ITINERARIES:NATURAL HISTORY & CULTURE WITH THE
PUNAKHA FESTIVAL TOUR
March 6 - 17, 2003
MARCH 6 BANGKOK/PARO (D)
Fly into Paro Bhutan from Kathmandu. On this flight, you can see breathtaking views of the
Great Himalayas. Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be met and
transferred to your hotel. Dinner and tour orientation.
MARCH 7 PARO (B,L,D)
The people of Paro are known for their hard work, which they like to show in their
traditional country houses. Paro's sightseeing is full of gems such as the 200-year-old
Watch Tower, which has been renovated and converted into National Museum in 1968. It
houses a fine collection of national costumes and fabrics, gallery of thangkas, an
impressive stamp gallery with three-dimensional stamps issued as early as 1960. Visit
Drugyel Dzong, although mostly now in ruins. Visit Drugyel High School and Kychu Lhakhang,
the oldest monastery in the valley built in 7th. century. Take a look at the shops in Paro
town. Lunch at the hotel. After lunch drive up to Chelila Pass (Alt. 3,780m) to view the
spectacular scenery of Mt. Jumolhari as well as Haa and Paro Valley.
OPTIONAL PONY TREK TO Taktsang Monastery view point. Taktsang, meaning "Tiger's
nest," is built around a cave in which Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhawa) mediated, clings
seemingly impossible to a cliff of rock at 3,000 feet above the valley floor. For the
local people it is a place of pilgrimage, but for a tourist, a hike up to the viewpoint
opposite the monastery is exhausting, thrilling and mystical. Although the main building
of the temple was destroyed by fire
MARCH 8 PARO/WANGDI (B,L,D)
After breakfast a 5-hour drive will take you through the Thimphu Valley and across Dochula
Pass (10,500 feet) to the valley of Wangdi Phodrang. Check in at the Kyichu Resort on the
edge of a river. Lunch will be served at the hotel.
MARCH 9 EXCURSION TO GAGTEY & PHOBJIKHA VALLEY (B,L,D)
After breakfast drive to Gangtey and Phobjikha valley. Phobjikha valley has been declared
as the first eco-tourism destination of Bhutan by the Royal Society for Protection of
Nature (RSPN). The valley falls under the Black Mountain Natural Park. Phobjikha valley is
the winter home to rare and endangered black-necked cranes (grus nigricllis), which
migrate, in large flocks to Bhutan from Tibet & Sikang, Yunnan and Tonkin in eastern
China. For centuries the cranes have captured the human imagination with their
intelligence, poise, sociality, beauty and freedom, which have given rise to several
myths, legends, folktales and songs. In 1998 there were about 250 cranes and the numbers
are increasing. The cranes are in the valley from late October to early March before they
fly back to their summer homes Tibet and China. There are lots of other wild animals in
the surrounding valleys like wild boar, barking deer, Himalayan black bear, red fox,
leopard and many species of birds. Also included are visits to the Nature Education
centre, the carpet factory and the Sacred Gangtey Monastery, which dominates the valley.
Continue to Trongsa.
MARCH 10 TRONGSA (B,L,D)
Tongsa is the ancestral home of Bhutan's Royal Family. Both the First and Second King
ruled the Kingdom from this ancient seat. All the Kings of Bhutan has to become Tongsa
Penlop (Honorary post of Governor) prior to being crowned as the Druk Gyalpo (King of
Bhutan). Tongsa Dzong (fort), one of the largest in the country was first built is 1648
and later enlarged many times. Because of being situated on a highly commanding position
on the only connecting route between the eastern and western sectors (where trail actually
runs through the Dzong), the Tongsa Penlop was able to control the whole of eastern region
very effectively for many centuries. Visit the ancient watch tower (Ta Dzong), which is
situated just above the town. A half-day drive down of the town to till Kuenga Rabten, the
Winter Palace of Second King, Jigme Wangchuck. The Palace is under the care of Special
Commission for Cultural Affairs and it gives an intimate insight into the early days of
Bhutanese Monarchy. Alongside the road are beautiful terraces of rice. We will continue
south into the tropical area to watch for birds and some other wild animals like Golden
Langurs. Overnight Trongsa.
