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Travel to Bhutan
Today, Bhutan or the land of the Thunder Dragon is one of the most highly acclaimed travel destinations. This is a land of remarkable natural beauty with a pristine and intact environment and a friendly, tradition-bound people. To the discerning international traveler, Bhutan has become an exotic and enticing final frontier.
Bhutan’s present travel status comes as no surprise given that this tiny kingdom, the size of Switzerland, was zealously sequestered from the world for centuries. The door to this mythical Buddhist kingdom was opened to limited tourism only three decades ago. Travel to Bhutan is still regulated through a policy of high value tourism.
At this time and age when tourism most often dictates national economics, travel to Bhutan is a refreshing experience. Here, a deeply ingrained sense of hospitality, a universally acknowledged ecosystem and a living culture ensures every traveler the best that any nation has on offer. Travel to Bhutan is really an exploration.
Explore a tradition and culture that has been preserved through the centuries. In Bhutan, it is not about seeing a display showcased for tourists but living and sharing an experience with the Bhutanese. From religious festivals to a celebration on a farm or a game of archery, become a part of it all. This is true interactive travel.
Bhutan Travelers is a product of the very evolution of tourism in the kingdom. From state-run tourism in the early years to privatization, Bhutan Travelers has always been there. Its strength lies in the deep understanding and insight of the nation and its people and the knowledge of clients acquired through years of experience.
Travel to Bhutan with Bhutan Travelers and we will accompany you through the most satisfying and memorable journey. We will unravel every myth and mystery and open the doors to untold adventures. Come and explore this bewitching land and leave knowing that you will return again, and again.
Bhutan Travelers packages are specially designed to suit the needs of every traveler. You can either travel to Bhutan as an individual or in large groups; we will be there every step of the way. Besides tours and treks, we also offer customized packages according to the wishes of the individual or group.
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Contact Us
Bhutan Travelers
Thimphu Bhutan
P.O. Box 1298
+975 2 328868 (phone)
+975 2 328869 (fax)
wladventures@druknet.bt (email) |
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Central Bhutan
TRONGSA (alt.2, 300m/7,600 feet) Trongsa is 129 kms 4 hours drive from Wangduephodrang. The mountain road passes through deciduous forests and at Pele La (3300m, 10,825ft.), the entire area is blanketed by high altitude dwarf bamboos. Driving continuously passing through the villages of nomads, you will arrive at Trongsa.
WHAT TO SEE IN TRONGSA
Chendebji Chorten: En route to Trongsa is Chendebji Chorten, patterned on Swayambhunath temple in Kathmandu. 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. This is also the lunch stop for the people traveling from west to central Bhutan.
Trongsa Dzong: Trongsa Dzong, which was built in 1648, is the biggest Dzong in Bhutan. It is the ancestral home of the royal family. Trongsa’s location in the geographic center of the kingdom has enabled the Governor in the past to effectively control the entire East and West of the country from there.
Ta Dzong: It is the watch tower which once guarded Trongsa Dzong from internal rebellion. It stands impressively above the Dzong and provide visitors additional insight into historical significance of Trongsa in the history of Bhutan.
Kinga Rabten Palace: 23 kms drive from Trongsa; this old winter Palace of 2nd King offers a good insight into the early days of Bhutan’s monarchy. |
BUMTHANG (alt. 2, 600m/8,530 feet- 4,500m/13,125 feet)
From Trongsa you will travel for two hours to Bumthang, which is often compared to Switzerland. After driving through continuously changing terrain from rhododendron forests to conifers and blue pine, we arrive at the first valley, Chumey (8,860ft.), a wide fertile valley where wheat, barley, potatoes and buckwheat are cultivated. Chumey Valley is also known for its famous wool weaving called “Yathra”, a unique textile in Bhutan. Continuing over Kiki La Pass we come to Choekhar Valley and Chamkhar Valley. To the east is the Tang and Ura Valley.
Bumthang consists of four valleys - Chumey, Choekhar, Tang and Ura Valleys. These fascinating valleys are the religious heartland of the nation and home to some of the oldest Buddhist temple and monasteries.
WHAT TO SEE IN BUMTHANG
Jambay Lhakhang: This monastery was built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The Jambay Lhakhang is host to one of the most spectacular fall festivals (Jambay Lhakhang Festival). One evening of the festival, the temple grounds are lit by a fire dance to bless infertile women and a usual naked-dance to augur good harvest.
Kurje Lhakhang: Located before Jambay Lhakhang, Kurje Lhakhang is built in 1652 on the rock face where Guru meditated in the 8th century and left his body imprint. The compound of the temples is surrounded by a 108 Chorten wall.
Tamshing Lhakhang: Located opposite Kurje Lhakhang on the other side of the river, this temple was founded in 1501 by the great treasure discoverer. The paintings here are one of the oldest in Bhutan.
Jakar Dzong: The Dzong which initially built as a monastery in 1549 is now used as administrative centre for Bumthang valley, and the regional monk body.
Tang Valley: Tang is the most remote valley in Bumthang, and this will make a nice enjoyable excursion. Visit the Ugyen Chholing Palace and explore the village. On the way back to town, you will see Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake), where some of Guru Rinpoche's treasures were found in the 15th century by the famous treasure discover Pema Lingpa.
Ura Village: 64 kms east of Bumthang is the Ura Valley (3100m-10,170 ft.), the highest valley in Bhutan). Ura Village is a unique village with cobbled streets that gives a medieval feel. The old women of Ura still wear sheepskin shawls on their back. |
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| Festival Schedule 2010 & 2011 |
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Punaka Festival
13-15 February 2011 |
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Chorten Kora Festival
18 February
& 4 March 2011 |
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Gomkora Festival
13-15 March 2011 |
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Chukha Tshechu Festival
17-19 March 2011 |
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Paro Festival
15-19 March 2011 |
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Ura Yakchoe Festival
14-17 May 2011 |
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Nimalung Tshechu Festival
8-10 July 2011 |
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Kurjey Tshechu Festival
10 July 2011
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Thimphu Drupchen
12 -16 September 2010 |
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Wangdi Tshechu Festival
15 - 17 September 2010 |
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Thimphu Festival
17 - 19 September 2010 |
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Tamshingphala Choepa
16 - 18 September 2010 |
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Tangbi Mani Festival
22 - 24 September 2010 |
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Jambay Lakhang Festival
22 - 26 October 2010 |
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Prakar Duchhoed Festival
23 - 25 October 2010 |
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Mongar Tshechu Festival
13 - 16 November 2010 |
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Pemagatshel Tshechu
13 - 16 November 2010 |
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Trashigang Tshechu
14 - 17 November 2010 |
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Nanglakhar Tshechu
21 - 23 November 2010 |
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Trongsa Tshechu Festival
15-17 December 2010 |
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Lhuntse Tshechu Festival
15-17 December 2010 |
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