PARO TSHECHU FESTIVAL(23 MARCH 2014)

The Tsechus are Buddhist religious festivals where masked dances depicting the events from the life of Padmasambhava, the eighth century Nyingmapa Buddhist teacher, are staged. The dances are performed by trained monks wearing ornate costumes and impressive masks. At the Paro Festival, a large   and  beautifully  appliqued  'Thanka' scroll known as a Tongdrol is exhibited for a few hours, at day break of the final day of the festival,  enabling  the people  to  obtain  its blessing, as this  holy scroll 'confers liberation by the mere sight of it' (tongdrol in Bhutanese). Join our Paro Festival Tour to visit Bhutan during the Buddhist Festival at Paro valley. Besides the Paro valley and the festival this Paro Festival tour will also visit Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan and the Punakha and Wangdu valleys driving over the Dochu la pass.

Day 01 : Arrive at Paro
The flight to Paro offers good view of the mighty Himalayas. On the arrival at Paro international airport, your tour guide will receive you and escort you to the hotel. After a brief refreshment/ lunch in the hotel visit the National Museum located on a promontory overlooking the valley. The museum is a good introduction to the Bhutanese culture and history. In the evening explore the Paro village town. Overnight Hotel

Days 02 : Paro festival

After breakfast, walk to Paro Ringpung Dzong to witness the first day of the festival held inside the Dzong's courtyard. Lots of people from Paro valley will come to see the festival wearing the best dresses. The festival will last till 3 PM in the afternoon. In the late afternoon, visit the 7th century Kychu temple built by Songtsen Gambo, the first Tibetan Buddhist king to spread Buddhism across the Himalayas. Overnight Hotel.

Days 03 : Paro festival

After breakfast walk to the ground above the Dzong the witness the second day of the festival. Today, the festival will be held outside the dzong in the open air and you will get much better view of the festival from the slopes and you will get to interact more with the local people. The festival will last about 3 PM in the evening drive to Drukgyal Dzong to see the ruins of the Dzong. The Dzong though in ruins played a very important role in defending the valley from Tibetan invasion. Overnight Hotel.

Days 04 : Paro - Thimphu (63 KM, 3 hour drive)

After breakfast drive to Thimphu. The drive would take about 2 hours, on the way, visit the Simtokha Dzong built in 1629 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the unifier of Bhutan in the 17th century. Now the Dzong now houses a Buddhist College for the monks. On the arrival at Hotel in Thimphu check in the hotel and have lunch. After lunch, visit the Institute of Arts & Crafts where they train young students in the traditional arts. Visit the National Library where old manuscripts are preserved. Visit the Folk Heritage museum. In the late afternoon, drive to Viewpoint and enjoy the view of Thimphu city. On the way back visit the strange looking animal, Tarkin (national Animal) in the sanctuary. In the evening explore the Thimphu city. Overnight Hotel

Days 05 : Thimphu – sightseeing

After breakfast, visit the National Memorial Chorten built in memory of the late King in 1974 by Late Ashi Phuntsho Choden. Visit the Institute of Traditional Medicines, Textile Museum and Government Handicrafts store. Lunch in the town. After lunch, visit the traditional handmade paper factory and gold & silversmiths workshop. In the evening after office hours, visit the Tashicho Dzong. The Dzong houses the office of His Majesty the King and is the summer residence of His Holiness, the Je Kheno's (Lord Abbot) and the central monk body. In the evening, you can explore the various handicrafts stores in the town. Overnight Hotel.

Days 06 : Thimphu -Punakha (77 KM, 3 hour drive)

After breakfast drive to Punakha On the way at Dochula pass (3100 KM) visit the only 108 stupa built in one spot. If the sky is clear you can see the breathtaking view of the whole Eastern Himalayan Mountain Ranges. In Punakha visit the Punakha Dzong, which houses the Central Monk body in winter. In the late afternoon drive to Kabisa and take a short hike to Khamsung Yuelley Namgyal Stupa. The round trip hike would take about 2 hours. Overnight Hotel.

