THIMPU TSHECHU FESTIVAL TOUR # 2

(09 – 24 October 2016) (Duration: 15 Nights / 16 Days)

Introduction Bhutan, a purely Buddhist Himalayan Kingdom is unsurpassed in its scenic majesty and vibrant culture. The kingdom shares with Nepal the world’s greatest concentration of Mountains and living heritage of Buddhism. The fifty minutes flight from Kathmandu to Paro can truly be described as a flight into fantasy. During the flight a firsthand close up view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga and many other famous Peaks become a reality. Bi-weekly flights between these two Kingdoms have made travel easier to the long isolated Dragon Kingdom of Bhutan. Tours to Bhutan are planned to commence on Mondays and Thursdays from Kathmandu. The tour cost is inclusive of all airport transfers, conducted sightseeing tours, full board at hotels and during treks on the twin-bed-sharing-basis. There are direct flights from Calcutta and Delhi bi-weekly and Bangkok weekly and tours/treks can be planned accordingly. Bhutan is one of the few countries in the world still untouched. A paradise for tourist interested in Buddhist culture and philosophy, flora and fauna, trekking and mountaineering. Due to the Royal Government's policy of controlled selective tourism, Bhutan has been receiving less than 5000 tourists annually. The festivals in Bhutan have a reputation for being raucous, joyous affairs, but they are holy spiritual events with attendees gaining merit for the next life. Tshechus dedicated to Guru Rimpoche are celebrated for several days between three and five according to the location. The highlight are the classical, religious – based dances and in some Tshechus the viewing of the Thongdrel (a huge and sacred thanka). In a few important Dzongs, two large festivals take place each year; a Dromche, which is dedicated to Yeshe Gompo or Palden Lhama, the two main protective deities of the Drukpas. The most popular of the Tshechus are held in Thimpu, Paro and Bumthang. They mark the busiest time of the year for the tourism industry. The Dzongs come to life with colour, music and dancing as valley dwellers and townsfolk dress in their finest clothes and join together to exorcise evil spirits and rejoice in a new harvest. Rare masked dances and other rituals are performed in dzong courtyards and temples. Most of the dances date back from before the Middle Ages and are only performed once or twice a year. Each dance has its own spiritual importance and can be performed by monks and lay village elders dressed in bright costumes. Certain festivals end with the unveiling and worship of a huge religious appliqués (large thankas) or throndrols which means “liberation on sight” and are embroidered rather than painted. The moment of the unveiling is shrouded in secrecy and creates great excitement among the participants. Tourists are allowed into the Dzongs to watch the festivals but are not allowed into the inner sanctuaries. Photography should always be discreet. It is generally allowed for photographs to be taken at Tshechus but prohibited at Dromchoes.

The following program is organized to allow visitors to experience Bhutan and participate in one of their most important festival – The Paro Tshechu. Briefed in the program are the festival schedule and sequences of dances at this Tshechu. Most dances are the same at other Tsechus, but the sequence varies.

Itinerary 2016 OPTION # 2 :

Day 01: Arrive Paro 09th OCT (Sunday:

Arrive Paro by Druk air BAE 146-100 series. Paro valley is one of the most populated areas of whole country. Because of its proximity to the airport, there are hotels and tourist facilities close to the airstrip. The valley of Paro contains a wealth of attractions and requires a few days to be properly explored. A flight with Druk - Air, the country 's only airline, over the young fold mountains is an exhilarating experience and many visitors bear a lasting impression of authenticity from the moment they board to the time they land amidst the paddy fields in Paro. The flight offers you beautiful view of mountains and landscapes. On arrival and after visa formalities met by representatives and transferred to the hotel. Late Afternoon / evening time at leisure.

Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel

Day 02: Paro - Thimpu 10th OCT (Monday):

After breakfast, Proceed through the beautiful valley to the watch tower or locally known as Ta-Dzong. It was converted into the National museum in the 1960s by the third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. The seven floor museum highlights various aspects of Bhutanese culture and history dating back to the 7th century. A short walk downhill takes one to the Rinpung Dzong which means “the fortress of the heap of jewels”. It was built in 1645 and serves as the administrative center and school for monks. Walk further down crossing the traditional bridge into Paro town. This Dzong has many important temples where one can meditate for hours.

