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2 This tour has been crafted especially for people who love textiles, craft and local culture and who seek the immersive experience of travelling with Wendy, who has lived and breathed Bhutan and is passionate about the Bhutanese people, their culture, and particularly their weaving. Join Wendy as she shares her insights and expertise on this journey of a lifetime. Highlights of this exclusive experience include: Two days and 2 nights immersive stay in a weaving village in Eastern Bhutan Attend the pre- - dawn unfurling of the sacred thondrol at Paro Tsechu Exclusive opportunities to learn about the work of the Australian Himalayan Foundation in supporting the development of women and girls through support from traditional textiles and women s enterprise. Private tour and viewings of textile museum, academy and textile collections with curator Access to pieces in Textile Museum s collection that are not currently on display Special lecture/presentations at by curator or other experts Audience with Kezang Uncle (Master Weaver) and his weaving family in Changzamtog Portable looms provided for those interested in learning Bhutanese supplementary weft twining Visit the remarkable Punakha Dzong built at the confluence of two glacial rivers Visit the iconic Tigers Nest monastery hanging from a cliff- side We understand that our group will have varying interests and so we provide a range of activities, ranging from hands- - on opportunities at the loom through to non- - textile pursuits for accompanying partners. We take in the major sights across the country while also taking the time to stay long enough in one place to interact with locals and experience village life. Our small group size combined with driver, local leader and escort enables us to split the group for alternate activities as required and cater for all depths of interest.

3 The Australian Himalayan Foundation Over the years, thousands of Australians have visited the Himalaya. For many it is an opportunity to trek beneath the world s highest peaks and to appreciate some of the world s most hospitable cultures. Yet the Himalaya is not just a vast adventure playground. For the local communities it is anything but easy with access to basic health and education services often out of reach. Following in the footsteps of Sir Edmund Hillary, the AHF is working to help the people of the Himalaya through improvements in health, education and conservation in Nepal, India and Bhutan. Guests will experience first- - - hand the work the Australian Himalayan Foundation in supporting education and livelihood opportunities for women across Bhutan. The AHF works in partnership with RENEW, a charitable organisation founded by Her Majesty, Gyalyum Sangay Choden Wangchuck, Queen Mother of Bhutan and dedicated solely to the development of women and girls. Guests will be invited to visit RENEW s Thimphu headquarters, visit the RENEW Happy Home for women and visit some of the schools where the AHF is working to support girls education. Through this partnership, AHF supports the education of girls in remote, disadvantaged communities in Bhutan and a livelihoods program for women using traditional textile. The tour involves a fundraising donation of AUD$500 per guest. This donation will go directly supporting the women of Bhutan with a livelihoods program that uses traditional weaving techniques to create traditional enterprise. The Australian Himalayan Foundation will support all guests in their fundraising efforts and have plenty of support material and ideas to share, in particular some very straightforward online fundraising techniques. Your specialist leader Wendy Garrity Wendy lived and worked in Bhutan for a year during a career break, learning to weave kushutara. This sumptuous fabric, woven in a riot of jewel- coloured silks, is so intricate that it takes 9 months to weave enough for a woman s festival dress. Altogether, Wendy spent 2 ½ years exploring her interests in women s empowerment, grassroots development, microfinance and traditional textiles, spending time volunteering in India, Nepal & Laos, and travelling extensively through Asia and South America to document their textiles. This is a rare opportunity to gain an in- depth understanding of weaving while travelling with someone who has made a true cross- cultural journey.

4 Your Bhutan Tour Inclusions: Professional English speaking guide, driver & vehicle Australian tour escort and Bhutanese textiles expert Wendy Garrity Economy airfares & taxes Bangkok/Paro/Bangkok All touring & transfers throughout your journey Bhutanese 3 - star Style hotel accommodation with private bathrooms, homestay in Khoma with shared bathrooms and limited shower facilities. All meals & bottled water daily All entrance fees and sightseeing Bhutan visa fees, Bhutan government royalties & local taxes Tour Exclusions: International flights (AUS- - - BKK return) Bangkok stopover accommodation required enroute to/from Bhutan Items of a personal nature, phone calls, laundry, drinks etc Tipping for guide & driver refer to tipping guide in our Visitor Information kit Travel Insurance mandatory to enter Bhutan Bhutan travel arrangements ex- Bangkok: Twin/double US$ per person Single room supplement: US$ Plus an AUD$500 tax- - - deductible donation to the AHF in support of AHF s Girls Education Program. Our fundraising team will assist you with development of a personalised online fundraising page and tips on other easy ways to raise funds and promote your trip as supporting the work of AHF.