Days 07 : Punakha - Bumthang ( 208 KM, 8 hour drive)

After breakfast drive to Bumthang via Wangdi village town. While passing through Wangdi, you can also visit the Wnagdi Phodrang Dzong and continue driving to Bumthang. Have the pack lunch around the Pelela Pass (3300 Mts) or you have the option to continue to Chendebji Stupa. Chendebji Stupa is a massive stupa built in Sherpa style. After lunch, drive onto Bumthang via Trongsa. At Trongsa, stop to visit the Trongsa Dzong which is one of the most magnificent Dzongs in Bhutan with many old and holy temples inside the Dzong. Also visit the ancient WatchTower which has a temple dedicated to Ling Geyser (Alexandra the Great) and have your evening tea and continue to the Bumthang for the night.

Days 08 : Bumthang - sightseeing
After breakfast visit the Jampey Lhakhang temple ; visit the Kurjey lhakhang and also the new temple which is under construction near it, it has one of the best woodworks on the windows and joints. Drive to Thangbi Bridge and walk across the bridge to the Thangbi village and explore the village and the Thangbi Temple. In the evening, visit the Tamshing temple, Kharsumpey temple, Kenchosum temple, and the Jakar town.

Days 09 : Bumthang - Ura - Bumthang ( 54 KM, 2½ hour drive one way)

After breakfast, Visit the Jakar Dzong and the many temples inside the Dzong. Drive to Ura village which is 54 KM away. On the way, visit the Mebar Tso known as the " Flaming Lake" which is considered as one of the most sacred pilgrimage spots in Bhutan. In Ura visit the Ura Temple and explore the village and drive back to Bumthang for the night.

Days 10 : Bumthang - Gangtey ( 143 KM, 7 hour drive)
After breakfast visit the Jakar Dzong and drive to Gangtey. On the way, stop at Trongsa for lunch and continue to Gangtey. In Gangtey visit the Gangtey Gompa Dzong which is currently under renovation and you can see local carpenters and wood carvers at work. From Gangtey, you can closely view the picturesque Black Mountain ranges as well as the beautiful Phobjikha valley. Gangtey Gompa ( Gangtey monastery)-the only Nyingmapa (the older Buddhist sect) monastery is perched atop a small hill that rises from the valley floor. Overnight Phuntshocholing lodge.

Days 11 : Gangtey - Thimphu ( 148 KM, 6 hour drive)
Early in the morning try your luck with the rare Black Necked cranes and take a walk in the beautiful Phubjikha valley. Drive to Wangdi for lunch and to Dochula pass for the evening tea for one more try with the mountain view. Drive to Thimphu for the night. The total drive time would take about 6 hours. Overnight Hotel.

Days12 : Thimphu - Paro (63 KM, 2 hours drive)
After breakfast visit the few shopping places in Thimphu and drive to Paro. Overnight Hotel.

Service include:

·         Twin sharing accommodation in3 star hotel

·         Upgradation to 5 star hotel by your own expenses available

·         Camping equipment and haulage for trekki ng tours

·         All meals including breakfast, lunch and dinner.

·         English speaking guide

·         All entrabce fess ro museums and other attractions

·         Comfortable transportation

·         All applicable u=internal taxes and service fees

·         Royality

·         Visa fee

·         Transfer to and from airport

Service not included

·         Internation airefare (round trip)

·         Travel insurance

·         Single room supplement

·         Other expenses such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc

Peak season: march april may,  september, octumber  and november

·         . Solo travelers -250 person per night tour cost)+40US$(visa fee)+ 40 US$ person per night (FIT surcharges 40 US$)+(12 US$)bank charges

·         Group of two-Tour cost (250per person per night US$)+ visa fee  (40 US$)+FIT person per night (30*10=300 US$)+bank charges (12 US$)

