a ballet dancer. Check in to your hotel at Thimphu. In the evening you could take a leisurely walk to the Takin Preserve, to meet Bhutan s national animal. You can also do a brief walk through pine forest to a monastery overlooking Thimphu city. There are several things to do in Thimphu. Depending on your interest you can choose from the following: - Visit the traditional arts and craft school and see young Bhutanese students keeping alive the skills the age old traditions of painting and craft work; - Visit the folk heritage museum to get a glimpse into the way rural people live; - Visit the traditional paper factory; - Visit the Handicrafts emporium; -Visit to a Park showcasing the largest Buddha statue (201 ft) overlooking the Thimphu valley. Enjoy short walks around the statue; - Visit the ancient dzong (fortress) of Thimphu; - Visit the textile museum; - Visit the arts and crafts bazaar; - option of a day hike to a monastery through a beautiful old growth forest. A welcome dinner with host family at their home during one of the evenings. PUNAKHA x2nights DATE March: Drive to Punakha which takes roughly 2.5 hours only. However you will be stopping en route for most of the day. First stop is at Dochula which is about 45 minutes drive from Thimphu. Dochu-la a pass at over 3000 m between Thimphu and Punakha, is located inside the Royal Botanical Park and offers spectacular views of the Himalayas. There are 108 chortens (Buddhist stupas) evenly spaced on a mount at the pass. Visit the temple, circumbulate the chortens and enjoy the scenery. Drive for another 15 minutes to take a 1 hr guided walk through old forest with Rhodendron flowers blooming in the Park. Learn about the plants and trees from a local botanist. Exit the walk at the information center located beside a lake. Presentation on the Park and insight to overall conservation in Bhutan. Lunch beside lake and continue drive to Punakha. Visit Chimmi Lhakhang either before or after checking into your hotel. Chimmi lhakhang is an ancient temple built on a hillock. The short trail to the temple takes you through rice fields in a village. The temple may not look impressive but the history is intriguing. The monastery or temple was built in the 15th century as a dedication to lama Drukpa Kuenley, known as the divine mad man and considered one of Bhutan s favorite saints. He preached the Buddhist dharma through sex and wine (so you can well guess the reason why he was a favorite saint). This temple is popular for childless couples who come here to be blessed by a replication of Drukpa Kuenley s iron bow and arrows, his scriptures and phallus for fertility. This miracle has worked on many locals and tourists who have come to the temple to be cured of their infertility. You are welcome to seize this opportunity. On the second day witness the annual traditional festival of Punakha. Locally known as tsechu it is performed in the courtyard of Punakha Dzong (fortress) - a master-piece showcasing exquisite traditional architecture. Tsechus are age old dances performed by monks. Here you will immerse yourself with the rural people, government officials and Royal family members all dressed in their finest traditional costumes exhibiting different patterns of traditional hand woven textiles. The dancers take on the aspects of wrathful and compassionate deities, heroes, demons and animals. Deities are invoked during the dances through their power and benediction, misfortunes may be annihilated, luck increased and wishes realized. A captivating experience. From the dzong you could experience walking across a long suspension bridge to a village. In the afternoon enjoy a walk to visit to Khamsumg Yuelley Namgyel chorten. This is a beautiful three storeyed temple constructed fairly recently for the present King by the queen mother. It is perched on a hilltop surrounded by pine forests and takes about 45 minutes lovely walk through rice fields from the road head. The site offers great views of the Punakha valley with its meandering river. 3

