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.

·         

 

COMPLETE BHUTAN TOUR (13DAYS)

Day. 1 Arrival at paro: Upon your arrival at paro airport, you and your groups will be received by our tour representative and will be taken to hotel for a cup of tea.you will experience our country’s only museum (ancient watch tower) where country’s antiques are preserve there and will go to paro Rinpung  Dzong built by our nation founder Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1644.  It very beautiful valley we will let you enjoy the scene of beautiful valley, places and town of paro. We will rest one night.

Day2. Hike to Paro Taktshang (Tiger Nest)

In the second day you will walk to Paro Taktsang Monastery (Guru Rinpochoe Mediated in his manifestation of Dorji Drolo). Monastery will be found at edge of sharp cliff, route that last 2 hours to reach at destination is covered by marvelous forest and pine tress, some in middle you will encounter well maintained foot steps that connect to main entrance. Remember all my visitors, you will not be allowed to get inside the monastery by securities if are without long sleeves shirt. This is mandatory to wear by government law. Even Bhutanese citizens are not allowed to get in without form dress. Upon reaching there visitors will get pleasure from seeing view of paro valley. If time does not constraint, for the interest of our visitors we trek to Paro Drugyel Dzong(fortress) built by our great Drukpa religion founder Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1649 to mark the victory over Tibetan attackers and head to Kichu Lhakhang (temple), the oldest temple build in 7th century. Then our representative will lead to Thimphu for holding night.

DAY 3 Paro to Thimphu

After breakfast will move to visit Drukgyel Dzong (Victory fortress), this was built by Zhabdrung Ngwang Namgyel in 17 century and on the way back we will visit Kyichu Lhakhang: this temple is built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gompo in the 7th century when he build 108 temples, along with Jorkhang in Lhasa. Kechu is considered to be one of them and is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. After finishing the visit of temples in paro we will move to Thimphu which is about one hour drive and the modern capital of Bhutan. Since distance between paro and Thimphu is 65 km it takes one hours to reach along with Pachu river. On the way you will see Bhutan’s rural area and there will be a possibility to make picture of this beautiful landscape. Thimphu is Bhutan’s capital city and center of government, religion and commerce. About one hour drive east from Paro this unique city with its unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions will warmly welcome you. Home to civil servants, expatriates and monks, Thimphu maintains a strong national character in its architectural style. It was a wooded farming valley until 1961, when it became Bhutan’s official national capital. The massive Tashichoe Dzong, about 700 years old, was carefully revamped in the 1960s by the third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck to house the Royal and main government offices

Day: 04

Sight seeing in Thimphu

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 Kunley, 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 05:

Thimphu-Dochu- lamperi -wangdue- phobjikha

On the five nights we will move to Gangtey after having breakfast that distance 365 km from Thimphu. While we are on the way to Gangtey we will have Druk Wangyel Chorten which comprises 108 stupas, built to by Her Mother Azhi Dorji Wangmo to mark the victory of 2003 war fought against terrorists. We will also experience breathtaking view of Gasa Dzong from there. Slowly just 5 minutes drive from the Dochula, we will move to Lamperi to take photo of different kinds of plants and flowers.

Punakha Dzong, where our first king Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuk was  elected and enthroned as first king of Bhutan as well today punakha, is winter resident of our je khan po (religion head). Unlike any other Dzongs punakha Dzong is uniquely architect by chief architecture called “Palip “in 1637. Then also go to chimmi lhakhang. On the way to Gangtey will continuously take photographs and move as there are many glamorous views there until we reach to Gantey, there rest the night.

Day -6. Gantey

In the morning we will explore Phobjikha valley which is the valley for Black Neck Cranes in winter and later drive to Trongsa across Pele la pass (3,300m). pele la is the pass where it demarcate between west and central Bhutan. You will also route to the Chendbji Chorten, built in 18th century in Nepalese style. Slowly we will move to Trongsa.