5 The Journey... Thursday 10 March: Druk Air flight departs Bangkok at 06:50 am, and arrives into Paro at 10:00. (Approx flight times only and will be updated on release of the 2016 March Drukair schedule.) Please ensure you check in for your flight with plenty of time to spare, if you are connecting through Bangkok we recommend you allow 5 hours between connections. On arrival into Paro you will be met by your Australian tour host and Bhutanese guide. Paro is home to the only international airport in Bhutan. In the 17 th century Paro served as a trade route between Bhutan and Tibet and hosts a number of historical highlights: Kyichu Lhakhang The Jowo Temple of Kyichu is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, originally built in the 7 th century by the Tibetan Emperor Songsten Gampo. It is considered to be one of 108 legendary temples that he built. In the 8 th century Guru Rinpoche, the spiritual father of Bhutan, visited the temple and it is believed that he concealed many spiritual treasures here. After lunch we drive from Paro to Thimphu, which takes about 1.5 hours, with stops along the way, including RENEW Happy Home, Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre and Buddha Point. At the weaving centre, we have allowed ample time to meet Master weaver Kezang and other weavers, watch weavers at work, perhaps joining them for an afternoon snack of suja and zao (butter tea and popped rice). We can also browse the shop upstairs, which gives us a nice overview of the types of textiles produced across the kingdom. This is where Wendy learned Bhutanese weaving before and after school for 8 months. Buddha Point is a gigantic statue of the Buddha under construction at Kuensel Phodrang overlooking Thimphu is 51.5 meters tall, and is the 17 th tallest Buddha statue in the world. (The tallest Buddha in the world is the Spring Temple Buddha in China, at about 128 meters tall.) The 20 million USD statue, once completed, will be a major attraction for Buddhists. This place has a fantastic view of Thimphu city Overnight in Thimphu

6 Friday 11 March: This morning we are treated to a private tour of the National Textile Museum and the new Royal Textile Academy by one of the curators along with a lecture provided by the Academy for those wishing to attend. We also have an opportunity to view textiles in the collection that are not currently on display to the public. We then learn more about the work of RENEW during a visit to their headquarters above Thimphu. We will be welcomed by the Executive Director of RENEW, Ms Chimi Wangmo, and may have the opportunity to meet with Her Majesty, Queen Mother of Bhutan if she is in the country at the time. Her Majesty is patron of both RENEW and the Royal Textile Academy. After lunch we enjoy a Seminar on Bhutanese Textile Art, including demonstrations, question and answer session and afternoon tea. Overnight Thimphu Saturday 12 March: Thimphu to Phobjikha ( 5 hrs 30 mins) The first section of our drive to Punakha takes us over the beautiful Dochu La 3150m (mountain pass) to view the 108 stupas, commissioned by a former Queen as a memorial to those who lost their lives during the low intensity conflict in late 2002 when Bhutan evicted Indian rebels camped in the jungle on the Bhutan Indian border. On a clear day you will witness a breathtaking view of the snowed mountains of the eastern Himalaya can be seen above the fertile forest. We may have the opportunity to hoist prayer flags at the pass. This is primarily a cultural, as opposed to a religious, gesture. Religion in Bhutan is a part of daily life, and many cultural activities stem from it. Descending into the Punakha valley pass the new town of Bajo and, when the ruins of the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong (tragically destroyed by fire in 2012) come into view, notice the large cacti that cover the hillside below. These were planted long ago to discourage invaders from climbing the steep slope to the Dzong. From the road view Rinchengang, one of Bhutan s oldest villages, which did not have access to water, electricity or schooling until the early 1990 s. The craftsmen of Rinchengang are sought after for their skills in construction of Dzongs and Lhakhangs (temples). Phobjikha is a glacial valley on the western slopes of the Black Mountains and is one of the most beautiful open valleys in Bhutan. It is also one of the most important wildlife preserves in the country and the winter home (late Oct to early Feb) of the rare black necked crane, which annually flies in from Tibet. There are also muntjak (barking deer), wild boar, sambar, Himalayan black bears, leopard and red foxes. While in Phobjikha visit the sacred Gangtey Monastery plus enjoy time to wander through Gangtey village and hike the Gangtey Nature Trail. Overnight Phobjikha Valley