·         Group of three -  US$ 250 per person per night + visa fee 40 US$+ No surcharges+12 bank charges

Off season January, fabuary.june, july, august, December

·         Solo travlers-200US$ per person, per night+40US$(visa fee)+ 40 US$ person per night (FIT surcharges 40 US$)+(12 US$)bank charges

·         Group of two-Tour cost (200 per person,  per night US$)+ visa fee  (40 US$)+FIT person per night (30*10=300 US$)+bank charges (12 US$)

·         Group of three -  US$ 200 per person per night + visa fee 40 US$+ No surcharges+12 bank charges

price and payment procedure

·         Visa is issued by royal government of Bhutan only after advance payment. Tour payment must be done four weeks before prior to you arrival in Bhutan

·         Once your trip is confirmed, we will send the instructions for making payment and after making payment we send your copy of your visa.

·         Above mentioned cost is all inclusive of tax, royalty, accommodation, foodings, transportation, service for driver and English speaking guide, water, and helper during the tour time.

·         Up gradation from 3 star hotels to 5 star hotels can be possible with an additional payment by your own. Please visit our hotel information.

·          Flight from Bangkok, Delhi, Katmandu and Calcutta can be arranged by us for you. Other than this you will have to arrange by your own.

Transportation

·         We also provide domestic flight if you  prefer for any kinds of group

·         Group between 5 to 8 w e provide mini bus

·         Group between 8 and above we provide coaster bus

·         Group below 5 we provide luxury car.

Price and payment procedure

Visa is issued by royal government of Bhutan only after advance payment. Tour payment must be done four weeks before prior to you arrival in Bhutan

Once your trip is confirmed, we will send the instructions for making payment and after making payment we send your copy of your visa.

Above mentioned cost is all inclusive of tax, royalty, accommodation, foodings, transportation, service for driver and English speaking guide, water, and helper during the tour time.

Up gradation from 3 star hotels to 5 star hotels can be possible with an additional payment by your own. Please visit our hotel information.

Flight from Bangkok, Delhi, Katmandu and Calcutta can be arranged by us for you. Other than this you will have to arrange by your own

Transportation

·         We also provide domestic flight if you  prefer for any kinds of group

·         Group between 5 to 8 w e provide mini bus

·         Group between 8 and above we provide coaster bus

·         Group below 5 we provide luxury car.

·         

Bumthang is located in eastern side of Bhutan. It is beautiful valley that has many oldest temples build in 7th century during the time of Tibetan king songshen Gampo. It is also known as heartland for religion, having glamorous plain high land surrounded by blue pines making the top most tourist destination in Bhutan. Despite Bumthang being the heart for religion, Bumthang serves as culture trekking due to the facts of providing an exceptional opportunity for contact with Bhutanese rural life. You can see many things in Bumthang including old temples, beautiful sceneries and burning lake where our great treasure founder discovered the first treasures from the lake called Maber Tso meaning burning lake. Since Bumthang provide good trekking routes for trekkers it is very good for trekkers to trek in the month of March to May and September to November. Outlander Adviser Travel helps you for trekking in Bumthang with great knowledge about trekking route in Bumthang. our itinerates may help you to know more about Bumthang.

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Day1: Arrive at paro

Up on your arrival in paro, you will be picked by our guide after your immigration and custom formalities are done. There after you will be driven to the hotel for a cup of tea.  If time permits then we will walk around the paro town. Night at paro

Day 2: paro

In the morning after breakfast we will visit paro Ta Dzong meaning watch tower which was built in 17th century to protect the Rinpung Dzong. Watch tower was lalter converted into National Museum in 1968; there you can able to see many antiques inside the national museum. Afternoon we will head to see, Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of Bhutan.