3 TOUR 1: CULTURAL (Cont...d) TRONGSA x 1 night DATE 03: Depart for Trongsa, the heart of Bhutan. Total distance is 140 km and will take about 4 hours with brief stops enroute to observe and enjoy the landscape. Trongsa lies at the heart of Bhutan and it bears historical significance to the monarchy. Option - before reaching Trongsa town take a walk along the ancient trail. The trail starts opposite the Trongsa dzong offering a birds eye view of the dzong and town. It is a 2 hour hike which takes you down to the river crossing it via a traditional cantilever bridge to take a gradual climb to the exit at the dzong. Possibilities of seeing the Golden langur (the rare long tailed monkeys found only in Bhutan). Evening explore Trongsa town. PHOBJIKHA VALLEY x 2 nights DATE 04-05: Visit tower museum at Trongsa. Retreat drive to Phobjikha. Drive time approximately 2.5 hours. The enchanting valley of Phobjikha lying at 2900m, is a glacial valley and an important wetland conservation area. It lies adjacent to a national park. The area is significant because of the Black-necked Cranes (Grus nigricollis) that winters in the valley - about 260 of them arriving from Tibet in late October and leaving by March. Visit the ancient monastery Gangtey Gompa, another remarkable piece showcasing traditional architecture. This 15 th century monastery is perched on a hillock overlooking the valley. Explore Phobjikha valley by taking walks and enjoy observing the graceful flight and dances of the Black Necked Cranes. Visit the Royal Society for the Protection of Nature s (RSPN, Bhutan s only local environmental NGO) Crane Observation and Education Center to learn about the community based conservation programs. THIMPHU x 1 night DATE 06: Drive back to Thimphu. Option to spend the night at Dochula pass to enjoy the sun set/rise over the mountains. DATE 07-09: Drive to Paro. Enjoy a leisurely exploration of Paro town, farmhouses, etc.. Excursion to Tigers nest monastery cultural icon of Bhutan Day hike of about 2-3 hours to taktsang or Tigers Nest. Taktsang is Bhutan s most famous monastery and one of the most venerated religious sites in the Himalayas. The complex is perched on the side of a cliff 2,950 feet above the floor of the Paro valley. Taktsang, is so-called because Guru Rimpoche (also known as Padma Sambava), who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, is believed to have come to the site in a miraculous manner - flying on the back of a tigress. Alpine skyline walk - Do a day hike. Drive for about 40 minutes to reach Chelila pass, which is the highest road point in Bhutan at about 3900 meters. Hike (between 3-5 hours) in this beautiful alpine area. Enjoy spectacular views of the sacred mountain Mt. Jhomolhari, birds eye view of Haa valley on the left and Paro valley on the right. From the summit start descending through old growth forests and flowering rhododendrons. Before reaching the road head you pass through a nunnery another cultural experience. Other things of interest in Paro if time permits - Drive north to visit the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong (Bhutan s victory fort), a fortress named about vanquishing the Tibetan invasions. It was destroyed by a fire in Enjoy a brief walk around the ruins of this ancient fortress. Visit ancient monasteries built in the 7 th century. Visit the National museum. Experience a soak in traditional stone bath and visit a farmhouse to get an insight to a farmers life. DATE 10: DEPART from Paro International Airport ********************* 4

4 TOUR 2 : CULTURAL DATES: 26 March - 09 April Total duration of 14 nights in Bhutan. USD 4,480 for an individual traveler USD 3,710/person (for a group size of 2 pax) USD 3,500/person (for a group size of 3 or more) Highlight: Tsechus (local festivals at Talo, Punakha) and beautiful spring landscape THIMPHU x 2nights DATE March: Arrive Paro and drive to Thimphu. Refer to tour 1 for activities. PUNAKHA x 2nights DATE 28-29: Drive to Punakha. Enroute tour at Botanical Park. Refer to tour 1 for activities. Witness Talo tsechu at Talo monastery on second day. TRONGSA x 1 night DATE 30: Drive to Trongsa. Refer to tour 1 for activities. BUMTHANG x 3 nights DATE 31 March - 02 April: Before driving to Bumthang visit Trongsa Tower Museum to get more insights to the history of Bhutan. Drive to Bumthang approximately 68 km. Bumthang harbors many of Bhutan s religious sites and is considered one of the most sacred places in Bhutan. Take brief walks, visit ancient temples and explore rural areas. Day visit to Ogyen Choling Museum, in beautiful Tang valley. Drive through pristine pine forests and villages for about an hour. Take a short hike to the museum. The museum was historically a palace once owned by a powerful family. It has been preserved to show how people lived in medieval times. This family owned museum showcases many ancient items all excellently displayed and interpreted. CHUMMEY VALLEY x 1 night DATE 03 April: Retreat drive to Chummey valley via Ura village. Chummey is one of the beautiful valleys located under Bumthang district. You would have passed this valley when driving from Trongsa to Bumthang. The drive will go via Ura village located about 1.5 hours drive from Bumthang towards the east. This beautiful mountain village of Ura is located at the buffer of Thrumshingla National Park. Hike down to village from pass. Picnic lunch or at a farm house. You can also visit the park visitor center located close to the village. Continue drive (approx. 40 minutes) to Chummey valley. PHOBJIKHA x 1 night DATE 04: Drive to Phobjikha. Refer to tour 1 for activities. THIMPHU x 1 night DATE 05: Drive to Thimphu. DATE 06-08: Drive to Paro. Refer to tour 1 for activities. DATE 09 April depart ************************************************ 5

