THIMPHU TSHECHU - SEPTEMBER, 2020 9 Nights/ 10 Days

Let your imagination soar

Welcome to Bhutan The last remaining great Himalayan Kingdom, Bhutan boasts magnificent mountain scenery, incredible architecture and colourful culture. A diverse natural Shangri-La, the country boasts of a staggering variety of landscapes, as well as an incredible array of flora and fauna. Set within one of the world’s most breathtaking mountain chains, Bhutan is famed for its high mountain peaks and range of trekking opportunities. Enigmatic and shrouded in myth, Bhutan is filled with tangible examples of its extraordinary culture, from the striking architecture of its mountain forts and monasteries to the images of Buddhist religious figures painted or carved onto the craggy cliffs. Colourful prayer flags flutter on spectacular mountain passes and prayer wheels turn slowly with the current of clear mountain streams.

Highlights of the Itinerary:

 Breath-taking mountain views from Dochu La pass

 The spectacular fortress of and Punakha

 The remote valleys of Phobjikha.

 The iconic hike to ‘Tigers Nest’

 Witness the colourful Tshechu of Thimphu

Specially created for Active vacationers & Cultural enthusiasts

License No.: 350001 PBH-CXKB0007F

At a glance

9 nights / 10 days

0 – Bangkok (Day 1)

1 – Thimphu (Day 2, 3)

2 – Punakha (Day 4, 5)

3 – Phobjikha (Day 6, 7)

3 – Paro (Day 8, 9)

AN &BEYOND CUSTOM-DESIGNED ITINERARY

DATE SERVICE ACCOMMODATION

24th Sept 2020 On arrival to Bangkok

1 Overnight in Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Superior Room on BB

25th Sept 2020 Fly to Paro and drive to Thimphu (1hr) + Sightseeing in Thimphu

2 overnight at Taj Tashi, Thimphu Deluxe room on HB

Attend Thimphu Tshechu + Sightseeing in Thimphu 26th Sept 2020

Drive from Thimphu to Punakha (3 hr) + Local Sightseeing 27th Sept 2020

2 overnights at Dhensa, Punakha Suite on HB

Witness the Talo Tshechu in the morning + Hike to Khamsum 28th Sept 2020 Yuelley Drive from Punakha to Phobjikha (approx. 3 hours) + Sightseeing 29th Sept 2020 in Phobjikha 2 overnights at Gangtey Lodge, Phobjikha Suite on HB

Longteng Hike 30th Sept 2020

Drive from Phobjikha to Paro (approximately 5 – 6 hours) 1st Oct 2020

2 overnights at Zhiwaling, Paro Jr. Suite on HB

Hike to Taktshang Lhakhang (Tiger’s nest) 2nd Oct 2020

Departure 3rd Oct 2020

License No.: 350001 PBH-CXKB0007F

GLOSSARY

 BB = Bed and breakfast  HB = Room + Breakfast + dinner  FB = Full Board basis (please check itinerary for specific includes & excludes per property)

ENTRY/VISA REQUIREMENTS  As of all international travel, the visitor to Bhutan is required to be in possession of a valid passport and visa. Travelers from all countries need a visa. Visa for Bhutan will be arranged by &Beyond South Asia (Bhutan) office on receipt of the full payment for the tour.

 SATELLITE PHONES ARE NOT ALLOWED IN BHUTAN  CREDIT/ DEBIT CARD WITH ONLY CHIPS DO NOT WORK IN BHUTAN. ATM’s / POS MACHINES IN BHUTAN REQUIRED THE CARDS TO HAVE A MAGNETIC STRIP

Expect the extraordinary

Day 1: 24th September 2020 (Thursday) - Arrive Bangkok

Today, you will arrive Bangkok and enjoy a leisure day in the city. Spend one night in Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport. Ready for departure in early morning and transfer to Paro.

Day 2: 25th September 2020 (Friday) - Arrive Paro/ Thimphu

This morning board your flight from Bangkok to Paro, Bhutan’s only international airport. The flight into Bhutan takes you close to the great Himalayas; dazzling scenic views of some of world’s highest glacial peaks. As you enter the Paro valley, you will pass forested hills with the slivery Pa Chu (Paro River) meandering down the valley below with the Paro Dzong (fortress) and Ta Dzong (watch tower) on the hill above the town.

