Tuesday 21 November 2006 Fly to Paro

Druk Airlines Bangkok/Paro             
Air fare: USD 612 (inclusive of airport tax)
Altitude: 2250m
Average Temperature: figures in centigrade
Maximum    13.9  Minimum     1.4
Paro is in Western Bhutan

Transfer for the flight by Druk Air, Bhutan's national airline, to Paro, the country's only airstrip. The flight often gives fantastic views of the Himalaya, including Everest, and particularly exciting is the section through the Bhutanese foothills and the thrilling landing. You will be met on arrival by NAT Representative, your Bhutanese guide and then transferred to your hotel.  Sight seeing and in initial wonder through the small town of Paro after Lunch.

Wednesday 22 November 2006: Trek to view Taksang
Walking distance   :      approximately 2-3 hrs

Follow an ancient path marked by river powered prayer wheels to the site of the famous Tiger's nest, the Taksang Monastery, tragically wrecked in a fire early in 1998.  It was said to be where the legendary Indian saint, Guru Padma Sambhava, flew from Tibet on the back of a tiger to defeat five demons, who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan.  After Lunch visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum of the Kingdom. Originally built as Watch Tower since 1967 it is the National Museum of the country and holding fascinating collection of art, artifacts, thangkha paintings and Bhutan's exquisite postage stamps. Then walk down the trail to visit the massive Rinpung Dzong, a hub for spiritual life and community events, which has a long and fascinating history. There will also be a chance to wander around the small township of Paro.  Overnight Hotel Olathang

Thursday 23 November 2006: Paro – Thimphu

Mode of Transport :      Coaster Bus
Driving Distance    :      65 kms
Driving Time        :      1.5 hrs
Altitude            :      2350m
Average Temperature: figures in centigrade
Maximum    17.9         Minimum     5.0
Thimphu is in Western Bhutan

After Breakfast drive to Thimphu the capital of Bhutan.  Visit Thimphu Tashichhodzong to observe performers at the very popular Thimphu Drupchen. Today Bhutanese from many different areas will gather to pay respect and to be blessed at this social gathering.  Bhutanese dressed in their finest clothes and jewelry attends this celebration of purification and religious blessings. Here we can truly appreciate the essence of Bhutanese people and a preserved steadfast culture. Arrays of colorful brocades whirl through the air as the dancers spin and dance the "Thunderbolt Step" at the Drupchen performed.  It is a rare privilege to be in attendance; enjoy!

Friday 24 November 2006: Sightseeing in the Thimphu Valley

After breakfast visit the Thimphu Weekly Market.  From nomadic farmers that come into the city to trade supplies, to Bhutanese businessmen, to ever-present monks, there will always be a colorful gathering passing by.  Sightseeing includes visits to the late king's memorial chorten, the Textile Museum, the Heritage Museum, the silversmiths and pottery workshops and possibly the National Library. There will also be plenty of time to continue exploring the streets and emporiums. Overnight Hotel Druk.

Saturday 25 November 2006: Thimphu to Trongsa

Mode of Transport :      Coaster Bus
Driving Distance    :      200 kms
Driving Time        :      6-7 hrs
Altitude            :      2200m
Average Temperature: figures in centigrade
Maximum    19.8  Minimum     6.4
Trongsa is in Central Bhutan

Journey today from Thimphu to the Centre of Bhutan, Trongsa En route view the massive Wangdi Dzong atop a high ridge between the Puna Chhu and Dang Chhu.   Carry on the drive through beautiful forests of rhododendron and fields of dwarf bamboo breathtaking scenery of the landscape, green meadows, gushing waterfalls and constantly changing vegetation to Trongsa.  Arrival late afternoon in Trongsa. Here we halt for the night at a local Bhutanese hotel.

Sunday 26 November 2006:  Trongsa to Bumthang

Mode of Transport :      Coaster Bus
Driving Distance    :      68 kms
Driving Time        :      3 hrs
Altitude            :      2800m
Average Temperature: figures in centigrade
Maximum    16.1         Minimum     -0.5
Bumthang is in Central Bhutan

After breakfast, we will have some time to explore the shops at Trongsa after which we will walk up the small hill to visit Ta Dzong, the watchtower which overlooks Tongsa Dzong. The main temple in Ta Dzong is dedicated to Ling Gesar, the warrior whose mission was to vanquish the forces threatening the Buddhist teachings.  Built in 1644, Trongsa Dzong is the most impressive dzong in Bhutan with magnificent traditional Bhutanese architecture.  The ancestral home of Bhutan's Royal family, the hilly landscapes surrounding the dzong and wooden slatted houses overlooking the town of Tongsa are spectacular.

After lunch, drive for approximately four hours to Jakar, the center of the Bumthang valley.  From Tongsa the road climbs quickly to Yuto-la pass (3400m), the scenery changes to fir-covered slopes, reminiscent of the Swiss Alps. We then enter the wide chummy valley of Bumthang, which is famous for woolen cloth weaving known as Yathra. The women weavers make Yathra on pedal-driven looms, following an ancient tradition. Everything is done by hand, from dyeing the skins through the actual weaving. The Yathra is used to make blankets, cushion covers, jackets and others garments. We will visit few centers of Yathra weaving.  Arrive at Jakar by late afternoon.  Settle into Jakar Village Lodge.

Monday 27 November 2006: Trek to Ngang Lhakhang

Bumthang - Ngang Lhakhang - Walking time about 6 hours.
The trek begins today. Trek route follows the Chamkhar Chhu, through many villages to Ngang yul (Swan Land).  Climb for about 100m above the valley to Ngang Lhakhang (Swan Temple).  Camp at Ngang yul OR at a farm house for the night.