Day 03: Paro-Thimphu

After breakfast we will move to Thimphu, capital of Bhutan located at an altitude of 2300m from the sea level has fascinating sight seeing and view points. In our third day we will have entire day by spending seeing the splendor and beauty of Thimphu city, our first stop in Thimphu will be  at Sangay Gang where our television satellite and radio station is installed, after that will drift down to Motithang Mini zoo, here we can see our national animal Takin. It is an animal with the head of goat and the body of the cow created Tibetan saint by the name Drukpa Kuenley, popularly called by the epithet “The Divine Madman” 15th century. After Zoo we will move to Changangkha Lhakhang, then to Kuensel Phodrang where you seeing Lord Buddha 165ft tall statue and whole Thimphu city and valley beautifully. On the way back to city we will visit National memorial Chorten (stupa) built in memory of our late Third King Jigme Dorji WangchuK and visit   textile museum of Bhutan and to centenary farmer’s market where varieties of products are brought to sell. Night in Thimphu

Day 04: Thimphu-Trongsa

After breakfast we will move towards Trongsa through Dochula wangdue, if weather favors we can see the eastern Himalayan from Dochula. Continue on to Wangduephodrang town, which is also our lunch stop. Then proceed to Tongsa over Pele-la pass (3,300m), the traditional boundary between east and west. Overnight at the lodge in Tongsa

Day 05: Trongsa-Bumthang

Morning visit to striking Tongsa Dzong, ancestral abode of Bhutan's royal family. Then visit the Ta Dzong, built as a watchtower to guard Tongsa Dzong. Proceed to Bumthang and in the afternoon visit the 17th century Jakar Dzong and then Kurje monastery, built in the 17th century to mark the place where Guru Padma sambhava had meditated in the 8th century, leaving his body imprint on the rock. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang

Day 06: Bumthang-Ngang Lhakhang

The trek covers 14 km for 4 hours along Chamkhar River, taking us through forest of blue pine and scrub bamboo. We will pass by marry village and temples, on this relaxing and easy day. Campground at village

Day 07: Ngang Lhakhang-Ugyenchholing

Today’s trekking comes across juniper forest acceding towards Phephe-la pass above 3340 meters. From there, the pass descends to Tang valley and finally arriving at Ugyenchholing village. Campground at Ugyencholing near the village

Day 08: Ugyenchholing-Bumthang

In the morning we will walk to Ugyencholing Palace,a beautiful mansion which is house of a small eco-museum, then head to Bumthang Jakar through Tang river until we reach at main road. While we are moving to Jakar we will also visit Mebar Tsho (lake), where Terton Pema Lingpa had discovered religious treasures in the 15th century. It is considered as scared lake where people go and offer butter lamp during an auspicious day. Over night at hotel

Day 09: Bumthang – Punakha

Today in the morning we will visit Jambey Lhakhang, built in the 17th century by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo who is believed to be the incarnation of Avalokitesvara, the Bodhisattva.then Tamshing Lhakhang, then after lunch we will drive to punakha. Night at punakha hotel

Day 10: Punakha – Paro

Today we will drive to paro but before that will visit punakha Dzong, then Chimmi Lhakhang. After that we will move to paro and have lunch there at paro. Then after lunch we will do some shoppings and later in evening we will move to visit the paro town.Night at paro.

Day 11: Paro Depart

After break fast we will move to airport for flight

SPRING FRAGANCE TOUR (10NIGHTS/11 DAYS)

