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G r e a t J o u r n e y s

Mystical nights ablaze with chants,

Beside monasteries on divine hills,

Meandering rivers fed by holy peaks,

Contagious laughter sparked by bliss,

Joy is achieved in nature; beyond all sins,

Because here, where the world ends, heaven begins.

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Magical Bhutan, through the lense

Bhutan is perhaps one of the most photogenic places in the world.The landscape, nature, culture, architecture and the people makeit a photographer’s paradise.

The variety of images that are available almost make one believethat this small, Asian kingdom was designed as a training groundfor photographers. In addition, the consistency of Bhutanesearchitecture and design, varied only by the imagination of thedesigners, will keep all avid photographers clutching their camerasin anticipation of that one memorable shot. Explore how their lifeflourished over centuries and how their heritage has remaineddeeply rooted even after the waves of technological developmentand globalization have swept over.

Explore Bhutan and discover that this heaven on earth does notonly belong to its gentle people; it belongs to the birds, the bees,the flowers, nature and to the Gods.

Magical Bhutan, through the lenseDAY 01 ARRIVE IN KATHMANDUArrive Katmandu, assistance upon arrival and transfer to Hotel DWARIKA’S. Experience our unique hospitality at the airport. TraditionalTika welcome with welcome drink at Hotel Garden and key distribution. Briefing about the Program.

Evening: – A cultural evening with folk music and ethnic dancing with a fine Nepalese cuisine at Bhojan Griya, welcome with RAKSHI, localNepali wine at the courtyard illuminated with butter lamps. Overnight at DWARIKA’S HOTEL.

DWARIKA’S HOTEL. - Dwarika's Hotel (a Award winning hotel) is a unique place in Southern Asia. It is a modern example that tourism neednot destroy heritage and the environment. On the contrary, it has demonstrated that a proper blending of cultural restoration and tourismleads to the preservation of historical artifacts and contributes to the growth of skills and culture that would otherwise have been lostin today’s commercialism. This unique blending of past and present has shown that heritage can be preserved and used even in today’shectic pace. In fact, it could be the model that demonstrates what must be done to preserve the culture of the Kathmandu Valley - astepping stone towards the larger, more gigantic task of restoring the uniqueness and beauty of the Kathmandu Valley, which is currentlyexperiencing severe environmental stress by uncontrolled modernization.(website: www. http://www.dwarikas.com)

Day 02: KATHMANDU TO PARODrive to Kathmandu Airport for the flight to Paro. Druk Air – Bhutan’s national carrier). During 1 and half hour dramatic flight to smalltownship of Paro, you will capture panoramic view of Great Himalaya in the north including Everest, Kanchanjungza and southern plains.As we slowly move Nepal and soon after we see Chomolhari and Jichudrake in Bhutan. After exciting approach through Bhutanese foothillswe land at the tiny airstrip in the beautiful Paro Valley [we recommend you to take left hand side seat of the plane for the most spectacularviews]. In Paro you will meet your Bhutanese Guide and transfer to the Hotel. After briefing about your program, wonder around and havea peek at the Queen Mother’s Winter Palace, walk up to look at the Dzong.

DAY 03 THIMPUThe morning will be leisure time in Paro. We will then take the road to Thimphu. We will occasionallystop for beautiful sights on the way. When you reach Thimphu, you will perhaps realize that thecity is not what most people think it to be like. This is simply because it is different from the othercities. It is perhaps the only capital city in the world without any traffic lights. In fact there wereno cars in Thimphu till 1962. Overnight at the Hotel in Thimpu.

Day 04: ThimphuIn the morning we will go to the National Library. There is an excellent collection of Buddhistmanuscripts here. The Folk and Heritage museum is the one place where you can see the cultureand lifestyle of the Bhutanese in the past. We will also visit the Memorial Chorten built in memoryand honor of King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, father of the present king. A lot of foreigners are dazedwith the sculptures and Buddhist paintings that they see in Bhutan. In order to see how it is done,we will go to the Painting school where you can see students painting Thankas and sculpting andcarving wood. Overnight at the Hotel in Thimpu.

Day 05: TrongsaToday we will move towards Trongsa. The trail will take us first to Dochu la pass situated at a heightof 3100 m. There are beautiful and clear views of the mountain peaks of Bhutan. We can stop herefor a while and look at the mountains over a cup of tea. On the way we will also visit the DrukWangyel Chorten. This Chorten is an amalgamation of 108 stupas which envelopes the hill on thepass. We will continue our journey until we reach Wangdi Phodrang. We will stop at WangdiPhodrang for a while and visit some beautiful places there. We will continue on our way until wereach Trongsa situated at a height of 2,300 m. Overnight at the Hotel in Trongsa.

Day 06: Bumthang ValleyWe will visit the Trongsa Dzong in the morning. The Trongsa Dzong which was built in 1648 is theDistrict Administration Office. In the ancient times this was the home of the ruling class. This Dzongis a colossal structure and sits atop a supposedly strategic position as it lies on the top of a hill.The Trongsa Dzong also witnesses the annual Trongsa festival. We will then move towards Bumthang.