License No.: 350001 PBH-CXKB0007F

As you exit from the arrival hall of Paro airport, you will be met by your guide and chauffeured to your hotel in Thimphu (1-hour drive). En-route stop to visit the Tamchogg Lhakhang and marvel at the iron bridge reconstructed using original chain links from the famous Tibetan bridge builder Thangtong Gyelpo.

Drive onwards to your hotel for check in and a short rest.

In the evening, visit the weekend farmers market. Most of Thimphu’s population and many valley dwellers converge on this bustling market over the weekends. A wide range of foodstuffs and local arts / crafts are sold at the market, which is held from Friday afternoon till Sunday. A visit to the market provides great photo opportunities, as well as the chance to mingle with local people and perhaps buy some souvenirs as well if you are not interested in the fresh produce.

Spend Two overnight at Taj Tashi, Thimphu. Your accommodation will be in a Deluxe room on Half board (breakfast + dinner) basis.

Day 3: 26th September 2020 (Saturday) - Thimphu

TSHECHU SCHEDULE TO BE ADVISED. ACTIVITIES FOR THE DAY MAY CHANGE BASED ON THE SCHEDULE

After an early breakfast, you will attend the first day of the Thimphu Tshechu. The Tshechu is a festival in honour of -"one who was born from a lotus flower", popularly known as "Guru

License No.: 350001 PBH-CXKB0007F

Rimpoche", the Precious Teacher. This Indian saint contributed enormously to the diffusion of Tantric in the Himalayan regions of , Nepal, and Bhutan etc. around 800A.D. He is the founder of Nyingmapa, the "old school" of Lamaism, which still has numerous followers. The biography of Guru Rimpoche is highlighted by 12 episodes on the model of Buddha Shakyamuni's life.

During Tshechu dances are performed by monks as well as laymen. The dancers take on the aspects of the wrathful and compassionate deities, heroes, demons and animals. The Tshechu is a and the Bhutanese believe they gain by attending it.

Lunch will be at a local restaurant (On direct payment basis)

After lunch, you will drive to visit the Buddha Dordenma – a gigantic Shakyamuni Buddha statue. The statue is filled with over one hundred thousand smaller Buddha statues, each of which, like the Buddha Dordenma itself is made of bronze and gilded in gold. At a height of 51.5 metres, it is one of the tallest Buddha statues on the world.

From here, you will visit the National Memorial Chorten. This landmark of Thimphu was built in 1974 in the memory of third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who is popularly regarded as Father of Modern Bhutan. It is a four-storey tall white building, containing statues and iconography of deities from complex tantric teachings and serves as an important place of worship for Thimphu residents, as well as from other parts of the country.

Later, visit the Weaving Centre or the Textile Museum. Weaving is an integral component of the culture and tradition of Bhutan. With the aim to preserve and promote this living art, the Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan was instituted in May 2005 under the patronage of Her Majesty Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck as a non-government, non-profit organization. The Academy will also provide in bringing about a National Centre for weaving and educating young students in textiles, fabric designs and museum studies. It will also serve as a centre for tourists, introducing the nation’s masterpiece to its visitors, while expanding the nation’s resource for cultural tourism.

License No.: 350001 PBH-CXKB0007F

Day 4: 27th September 2020 (Sunday) - Thimphu/ Punakha

After an early breakfast this morning, you will be chauffeured to Punakha (3 hour’s drive). The road climbs steeply through a scenic forest of pine and cedar trees, to Dochu La pass (10,000 feet). The pass offers panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges.

Stop on Dochu La to visit the 108 built on this 3,150-metre-high pass in honor the fallen Bhutanese soldiers.

Well before reaching Punakha stop en route and hike about 30 minutes to Chimi Lhakhang, which is on a small hilltop. The temple was dedicated to the great Yogi in the 14th century, known as Drukpa Kuenley, also known as the “Divine madman.” He is known for dramatizing Buddhist teachings using songs. It is believed that this temple blesses women who seek fertility. If interested you can also watch the Thangkha painters here in action.