Tuesday 28 November 2006:  Ngang Tshechu

Partake of the Ngang Tshechu.  Mask dances in honor of popularly known saint “Guru Rimpoche” the precious teacher is performed at the festival.   The dances are performed by monks as well as by laymen.  It is also a yearly social gathering where the people come to rejoice together, dressed in all their finery. Bhutanese dressed in their finest clothes and jewelry attends this celebration of purification and religious blessings. Here we can truly appreciate the essence of Bhutanese people and a preserved steadfast culture. Arrays of colorful brocades whirl through the air as the dancers spin and dance the "Thunderbolt Step" at the Drupchen performed.  It is a rare privilege to be in attendance; enjoy!

Wednesday 29 November 2006: Ngang to Ugyenchholing

Ngang Lhakhang - Ugyenchholing - Walking time 7-8 hours
The trail ascends gradually towards the Phephe la pass, walking through forests of juniper, until you arrive at the pass at an altitude of 3,340 m.  The path after the pass descends to Tang valley, finally arriving at Ugyenchholing village.  Night halt at Campsite.

Thursday 30 November 2006: Ugyenchholing to Jakar

Ugyenchholing - Jakar, Bumthang
Morning walk up to the Ugyenchholing Dzong. Visit the Dzong and surrounding village. Drive to Jakar (Bumthang) following the Tang Chhu to the main road.
Overnight at Jakar Village lodge.

Friday 1 December:  Bumthang Cultural Tour

Bumthang is considered the most sacred and religious of all the valleys in Bhutan. The ancestral home of Buddhism in Bhutan, its wide central valley is the site of many important monasteries and temples that contain a wealth of valuable religious artifacts making it a place of pilgrimage for the devout Bhutanese people.

We will spend a full day in this marvelous valley -Bumthang. It was in this valley that Vajrayana Buddhist doctrine was introduced to Bhutan, when Guru Rimpoche, the second Buddha, visited the valley in 8th Century. Jam bay Lhakhang, the first Buddhist temple dedicated to the future Buddha, was built here in 7th Century, even before the arrival of Guru Rimpoche by the Tibetan King Songtsen Goempo.  A little further to the north we have Kurjey Lhakhang, a temple, built around the cave where Guru Rimpoche meditated and left the imprint of his body on a rock. Kurjey is one of the holiest places in Bhutan. Next to this temple, there are two new temples built in traditional style. Walking is certainly the most pleasant way to explore this magical valley, full of peace and beauty. Three to four hours of walk in the valley will take us past numerous chortens, Mani walls and prayer flags, all bearing witness to the importance of Buddhism.    Overnight at the Jakar Village Lodge.

Saturday 2 December 2006: Bumthang to Punakha

Mode of Transport :      Coaster Bus
Driving Distance    :      250 kms
Driving Time        :      7-8 hrs
Altitude            :      1350 m
Average Temperature: figures in centigrade
Maximum    22.3         Minimum     13.0
Punakha is in Western Bhutan

Today we journey from Bumthang in the Centre to the Punakha in the West of Bhutan.  Punakha was Bhutan’s winter capital of 300 years.  Overnight at Hotel Zangtopelri.

Sunday 3 December 2006: Punakha Valley Sight seeing

Visit the Punakha Dzong, the winter residence of the Central Monk Body.  The Punakha Dzong 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.  Hike up to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten Perched high on a hill on the opposite side of the river.  The Chorten which took eight years to build was consecrated during a three day ceremony in December 1999.  The three level chorten is topped by a dome and a stack of 12 circular rings, then an umbrella, the sun, moon and finally a jeweled pinnacle.
Overnight at Hotel Zando Pelri.

Monday 4 December 2006: Punakha to Paro

Mode of Transport :      Coaster Bus
Driving Distance    :      136 kms
Driving Time        :      4 hrs

1 and half hours drive to Dochula pass (10000 ft), through magnificent forest of rhododendron and magnolia. From the pass view the most majestic Eastern Himalayan peaks.   Lunch will be served at Dochula.  Continue to Paro, 2 and half hours drive via the confluence where Pa Chhu meets the Thimphu Chhu.  Overnight at hotel Olathang, Paro.

Tuesday 5 December:  Paro to Bangkok        

TRIP INFORMATION

ACCOMMODATION
Comfortable hotels and hospitable Hotel Staff
Thimphu: Hotel Druk (2 nights) Paro: Hotel Olathang (3 nights
Punakha: Hotel Zangtopelri (2 nights)
Yangkhil Hotel: Trongsa (1 night)
Jakar Village lodge: Bumthang (3 nights)
3 nights at camp or farm house during the Nalakhar Tshechu

DATES
21 November to 5 December 2006

PRICES---
Trip Price:-USD 2310
Double room for single occupancy supplement: USD 22590
Tourism Development Fund USD 20 per stay

FLIGHTS
Druk Airlines    Bangkok/Paro/Bangkok

MEALS- 
Meals will be taken in the hotels with picnics or meals in local restaurants at lunch times
The main staples of the Bhutanese diet are rice and chilies, served with a variety of fresh vegetables.  Meat, fish and poultry are also served. If there is anything that you would prefer please just ask.

FACTS AND FIGURES
15 Day Trip Bangkok/Bangkok

TERRIAN
Shortest/Longest day's walk: 3/7 hrs------Farm Tracks, paths through fields and high

Climate: November-December the most peaceful and rewarding time to visit Bhutan, with a clear blue sky, brisk breeze and bright sunshine to keep the days warm.