Drachen Kultur Reise 2 - Thimpu Festival

Drachen Kultur Reise 2

Cultural Tour with Thimphu Festival. 2006/2007

Dates Festival

28.Sep-12Oct 2006 13 Sep -27Sep 2007 Thimphu festival dates 2-4oct. ‘06 Thimphu Festival dates 21-23Sep ‘07

There isn’t a better way to experience the rich culture and traditions of Bhutan without attending one of the Tsechus or Festivals that takes place every year in every district of Bhutan. A cultural tour witnessing one of the major festivals of Bhutan is a perfect way to tour Bhutan. The Festival at Thimphu begins on 2-4 Oct 2006 and 21-23 Sep 2007. Our Tour will take you though the various districts of Western and Central Bhutan along with attending the Thimphu festival. During the ‘tsechu’ locals come out in their best attire of silk and women display their jewelry and expensive silk ‘kiras’. This is also an occasion to meet family and friends have picnic lunch and Enjoy!

Day01. 28Sep. Thu. Arrival at Bhutan from Bangkok, Kathmandu, Kolkata or Bangkok.

The Druk air flight into Paro is an exciting one as you land into the Paro airport. There are great views of mostly all great Himalayan peaks including Everest. Upon arrival our representative will be there at the airport to receive. Check into your hotel, can be at leisure or start exploring Paro town. o/n Paro.

Day02. 29 Sep. Fri. Paro Sightseeing.

Visit the Paro Dzong and national muesuem. Visit the famous Taktsang monastery, this is a hike of about 2 hrs back and forth from the viewpoint. Later visit the ruined Drugyal Dzong and weather permitting you have perfect views of the holy Mt. Jomolhari.

Day03. 30Sep. Sat. Drive to Thimphu, Thimphu SS. 2hrs

Drive to Thimphu the capital city of Bhutan. This is a beautiful drive through the villages and rice fields of Paro, beautiful and colorful farmhouse complement the drive as you cruise along the Paro River amidst willow trees. On reaching Thimphu check into your Hotel and be at ease to explore the Thimphu city with its many curio stores. Visit the National memorial Chorten/Stupa which is the Memorial of the late His Majesty the 3rd King of Bhutan.

Day04. 01Oct. Sun. Thimphu sightseeing.

Visit Sangaygang or the BBS watchtower the highest point in Thimphu to get great views of the whole valley. Can see the Takin, the national animal of Bhutan, visit Zilukha nunnery, the painting school and the folk heritage muesuem.

Day05. 02Oct. Mon. At Thimphu festival.

Attend the festival at the Thimphu Dzong.

Day06. 03Oct. Tue. Thimphu Festival.

Attend the tsechu at the Dzong and can do sightseeing, visit the Tango and Cherry monastery further north of Thimphu.

Day07.04Oct. Wed. Attend festival and drive to Punakha.

Attend the last day of Thimphu festival, can witness the thongdrol ceremony, this is a huge Thanka which is beautiful, Thongdrol literally means Liberation by sight! Head for Punakha, visit the Chimey Lhakhang monastery enroute. You will be driving across Dochula pass at 3000m, there are great views of the eastern Himalayas weather permitting. The drive to Punakha is 3hrs from Thimphu.

Day08. 05Oct. Thu. Punakha SS and drive to Gangtey.

Visit the Punakha Dzong which is one of the most beautiful Dzongs. Punakha Dzong also serves as the winter capital for the Monk body. Bhutanese architecture and art is at its most lavish display here. Later drive to Phobjikha valley 3hrs, enroute visit Wangdue Dzong.

Day09.06 Oct. Fri. Gangtey to Trongsa.

Drive to Trongsa 3.3hrs. after visiting the Gangtey Monastery which is under massive construction as this Monastery is 450years old and the only Pelling sect Monastery in Bhutan. Drive through various villages of Mangdue, you might come across yak herder camps and yaks grazing at the Pelila pass.

Day09.07 Oct. Sat. Trongsa to Bumthang. 2.3hrs.

Visit the Trongsa Dzong, this is the largest Dzong in the country and of importance to the Royalty in Bhutan, as the first King’s father started his career from this Dzong. Drive across the Dochula pass to descend to the Chumey valley and then pass over another small pass, Kekila to enter the valley of Jakar. Bumthang valley is also known as the Switzerland of Bhutan given the similarity of landscape.

Day10. 08Oct. Sun. Bumthang SS.

Bumthang is a very broad valley and many sights to visit. Can start with the Jakar Dzong, the Kurgye Monastery and Jambay Lhakhang monastery which is one of the oldest monastery in Bhutan built in the 8th century. Visit the Swiss farm where they make great cheese, brandy and beer. Rest of the time is yours to explore the Chamkhar town.

Day11. 09 Oct. Mon. Bumthang to Punakha.

Drive back towards the west as we have now come to the central Bhutan. Complete sightseeing enroute. Be at leisure to walk around the pine forests and villages while at Punakha time permitting.

Day12. 10 Oct. Tue Punakha to Paro via Thimphu.

Visit Thimphu to complete last minute shopping and sightseeing.

Day13. 11Oct. Wed. Thimphu to Paro.

Drive to Paro complete sightseeing, can visit the Semtokha Dzong which is also the oldest Dzong in the country. Be at leisure, complete last minute sightseeing, shopping and special interests. Farewell dinner.

Day14.12 Oct. Thu. DEPARTURE.

Tour tariff:

Group size Price in USD per person

01 person 3150

02 person 3020

03 -10 person 2630 01 person 50% off on air and ground arrangements

10-15 person 2630 01 person gets 100% free on air and ground arrangements.

Single Room Supplement USD 455.

What is Included:

• A grade Hotel/Resort accommodation with 03 meal plan and evening tea.

• Mineral water on transfer.

• English Speaking Guide throughout.

• All transfers in comfortable vans or bus depending on group size.

• All entry fees, visa fees and permit arrangements.

Extras.

• International and domestic flights.

• Use of bar, drinks, telephone, laundry, internet.

• Personal shoppings etc.

• Tips and Gratuities to Guide, Driver.

Options:

While at Paro, there is the option to stay at some luxury Hotel like the Zhiwaling Hotel, if guests would like to stay there we can arrange for the same and an extra surcharge will be applicable based on room category and season.

Please note that above programme might have some changes due to flight timings, schedules etc which we always confirm prior to departure.

***********************************************************************