| High Light
Visiting this un-spoilt kingdom in the heart of the Himalayas is like stepping back in time to experience a pristine environment, stunning views, a fascinating, deeply traditional culture and friendly hospitable people. We travel from the Bhutanese foothills of the Himalayas and visit ornate dzongs (or high-walled fortresses, which serve as the religious and administrative centre of the district) perched high above terraced paddy fields, and walk through magnificent forests of rhododendrons and magnolia, experiencing panoramic mountain views, visiting local villages and temples and experiencing the rituals of daily life in Bhutan; and discovering the country’s history and culture in the museums of the capital Thimphu. |
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Bhutan Folk Festival
Traditional Bhutanese sports, arts and culture, Musical performances, masked dances, archery, the ancient sports of Khuru and Degor, sacred ceremonies, rice and butter measurement competitions, traditional meals and customs. The event offers visitors a chance to experience and discover the living tradition and cultural heritage of Bhutan, the last Himalayan Buddhist kingdom.
- Trip Itinerary
- Accommodation
- Trip Facts
Day 1- Fly to Paro
Wednesday December 10, 2008
KB 121
Departure Bangkok: 06:50 am
Arrival Paro: 10:20 am
Arrive Paro: Altitude: 2250m
Paro is in Western Bhutan
Arrival, check-in at Uma Paro
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. NAT staff will welcome you at the airport for the transfer to the Hotel.
After Lunch: Day walk Zuri Dzong, Rinpung Dzong, Ta Dzong, Paro Town & Kyichu Lhakhang
Duration: 5 - 6 hours (depending on time spent in National Museum and Paro)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Wind through pine forests high above Uma Paro to the pretty grounds of the tall fort-temple of Zuri Dzong built in 1352. Zuri is six storeys high, its massive walls tapering outwards and dotted with narrow slits, through which soldiers could shoot arrows and fire cannon. Strategically located to defend Rinpung Dzong and with a sheer drop on either side. Stone steps lead to the fort-temple’s giant doors, made of massive curved logs of wood. From the beautiful temple on the fourth floor there is a panoramic view of the Paro Valley. The serene chapel on the third floor is dedicated to Guru Rimpoche, while the topmost floor, right under the roof, was used for storage and for throwing stone cannonballs down on attackers. A row of cypress, believed to be around 400 years old, stand like sentinels in front of Zuri, adding to the evocative atmosphere of the place. Traverse across to Ta Dzong, housing Bhutan’s National Museum with magnificent views over the Paro valley. 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.
Afterwards, descend upon Rinpung (Paro) Dzong also known as “Fortress on a Heap of Jewels”. The footpath then leads across Paro Chhu (river) via a traditional covered bridge (Nyamai Zam) and then past the main archery ground at Ugyen Pelri Palace and into Paro town. A few kilometers north of Paro, we pay our respects at Kyichu Lhakhang one of the oldest temples in Bhutan with its mystical orange tree which bears fruit all year round. Kyichu Lhakhang composed of twin temples 1) the ancient temple and 2) the recent temple. The ancient temple is deeply respected for its antiquity and holds one of Bhutan’s holiest statues of the Jowo, Buddha as a prince at the age of eight, which is alike to the one in the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa. The recent temple was built in 1968 and is dedicated to Guru Rimpoche.
Accommodation: Hotel Uma
Thursday 11 December 2008
Day 2- Paro Highlight: Trek to view Taktsang
Walking distance : approximately 4-5 hrs
Difficulty: Moderate-Strenuous
Visiting Taksang in 1905, Sir John Claude White, The British Political Officer in Sikkim, wrote: “it was unquestionably the most picturesque group of buildings I had seen. Every natural feature in the landscape had been taken advantage of, and beautiful old trees…combined with the sheer precipices, made a magnificent picture.”