7 Sunday 13 March: Phobjikha Valley to Bumthang (4hrs 30 mins) This morning depart Phobjikha to the central Bumthang region, comprising the 4 valleys of Choekhor, Tang, Ura and Chhume, and traversing the Pele La (pass) which crosses through the Black Mountains National Park and divides western and central Bhutan. We stop at Chendebji Chorten, and today keep a watchful eye out for Rhesus Macaques (Brown Monkeys) on the side of the road. Later we have our first glimpse of the spectacular Trongsa Dzong it is perched at the end of a ridge and seems to hang in space at the head of the valley. The Dzong s location afforded it great power over this part of the country, in earlier times, as the only foot and mule trail between east and western Bhutan leads straight through Trongsa and through the Dzong itself. Before reaching the Choekhor Valley we can pause in Zungney to see weaving of yathra, the geometric woollen frame loomed fabric used for jackets and blankets for which Bumthang is famous. As we travel east we hope to encounter a smaller local community Tsechu (festival) that may that may be taking place. Local festivals are quite different from the large festivals in Thimphu and Paro, and it is also an interesting contrast to see the difference between the best outfits that the rural folk save for festivals, and the expensive clothing that some of the city people commission newly for each festival. Overnight Choekhor Valley Monday 14 March: Sightseeing in the Bumthang Valleys today. Today your sightseeing options include visits to the Wangdicholing Palace and one or both of the Jambay & Kurjey Lhakhangs. These are the oldest two monasteries in the kingdom and all the Kings of Bhutan are cremated at Kurjey Lhakhang. Time permitting, other options include the Tamshing Monastery where about 95 Monks reside most are under 15 and from poorer families who cannot afford to send their children to state school. Visit the Jakar Dzong and/or Mebartsho (Burning Lake), one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites. Alternatively enjoy a more relaxed day with no structured sightseeing spending just exploring Chamkhar town on foot. Overnight Choekhor Valley

8 Tuesday 15 March: Choekhor Valley to Autsho (8hrs) Early morning departure to Mongar for the first of your two longer day drives on your journey. The route between Bumthang & Mongar is one of the most spectacular drives in the country with breathtakingly sheer drops, plummeting waterfalls, and two passes. Enroute pass the Ura valley, the highest valley in Bumthang, and believed by some to have been the home of Bhutan s earliest inhabitants. The stony paths of the very traditional village of Ura give a medieval feel & the old women of this region still wear sheepskin shawls on their backs which double as a blanket and cushion. Crossing Thrumsing La (Pass- 3800m) you are now departing western Bhutan & entering eastern Bhutan, albeit in the central region of the country. Throughout eastern Bhutan the dominant language is Sharchop which is different enough from Dzongkha (the national language) that eastern & western Bhutanese usually have to use English or Nepali to communicate. The towns between west and east Bhutan also differ as in western Bhutan most towns are situated in valleys whereas in eastern Bhutan most towns, including Mongar, are situated at the tops of hills or ridges. Overnight Autsho Wednesday 16 March: Autsho to Lhuentse 2hrs Near Mongar we leave the main east- - - west road that traverses Bhutan and turn north to Lhuentse, the ancestral home of Bhutan s royal family and home of Bhutan s kushutara weaving tradition. Although only 70km, the road is precipitous and spectacular, so we reach the village of Khoma nestled in a peaceful valley after around 4 hours. We have 2 days and 2 nights in Khoma to immerse ourselves in village life and allow time to fully explore the heartland of Bhutan s most treasured textiles. Feel yourself relax to match the pace of local life. Take gentle strolls between the traditional farmhouses and discover cobbled courtyards and weavers working on verandahs, or stretch your legs on the steep hills nearby. Wander over to the Lakhang (temple) perched in the bend of the river, or cross the suspension bridge to visit the school. Try your hand at backstrap weaving or Bhutanese warping, or sit and be mesmerised by the skill of the local weavers. This afternoon we are welcomed at the home of a Master weaver, and with word of our arrival travelling swiftly to surrounding villages, we are sure to be shown a dazzling array of woven goods as the locals trek into Khoma to offer for them for sale. This evening we may well be given a traditional welcome to Khoma, where it is usual to be plied with arra with butter and egg and regaled with local songs.

