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Festival Date: 17-21 Oct
Trip Date: 13-23 Oct |
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Our tour commences from Paro Valley and continue eastward through the beautiful valleys of Thimphu , Punakha, Wangdue, Trongsa and finally to the picturesque valley of Bumthang where Jambay Lhakhang Drub (festival) is held . In addition to the mask dances, there are 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.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.
Along the journey, we will visit villages, temples, monasteries and markets.. 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. |
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| Itinerary |
| Oct 13 Day 01: Kathmandu-Paro-Thimpu |
| On arrival at Paro International Airport , you will be welcomed and escorted to a local restaurant for the lunch and you will be drive to Thimpu (65km. 2.5 hrs) -the capital town of Bhutan . Thimphu . En route, visit Takchu Monastery. Check into hotel. You may want to go to Bank and Post Office of Bhutan for currency exchange and an opportunity to purchase world famous Bhutanese stamps. |
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 Oct 14 Day 02: At Thimpu |
You will visit the National Memorial Chorten which was built in 1974 in memory of the third king, the Textile Museum, Folk Heritage Museum, Arts and Crafts, Zilukah Nunnery Temple and the Takin Zoo
Evening stroll in town |
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| Oct 15 Day 03: Thimphu To Punakha. |
| Morning Drive to Punakha (3 hours drive) over the Dochula Pass Alt. 3150m from where you can see the snow-capped eastern Himalayan ranges.After lunch visit the Punakha Dzong, the Winter Residence of the Je Khempo (Chief Abbot). In the evening hike to Chimed Lhakhang, the Fertility Temple of Saint Drukpa Kuenley known popularly as 'the Divine Madman' |
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 Oct 16 Day 04: Punakha to Bumthang |
| This is a long day's drive of 6-7 hours depending on road conditions but it is a journey you are not likely to forget. The scenery is certainly stunning. Leaving Punakha we drive via the small town of Wangdiphodrang and up hrough varied forest up to the Pele La Pass from where the views are spectacular. The journey then continues along a road in places literally carved out of impressive cliffsides, to Tongsa. In Tongsa, we have chance to wander around this pleasant township from which the present royal family emerged as the most powerful force at the beginning of this century. From Tongsa we drive across the Yotung La (3425m) and descend eventually into the valley of Bumthang , the heart of the Bhutanese weaving industry (3 hrs). The area, centered on the town of Jakar , is of great spiritual significance and encompasses four valleys. Overnight at Mountain Lodge, Bumthang |
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| Oct 17 Day 05 At Bumthang ( Jambay Lhakhang Drup ) |
A full day in Bumthang to attend the first day of the Jambay Lhakhang Drup (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 Afternoon explore the valley; hike to Tamshing where we will have the chance to visit Tamshing Gomba- the most important Nyigma Gomba. It may also be possible to take some of the local village walks - a visit to the homeopathic hospital, the cheese factory, the castle of the 'White Bird', Wangdichholing Old Palace , one or two local temples and a walk around Jakar township. Overnight at Mountain lodge, Bumthang. |
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| Oct 18 Day 06: Bumthang. ( Praker Tshechu) |
| You will spend full day today at Praker Tshechu. |
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| Oct 19 Day 07: Bumthang To Wangdue. |
| Drive to Wangdue. If time permits visit the Wangduephodrang Dzong. Overnight hotel. |
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| Oct 20 Day 08. Wangdue To Paro. |
After lunch, you will visit the National Museum -once the Watch-Tower (Ta-Dzong). Follow the flagstone path that rises gradually from a beautiful wooden bridge with shingle roofing and abutted by two guardhouses, to the Paro Rinpung Dzong, which today is the seat of the district administration as well as the home for the monastic school. The central tower (Utse) of the Dzong, with its superb woodwork, is one of the most beautiful in the country. In the evening, you will visit a farmhouse and experience Bhutanese hospitality. Overnight: Hotel
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| Oct 21 Day 09 At Paro. |
Hike to Taktsang Monastery which is also called "Tiger's Nest'. The Monastery, perched on a rocky ledge with a sheer drop of nearly 800 m, is believed to be the place where Guru Padma Sambbava alighted upon the back of a tigress in the second half of the 8th century. After lunch at Taktsang cafeteria, return to Paro.En route, visit the Drugyel Dzong –a ruined fortress but still holding the great historical significance. On a clear day, you will have a magnificent vista of Mount Chomolhari , " Mountain of Goddess " (Alt. 7329 m). In the evening walk through Paro town and enjoy dinner at cozy restaurant in the village. Overnight: Hotel Day 12, Paro To Bangkok Transfer to airport for departure |
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| Oct 22 Day 10 At Paro. |
| Today, you can spend the day on your own or we can keep you busy in some sightseeing. |
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| Oct 23 Day 11 Paro-Kathmandu |
| Transfer to airport for flight to Kathmandu . |
