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 treks and tours, we also offer customized packages according to the wishes of the individual or group.
Enjoy a festival unique to this ancient temple
18-31 October 2007
TRIP LENGTH: 14 Days / 13 Nights
COST: 1 person US $2860, 2 persons US $2730 each, 3 more US $2340
COST INCLUDES: Government royalty, all meals, tea and snacks, accommodations, transport, entrance fees, guide service, mineral water, and sightseeing.
Cost does not include: Druk Air fares, visa fee, airport tax, drinks and other personal bills.
Trip facts Jambay Lhakhang is one of 108 Buddhist temples built in the 8th century by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo. Revered as one of the oldest landmarks of the arrival of Buddhism in Bhutan , this temple holds a unique Tshechu or festival. The highlight of this festival is a naked dance that is done to purify sins and augur a good harvest.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1, 18 Oct: Arrive in Paro
During the flight, on a clear day, you can see breathtaking views of the Himalaya Mountains , including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan . On arrival you will be greeted by the representative of Bhutan Travelers and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon you can stroll freely in the town. Overnight at hotel in Paro.
Day 2, 19 Oct: Paro Excursion to Taktsang
After breakfast, excursion to Taktsang or the "tiger's nest" monastery perched precariously on the cliff 900m above the floor of the Paro valley. It is the most famous monastery in Bhutan . It is said that Guru Rinpoche, the great Indian saint, have flown to the site of the monastery on the back of a tigress and meditated here for three months. Lunch would be served in the Cafeteria restaurant on the way. Overnight at hotel in Paro.
Day 3, 20 Oct: Paro - Thimphu
After breakfast visit Paro Rinpung Dzong which now houses monastic bodies and center of civil administration. Visit the Museum, which has wide assortments of Statues, thangkas (scroll paintings), weapons, textiles and remains of animals. Then visit Kichu Monastery an 8 th century old Monastery built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo to spread Buddhism. Drive to for 14 kilometers to visit Drukgyal Dzong, which was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to celebrate his victory over Tibetans in 17 th century. After lunch in the hotel, drive to Thimphu , the capital of Bhutan . Check into the hotel. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu .
Day 4, 21 Oct: Thimphu
After breakfast you will visit the King's Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), Changgangkha Monastery, the radio tower (for a great view of Thimphu Valley and the Thimphu Dzong), and the zoo, which contains the national animal of Bhutan: the takin. From there you will visit the nunnery temple, the National Library (which houses ancient manuscripts), and the School of Arts and Crafts (also known as the painting school). After a relaxing lunch, you will visit the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, a traditional paper factory and the majestic Tashichhodzong. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.
Day 5, 22 Oct: Thimphu - Wangdiphodrang, with afternoon excursion to Punakha
After breakfast you will drive to Wangdiphodrang, with a stop en route for tea at Dochu La (3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Himalayas. After lunch you will drive to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan , and visit Punakha Dzong, which is noteworthy both for being one of the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan and also for having been built by the first Shabdrung in 1637. On the way back from Punakha, you will stop at Metshina Village and take a 20-minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lakhang, which is a fertility temple, where you may receive a special fertility blessing if you wish. Overnight hotel in Wangdiphodrang.
Day 6, 23 Oct: Wangdiphodrang - Trongsa, with excursion to Gangtey
You will begin the day by driving to Gangtey. You'll pass through dense forests of oak trees and rhododendrons and arrive at Gangtey village, where you'll visit Gangtey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan . From Gangtey, you can see the picturesque Black Mountain range as well as Phobjikha Valley , the winter habitat of the black-necked cranes. From there you'll head to Trongsa, the ancestral home of the royal family. The route is along a spectacular winding road, crossing 3,300-meter-high Pele La, and at certain times of year it's possible to see yaks. You can browse through the Trongsa shops and town in the afternoon. Overnight hotel in Trongsa.
Day 7, 24 Oct: Trongsa - Bumthang
In the morning you'll visit Trongsa Dzong, the masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture, and you'll also see Ta Dzong, the watchtower built to defend this Dzong. After lunch, you'll proceed to Bumthang, the religious heartland of the nation, with lush valleys and hilly forests. Along the way you will stop at a yathra (textile weaving) factory, where the yathras are designed with patterns unique to Bumthang, and you can even watch some of the weavers at their looms. The afternoon will be spent sightseeing in the area, including Jakar Dzong, the administrative center of the valley; Jambay Lhakhang, one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan, dating from the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan; and Kurjey Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places, because Guru Rinpoche left his body imprint on the cave when he was meditating. You can spend the evening strolling through Bumthang town. Overnight hotel in Bumthang.
Day 8, 25 Oct: Bumthang
Attend full day festival.
Day 9, 26 Oct: Bumthang
Day excursion to Ura Valley . The road to Ura Valley is off the main road, and this enjoyable excursion will provide a nice view of the Jakar Dzong. You'll make a stop in Ura village for lunch and will have a chance to visit the main temple and explore the village. Ura Village has a medieval look to it because of the cobblestone streets, and the typical clothing of the women includes a sheepskin shawl. On the way back to town, you will be taken to Mebar Tsho ( Burning Lake ), where some of Guru Rinpoche's treasures were found in the 15th century by the famous treasure discover Pema Lingpa. It's a good place to meditate. You will also have a chance to tour Tamshing Lhakhang, a treasure house of interesting religious Buddhist paintings. In the evening you can visit local shops. Overnight in Bumthang.
Day 10, 27 Oct: Bumthang - Wangdiphodrang
You'll begin the day at the Bumthang market, and then drive to Wangdiphodrang, where you can stroll through the town and visit the shops. The nearby villages are known for their slate and stone carvings and bamboo work. Overnight hotel in Wangdiphodrang.
Day 11, 28 Oct: Wangdiphodrang - Thimphu
In the morning you will drive back to Thimphu . After lunch, you will tour the Textile Museum and the Folk Heritage Museum , and you can explore the interesting handicraft shops. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.
Day 12, 29 Oct: Thimphu
In the morning you can hike to Tango Monastery, which was built by the "Divine Madman" in the 15th century. It's a center of study for monks, and it affords a great view of the Thimphu Valley . On the grounds of the monastery is a "sin-testing" tunnel--it is said that if you have sinned, you will get stuck in the tunnel, and if you are without sin, you will go through with ease! After lunch, you can hike to Cheri Monastery, which was built in 1620 and housed the first monk body. The Shabdrung's father's ashes are contained inside the monastery. Overnight hotel in Thimphu .
Day 13, 30 Oct: Thimphu - Paro
You will visit the weekend, you can stroll through the market to see the variety of food of the country, including basket upon basket of fiery chilies, fresh cheese, and mangoes. In addition, many stalls contain Bhutanese handicrafts and household items. It's fun to wander the aisles, taking in the bustling atmosphere of the market. In the afternoon, you will drive to Paro. Check into the hotel. Overnight hotel in Paro.
Day 14, 31 Oct: Depart Paro
After early break fast drive to the airport for departure.
