Jambay Lhakhang Festival Tour 2011

Tue 08 Nov 2011Kathmandu-Paro (KB401 1245/1400) Transfer to Thimphu
Fly onboard Druk Air to Paro, Bhutan. On a clear day the panoramic views of the Himalaya are sensational, including Everest, but particularly exciting is the approach through the Bhutanese foothills and the landing, including a few steep turns to land at the tiny airstrip of Paro. On arrival, once you have cleared any airport formalities, you will be met and transferred to Thimphu, the least visited of all the Himalayan capitals.
This is a lovely drive through spectacular mountain views and peaceful countryside. Thimphu is a small, charming capital city sandwiched in the heart of the Himalayas. It is nothing like what a capital city is imagined to be. All houses and buildings are painted and constructed in traditional Bhutanese style.
Overnight at Hotel Thimphu

Wed 09 Nov 2011 THIMPHU- Full day Sightseeing
The capital of Bhutan is situated on west bank of the river Thimphu, (Thimphu Chhu) in a wooded valley at an elevation of 2320m. Prior to 1961 Thimpu was only an insignificant village, but since the country emerged from isolation its importance has grown and it has many official buildings. The Secretariat, King's offices and some ministries are housed in the Tashichho Dzong, next to which one of the world's highest golf courses (9 hole) has been made. With a population of not more than 65,000, Thimpu is an easy place to wander around, and will enable the visitor to appreciate the detail of Bhutanese architecture. A few miles south of the capital is Simtokha, one of the oldest complete Dzongs in the country, dating from the early 1600’s, a period when Shabdrungs, the line of religious rulers originally from Tibet, ruled the country.
Places to visit:

King's Memorial Chorten - every day many Bhutanese come to this Tibetan-style chorten to honour the memory of the third king. Inside there are numerous religious paintings and statues of different Buddhist deities.

Tashichho Dzong - suffering damage from both fires and earthquakes the king ordered the restoration of the dzong in the 1960s. It is the summer residence of the central monk body and ministries and as such entrance is not always permitted.
Folk Heritage Museum - an outdoor museum which gives an insight into rural life is centred around a mud and timber farm house.

Mini Zoo - this large grassy and treed enclosure holds several takins, the unusual-looking national animal that normally migrates to high alpine valleys in summer.
National Textile Museum - a brief introductory video explains the complexities of Bhutanese dress before entering the exhibition of dress and textiles from around the country.

Semtokha Dzong – This is the oldest fortress in Bhutan, built in 1629 A.D. by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. It also houses the largest monastic school in the country.
Drubthob nunnery at Zilukha.

Pangri Zampa Monastery - situated just beyond Dechencholing Palace (5 km. from Thimphu). This temple was the first residence of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal when he arrived in Bhutan in 1616 A.D. Ngawang Chogyel, the great ancestor of the Shabdrung, built it during the first quarter of the 16th century.
Handicraft Emporium and the local handicraft centers to see the varieties of textiles, thangkha paintings, masks, jewellery etc. on display. Overnight at Hotel, Thimphu.

Thu 10 Nov 2011 Drive to Punakha, Local Sightseeing
After breakfast, drive up to Dochu-la pass (3,150m) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m ), Jejegangphugang (7,158 m ), Kangphugang (7,170 m ), Zongphugang (7, 060 m ), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana - finally Gangkar puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m. On arrival in Punakha check into your hotel.
In the afternoon, you will visit Punakha Dzong, situated at the confluence of the Mo (Mother) and Pho (Father) rivers. The large fortress with its temples, courtyards, hall and towers overlooks the town and provides excellent views. Built in 1637 it served as the seat of the government until the mid 20th century. Over the centuries it has suffered damage from several fires and flooding but still remains one of the most impressive dzongs in Bhutan.

Also take a short walk to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of Lama Drukpa Kunley, otherwise known as the divine mad monk who is one of Bhutan's favourite saints. It is a beautiful walk across rice paddies and through a small village. The temple can be visited and there is a tree outside which is said to have sprouted up after Drukpa Kunley sent a thunderbolt from an adjoining valley to kill some evil spirits who had gathered at the site.
Overnight at Hotel, Punakha.

Fri 11 Nov 2011 Drive to Bumthang, En route visit Trongsa Dzong
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 Gangety, the road winds its way up to the Pele La at 3,300m/10,830ft), the traditional boundary between east and west. The pass is marked by a large white chorten and prayer flags. There is an abrupt change in vegetation at this point, with mountain forest replaced by high altitude dwarf bamboo.

Stop en route at Chendebji Chorten, patterned on Kathmandu's Swayambhunath Stupa, with eyes panted at four cardinal points. It was built in the 18th century by Lama Shida from Tibet, to cover the remains of an evil spirit that was subdued at this spot.

In the afternoon, arrive in the town of Tongsa, the site of the largest Dzong in Bhutan and certainly one of the most impressive ones. It was from here that the present royal family emerged as the most powerful force at the beginning of this century.

Time permitting, wander around Tongsa township and visit the huge and historical Trongsa Dzong and the watchtower above the main Dzong. It has a fine temple at the top containing original Mongol Armour and a large prayer wheel outside.

From Trongsa drive to Bumthang, over the Yutong-la pass (3,400m/ 11,155 ft). The road winds steeply up to the pass, 28 km from Trongsa, then runs down through coniferous forest into a wide, open cultivated valley known as the Chumey valley. Evening at leisure. Overnight at Hotel Jakar.