Taksang is one of the most respected places of pilgrimage in the Himalayan world. For people unaccustomed to the altitude it takes about three hours at an average walking speed to reach the temple. Follow an ancient path marked by river powered prayer wheels; the climb begins, up through a forest of oak and rhododendron to the Taksang tea house, a log cabin. The view over the Lhakhangs from this tea house is extraordinary, and the effort of climbing up to it is amply rewarded. The Taksang Monastery, tragically wrecked in a fire early in 1998, rebuilt, it is perched some 2950m up on a cliff overlooking the valley. The buildings cling to the black rock, overhanging the valley below by some 800m. 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. Lunch will be served at the view point cafeteria.
We retrace our steps for the descent. Back at the base of this rewarding pilgrimage, we board the car and drive further up the valley to Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1644 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to control the northern route to Tibet. The drive is picturesque, and the site of ancient, now ruined dzong is magnificent. From here, it is only a two-day hike to the border with Tibet, dominated by the sacred Mt Jhomolhari.
Accommodation: Hotel Uma
Friday 12 December 2008
Day 3 – Shuttle to Punakha
Driving Distance : 135 kms
Driving Time : 4hrs
Altitude : 1350 m
Punakha is in Western Bhutan
4 hours drive to Punakha via Dochula pass (3050m) through magnificent forest of rhododendron and magnolia. From the pass, weather allowing, you have panoramic view of the Eastern Himalayan peaks, among them Mt. Masagang (7158m) and our highest peak, Mt. Gangkar Puensum. Passing the magnificent group of 109 Chortens (stupas) at Dochula, the Druk Wangyel (or Great Victory) Chortens, the road curls its way down into the relative lowlands of the Punakha Valley. Before Thimphu was made the permanent capital of Bhutan, Punakha was the Winter Capital for 300 years because of its more temperate climate. The Je Khenpo (leader of Bhutan's religious order) and his council of monks still come to pass the winter months here.
Punakha Dzong, or Punthang Dechen Phodrang, was strategically built at the confluence, the river island between the mighty Phochu and Mochu Rivers in Punakha. While the rivers provided natural defense against invaders, it did not obstruct the view of the Dzong. The imposing structure, the biggest and the most magnificent of its kind at that particular point in time, was visible from all four sides. The construction of Punakha Dzong on the strategic location was completed in 1637 AD and it represented the supreme flowering Bhutanese art and architecture.
Accommodation: Hotel Meri Puensum
Saturday 13 December 2008
Day4- Folk Festival
- A traditional inaugural ceremony followed by conferring of Tashi Khadar (white scarf of goodwill and purity) to guests by the High Priest with Tashi Moenlam (Prayers for good luck).
- Traditional sport- Khuru (dart), Dego (stone flinging)
- Rice and Butter measurement competition using traditional Drey and Sang measuring scales
- Food festival including stalls offering a range of traditional cuisine from different areas of the Punakha district
- Demonstration: rituals in preparation for the Archery Tournament on the following day.
Accommodation: Hotel Meri Puensum
Sunday 14 December 2008
Day 5- Folk Festival
- Archery Tournament: Archery is Bhutan’s national sport, and every village has its own archery range. These high spirited events are accompanied by traditional songs, dances, jeers and near-primitive hows with each team having a noisy crowd of supports who, as well as encouraging their own side, try to put off the opposition. Using bamboo bows teams of archers shoot at targets only 30 centimeters in diameter from a distance of 120 meters.
- Tournament to begin with a traditional “Marchang” ceremony before guests and archers enjoy a round in an auspicious direction traditionally knows as “Drachhen Korni”.
- A demonstration of traditional bows, arrows & accessories
- An opportunity to purchase archery goods for souvenirs
- Lunch served by the family members of the two archery teams
- Traditional rice & maize grinding competition with wooden and stone grinders
- Prize awarding
- Songs and Dance
Accommodation: Hotel Meri Puensum
Monday 15 December 2008
Day 6- Folk Festival
Distance: 45km
- Blessings and prayers for well being, luck, good health and good fortune for all living beings
- Jabthrue & Kago with Mecham (fire dance) for protection from evil spirits
- Kanjur Lingkor: Punakha to Nobgang and back.