After lunch, check out of the hotel and drive to Thimphu. The drive is a pleasant one mainly due to the luxurious Japanese transportation and a well maintained road through out Bhutan. Thimphu, perhaps the most unusual capital city in the world, is a bustling town on the banks of its own river and set gloriously in the hills of its own valley. A regal town, Thimphu is home to the revered Bhutanese Royal family and to several foreign missions and development projects. The capital city has a population of 45,000, five miles from the Thimphu stands the Simtokha Dzong on a lofty ridge and is the first Dzong built by the Shabdrung in 1629. The Tashichhodzong, the main Secretariat building which houses the throne room of His Majesty the king of Bhutan and it is the country administrative headquarter and houses of the legislative body, The National Assembly lies deep in the valley in all its grandeur.

Around the valley are several other interesting places. Dechenphodrang, a school for monks. The Thimphu Memorial Chorten, built in 1974 in the memory of late king Jingme Dorji Wangchuk, and the National library. Further up the valley lies the Pangri Zampa temple in Dehcencholing by the great grandfather of the Shabdrung and beyond Dechencholing to the end of the valley is the Tango and Cheri monastery.

Upon arrival at Thimphu, we check in to the hotel, where the guest will be welcomed with a drink and assigned to the rooms accordingly. PM: Free to relax or explore around the city. Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight at the Hotel

Day 03: Thimpu Tshechu Festival (11th October 2016) 11th OCT (Tuesday):

08.30 am : Festival starts 01.00 – 2.00 pm : LUNCH BREAK 02:00 pm till evening : Festival Afternoon session Note : The festival venue is the famous Tashichhodzong, the main secretariat building which houses the throne room of His Majesty the king of Bhutan and is the country’s administrative headquarters and houses the legislative body. The National Assembly lies deep in the valley in all its grandeur and a walk through the garden cobbled paths is a great experience.

In the evening return to the town to explore Thimpu town and browse around the bazaar for souveniers. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 04: Thimpu Tshechu Festival (12th October 2016) 12th OCT (Wednesday):

After an early breakfast, visit the Motithang mini zoo to see the rare "Takin" national animal of Bhutan. 08.30 am: Festival starts 01.00 – 2.00 pm: LUNCH BREAK 02.00 pm till evening: Festival Afternoon session

After the festival, drive to Dordenma sited amidst the ruins of Kuensel Phodrang, the palace of Sherab Wangchuck, the 13th Desi Druk, overlooking the southern approach to Thimphu. It is one of the largest Buddha stupas in the world, at a height of 169 feet (51.5 meters). You can also enjoy the view of the Thimphu city clearly from here. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 05: Thimpu Tshechu Festival (13th October 2016) 13th OCT (Thursday):

08.30 am: Festival starts 01.00 – 2.00 pm: LUNCH BREAK 02.00 pm till evening: Festival Afternoon session Later, visit the Memorial Chorten built in memory to the Third King of Bhutan, Jingme Dorji Wangchuk, The Chorten has three stories, in the ground floor, they have the Lhatso (different deities), on the first floor, it is dedicated to Dyukpa Kagyu and the third floor, it has the Gongdu, the main deity of Bhutan.Worth a visit are the Dechenphodrang Monastic School – Guru Rimpoche Lhakhang, National Library, Folk Heritage Museum, Institute of Traditional Medicines and the school of astrology at Parigzampa. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 06: Sightseeing in Thimpu (Hike to Tango and Cheri Monastery) 14th OCT (Friday):

After breakfast, drive for about 12 km north of Thimphu where the road ends at a parking lot. The trail to Tango Monastery is a climb of 280 m and takes about a little more than an hour to reach it. The walk is through beautiful forests and is an excellent place for bird watching. From the top, it commands good views of the valley. The Tango monastery is located at an altitude of 8500 meters and was built by Lama Gyalwa Lhanampa in the 12th Century and the present building was built in the 15th century by the Divine Madman, Lama Drukpa Kunley. History states that in 1616 The Shabdrung Nawang Namgyal visited Tango and meditated in a cave near the goenpa. His meditations helped ensure the defeat of the invading Tibetan army and the head lama, a descendent of Lakpa Drukpa Kunley presented the goenpa to him who carved the sandlewood statue of Chenrezig and installed in the monastery. The picturesque 3 storey tower and several surrounding buildings were built in the 18th century by the 8th Desi, Druk Rabgye. The golden roof was added by the Shandrung Jigme Chhogyel in the 19th Century. The Tango monastery as well as the Cheri monastery are the only 2 Buddhist monasteries that offer a Degree in the whole kingdom and are the highest centers of Buddhist education. Once there, one can interact with students of the university and view