MARCH 11/12 PUNAKHA FESTIVAL (B,L,D)
Morning drive to Punakha, the winter capital for over 300 years until the time of second
King. Punakha Dzong, which dominates the whole area, was built in 1637 by Shabdrung Nawang
Namgyel, and established the central monastic body with 600 monks. Today, Punakha is still
the home for Je Khempo (Chief Abbot) and the central monastic body. Punakha Dzong is
undergoing major re-construction after it was destroyed by fire in 1986. You can see the
craftsman at work. It is one of the most impressive Dzongs in the country. Afternoon and
following day to enjoy the Punakha Festival.
MARCH 13 PUNAKHA/ THIMPU (B,L,D)
Morning departure for Thimphu. The drive to Thimphu is spectacularly scenic.
MARCH 14 THIMPU (B,L,D)
Full day in Thimphu.
- Purchase world's most beautiful postage stamps.
- Visit the Arts and crafts school and the Traditional Medicine Institute.
- Visit Memorial Chorten
- Observe traditional paper making from Daphnia and Edgeworthia shrub to
- Visit the large grounds of the Zoo where one can see Yak and Takin, the National wild
animal of Bhutan.
MARCH 15 THIMPU NATIONAL PARK EXCURSION (B,L)
Hiking day in the national Park.
MARCH 16 THIMPU/PARO{ (B,L,D)
Enjoy a morning in Thimphu. Afternoon departure to Paro. Leave Trongsa in the early
morning.
MARCH 17 PARO DEPARTURE (B,L,D)
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Kathmandu.
NATURAL HISTORY &
CULTURE WITH THE PARO FESTIVAL TOUR
APRIL 4 - 17, 2003 (14 Days)
April 4 BANGKOK/PARO/THIMPU (L,D)
Morning flight into Paro, Bhutan from Bangkok or Delhi. On this flight, you can see
breathtaking views of the Great Himalayas. Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you
will be welcomed to the Kingdom by your guide. Lunch served in Paro. After lunch drive to
Thimphu 2 - 3 hours. The drive from Paro to Thimphu is spectacularly scenic. Magnificent
monasteries and stupas in the valleys and mountaintops. Overnight Thimphu Hotel Pedling
located in the center of town. Orientation talk and introduction video show on Bhutan with
tea and snacks.
April 5 THIMPU (B,L,D)
Full day of sightseeing. Some of the highlights of Thimphu include;
- Visit the weekly Thimphu market.
- Change money at the Bhutan National Bank
- Purchase world's most beautiful postage stamps.
- Visit the Arts and crafts school and the Traditional Medicine Institute.
- Visit Memorial Chorten to honor memory of Late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, popularly
known as the Father of Modern Bhutan. A multi-storied stupa that will introduce you to the
vitality of Tantric Buddhism.
- Observe traditional paper making from Daphnia and Edgeworthia
- Visit Botanical garden (Zoo) where one can see Yak and Takin, the National
wild animal of Bhutan.
- Drive up to viewpoint and take a hike beyond to see the clear picture of Thimphu Valley.
- Downtown Thimphu on foot visiting Handicrafts Emporium and other Arts & Crafts
stores. Buy stunning kiras which can be used and bed covers or wall decoration, jewelry's
and many more.
April 6 THIMPU/WANGDI (B,L,D)
Morning sightseeing in Thimphu. Lunch and a 3-hour drive will take you across Dochula Pass
(10,500 feet) to the valley of Wangdi Phodrang. Check in at Gangtey hotel located in a
beautiful spot overlooking the whole Paro Valley.
April 7 EXCURSION TO GAGTEY & PHOBJIKHA VALLEY (B,L,D)
After breakfast drive to Gangtey and Phobjikha valley. Phobjikha valley has been declared
as the first eco-tourism destination of Bhutan by the Royal Society for Protection of
Nature (RSPN). The valley falls under the Black Mountain Natural Park. Phobjikha valley is
the winter home to rare and endangered black necked cranes (grus nigricllis), which
migrate, in large flocks to Bhutan from Tibet & Sikang, Yunnan and Tonkin in eastern
China. For centuries the cranes have captured the human imagination with their
intelligence, poise, sociality, beauty and freedom, which have given rise to several
myths, legends, folktales and songs. In 1998 there were about 250 cranes and the numbers
are increasing. Although the cranes fly back to their summer homes in mid - late February,
there may be a couple of birds that have not yet flown to their summer homes in Tibet and
China. There are lots of other wild animals in the surrounding valleys like wild boar,
barking deer, Himalayan black bear, red fox, leopard and many species of birds. Also
included are visits to the Nature Education center, the carpet factory and the Sacred
Gangtey Monastery, which dominates the valley. Continue to Trongsa. Overnight Sherubling
Lodge or at the hotel overlooking Tongsa Dzong and the watch tower.