Night at Trongsa

Day 07: Trongsa - Bumthang (Jakar) (68 km, 3 hours)

Morning visit to Trongsa Dzong, The landscape around Trongsa is impressive and Dzong seems to tease you so that you wonder if you will ever reach it, Situated at the alt. of 2,200m and built in 1647 by the Zhabdrung. Then nest we will move to Trongsa Ta dong or in other words it is a watch tower where in ancient time Ta Dzong is used by guard to looking after the Dzong’s security. Upon finishing visit to t Dzong we will have lunch at hotel. Then we will head to Bumthang, the most spectacular valleys in Bhutan and also the heartland of Buddhism. On our journey to Bumthang we will stop at Yutongla pass (3,400m) to scenery of Yutongla and other paranoiac view that over from the mountain top. The arrival of Bumthang begins with wide, open cultivated Chummey valley.

Night at Bumthang

Day 08: Bumthang

Bumthang is the place where Guru Rinpoche first visited in 746 AD and Bumthang is regarded as the cultural heartland of the kingdom, with its many temples, holy sites, languages and traditions. It is here that most kings, rulers or priests were buried or cremated. There are four valleys under Jakar Dzong and the altitude of Bumthang valley is 2.600m.
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 Lhakhang which paro Kechu and Jambay Lhakhang fall under the Bhutanese territories.  Next we will move to Tamshing temple. It located opposite to kurji Lhakhang 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 09: Bumthang - Mongar (198 km, 7 hours)

Our journey will continuous through the beautiful scene of Thrumshang la via Ura village in Bumthang. The mountain is 4000 meter high from sea level and the demarcation of eastern and western region. Gradually drop down to Sengor, watching cascading water falls on the way. The descent stops at 700m on a bridge over the Kuri chu. After that we will again climb up to monger town through pine forest, maize field and eastern hamlets to Mongar town. There we will go to Mongar Dzong to see the traditional architect of old Dzong

. Night at Mongar,

Day 10: Mongar – Trashigang (96 km, 3 hours)

After breakfast our journey will start by climbing up again to Kori la where you will find pretty Chorten and a stone wall. The first part of journey is through leafy forest filled with ferns. Then we will descend down to Yadi town where you will find the linear settlement there. It serves as public bus stop there. Again we will drive down along with chirr pine; there you will enjoy the road containing 11 turnings. We will follow the road till Tashiyangtse along the longest river in Bhutan called Gongri River that comes from Tawang. Arnuchualpraddesh india but before we head to Tashiyangtse we will head to Drameste monastery founded by Azhi Cheten Zangmo and is the most important monastery of eastern Bhutan. Our one of sacred mask dance called Drameste Nga cham is originated from this monastery. About 30km onwards lies Trashigang at l000m. Trashigang is the centre of the biggest and most populated district in the country. Visit Trashigang Dzong, standing at the extreme end of the spur, overhanging the Gamri River. It serves as the administrative seat for the district and part of the Dzong is occupied by the Drukpa monastic community.

Night at Trashigang

Day 11: Trashigang (expedition to Tashiyangtse)

Firstly we will move to Tashiyangtse after our breakfast to visit the Tashiyangtse Dzong and town that is situated at the altitude of 1850 meter and we will visit to thirteen art school there, then we will visit o Chorten kora, then later will move back to Trashigang and on the way back to Trashigang we will even visit the Gomphu kora through Doksum. Gom Kora is a famous place where Guru Rinpoche subdued a demon. If time permits we will also visit the Rangjung monastery, which is about 15 km from Trashigang town. Rangjung monastery is headed by our Dungsa Garub Rinpochoe. And it is located to along side of river Gamri. Evening return to Trashigang

Night at Trashigang

Day 12: Trashigang - Samdrup Jongkhar (180 km, 6 hours)

While moving to Samdrup Jongkhar from Trashigang, the journey takes about 6 hours. The road crosses through Sherubtse College, the only college in country founded in 1978. Mean time we will also visit Zangtho Pelri temple. It represents Guru Rinpoche's paradise. Then head to Khaling to visit the Blind School and Weaving Centre. Deothang, 80 kms from Khaling is the centre of Technical training college and road maintenance head quarters for the east. From here the road descends fairly rapidly to the plain through a dense tropical forest with an abundance of teak, bamboo and ferns.

Night at Samdrup Jongkhar

Day 13: Depart Samdrup Jongkhar

TASHI DELEK!

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.