the great architecture. Nearby are many small retreat centers where many monks meditate for 3 years or 12 years solitary meditation. Later walk down to the parking lot, which takes about 30 minutes. Enjoy a picnic lunch, then board the waiting vehicles for the drive to Thimpu.

Note : Total tour duration 6 hours (Walking 2 hours, drive 1hour and 20 minutes and sightseeing tour 2 hours, lunch break 40 minutes)

Dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight at the Peaceful Resort or Similar.

Day 07: Drive Thimpu- Trongsa 15rd OCT (Saturday):

After breakfast, set out to the Dochula pass located at 10,000 feet at the place of 108 Chortens. From here (weather permitting) there is spectacular view of the Himalayas. From here descend to the Lobesa valley and continue drive to the down to the valley town of Wangdiphodrang, whose Dzong is located on the ridgeline. However, the Dzong caught fire last year and is being restored. From the village square, the road gradually winds its way up towards the Pele La pass at 11, 152 ft, for views (weather permitting) of snow clad peaks including that of Bhutan’s most sacred mountain, Mt. Chomolhari. Here stop for tea / coffee and a packed lunch at Chedebji Chorten (stupa) patterned after Swayambhunath in Kathmandu.

After Lunch, drive 1 ½ hours to arrive at Trongsa and check into the hotel. PM: Walk to Trongsa town and visit the inner courtyard of the historical Trongsa Dzong. The Trongsa Dzong is a popular place and has the largest Dzong in Bhutan and certainly one of the most impressive ones too. It was from here that the present royal family emerged as the most powerful force at the beginning of this century. After the sightseeing tour, walk back to the hotel. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel

Day 08: Drive Trongsa to Bumthang 16th OCT (Sunday): After breakfast, walk through the Trongsa Bazaar and then climb for 20 minutes to the

fortress “Ta Dzong” which is also a museum housing many of Bhutan’s treasures and history.

PM: Drive to Bumthang for 3 hours across the Yotong La pass 11,234', then descend into Chumey valley, the first of four Bumthang valleys. In Chumey, visit Yathra Weaving centers (a Colorful wool weaving). Then drive onto the Jakar the center of Bumthang valleys. Bumthang valley is considered one of the most sacred in the kingdom and innumerable legends surround the area. It is here that the kings were cremated and the present royal families trace their ancestry back to a famous saint called Pemalingpa, who was also a smith in Jakar Township.

Overnight at the Swiss Home or Similar Day 09: Bumthang 17th OCT (Monday): In the morning, drive to Jamba Lhakhang; the 7th. Century Temple. Also visit the Jakar

Dzong (literally meaning castle of the white bird), located on picturesque place overlooking the Choskhor Valley. It was first built in 1667. Then visit Wangdichholing palace, built in 1857 on the site of the battle camp of the Penlop of Trongsa, Jigme Namgyal. It was the first palace that was not designed as a fortress. Wangdichholing was the early home of the third king, who moved the court to Punakha in 1952. Visit Kurjey Lhakhang temple, named after the body print of Guru Rinpoche, which is preserved in a cave inside the oldest of the three buildings that make up the temple complex.

The first temple is the oldest and was built in 1652 by Mingyur Tenpa, when he was Penlop of Trongsa. The second temple was built by Ugyen Wangchuk, the first king of Bhutan in 1900 when he was still Penlop of Trongsa. The third building in the complex is an elaborate three-storey lhakhang built by Ashi Kesang Wangchuk in 1984 under the guidance of Diglo Khyentse Rimpoche. Then walk across the suspension bridge to Tamshing and visit Tamshing Goemba monastery, established in 1501 by Pema Lingpa. It is the most important Nyingmapa

Goemba in the kingdom. Pema Lingpa built the structure himself with the help of Khandroms (female celestial beings) who made many of his statues. Also, worth visiting in Jakar is the cheese factory and the microbrewery. Dinner and overnight at the Swiss Home.