April 8 TRONGSA (B,L,D)
Tongsa is the ancestral home of Bhutan's Royal Family. Both the First and Second King
ruled the Kingdom from this ancient seat. All the Kings of Bhutan has to become Tongsa
Penlop (Honorary post of Governor) prior to being crowned as the Druk Gyalpo (King of
Bhutan). Tongsa Dzong (fort), one of the largest in the country was first built is 1648
and later enlarged many times. Because of being situated on a highly commanding position
on the only connecting route between the eastern and western sectors (where trail actually
runs through the Dzong), the Tongsa Penlop was able to control the whole of eastern region
very effectively for many centuries. Visit the ancient watch tower (Ta Dzong), which is
situated just above the town. A half-day drive down of the town to till Kuenga Rabten, the
Winter Palace of Second King, Jigme Wangchuck. The Palace is under the care of Special
Commission for Cultural Affairs and it gives an intimate insight into the early days of
Bhutanese Monarchy. Alongside the road are beautiful terraces of rice. We will continue
south into the tropical area to watch for birds and some other wild animals like Golden
Langurs. Overnight Trongsa
April 9 TRONGSA/BUMTHANG (JAKAR) (B,L,D)
The drive to Bumthang takes 2-3 hrs. Tales of the great Guru Padmasambhava dominates
this holy valley. View the Jakar Dzong "The Castle of White Bird". A stop will
be made on the way in the Chumey Valley where one can see girls weaving Yatha the
traditional woollen material used for different purpose on a traditional handloom. The
finished products are all displayed in a shop and outside in open for sale. Lunch at the
hotel. Overnight Jakar Village Lodge.
April 10 BUMTHANG (B,L,D)
Different from all the other valleys in Bhutan, Bumthang is very spacious and open ranging
in altitude from 2,600m to 4,000m. Bumthang is a heaven for hikers and trekkers, not to
mention the numerous beautiful and important Buddhist monasteries and pilgrimage sites,
making it the Cultural and Historic center of Bhutan. One could spend months exploring
this fascinating valley. Almost every little valley or hill has a background of
interesting myths and legends about Kings, Buddhist masters and Serpents. Bumthang is
combined of four main valleys, Chumey, Tang, Ura and Choskhor (Jakar). Commonly known as
Jakar valley where you can see a little bit of modern touch with Swiss Influences. Visits
to the important cultural and historic sites in the special valley.
April 11 BUMTHANG/PUNAKHA (B,L,D)
Drive to Punakha. Overnight Zangdopelri Hotel.
April 12 PUNAKHA (B,L,D)
Punakha was the winter capital for over 300 years until the time of second King. Punakha
Dzong, which dominates the whole area, was built in 1637 by Shabdrung Nawang Namgyel, and
established the central monastic body with 600 monks. Today, Punakha is still the home for
Je Khempo (Chief Abbot) and the central monastic body. Punakha Dzong is undergoing major
re-construction after it was destroyed by fire in 1986. You can see the craftsman at work.
It is one of the most impressive Dzongs in the country. Also drive through the Wangdi
Valley to look for langurs, birds and other wildlife.
April 13 PUNAKHA/PARO (B,L,D).
After breakfast, 3 hours drive to Thimphu. En-route a walk along the high mountain roads.
Lunch will be served at Thimphu. After lunch, continue to Paro. Overnight at Kychu Resort.