5 TOUR 3 : CULTURAL DATES: April Total duration of 16 nights in Bhutan. USD 5,120 for an individual traveler USD 4,140/person (for a group size of 2 pax) USD 3,900/person (for a group size of 3 or more) Highlight: Paro Tsechu (31 March - 4 April), and beautiful spring landscape PARO x 1 night Date 03 April: Arrive Paro. Witness the Paro tsechu. Paro tsechu is one of the most popular cultural festivals in Bhutan and is performed annually for 5 days. Tsechus are age old dances performed by monks. Here you will immerse yourself with the rural people, government officials and Royal family members all dressed in their finest traditional costumes exhibiting different patterns of traditional hand woven textiles. The dancers take on the aspects of wrathful and compassionate deities, heroes, demons and animals. Deities are invoked during the dances through their power and benediction, misfortunes may be annihilated, luck increased and wishes realized. A captivating experience. THIMPHU x 3 nights Date 04-06: Witness early morning unfurling of sacred thangka (scroll) to receive blessings. After lunch drive to Thimphu. Refer to Tour 1 for activities in Thimphu. PUNAKHA x 2 nights Date 07-08: Refer to Tour 1 for activities except no festival in Punakha. TRONGSA x 1 night Date 09: refer to Tour 1 for activities BUMTHANG x 2 nights Date 10-11: Before driving to Bumthang visit Trongsa Tower Museum to get more insights to the history of Bhutan. Drive to Bumthang approximately 68 km. refer to Tour 2. CHUMMEY x 2 nights Date 12-13: Drive to Chummey via Ura village. Day visit to also Ura valley located approx. 46 kms from Bumthang on the lateral east west highway. Ura is a beautiful village with a cluster of houses. Before reaching the village one can disembark from vehicle at pass and walk down to the village. Also visit the education center of Thrumshingla National Park. Continue drive to Chummey (45 minutes). Explore Chummey valley. PHOBJIKHA x 1 night Date 14: refer to Tour 1 THIMPHU x 1 night Date 15: retreat drive to Thimphu (4.5 hrs). Evening stroll in Thimphu city and shopping. Date 16-18: Drive to Paro (1.5 hrs). Refer to Tour 1 for activities. *********************************** 6

6 TOUR 4 : CULTURAL DATES: 27 April - 12 May Total duration of 15 nights in Bhutan. USD 4,800 for an individual traveler USD 3,950/person (for a group size of 2 pax) USD 3,750/person (for a group size of 3 or more) Highlight: Local festival at Ura village, Bumthang (30 April - 04 May) and beautiful landscape with Rhododendrons blooming. PARO x 1 night Date 27 April: Arrive Paro. Visit National museum as an introduction to the country. Relax the evening in Paro. THIMPHU x 2 nights Date 28-29: Drive to Thimphu. Refer to tour 1 for activities. PUNAKHA x 2 nights Date 30 April and 01 May: Drive to Punakha. Enroute stop at Dochula pass and Botanical Park. Refer to tour 1 for activities. CHUMMEY VALLEY x 1 night Date 02: Drive to Chummey Valley via Trongsa. Refer to tour 2 for activities. BUMTHANG x 3 nights Date 03-05: Drive to Bumthang via Ura. Witness local festival at Ura. Continue drive to Bumthang. Refer to tour 2 for activities. PHOBJIKHA x 2 nights Date 06-07: Drive to Phobjikha. Refer to tour 1 for activities. THIMPHU x 1 night Date 08 May: Drive to Thimphu. Refer to tour 1 for activities Date 09-11: Drive to Paro. Refer to tour 1 for activities Date 12 May Depart 7

7 TOUR 5 : CULTURAL DATES: 20 June - 03 July Total duration of 14 nights in Bhutan. USD 4,480 for an individual traveler USD 3,710/person (for a group size of 2 pax) USD 3,500/person (for a group size of 3 or more) Highlight: Tsechus (Local festivals at Nimalung and Kurjey, Bumthang, 24-26). Moist and green environment THIMPHU x 2nights Date June: Arrive Paro and drive to Thimphu. Refer to cultural tour 1 for activities PUNAKHA x 2 nights Date 21-22: Refer to cultural tour 1. except no festival CHUMMEY x 1 night Date 23: Drive to Chummey valley (6 hrs) from Punakha. BUMTHANG x 3 nights Date 24, 25, 26: Drive to Bumthang via Ura village (1 hr). Explore rural Ura and also visit National Park visitor center. After lunch continue to Bumthang (2 hrs). Bumthang also known as Jakar (white bird) is a beautiful valley dominated by blue pine forest. The place has still retained most of its traditional lifestyle and also harbors many ancient Buddhist temples making it one of the most sacred places in Bhutan. Witness local festivals at the ancient monasteries of Kurjey and Nimalung. Other activities of interest at Bumthang are: Visit ancient monasteries; walks through rural areas; visit the Jakar dzong (ancient fortress); visit the Environment Institute housed in an old palace; and day visit to Ogyen Choling Museum in beautiful Tang valley. Drive through pristine pine forests and villages for about an hour. Take a short hike to the museum. The museum was historically a palace once owned by a powerful family. It has been preserved to show how people lived in medieval times. This family owned museum showcases many ancient items all excellently displayed and interpreted. Visit the burning lake either before or after visiting Tang valley. The burning lake known locally as Membar tsho is more a whirlpool at the river gorge. It is considered a sacred spot where sacred Buddhist treasures were discovered. The famous treasure discoverer saint in the 15 century is believed to have dived into the river with a burning lamp which is believed to have kept burning even though he had dived inside the river. PHOBJIKHA x 2 nights Date 27-28: Retreat drive to Phobjikha (4 hrs). Enroute stop at Trongsa for lunch and visit to Tower museum. explore rural Phobjikha valley on foot along the nature trails. Visit farm houses. THIMPHU x 1 night Date 29: Drive to Thimphu (4.5 hrs). Evening walk in the city and shopping. Date 30 June - 02 July: Refer to Tour 1 Date 03 July depart **************************** 8