9 Wendy will bring one or two small looms warped with heavier thread for those who would like her to introduce them to Bhutanese weft twining without first having to master the movements for tensioning the backstrap loom or grapple with a pickup stick and fine silk yarn. To cater for the truly weaving- - - obsessed, we will have these little looms with us for the entire tour, and Wendy is happy to give as much instruction to group members as you wish from day 1, so that by the time we reach Lhuentse, you can have a good understanding of what you see weavers executing. Overnight Khoma Thursday 17 March: Khoma (rest day) We have the option of an all- - - day hike up to another weaving village to enjoy a local lunch. Here the quality of weaving is astounding and the views across Lhuentse are superb. Here we meet women whose weaving skill is so highly valued, they are exempt from farming duties in order to devote more time to it. We are likely to be invited into many homes for tea but be warned: this often involves more arra with eggs & butter! If he is not busy with puja, we hope to be accompanied by an English- - - speaking monk who not only knows everyone in the village but can also weave kushutara! Overnight Khoma

10 Friday 18 March: Khoma to Mongar. ( 3 hrs) Morning at leisure with an opportunity to visit the Lhuentse Dzong and in the afternoon we depart Lhuentse to Mongar Overnight Mongar Saturday 19 March: Mongar to Choekhor Valley. ( 7 hrs) Today we travel back westwards toward the Central Bumthang region of Bhutan. Overnight Choekhor Valley Sunday 20 March: Choekhor Valley to Trongsa (2 hrs) A more relaxed start today perhaps enjoy a morning stroll around the valley this morning before a late morning departure to Trongsa. The Trongsa Dzong is the ancestral home of the Royal Family of Bhutan and has recently added an excellent museum into its ancient watchtower, which you will visit tomorrow morning. This afternoon visit Dzong itself. Overnight Trongsa Monday 21 March: Trongsa to Wangdue/Punakha (5 hrs 30 mins) Depart early this morning to the Punakha Valley which holds the title as the winter capital because of its more temperate climate. Arriving into the valley take lunch at a local restaurant followed by a visit to Chimi Lhakhang This gentle hike takes about 30 minutes, walking through the village and paddy fields to the 15th century temple. This is the temple of Lama Drukpa Kuenley, also known as the Divine Madman. It is revered as a temple of fertility. The monastery is very modest, consisting of only one building, but it contains an interesting wood and ivory lingam through which one can obtain blessings from the mnk in residence. Your tour guide will have some fascinating stories to share about this unusual Yogi. If time permits, wander the Lobesa market place this afternoon. Overnight Punakha Valley

11 Tuesday 22 March: Punakha to Paro Valley (5 hrs 15 mins) This morning make a visit to Punakha Dzong, arguably the most beautiful Dzong in the country Punakha Dzong (also called Punthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of the Great Happiness). The Dzong was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung and is located between the Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River). It was the capital of Bhutan until 1955, and it is also the winter residence of the central monk body and the Chief Abbot. Mid morning depart Punakha valley for Paro once again traversing Dochu La. Stop at Dochu la to enjoy lunch at the new Dochu La restaurant, before continuing on to Paro. Overnight Paro Valley Wednesday 23 March: Sightseeing in Paro. This morning you have the option to hike to the Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger s Nest. This is Bhutan s most revered monastery and all Bhutanese strive to make the pilgrimage here at least once in their lives. This visit is much more than just a hike and each step gains merit points for the next part of life s journey. Choose between a 2 hour round trip hike to the monastery viewpoint, or a longer 5 hour and more strenuous hike into the monastery itself. Please note you must be of at least moderate fitness to make it all the way to