April 14 PARO FESTIVAL (B,L,D)
The people of Paro are known for their hard work, which they like to show in their
traditional country houses. Paro's sightseeing is full of gems such as the 200-year-old
Watch Tower, which has been renovated and converted into National Museum in 1968. It
houses a fine collection of national costumes and fabrics, gallery of thangkas, an
impressive stamp gallery with three-dimensional stamps issued as early as 1960. Visit
Drugyel Dzong, although mostly now in ruins. Visit Drugyel High School and Kychu Lhakhang,
the oldest monastery in the valley built in 7th. Century. Take a look at the shops in Paro
town. Lunch at the hotel. After lunch drive up to Chelila Pass (Alt. 3,780m) to view the
spectacular scenery of Mt. Jumolhari as well as Haa and Paro Valley. Also visit the Paro
Festival.
April 15 PARO FESTIVAL (B,L,D)
Morning optional trip to Taktsang Monastery viewpoint. Taktsang, meaning "Tiger's
nest," is built around a cave in which Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhawa) mediated, clings
seemingly impossible to a cliff of rock at 3,000 feet above the valley floor. For the
local people it is a place of pilgrimage, but for a tourist, a hike up to the viewpoint
opposite the monastery is exhausting, thrilling and mystical. The legend has it that Guru
Rimpoche is said to have flown to the site of the monastery on the back of a tigress from
Tibet and meditated in the cave there for three months. Although the main building of the
temple was destroyed by fire on 19 April 1998, the hike up to the viewpoint is still worth
a visit once in a lifetime. The reconstruction work is nearly complete. Options for
walking or travel by horses is included. In the afternoon return to the paro Festival.
April 16 EXCURSION TO TAKTSANG MONASTERY/FESTIVAL (B,L,D)
Watch The Great Thangka and Paro Festival. Get up early morning at around 4 a.m. Go to see
the UN-furling of Great Thangka of Guru Padmasambhawa, believed as the re-incarnation of
Lord Buddha who came to Bhutan in the 7th Century and introduced Buddhism in Bhutan. Watch
festival whole day. Lunch will be served at the Hotel. Evening cocktail farewell party and
cultural show will be arranged for the group. Overnight Paro.
April 17 PARO/BANGKOK (B)
Morning flight to Bangkok.
IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT BOOKINGS BE MADE EARLY AS THIS IS ONE OF BHUTAN'S MOST POPULAR
FESTIVALS
EXTENSIONS IN BHUTAN, NEPAL, TIBET, SIKKIM & THAILAND ARE AVAILABLE ON AN INDIVIDUAL
BASIS.
THIMPHU FESTIVAL
OCTOBER 2 - 10, 2003
OCT. 2 ARRIVE PARO (L,D)
Fly into Paro Bhutan from Delhi, Kathmandu or Bangkok. On this flight, you can see
breathtaking views of the Great Himalayas. Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you
will be welcomed to the Kingdom by your guide. Overnight Paro.
OCT. 3 EXCURSION TO TAKTSANG MONASTERY (B,L,D)
Day hike to Taktsang Monastery viewpoint. Taktsang, meaning "Tiger's nest," is
built around a cave in which Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhawa) mediated, clings seemingly
impossible to a cliff of rock at 3,000 feet above the valley floor. For the local people
it is a place of pilgrimage, but for a tourist, a hike up to the viewpoint opposite the
monastery is exhausting, thrilling and mystical. The legend has it that Guru Rimpoche is
said to have flown to the site of the monastery on the back of a tigress from Tibet and
meditated in the cave there for three months. Although the main building of the temple was
destroyed by fire on 19 April 1998, the hike up to the viewpoint is still worth a visit
once in a lifetime. The re-construction works have already started and soon it will be
restored in its original form. Evening drive to Thimphu. Overnight Thimphu at Wangchuck
hotel.
OCT. 4 THIMPU (B,L,D)
- Change money from the Bhutan National Bank
- Purchase world's most beautiful postage stamps, collector's items and postcards at face
value from general post office, which is right next to Bhutan National Bank.
- Visit Arts and crafts school where one can see young children at work.
- Visit Memorial Chorten built in 1974 to honor memory of Late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck,
popularly known as the Father of Modern Bhutan. A multi-storied stupa that will introduce
you to the vitality of Tantric Buddhism.