- Lunch served by local communities
- Traditional Games
- Awarding of prizes
- Tashi Khadar and Tashi Moenlam for peace and prosperity to visitors and local Bhutanese
- Tsang-mo (a kind of traditional banter)
- Folk songs and dance
- Tashi Lebey- the customary Bhutanese dance that concludes all celebrations.
Accommodation: Hotel Meri Puensum
Tuesday 16 December 2008
Day 7- Punakha to Thimphu
Driving Time : 305 hrs
Altitude : 2350m
Thimphu is in Western Bhutan
Approximately 3.5 hours drive via the Dochula pass to Thimphu, our capital city. Check in/drop by our hotel.
After lunch: a stroll around the small township of Thimphu.
Accommodation: Hotel Taj Tashi
Wednesday 17 December 2008
Day 8-Thimphu Highlights
From the hotel we walk to the Bhutan Post Office and the Bank for exchange of money etc. Continue to visit the Bhutan Heritage Museum. This wonderful museum, which officially opened in July of 2001, provides an opportunity to step inside a typical Bhutanese household and experience first hand the intimacy of daily life in Bhutan. It features utensils used in farming to those used in cooking, religious ritual and everyday life.
A visit to the new Textile Museum. Cultures around the world have developed ways of producing cloth, and Bhutan's textiles are unique for their diversity and sophistication. The Textile Museum explores this dynamic craft. The ground floor introduces the skills of spinning and coloring fibers, preparing a loom, and the everyday uses of textiles for such things as clothing, ceremony, blankets and other utilitarian functions. The upper floor illustrates the diversity of Bhutan's textile arts, and contains special exhibits featuring regional garments, as well as masterpieces produced by local weavers.
- The handmade paper factory
- Memorial Chorten
- Thimphu Zoo to view Takin
- The Archery grounds (where you might catch an archery match)
- The Indigenous Hospital (which dispenses traditional Tibetan medicine)
Accommodation: Hotel Taj Tashi
Thursday 18 December 2008
Day 9- Thimphu to Paro
More Time for Shopping in Thimphu until lunch.
Evening: Drive to Paro
Distance: 65 km
Drive Time: 1.5 hrs
Accommodation: Hotel Uma
Friday 19 December 2008
Day 10- Departure Bangkok
KB 128
Departure Paro: 12:30 am
Arrival Bangkok: 17:40 pm
TRIP FACTS
WALKING
Hours of walking, which may vary from person to person, means hours of actual walking and does not include stops for lunch, Sightseeing and rests.
Please make sure that your Footwear provides sufficient ankle support. If it is not possible to do a walk due to bad weather, an alternative will be organized. Any such decision is at the discretion of the Tour Leader.
CLIMATE
Winter has its own special moments. The days are full of sunshine and evenings can turn chilly. The winter landscape lays bare the majesty of the mountains and the sweeping Valleys.
CUISINE
Spicy chilies mixed with a cheese sauce called ema datse is the national dish of Bhutan. The main staples of the Bhutanese diet are rice (red or white) and chilies, served with a variety of fresh vegetables. Meat, fish and poultry are also served (often as stew). Bhutanese food tends to be spicy, since many dishes are made with chilies, but the spiciness can be reduced to your liking. Tibetan dishes such as momos and noodle dishes are also popular, and you will also find Indian, Continental, and Chinese foods.
WATER
Pure spring water, locally bottled from the high mountains is available at most shops. Imported bottled water from India is also widely available.
RESTAURANTS
Meals will be taken in the hotels with picnics or meals in local restaurants at lunchtimes. if there is anything else that you would prefer, you only have to ask.
SHOPPING
Brightly colored and patterned hand made textiles are a specialty of the region, often made into long flowing garments of silk or cotton called kira which is the national dress of women in Bhutan. Traditional jewels, baskets, paintings and woodcarvings are also popular. Thimpu is a good place to shop and has a large weekend market.
FACILITIES EN ROUTE
Banks: VISA, ATM, MasterCard etc does not exist in Bhutan. Only a few selected shops accept MasterCard/visa. Traveler’s cheques can be enchased at the banks in Thimphu, Paro and Punakha.