12 the monastery and back. Tigers Nest clings impossibly to a cliff of rock at 1000 metres above the valley floor & where Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress to subdue the local demons followed by 3 months meditation in a cave still visible in the monastery. In 1998 Taktsang was seriously damaged by fire and has since been painstakingly reconstructed to its original condition and consecrated by the 4 th King in For those not wishing to hike today they can witness the spectacle of the Paro Tsechu and/or explore Paro town on foot. Overnight Paro Valley Thursday 24 March: Today we have the option of rising before dawn to experience the most special day of Paro Tsechu, crossing the river in the dim light and joining locals walking up to the Dzong for the unfurling of the thondrol. Locals come to receive blessings from the lamas as well as from simply viewing the giant appliqued image of Guru Rinpoche, but the Tsechu is also a social occasion. Women and men alike don their finest kushutara kiras and aikapur ghos, and the occasion is part devotional, part fashion show and part picnic, as locals come to see and be seen and share the occasion with family and friends. We have ample time to soak up the unique atmosphere of this part of the festival.

13 This is a unique opportunity to see some of Bhutan s finest textiles being worn, which is a different experience from viewing them hanging on racks, as the visual impression given by the designs changes depending on the distance from the viewer and is enhanced by being wrapped around a moving body. The relaxed layout of the Paro Tsechu also allows us to mingle freely and be close to these beautiful outfits as well as to photograph them in the flattering early morning light. Now that you have seen how these fabrics are produced, you will have a deeper appreciation of their worth. After breakfast, we have the option to return to the festival ground to observe the sacred dances or the Paro Museum is within walking distance of the festival ground. We may also have time to drop into the pop- - - up market across the river from the festival to make last- - - minute purchases from artisans who come to sell their textiles and other crafts to locals. Overnight Paro Valley Friday 25 March: Your leader and driver will transfer you to the airport for your departure into Bangkok. Druk Air flight departs Paro at 10:50 am, and arrives into Bangkok at 16:50. (Approx flight times only and will be updated on release of the 2016 March Drukair schedule.) In Bhutanese culture, there is no word for goodbye and so they say Lok Jay Gay, which means See you again or Tashi Delek! which means may all good things come to you!

14 To confirm your place on the tour please contact our travel partner Bhutan & Beyond: IMPORTANT INFORMATION: AIRLINE CHECK- IN: Please ensure you check-in for all international flights no later than 2 hours prior to flight departure. BAGGAGE: Baggage can only be checked to Bhutan prior to your flight to Paro. On your return journey you can tag your baggage all the way through to Australia ONLY when connecting same day from Bhutan Airlines/Drukair when connecting to Thai Airways. Please request this at check-in at Paro Airport. Checked baggage allowances are 20kgs per person in economy & 30 kgs per person in business class. VISAS: You must carry your Bhutan visa authority letter with you. Your airline to Paro will require it at check-in and then again it must be presented to Immigration on arrival at Paro Airport. TRAVEL INSURANCE & HEALTH: Travel insurance is mandatory to enter Bhutan. We do urge you for your protection that your travel insurance is in place at the time of paying your Bhutan travel deposit. For professional travel health advice please contact Travel Medical Alliance on Please note there is a rabies risk in India, Nepal and Bhutan. ITINERARY CHANGES IN BHUTAN: Bhutan has a limited tourism infra-structure and there are occasionally challenges in providing accommodation to all visitors offered visas at any one time. Occasionally itineraries can be amended at short notice. BHUTANESE ACCOMMODATION: Your hotels will be small locally operated lodges and as we go further afield homestays on some occasions. Rooms have twin / double beds and have private bathroom facilities. DRUKAIR & BHUTAN AIRLINES: Both airlines require reconfirmation of your return or onwards flight 3 days in advance. Your guide will attend to this. Occasionally an airline is forced to totally cancel a service for operational reasons & in such an instance any additional costs must be borne by the traveller and claimed via their travel insurance. CANCELLATION CHARGES: The Drukair/Bhutan Airlines air flight component of your tour package will be totally non-refundable once tickets are issued. Your Bhutan land arrangements are subject to the cancellation fees below. Deposit date until 60 days prior arrival in Bhutan Loss of deposit days prior to arrival in Bhutan 75% of land package costs. Less than 45 days prior arrival in Bhutan Sorry, no refund permitted.