Day 01 Arrive Paro: Upon arrival in paro, clear custom and immigration. keep your copy of visa with you on the hand. Your visa has been paid for. Meet your guide and drive outside and you will be taken to your hotel. After having lunch you will start sight seeing includes Rinpung Dzong meaning "fortress of the heap of jewels". Built in mid 17th century, it now serves as the administrative and judicial seat of Paro district and residence for the 200 monks of Paro. It is also the venue for Paro festival held in the spring; Ta Dzong (national museum) At the top of the hill above Paro Dzong is an old watchtower that was renovated in 1968 to house the National museum. It was completed in 1656 and was originally the Ta Dzong (watchtower) of Paro Dzong and dungtse temple was constructed by the great bridge-builder Thangtong Gyelpo in 1433. It is said to have been built on the head of demons, which was causing illness to lineage.
Paro is one of the most beautiful valleys in the country and Bhutan’s only airport is located here, it is located among the terraced fields, and elegant farm houses. Willow trees line many of the roads, contrasting with bright colors of the fields and the most popular and important sites also found within Paro district. Paro town (2,280m) is still a small city with one main street and less then one hundred small family-ran shops. In the weekend there is a market in Paro. Over night: Hotel Paro
Day 02 Paro – Dochula via Thimphu (3050m/10,000ft):

Thimphu, capital of Bhutan located at an altitude of 2300m from the sea level has fascinating sight seeing and view points. In our fourth day we will have entire day by spending seeing the splendor and beauty of Thimphu city, our first stop in Thimphu will be at Sangay Gang where our television satellite and radio station is installed, after that will drift down to Motithang Mini zoo, here we can see our national animal Takin. Takin is an animal with the head of goat and the body of the cow created Tibetan saint by the name Drukpa Kunley  popularly called by the epithet “The Divine Madman” 15th century. After Zoo we will move to Changangkha Lhakhang, then to Kuensel Phodrand where you seeing Lord Buddha 165ft tall statue and whole Thimphu city and valley beautifully can be seen. On the way back to city we will visit National memorial chorten(stupa) built in memory of our late Third King Jigme Dorji WangchuK and visit   textile museum of Bhutan and Zulukha nunnery and view then to centenary farmer’s market where varieties of products are brought to sell. We will have lunch in Thimphu and after having lunch we will move to Dochula and on the way to Dochula we will visit Simtokha Dzong an oldest Dzong in Bhutan.NIGHT AT DOCHULA RESORT
Day 03 Dochu-la – punakha On the next day we will walk to the Dochu-la temple and walk around 108 Chortens built at Dochula – pass and we will explore the views of eastern Himalaya ranges if the weather is clear. Apart from this you will also explore the areas to see lots of species of rhododendrons, Magnolia and many other flowers also visit the National Botanical garden located about 30minutes drive from Dochu-la pass. We will have lunch at dochula resort and after lunch, slowly we will move to punakha crossing chimi lhankhang, this temple is built by drukpa kuenley in 15th century, by Lama Drukpa Kinley (the Divine Madman) who was a great Yoghi. He came to Bhutan to spread Dharma (Buddhist teaching). We will move to Punakha Dzong built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngwang Namgyel and also nowadays the winter residence of more than 400 monks for 6 months. It is one of the most beautiful Dzongs in Bhutan and served also as the ancient capital of Bhutan. In the evening you will have your dinner in the hotel and have free time to stroll around in Punakha.Overnight: punakha
Day 05 Punakha – Trongsa (2,200m/7,218ft):
After having breakfast will drive to trongsa which is approximately 142 km or 4hrs and 30 minutes drives from punakha to trongsa. Just reaching pele la, we will move to phojikha valley. Phojikha valley is Phobjikha is part of conservation area within black mountain national park. It is the winter home blacked necked crane. So we will visit Gangtey. It is name of monastery which was founded by pema thinly in 1613 who was reincarnation of pema ling pa (great treasure founder in 15th century).It is also one of the oldest and largest monasteries in western parts of Bhutan. Once the monastery being finished visiting we will move to Trongsa. On the way to Trongsa where you will see the Mountain Jomolhari, Mt.jeudrake and many other mountain here you will be descended through the villages of Rukubji, Chendeji, (here we make a small stop to visit the Chendeji Stupa which built was in the early 19th century by Lama Shida, to subdue the demons then finally we will reached to Trongsa.