8 TOUR 6 : CULTURAL DATES: 22 Sept - 08 Oct. Total duration of 16 nights in Bhutan. USD 5,120 for an individual traveler USD 4,140 per person (for a group size of 2 pax) USD 3,900 per person (for a group size of 3 or above) Highlight: Thimphu tsechu (23-25 Sept) and refreshing environment after the monsoon rains THIMPHU x 3 nights DATE Sept: Arrive Paro. Drive to Thimphu. Witness Thimphu tsechu and refer to tour 1 for other activities. PUNAKHA x 2 nights DATE 25-26: Refer to tour 1 for activities without the festival. Chummey (BUMTHANG) x 1night DATE 27-28: Drive to Chummey. Enroute tour in Trongsa. Refer to tour 2 for activities. BUMTHANG x 3 nights. DATE Oct: refer to tour 2 for activities. PHOBJIKHA x 2 nights. DATE 02-03: Retreat drive to Phobjikha. Refer to tour 2 for activities. THIMPHU x 1 night. DATE 04. Drive to Thimphu. DATE Refer to Tour 1 DATE 08 Oct: DEPART PARO International Airport 9

9 TOUR 7 : CULTURAL DATES: October Total duration of 16 nights in Bhutan. USD 5,120 for an individual traveler USD 4,140/person (for a group size of 2 pax) USD 3,900/person (for a group size of 3 or more) Highlight: Jakar (Bumthang) tsechu and observe Black Necked Cranes at Phobjikha THIMPHU x 3 nights. DATE October. Arrive Paro and drive to Thimphu. Refer to tour 1 PUNAKHA x 2 nights. DATE 18 & 19. Refer to tour 1 (except no festival) CHUMMEY x 1 night. DATE 20 & 21. Refer to tour 2 BUMTHANG x 3 nights. DATE Witness the Jakar local festival. Refer to tour 2 for other activities PHOBJIKHA x 1 night. DATE 25 & 26. Drive to Phobjikha. Refer to tour 2. Enjoy observing the graceful Black Necked Cranes. THIMPHU x 1 night. DATE 27. Drive to Thimphu. Shopping and local tour in Thimphu city.. DATE Drive from Thimphu to Paro and refer to tour 2. Also option to visit Haa valley. DEPART PARO. DATE 31 October. 10

10 TOUR 8 : CULTURAL DATES: 14 Nov - 02 Dec Total duration of 17 nights in Bhutan. USD 5,280 for an individual traveler USD 4,300/person (for a group size of 2 pax) USD 4,050/person (for a group size of 3 or more) Highlight: Nalakhar tsechu, observing Black Necked Cranes, view of mountains, and explore east Bhutan Date Nov: Arrive Paro and tour in Paro. Refer to tour 1 THIMPHU x 3 nights. DATES 17-19: refer to tour 1. PUNAKHA x 2nights. DATES 20 & 21: Refer to tour 1 except no festival. PHOBJIKHA x 1 night. DATE 22: Drive to Phobjikha valley. Observe the sacred Black Necked Cranes that winter in this valley and get insights into the community efforts to conserve these beautiful birds. Enjoy walks and farm house visits. CHUMMEY (Bumthang) x 1 night. DATE 23: Refer to tour 2 BUMTHANG x 3 nights. DATE 24-26: Witness local festival besides other activities. Refer to tour 2. YONGKOLA x 1 night. DATE 27: Drive eastwards towards Mongar. Halt at Yongkola at a resort and enjoy some bird watching walks.. MONGAR x 1 night. DATE 28: Drive to Mongar. Before reaching your hotel visit waeving village at Khoma. TRASHIGANG x 2 nights. DATE 29 & 30: Drive to Trashigang. Sightseeing and village visits. SAMDRUP JONGKHAR x 1 night. DATE 01 Dec: Drive to S/Jongkar (6 hrs). Explore the border town of Bhutan. Date 02 Dec Depart for the Gauhati airport (110 kms via India) to catch Druk Air flight to Bangkok. *********************************************** 11