The journey takes about two and a half hours and is one of the mostpicturesque drives in Bhutan. Overnight at the Hotel in Bumthang.

Day 07: Bumthang ValleyToday we will be checking out beautiful places in Bumthang. In themorning we will visit the beautiful Jakar Dzong. In the 7th century108 temples are supposed to have been built by King SongtsenGampo. One of the 108 temples is the Jambay Lhakhang monasterywhich we are going to visit. We will then take a 30 minute hike uphillto reach the Kurjey monastery. This monastery, which is supposedto have been built in the 1652, is considered the most sacred inBhutan. There are actually three temples but main temple was builtby Minjur Tempa and is the oldest among the three. Overnight at theHotel in Bumthang.

Day 08: PunakhaWe will drive to Punakha today. Punakha once served as the wintercapital of Bhutan until 1958. This tradition is followed even today bythe monk body. The head Abbot and central monks live in PunakhaDzong during the winters and move to Tashicho Dzong at Thimphuin the summer. When we reach Punakha you will be transferred toyour hotel. Overnight at the Hotel in Punakha.

Day 09: Punakha - ParoWe will visit the Punakha Dzong in the morning. The Dzong liesbetween two rives. The Punakha Dzong, today, works as the DistrictAdministration office. We will then visit theKhamsum Yule Namgyal Monastery which is perched on the top ofa hill that overlooks the Punakha valley and the river. After lunch, wewill move to Paro. On the way we will stop at the temple of the divine

mad monk. It is called Chimi Lhakang. Drukpa Kuenley, popularly known as thedivine mad monk is one of the most revered saints in Bhutan and Tibet. He livedand preached in the 15th century and became popular due to his unconventionalway of teaching. He was so unorthodox that his methods being different fromsocial conventions of that time caused him to be called a mad monk. Today histemple is a pilgrimage site for the Bhutanese. Overnight at the Hotel in Paro.

Day 10: ParoParo is a valley situated at a height of about 8,500 ft. It is an ideal place forcultivating rice and the soil and weather is absolutely conducive for growingstrawberries, apples and peaches. Paro has once acted like a strong fortressagainst all enemy attacks. The main street in the centre of the town was built in1985 and lies close to the Paro Chu River. We will visit the Ta Dzong which is afortress that protected the town from Tibetan invaders. Today this fortress hasbeen converted into a museum. We will also visit the Drugyel Dzong whichunfortunately lies in ruins today. It was built to commemorate the victory of theBhutanese over the Tibetans in 1644. We will then make a short trek up toTaktshang monastery. The hike will take us about 1 hour. This place is also knownas the Tiger’s nest. Legend has it that Saint Padma Sambhava, flew on the backof a tigress from Tibet and rest there for a while. A monastery was built there.Incidentally the monastery is situated on a cliff and they place inspires nothingshort of awe. In 1998, Taktshang was destroyed by fire but it was later restored.When we head back to Paro, we will we will visit Kyichu Lhakhang, which is oneof the oldest temples in Bhutan. It has fascinating statues and carvings. Thetemple was built in the 8th century by King Songtsen Gampo.

Overnight at the Hotel in Paro.

Day 11: PARO -KATHMANDUYou will be transferred to Paro International Airport fordeparture.

Explore the incredible historical and religious sites andexperience the unique culture and unforgettable lifestyle ofthe mythical Kathmandu, the medieval capital city. The DurbarSquare is one of the amazing historic sites with the clusterof incredible sacred temples is very impressive. The hilltopBuddhist monkey temple of SWOYAMBHUNATH Stupa,PASHUPATINATH, the famed Hindu temple where Hindupilgrim perform sacred rituals with thrilling scene of funeralpyres burning in Ghats and BOUDHNATH Stupa, one of thebiggest Buddhist shrine in the world are unparallel andspectacular sacred religious sites. Your visit to the amazinghistorical and religious places in Patan would be most excitingand rewarding. The widely known destinations in PATAN areDurbar Square, Golden Temple, Mahaboudha Temple, andKrishna Mandir. The evening is free to relax in the fabuloushotel or you may wish to stroll around the delightful streetsof Thamel for shoppin Overnight at Hotel.

Day 12: Explore Bhaktapur.

Drive to Bhaktapur for sweeping sightseeing tour beforewe reach Kathmandu. Bhaktapur is known for thefabulous art, wonderful culture, and unforgettablelifestyle, Here are some of the most celebratedarchitectural masterpieces that made the Newaricraftsmen much sought after The fascinatingdestinations of Bhaktapur are Durbar Square, NyatapolaTemple, Pottery Square, The unique five-tiered pagodaof Bhaktapur is one of the wonders of the eastern world.Overnight at Hotel.

Day 13: Final Departure.

Leisurely breakfast at the hotel. Rest of the day on yourown for last minute shopping, catching up with newacquaintances or bidding farewell to old ones. Transferto the airport for your onward flight.

Post Box 25551 Kathmandu, Nepal.Ph +977-1-4442812/4428746/4362706 /

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