Afterwards, you will be driven to your hotel for check-in and lunch (On direct payment basis)

In the late afternoon, proceed back towards Punakha and visit the beautiful . Constructed in 1637, this was the second of Bhutan’s Dzong and for many years its seat of government. From this spectacular setting you can look back to see the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Temple perched on the hillside far in the distance.

Spend two overnights at Dhensa, Punakha. Your accommodation will be in a Suite on Half board (breakfast + dinner) basis.

License No.: 350001 PBH-CXKB0007F

Day 5: 28th September 2020 (Monday) - Punakha

Early this morning you will begin your hike to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten. Drive to the suspension bridge and hike only about 45 minutes. This three storey lhakhang was recently built by Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon for the protection of the country and the present King. It has an impressive view of the Punakha valley below. The deities represented here belong to a teaching cycle of Dudjom , a great Nyingmapa master (1904- 87). The functions of the deities are to subjugate enemies and harmful influences and also to spread peace and harmony.

Optional - From here, the trail climbs slowly upwards on the mountainside all the way to Giligang. There are numerous places on the way with inspiring views of the surrounding temples, rice paddies, mountain tops and green forests. Giligang Temple is a 300-years old privately-owned monastery which has been taken care of by the same family for generations. Aum Kortem and Ap Sangay Wangchuk are now in their seventies and have resided in the monastery for more than 50 years. They live off the money they make from growing and selling chilies and other vegetables, and are always very excited to welcome guests.

From Giligang, the trail continues pleasurably downhill along the mountain side until you reach Changyul Bridge just before Punakha Dzong where your car will pick you up.

Return to your hotel for lunch (on direct payment basis)

This evening, you will drive to visit the Sangchhen Dorji Lhendrup Lhakhang Nunnery. Perched on a ridge amid pine trees gleams the magnificent structures of Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang(temple). The temple houses a 14-foot main bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara (Chenrigzig chagtong chentong). Other statues include those of Guru Padmasambawa, , Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, Tsela Namsum, the 21 Taras and Tsepamay (Buddha of longevity). The Avalokiteshvara statue, one of the biggest in the country, was the handiwork of entirely local Bhutanese artisans. The temple complex also houses a permanent higher learning and meditation center for nuns where, apart from religious trainings, it provides life skill training such as tailoring, embroidery, statue making and painting.

License No.: 350001 PBH-CXKB0007F

Day 6: 29th September 2020 (Tuesday)- Punakha/ Phobjikha

Early this morning, post breakfast, you will be chauffeured to Gangtey (3 hours’ drive). The road takes you through the fertile valley of Wangdue (4,430 feet).

Crossing Wangdue the road once again gradually climbs to Lawa La pass, which offers the magnificent views of Jhomolhari (7300m) mountain and Jichu Drake (6700m). There is an abrupt change in vegetation as we drive, with mountain forest replaced by high altitude dwarf bamboo. Enroute stop at Nobding village and later at the pass for the fabulous views.

Gangtey is a beautiful valley and is the winter home of endangered black-necked cranes that migrate from the arid plains in the north to pass their winter in milder climate. These winged visitors begin arriving around the last week of September and start going back by around end of February/ early March. Phobjikha is at an altitude of 2900 m above sea level and on the periphery of the Black Mountain National Park.

On reaching Gangtey check in to the hotel, soak in the beautiful views of the Gangtey valley and relax over lunch (on direct payment basis)

Post lunch, you will be escorted to the Gangtey Goemba (monastery), which enjoys the valley's prime real estate, on a forested hill overlooking the green expanse of the entire . Pema Thinley, the grandson and reincarnation of Pema Lingpa, founded the temple here in 1613 and today the Goemba is the seat of the 9th reincarnation of the body of the Terton (Treasure discoverer) Pema Lingpa.

Then from the Goemba you will walk along the Gangtey Nature Trail, quite popular amongst the visitors to the valley. Crossing streams and rhododendron gardens you cross Sumchubara village, afterwards you enter the Pine covered forest, which opens at a canopy that affords fabulous views of the valley. Further down, the trial passes the village of Khewang and later you will cross the Nake Chu where you will be picked up by your car.