- Experience the Thimphu Weekend Market where you will encounter Bhutanese from all over
the country including expacts from International agencies who work and live in Bhutan. As
you walk through the huge sheds, see merchants selling staples; Datse (yak and cow
cheese), Ema (red and green peppers), Red rice, Brick tea and full range of vegetables and
fruits with handicrafts & souvenirs at one corner which delights the eye of a visitor.
- Observe traditional paper making from Daphnia and Edgeworthia shrub to the finished
product and purchase some beautiful writing sets from the factory.
- Visit Botanical garden where one can see Yak and Takin, the National wild animal of
Bhutan.
- Drive up to viewpoint and take a hike beyond for about an hour to see the clear picture
of Thimphu Valley.
- Downtown Thimphu on foot visiting Handicrafts Emporium and other Arts & Crafts
stores. Buy stunning kiras which can be used and bed covers or wall decoration, jewelry's
and many more.
OCT. 5 THIMPU FESTIVAL (B,L,D)
Watch festival whole day and sightseeing. Lunch at the hotel. O/n Thimphu.
OCT. 6 THIMPU FESTIVAL (B,L,D)
Watch festival whole day and sightseeing. Lunch at the hotel. O/n Thimphu
OCT. 7 THIMPU - WANGDI (B,L,D)
After breakfast 3 hours drive will take you across Dochula Pass (10,500 feet) to the
valley of Wangdi Phodrang and Punakha. Check in at Hotel Dragon Nest. Lunch will be served
at the hotel. After lunch drive to Punakha valley for Sightseeing.
OCT. 8 PUNAKHA VALLEY (B,L,D)
Punakha was the winter capital for over 300 years until the time of second King. Punakha
Dzong, which dominates the whole area, was built in 1637 by Shabdrung Nawang Namgyel, and
established the central monastic body with 600 monks. Today, Punakha is still the home for
Je Khempo (Chief Abbot) and the central monastic body. Punakha Dzong is undergoing major
re-construction after it was destroyed by fire in 1986. You can see the craftsman at work.
It is one of the most impressive Dzongs in the country. Also drive through the Wangdi
Valley to look for langurs, birds and other wildlife.
OCT. 9 WANGDI - PARO (B,L,D)
After breakfast, drive to Thimphu. Lunch will be served at Thimphu. After lunch, walk
around Thimphu town for 1 to 2 hours for last minute souvenir shopping. Evening drive to
Paro. A small farewell cocktail party will be arranged for the group.
OCT. 10 PARO DEPARTURE (B)
Have early morning breakfast. After breakfast drive to Paro Airport for departure to
Bangkok or by Druk Air flight. Your guide will assist you to complete the departure
formalities.
OTHER SUGGESTED ITINERARIES OFFERED YEAR ROUND
Kingdom in the Sky - Classical highlights tour
DAY 1 Arrival Bhutan by Druk Air. Transfer to hotel. In the evening an
orientation talk & a film show on Bhutan. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 2 Paro valley sightseeing. Overnight in hotel.
DAY 3 Morning excursion to Taktsang Monastery. Afternoon drive to Wangdi
Phodrang. Overnight at Dragon Nest Hotel.
DAY 4 Sightseeing of Punakha & Wangdi valleys. Overnight at Wangdi.
DAY 5 Excursion to Phobjikha valley. Return to Wangdi for overnight.
DAY 6 Early morning drive to Thimphu. Thimphu valley sightseeing. Cultural
programme of mask dances. Overnight hotel.
DAY 7 Morning sightseeing of Dechencholing valley. Afternoon time for
shopping and leisure. Evening drive to Paro. Overnight hotel.
DAY 8 Drive to Paro airport for departure. TASHI DELEK!
SEASON : All year round
TREKKING ITINERARIES CAN BE ARRANGED ON REQUEST.
Trekking in Bhutan has always been different from any other parts of the world. Being a
unique destination, we handle things in this little Kingdom in a very special way. To trek
in Bhutan is one kind of a luxurious experience. Forget about carrying your own backpacks
while climbing up and down those high altitude passes, you don't even have to carry your
water bottle if you do not wish to. We shall do everything for you in a traditional way
and that is what Bhutanese Hospitality is all about. You just have to be fit enough to
carry yourself along the trek routes where you will seldom find other trekkers. Although
the trek routes are fairly good and comfortable paths, it is quite challenging at times.