EQUIPMENT/EXTRA ITEMS
Bring all possible protections against the sun, including a hat and sunglasses, warm and waterproof clothes as the climate is changeable, walking shoes or boots, camera film, insect repellant, a torch and a capacious water bottle (possibly the collapsible sort).
LUGGAGE
The weight limit on Druk Air is 20kg for economy class and 30kg for business class. It’s possible to pay for excess baggage, but there is a chance that the luggage will have to be sent on the next flight. Also, there is not a great deal of cabin space; so carry-on luggage should be kept to a minimum.
HEALTH
For the most accurate up-to-date information we recommend that you visit your National Health Service. You can of course also consult your doctor. The altitude in Bhutan is higher than many people are used to. Though most visitors will have no problem adjusting, altitude sickness may be a problem for certain people.
VISAS
All visitors traveling to Bhutan are required to obtain a visa, except for Indian nationals holding a valid Indian passport. You cannot obtain a visa prior to arrival in Bhutan. Our ground handlers in Bhutan will complete the necessary documentation to ensure that you have visa clearance in order to board Druk Air. Please ensure you give us the following details:
1. Name as on passport
2. Date of birth
3. Place of birth
4. Date of passport issue
5. Date of passport expiry
6. Passport number
7. Place of issue of the passport
8. Permanent address
9. Occupation
10. Nationality
Be sure to give us your name and other information exactly as it appears on your passport, or Druk Air will not allow you to board the plane.
The cost of the visa is US$20 per person. You will pay this fee together with your trip payment. Your visa will then be issued and stamped in your passport on arrival at the Paro Airport. If you intend to travel via India, you will also need an Indian visa.
TRAVEL TO BHUTAN
The recommended destination airport for this trip is Paro. It is a good idea to check the destination on the luggage tag that is stuck onto the ticket at the check-in desk; this helps lessen the possibility of luggage going astray. The recommended check-in time is 2 hours. For those who have requested a vegetarian meal on the plane, it is a good idea to reconfirm this at the check-in. Please collect your luggage before proceeding through Customs. In the unlikely event of finding on arrival that your luggage has gone astray en route, please inform us as soon as possible.
MEETING AT THE AIRPORT
The meeting point is at the arrivals area of Paro airport. Our guide will receive you.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
BOOK LIST
Guides
Footprint Bhutan: Gyurme Dorji www.footprintbooks.com
“Great traveling companions, constantly entertaining and they know what they’re talking about.” –Michael Plain
Bhutan Handbook: (Footprint 2004)
Practical information about the main tourist
sights along with background information
about history and culture.
Bhutan: (Lonely Planet 2002)
Good practical information and detailed
section on trekking in Bhutan.
So Close to Heaven: Barbara Crosette (Random
House 1995)
Profile of Bhutan and other kingdoms of the
Himalayas.
Literature and Fiction
Dreams of the Peaceful Dragon: Journey into
Bhutan: Katie Hickman (Phoenix 2002)
Author’s travels into Bhutan and the remote
Eastern areas, usually closed off to foreigners.
Beyond the Sky and the Earth: A Journey into
Bhutan: Jamie Zeppa (Riverhead Books 2000)
Story of a Canadian who went to teach in
Bhutan and her experiences of the country.
Flora and Fauna
A Photographic Guide to the Bitrds of India
and the Indian Subcontinent: Bikram Grewal
(Princeton Uni Press 2003)
Comprehensive photographic guide covering
the birds found in Bhutan.
Field Guide to the Birds of Bhutan: Carol
Inskipp (Christopher Helm 2004)
Specialist guide to Bhutan covering all 555 species found there.
Bhutan
GENERAL INFORMATION
We are delighted that you are considering traveling with us to Bhutan and we very much look forward to welcoming you. You may well have questions to ask and we feel that you will enjoy your holiday even more if you are well prepared for the country you are visiting.
Time zone
Bhutan is six hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, and 11 hours ahead of US Eastern Time.