Sat 12 Nov 2011 Bumthang- Full day at Jambay Lhakhang Drup (Festival)
Today you will attend the colorful sacred Jambay Lhakhang Drup (festival) held in the cobbled courtyard of Jambay Lhakhang. Religious festivals are very numerous and have different names according to their types, the best known being the ‘tsechus’, which are festivals in honour of Guru Rinpoche, commemorating one of his great deeds. These great deeds are all believed to have taken place on the 10th day of the month, which is the meaning of the word ‘tsechu’, even though all tsechus do not in practice, take place on the 10th days.
Tsechus are celebrated for several days, between three and five according to the location, and are the occasion for dances that are clearly defined in religious content. The dances are performed by monks, laymen or gomchens and the repertory is the same practically everywhere. Many of the dances have remained virtually unchanged since the 10th century and not only are these rites to expel spirits, but give moral lessons and re-enact famous past legends

For the Bhutanese, religious festivals offer an opportunity to become immersed in the meaning of their religion and to gain merit. They are also occasions for seeing people, and for being seen; for social exchanges, and for flaunting success. People bring out their finest clothes, their most beautiful jewels; they take out picnics rich with meat and abundant alcohol. Men and women joke and flirt. An atmosphere of convivial, slightly ribald good humour prevails. The sounds of Tibetan horns, reed trumpets, cymbals and drums added to the noise of the crowd, produce a truly unique atmosphere.
In the afternoon, you will have time to explore Jakar valley;

Kurjey Lhakhang is named after the body print of Guru Rinpoche, which is preserved in a cave inside the oldest of the three buildings that make up the temple complex. The first temple is the oldest and was built in 1652 by Mingyur Tenpa, when he was Penlop of Trongsa. The second temple was built by Ugyen Wangchuk, the first king of Bhutan in 1900 when he was still Penlop of Trongsa. The third building in the complex is an elaborate three-storey lhakhang built by Ashi Kesang Wangchuk, in 1984 under the guidance of Diglo Khyentse Rimpoche

Tamshing Goemba (also known as Tamsing lhendup Tsholing, literally ‘temple of the good message’) was established in 1501 by Pema Lingpa and is the most important Nyingmapa Goemba in the kingdom. Pema Lingpa built the structure himself, with the help of Khandroms (female celestial beings) who made many of his statues.
A short distance below Tamsing is a small rural-looking town Konchogsum Lhakhang – the source of many interesting stories. The history of this temple dates back to the 6th century, however the current structure dates from 15th century, when Pema Lingpa restored it. The small statues of the 3 Buddhas (past, present & future) in the sanctuary are said to have flown straight from Khaine Lhakhang in Kurtoe. Hence the name of this Lhakhang is Konchogsum – Konchog (divine being), sum (three). Overnight at Guest House, Jakar

Sun 13 Nov 2011BUMTHANG- Half Day at Prakhar Duchoed (Festival)
In the morning you will retrace drive to Chumey Valley to attend the Prakhar Duchhoed (Festival). Return to Jakar in the afternoon and visit;
Jakar Dzong is in a picturesque location overlooking the Choskhor Valley. The current structure was built in 1667 and is said to be the largest Dzong in Bhutan, with a circumference of more than 1500 m. Its official name is Yuelay Namgyal Dzong, in honour of the victory over the troops of Tibetan ruler Phuntsho Namgyal.
Overnight at Guest House, Jakar.

Mon 14 Nov 2011 Bumthang – Wangdue/Punakha
Leaving Jakar, we return west for some 7-8 hours, stopping to visit the Chendebji Chorten, a large white monument said to conceal the remnants of an evil spirit vanquished here. Continuing across the spectacular Pele La pass we come to Wangdi where we take a short break for tea and snacks. From Wangdi, it’s a short drive to your hotel (approx. 20 minutes drive).
Overnight at Hotel, Punakha.

Tue 15 Nov 2011 Punakha - Paro, Sightseeing
After breakfast, drive to Dochu La pass for morning views over the Eastern Himalayas. After a short break over tea/coffee and snacks, we travel through blossoming hills and pine forests to reach Paro in time for lunch.

After lunch, visit to Ta Dzong, which in the past served as watchtower for Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong) and now houses the National Museum and then walk down the trail to visit Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong), built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

Afterwards, we drive up the valley to visit Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1647 by the Shabdrung to commemorate the Bhutanese victory over the Tibetans in war of 1644. En route, we also visit Kyichu Lhakhang, built in the 7th century by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo.
Overnight at Hotel, Paro.

Wed 16 Nov 2011 Paro- Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
In the cool of morning you will drive 12km out of town towards Takstang, or the Tiger's Nest Monastery. The monastery is possibly the most famous in Bhutan, having been founded in the late 1600’s, and perched on a high rocky ledge 900m above the valley floor allegedly at a place where Guru Rinpoche rested, travelling on a flying tiger. The monastery suffered a disastrous fire in April 1998, but great efforts are being made to repair the extensive damage. From the parking area it is a two hour walk, mostly through coniferous forest, up a steep path to the view point from where there are spectacular views of the monastery.

The walk to a viewpoint and small café takes around 2 hours each way. The route is steep in places but straightforward. Some areas of the track are exposed to the sun so make sure to wear a hat. At the café, you can rest and a buffet lunch will be served. From this point, there is a superb view of the cliff face and monastery. For an even better view, there is a further one hour walk up a steepish track to a point closer to the monastery.

Later in the afternoon visit a traditional farm house which offers deep insight into the lifestyle of local people.
Overnight at Hotel, Paro

Thu 17 Nov 2011 Paro-Kathmandu (KB400 1110/1205)
You will be collected from your hotel and taken by private transfer to the airport in plenty of time for your onward flight.