Over night in Trongsa
Day 06 Trongsa – Bumthang/Jakar
As soon as we have breakfast we will visit Trongsa dzong and Ta Dzong or watch tower. It is above the town area is shaped like tower with wings. It contains a shrine dedicated to Gesar, the legendary epic warrior king, and another named after Jigme Namgyal, the father of the first king. Then we will drive to jakar which take 2& half hours through yontong la (3440 m) and drive to Chummey valley of 2700m. Then later for 45 minutes drive from chumey valley, we will pass the village of Zugney and parkar. Eventually we will cross kiki la pass of 2860 m from sea level to arrive in Jakar, Jakar is now administrative central for Bumthang district. Then lunch in your hotel in Bumthang. After lunch enjoy the cool breeze and beautiful sceneries of the valley. Night at Bumthang.Overnight: Hotel Bumthang
Day07:Bumthang
After breakfast we enjoy the view of bumthang and around jakar. Apart from these we will cover the important historical places in bumthang firstly we will visit Kurjey lhakhang. It is named after the sacred power place where Guru Rinpoche (8th century) left the imprint of his body (kurjey) on the solid rocks, which can be seen from inside the shrine even today then to Jambay Lhakhang. Jambay lhakhang is founded in 17 century by Tibetan king songtsen Gompo when he started building 108 lakhangs which paro kechu and jambay lakhang fall under the Bhutanese territories. Next we will move to Tamshing temple. It located opposite to kurji lakhang and founded by the great treasure founder pema ling pa in 1501. Later to Jakar Dzong, it is means the castle of white bird overlooking the chokor valley. It is built in 1667. After that we will move to burning lake where great treasure founder Pema ling pa discovered treasure from this lake with holy book and burning butter lamp. In the evening the dinner will be served in your Hotel. If the time permits you can visit the Wangdicholing Palace, the first palace for the Royal Family of Bhutan
Overnight: Hotel Bumthang
Day 08 Bumthang – Punakha (1,300m):
After break fast we will head to punakha from Bumthang. While we head back to punakha we will cross the passes including Kiki la pass, Yotong la pass and Pele la Pass. We will see Chendebji stupa is similar to the one at Boudhnath in Nepal. On the way we will have pass by the beautiful rural area and landscape, at the same time your will enjoy the breathtaking scene and views along the rout and you will take some photography. We will visit the Wangdiphodrang Dzong and the authentic small town. Dinner will be served in the Hotel. Wangdiphodrang Dzong: Wangdiphodrang town (1250m) lies 13kms south of Punakha town on a small ridge at the bank of Punakha Tsang Chu River, combination of Pho and Mo Chu Rivers. The Dzong was built in 1639, by Zhabdrung Ngwang Namgyal, who was the founder of Bhutan.

Finally we will hold the night at punakha.Overnight: Hotel Punakha
Day 09 Punakha – Paro 2,200m/7,218f:

After break first we will drive to paro passing Dochula and Simtokha Dzong which it is oldest Dzong built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1629. We will serve your lunch at Thimphu. After lunch continues drive to Paro. On the way will enjoy the scenes which we have missed out while we go at the fist time and the dinner at paro.Overnight: Hotel Paro.
Day 10 Paro – Sightseeing & hike to Tiger Nest

Next day we will hike to Taktshang monastery, it is located on the face of a 1.000m seemingly impossible sheer, vertical cliff, above Paro Valley. This takes little more then an hour. (Ponies are provided on request to ride up till this Cafeteria, but rest of way, including return downhill must be done on foot.) You can get a good view from the Cafeteria or hike further uphill for at least another hour to the temple itself. Within the vicinity there are several other temples and sites to be seen. Lunch is served at the tea house on the way back from the Taktsang Monastery. Back downhill, your driver will meet you and drive you to your Hotel. After this exciting experience you will be going back to the Hotel where your dinner will be served and you can enjoy your free evening time to stroll around Paro town.
Day 11 Paro – Exit
On the final day of our tour we will drive to paro air port by our driver and our guide to see you off at paro air port.