Language
The official language of Bhutan is Dzongkha, though many regions have retained their own dialects due to their isolation. English is the medium of instruction in Bhutan, and it is widely spoken by those who have received education.
Currency
The national currency is the ngultrum (nu), which is equivalent to the Indian rupee (which is also legal tender). The ngultrum is not convertible outside the country so remember to change any remaining currency before departure.
Voltage
Electricity supply is 230V 50Hz, though anything requiring 240V will work, with 2-round-pin plugs.
Banks
You cannot purchase ngultrums prior to arriving in Bhutan, but you can easily buy them at Paro airport, Bhutan National Bank, the Bank of Bhutan, and at major hotels in Thimphu and Paro, all of which accept traveler’s cheques, and US dollars.
Opening hours are generally Monday-Friday 10.00-15.00. There are no ATMs in Bhutan. When visiting smaller towns, you should bring ngultrums or rupees for your purchases, as it may not be possible to exchange currency. In general, credit cards are not accepted in Bhutan, apart from a few high-end tourist shops.
Telephone
International telephone facilities are available in major towns. The international country code for Bhutan is 975.
Cultural considerations
The Bhutanese tend to be modest, so you might want to avoid revealing clothing (such as short skirts and tank tops). You cannot wear shorts while visiting monasteries, temples, and dzongs, though they’re fine for trekking.
Breakfast
Breakfast will be provided in the hotels where we stay.
Smoking
Clients are asked to kindly refrain from smoking at meal times.
Airports
Druk Air is the only airline that serves Bhutan. You can enter Bhutan via Druk Air from India, Bangladesh and Thailand. The only airport in Bhutan is in Paro.
Transport
There are no domestic airlines or trains in Bhutan, and all travel is by road, which are Generally well maintained but travel can be slow along narrow winding mountain roads.
Preparing for your trip.
Insurance
We do not provide any form of insurance cover. However, it is a condition of booking that you have fully comprehensive insurance cover, including: l Cancellation/curtailment up to the cost of the holiday (preferably including flights) l Personal accident l Medical and other expenses l Hospital benefit l Travel delay l Missed departure l Personal belongings l Personal money and travellers cheques l Loss of passport l Personal liability l Legal expenses. Whatever the insurance policy you have taken out, please read the documentation carefully. Please ensure also that you take it with you on your trip and refer to it in the case of any claim or emergency arising.
Essential
- Passport
- Visa (if applicable)
- Flight ticket
- Travelers cheques and/or credit cards and some local currency
- Insurance document
FESTIVAL ETQUITTE
Festivals are religious events. The ground where they are held is purified and consecrated by lamas, so when you are watching a festival, you are in essence, on the perimeter of an outdoor religious ground. The conduct of the onlooker should be governed with this in mind. The Dancers transform themselves into deities which they represent on the dance ground. They generate a spiritual power, which cleanses, purifies, enlightens and blesses the spectators.
With this in mind, it should be clear that obtrusive, disrespectful or discourteous behavior is out of place. The dance ground is not a place to eat, drink or smoke, talk or laugh loudly at inappropriate times, flash cameras or intrude on the dance space. Common courtesy should rule one’s action when photographing dances or onlookers.
Festivals are not pageants or entertainment events. They are not held as tourist attractions. They are genuine manifestations of religious traditions thousands of years old which outsiders are given the privilege of witnessing. We would like to see that privilege retained, without in any way impairing or infringing on the beauty and sacredness of the ritual.
Please bear in mind the some past actions of unthinking visitors have caused shock and dismay to the local people. Any recurrence of such unfortunate events may lead to future restrictions on attendance at festivals. We hope that our tour members will always display courtesy, sensitivity and respect to the people of Bhutan who have welcomed them to attend these beautiful and sacred events, and will visibly demonstrate their respect by dressing as well as their circumstances permits on such occasions.
Tashi Delek!
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[Taktshang]
[Mask Dance]
[Rinpung Dzong]
"Paro"
[Harvesting]
[Trashichhodzong]
"Thimphu"
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