Bhutan truly is a paradise for the trekkers and nature lovers, with diverse Flora,
Untainted fauna, Spectacular Sceneries, Gorgeous Mountains, Beautiful Lakes and Full of
different cultures and traditions everywhere you go. You can be a beginner or an
experienced and seasoned trekker, we have everything for you to explore starting from a
mild 03-days Bumthang Cultural Trek to 28-days Snowman trek, rated as one of the toughest
trek in the world. Come and explore the hidden Shangri-La in the Himalayas with us.
Here are the sample outline itineraries for our two most popular treks. Contact us anytime
for further details and other itineraries.
Beautiful Laya Gasa Trek
DAY 1 Arrival Paro Bhutan.
DAY 2 Paro Sightseeing
DAY 3 Excursion to Taktsang Monastery
DAY 4 Paro to Shana - Trek begins.
DAY 5 Shana to Soi Thangthanka
DAY 6 Soi Thangthanka to Jangothang
DAY 7 Jangothang to Lingshi
DAY 8 Lingshi to Chebisa
DAY 9 Chebisa to Shomothang
DAY 10 Shomothang to Robluthang
DAY 11 Robluthang to Lemithang
DAY 12 Lemithang to Laya
DAY 13 Halt at Laya
DAY 14 Laya to Koena
DAY 15 Koena to Gasa
DAY 16 Gasa to Gasa Tsachu (Hot Spring)
DAY 17 Gasa Tsachu to Geon Damji
DAY 18 Geon Damji to Tashithang - Trek ends. Onwards drive to Thimphu
DAY 19 Thimphu Sightseeing. Evening drive to Paro.
DAY 20 Drive to Airport for departure. TASHI DELEK!
SEASON : March May & September - November.
HIGHLIGHTS : Diverse flora & fauna. The blue sheep and takin can be spotted on this
trek. This area is one of the most unique in the Kingdom. Many natural springs can be seen
on the route. The trek is difficult and a medical fitness check-up is advised.
Group Size: 04-persons minimum
Jumolhari, The Sacred Mountain Trek
DAY 1 Arrival Paro Bhutan.
DAY 2 Paro valley sightseeing
DAY 3 Excursion to Taktsang Monastery
DAY 4 Paro to Shana - trek begins
DAY 5 Shana to Soi Thangthanka
DAY 6 Soi Thangthanka to Jangothang
DAY 7 Jangothang halt
DAY 8 Jangothang to Lingshi
DAY 9 Lingshi halt
DAY 10 Lingshi to Shodu
DAY 11 Shodu to Barshong
DAY 12 Barshong to Thimphu - trek ends
DAY 13 Thimphu Sightseeing
DAY 14 Thimphu, day of leisure. Evening drive to Paro for overnight.
DAY 15 Early morning drive to Paro Airport for departure. TASHI DELEK!
SEASON : March May & Sept. - November
HIGHLIGHTS : Diverse flora and fauna and great view of the Bhutanese
Himalayas. Moderately difficult to trek.
Group Size : 04-persons minimum
DEPOSIT REQUIRED: $400.00. BALANCE DUE 60 DAYS PRIOR
CANCELLATION CHARGES
up until 60 days prior: $ 400.00
within 60 days: 100% of tour cost
CANCELLATION INSURANCE: is strongly recommended and available on deposit.
Your Tour Includes:
- International air Kathmandu/Paro/Kathmandu (add-on airfare from Delhi or Bangkok $
300.00 USD)
- Accommodation based on best available
- Meals as per itinerary (B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner)
- All tours listed in the itinerary
- escort from North America (for groups 10 - 15 passengers)
- Services of an experienced local guide
- Hotel taxes and service charges.
Your Tour Does Not Include:
- air departure tax (at present $ 40.00 CAD) Bhutan Visa Fee $ 20.00 USD, Nepal Visa Fee
($ 105.00 CAD)
- Departure taxes from Bhutan 300 Nu ($ 7.00 USD), Nepal 600 Ru ($ 10.00 USD)
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- tips and gratuities, items of a personal nature (telephone, laundry, etc...)
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