Day 10: Drive Bumthang to Phobjikha 18th OCT (Tuesday): From Bumthang, we ascend out of the valleys on a twisting mountain road towards the

Yotong La (11,200ft/3,370m). Near the pass is an area of wild cane/bamboos that is a well-known habitat for Red Panda. The road then descends to Trongsa and we continue to Chendebji Stupa our lunch stop. Cross the Pele La (11,000ft/3,353m) and then descend for few kilometers to the junction where it leads to the glacial valley of Phobjikha.

Leave the main trail highway to Thimpu and enter the Phobjikha valley and drive for another 20 minutes to the Hotel. Explore the fascinating glacier valley and return to the Hotel in the later part of the day.

PM: Walk in the Phobjika valley with the visit to Gangtey Gompa. Dzongkha generally known as Gangtey Gompa or Gangtey Monastery is an important

monastery of Nyingmapa school of Buddhism, the main seat of the Pema Lingpa tradition located in the Wangdue Phodrang District in central Bhutan. The Monastery, also known by the Gangten village that surrounds it, is in the Phobjika Valley where winter visitors – the Black-necked Cranes – visit central Bhutan to roost, circling the monastery three times on arrival and repeating this circling when returning to Tibet.

The Monastery's history traces to the early 17th century and back to the prophecies made by the well-known Terton (treasure finder) Pema Lingpa in the late 15th century. After the visit to Gangtey Monastery, return to the Hotel. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel

Day 11: Walk around Phobjika 19th OCT (Wednesday):

Note: Phobjikha valley offers a great opportunity to do some nice village hikes along the floor of the valley. This beautiful valley an altitude of 2800 meters has the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan and is also home to the rare Black Necked Cranes migrating from the Tibetan plateau to escape the harsh winter. Currently there are 200 to 300 cranes residing in this valley and the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) is taking every measure to ensure the safety of the Cranes. While the cranes reside in the winter valley for 4 to 5 months, the village folks are not allowed to make loud noises or fish in the river that runs through the valley. Dinner and Overnight at Dewachen Hotel

Day 12: Drive Phobjika to Punakha 20th OCT (Thursday):

After breakfast, drive 2 hours to Punakha crossing the Dochula pass at 3100 meters which is reached in about 2 ½ - 3 hours from Paro. On a clear day, the eastern Himalayan ranges including the highest mountain in Bhutan Mt. Gangar Punsum 7520 meters can be seen. The drive from the pass is downhill all the way, dropping to the lower and warmer valleys of Lobesa. Upon arrival, check into the Hotel Meri Phuensum. Lunch at the Hotel.

In the late afternoon, take a walk to explore Punakha town and hike up to the Fertility Temple. Later, return to the road-head and then board the waiting vehicle for the drive back to the Hotel.

Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel

Day 13: Hike around Punakha 21s OCT (Friday): Today, drive an hour to Kabisa take and then approx. 4 hours leisurely hike (app 3- 4km)

to Khamsung Yuelley Namgyal Stupa. From the view-point of the majestic temple, we can see the Mo - Chu (river) valley. This is a moderately easy hike through rice fields and picturesque untouched landscape. After descending from the temple, we will follow a well-worn path down the valley through rice fields and the small villages of Soneagasa and can interact with the locals. Later return to the Hotel for Lunch.

After lunch, visit the Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 and the winter residence of the monk body. This remarkable fortress is built between two rivers the Pho-chu (male) and the Mo- chu (female) and has survived many glacial floods and fire. The Punakha Dzong has been restored to its full glory after about 12 years of restoration work and is replete with detailed traditional carvings and colourful paintings in perfect condition. It also houses many sacred temples. Every year during the month of February a procession known as the Punakha Serda takes place to commemorate the victory over the Tibetans. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel

Day 14: Drive to Paro via Dochula Pass 22nd OCT (Saturday): After a leisurely breakfast, set out for Paro via the famous Dochula pass. Though a short

ride, the climatic variations within a short span from agricultural countryside to mountain landscape is quite interesting. From the Dochu La Pass (10,000 Ft) the views of the Himalayas are breathtaking (weather permitting).

It is worth spending time at the Dochula Pass for a much deserved lunch break amidst scenic mountain scenery and also to walk around and explore the108 Chortens that mark the pass.