License No.: 350001 PBH-CXKB0007F

Later in the evening, visit the Shedra where 300 monks are undergoing training, to attend a prayer service. All the monks come together in the evening to perform their prayers and is quite a mesmerising experience.

Spend two overnights at Gangtey lodge, Gangtey. Your accommodation will be in a Suite on Half board (breakfast + dinner) basis.

Day 7: 30th September 2020 (Wednesday)- Phobjikha

This morning you will go on the Longteng Hike. It is a 30 minutes’ drive from Gangtey to the starting point in Longteng village on the East-West highway. Start by walking downwards following the path to the right of the road. The path will lead through bush bamboo towards a small cluster of village houses. There are beautifully coloured rhododendron forests on both sides of the valley, and in the winter months, yaks graze in the area. Continue straight through the village upwards until you reach the start of mystifying old-growth rhododendron forest.

The last part through the forest is slightly steeper uphill until you reach the pass with impressive views of the Gangtey Goemba, the Shedra, the lodge and the rest of the valley down below. Before you continue on the path as it slopes down the valley towards the idyllic Kumbu village. It is possible to get picked up from here, or you may continue down to the Shedra or all the way down to the valley.

This hike will take about 5 – 6 hours and drive back to your lodge by lunch time.

Later in the afternoon, will be taken to the Crane Information Center a short drive on the way back to the lodge. It gives you the detailed information regarding the valley and the black necked-crane. Also enjoy a 15-minute documentary about the endangered bird – “The Birds of Heaven”, if interested.

License No.: 350001 PBH-CXKB0007F

Return to the lodge and the rest of the evening is at leisure.

You can also try your hand at some traditional archery or darts (khuru) this afternoon on the lodge grounds.

Day 8: 1st October 2020 (Thursday)- Phobjikha/ Paro

Today early morning, you will be transferred to Paro (5- 6 hours).

Paro is a historic town with many sacred sites and historical buildings scattered through the area. It is home to many of Bhutan's oldest temples and monasteries, National Museum and the country's only airport. Mount. Jhomolhari (7,314m) reigns in its white glory at the northern end of the valley and its glacial water plunge through deep gorges to form the Pa Chhu (Paro river). Paro is also one of the most fertile valleys in the Kingdom producing a bulk of the locally famous red rice from its terraced fields.

On reaching Paro, you will be taken to the hotel for check in and lunch (on direct payment basis) or you can visit a local restaurant for lunch.

After lunch, drive to visit the National Museum. One-time watch tower built to defend during inter-valley wars of the 17th century. Since 1967, the Ta Dzong has been serving as the National Museum of the country. The Ta Dzong suffered major damage in the 2011 earthquake but is due to reopen in mid-2019 as the nation's premier museum. Until then a sample of the exhibits are currently on display in an adjacent annex. It holds a fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings and Bhutan's exquisite postage stamps

Later if time permits, visit to the local farmhouse. It is a traditional

License No.: 350001 PBH-CXKB0007F

village house. The beauty of Paro valley is embellished by cluster of old fashioned farm houses. Bhutanese farm houses are very colourful, decorative and traditionally built without the use of single nail. All houses follow the same architectural pattern. A visit to Farm House is very interesting and offers a good glimpse into the lifestyle of a farmer.

Spend two overnights at Zhiwaling, Paro. Your accommodation will be in a Deluxe room on Half board (breakfast + dinner) basis.

Day 9: 2nd October 2020 (Friday)- Paro

After a hearty breakfast, take a short drive to the north of Paro Valley to Ramthankha, and start your hike to the Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s Nest). The trail climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche, founder of flew from Eastern Bhutan on a tigress, bringing Buddhist teachings with him and meditated here on this cliff. This is one of the most venerated and sacred of all Buddhist sights around the world.

This hike is takes about 5hrs with a 900 meters approximate gain in altitude.

Afterwards hike down to the car park before returning to the hotel.

The rest of the day is at leisure.

License No.: 350001 PBH-CXKB0007F

Day 10: 3rd October 2020 (Saturday)- Paro/ Outbound

This morning, you will be chauffeured to Paro International airport to board your flight to Bangkok. Choose your ideal flight to fly back to Hong Kong.

Journey overview

RATES

Validity – 2 guests travelling and using 1 room Per person sharing

Departure on 24Sep20 HK$ 53,890 up

Upgrade Offer

Valid date: 27 & 28Sep20 Per room Supplement cost for using Six Senses, Punakha in 01 lodge suite for 02 HK$ 22,990 nights on Full board basis. Valid date: 01 & 02Oct20 Per room Supplement cost for using Amankora, Paro in 01 Suite for 02 nights on HK$ 18,210 Full board basis

Accommodation

DATE DESTINATION ACCOMMODATION DETAILS

24th Sept 2020 Bangkok Novotel Bangkok 01 Superior (Breakfast) Suvarnabhumi Airport

25th Sept 2020 Thimphu Taj Tashi 01 Deluxe room (Breakfast + Dinner)

26th Sept 2020 Thimphu Taj Tashi 01 Deluxe room (Breakfast + Dinner)

27th Sept 2020 Punakha Dhensa 01 Suite (Breakfast + Dinner)

28th Sept 2020 Punakha Dhensa 01 Suite (Breakfast + Dinner)

29th Sept 2020 Phobjikha Gangtey Lodge 01 Suite (Breakfast + Dinner)

30th Sept 2020 Phobjikha Gangtey Lodge 01 Suite (Breakfast + Dinner)

1st Oct 2020 Paro Zhiwaling Heritage 01 Jr. Suite (Breakfast + Dinner)

2nd Oct 2020 Paro Zhiwaling Heritage 01 Jr. Suite (Breakfast + Dinner)

License No.: 350001 PBH-CXKB0007F

What’s included:

 Round trip economy class air ticket from Hong Kong to Bangkok on Cathay Pacific Airways.  Round trip economy class air ticket from Bangkok to Paro on DrukAir  Accommodation on DOUBLE OCCUPANCY in hotels as mentioned in the QUOTE.  All transfers as mentioned in a private vehicle, and sightseeing.  Sightseeing tour will be provided as per the itinerary with the English-speaking Bhutanese Guide and in a private Vehicle.  All entrance and monuments fees.  Visa fees for Bhutan only.  All current taxes as on date – subject to change as per hotel/airline/Government policy.

What’s not included:

 Tipping to guides and drivers.  Any Insurance and rescue of any form.  Cost arising out of flight cancellation/road blockades/landslides/riots and events beyond our control.  Expenses of personal nature and any other expenses not mentioned in the above cost.  Any international air fare/airport taxes not mentioned above  Hotel surcharges during festival period  Any change in tax structure resulting from the hike in published tariff.  Items of personal nature like tips, laundry, phone calls etc.  Any video/still camera fee to the monuments and places of visit  Any other item not explicitly mentioned under price includes.  Any airfare for domestic flights other than the quoted details.  Any cost of the meals other than the one indicated in room meal plan.  Sightseeing and excursions other than those specified.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

1. The above prices are quoted per person based on double occupancy & only applicable for minimum 2 adults traveling & check-in together in the same pattern.

2. The above prices are subject to Airport Passenger Security Charge, airport taxes, fuel surcharge, airport construction fee and administration fee.

3. Package price does not include : - o Cost of travel documents and visa fees. o Personal expenses, optional tours, transfers and other services that are not specified. o Expenses incurred owing to the delay of air / land carriers that are beyond our control.

4. The above prices are applicable to specific flight, air ticket booking class code, hotel choice, room type and departure date only, and are subject to the supply and policy of airline and hotels. Connexus Travel may adjust prices without prior notice. All prices are subject to change at the time of booking. License No.: 350001 PBH-CXKB0007F

5. A non-refundable deposit of HK$3,000 is required upon confirmation, balance payment is required at least 60 days prior to departure or deadline set by airline or hotel whichever is earlier.

6. Accommodation should be completed on or before Oct 3, 2020 or specified by individual hotel.

7. No amendment, cancellation and refund is allowed once documents are issued.

8. Other terms and conditions apply, for further details, please contact Connexus Travel.

9. Connexus Travel reserves the rights to amend terms & conditions. In case of any disputes, Connexus Travel's decision shall be final.

10. All prices, information and images in this flyer are for reference only.

License No.: 350001 PBH-CXKB0007F