After lunch, descend to Paro by way of Thimpu and check into the Hotel. Rest of the day is FREE.

Dinner and overnight at the Hotel.

Day 15: Paro – Day Hike to Taksang 23rd OCT (Sunday):

Day hike to Taktsang monastery. Horses can be arranged with an extra US $ 5/- The hike which is all the way uphill takes about 3 - 4 hours through villages and pine forests. The monastery which clings to a huge granite cliff 800 meters from the Paro valley was devastated by fire in 1998 but the Royal Government has taken immediate steps to restore the monastery to its original structure. It is believed that the great saint Padmasambhava came in the 7th century on a flying tigress and meditated in a cave for 3 months. The demons were subdued who were trying to stop the spread of Buddhism and converted the Paro valley into Buddhism. During the end of the 17 century a monastery was built on the spot where the saint meditated and it is a pilgrimage site for every Bhutanese to visit once in their life time.

Note : Though most of the trail is wide and well traversed, the final descent and then the ascent to the Monastery is actually quite difficult. One must be aware and tread careful on the steep stairs that descends and ascends to the Monastery. To assist trekkers and for the safety of the pilgrims, railings are installed on the steeper sections. For those not wanting to do the trip on the steeper sections that leads to the Monastery, they can stay at the restaurant which offers great view of the Monastery and then later descend to the valley floor to meet waiting vehicles for the drive back to the Hotel. PM : Visit the local bazaar for some last minute shopping or just browse around. Dinner and overnight at the Hotel.

Day 16: Final Departure 24th OCT (Monday):

Early morning departure transfer to the airport for onward flight to Kathmandu ETD 0*;30 Hrs.

** End of Arrangements **

THE COST FOR

“THIMPU TSHECHU FESTIVAL TOUR # 2” (09 – 24 October 2016)

(Duration: 15 nights / 16 days)

THE COST STATED BELOW IS NETT PER PERSON ON TWIN SHARING BASIS FOR THE MINIMUM OF 06 PAX

BASED IN US DOLLARS AND VALID TILL 31ST DECEMBER, 2016 NO OF PERSONS 06 Pax & Above Net per Person US $: 3780.00 Single Supplement US $ 675.00 THE COSTS INCLUDE:

• All transfer to and from Airport / Hotel / Airport in a private vehicle

accompanied by an English speaking representative.

• Bhutan Visa Fee of USD 20.00 per person

• Bhutan Tourism Development Fee USD 10.00 Per person

• All permits and Entrance fees for the sightseeing tour as per the itinerary.

• Route Permits and Entry Fees

• 15 nights / 16 Days Bhutan “Thimpu Tshechu Festival Tour” as per the

itinerary inclusive of accommodation in standard hotels on twin room sharing

basis at the hotels and resorts on full board basis (Breakfast + Lunch +

Dinner) and inclusive of all applicable govt. taxes.

• Services of a Tour escort from Nepal for the entire trip inclusive of his daily

allowance, wages, airfare, accommodation and meals.

• Services of an experienced English speaking guide for the entire trip.

• All transfers in a private deluxe non a/c vehicle (Toyota Prado (GX Model)

Hyundai SUV’s) in Bhutan.

• Mineral Water in the vehicle during the drive.

• Government taxes tolls and entrance fees where applicable.

·

THE COSTS EXCLUDE:

• International airfare (Subject to change).

Ø BKK/PBH/BKK USD 675/- in Economy class USD 777.00 in Business class

Ø DEL/PBH/DEL USD 600/- in Economy class USD 764.00 in Business class

Ø KTM/PBH/KTM USD 381/- in Economy class USD 471.00 in Business class

Ø SIN/PBH/SIN USD 820/- in Economy class USD 1460/- in Business class

• Items of personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry,

telephone calls, extra mileage and any extra costs incurred due to natural

calamities, flight delays etc.

• Personal Insurance, evacuation and medical expenses.

• Personal Medication.

• Personal clothing and Trek equipment.

• Tips to the Staff and the Drivers

• Liability for or against accidents, loss of goods, theft etc.

• Items / costs incurred due to natural calamities or strikes, flights cancellations

beyond the control of Sacred Summits (P) LTD and their associates.

• Any items not mentioned in the above (The Cost Includes)

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